Chapter 66

Standing before them was the renowned North City Restaurant. This was the first place where Xiaoming and Mi Hu met Gong Cheng'en and Wang Qianqian, but the meeting was intercepted by Wang Qianqian halfway, and it never happened. Unexpectedly, they were here again today. Liu Jingteng was secretly criticizing the consistent taste of the Gong brothers, but Wang Qianqian quickly pointed out the truth: "Isn't it just because your family has some shares here? You can't avoid it."

Gong Cheng'en smiled without a word. The waiter at the restaurant entrance greeted them with a warm smile, walked up to Gong Cheng'en, and asked, "Sir, would you like to park your car?"

Gong Cheng'en nodded and then said to the two, "Let's go in."

As the saying goes, a person's reputation is like a tree's shadow, and the restaurant's brand. North City Restaurant dominated the national dining scene, not only because of its impeccable service but also due to its well-designed interior and elegant ambiance, which showcased a low-key luxury. However, for Liu Jingteng, these things didn't mean much. His easy-going nature, combined with the influence of countless works in his mind, gradually formed a sense of detachment from the outside world.

Clearly, reading more books can truly change a person's character, bringing them closer to the essence of the world, seeing things more clearly, and unburdening their hearts, making them more carefree. Ultimately, he realized that as the world's greatest brand, there was no need to rely too much on external "brands."

However, the front desk staff seemed to lack this awareness. Seeing the three of them, especially Liu Jingteng's casual streetwear, she politely reminded them, "The minimum per person consumption here is 2,500 yuan..."

Before she could finish, Gong Cheng'en took out a card from his clothes and handed it over. The female waiter's expression changed slightly, and she respectfully returned the card, stepped aside, and gestured for them to enter, saying, "Young Master Gong, this way, please."

Gong Cheng'en smiled and let Wang Qianqian go first. Wang Qianqian sneered and walked ahead. Liu Jingteng, unfamiliar and unaccustomed to such formalities, followed Wang Qianqian without any pretense, thanks to Gong Cheng'en's courtesy.

Gong Chengpin had booked a private room called Yishi Ju. The female waiter led the three to the elevator, where two other female waiters, walking in a standardized manner, opened the elevator for them and then led them to the private room.

Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, a large room came into view. In the center was a huge round table. A young man in a black suit was sitting opposite the door, talking on the phone. A few sofas were placed in the southwest corner of the round table, and about ten steps to the east was a rectangular wooden table, where another young male waiter stood.

The young man in the black suit was none other than Gong Chengpin, the third generation's most outstanding representative of the Gong family.

Gong Chengpin, realizing someone had entered, sped up his phone conversation, "Just set it up like this, we'll discuss the other matters tonight." He then hung up, stood up, and walked towards Liu Jingteng.

Although Liu Jingteng had gradually reached a state of indifference since coming to this world, he couldn't help but admire, "As the head of a wealthy family, Gong Chengpin's social skills are truly refined to an unexpected level."

"I am Cheng'en's older brother, Gong Chengpin." When he was three steps away from Liu Jingteng, Gong Chengpin extended his hand. Liu Jingteng, completely unaccustomed to such social formalities, couldn't help but want to laugh but ultimately extended his hand to shake Gong Chengpin's.

"Please sit."

After the initial handshake, Gong Chengpin took on the role of the host and asked, "Mr. Gu, do you have any preferences or dietary restrictions?"

Liu Jingteng, although it was his first time at such a high-end restaurant, had seen similar scenes in movies and novels, and smiled, "I'm not very familiar with this place, but I don't have any dietary restrictions. Mr. Gong, please order whatever you like."

Gong Chengpin neither pressed further nor made any unnecessary explanations, nodded slightly, and then called the waiter to take the order.

Liu Jingteng sat quietly, observing the few people. When Gong Chengpin was ordering, his voice was low, and he casually described the dishes and their preparation methods while pointing at the menu. Gong Cheng'en smiled at Wang Qianqian, who, unusually, appeared calm, looking up at the silver chandelier above the round table.

Soon, Gong Chengpin finished ordering, closed the menu, and handed it to the waiter. He then looked at Liu Jingteng and said, "I recently read Mr. Gu's 'The White-Haired Lady,' and I was deeply impressed. Mr. Gu, at such a young age, has such remarkable talent, which is truly commendable."

Liu Jingteng, not wanting to be overly modest, simply said, "Thank you."

"It's not an exaggeration," Gong Chengpin said, glancing at his younger brother, "At first, when Xiao'en told me Mr. Gu was under twenty, I didn't believe it. Now I realize it was my ignorance."

