Zhao Zhen. Quan Jiu pondered for a moment before recalling that she was a screenwriter who had spread rumors about her back then. In the director and screenwriter circles, Zhao Zhen and Yang Shuo were the most active.
"The script absolutely could not have leaked from me, so there's only one possibility: it was when I met Director Wang today." Her computer had been encrypted by Tu Tu, and she had absolute faith in her son's abilities.
Wang Can was not a fool. With Quan Jiu's reminder, he immediately realized: the most suspicious person was Kang Li. Firstly, he had always wanted to choose Zhao Zhen's script, and secondly, he had acted particularly unusually today by asking for the script.
Thinking of this possibility, Wang Can was both angry and guilty. "I'm sorry, I can probably guess what happened. It must be Kang Li who tipped off Zhao Zhen."
Quan Jiu was also annoyed that her hard-earned script was so easily leaked. "Director Wang, I trust you completely, but now that the script outline has been overheard, she might tell other directors.
If that happens, even if the story development is different, the main storyline of the outline will be the same. How can we guarantee that everyone will believe us then?"
Wang Can apologized, "I'm truly sorry. This is my fault. I didn't expect Kang Li to actually... No wonder he pushed Zhao Zhen so hard back then. Don't worry, I didn't give him the script. The script is with me now, absolutely safe."
Quan Jiu took a few deep breaths to calm herself and analyzed, "The most important thing now is to find evidence of their plagiarism. Does your office have surveillance, Director Wang?"
"Yes, there is surveillance in the corridor and inside the office. I'll have the surveillance room retrieve it immediately."
After hanging up the phone, Wang Can first asked the technical staff to return to the company to retrieve the surveillance footage.
In such a situation, the most important thing was to seize the initiative. Therefore, he also asked the publicity department to work overtime to establish a super topic for the crew and to release the script synopsis and promotional copy online first.
By 10:30 PM, topics such as the casting news for "Sin," the poster, and the estimated start of filming had all trended.
The screenwriter was nine, and the director was Wang Can. Both were extremely renowned. Coupled with the suspenseful and novel synopsis, netizens were very receptive, even calling the duo a powerful collaboration.
...
Kang Li was browsing online when he suddenly saw a new super topic. Upon clicking it, he realized it was Wang Can's crew. The script hadn't even been finalized, and nothing had been prepared, so why the sudden promotion?
Kang Li, confused, quickly called to inquire.
"Hello, Director Wang, what's going on? Why the sudden promotion when nothing has been confirmed?"
Wang Can immediately became furious. "Kang Li, don't think I don't know what you've done. You secretly leaked nine's script outline to Zhao Zhen. Who are you trying to ruin? The script, or nine? Or me?
Hmph, all our collaborations, both now and in the future, are canceled. I have someone else for the assistant director position. But don't think I'll let this matter go. We have scores to settle, and I'll deal with you slowly later."
Kang Li was surprised that he had been exposed so quickly and was flustered. However, he still argued, "Director Wang, you need evidence to speak. Do you have any evidence to accuse me like this?"
Wang Can didn't bother to waste words with him and directly hung up.
Kang Li was also furious. Since things had come to this, he could only confront them head-on. He quickly called Zhao Zhen.
Zhao Zhen was on the phone with Zhao Ziwen.
"Director Zhao, I started working on this script three years ago. I've revised it countless times before finally being satisfied. Don't worry, I'll bring the script to you in a couple of days when I'm back in the city."
Zhao Ziwen, on the other end of the line, hummed in agreement, and they arranged a meeting time.
After hanging up, Zhao Zhen intended to call Yang Shuo again but received a call from Kang Li. Her face lit up with joy. As soon as she answered, she asked, "Did you get the script? That's great! Send it to me quickly. I've already contacted Zhao Ziwen. If Zhao Ziwen is satisfied, you can ditch that old fossil Wang Can. I'll recommend you to Zhao Ziwen."
Kang Li said irritably, "Wang Can has already started promoting it online."
"What?" Zhao Zhen quickly opened the trending searches and indeed saw the super topic for the crew's "Sin," with visits already exceeding fifty million.
She said angrily, "Why didn't you stop him? He started promoting it without anything being confirmed or prepared?"
Kang Li also got angry. "He's already found out and guessed that I was the one who tipped you off. He probably doesn't have any evidence yet, so he hasn't made a big fuss about it."
"That old fossil," Zhao Zhen cursed. She was still unwilling to give up. "I can't just give up. That b*tch caused me to lose the opportunity to collaborate with Wang Can back then, and now she's deliberately trying to snatch my opportunity. Even if I give up this script, I won't let her succeed."
Kang Li asked doubtfully, "What do you plan to do?"
"Help me contact some reporters, and I'll find some myself. I want to hold a press conference. Even if I can't get the script, I'll ruin her reputation. Anyway, I have evidence, and it all depends on what I say."
Kang Li also had grievances against Wang Can. If Wang Can hadn't always suppressed him over the years, how would he still be holding the title of "Deputy" to this day? It was all Wang Can's fault.
"Okay, the sooner the better. Let's do it tomorrow morning at ten o'clock."
After they agreed and hung up, Zhao Zhen quickly started writing her statement.
...
Quan Jiu soon received the surveillance footage, including Kang Li's office. However, it was clear that Kang Li knew where the surveillance cameras were, as he had avoided them during several time periods. There was no opportunity to use the surveillance footage to her advantage.
Wang Can apologized profusely, "I've already taken the initiative to promote it, but it's really difficult to find other evidence. Don't worry, no matter what the public opinion is in the end, I will definitely film this drama, even if it means losing money. I, Wang Can, have accumulated some reputation in this industry, and I believe there will be rational people who believe me."
Since things had reached this point, Quan Jiu couldn't say anything more. The priority now was to anticipate the opponent and find evidence.
"Don't worry, Director Wang, I'll try my best to find the evidence." Quan Jiu hung up the phone. Seeing that it was almost eleven o'clock, she really didn't want to wake her son, so she decided to call Guan Shi.
"Mom, I found the evidence for you." Tu Tu's voice suddenly appeared outside the study. Although he tried to act casual, his proud expression was evident on his small face.
Quan Jiu turned around and said with affection, "Why aren't you asleep yet? Did Mom wake you up?"
Tu Tu handed a stack of newly printed documents to Quan Jiu. Although he was small, his demeanor was not weak. "Anyone who dares to bully our Ms. Quan, I'll dig out the color of their underwear."
Quan Jiu was both touched and heartbroken. She hugged Tu Tu and said lovingly, "Our Tu Tu is truly a man of integrity. You're so young and already able to protect your mother. But Mom feels distressed. You should have a normal childhood."
"Mom, you raised us alone, working and taking care of me and my brother. It makes us feel better knowing we can share your burdens," Mi Mi also walked out of his room.
Quan Jiu looked at her two sensible and adorable little angels, who looked like dolls, and was choked with emotion. "Heaven has truly been good to me. With you two, I feel so incredibly happy every day."
After coaxing the two children back to sleep, Quan Jiu contacted Jiang Nan Chen and asked him for Wei Tao's phone number.
Wei Tao was a night owl and hadn't slept yet. He answered the strange call without hesitation, "Hello, who is this?"
"Hello, I'm nine. I'd like to collaborate with you. Are you interested?"