Chapter 735: Xu Youyu Is Marked in Red

After finalizing the contract and clarifying Chongran Culture's future direction, Li Luo felt a temporary sense of relief, yet also sensed his burden had grown heavier for no clear reason.

After leaving the conference room, Li Luo had Ruan Lin and Lü Yilan add Ying Chanxi's WeChat for easier future communication.

With lunch still far off, Li Luo invited Lawyer Tian to join him, planning to chat casually with Ruan Lin and her daughter first, to confirm their initial intentions and give them time to reflect after returning home.

"Are you still busy, Uncle Ying?" Li Luo asked Ying Zhicheng as he stepped out of the conference room. "Xixi hardly ever comes to see you—why not grab lunch together?"

"Sure." Ying Zhicheng nodded. "I don't have anything urgent. My workout time is next."

"Workout?"

"Yeah, I'm heading there too," Yuan Wanqing smiled. "I have a regular fitness class, and your Uncle Ying often goes to the gym to box or something—keeps him in shape."

"Oh right." Li Luo nodded in realization, remembering Ying Chanxi had mentioned before that Ying Zhicheng had long maintained a fitness habit.

But why boxing?

Ying Zhicheng had the classic build—slim in clothes, muscular when undressed—with his physique always well-maintained.

Standing beside Yuan Wanqing, their demeanors complemented each other well, avoiding the sleazy vibe of some middle-aged man exploiting a famous actress.

"Want to join?" Ying Zhicheng clenched his fist. "Xixi told me you're working out too—want to try boxing? It's good for people who sit all day writing."

"Not a bad idea, but maybe next time," Li Luo coughed, quickly declining, afraid Ying Zhicheng might be seeking revenge. "I'll stay with Xixi and get to know Ruan Lin and her daughter first."

"Alright." Ying Zhicheng didn't press. He nodded and left with Yuan Wanqing. "We'll eat at the restaurant next door for lunch."

"Got it."

…

It was still around ten in the morning. Li Luo led Ruan Lin and Lü Yilan into the conference room, then handed them over to Ying Chanxi and Lawyer Tian for discussion.

He himself sat aside with Yan Zhusheng, giving Ying Chanxi space to practice her skills.

To be fair, though Ying Chanxi often seemed shy and ordinary, like a typical little girl around Li Luo,

when it came to real work, her years as class president and student council chair in high school instantly transformed her into a capable professional.

Though she'd only just begun studying related material in university, her knowledge was still basic,

it was more than sufficient for this situation.

After all, Li Luo's side held a pure seller's market—he controlled production and the power of decision. Ying Chanxi stood on the stronger side; the challenge was simply finding the right balance.

Too tight, and she'd seem cold-hearted and greedy—even if the deal succeeded, it would breed resentment.

Too loose, and she'd appear easy to take advantage of, possibly fueling the other side's greed or making them look down on her.

With Lawyer Tian, a seasoned veteran, assisting, there was little risk of major problems.

After some discussion, by eleven, Li Luo received a message from Ying Zhicheng about the restaurant and stood up to call Ying Chanxi and Lawyer Tian, pausing the conversation with Ruan Lin and her daughter.

"You two should go home and think carefully," Ying Chanxi said seriously. "I'll also review your requests further. We'll contact you later."

"Of course, of course," Lü Yilan smiled and nodded. "We won't disturb you further. Goodbye, Linlin, say goodbye to the Chongran teachers."

"Mm…" Ruan Lin nodded obediently, bid farewell to Li Luo and the others, then left with her mother.

Li Luo hadn't expected Lü Yilan to show such genuine respect for Ying Chanxi.

It wasn't respect out of deference to him—it came from something else.

But he didn't know that Ruan Lin had already privately told Lü Yilan that this beautiful girl named Ying Chanxi was Ying Zhicheng's daughter.

Ruan Lin had learned this while working on the set.

Upon hearing this, Lü Yulan naturally dared not underestimate Ying Chanxi because of her youth.

Especially since Li Luo and Ying Chanxi seemed close, and Li Luo worked closely with Ying Zhicheng.

Lü Yulan didn't believe these two families had no connection.

She even lectured her daughter: "Look at them—didn't you say two years ago you liked Chongran Teacher and wanted to date him? What happened now?"

"With the General Manager's discerning eye, how could he ever give you a chance?"

