On the fifth day after Quan Jiu received He Nian's reply to the script, they met again at the Qingchao Cafe.
Upon meeting, He Nian couldn't hide his excitement. "As expected of Nine. I always thought the online praise for you was exaggerated, but after reading your script, I believe your reputation as 'Nine God' is well-deserved. I'm honored to collaborate with you."
"Thank you for your recognition, Director He. However, I do have a small request," Quan Jiu said. "Firstly, my rate is 500,000 per episode. This series has twenty-five episodes, totaling 12.5 million."
He Nian nodded without hesitation. "I know that. I've heard about your rates. No problem."
"Secondly, this is a bit of an imposition. I used to be a lecturer in the Performance Department at A University. I've already shortlisted nine actors, including the male and female leads, whom I have in mind."
"I know this is not quite standard procedure, but please trust me. These nine individuals will achieve mutual success with this drama. I'm not asking you to definitely cast them, but I hope you'll give them a chance to audition. If they are truly suitable, I hope you will choose them over capital interests."
He Nian frowned slightly. "A University? That means all newcomers?"
Quan Jiu smiled apologetically. "Yes. I know you've previously worked with popular stars, and casting newcomers is a bit of a risk. The male and female leads are also artists newly signed by my company. But I'm confident you'll be satisfied once you meet them."
"Besides, newcomers have very low salaries. This is a modern fantasy drama. You can allocate more funds to costume, makeup, and props. With excellent costumes, makeup, props, plot, acting, and visuals, this drama is bound to be a hit."
He Nian nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before saying, "I understand what you're saying..." He paused, then continued, "I am not someone who will be swayed by capital. If they are truly suitable, I will definitely choose them. I also thank you for helping me solve the casting issue."
"However, if their acting has even the slightest flaw, I will not cast them. I truly love this drama and want to do it well. I won't go easy on them just because you are the screenwriter."
Quan Jiu smiled. "That's only right. I'm just trying to secure an opportunity for them. Whether they get cast depends on their own abilities."
"Alright, nothing else then. Let's sign the contract." He Nian immediately produced two copies of the contract, filling in the details for royalties and collaboration. Quan Jiu signed and stamped them on the spot.
After finalizing the contract, Quan Jiu sent a message to Han Zhao, Ren Kui, and the other eight: [Auditions are in a month with Director He Nian. You must prepare well during this time. Getting cast depends on your individual capabilities.]
Zhuang Yu, who was in class, saw the message and shouted "yes" excitedly.
The teacher in class teased, "Zhuang Yu, you seem very happy. Share your joy with us."
Zhuang Yu winked at Xiang Fei and said with a grin, "Teacher Nine recommended us for an audition with Director He Nian's crew next month."
"He Nian? He's a top director who films S+ grade productions and uses popular stars. People like you would at most be there to fill the audition numbers," Cui Min sneered.
With the conflict from the training camp, even though they were in the same class, they still eyed each other with animosity.
Zhuang Yu wasn't angered. He replied proudly, "This drama is written by Teacher Nine, and her personal recommendation naturally increases our chances. Instead of pouring cold water on me, why don't you ask your company when they'll arrange a role for you?"
"You..." Cui Min stomped her foot in anger.
The teacher on stage displeasedly intervened, "Alright, you are all classmates. What are you arguing about? Let's drop this matter and focus on the class."
Tian Cheng, standing in front of Xiang Fei, turned back and sneered, "Didn't she also promise to recommend you for 'Laughing Out Loud'? It's been half a month, and there's still no news. Could it be a bust? That would be a shame, considering you rejected even Tianhua. You probably look down on other companies besides Tianyu." *Too bad Tianyu doesn't look up to you either.*
Xiang Fei snorted impatiently, "Mind your own business. What does it have to do with you?"
Tian Cheng glared fiercely. "I advise you to face reality. Don't think she's infallible just because she spoke. To put it bluntly, she's just a screenwriter. Do you really think she's a god?"
Xiang Fei ignored her and directly addressed the teacher, "Teacher, someone is disrupting my class."
The instructor also became angry. "No one is allowed to speak. Anyone who speaks again will be asked to leave. You won't be attending class."
Everyone then quieted down.
Ren Kui from Class Two also received the news with great joy. She quickly forwarded the message to Ping Yang.
[Uncle Ping, our boss has partnered with Director He Nian and recommended me for the female lead. He Nian is a major director. Please tell my mother, so she stops thinking I've joined a fake company.]
Upon receiving the message, Ping Yang, usually calm, showed a hint of surprise.
He forwarded the message to Ye Su Hua: [The boss of Chuxin Culture has some capabilities. They've finalized a collaboration with He Nian, and Ren Kui has been recommended as the female lead.]
Ye Su Hua replied after a while: [As she wishes.]
However, after putting down her phone, she still called the company's investment manager. "He Nian has a drama currently in pre-production. Invest three hundred million in the company's name."
The investment manager simply followed the boss's orders and agreed before leaving.
...
Meanwhile, Su Bin was investigating Quan Xingfa at Gu Si's request.
On this day, he brought Quan Xingfa's file to the third basement level of the club.
"Boss, Quan Xingfa's information has been investigated," he said, handing the file to Gu Si.
Gu Si took the file and lazily flipped through it.
Su Bin verbally reiterated, "Quan Xingfa has a wife, a son, and a daughter. His children attend prestigious schools. He currently runs a building materials company, but it's not profitable. He has financial dealings with the Chu Group and recently received five million from them."
"What about Quan Jiu?" Gu Si asked.
"Quan Jiu was fifteen when her grandmother passed away. Quan Xingfa took her to live in the city. During that time, she had to pay Quan Xingfa 500 yuan per month for accommodation and meals. Quan Jiu waited until she turned eighteen and moved out."
"And her tuition and miscellaneous fees?"
"She earned them through part-time jobs. She usually stayed at school and only went to Quan Xingfa's house during winter and summer breaks. However, Quan Xingfa still required her to pay 500 yuan per month for accommodation and meals, and this amount would increase to 700 yuan during breaks."
Gu Si smiled and glanced at Su Bin. "Why do I hear a lot of resentment in your voice?"
Su Bin replied with a serious and righteous expression, "Yes, he's too much of a scoundrel."
"Then let's arrange a luxurious package for him." Gu Si put down the file, clasped his hands behind his head, and leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes as if dozing.
Su Bin blinked. "Broken hands and feet, or two feet or two hands?"
"One hand and one foot."
Su Bin acknowledged with a "yes" and was about to leave with the file.
"Also," Gu Si swayed his leg, "I want a detailed profile of Quan Jiu, the more detailed the better."
Su Bin seemed a bit surprised but didn't ask. He said, "This might disturb the Chu person. He's always been protective of his wife..."
Gu Si's eyes suddenly opened, and he looked at Su Bin with a gaze as deep and eerie as a wolf in the night.
Su Bin's hair stood on end, unsure of what he had said wrong. He could only nod in agreement, "I understand," and quickly retreated.
The door closed again, and the room became as quiet as a spaceship, where even one's heartbeat could be faintly heard.
Gu Si stared at the chandelier on the ceiling and chuckled softly, "So, you're also an orphan."