My Virtual Girlfriend

Chapter 204: So This Was a Trap!


Song Chuang's mind raced as he thought about where exactly he had slipped up in this matter.

But no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't figure it out.

"Could it be that he had someone spying on me?"

"That shouldn't be right. Even with spying, how could they know the specific details?"

"Or perhaps, is he bluffing me?"

"But the information he knows is too comprehensive, isn't it?"

"Gathering resources, securing funds, profiting, going public. These details couldn't have all been guessed, right? And all guessed correctly in one go?"

At this point, the baffled Song Chuang could only decide to take one step at a time and test the waters to avoid being tricked.

So, he chuckled and said, "Of course..."

"Working under you has been the most comfortable experience since I entered the film industry."

Chen Yan gently waved his hand, correcting him, "It's not working under me."

"We are partners."

"I have full trust in you and have given you ample authority."

"You share my worries and have gained sufficient benefits and rights."

"Isn't that good?"

"These are real tangible benefits, not just empty promises."

Saying this, Chen Yan looked deeply into Song Chuang's eyes again. "Lao Song, don't betray my trust."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Song Chuang's palms sweated again.

He felt that it was obvious; Chen Yan must have known about that matter, which is why he had come to warn him.

However, having a non-compete agreement with his own company and secretly collaborating with Xu's Film Industry was indeed unseemly, so he felt somewhat ashamed, thinking that he had indeed betrayed Chen Yan's trust.

Just as Song Chuang was gradually leaning towards Chen Yan, Chen Yan spoke again faintly.

He said, "Lao Song, sometimes, people can be blinded by big promises."

"Some things may look sweet, but they might turn out to be poison."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Song Chuang hesitated for a moment.

He didn't know what Chen Yan was implying.

"Is he hinting at the conditions given by the Xu Brothers to me?"

"I felt they were good, didn't see any issues."

"Though it's promising much, surely it can't be poison?"

Despite his doubts, because of the profound impact of Chen Yan's earlier words, Song Chuang started to question the conditions laid out by Xu Zhaorong.

He reviewed each condition offered by Xu Zhaorong in his mind.

Gradually, the more he thought, the clearer he became. He suddenly realized.

The conditions offered by Xu Zhaorong seemed very generous, but actually... they hid a deep trap.

In those conditions, Xu Zhaorong promised that Song Chuang could share resources with Xu Brothers Film Company, use their filming equipment, locations, and even actors at cost price.

This was indeed beneficial for the development of the new company but also acted like a chain restricting a dog.

Even if the Xu Brothers held a minor share in the new company without the ability to constrain Song Chuang, as long as he used their resources, that chain would be around his neck.

Because, once there was a significant disagreement between the two parties about a film project, the Xu Brothers could influence Song Chuang without involving the new company.

They just had to tighten the leash by freezing the collaborative projects with the new company or the resources provided to it by the headquarters, forcing Song Chuang to comply.

By then, for the new company to continue operations, Song Chuang would have no choice.

This clause, along with another binding him for ten years.

Song Chuang realized that once he signed the contract, he would be completely at the mercy of the Xu Brothers.

Thinking this, Song Chuang inwardly took a sharp breath.

Such a serious trap, and he hadn't noticed?

Almost fell right into it?

Song Chuang reflected upon himself.

Perhaps... this was because Xu Zhaorong had used a blatant strategic ploy.

After all, who wouldn't be tempted by such convenient and rich resources in the film industry?

Using these resources, each project could save tens of millions.

In a year, maybe that added up to an extra profit of a billion!

Just to avoid potential disputes and being restrained, should he not use these resources?

Why then cooperate with them?

Thus, if he decided to join Xu Zhaorong, even if he was aware of the trap, he might still choose to dive right in.

Not for anything else, but because the benefits far outweighed the disadvantages.

However, now, Song Chuang would not jump into that trap again.

After all, compared to Xu Zhaorong who offered big promises and traps, Chen Yan's terms were much more substantial and transparent.

Thus, within those few seconds, having understood everything, Song Chuang finally made up his mind: He could no longer hesitate! He would follow his current boss down this path to the end!

Especially... given how inscrutable his current boss was!

Thinking this, Song Chuang no longer hesitated, respectfully saying to Chen Yan, "Boss. You are right in your teaching. I will reflect on my recent actions when I return. I won't disappoint you again."

Chen Yan looked deeply at Song Chuang once again.

After a moment, he heavily responded with a "Hmm" and said, "Alright. It's good that you have realized this."

