Ex-Girlfriend – Chapter 74

Amusing Ourselves to Death Arc

Agent 11

Xin Lan was unaware of the intense confrontation between Zero Nine and Shen Yun. She put down her phone and headed to the bathroom.

After drying her hair, she glanced at the wall clock; it was now 11 PM in the evening.

She walked out onto the balcony and suddenly felt the stifling heat.

The original owner’s home was located in an upscale community on the 37th floor. Looking downward from above, she could overlook numerous sceneries.

After a brief moment, Xin Lan returned to the room, her mind filled with thoughts about Shen Yun’s plan and arrangements for Qin Yuyan.

Returning to the room and picking up her phone, she found numerous messages.

At the top was one from Bessie, expressing gratitude to her.

【Bessie】: Thanks for cooperating with Shen Yun tonight. I heard about what happened at the evening event with Madam Qin. You really did well.

【Bessie】: Everyone is saying you’re almost certain to succeed, being able to compete with Dong Shuyu for people. Impressive! Care to share some tips?

【Xin Lan】: There’s really no special technique. Maybe Miss Qin and I just get along well.

【Bessie】: Haha, the exclusive secret recipe, got it, got it. Oh, by the way, I heard that auditions for next month’s drama “Xiao Man” are coming up. You should carefully consider it.

【Xin Lan】: Okay.

In recent years, web dramas have gained immense popularity, becoming a trend in the entertainment industry. Web dramas come with built-in popularity and offer better opportunities for promotion and publicity.

Xin Lan looked into it and found that “Xiao Man” was a workplace-themed novel with decent popularity. As long as the protagonist has good looks and acting skills, and is promoted by well-known television stations or becomes a flagship on video platforms, achieving high viewership wouldn’t be difficult.

Bessie asked her to consider it, probably concerned that Xin Lan might struggle to balance between Qin Yuyan and Shen Yun. If the opportunity arises, Xin Lan would definitely give it to Shen Yun.

Qin Yuyan currently hasn’t settled into a fixed character setting. Moreover, auditions for the TV drama are next month. Considering filming, post-production, editing, approval, and airing, it would take until at least next year. Xin Lan doesn’t know about the other roles in this drama, but undoubtedly, it’s definitely an idol drama.

Xin Lan hopes that before Qin Yuyan’s name, there could be an influential role attached.

Shen Yun didn’t send her any more messages, while Qin Yuyan sent a “good night.”

Xin Lan replied with a “good night” and then checked the messages in her various groups.

It mostly consisted of information exchanges, some useful and others not.

Qin Yuyan held her phone, exhaling in relief upon seeing the reply.

She pressed against her chest, feeling the beat of her heart.

“My choice won’t be wrong.”

“Good night.”

She murmured to herself, extinguishing the room’s light.

A new day began, and Xin Lan immersed herself in her busy schedule.

It was already the 23rd of the month. Bessie mentioned auditions for next month but didn’t specify the exact date. Other scripts had been handed to Xin Lan; she set them aside and began sorting through them.

She came across an interesting web drama with an appealing script, inviting Shen Yun to play the lead actress.

Of course, this was impossible. Given Shen Yun’s current status, it wasn’t feasible for her to take on a lead role in a web drama. After all, web dramas have limited influence compared to television dramas on the screen.

Xin Lan thought for a moment and decided to have An An contact this production team to check if they needed a lead actor.

After sifting through a pile of scripts, Xin Lan was busy answering calls. When she finally managed to relax a bit, she saw that Qin Yuyan had sent her a message a few minutes ago.

【Qin Yuyan】: Are you there? Do you have time to have a meal together and discuss the contract details?

【Qin Yuyan】: Why do I feel like I’m more anxious than you? [Facepalm.jpg]

【Qin Yuyan】: Are you busy right now?

【Qin Yuyan】: If you are, then I won’t disturb you for now.

Xin Lan replied briefly and then pushed open the door to Xu Fang’s office, beginning to discuss Qin Yuyan’s matters with Xu Fang.

