Jiang Li set the date to meet Du Shiming on the same day. The other party readily accepted, saying that they must have a good talk in person. He also mentioned that he still owed her a meal for asking her to help before.
At 8:30 that morning, Jiang Li was already awake. After having breakfast together and tidying up, Sister Chen and Jiang Li set off.
Before leaving, Sister Chen said hello to Xiao Ye and Jing Yi, telling them that they wouldn't be back for lunch and they should sort out their own meals.
As soon as they got in the car, Sister Chen opened her phone to check the location sent by Du Shiming while habitually reporting and arranging work: "Mr. Du has already sent me a copy of the relevant contract terms and benefits. I've reviewed them for you. There are no major problems, and the benefits are quite generous."
"How does it compare to before?"
Sister Chen couldn't help laughing and didn't hide it from her: "It can't be compared."
Before, Jiang Li was a top - tier star, a sought - after target for luxury and high - end brands. She actually earned far more from brand endorsements than from acting fees.
Now she was in a state of being semi - hidden and semi - retired from the circle, with basically no ongoing collaborations.
After signing the contract for the stage play in the future, besides the basic salary given by Du Shiming in the contract, if she wanted to earn more, it would purely depend on the number of performances and the attendance rate.
"Fortunately, the other party is generous, and the profit - sharing ratio for you is quite high. Coupled with the fact that the stage - play market in Huacheng is quite good. If you are cultivated into the leading actress of the troupe later, the potential in the future will also be considerable."
Jiang Li laughed: "I'm just a half - baked amateur. How could I be the leading actress?"
Bored in the car, Sister Chen was browsing the latest entertainment news, while Jiang Li was also looking down at her phone.
Seeing the financial news pop up with the name "Xiao Yanzhi" in extra - large and bold font, she subconsciously wanted to click to read the content.
But her finger stopped in the air for a few seconds just before touching the screen. Suddenly, she came to her senses.
She directly swiped left and pressed the red "Delete" button.
It had nothing to do with her.
For the rest of the time, she couldn't focus on anything. She just unconsciously swiped back and forth between several screens.
It wasn't until the car stopped.
Since Du Shiming said he would treat Jiang Li to a meal, he naturally set the location in a restaurant.
Flower Blossom Villa.
Du Shiming was waiting for her at the door. When he saw her and Sister Chen getting out of the car, he immediately walked over to greet them. Jiang Li smiled and said there was no need to be so polite, as it made her a bit uncomfortable.
Du Shiming didn't mind and just smiled cheerfully. There was still a hint of apology in his smile: "I was not thoughtful enough last time. Please forgive me, Miss Jiang. Don't take it to heart."
"Mr. Du was just following orders. I understand." Jiang Li nodded and said softly. The meaning in her words was self - evident.
She wasn't a petty person, and naturally didn't blame him for what had happened last time.
This circle was just like this. People took money and did things according to others' orders. One day they might be humble to someone, and the next day they might trample that person under their feet.
It was always good to leave some leeway for future encounters.
"Miss Jiang, Mr. Sheng is waiting for you." Du Shiming led Jiang Li towards the private room while reminding her.
Jiang Li was stunned. Although a bit surprised, she also felt it was reasonable.
Since it was Sheng Shuocheng's idea to sign her into the stage - play troupe, they were bound to meet.
Although she had prepared herself mentally, her palms still began to sweat.
Du Shiming pushed open the door and invited her and Sister Chen in: "Please come in, both of you."
Jiang Li stepped in.
The atmosphere in the private room was very elegant. There was a scent in the air that was a blend of tea and flower fragrance.
This nerve - soothing aroma greatly relaxed her tension.
"Good morning, Mr. Sheng."
Sheng Shuocheng was sitting in the main chair. There was already a cup of tea brewed in front of him.
Judging from the steam rising from the teacup, he should have been waiting for a while.
Jiang Li stood still and looked at Sheng Shuocheng, who exuded an air of authority. Her expression remained calm, showing neither flattery nor joy.
She said calmly: "If Mr. Sheng had informed me in advance that you were coming, I would have arrived earlier with my assistant. I'm really surprised to see you suddenly."
"Please forgive me if I say anything inappropriate later."
Sheng Shuocheng's hand that was about to pick up the teacup paused.
Then he slowly raised his eyes and fixed his gaze on Jiang Li's face. Looking at her cold - looking face, he remembered one of the online comments that impressed him deeply -
The unattainable rose on the high mountain.
He couldn't help shaking his head and smiling. He thought this comment was really appropriate.
"Are you still angry about what happened last time?"
Sheng Shuocheng asked her and poured another cup of tea, then pushed it forward: "I didn't investigate clearly about your visit to Mrs. Cheng Yingchun last time. Let's bury the hatchet with this cup of tea."
Jiang Li smiled indifferently and didn't continue to act high - and - mighty. She walked over and took the cup of tea.
She knew in her heart that she had guessed right again.
At first, Jiang Li couldn't figure out why Sheng Shuocheng would take the initiative to offer her the opportunity to be a stage - play actress. But after observing Du Shiming's attitude towards her, she understood.
The way subordinates treated others mostly depended on the attitude of their superiors.
Du Shiming was, after all, the boss of Baijiao, but he was so eager to greet her at the restaurant door. At least half of her worries were gone.
When she saw Sheng Shuocheng pouring tea for her, she was completely at ease.
This time, Mr. Sheng was here to return her favor.
"Xiao Du." After they finished their tea, Sheng Shuocheng called Du Shiming in: "Today you're here to discuss the signing with Miss Jiang. I'm just here for the fun. Don't be nervous."
He said calmly and slowly poured himself another cup of tea.
Du Shiming rarely saw the big boss in a year. Now, under the boss's nose, he was so nervous that sweat was about to break out on his forehead.
He responded and walked over to take a look at Jiang Li. She was much calmer than he was.
It made him feel ashamed of himself.
Du Shiming lowered his head, silently raised his hand, pretending to tidy his hair, and gently wiped the sweat with his cuff.
"Then, Miss Jiang, shall we start?"
...
It had to be said that this agreement really took good care of Jiang Li. Whether it was the work intensity or the treatment and income, it was very friendly to her.
She would perform once a month, and the pay would be doubled for additional temporary performances. If the actress received advertising cooperation, she didn't need to apply to the company or share the income with it.
It was so lenient that if she wanted to leave, she only needed to give one - month notice.
Sister Chen thought in her heart that this was the least profit - oriented contract she had ever handled.
Jiang Li asked clearly about all the terms, then turned to talk to Sister Chen. After confirming everything was correct, she solemnly signed her name.
Du Shiming took the contract, smiled broadly, and reached out his hand: "Congratulations, Miss Jiang."