Chapter 63: Tangtang: You're Insulting Me

“Or you could name your price. I’ll buy it with money.”

Yang Mi’s eyes shimmered like water as she looked at Zhang Yang with surprise.

She hadn’t expected that Zhang Yang would have footage of everything that happened in the production set that afternoon.

Originally, she planned to use her own popularity and connections to pressure Ke Hancheng through the Hua Ce producer. Although this could have some effect, it felt lacking and wouldn’t sound good if it got out, possibly even backfiring.

But if they had this video, it could completely prove that there were no issues with her attitude on set, and that Ke Hancheng was merely exploiting the situation, putongwan-style, to flex his directorial muscles.

Zhao Ruoyao had reached the same conclusion, but while surprised, she also felt somewhat helpless. Yang Mi’s eagerness was showing, which might not be ideal for negotiations.

“I hope he won’t overcharge,” Zhao Ruoyao said, measuring Zhang Yang with a scrutinizing gaze.

Yang Mi had risen to stardom through Palace, a bitter-sweet climb that had also deepened the rift between her and Tangren. With rivals and competitors always lurking, ready to pounce, even a minor issue could be blown out of proportion, let alone the current situation.

The video Zhang Yang brought was incredibly important for them. If used correctly, it could achieve several goals: “purging and refining fans”, generating publicity to boost popularity, and enhancing their positive image.

In this age of the rule of law, it would be impossible for them to publicly snatch the video right out of his hands.

“This is my account number at Bank of China,” Zhang Yang said, placing a piece of paper in front of Yang Mi. It displayed a string of numbers.

“I don’t really care about money. You can decide what seems appropriate as compensation for my efforts, Miss Yang. Getting this video wasn’t easy, you know.” Zhang Yang grinned. “If you’re wondering what I want, naturally it’s for you to owe me a favor, Miss Yang. Tangtang will be our guarantor on this matter.”

At present, Yang Mi didn’t possess anything he was desperate for.

Moreover, given the value of this video, he couldn’t afford to make an overly ambitious demand.

Truthfully, he might not even need money; asking for a favor could seem more magnanimous. But such an approach wouldn’t work with women.

In a transaction where only one side gives without receiving anything in return, especially when a man takes the initiative, it might come across as trying to curry favor or even groveling in a woman’s eyes.

“Fine.” Yang Mi handed the paper to Zhao Ruoyao, her smile growing wider. “Even if you hadn’t asked, I would have felt indebted. If there’s ever anything you need help with, do not hesitate to reach out.”

Zhang Yang chuckled inwardly. Reaching out wouldn’t be a problem, but he made no guarantees about fulfilling her request.

In situations where conflicts of interest were minimal, naturally, everything seemed agreeable.

However, his request for this favor had two specific intentions.

Firstly, there was Huo Ba. Despite having the advantage of knowing her first, currently, his own standing fell far short compared to Yang Mi. In a direct competition later on, his chances of winning weren’t high, so he considered this as preparation for future challenges.

If nothing went wrong with Huo Ba, he planned to use this favor in securing a role in either the main or secondary male lead positions for “Sword and Fairy: Record of a Sorcerer’s World”—a game-changing hit fantasy series. Both leads and supporting cast would become celebrities overnight, skyrocketing their fame. Even third- or fourth-tier actors could elevate to superstar status.

As aCentury Joyful’s original production, aside from its primary goal of profitability, it also aimed to capitalize on honey sweetness’s departure from the company by revitalizing established stars and launching new ones through “Classic Revival with Established Talent.” External competitors for lead roles would find it difficult to break in, making his early move strategic.

Naturally, if the sweet girl didn’t acknowledge his approach, that was fine too. At least he’d gain opportunity points and money, while the sweet girl would make an enemy.

“Sister Yang, your word is enough. Give me your QQ number,” Zhang Yang said, pulling his computer closer.

Zhao Ruoyao promptly provided her QQ number. After adding her as a friend, Zhang Yang went through a series of swift operations.

“I’ve already sent it to your email.” Zhang Yang closed his laptop.

Zhao Ruoyao immediately checked her inbox, confirmed receipt, then stood up. “I’ll go discuss response strategies with Big Sister Zeng.”

Nodding approval, Yang Mi picked up her chopsticks and smiled at Zhang Yang. “A-Yang, don’t just sit there, dig in.”

The public relations crisis had been averted; in fact, this might even boost her profile and win positive reviews. Yang Mi was in high spirits, her appetite correspondingly ravenous.

