Chapter 748: The Matter of Jian Liting Settles: Metaphysics Defeats Psychology

The news about Jian Liting caused a stir on the trending search list for several days before finally coming to an end.

Online hot topics were covered by new subjects, but some netizens still followed up on the aftermath, including Jian Liting's fans.

One day, the fan support group suddenly broke the news:

[Jian Liting has reached an agreement with her company; after finishing filming this movie for Director Zheng, she will temporarily go into seclusion to continue rooting herself in stage play performance.

In the second half of the year, it is highly likely she will collaborate with a popular artist to perform in a stage play; everyone is invited to look forward to it!]

Netizens who follow Jian Liting's fan support group are old fans who have supported her for many years and have always paid close attention to her career development.

Seeing that the head of the support group seemed to have exclusive channel information, they all left messages to inquire.

[Director Zheng's movie is adapted from an original work with a strong IP; if Jian Liting can secure a role in it, she will definitely gain significant exposure once the movie is released.

Shouldn't her company strike while the iron is hot, quickly signing her up for some film and television dramas so that when the movie goes online later, she will have other projects to follow up with, further consolidating her popularity?]

[Why perform in a stage play? I am not very interested in stage plays, and the threshold for appreciating them is relatively high.]

[Who is the popular star collaborating with her? Could it be Jin Li? I heard the reason Liting got this opportunity to act in a movie was through Jin Li's recommendation.]

The fans left many questions in their messages, but the head of the support group only cared about breaking the news; after releasing the information, she never came online again.

She would only come online to make an announcement when Jian Liting had new information to reveal next time.

In real life, Jian Liting had indeed resolved the dispute regarding her participation in the movie with her company.

As for how it was resolved, it was Chenxi Entertainment that proposed the solution.

Although an intent contract had already been signed between Jian Liting and Chenxi Entertainment, since she had not yet terminated her previous contract, Sui Lingfang could not represent her directly; however, she provided Jian Liting with an efficient solution.

Sui Lingfang believed that evasion was not a good method.

Do not think that evasion is shameful but useful.

In real life, some matters can be dragged out, but some matters cannot be delayed.

Especially regarding contracts, every word and sentence is written clearly in black and white.

If she continues to drag this out, her company might take legal action, which would also implicate Director Zheng.

Even though Director Zheng currently appears unafraid of their lawsuit, this would ultimately become a minor yet notable stain on the production team of "Counterattack from Despair."

Sui Lingfang stated bluntly, "Since Director Zheng gave you the opportunity to act in this film, I think you had better not bite the hand that feeds you; you should resolve the issue with your company as soon as possible.

After all, you are not an artist under Director Zheng's banner; what he can do is actually very limited, and he cannot fully represent your stance."

A bitter smile flashed across Jian Liting's face. "Sister Fang, you personally came to the production team to find me, signed an intent contract with me, and were even willing to offer me a solution; I am very grateful.

I will also be honest with you; I cannot reach an agreement with my company.

They insist that I withdraw from the 'Counterattack from Despair' production team, but I have not yet told them that I never signed a performance contract and have been helping on set without pay all along."

Sui Lingfang pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Your approach is feasible, but it can only evade the issue temporarily; ultimately, it will not solve the problem.

After all, your contributions on set are tangible; even without a signed contract, you could still file a lawsuit later to recover your remuneration."

Pausing deliberately at this point, she added, "Can I understand why your company refuses to promote you and instead wants to promote other newcomers?"

She did not believe Jian Liting had failed to notice the problem; she estimated that Jian Liting simply had no intention of changing, which was why the company completely gave up on her.

Jian Liting fell silent for a while before telling Sui Lingfang about her thoughts after recovering.

This led to opposition from the company, which eventually banned all her film offers and even prevented her from taking commercial advertisements.

After listening, Sui Lingfang looked at her with a mix of frustration and disappointment. "Are you stupid? You clearly had a better solution, so why did you insist on choosing a method that hurts both sides?

Since you wanted to publish a book, why didn't you quietly go ahead and publish it yourself? By handling both your film career and commercial ventures simultaneously, once you signed a bunch of contracts, failing to film would require paying huge breach-of-contract fees; what could your company do to you then?

Instead, just as soon as you recovered, you hurriedly announced your idea of publishing a book.

At that time, your schedule had not yet recovered, and you had been in seclusion for a year or two; if your company wasn't going to make an example of you then, when would they?"

Jian Liting listened in a daze.

She had not expected Sui Lingfang to analyze the situation this way, nor had she expected that while expressing her own ideas, she could have taken another path.

According to Sui Lingfang's reasoning, the company would certainly not want to pay sky-high breach-of-contract fees, so they would have no choice but to grit their teeth and accept it.

