Chapter 33

Guo Jingze agreed to direct "Friends" and began the preliminary preparations, which was a great joy for Li Zhengxi. Not only was it good for real life, but it was also the best possible outcome for the Devil Entertainment game.

Since the project was now officially underway, all that was left was to complete the preparations and start production. Once that happened, he would receive rewards for both screenwriting and producing. Screenwriting would earn him 2 achievement points, and producing would earn him 5, the same as the director and lead actors.

This made him incredibly happy, especially since he had only recently discovered that his unintentional actions had led to such a positive outcome. It also gave him more ideas for what to do next.

In this elated state, Li Zhengxi said goodbye to Son Ye-jin and headed to the main building of KBS.

The preliminary preparations for "Autumn in My Heart" were almost complete, including the formation of the production team, actor recruitment, location scouting, scriptwriting, and storyboarding for the first few episodes. The only thing left was to finalize the shooting schedule and plan, as well as the upcoming costume fittings and photo shoots.

Around noon, after a discussion, everyone agreed to start shooting on July 5th, which was exactly one month away.

After finishing up here, Li Zhengxi declined Park Dong-chan's invitation to dinner, which was meant to thank him for the location information. Of course, it was also an opportunity to catch up since they hadn't seen each other in a while.

However, Li Zhengxi did have something to do. He had to meet with Li Sujing and discuss their collaboration.

As soon as he arrived at the company, Li Sujing and her team arrived as well. They hadn't eaten yet, so he and Zhang Dongguo invited them to a nearby restaurant for lunch.

People are the same all over the world; eating together makes conversations more intimate and conducive to reaching agreements. Li Sujing didn't hesitate to accept.

"Did I hear that you went back to complete your doctoral thesis?" Li Sujing asked with a smile, having learned a bit about the young man in front of her. He wasn't exaggerating.

"Yes, I finally graduated," Li Zhengxi said, sounding a bit relieved, which made Li Sujing chuckle. "You sound like you're thirty-eight!"

She praised him again, "You are indeed very smart." After a pause, she glanced at Zhang Dongguo and asked, "What about your beautiful fiancée? Is she still in New York?"

Li Zhengxi felt a wave of helplessness. "She's not my fiancée, just a friend," he said, seeing Zhang Dongguo's surprised look. "She likes to joke around, and her beautiful appearance makes people more likely to believe her."

But Li Sujing didn't seem to believe him. She chuckled and said, "Is that so? But she seems to care about you a lot!" She paused, then added, "I still can't believe how beautiful she is, like an angel, and so well-behaved!"

She looked at Li Zhengxi again, puzzled. "How can you not like someone so beautiful and well-behaved? Don't men usually like pretty girls? I don't think there's anyone more beautiful than her." She became more agitated, almost making Li Zhengxi speechless. "Although it might sound presumptuous, young people often don't cherish what they have until it's gone..."

The devil, indeed, has boundless power. Li Zhengxi smiled bitterly. "Sister, I really appreciate your concern and advice, but it's a misunderstanding. It's just a joke from a mischievous girl..."

Li Sujing was taken aback, looking at Li Zhengxi for a while before laughing and shaking her head. "Look at me, I'm acting like a fool..."

Li Zhengxi waved his hand. "It's not like that..." Li Sujing interrupted with a chuckle. "I know what you mean. I was just saying that it felt more like a sister giving advice to a brother rather than discussing business..."

Everyone, including Zhang Dongguo and Jeong Soo-yeon, laughed. Only the young Jeong Soo-jung, with her big, black eyes, didn't understand and looked from one person to another.

"Alright, let me say one more thing," Li Sujing said with a smile. "In any case, such a beautiful and well-behaved person, you should try to win her heart and make her your wife..."

I want to live a few more years, Li Zhengxi thought, rolling his eyes. He couldn't help but agree, as the lady was too enthusiastic.

