Chapter 65: The Light in Liu Yan's Heart

Liu Yan has been very anxious these past few days; she has already received news from Vice President Li Xiaoping that Chen Shiren intends to blacklist her.

Liu Yan has neither connections nor a background; for a big director, blacklisting such a small figure is just a matter of a single word.

But for Liu Yan, this is a massive issue, meaning her career will be completely ruined, and no company in the industry will give her a chance again.

For now, the news is limited to within the company, but if it spreads, she will no longer be able to gain a foothold in the entertainment industry.

This morning, the company's administrative secretary called her, saying that President Wang wants to see her.

Liu Yan arrived at Wang Changtian's office with the feeling of facing a trial; it seems like the first time she came here was when she signed her contract, and it hasn't been long, yet entering again might mean facing dismissal.

"President Wang, you were looking for me?"

Liu Yan took a deep breath, walked into the office, and asked.

"Mm, it's Liu Yan, come, sit down first."

After Wang Changtian gestured for Liu Yan to sit, he lit a cigarette, his mind filled with a thousand thoughts.

As the president of such a large company, it is shameful to be unable to protect one's own subordinates, but to offend a big director with an incredibly complex network of relationships in the industry for the sake of a newly signed newcomer doesn't seem worth it.

For a moment, Wang Changtian was in a dilemma, swaying back and forth between wanting to save face and wanting to protect his interests.

Seeing Wang Changtian just smoking and not speaking, Liu Yan's heart was hanging in her throat.

After a while, Wang Changtian seemed to have figured something out, and his eyes lit up.

"Stand up first, turn around and let me see."

Liu Yan was confused by this, but she did as told.

After looking Liu Yan up and down, Wang Changtian nodded and said:

"You were signed by the company, so logically, the company should protect you. However, you also know that the company is large, and I cannot act entirely based on personal preference; I must consider the big picture."

Once Wang Changtian said this, Liu Yan felt as if she had already foreseen her fate.

Why? She just wanted to earn more money to give her family a better life; is it really that difficult?

"President Wang, I understand. I will handle the resignation procedures myself. Thank you for your care during my time at the company."

Although Liu Yan's heart was dead, she still expressed her gratitude to the company appropriately and was about to turn and leave.

"What's the rush? I haven't finished speaking yet. Sit down first."

Looking at this woman who had come to Beijing alone to struggle, Wang Changtian felt a bit of emotion; in this industry, it is truly hard without someone to protect you.

"I am going to make a phone call now. If this person is willing to help you, you might have better development."

Saying this, he took out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, Brother Wei, how are you? Still busy? Oh, sorry to bother you, oh, it's like this..."

Liu Yan was already somewhat distracted, feeling that Wang Changtian was just putting on a show; if even the company didn't want to protect her, who else could reach out to pull her up? Just as Liu Yan was lost in thought, Wang Changtian had already hung up the phone and let out a sigh of relief.

"Go handle your resignation procedures later; I have instructed the finance department to pay you an extra month's salary."

Liu Yan thought to herself that it was just as expected; she should have dismissed this unrealistic idea earlier.

"In the afternoon, go to the Wei Jin Fengliu Film and Television Company and tell the front desk that you are interviewing for the position of Assistant to President Wei. Go on, work hard over there, and come back to visit if you have time."

Liu Yan's mind was a blank slate; she only heard the words "Wei Jin Fengliu" and remembered the premiere at the Great Hall over ten days ago. Was it him who reached out to help her? At this moment, Wei Jin's image had become a light in Liu Yan's heart.

"Thank you, thank you President Wang, thank you..."

At this moment, Liu Yan's voice was already choked with tears; she had always been very strong, even when she was harassed at those few television stations, she had only left silently and never shown a cowardly side.

Holding her final month's salary, Liu Yan walked out of the office building; she didn't know if there would be a better tomorrow, but she had no way back, did she? On the other side, Wei Jin hung up the phone and felt a bit emotional; he had heard this news in his past life, but he hadn't heard that Liu Yan was blacklisted. The only variable in this was himself; was it really his fault after all? It wasn't a big deal anyway, so he would help if he could; Wei Jin also admired Liu Yan very much.

He instructed his Assistant Li Na that someone would come for an interview in the afternoon, then paid no more attention to it, as he was more concerned about the film's box office.

By now, the date had reached December 18th, and the release of The Promise ultimately had a significant impact on the box office of Painted Skin.

The Promise grossed 58 million in its first three days, while Painted Skin had reached 247 million in 15 days of release.

