The Young Miss Refuse To Love-Chapter 114: Director Tang

"What do you think?" He Zeqing asked as he leaned back against the plush couch, his tone casual yet tinged with anticipation.

Rarely did his face display such a proud expression, but today was an exception. His gaze settled on the middle-aged man seated opposite him—Director Tang, a name well-known in the industry. This was the very director he had mentioned to Qi Jianyi during their conversation a few days ago.

Director Tang, however, seemed too absorbed in the manuscript before him to respond. The thick bundle of papers in his hands appeared to have completely captured his attention. When he first received He Zeqing’s unexpected visit and invitation, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of surprise. After all, they had never crossed paths before, much less worked together.

But after reading the synopsis of this manuscript, Director Tang realised why He Zeqing had to personally come to offer him. Because the manuscript he received this time was very shocking, unlike the previous manuscript he received.

The story was extraordinary. The synopsis alone had a gripping allure that stirred his imagination. It wasn’t simply good—it was captivating. In his years of experience, Director Tang had encountered countless manuscripts, some decent, others forgettable. But this was different. This was a manuscript that had the potential to redefine his career.

As expected, anyone that can make He Zeqing involved himself was obviously not a normal person. The way the author writes the synopsis has already managed to catch Director Tang’s heart. Let alone if he were given the time to read the whole story.

Now, the only thought swirling in his mind was a selfish one: he needed to secure this project. His initial curiosity about building connections with He Zeqing had all but vanished, replaced by an overwhelming desire to fully immerse himself in this story.

Naturally, as a president, He Zeqing noticed the greediness and impatience in Director Tang’s eyes? But instead of feeling offended, he felt more proud with Director Tang’s attitude. If even a seasoned professional like Director Tang could lose himself in the manuscript, it spoke volumes about the quality of Qi Jianyi’s work.

"President He, who is the author? As expected, you are really a person with good eyes.. May I know where you find this person? I’ve only read the synopsis, but I can already tell it’s an exceptionally well-crafted story. If adapted into a drama, it’s sure to be a massive hit!" Director Tang didn’t forget to flatter He Zeqing. Since he really wanted to make this manuscript his work, it’s only right for him to flatter He Zeqing, the very person who brought the manuscript to him.

Director Tang believed that with this story, his past failure will be overshadowed and he will get his fame back.

However, Director Tang was destined to be disappointed because He Zeqing refused to tell him who was the author of the manuscript. He Zeqing shook his head slightly and continued to ask the director about his opinion.

"Don’t ask who the author is. She prefers to remain anonymous. For now, you can refer to her as Miss Yi. What I need from you, Director Tang, is your professional opinion. Can you bring this story to life?" he glanced at Director Tang seriously. Anyway, this is his cousin’s first work so of course, he wanted to do his best.

If Director Tang failed to meet his expectations, He Zeqing did not hesitate to look for another director. After all, what the industry lacked least was the director.

And for Qi Jianyi’s alias, she decided to use the ’Yi’ in her name. After all, this world was different from her real world where she directly used her name.

As soon as He Zeqing finished asking, Director Tang hurriedly nodded his head expressing his ambitions. "President He, don’t worry. You can trust me that I will really do my best and bring out the best live action of this story. I really want to take this job, please entrust this to me." he said humbly.

Although part of the reason why Director Tang wanted to accept this offer was to change his bad reputation before. However, this only occupied a small part of his reason. The main reason was because he found it a pity if this story be published as a novel instead of drama.

Though usually novels have more fans than drama, Director Tang really feels that this kind of heart wrenching story which suited novel best should really be published as drama. Because, if the author decided to publish a novel and adapted it as a drama in the future, it might receive backlash.

Because readers usually have unimaginable expectations towards the main characters especially the male lead. So, Director Tang felt that it’s better for them to directly do a drama and not take the ’popular’ route. Because not every adaptation of a novel to a drama story becomes successful.

Unbeknownst to Director Tang, his thoughts actually aligned with Qi Jianyi who had a slight trauma with a novel adaptation to a drama. Thus, it became the sole reason why she insisted on adapting the story directly to drama instead of taking the usual route.

However, Director Tang was so full of himself. He really didn’t think that if he rejected this story, He Zeqing would just go and find another director.

Seeing the serious expression on Director Tang’s face, He Zeqing knew that he was really interested in Qi Jianyi’s manuscript. Her hard work will be safe in Director Tang’s hand.

Since he achieved what he originally wanted to, He Zeqing flashed a satisfied smile and quickly expressed his thoughts. "Director Tang, don’t be so nervous. Since I come to you first, naturally it is good if you accept my offer. Now, it seems that you really like the manuscript, and Miss Yi and I also admired your past work. With you accepting our offer, it’s a win-win situation for us both."