However, this heartfelt conversation brought everyone closer. When it came to the main topic, Li Sujing said, "To be honest, about a month ago, I took Soo-jung and Soo-yeon shopping for dresses, and we ran into a talent scout from S*M Entertainment."

She patted Jeong Soo-yeon's head and smiled. "At first, I didn't take your words seriously, but then I remembered them. Soo-yeon really wanted to try, so I decided to go to S*M Entertainment first. They were very enthusiastic and detailed in their invitation, more so than you were. But I still wanted to check out your company first, and I was disappointed by what I saw..."

Li Zhengxi shrugged. The fact that Li Sujing hadn't signed with S*M Entertainment meant there was still hope for Empire Entertainment. He smiled. "I think you've heard Mr. Zhang explain our company's policies. Most importantly, we emphasize respect for our artists..."

Li Sujing nodded with a smile, but her eyes were sharp. "Do you know why I'm still hesitant? It's not just about the contract terms or other things. It's because this company is yours. Your knowledge, talent, and cultural background, as well as your enthusiasm and methods, and even your attitude towards that beautiful girl, show that you're not a man who is swayed by beauty. That's very precious to me as a woman..."

Li Zhengxi smiled bitterly, thinking that this was another unintended benefit. But Li Sujing was serious. "I want Soo-yeon to be happy and pursue what she loves, whether I support it or not."

"I understand," Li Zhengxi nodded solemnly. "That's what every parent hopes for and works hard to achieve."

Li Sujing was impressed by his words. He continued, "We emphasize the shortest contract period and the lowest commission to reduce financial burdens. This also means less restriction. Although it might sound materialistic, sometimes people have to compromise for a living.

We also give our artists the most freedom, especially in their personal lives, to ensure they feel relaxed and free.

As for their development, we choose the best plans and provide timely support to help them achieve their goals and realize their true value. These are the things we consider, and we believe that mutual respect and understanding are the foundation of a long-term and friendly partnership, which is our company's mission."

Li Sujing nodded, then said with a smile, "That sounds great!" She watched as Li Zhengxi carefully removed the bones from a fish for Jeong Soo-jung, and when Soo-jung said, "Thank you, oppa!" she was impressed but remained calm.

"Alright, I want to hear your plan if Soo-yeon joins your company," she said, pinching Soo-jung's cheek. "This girl is still too young, so I don't plan to let her join yet!"

"Mommy!" Jeong Soo-jung, who had just returned from San Francisco, spoke with an American accent. "I want to sing and dance and be a big star!"

She felt more familiar with Li Zhengxi and held his hand. "Oppa, can you make me a big star too?"

"Of course!" Li Zhengxi pinched her cheek, feeling a bit mischievous. He composed himself and said to Li Sujing, "I don't want Soo-yeon to interrupt her studies. I'll require her to study and train simultaneously. I also promise that she will have opportunities to perform soon..."

He shrugged proudly. "I told you I have two scripts in progress. Now, I believe Mrs. Li will keep this a secret, but I have another project underway. This shows that we have the capability to provide Soo-yeon with more and better opportunities for growth, not just monotonous training."

These words were aimed at both S*M Entertainment and Li Sujing. She naturally hoped that Jeong Soo-yeon would achieve academic success like Li Zhengxi and quickly gain fame after joining the company.

It might seem greedy, but Li Zhengxi could meet these conditions and more, including the superior conditions she had learned about from other companies.

The only drawback was that Empire Entertainment was just starting, but as Li Sujing said, she valued Li Zhengxi's character and potential. His mention of a third project also reinforced this.

After a month of careful consideration, Li Sujing no longer hesitated. She smiled at Li Zhengxi and then said to Jeong Soo-yeon, "Soo-yeon, you should listen to Oppa Zhengxi from now on..."

Indeed, she was not simple, using the "oppa" title to build a closer relationship. However, Li Zhengxi was not a devil, and his goals were beyond what Li Sujing could imagine.

Li Sujing's words also meant that his superstar cultivation plan had taken another step forward! PS: Don't forget to follow and support!

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