This meant that since the 12th, the box office for six full days was less than 70 million, and that was only because the lucky draw event had forcibly boosted the trend of movie-going; otherwise, it probably wouldn't have even reached 50 million, which was a far cry from its previous explosive performance.

Fortunately, there was nothing but criticism for The Promise online; although the producers were trying to control the narrative, Wei Jin knew that the harder they controlled it, the greater the backlash would be. He just needed to release the things he had prepared at the right time.

The company's publicity department had already prepared to collect dirt on their competitors. Wei Jin remembered the environmental damage caused by this film; in fact, there were already some voices online, but they hadn't yet formed a wave of public opinion.

In addition, the matter regarding Zhang Yadong had also begun to ferment. Over nearly a month, all sorts of dirt on him had been dug up—cheating during his marriage, plagiarism of works, interfering in others' relationships, soliciting prostitutes—all kinds of revelations, some true and some false. For a time, his reputation was already ruined, though for a music producer working behind the scenes, it didn't seem to have much impact.

Therefore, Wei Jin subsequently changed his approach and began to target his company, cooperating with Lu Zheng to squeeze out quite a few collaborative projects.

During this time, the people at Wheat Field had already sent word that they were willing to concede, but Wei Jin felt it wasn't enough and decided to let them hang for another half month.

Lost on Journey also officially started filming last month; Wei Jin didn't know how it happened, but after much turning and twisting, the male lead still ended up being Xu Guangtou. Currently, the crew's filming was going quite smoothly, and it was expected to wrap up by the end of this month.

The television series Lurking also finished its premiere a few days ago. According to statistics, the peak viewership exceeded 14%, making it a phenomenal work. If nothing unexpected happened, it would be the viewership champion of 2005. Mango TV had achieved a super accomplishment, defeating CCTV in viewership as a regional satellite channel. The subsequent second and third-round broadcast rights had already been bought at high prices by several television stations.

Wei Jin was absent from the Golden Horse Awards again this year; films like Those Years were simply not favored by the judges, and Wei Jin couldn't be bothered to go and act as a stepping stone for others.

Liu Yan had arrived at the company early. Li Na explained her main duties as an assistant in the reception room. Upon learning the content of the work, Liu Yan found it somewhat unacceptable; this wasn't a work assistant, this was a Bodyguards and Assistants role.

"Assistant Li, you also..."

"I would like to, but the boss doesn't look at me."

Li Na said with a bit of self-mockery; she had been with the company for almost two years, and she had long known about the boss's philandering, but so what? In this circle, the boss was already a top-tier person.

"But don't worry, the boss won't force anyone; he just suffers from insomnia often and needs someone to accompany him to sleep."

Liu Yan felt that Wei Jin's routine was very deep; this script was probably to deceive young girls, but she had no other way out.

Seeing that Liu Yan had acquiesced, Li Na took her to Wei Jin's office.

"Boss, Liu Yan is here."

"Mm, you go ahead and get busy. From now on, I'll have to call you Secretary Li. Work hard in your new position."

For nearly a year, Li Na had almost exclusively done the work of an administrative secretary, and this time she had transitioned roles smoothly.

"Okay, I will, Boss."

After Li Na left, Wei Jin began to size up the woman in front of him. As a female star who took a sexy route in the entertainment industry, she had had no scandals for over twenty years since her debut. Wei Jin was willing to believe that this was a woman who kept herself clean.

Seeming to notice Wei Jin's slightly aggressive gaze, Liu Yan felt a bit nervous.

"President Wei, I..."

"Don't be nervous. We've met before, and we'll be spending a long time together in the future, so relax."

Wei Jin offered comfort with his words, but in his heart, he was sighing—it really is big.

"Later, find the company stylist to change your look. Get your hair done in big waves; I don't really like these bangs. Hmm, from now on, wear professional attire during work hours: a slim-fit white shirt, a knee-length pencil skirt, and, well, pair it with black silk stockings and high heels. That's it. Go hand things over with Li Na first, and start work officially tomorrow. Go on."

Wei Jin finished stating his requirements in a slightly assertive tone and waved his hand to signal for Liu Yan to leave.

Liu Yan walked out of Wei Jin's office somewhat absent-mindedly; she didn't seem to expect that this was all Wei Jin would say to her, and for a moment, it felt a bit unreal, but it was a good start nonetheless. The new book is now published; I earnestly request all readers to kindly provide a subscription and add it to your favorites. Thank you, everyone!

(End of this chapter)