Director Tang hurried and nodded his head to express his satisfaction. "Thank you to President Tang and Miss Yi for your belief in me. I promise I will not let both of you down." he bowed slightly to show his gratitude.

"Although we really want to start this project as soon as possible. However, due to some circumstances, Miss Yi has a few conditions that she hopes Director Tang can abide by." He Zeqing slowly talked about Qi Jianyi’s previous conditions.

Director Tang looked confused, but he didn’t bother to think too much about it and hurriedly asked He Zeqing to explain in detail.

"It’s like this, Miss Yi really wanted to turn this manuscript into a drama, but she couldn’t show herself publicly. So, first and foremost, I hope you can hide her identity from others in the future. After all, it’s inevitable that you two will meet in the future." In fact, He Zeqing didn’t really know why Qi Jianyi refused to show herself. But he respected her choice and willingly protected her from the public.

But, no matter how much he could protect Qi Jianyi from the eye of the public. It is still necessary for her to meet with Director Tang in the future. After all, director’s best partner in production is his screenwriter.

Since Qi Jianyi refused to be in the process, they would have to hire someone else to be a screenwriter to adjust the manuscript in the future. Still, it’s best for Director Tang to meet with the owner of the manuscript he is going to work on.

"I understand. Since Miss Yi doesn’t want to be known, I will try my best to protect her privacy from the eyes of others in the future." Director Tang has no objection with the first condition. After all, this was not the first time he met with anonymous authors.

He has been in the filming industry for almost a decade. He has met countless people. Some of them would do anything to achieve fame. While a minority of them refused to be known and chose to remain anonymous.

He Zeqing nodded in satisfaction, and then proceeded with the next condition. "That’s good. Then, the next one is a bit difficult. Miss Yi has a very high standard for the actors who will play the characters in the story. So she hopes you will let her choose which actors to be casted. The audition will be set into two rooms, one with you and the others, the second will be her alone which means the actors that come to audition will have to do it twice. Although this seemed to be a bit messy, still, Miss Yi has her own ideas. I hope you can agree to this." While talking about this particular condition, He Zeqing lowered his tone and slowly explained to Director Tang in detail.

Hearing the second condition, Director Tang couldn’t help but frown for a while. He really thought that this condition was a bit troublesome. Because, since Miss Yi wants to choose her own actors, what is the use of them joining in the fun too? Wouldn’t it be better to let her audition them alone?

Naturally, Director Tang has no objection that Qi Jianyi wants to choose the actors herself. After all, like He Zeqing, he also believed that the author was the one who knows their characters best and it’s only right for her to do so. But, opening two rooms and letting the actors audition twice, they might receive complaints from other companies later.

Director Tang tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully, his frown deepening as he processed the second condition. "President He, I understand Miss Yi’s reasoning. After all, the author’s connection to the characters is unmatched, and I can see why she would want to make the final call on casting. But don’t you think having two separate auditions might create unnecessary complications? Especially with the actors having to perform twice?"

He Zeqing’s expression remained calm, but there was a steely resolve in his tone. "I understand your concerns, Director Tang, but this condition is non-negotiable. Miss Yi has been very clear about what she needs to ensure the characters are portrayed faithfully. If actors find the process too troublesome, then they’re not the right fit for this project. We’re looking for talent that aligns with Miss Yi’s vision, not just those who breeze through standard auditions."

Director Tang sighed, still feeling the weight of the potential backlash. "I’ll follow her wishes, of course. But it might be better to manage expectations from the start. If we communicate the reasoning behind the process clearly to the participants, they might be more understanding. This way, we can minimize complaints or bad press."

He Zeqing nodded, appreciating the director’s pragmatism. "That’s fair. We’ll draft a detailed announcement for the auditions, emphasizing that this process is part of our commitment to quality and authenticity. We’ll make it clear that this project isn’t just another drama—it’s a story that demands exceptional performances."

Director Tang’s lips curved into a faint smile. "With such a unique story, I doubt many actors will walk away from the opportunity, no matter how unusual the audition process. The script alone will attract serious contenders."

"That’s exactly what we’re counting on," He Zeqing replied, his voice tinged with pride. "Miss Yi’s work deserves nothing less than the best. And once you read the full manuscript, you’ll understand why her standards are so high."

Though still a bit hesitant about the logistics, Director Tang ultimately agreed. "Alright, President He. I’ll make sure everything is set up as requested. The separate room for Miss Yi will be discreet but comfortable, and we’ll ensure the actors are informed in advance."

Satisfied, He Zeqing leaned back, the hint of a smile on his face. "Good. Then let’s move forward with the preparations. I’ll inform Miss Yi of your cooperation. I’m sure she’ll be relieved to know her story is in capable hands."

Director Tang nodded. Though he still found the arrangement a bit unconventional, he couldn’t deny the growing excitement within him. This story had the potential to be a game-changer—for both him and the industry.

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