"right."
Okay, what time?
"Noon, Juyuan Restaurant."
Qin Shuang paused for a moment before saying, "We haven't seen each other for a few days, let me treat you to a meal."
Xiao Shulang didn't want to be presumptuous, but Qin Shuang's subtle pauses and tone made it seem as if he was saying, "I really want to see you after not seeing you for a few days."
It's just too subtle. People who aren't familiar with it won't understand it, and those who do might overthink it.
For example, Xiao Shulang.
However, being able to see Qin Shuang was a pleasant thing in itself.
"Okay," Xiao Shulang replied. "See you tomorrow."
After hanging up the phone, Xiao Jiang asked, "Brother Xiao, are there any more bookings for tomorrow?"
"Okay, I'll go with the lawyer, you go ahead and do your thing."
Xiao Jiang listened to his instructions and said, "Okay, call me anytime if you need anything."
He glanced at Xiao Shulang's face through the rearview mirror: "You've been working too hard these past few days, you need to get some rest."
Xiao Shulang was about to say that he was fine, but when he thought about the person he was going to see tomorrow, he remained silent for a few seconds before asking, "Do I look tired?"
Xiao Jiang answered truthfully: "Yes."
“That won’t do, tomorrow—” Xiao Shulang murmured, glancing at his reflection in the glass window a few times, “Or I could put on a face mask or something… Xiao Jiang, do you know any good brands of face masks?”
This stumped Xiao Jiang.
"Sorry, I don't know either." But Xiao Jiang, being a model employee, immediately replied, "I'll go back and learn!"
Xiao Shulang chuckled: "It's alright, it's alright. Wang Hao brought some over from home, I'll use it as I see fit."
Xiao Jiang was a little curious. Xiao Shulang had good skin, and although he was tired recently, his dark circles weren't heavy, just faint. However, Xiao Jiang had always followed Xiao Shulang around, so he could tell that Xiao Shulang was obviously tired. But at least at the negotiating table, Xiao Shulang's spirit and aura were in no way inferior to anyone else's.
Xiao Ge hadn't paid attention before. Who was he going to see tomorrow? Was he going to put on a full show of energy and completely overwhelm the other person, or did he not want the other person to see him looking tired?
After returning home, Xiao Shulang checked the time and finally gave up on fussing over his face, choosing instead to go to sleep. It was already eleven o'clock when he got home, and any further fuss would only be counterproductive.
Fortunately, he slept well that night, and when he woke up the next day, his dark circles had faded a lot. This was mainly because his skin was so fair; otherwise, these dark circles would have been easily overlooked.
Lately, when he goes to meet people, he chooses clothes that are more formal, but today he chose a nice yet casual outfit and paired it with a necklace.
When he and his lawyer arrived at the private room, Qin Shuang was already waiting.
Qin Shuang, accompanied by his assistant Xiao Wu, was staring out the window in a daze, but when he turned his head and saw Xiao Shulang, his gaze softened instantly.
Xiao Shulang did not miss the change in Qin Shuang's eyes.
Qin Shuang was dressed very elegantly today, from her top to her shoes and the watch on her wrist, everything about her exuded a sense of meticulous grooming.
After not seeing her for a few days, I suddenly think she looks even better.
Sigh, Xiao Shulang reminded himself that he was here to discuss serious matters and couldn't let his good looks blind him.
Neither of them intended to use their beauty to seduce the other, but they couldn't help but be stunning in each other's eyes.
The restaurant's dishes need to be booked in advance. Qin Shuang already knew Xiao Shulang's tastes, so she made a reservation first. After the group sat down, they ate first, and neither Xiao Shulang nor Qin Shuang rushed to talk about business.
I never realized it before, but it's only after meeting certain people that I truly understand the meaning of "a day apart feels like three autumns."
The two chatted casually about everything under the sun during the meal. After finishing their meal and pouring tea, it was finally time to get down to business.
Although Xiao Shulang knew that Qin Shuang was definitely different from the people he had met in the past few days, her bluntness still surprised him.
"One hundred million."
Qin Shuang got straight to the point, without beating around the bush: "Fifty million to invest in your company, fifty million to invest in you."
Qin Shuang raised her hand to signal, and Xiao Wu immediately took out two thick contracts. Qin Shuang handed them to Xiao Shulang: "Take a look."
Chapter 45 Xiao Shulang's hand trembled, and the tea almost spilled.
One company investment contract, one personal contract.
In all these days, quite a few people have wanted to sign personal contracts with Xiao Shulang, but not many are genuinely willing to invest money in his company. Qin Shuang, on the other hand, is trying to do both.
The investment agreement with the company was signed by Qin Shuang, but the individual contract was signed by the company.
Xiao Shulang: "Entertainment in sunshine and rain."
Qingyu Group is the official registered name of the Qin Group, just like the Xiao Group is actually called Weifeng Group.
Culture and Media is a division of Qingyu.
After Qin Shuang was accepted back by the Qin family, he declined their offer to throw him a party. He was usually busy outside and rarely attended banquets with the Qin family, so not many people in the industry knew that he was the young master of the Qin Group.
After Qin Shuang was recognized and returned to the Qin family, she also changed agencies and joined Qingyu Entertainment. Not all of the employees there may know Qin Shuang's identity, but the person in charge of Qingyu Entertainment does.
The young master of the head office holds the shares in the group; he's the real boss.
Xiao Shulang knew, but Qin Shuang thought he didn't, so she explained, "I can represent Qingyu, and everything we discuss is valid."
He thought for a moment, then said, "I am... a member of the Qin family."
Qin Shuang never deliberately publicizes his family background. If anyone is really curious, he doesn't hide it. Of course, since most people know that he came from an orphanage, almost no one asks, which leads many people to think that he is homeless.