“You’re quite something,” Xu Fang spun his office chair, raising an eyebrow at Xin Lan. “You managed to secure her so quickly. Truly my capable right-hand.”

Facing Xu Fang’s inquisitive gaze, Xin Lan responded with a smile, avoiding mentioning how she managed to win over Qin Yuyan.

In truth, she hadn’t really put in much effort. Qin Yuyan had been quite proactive, using Zero Nine’s initial words, “Is this kind of opportunity even real?”

Xin Lan took the company’s Contract Type S and discussed some modifications with Xu Fang.

“Is this compensation a bit too generous?”

Xu Fang knew that if Qin Yuyan’s promotion was handled well, it could bring him significant profits. However, certain aspects of the contract, such as the terms regarding taking on new projects, seemed a bit lax.

“Having followed you for so long, can’t you still trust me? You also know the path I’m trying to create, accepting all sorts of miscellaneous things. It’s inevitable that some divine quality might be lost.”

Xin Lan observed Xu Fang twirling the pen in his hand, locking eyes with him.

“I wouldn’t doubt anyone, and I definitely wouldn’t doubt you. Our relationship, right? Even if it’s years from now, I wouldn’t fear you branching out on your own.”

Xu Fang grinned, being straightforward about it.

Xin Lan understood that this was Xu Fang’s concession, also a condition for his cooperation.

Many stars, once their wings are fully grown, choose to establish their own studios and work independently. After all, working for others is never as comfortable as being one’s own boss.

Take signing contracts, for instance. Some companies engage in severe exploitation, where it’s not uncommon for contracts of lesser-known artists to have a ratio of nine to one in favor of the company, leaving only a small portion for the artist. Even Xin Lan’s best Contract Type S was only a sixty-forty split.

Xu Fang was concerned that if Qin Yuyan, or rather Shen Yun, excelled and convinced Xin Lan to join them in going independent, he would suffer a significant loss.

“You’re worrying unnecessarily. I’m someone you’ve nurtured from the beginning. Unless I become incapable, I won’t be swayed away from Star Map.”

Xin Lan responded with a smile, giving an affirmative answer.

At this point, she wasn’t yet clear on which branch the storyline would ultimately settle. However, within the next seven years, her decision to leave or stay depended only on how quickly or slowly she tortured herself. If she moved swiftly, she’d depart sooner; if slowly, she’d leave later. Either way, it wasn’t much of an issue. Embracing the circumstances wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Xu Fang ceased twirling the pen, picked up a seal, and stamped it.

With that, things were settled on Xu Fang’s end.

Xin Lan neatly stored the contract, patted her clothes, and exited Xu Fang’s office.

Having arranged to meet Qin Yuyan for dinner, Xin Lan changed her attire, kicked off her high heels, and drove to the agreed-upon location.

The place Qin Yuyan chose was a Cantonese restaurant, elegantly decorated with private rooms that offered great privacy.

Xin Lan carried a document folder and entered the private room where Qin Yuyan was already seated.

Qin Yuyan had dressed modestly today, wearing a simple white shirt and jeans. She rolled up the sleeves of her shirt, revealing her attractive wrists. When she saw Xin Lan arrive, she greeted her with a big smile.

“I’ve already drafted the contract and even stamped it with seals. Do you want to take a look first?”

Qin Yuyan had initially wanted to say she wasn’t in a hurry, but upon hearing Xin Lan mention that the seals were already affixed, she changed her mind.

As Xin Lan approached, she handed over the document folder. As she got closer, she caught a whiff of the sweet scent on Qin Yuyan.

For a moment, she couldn’t quite place the brand of the perfume. The scent was pleasant and suited the young woman.

Qin Yuyan carefully went through the contract, and the more meticulously she read, the happier Xin Lan became.

If she wasn’t taking it seriously and was simply making a casual decision, it wouldn’t be like Qin Yuyan, who had spent a considerable amount of time pondering over this matter. Being cautious was always the right approach.

