After Being Betrayed I Married the Glamorous CEO-Chapter 251: Fight Fire with Fire!

Wen Ruyue’s expression changed dramatically, her face filled with anguish. Just for a signature, fifty million? Who would willingly spit out such a juicy morsel once it was already in their mouth?

She was playing coy, making it clear she wanted a bigger bite.

"Hold on." Wen Ruyue stood up, revealing what she believed to be an intellectual smile. "This matter hasn’t reached a point where there’s nothing left to discuss.

"It’s rare for you two to find the time to meet with me. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to collaborate just because of a few words, right?

"Moreover, my standing in the industry is there for all to see. Not just anyone gets the chance to meet me.

"You two should cherish this!

"This is one of the very few opportunities I’m giving you. Miss this chance, and you won’t get another!"

Wen Ruyue gestured for Shen Fanyun and Zhan Feng to sit back down.

Li Juan also looked extremely anxious. This is a huge deal! A fool has finally shown up. It would be a waste not to swindle him. People with more money than sense are getting rarer these days.

"Miss Wen, we are well aware of your status. That’s why we feel that a fifty-million signing fee is too meager."

"We’re almost ashamed to offer it, alas."

Zhan Feng covered his face, his expression apologetic, like a primary school student who had done something wrong, full of guilt and self-reproach.

Shen Fanyun sneered inwardly. This guy is really putting on a show. The key is that he’s got Wen Ruyue completely bamboozled and utterly convinced.

"Indeed, a fifty-million signing fee for Sister Wen is just a friendship price. We’re showing you the utmost respect," Li Juan chimed in.

"I told you! Fifty million is just too disrespectful. Let’s go, let’s go." Zhan Feng made to leave again. Li Juan watched, dumbfounded, still unsure who the real boss was here.

Both Li Juan and Wen Ruyue were left completely speechless.

"Who gave you permission to speak? Shut your mouth, you insolent little thing," Wen Ruyue scolded. If this signing fee is blown because of her, I’ll kill this little assistant on the spot.

Li Juan jumped in fright and immediately fell silent.

"You two..." Wen Ruyue had just started to speak when she realized she didn’t know how to address Shen Fanyun and Zhan Feng.

Fortunately, Li Juan leaned in and saved Wen Ruyue from the awkward moment.

"This is Mr. Shen."

"As you know, I, Wen Ruyue, am currently at the absolute top of the domestic scene. I wouldn’t even consider the usual rates."

"The figure of fifty million..." Wen Ruyue deliberately paused, then carefully watched Shen Fanyun’s facial expression.

Shen Fanyun maintained his smile, showing no change whatsoever.

Wen Ruyue knew that a situation like this required some haggling. She couldn’t put herself at a disadvantage, but she also couldn’t push too hard, lest she lose this wealthy patron. Fifty million really isn’t a small amount. But who isn’t greedy? He’s spending so lavishly... perhaps with a little more negotiation, I could squeeze another thirty or fifty million out of him. This is just the signing fee! Simply writing my name earns me tens of millions. Who wouldn’t be tempted? Who could possibly resist?

"It seems Miss Wen has another figure in mind. Please, feel free to speak up," Shen Fanyun finally said. He gave a brilliant, harmless-looking smile.

Wen Ruyue’s eyes lit up, but she maintained her composure. "Indeed."

"My expectation is..." Wen Ruyue raised one finger.

"One hundred million!"

Talk about an outrageous demand. A single signature, and one hundred million would be hers. Was it really this easy to make money in the entertainment industry?

"Alright, I agree," Shen Fanyun nodded. Anyway, it’s all just lip service. I don’t actually have to spend any money. Let’s play along!

"You agreed?" Wen Ruyue exclaimed, the sudden happiness catching her completely off guard.

She had assumed Shen Fanyun would bring out his Dragon-slaying Saber to bargain, eventually reaching an agreement for a price slightly over fifty million.

How could he have agreed so readily? 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Wen Ruyue was so excited she wanted to stand up and give Shen Fanyun a big kiss. What a tycoon!

"Um..." To her dismay, Shen Fanyun paused again. Wen Ruyue’s heart tightened. After all, they were still in the negotiation phase, and nothing was set in stone.

"Are there any other concerns?" Wen Ruyue quickly calmed herself, staring nervously at Shen Fanyun.

After a long pause, Shen Fanyun said slowly, "Miss Wen, for this collaboration, you will be the main supporting actress. We’ve already cast someone else for the female lead."

"I don’t suppose you mind?"

"I don’t mind," Wen Ruyue said with a grand wave of her hand. In this day and age, whoever paid was king. Nothing else mattered.

Besides, what was wrong with being the main supporting actress? It meant more money for less work, and it wouldn’t affect her standing in the industry.

When the show eventually aired, she could just hire some online shills to praise her for gracefully stepping aside and generously promoting a newcomer. She could still reap both fame and fortune. In the entertainment industry, you have to play to your strengths, finding different angles to ensure a continuous flow of accolades and popularity.

"That’s good." Shen Fanyun shot Zhan Feng a look.

Zhan Feng immediately pulled out a photo of Lu Feiyan. "This is our female lead."

"Hm?" Wen Ruyue’s expression instantly darkened, though she didn’t let it show.

She looked thoughtfully at Shen Fanyun. "Are you playing with me?"

"Hm?" Shen Fanyun feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"

"This newcomer has been mired in negative press recently. Moreover, she’s been accused of plagiarism and refuses to apologize. You dare to cast someone with such a flawed character as the female lead?"

"Somehow, I feel that you two have an ulterior motive."

Shen Fanyun had originally planned to settle things with Wen Ruyue today, but after their conversation, he had a new idea: to give them a taste of their own medicine.

"We’ve investigated. She’s innocent," Shen Fanyun replied.

"Hm?" Wen Ruyue frowned again. "I will not work with someone whose character is so flawed. Either you replace her, or our negotiations end here."

"My status is above being associated with someone like that!"

"You’re willing to give up one hundred million that easily?" Shen Fanyun asked with a smirk.

Wen Ruyue was left speechless.

One hundred million. Even if it was tainted, it was still a solid one hundred million, and that was just the signing fee. The salary and subsequent income would surely be several times that amount. Of course, that was all assuming Shen Fanyun was genuinely investing.

"I need to think about it," Wen Ruyue said after a long silence.

"Alright." Shen Fanyun nodded and deliberately said to Zhan Feng, "Let’s go talk to the next person on our list."

Wen Ruyue was stunned into silence.

Are there other candidates besides me? If I refuse so forcefully, someone else will just snatch up this prize. Wouldn’t that be a huge loss? This involves one hundred million, and possibly even more.

"How about... how about we just sign? You can send me the contract this afternoon." Wen Ruyue didn’t dare to haggle any longer; she couldn’t bear to lose the opportunity.

If she pushed her act too far and Shen Fanyun really walked away, she wouldn’t be able to accept such a loss.