They might even devote themselves wholeheartedly to managing the public relations follow-up after her book was published.

But now, she had embarked on a path of being completely blacklisted by her company.

Overwhelmed with regret, Jian Liting momentarily wanted to raise her hand and heavily slap her own head!

Noticing her expression change, Sui Lingfang quickly stopped her, pulled her into an embrace, and gently patted her shoulder.

"I spoke too harshly; do not be too sad. The method I mentioned is just one of the best paths, but realizing it is not easy; it was merely a hypothesis.

Your manager seems to know your whereabouts inside out; perhaps during the initial stages of publishing your book, just as you contacted the publisher, she would find out.

Once she knew, she would definitely try every means to cut off your schedule and minimize all negative impacts, so do not feel too remorseful."

After comforting Jian Liting for a while, Sui Lingfang spoke calmly and sharply, "Moreover, even in your current situation, you are not completely without cards to play."

Jian Liting stared at her blankly, sobbing softly, "They have stripped me of everything; I have less than three million left in my bank account. What can I do? With this little money, I can do nothing!"

Sui Lingfang's voice came from beside her ear: "Since you are already filming in Director Zheng's production team, why not borrow Director Zheng's influence, call your company directly to negotiate, and use Director Zheng to threaten them!

Borrowing the tiger's might to intimidate others is common in this industry; there is nothing to be ashamed of, and I believe Director Zheng would be happy for you to borrow his influence.

Look, you have been on the trending search for so long, yet your company has not extensively slandered you; they are also wary of Director Zheng.

After all, he is a major director in the film circle; if they offend him, the artists under your company will never expect to get a share of the pie in the film industry again."

Jian Liting looked at her through tear-blurred eyes. "But I am only playing the fourth female role on set (she did not know the role had been changed); if Director Zheng had not intervened, I might not even be able to stay on the production team.

What should I say to make them believe that Director Zheng will protect me to the end?"

Sui Lingfang glanced at her, focusing intently on her delicate features.

The entertainment industry never lacks beauties; countless beauties possess different styles and myriad charms.

Jian Liting was able to struggle her way to becoming a top-tier artist through her own strength, and her own beauty was certainly presentable.

After all, given the scale of her company, it would be quite difficult for them to throw money around to manipulate connections.

Jian Liting's features belonged to the bold, intense type; she resembled a beauty with Hong Kong-style charisma, bearing the imprint of a bygone era.

The moment she stood there, one would feel she carried many stories within her.

If she were to film some retro-nostalgic pieces, relying solely on her face, she would likely dominate the scene.

Sui Lingfang said thoughtfully, "There is an excuse—no, a reason—that I believe your company will accept."

Jian Liting asked blankly, "What?"

Sui Lingfang replied, "Tell your company that you are dating Director Zheng and are his girlfriend, which is why he decided to cast you as the fourth female lead in 'Desperate Counterattack.'

Letting one's girlfriend star in one's own film—what's wrong with that? Isn't it perfectly natural?

You can act a bit arrogant and fearless; only then will you avoid arousing their suspicion. After all, they are unclear whether Director Zheng released so many leaks and built up such hype for you because he truly values your acting skills or because he has feelings for you.

After striking them with a stick, offer them a sweet date.

Tell them that Director Zheng knows your contract has not yet expired and will only terminate next year, so he is having you film just this one movie, and will only promote you further after your contract ends."

Jian Liting frowned tightly, her face full of disapproval. "No, I don't want to do this; it will damage his reputation. Director Zheng has treated me well; I cannot repay kindness with enmity."

Sui Lingfang shook her head. "I am just speaking plainly to you, but when you express it to them, you need not be so direct.

Do not say you are Director Zheng's girlfriend; merely tell them you have a very good relationship with him, that you are a female friend who gets along well with him, using a slightly ambiguous tone.

You have acted in so many dramas and shared some ambiguous scenes with other male actors; simply speak with that same ambiguous feeling."

Seeing Jian Liting hesitating greatly, unable to make up her mind, Sui Lingfang's tone grew slightly heavier.

"Liting, with so many true and false scandals circulating in the entertainment industry, what harm is there in borrowing some of Director Zheng's influence?

You have not personally admitted to any relationship with him; whether your company believes it or not is another matter entirely.

Once your contract expires next year, you can simply release some vague news letting them know you and Director Zheng have broken up. Would that not suffice?"

Sui Lingfang had initially merely proposed an idea, but the more she spoke, the more feasible the idea seemed.

It could not only quickly resolve the current problem but also prevent Jian Liting from suffering intense suppression by her company in the future.

Perhaps, when the time came to terminate the contract, it could be done smoothly and without any waves.

