Jiang Zhe dared not add on upon seeing how Ning Ran’s face was all scrunched up. He could only look at her quietly with his hands hanging by his side.
Ning Ran also knew Jiang Zhe was just following orders and that he had no authority to change any clause written in the contract.
Thus, it was useless to snap at him because he was completely powerless.
However, she was still furious and felt as powerless as Jiang Zhe.
As Nan Chen had authorized these contracts, no one could change them without his consent.
“I want to see Nan Chen,” Ning Ran requested.
“The president is currently accompanying the mayor to inspect Nanshi Corporation’s agricultural projects. I’m afraid he won’t be available on such short notice. He instructed me to stay back to settle this as soon as possible because he was worried you would need the money urgently.”
“Does this mean I have to thank him for giving me such an unfair contract?” Ning Ran shouted.
At her loud voice, Jiang Zhe stopped talking.
“He’s doing this on purpose to take advantage of me, isn’t he? Does he, the president of a large consortium, think it’s fun to go out of his way to deal with a weak woman like me?”
“Ms. Ding, I’m not sure if I should be saying this,” Jiang Zhe said softly.
“I know you want to persuade me to sign. You’re Nan Chen’s accomplice!”
Jiang Zhe smiled bitterly. “Ms. Ding, you speak too highly of me. I have no right to be Sir Chen’s accomplice. I’m just following orders, doing what I’m told to do.”
“Then what is it you want to say?” Ning Ran asked.
“Star Entertainment’s domestic influence is second to none. Among the many superstars born every year, more than half of them came from Star Entertainment. Star Entertainment’s artists have a huge market, not only in China but in other Asian countries as well. We have a more professional team and more than enough resources at our fingertips. I’m sure you know Mr. Zheng Lunlun. When Star Entertainment managed him, it only took him less than six months to amass fame halfway across the world since his debut. No other company can achieve such star-making speed. And then there’s that former celebrity, Ms. Luo. I’m sure you’ve heard of her, and know her strengths as well. Whether it was singing skills or acting skills, she had nothing at all and her EQ was super low. But she was molded into a superstar. This shows that Star Entertainment is definitely one of the best in the industry,” Jiang Zhe said in one breath before looking quietly at Ning Ran.
“So? What you mean is, I should be honored to sign with Star Entertainment and should immediately sign this contract no matter the conditions offered?” Ning Ran questioned.
“I have no right to make this decision for you, Ms. Ding. I’m just telling you my opinions. As an artist, the sooner you get famous, the better it is, not to mention that you debuted pretty late for your age, Ms. Ding.”
“You’re saying I’m old?”
Jiang Zhe frantically explained, “Of course not. I’m just saying from the perspective of your debut, it was a little late. Having a huge fandom is the key to survival in this industry. Only a few capable stars can maintain their artistic life through self-discipline and hard work. So you don’t have to worry about the duration of the contract, Ms. Ding. If Star Entertainment can make you popular, you’ll be a superstar wherever you go in the future. So why bother which company do you sign with? If Star Entertainment can’t even make you popular, then with all due respect, it would be almost impossible for you and Cheng Xiangyun to make a breakthrough in this industry. Besides, who will dare to cooperate with you if word gets out within the industry that you rejected Sir Chen’s contract?”
Jiang Zhe’s last sentence was the main point.
He didn’t mean to threaten her. He was just telling the truth.
It was almost certain that no other entertainment company would dare to sign Ning Ran in the future if she rejected Nan Chen.
With no entertainment company to support her, she would have to fly solo by depending on an independent agent; exactly like how she was working with Cheng Xiangyun now.
It would be fine at the initial age, but it would be impossible for further development.
Besides, she had become the female lead of this drama by mistake. What about her next project?
If she refused to sign with Star Entertainment, it was uncertain if she could accept jobs from now on.
Therefore, there was no way out, and she could only sign this contract.
Seeing Ning Ran contemplating, Jiang Zhe continued to persuade her, “When the drama you’re starring in right now becomes popular, Sir Chen will arrange a movie for you to take part in. Only actors who acted on the big screen can be considered as A-list celebs. When you and the company make a lot of money in five or six years, you would probably get sick of acting and call it quits. By then, you can retire from acting by faking an illness or something. Can the company still force you to work for twenty years? Have you seen any actors who have been active for that long? So why harp on a twenty-year contract period? Besides, you’ll be a veteran if you can stay at Star Entertainment for twenty years. How great an accomplishment must that be?”
“Veteran my foot! You’re a veteran! Your entire family are veterans!” Ning Ran chided.
“Yes, yes, my entire neighborhood is full of veterans! Consider it, Ms. Ding. Am I making sense?” Jiang Zhe said curtly.
Ning Ran had always known Jiang Zhe was just a wily old fox, despite looking like a yes-man on the surface.
The fact that he could be a special assistant to someone who was as fierce as the tiger-like Nan Chen showed just how polished he was.
He said a lot today which might seem like he was persuading Ning Ran, but in fact, he was planning the future for Ning Ran.
At least he hinted Ning Ran a few questions. One, if she didn’t sign this contract, she would have a rough journey ahead in showbiz; Two, Sir Chen would definitely send her to stardom as long as she signed this contract, and her popularity would at least exceed Luo Fei’s; Three, she didn’t have to worry about the contract period because she could do whatever she wanted and no one could stop her once she becomes a hotshot.
It actually made sense after much consideration.
However, Jiang Zhe missed out on the most important point, although Ning Ran knew it well deep down.
That was, Nan Chen would change no clause in this contract. It was either she signed it or it was a no-deal.
It wasn’t a multiple-choice question, but a single-choice question and the standard answer was in Nan Chen’s hands.
“Fine. When will I get the money after I sign the contract?” Ning Ran asked.
“Soon,” Jiang Zhe replied.
Just then, Ning Ran’s phone rang again. It was that old woman, Luo Yi.
Ning Ran didn’t pick up, but the caller was relentless, so she had no choice but to walk aside to answer her phone.
“Ran, have you prepared the money? The hospital is chasing your father to pay the bill again. We really can’t get the money. Why don’t you send us five million first?” Luo Yi said.
“I’m still borrowing. I don’t have that much money. You think five million is just fifty?” Ning Ran chastised.
“Ran, I suggest you speak nicely to me. I’m your elder, after all. If I get angry, your mother’s ashes—”
“Shut up! Oh, don’t you worry, Luo Yi, I’ll get even with you sooner or later! Don’t you dare touch my mother’s things or I’ll make your life a living hell!” Ning Ran screamed anxiously.
“Jeez, why are you so fierce? I didn’t even do anything! Go get the money and stop quarrelling with me. You’d better be quick cause you’re running out of time!” Luo Yi warned.
