Chapter 8

So, sometimes revealing your bottom card is such an unwise move, as evidenced by the mournful expressions of the MBC staff.

It wasn't that Li Shenglin was being too harsh; it was simply that the MBC negotiators had no room to maneuver. Not only had their bottom card been exposed, but Li Shenglin's demands were also not excessive.

Thus, the agreement was as follows:

First, for the next two months, MBC TV would have the right to use and film at “**ALLCOFFEESHOP” (the new name).

Second, the renovation style would be decided through mutual consultation, with the main requirements coming from Director Lee Yun-jeong of MBC for key locations.

Third, the renovation costs would be borne by MBC TV.

...

N-1, MBC TV would pay 20 million won as compensation for the losses incurred during the filming period.

N, Li Shenglin would inspect his coffee shop during the filming period, provided it did not interfere with the shooting.

The last clause was strongly requested by Li Shenglin himself, as he wanted to see how a drama was filmed. To be honest, he was also a bit interested in acting. Although he wasn't good at singing or dancing when he was a trainee at YG, he always scored full marks in acting tests.

As for the N-1 clause, it was strongly requested by Director Lee Yun-jeong, perhaps to salvage her image. Li Shenglin actually thought that the shop might not even be able to operate these two months, and even if it did, it wouldn't make that much money.

But with the mindset that it's foolish to turn down money, he accepted it with a smile. After all, the cost of baby formula for Xiao Hu Hu was a significant expense for him, given his debt.

Li Shenglin had heard about the upcoming drama "Cafe Prince 1" before, as his ex-girlfriend had mentioned it, jokingly saying how nice it would be to be a "coffee prince." Later, he found out that the main character of "Cafe Prince" was a woman...

Regardless, the fact that it had been broadcast in China indicated that it was a successful drama.

...

From then on, Li Shenglin often visited the "Cafe Prince 1" set. Initially, it was out of curiosity, but later, his presence became highly anticipated.

Why? It was simple!

One night, after putting Xiao Hu Hu to sleep, he saw the crew still filming from his window. It seemed that no industry was easy to make money in. Actors might look glamorous, but they also endured a lot behind the scenes.

Feeling a bit guilty about taking 20 million won, he decided to make some waffles to treat them. He was better at making cakes, but they were time-consuming.

The cast and crew were overjoyed by Li Shenglin's visits, as it not only relieved their hunger but also gave them a break.

Especially the actress playing the lead role, Go Eun-chan, played by Yoon Eun-hye, who was almost fainting from hunger. She had earned the nickname "Maiden Warrior" on the variety show "X-MAN," partly due to the show's effects but also because she was quite strong. Being strong naturally meant a higher food intake.

At that moment, Li Shenglin's weathered uncle image immediately transformed into an angel...

"Thank you, Oppa!" Yoon Eun-hye gave Li Shenglin a big smile.

Since Li Shenglin often visited the set, everyone knew he was the owner and had become familiar with him.

When a much older sister called him "Oppa" with a sweet smile, Li Shenglin suddenly wondered if his appearance was a bit too much. But then he thought, as a father, it was better to be low-key and not too flashy.

So, he pretended to be mature and naturally patted Yoon Eun-hye's head, "You've worked hard. Keep up the good work. I'll make my specialty cake to treat you one day!"

This scene was seen by a staff member, who burst out laughing. He was the one who had negotiated with Li Shenglin and had seen his ID, so he knew how old Li Shenglin was. He was also curious why such a handsome person would dress like that.

Li Shenglin naturally knew why he was laughing and pretended not to notice, then brought the treats to Lee Yun-jeong, who was discussing with the assistant director, "Auntie, have some!"

This was a wealthy benefactor, so it was important to build a good relationship. The "**ALLCOFFEESHOP" renovation had been adjusted to accommodate his preferences, even though MBC was paying. But it was important to be grateful, and their relationship grew better.

Lee Yun-jeong also liked this nephew. They shared the same surname, and who knew how many generations ago they were related. Plus, Li Shenglin was sensible and sweet, and she was one of the few who knew about Xiao Hu Hu. She felt a bit sorry for this single father, "Is Xiao Hu Hu asleep?"

"Yes, he's been asleep for a while. This child is quite easy to take care of. He doesn't cry or fuss, and he sleeps well at night!" This wasn't Li Shenglin boasting; he knew what a three-month-old typically behaved like, and his child was indeed his own.

Suddenly, a "wah wah" cry came from Li Shenglin's pocket. To handle his frequent trips downstairs, he had set up a phone for Xiao Hu Hu, keeping it on call mode so he would know if the child cried.

At this moment, Yoon Eun-hye came over to discuss the next scene with the director. Seeing Li Shenglin about to leave, she gave him another sweet smile, "Goodbye, Oppa!"

What a polite child... His pace, already quickened by Xiao Hu Hu's cries, sped up even more...

Another person burst out laughing, leaving Yoon Eun-hye standing there, puzzled.

It wasn't until Li Shenglin became famous and some information was revealed that Yoon Eun-hye realized how embarrassing it was. She treated Li Shenglin to several big meals in retaliation.

Li Shenglin kept his word. To celebrate the drama's ratings exceeding 30%, he made a lot of his specialty cheese cakes to treat everyone, especially Yoon Eun-hye, who praised his skills, "Oppa, your skills are amazing. When you open, I'll definitely come often, remember to give me a discount!"

"Discounts hurt feelings. When you come, I'll treat you for free!"

You're a big star, how often can you come? How much can you eat? Better to build some goodwill!

This wasn't just talk. Yoon Eun-hye was already popular, and this drama pushed her to the top tier of actresses.

Seeing Yoon Eun-hye's even brighter smile, yes, indeed, a little kindness could win over Yoon Eun-hye...

After treating the crew, seeing the fans holding support signs outside, Li Shenglin suddenly felt that his coffee shop might have a bright "money" future.

While Li Shenglin was envisioning the future, he didn't notice the hint of helplessness in Yoon Eun-hye's bright smile.