"Besides, if you feel guilty toward Director Zheng, once you become famous later, you can voluntarily lower your remuneration, or just as now, act in his films without pay; he would be delighted rather than upset.

As for scandals? Please, which director does not generate rumors with his actresses while filming? Let alone someone like you who came temporarily to save the situation.

In the eyes of those in the know, you are here to save the day. But to outsiders, you clearly squeezed out the original actor and are a resource-heavy newcomer parachuted into the production team.

Everyone will surely suspect you have a relationship with the director, or with some investor funding this film.

If you are still worried, you can also have entertainment reporters simultaneously release news that you have been favored by some investor, casting multiple smoke screens.

Thus, out of speculation, your company will be forced to believe someone stands behind you, that you are under someone's protection, and they will not suppress you excessively."

Jian Liting fell silent for a moment. "You make it sound easy, but actually doing it involves great difficulty. Making them believe someone stands behind me is even harder."

A trace of determination flashed in her eyes. "Sister Fang, I know you are doing this for my own good, and I know your suggestion could resolve my current predicament, but I do not wish to continue deceiving anyone.

I want to use your method, but I wish to communicate with Director Zheng beforehand. As I said before, I cannot repay kindness with enmity.

Only if Director Zheng agrees will I proceed; if he does not, I will find another way to solve this."

Sui Lingfang looked at her deeply, gaining an initial understanding of Jian Liting's character.

"Do you know how high the probability is that Director Zheng will agree once he learns of this matter? It is very low; extremely low.

Liting, in the entertainment industry, being too straightforward and not slick enough makes one prone to suffering losses and enduring hardship."

Jian Liting tugged at the corners of her mouth, offering a bitter, self-mocking smile. "I know; I have always been suffering due to my temperament, but I do not wish to cause any harm to those who have helped me."

Sui Lingfang pondered for a moment, then said, "Very well, if this matter must be told to Director Zheng, that is acceptable."

Jian Liting's eyes brightened. "I thought you would completely reject me!"

Sui Lingfang smiled. "Then it seems this time you will get an impression of Chenxi Entertainment's style. Compared to the plans made by agents, we place greater emphasis on the artist's own ideas, cooperating with artists for mutual success rather than molding them into puppets.

Only in this way, whether an artist swallows the bitter fruit of their own making or ultimately achieves success, will there be no slightest complaint."

When Sui Lingfang spoke these words, her heart was very calm.

In fact, she was not surprised by Jian Liting's choice.

If Jian Liting's character had been slick enough, she would not have fallen into such a plight today.

If it were a slick-handling artist, there would be many methods available, allowing the company to be unable to abandon her while still permitting her to vent her individuality within certain limits.

For a top-tier artist to be manipulated by her company to this extent...

It was evident that she was not deeply scheming.

Just as the outside world evaluated her: she was an honest, decent, and diligent actress.

Sui Lingfang changed the subject. "But I have a condition: I will tell Director Zheng; you must not mention it."

Jian Liting hesitated slightly.

Sui Lingfang smiled indifferently. "The reason I do not let you speak to Director Zheng is that you are indeed not very skilled with words; what if, while talking, Director Zheng truly thinks you have feelings for him and rejects the proposal?

Rest assured, since I have chosen to negotiate with Director Zheng, I will clarify all pros and cons thoroughly; he will understand us."

Jian Liting finally nodded.

That night, after filming the night scenes concluded, Sui Lingfang found Zheng Chengxin and spoke directly:

"I have a one-time solution that can both resolve Jian Liting's company issues and ensure her company does not pursue any responsibility against your production team.

Furthermore, if your film is scheduled for release next year while Jian Liting is still under contract with her current company, she can still appear on-site to help you with promotion."

Director Zheng asked with interest, "Go on."

Sui Lingfang explained the method of "pretending to date to create smoke screens and induce misunderstanding."

Zheng Chengxin pondered for a moment, then said, "Your proposal is somewhat interesting, but there is one difficulty.

Relying on my influence within the industry may not be enough to make her company feel such apprehension.

I am merely a film director; the Chinese film circle is not my sole domain. Even if I could blacklist that company's artists, other directors of equal status could do the same.

Moreover, let alone the fact that my words may not necessarily hold sway with other directors."

Sui Lingfang smiled mysteriously: "Indeed, but what if we add Jin Li to the mix? You know that once Jin Li speaks, investors all submit!"

"If Jin Li expresses disapproval of the film or television drama that an artist from that company is shooting, and this gets spread by certain people, guess what will happen to her company?"

Zheng Chengxin looked deeply at Sui Lingfang and sighed, "Brilliant!"

"Your methods are too brilliant!"

The end of the universe is metaphysics; use metaphysics to defeat psychology.

—A killing move!