Chapter 501 Setting a Trap
The four people in the office looked up in astonishment when they heard Chen Yang speak.
Chen Yang directly connected the USB drive to the computer.
He clicked on a surveillance video inside.
The footage showed that after the copyright department had finished their meeting and confirmed the five historical novels they intended to contact, one of the female employees hurried towards a staff storeroom on the left side of the floor.
This storeroom was usually used to store mops and the like, and no one ever went in.
After the employee entered, she closed the door and made a phone call inside.
The content of the call was very clear. The employee dialed a number and said, "Mr. Yang, the copyright department has confirmed another five online novels they want to purchase. I'll send you the names, and you can purchase them immediately before anyone else... Yes, yes, thank you, Mr. Yang."
Immediately after, the employee sent a few pictures, hung up the phone, and left as if going to the restroom.
The entire process was very clear. Because the Heavenly Physician Hall had many cameras installed, including one in the storeroom, all the evidence was clearly visible.
Lin Yueyu's fingers trembled with anger as she watched this scene. Pointing at the video, she said, "Qin Yueyue was brought here by me. She's been with me for three years."
"Qin Yueyue is from Qingzhou, born in a rural area. I've always taken good care of her, but I never expected her to betray us and act against us like this."
"She definitely knows that if we can't find the script for a day, our department will lose millions every day. She's trying to force us to our deaths. I'm going to find her right now."
Chen Yang reached out and stopped Lin Yueyu. He smiled and said, "Hold on. Since we know Qin Yueyue is the mole, we can actually use her. The person she was talking to, if I'm not mistaken, should be Yang Long."
"I didn't expect this Yang Long to be so persistent, constantly watching us!"
Liu Ran rubbed her chin and said, "Logically speaking, it shouldn't be Yang Long. The Yang family has gone bankrupt. Even if Yang Long wants to deal with us, he doesn't have this much money!"
"Before, with over thirty books, even if we calculate each at four million, that's already an investment of 120 million. Where did he get so much money to preemptively purchase so many copyrights?"
"And he doesn't have a film and television company. If he bought so many copyrights, it would purely be a waste of 120 million, just throwing money away!"
Yu Long, who was standing nearby, spoke up, "I think this Yang Long is just a pawn. His backer is likely Chen De."
The others looked at Director Yu Long and asked, "Chen De? The top director Chen De now?"
Yu Long nodded and said, "That's him. It seems Chen De has his eyes on us. Knowing that we're going to continue filming, he's trying every way to obstruct our plans."
"The script seems to be the most trivial hurdle, but in reality, for a drama, the script is the true soul and core. Without a good script, even with a brilliant director and excellent acting, it's impossible to create a truly moving work."
"What we're going to film now is a historical piece, which means there aren't many options for historical novels online and in print combined."
"That's why Chen De would invest a huge sum to get ahead of us and buy the adaptation rights to these novels. He wants to stall for time, preventing us from starting smoothly."
"The impact of our short videos will gradually fade with time. In another three months, it will be too late even if we find better scripts."
Lin Yueyu nodded and said, "There's no time to delay. Let's quickly and secretly choose scripts. Now that we've identified Qin Yueyue as the mole, it's easier. No matter how capable Chen De is, he can't possibly buy all the copyright to all historical novels."
Chen Yang smiled and said, "I don't think we need to rush. Regarding copyrights, the few of us can discuss it and quietly purchase one work."
"As for your department, continue to act anxious and purchase copyrights in a big way, buying both good and bad ones."
"Especially those novels that are only famous in name but poorly written. Pretend you really want to buy them, negotiate with the authors for five or six million. Anyway, since that Chen De is so rich, let's help him spend a little."
Yu Long chuckled at this and turned to Chen Yang, saying, "Captain Chen, this move of yours is truly brilliant. In fact, I was thinking the same thing."
"Actually, three months ago, I listened to a historical novel on Ximalaya. It was written by someone called Dianhong Pu'er. That novel wasn't well-known, or rather, it had a very poor reputation. The author's earnings were probably very low."
"But it was written very well. It's evident that the author has a background related to history. It's just a shame that the novel was only half-finished and then stopped."
"When I listened to it, I felt this book was very suitable for adaptation. If I had the chance, I'd want to film it."
"Now, I think we can film that book."
"Of course, the prerequisite is that we first find the author of this book, sign a contract with him, and have him immediately write the latter half."
"While we start filming, we'll have the author come over to be the screenwriter and quickly write the latter half. This way, it'll proceed simultaneously, and it won't be too late."
"Furthermore, since that book was unfinished and wasn't continued, I don't think anyone would buy its copyright, and our purchase price won't be high."
Chen Yang immediately nodded and said, "Okay. Since Director Yu Long has his eye on that book, we'll film this work."
"Lin Yueyu, you go back to the copyright department and continue to mobilize people to purchase copyrights. Remember to make Chen De feel the sting, make him jump with anger."
"Of course, this requires your acting skills. Don't let them see through it. After all, Chen De isn't stupid; he won't spend money for nothing."
"I'll go find the author Director Yu Long mentioned right away and bring him here. He'll follow the crew, one as a screenwriter, and the other to complete the remaining parts. The rest will prepare in secret."
"In short, we'll officially start filming in a week."
The people in the office nodded and all agreed.
As Chen Yang turned to leave, Su Ya called out to him. She frowned and walked towards Chen Yang, looking him up and down.
Chen Yang felt uneasy under Su Ya's gaze. He took a step back and said, "What are you doing? In broad daylight, and with my wife present, are you trying to make improper advances towards me?"
Su Ya pursed her lips, grabbed Chen Yang's collar, and said, "Captain Chen, you've exposed yourself this time. I find you very dishonest. You've actually installed so many hidden cameras in our Blue Sky Building, even in the storeroom."
"Tell me honestly, how many hidden cameras have you secretly installed in my office? Also, I often change clothes and sleep in the back of my office. Have you seen it all?"
"Furthermore, are the employees' temporary dormitories, including the restrooms, changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, etc., safe? Confess honestly."
After Su Ya finished speaking, Liu Xiaomei and Lin Yueyu also surrounded Chen Yang. The three women stared at him.