"His daughter already got there first—close to the water, first to the moon. He'll guard her tightly now—there's no opening left for you."

Ruan Lin wanted to argue that Chongran Teacher had more than just Ying Chanxi around him.

But after thinking it over, she saw no point and stayed silent.

Meanwhile, Li Luo asked Ying Chanxi: "How was it? Your first real business negotiation?"

"Not bad," Ying Chanxi blinked. "It didn't feel that hard. According to Lawyer Tian, artists like Ruan Lin—who have a little fame but are still newcomers—usually follow standard contract templates."

"I negotiated for a five-year contract with a 70% revenue split."

"Her mother seemed hesitant—probably needs to think it over at home."

"But she asked some questions I couldn't decide on myself—I need your input."

"Go ahead," Li Luo nodded.

"The female lead in 'The Beginning' is definitely a resource we'll provide after signing—otherwise she wouldn't sign," Ying Chanxi said. "But after that, what other resources can we offer to secure Ruan Lin's future acting career?"

"'Night Watch of Great Qian' will sell its copyright next year," Li Luo said. "A large-scale historical drama—likely funded by Penguin. Even if she doesn't get the lead, there's definitely a key supporting female role available."

"'I Am Really Not a Star' is entertainment, but someone's interested in the copyright too—roles there can be arranged as well."

"Still, you don't need to list everything. Just having 'Night Watch of Great Qian' is already good."

"Later, we'll focus on endorsements and external script opportunities."

Hearing this, Ying Chanxi blinked in surprise. "Do we even have any endorsement or script resources?"

"We don't—but Uncle Ying and Aunt Yuan do," Li Luo grinned. "Connections are meant to be used."

"Especially Aunt Yuan—she probably gets endless endorsement offers."

"We just need to get some smaller brand opportunities lined up—some will definitely stick."

"As for scripts, on one hand, Director Wang's studio—after 'The Beginning' finishes filming, with his reputation, he won't lack projects."

"If Ruan Lin really wants roles, she won't be short of options."

"On the other hand, I'm on good terms with several Platinum authors at Qidian—if their copyrights get sold and filming starts—"

I can also lend some face—there's definitely a chance for an internal direct pass to the final round of auditions.

Li Luo had just spoken offhand, following his train of thought, but upon closer reflection, he realized his network was already far from simple.

At least for someone like Ruan Lin, signing with Chongran Culture wouldn't be a bad deal.

Sure, they'll take over half the cut, but without Li Luo's backing, Ruan Lin's future development is far from guaranteed.

If she lands a few bad dramas, someone like her could easily plummet to rock bottom and spend years grinding for experience before getting another shot.

In this entertainment industry, connections and resources always outweigh an actor's personal influence—it's not enough to just be a good actor. What good is talent if you can't even land an audition?

There are countless skilled actors at the National Grand Theatre; only a handful ever truly rise to the top.

"Don't rush to blab all the advantages I just mentioned," Li Luo said. "You know the boundaries."

"I know," Ying Chanxi nodded seriously. "I'm not that stupid."

"You're always clueless," Yan Zhusheng said from the side.

"Where am I clueless?!" Ying Chanxi retorted irritably. "I'm smart—I just don't use my smarts on weird, pointless things!"

This remark clearly carried hidden meaning, but Yan Zhusheng pretended not to understand, grabbing Li Luo's arm and heading for the door.

Since Tian the lawyer was still there, Li Luo pulled her hand away and whispered, "Mind your image outside, especially here inside Huayue Film and Television."

"Oh," Yan Zhusheng nodded obediently.

After parting ways with Ruan Lin and her mother, the group headed toward the nearby restaurant.

Tian the lawyer didn't want to intrude on their family dinner, so he took his leave, saying to call him anytime if anything came up.

Although Tian the lawyer hadn't joined Chongran Culture, he'd signed a cooperation agreement and would provide full legal support.

Li Luo was one of his loyal long-term clients; a large portion of Tian's income now came from Chongran Culture.

If Chongran Culture ever truly grew strong, Li Luo seriously considered bringing Tian the lawyer on board.

After all, Tian was a top graduate from Qian University and had wide connections—he'd be a perfect starting point if they ever built a legal department.