"Now, you've been tired all morning, go and rest."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Song Chuang quickly stood up, bowed deeply to Chen Yan, and then turned and left the office.

Once Song Chuang had left, Chen Yan sipped his tea with a focused expression.

"The Xu Brothers again!"

"These brothers really think they're made of clay!"

Earlier, Chen Yan had used "Headphones" twice on Song Chuang.

Maybe because Song Chuang felt a bit guilty, Chen Yan had already understood the whole situation the first time, even knowing the specific conditions clearly.

This had irked Chen Yan.

As expected, it was Song Chuang!

And the Xu Brothers!

Initially, Chen Yan had not been particularly bothered by the dispute between Lu Man, Director Zhang, and the Xu Brothers, nor did he have any ill feelings towards Director Zhang and the Xu Brothers.

After all, the issue initially was Lu Man's fault.

But... fault aside, Lu Man had already paid a heavy price.

Not only was she blacklisted to death, but even her talent agency was forced to give up on her.

On his end, although supporting her comeback, the production cost of the film alone had doubled, costing tens of millions more.

And because of the blacklist, unable to promote on various shows and programs, Chen Yan had spent tens of millions more on promotion.

All these added costs amounted to tens of millions.

Lu Man had already paid enough for her past impulsive actions.

Yet, the Xu Brothers and Director Zhang continued to persist: first blacklisting, then suppressing, and finally setting her up to fail. On his side, having been silent till now, focusing solely on his movies.

Now, they even tried to poach his professional manager.

It was just too much!

Chen Yan finally listed the Xu Brothers as enemies.

It seemed he really needed to find an opportunity to deal with them.

A tiger not showing its might is taken for a Garfield!

As for Song Chuang, Chen Yan was actually not as disappointed and angry as he had seemed.

Birds choose trees to perch on, and facing a headhunt attempt, it's normal to hesitate or even be tempted.

Moreover, when listening to Song Chuang's thoughts, Chen Yan found that the latter still leaned more towards him.

Plus, the second time Chen Yan listened, Song Chuang had completely solidified his stance.

Chen Yan felt that was enough.

As for the warning earlier, it was just Chen Yan's way of teaching him a lesson…

...

Meanwhile, after leaving Chen Yan's office, Song Chuang.

Looking at the game company's staff still immersed in their work, he felt as if he was from another world.

If he hadn't faced it himself, he couldn't have imagined that he, who had been in the film industry for so many years, could actually be completely dominated by a young man barely into his twenties.

Recalling how Chen Yan had gradually built pressure from the moment he walked in, showing leniency but sternly warning him, Song Chuang felt that he had lost fairly.

The moment this thought arose, he was momentarily stunned.

"No, not just my new boss."

After pondering for a bit, Song Chuang realized… it was all set up. And this setup had started from Yang Rou's office.

If not for Yang Rou suddenly giving him a hint, he wouldn't have thought so much on the way here, causing his mindset to shift.

As a result, facing Chen Yan, his psychological defenses were breached in just a few words.

Realizing this, Song Chuang inhaled sharply.

His boss... was really not simple.

Every strike was meticulously linked, unconsciously setting up a scenario.

However, having experienced what had just occurred, Song Chuang knew he had lost by more than just a little.

Since he had lost, he had to accept the outcome.

Moreover, following his boss was obviously much better than going for the Xu Brothers' pie in the sky.

From this perspective, both his boss and Yang Rou could be considered as his benefactors: at least they hadn't let him wander astray.

So, after leaving the company, Song thought for a moment and sent a message to Yang Rou.

Nothing else but two words, "Thank you."

After sending it, he put his cellphone back in his pocket, his gaze gradually firming: With such a young and profoundly inscrutable boss, he should stop overthinking and just continue as is. Trusting that the future wouldn't disappoint him.

...

Meanwhile, Yang Rou, in her office dealing with work, suddenly received Song Chuang's message. She paused and looked at it, her gaze deepening.

"Indeed, it was Song Chuang."

"Looks like my boss was giving me a hint."

"Hmm… my little maneuver should have satisfied the boss."

...

After settling Song Chuang's matter, which had been worrying him for the past few days, Chen Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

On Friday, the box office for "Love Lost 23 Days" slightly increased, earning 18 million in one day.

On Saturday, the box office rose again, reaching 21 million.

By Sunday, the box office finally showed some decline but still achieved 13 million.

Thus, the total box office for "Love Lost 23 Days" officially reached 500 million. Chen Yan and Lu Man's wager was settled...

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