Jiang Youjia really did seem like a copyright scammer.
Shui Mingyue had sold film and TV adaptation rights to two books before, and each negotiation and signing took two or three months. For Jiang Youjia to want to buy rights to her 11 novels in one go was simply absurd!
Jiang Youjia blocked Shui Mingyue’s line of sight to Luo Hao. Without waiting for her to hesitate, he pulled her away.
Luo Hao wanted to say something, but the director called loudly, “Luo Hao, come over quickly. Let us walk through the positions first!”
For some reason, Luo Hao had an unusually heavy filming schedule today.
Called by the director, Luo Hao could only watch as Jiang Youjia pulled Shui Mingyue away.
The female lead saw everything and whispered, “If you are worried, you can ask the director for leave.”
Luo Hao shook his head, “No, it would delay the shooting progress. I cannot let the whole crew wait for me.”
If Luo Hao was already famous, taking leave would be normal. Some stars throwing tantrums would have the entire crew coaxing them. However, Luo Hao was just a newcomer. He had finally gotten the chance to play the male lead and feared being replaced midway if he performed poorly. He dared not slack on any scene.
Mentioning Shui Mingyue selling film rights, the female lead’s tone was envious, “Bestselling authors like Teacher Mingyue earn no less than top stars.”
Royalties from one book could earn millions. Film rights another one or two million.
Publishing just one book a year, nothing else needed.
Moreover, authors were respected wherever they went. Unlike stars: strength actors needed skills, idol types could not date, sometimes called “mere performers”… Being a star was hard. Being an author harder—talent invisible and intangible. Have it or not!
The female lead muttered, advising Luo Hao to seize the opportunity.
If Shui Mingyue added clauses when selling rights, specifying Luo Hao as male lead in some drama, he would hit jackpot.
“That is Jiaxin! Jiaxin’s leading lady is Xu Mei. No leading man yet…”
The female lead seemed to imply something. Luo Hao withdrew his gaze, “If you want to join Jiaxin, ask yourself. That Mr. Jiang will come again.”
After saying this, Luo Hao ignored the female lead.
The female lead covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, “You always take others’ kindness as donkey lungs. To make it in this circle, a powerful company is too important!”
Precisely because breaking out was hard, newcomers in this circle never dated uselessly.
Heat or resources—at least one, or dating wasted energy.
Luo Hao handsome. Female lead not moved at all, because Luo Hao a newcomer with no background. Dating him would let him leech her popularity and resources—Luo Hao surely knew, so only sticky with Shui Mingyue.
Shui Mingyue not in the circle. Close to her without calculating gains/losses.
Though Shui Mingyue not as good as Wen Ying at managing personal IP, she was a bestselling author famous years. If dating Luo Hao, media would interest in the romance.
Most important: Shui Mingyue had money and resources, holding many novel adaptation rights. When transferring, if willing, she could swap for Luo Hao’s acting resources!
Shui Mingyue simple-minded. Luo Hao not simple.
This drama first confirmed female lead, then male. Originally selected Luo Hao’s classmate, later changed to Luo Hao.
There must be a reason.
…
Fearing Shui Mingyue too nervous, after consulting her thoughts, Jiang Youjia took her to the small restaurant where Luo Hao previously treated Wen Ying.
Still that shabby private room.
Jiang Youjia wiped the table several times with napkins, pulled out a thick stack of documents from his briefcase.
“Teacher Mingyue, this is our company’s sincerity.”
Shui Mingyue curiously picked up the documents. They were adaptation analysis reports for her works.
Except the unpublished new book and two already sold rights, the remaining 10 books all had reports.
Of course, Jiang Youjia’s reports not detailed enough. For a few books, Shui Mingyue even disagreed with adaptation directions. But this at least proved Jiaxin wanting all her works’ rights was not impulsive but prepared.
Behind each novel’s report was the rights quote.
Lowest: 1.2 million.
The book quoted 1.2 million, Shui Mingyue wrote in poor state. Reader feedback after publication not great.
Highest: 2 million. No adaptation report—for her upcoming new book!
Jiaxin willing to pay 2 million for rights without seeing content?
Shui Mingyue puzzled.
Jiang Youjia smiled, “Teacher Mingyue, I read all your works. These reports I wrote myself. I know many shortcomings, as I manage Jiaxin not long, barely half-professional. Hope you not doubt company level because of them. When truly adapting your works, company will hire most professional screenwriters. Of course, if Teacher Mingyue has time and willingness, I very welcome you as screenwriter personally.”
Knowing what Shui Mingyue cared about, Jiang Youjia pushed there.
Shui Mingyue willing to follow crew as script advisor—how refuse screenwriting personally!
Hearing Jiang Youjia’s promise, Shui Mingyue’s heartbeat quickened.
By now, Shui Mingyue forgot other matters. Her face full of disbelief, “…For every book’s adaptation, I can be screenwriter?”
Jiang Youjia nodded, “Correct. This can be written in contract when signing.”
—I have not agreed to sign yet!
Shui Mingyue shouted inwardly.
Her hands more honest than brain, could not help picking up Jiang Youjia’s reports again.
“My new book not officially out yet. Mr. Jiang, you have not seen content. How give highest quote?”
Jiang Youjia sincere, “Because I finished all Teacher Mingyue’s works. Found each better than last. No need see new content to know worth 2 million… Pity I only Jiaxin manager, not big boss. If I big boss, every Teacher Mingyue book rights I willing over 2 million!”
Jiang Youjia shameless for year-end bonus.
Shui Mingyue flattered dizzy.
In 2007, literary works’ film/TV rights far less hot than decade+ later. Shui Mingyue sold two books’ rights before—where seen such enthusiastic film company GM!
Jiang Youjia saw Shui Mingyue’s expression—80% sure.
Hmph.
Wen Ying could write promo plans to help Li Mengjiao get endorsement. Jiang Youjia learned—write adaptation reports himself!
Plus big boss Xie Qian absent, Jiang Youjia lied without pressure.
Quotes he decided himself. 11 books total 16.1 million. Jiang Youjia already heartbroken, but said he wanted higher—big boss wanted compress costs!
Stepping on Wen Ying, punching Xie Qian. Jiang Youjia max combat. While Shui Mingyue dazed, final heavy blow:
“11 books’ rights, my quote 16.1 million. If Teacher Mingyue feels low, I seriously talk big boss again!”
Jiang Youjia’s expression like warrior to front.
Shui Mingyue not know Jiaxin’s big boss. From Jiang Youjia, knew boss very strict.
“No no no, this quote already high!”
Shui Mingyue feared Jiang Youjia really talk boss and get scolded. Hurriedly stopped.
Jiang Youjia overjoyed, “So Teacher Mingyue agrees sell all rights to Jiaxin?”
—When did I agree?
Shui Mingyue head spinning, “I, I want think more.”
“This not small matter. Teacher Mingyue should consider carefully. Perhaps consult peers. How about this: Can Teacher Mingyue ask crew two days off? We both, with lawyers witness, draft contract details one by one. Sound good?”
Jiang Youjia pressed step by step. Critical moment, retreated one.
Shui Mingyue moved by sincerity. Hard say no. Finally nodded, “Alright. I first ask if friend free.”
In Shanghai, Shui Mingyue only two peer friends: Wen Ying and Mu Fan.
National Day holiday long over. Wen Ying classes. Mu Fan idle all day. Shui Mingyue decide invite Mu Fan to Jiaxin.