As for Xiao Shulang, he would tell Xiao Shulang sooner or later, so it doesn't matter if he tells him now.
"I see."
Qin Shuang noticed that Xiao Shulang was not surprised. He did not have the exaggerated expression that some people would have after learning his identity, nor did his attitude become obsequious or completely different. Xiao Shulang was still the same Xiao Shulang.
“Then you can indeed represent Qingyu in our negotiations.” Xiao Shulang took the contract, opened it, and said to Qin Shuang, “It’s good to have family. Although it’s a bit late, I still want to say congratulations on returning home.”
Qin Shuang loosened his grip on the cup, his lips curving slightly upward. "Yes, thank you."
Xiao Shulang took the personal contract and asked the lawyer to help him review the company contract.
The individual contract is simpler than the company contract. Qingyu paid him 50 million to participate in two dramas, and stipulated that if the ratings exceeded certain levels, he could receive extra money. The details were all written very clearly.
Xiao Shulang was self-aware. He had only recently become famous, and there were basically no film and television resources willing to come to him. Even if he went to them himself, he might not be able to get any. And even if he did, the pay would definitely not be that high.
Fifty million, but only the rights to participate in two of his films were bought. If he becomes popular, the money will be increased. Is this a bad deal or does the investor think too highly of him and not afraid that he will flop?
After reviewing the personal contract, Xiao Shulang pointed out the clauses regarding additional pay to Qin Shuang.
"Remove these."
Before Qin Shuang could speak, Xiao Shulang continued, "You've been a lifesaver for me. If the show really becomes a hit, the extra profits will be my way of thanking you."
Qin Shuang: "If you become famous, your net worth will skyrocket."
“That’s because you gave me the opportunity to act first, so I could become famous.” Xiao Shulang said, “When doing business, I also need to be sincere.”
Qin Shuang looked up and met Xiao Shulang's gaze, and finally nodded.
Xiao Shulang then smiled: "There's no problem with the personal contract."
While the lawyer was still reviewing the company contract, Xiao Shulang said, "You're being too generous."
Qin Shuang stated bluntly: "Investing is about paying for your own judgment. I believe in you, so I made this decision."
After several days of roundabout talk, hearing a direct approach again made him feel both nostalgic and embarrassed. Xiao Shulang tactfully took a sip of water, sliding his fingers across the glass twice: "I'll treat you to dinner today."
Qin Shuang disagreed: "It's a promise that I'll treat you."
Xiao Shulang's throat moved, and he was about to say something more when the lawyer, having finished reviewing the company's contract, gently called to Xiao Shulang and nodded at him.
It means there's no problem with the contract.
Not only was there no problem, it was extremely fair. Because of their integrity, the lawyer even reviewed some of the clauses repeatedly to confirm that there were no hidden traps.
It's surprising that Qin Shuang is actually from the Qin Group. It's not surprising that she could come up with such a large sum of money. Moreover, they must have a really good relationship to offer such a fair contract.
Xiao Shulang was interrupted by his lawyer, so he swallowed his words, took the contract, and prepared everything needed for signing the contract since he had brought his lawyer with him. Since there were no problems, there was no reason to delay.
Signature, fingerprint, and official seal were all completed in one smooth motion.
Xiao Shulang extended his hand: "It's a pleasure to work with you."
Qin Shuang grasped it: "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you."
He took the contract he had kept, gave Xiao Wu a look, and Xiao Wu immediately pulled something out of his bag and handed it to Xiao Shulang.
Xiao Shulang thought it was some kind of document, but when he took it and looked at it, he found that the cover read "The Script of No Clothes".
Xiao Shulang: "..." She's quite well prepared. He thought filming would have to wait, but he didn't expect Qin Shuang to even bring the script.
Qin Shuang: "Go back and take a look at the script. This role is good, but if you have any opinions, you can tell me."
Xiao Shulang: "When will this drama start filming? I know nothing about acting, so I'll definitely need to spend time learning."
"Qingyu can help its artists or collaborators contact acting instructors," Qin Shuang said calmly. "The expenses can also be reimbursed."
For a moment, Xiao Jiang and the lawyer couldn't help but fix their gazes on Xiao Shulang, as if by looking at him, they could figure out what kind of relationship he had with Qin Shuang.
Qin Shuang was so considerate that no one could fault her. Xiao Shulang asked Xiao Jiang to help put the script away first.
Qin Shuang's glass of water was almost empty. He finally managed to speak before the conversation ended: "Are you... free this afternoon?"
Xiao Shulang really wanted to say he was free, but unfortunately, he was too busy to spend as much time on dates as he did on dating reality shows.
He shook his head with great regret. Qin Shuang noticed the subtle sense of disappointment on his face. Since Xiao Shulang was like this, Qin Shuang cleaned up her own regret so as not to make things difficult for Xiao Shulang.
"Oh, um. It's okay, let's go then."
Everyone stood up. With assistants and lawyers present, some things seemed unspeakable. After getting up, the two assistants went to the parking lot to drive their cars first. The lawyer inexplicably felt that it was inappropriate to walk with the other two, so he simply followed Xiao Jiang to the parking lot first.
After they left, only Qin Shuang and Xiao Shulang remained.
The two walked at a leisurely pace, turning the path to the underground parking lot into a stroll. When they arrived and were about to part ways to get back to their respective cars, Qin Shuang said, "You've lost weight."
Xiao Shulang paused for a moment: "Really?"
"Yes," Qin Shuang said firmly, her tone gentle. "Are you tired?"
Xiao Shulang wanted to subconsciously answer that he wasn't tired, but when he saw Qin Shuang's eyes, he changed his mind and told the truth.
"It would be a lie to say I'm not tired," Xiao Shulang felt all the pressure from the past few days dissipate in those words. "But it's worth it."