Zhang Yang didn’t hold back either. He hadn’t even eaten lunch, owing to his efforts on Yang Mi’s behalf.

The two transformed into voracious eaters, until suddenly they both looked up, aware of each other’s gaze.

Zhang Yang had a milk bun halfway to his mouth, while Yang Mi was partway through a sausage.

The scene was oddly suggestive.

“Ahem.”

Zhang Yang swallowed the milk bun in one gulp. Yang Mi, unfortunately, choked on the sausage. Only after several sips of water from the secretary’s water bottle did she recover.

Wiping her mouth with some tissues, she took the initiative to open a new topic. “A-Yang, where did you get this video?”

“That’s a trade secret,” Zhang Yang said, indicating he couldn’t reveal the source.

Yang Mi didn’t press the issue but changed her tack. “Tangtang told me you’re playing the male lead in Xing Ye’s film? Is that true?”

“Mm-hmm, just wrapped up yesterday,” Zhang Yang said, his expression unfazed as he picked up a piece of Dongpo pork with his chopsticks. “But you can’t compare to you, Honey, who played daughters in starlets’ movies since childhood.”

“I wouldn’t remember this even if you showed me photos,” Yang Mi’s eyes curved like those of a sly little fox that had just stolen some food.

The two continued their meal, their conversation becoming more scattered and casual.

After they had their fill, Yang Mi, pondering for a moment, voiced her concern, “Why did you help me so much? Aren’t you scared President Cai will get upset?”

“Oh!” Zhang Yang slapped his forehead in realization. “If you hadn’t mentioned it, Honey, I would’ve forgotten I’m a Tangren artist. If I’d known beforehand, I should’ve consulted K-sis first—how to best exploit you, of course.”

“You dare?” Yang Mi feigned raising a fist in threat. “I’ll have Shi Shi and Tangtang beat you up.”

Zhang Yang playfully pleaded for mercy.

The conversation continued with more gossip. Zhang Yang even ventured to ask Yang Mi directly about her own affairs, “Is the ‘Mee Puncak’ rivalry real?”

“Fake,” Yang Mi pursed her lips. “I’d rather commit to Lao Hu and join Tangren than agree to be in Ferreng’s. At least that way I wouldn’t end up facing off against him like I do now.”

Zhang Yang didn’t believe a single word of this. How could Zhang Jia and Zhao Ruoyao possibly let you sign with Tangren?

Cai Yining was a merchant, and your Big Mixue certainly wasn’t someone who would let herself be taken advantage of either.

As for Lao Hu, he had been immersed in heartbreak at the time; it was thanks to Zhang Yang and Yuan Hong’s comfort that he managed to pull himself together. He swore he’d never again pursue a romantic relationship with a woman from his industry. Nowadays, there seemed to be some interest developing between him and his life assistant.

“Mimi,” Zhao Ruoyao returned to Yang Mi’s side.

Zhang Yang glanced at the time and made his exit. “I still need to return to Hengdian. Miss Mi, let’s meet again when we’re both free.”

Knowing they were about to discuss business, Yang Mi didn’t try to detain him. “I’ll visit you on set in Hengdian next time.”

Zhang Yang left gracefully, but not before ordering some takeout dishes as per his earlier promise to Nazha.

Upstairs, in a private room, Zhao Ruoyao briefed Yang Mi on the plan going forward.

After determining their approach, Yang Mi called Tang Yan to express her gratitude.

She felt that without Tang Yan’s help, Zhang Yang might never have agreed to assist them.

“It’s good to see you could use my help. A-Yang is becoming more capable by the day,” Tang Yan mused, her eyes flickering as she read news updates and comments on Weibo.

Once she hung up, she immediately called Zhang Yang, getting straight to the point: “A-Yang, how do you plan to repay your sister?”

Zhang Yang, seated in the back of Liu Guoqiang’s minivan, his gaze sweeping over the sign of a nearby shop. “Why don’t I treat you to six-yuan spicy hotpot?”

This trope hadn’t made its way into popular culture yet.

Tang Yan stared, puzzled.

“Is a favor from your sister worth only one cheap meal of spicy hotpot?”

Zhang Yang shook his head; Tang Yan’s assistance was worth at least twelve yuan, he thought.

“Just kidding,” a smile played across Zhang Yang’s eyes. “How about this? Once Xuanyuan Sword starts filming, I’ll give you some acting lessons.”

Tang Yan blinked, utterly confused. Is he mocking me?!