Qin Yuyan was greatly pleased with the contract. The benefits and relaxed provisions listed exceeded her expectations.

Many of these benefits could also be provided by Dong Shuyu’s side, but Qin Yuyan believed the level of freedom she desired wouldn’t be possible there.

Qin Yuyan’s thoughts were often clear. She knew that if she joined Star Map, she would be caught up in an incessant whirlwind of busyness, unable to catch a breath. Since she didn’t intend to immerse herself in the world of fame and fortune, there was no need to put herself through unnecessary turmoil. The fact that Xin Lan had secured this for her was undoubtedly very positive.

“Very satisfied.”

The smile on Qin Yuyan’s face was genuine, obvious to anyone and revealing her happiness.

“So, should we sign now? Or do you want more time to think?”

“There’s nothing that needs changing. Let’s sign now.”

Qin Yuyan was straightforward. She requested a pen from Xin Lan and signed her name on both copies of the contract, keeping one for herself.

“Don’t you need to discuss this with your family?”

Xin Lan smiled, taking back her own copy of the contract and placing it in her bag.

“Ah Lan, I’m already twenty-four.”

The two chatted for a while, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

While Qin Yuyan was elated, Shen Yun’s side was about to explode.

She found out for sure that Xin Lan was indeed going to sign with Qin Yuyan, and she had even gone to discuss the matter with the CEO.

Initially, she held onto a glimmer of hope, such as the possibility that Qin Yuyan wouldn’t choose their company. But now, it seemed like it was a done deal.

She could never figure out how Xin Lan could be so heartless.

One thing after another, along with Xin Lan’s change in attitude, formed an immense contrast with the past.

How could someone change so drastically?

Shen Yun wanted to express her grievances, but she didn’t dare to send a message to Xin Lan.

She wasn’t foolish; she could tell that Xin Lan didn’t care about her at all anymore. So, there was no use in whining and complaining.

Thinking about Qin Yuyan made her feel uncomfortable.

She was uneasy, while Xin Lan was at ease.

Upon hearing Zero Nine’s online report, a barely noticeable smirk tugged at the corner of Xin Lan’s mouth.

This was just the beginning. The further it went, the more Xin Lan would make Shen Yun experience the unbearable agony of heartache.

She wanted to hold both Shen Yun and Qin Yuyan, showing Shen Yun the contrast, making her witness Xin Lan enjoying some resources that couldn’t compare to Qin Yuyan’s, gradually distancing herself bit by bit, causing her panic and suffering, until she was beyond redemption.

With certain scoundrels, there’s a sense of pleasure in breaking their legs or shattering their hands; with others, you have to watch as they’re gradually pushed to the edge, their mental defenses crumbling, driven into complete madness.

After finishing their meal, Xin Lan took Qin Yuyan to the company.

Qin Yuyan sat in the passenger seat, observing Xin Lan focused on driving.

Her profile was exquisite and attractive, carrying a sense of sharp beauty.

There’s a contradictory feeling about this person, Qin Yuyan thought.

A complex blend of introversion and extroversion converged within her. When you look at her, you’d perceive beauty shrouded in mystery, an unattainable allure with a touch of prickliness. However, at times, it’s not quite like that. She merely gazes at you with a distant look, devoid of any other emotions.

You can feel the self-assuredness emanating from within her. Sometimes, her demeanor isn’t just detached; it’s unmoved.

It’s as if a queen has shed her elaborate attire and donned casual clothing, concealing her status to stand among the crowd. Hence, you see her tranquility, her remarkable presence.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Xin Lan came to a stop at a red light and met Qin Yuyan’s gaze.

She had been staring at her for a few minutes, and she had noticed from the beginning.

“I’m thinking about work. Should I start accepting offers right away?”

Qin Yuyan said nonchalantly.

You look good.

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TL I’m back! Sorry, I was sick this entire time. I hope i won’t get sick again for at least a few years, I hate it 🙁

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