"At dinner tonight, you can ask your dad if anything needs adding," Li Luo said as they walked. "You can also communicate more with Tian the lawyer later."

"Yes, I know," Ying Chanxi nodded firmly.

For most students, having the chance to engage in real cases and take the lead right after entering university is extremely rare.

Ying Chanxi knew this opportunity was precious; she must make the most of it, treat it seriously, and improve herself.

She must not let down Li Luo's expectations.

……

After lunch, Yin Zhicheng and Yuan Wanqing went back to work.

Li Luo drove Ying Chanxi and Yan Zhusheng home.

In the afternoon, Li Luo began writing. Midway, Yan Zhusheng walked in, holding her phone, and asked Li Luo: "Are we free tomorrow?"

"What's up?"

"Huanhuan wants us to visit her place," Yan Zhusheng shook her phone and showed it to Li Luo. "More precisely, she wants Zhao Rongjun to go—but Zhao Rongjun's nervous."

Li Luo stared blankly: "... Why's he nervous? He's been there before. Why's he scared now that he's her boyfriend?"

"Before, we always went in groups," Yan Zhusheng said. "He's never gone alone—so he's hesitant."

"Alright, alright," Li Luo waved his hand. "Let's call it a National Day gathering. Besides, we're going to the villa tomorrow anyway—some furniture's arrived, and we need to check the installation."

"Okay, should I tell Huanhuan?" Yan Zhusheng asked, nodding.

"Yeah, tell her," Li Luo said. "Anyone else?"

"The four of us," Yan Zhusheng counted on her fingers. "Plus Xin Yan, Ren Zheng, and Hua Xiuxiu."

"Hua Xiuxiu?"

"Yeah," Yan Zhusheng nodded. "She's close with Ren Zheng, and Ren Zheng's now Huanhuan's roommate, so they're all invited."

"Fine," Li Luo said. "Go tell Xi Xi and Youyu."

"Okay."

After setting tomorrow's plans, Li Luo watched Yan Zhusheng's retreating back from the bedroom, then returned to his writing.

After finishing today's writing quota, Li Luo didn't rest—he opened another document, thought carefully, and typed a title.

—Short Video Copywriting and Planning.

Considering Yuan Wanqing might collaborate with TikTok, it was wise to prepare in advance.

As he thought of this, Li Luo began typing again, rapidly tapping the keyboard.

After dinner, he finally took a short break.

Then he received a message from his editor, Qianzhou.

【Qianzhou】: These days are strict. Be careful when writing.

【Qianzhou】: But your work's always plain and clean anyway, so no need to worry too much. Just write normally—it shouldn't affect you.

【Chongran】: What's going on?

【Qianzhou】: There's a major cleanup campaign—expect a bunch of novels to be taken down.

【Qianzhou】: I've checked both your books myself. No issues.

【Qianzhou】: Just letting you know—be a little cautious.

【Chongran】: Got it.

After reading Qianzhou's messages, Li Luo couldn't help but sigh.

In his memory, that famous white-gold author from Qidian had been banned during this very period—ended up with not a single book left...

Precisely because of such precedents, Li Luo had always kept his pace restrained, never crossing the line.

Since the editor said there was no problem, Li Luo no longer worried—just informed Xu Youyu.

Clearly, Xu Youyu had also been warned by Qianzhou to tone it down recently.

After all, despite how terrible he is in real life, his mental driving techniques are far more varied.

"Damn! You marked over fifty chapters red!" Xu Youyu stormed into Li Luo's room, flung himself onto the bed with a thump, and kicked his legs wildly, groaning, "When am I ever going to finish fixing this?!"

"Why so many red marks?" Li Luo asked, surprised.

"'Gu Dao Changqing' wasn't too bad—you warned me beforehand, so I held back, and only got three chapters marked red," Xu Youyu gritted his teeth. "But 'Literary Era'? Over forty chapters marked red!"

"Looks like you've got quite a record," Li Luo sighed with a wry smile. "Just fix it properly—it's better than getting banned."

"You've killed my motivation to write—I'm taking the day off!" Xu Youyu scrambled off the bed, turned to Li Luo, grabbed his arm, and dragged him toward the bathroom. "Come on!"

"What are you doing?"

"Make me get marked red! Today, I'm going to try every single red-marked position!"

Li Luo: "... That's probably not going to end well."

(End of Chapter)