Liu Jingteng smiled modestly, noticing Wang Qianqian looking out the window, while Gong Cheng'en was smiling at him.

"Xiao'en didn't mention it, but the reason we've asked Mr. Gu to come here today is to discuss a collaboration."

Liu Jingteng thought, "As expected." He didn't pretend and said, "Mr. Gong, are you referring to 'The White-Haired Lady'?"

"Partly, but not entirely," Gong Chengpin said sincerely, with his characteristic firm tone, "I hope to establish a long-term collaboration with Mr. Gu. Since I can see that Mr. Gu doesn't like beating around the bush, I'll be straightforward. I want to secure the exclusive rights to adapt Mr. Gu's future works for film and television."

This statement surprised everyone, including Wang Qianqian, who had been looking out the window.

Liu Jingteng thought, "This Gong Chengpin is indeed skilled in negotiation, recognizing my straightforward nature and being so direct."

"Of course, this exclusive right will have a time limit and will not be permanent. Mr. Gu can rest assured. Additionally, I can guarantee that any adaptation will respect the original work."

"Um, I'm not very familiar with these matters, but I've already agreed to let 'The White-Haired Lady' be adapted by Gong Ershao. As for future collaborations, I haven't really considered it."

As Liu Jingteng spoke, Gong Chengpin listened intently. When Liu Jingteng finished, Gong Chengpin thought for a moment and asked, "Is Mr. Gu concerned about the exclusivity?"

Liu Jingteng shook his head and smiled bitterly, "Not concerned, but rather, not accustomed. In fact, as we grow up, we face too many certificates, rules, and contracts. I really don't like it."

"I understand Mr. Gu's point," Gong Chengpin said, seeming to empathize, "But in a society based on contracts, we don't have many other choices."

"In martial arts novels, gentlemen value their promises, so cooperation doesn't necessarily rely on contracts," Wang Qianqian, who had been silent, suddenly interjected.

Gong Chengpin frowned slightly, took a sip of tea, and said calmly, "Times have changed, and so have the ways of handling issues."

"It's just an excuse for people to break their promises nowadays."

"It's a system and a rule."

Gong Cheng'en quickly intervened, "Brother, Gu Shao is not yet sixteen, so he can't sign a contract."

"That's a minor issue. From what I understand, Mr. Gu has a long-term collaboration with Qianhong. As long as Mr. Gu agrees, Qianhong can handle the other matters. I know Mr. Lu as well."

Liu Jingteng felt disinterested. Even though he knew that if he agreed, the Gong family's eldest son, who acted like a textbook, would offer him a lot, he really didn't want to enter these circles so early. He could foresee that one day, even if these people didn't come to him, he would actively seek to promote some things. But he was still under eighteen.

Gong Chengpin turned to Liu Jingteng again and said, "And Mr. Gu must know that with the development of film and television media, the main consumer group is increasingly focused on screens. After our collaboration, we can establish a virtuous cycle. The popularity of the novel will benefit the adaptation, and the adaptation will, in turn, promote the novel's sales. Additionally, since we are taking the exclusive rights, all the losses incurred will be borne by us."

The last sentence essentially meant, "Sign an exclusive contract with us, and we'll give you a lot of money."

It seemed there was no reason to refuse, but refusing would seem hasty. Liu Jingteng had a set plan for promoting his novel, but as the novel was gradually released, some unavoidable side effects followed. At this moment, he lacked real experience.

"I can feel Mr. Gong's sincerity," Liu Jingteng was about to politely decline when his phone rang, fittingly, "Excuse me."

Gong Chengpin smiled and nodded, indicating that he could take the call.

Liu Jingteng took out his phone and saw that the number was from his dorm.

"Hello, what's wrong?"

"Jingteng, it's Sun Xinyang," the voice on the phone sounded anxious and helpless, "Um, Su Nanhong's mother's condition has suddenly worsened, and the surgery has to be moved up. I..."

"Wait, I'll be right back."

Liu Jingteng hung up and said solemnly, "A dormmate has an emergency, and I need to go back immediately. I'm very, very sorry."

Gong Chengpin's expression didn't change, and he said, "No problem, let Xiao'en take you."

"Thank you again for the trouble."

Gong Chengpin shook his head and said, "Mr. Gu can carefully consider my proposal and contact me through Xiao'en if you have any thoughts."

"I will. I'll treat Mr. Gong to a meal next time." (To be continued.)