The Young Miss Refuse To Love-Chapter 118: The first meeting

"Let him join us," Qi Jianyi echoed decisively, clearly siding with Song Chengfeng. If he was so eager to spend his money on her project, she saw no reason to stop him.

It was a simple matter—there was no harm in having additional support, especially when it came from someone who genuinely cared about her.

He Zeqing frowned, clearly annoyed by her stance, but ultimately chose not to argue further. Deep down, he recognized that his earlier attempt to monopolize the project was a bit excessive.

And since it was Song Chengfeng—someone he begrudgingly admitted was different from the average shady investor—he couldn’t muster the same level of resistance.

After all, as much as he disliked the guy, he had to acknowledge that Song Chengfeng wasn’t the type to interfere unnecessarily. If anything, his involvement was driven purely by a desire to see Qi Jianyi succeed, ensuring her vision was realized exactly as she wanted it.

"Whatever," He Zeqing muttered, shifting his focus back to the project. "It will take at least two days for Director Tang to organize his production team. When everything’s ready, I’ll call you to meet him. After that, I estimate we can distribute your manuscripts and the audition conditions to other companies. We’ll give the actors some time to prepare before opening auditions the following week," he explained succinctly, detailing the plan he had discussed earlier with Director Tang.

Qi Jianyi listened carefully, nodding in agreement. She had no objections. The timeline he proposed fit perfectly into her schedule, as her semester break meant she had plenty of free time.

"Sure," she replied. "I’m available, so just call me whenever you need me."

"I also mentioned to Director Tang that we’ll need to bring in another screenwriter to help revise your manuscript," He Zeqing continued, his tone turning serious.

"Since you don’t want to meet them directly, just explain to him what you don’t want changed. Once the screenwriter has made revisions, I’ll send the updated version to you for approval."

Though she was already familiar with the process, Qi Jianyi patiently listened to her cousin’s explanation. She understood that he took extra care with her project because it was her debut work, and she appreciated his effort, even if it came with an endless stream of instructions.

"I’ll take note of that," she said calmly. Then, as if remembering something, she added, "Make sure to distribute the manuscript and audition details to all entertainment companies—not just the big ones. Even the smaller companies should get a chance."

Her emphasis on inclusivity didn’t go unnoticed. She understood that sometimes hidden talent could be found in the most unexpected places, and she wasn’t willing to overlook any opportunity to discover it.

He Zeqing nodded, his expression serious. "I know," he replied simply, acknowledging her request.

"However," he continued after a brief pause, "Jianyi, if we’re casting a wide net to find hidden talent, a lot of actors might show up for the audition. Are you sure you’ll be able to handle it?" His voice carried a note of concern, making it clear what he was worried about.

Qi Jianyi understood his concern immediately. It wasn’t about her abilities, but her health. Not only was he worried, but she herself occasionally wondered whether her body could handle long hours. However, she couldn’t afford to show hesitation now.

"I’ll be fine," she reassured him with a small smile. "It’s not like I’ll be the one acting. I’ll just sit and watch the auditions. Besides," she added, casting a glance at Song Chengfeng, "Chengfeng will be with me."

For once, He Zeqing didn’t argue or push back. Instead, he nodded in approval, his demeanor unexpectedly cooperative. He seemed oddly relieved at the mention of Song Chengfeng’s presence.

He Zeqing’s reaction puzzled Qi Jianyi. She had fully expected him to make a fuss, as was his usual habit. Yet here he was, looking satisfied instead of annoyed.

Unbeknownst to her, He Zeqing’s relief stemmed from knowing that Song Chengfeng would be there to watch over her. While he wasn’t thrilled about their relationship, he knew that Song Chengfeng wouldn’t let her overexert herself. If anyone could ensure she didn’t push her limits, it was him.

"I’ll let the team arrange everything," He Zeqing said, his tone unexpectedly calm.

Qi Jianyi blinked, momentarily dumbfounded. She had braced herself for another round of arguments, yet here he was, accepting the arrangement without complaint.

She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it. Whatever was going through He Zeqing’s mind, it wasn’t worth overanalyzing. For now, she was content with his cooperation.

...

Two days later.

Qi Jianyi sat gracefully in the meeting room of He Zeqing’s company, a quiet air of confidence surrounding her. He Zeqing had chosen to hold the first official meeting between her and Director Tang here, ensuring that everything proceeded smoothly. The contract, meticulously prepared by He Zeqing himself, rested on the table before her.

Although she trusted her cousin implicitly, Qi Jianyi had always been meticulous when it came to details. Her habit of reviewing every clause and provision stemmed from a deep-seated caution—born from the fear of being taken advantage of in the past.

Her sharp eyes scanned the document, absorbing its contents as the ticking of the clock echoed softly in the background.

After a few minutes, the sound of the meeting room door opening drew her attention. She looked up to see He Zeqing entering, followed closely by a middle-aged man with a composed demeanor and a touch of authority in his stride.

It wasn’t difficult for Qi Jianyi to deduce that this was Director Tang.

As the two men approached, Qi Jianyi rose from her seat, her expression polite yet composed. A faint smile graced her lips—neither too warm nor too distant, but perfectly balanced. He Zeqing, catching her eye, wasted no time in making the introductions.

"Jianyi, this is Director Tang, the man I mentioned to you before," he said with a nod toward the director. Then, turning to his companion, he added, "Director, this is my cousin, Qi Jianyi, the author of His Last Mission."

Qi Jianyi extended her hand with poise, her calm demeanor betraying no sign of nervousness. Her movements were smooth and deliberate, reflecting the confidence of someone who had been raised to handle high-stakes situations with grace.

Director Tang, however, paused ever so slightly, caught off guard by her introduction. His eyes flickered with recognition—not of her as an author, but of her identity.

The surname Qi.

It wasn’t an ordinary name, especially when tied to He Zeqing. It was widely known in certain circles that He Zeqing’s relatives hailed from the elite and immensely powerful Qi family.

If his suspicions were correct, the poised young woman before him was none other than the only daughter of President Qi—a figure who held significant sway in both business and social spheres.

This revelation startled him. Many had tried to approach the elusive Qi family, eager to forge connections, but very few succeeded. And now, here stood someone from that very lineage, unassumingly working on her creative debut.

"Director Tang?" He Zeqing’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

Realizing his lapse, Director Tang coughed lightly to mask his surprise. Gathering himself, he quickly extended his hand to shake Qi Jianyi’s.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Qi," he said, a faint trace of flattery in his tone. "I’ve admired your work greatly."

Qi Jianyi’s smile remained steady, her voice carrying the perfect blend of humility and confidence. "Thank you, Director Tang. My cousin has spoken highly of you as well," she replied. Her calm demeanor and measured words hinted at someone far beyond the experience of a typical first-time author.

Director Tang found himself nodding appreciatively. As expected from a member of the Qi family, he thought. There was a distinct air of confidence and composure about her, an unshakable poise that seemed almost innate.

He discreetly studied her as they exchanged pleasantries. Over the years, he had met countless authors during first meetings. Some were calm and professional, ready to collaborate without ego. Others were painfully nervous, barely able to articulate their ideas.

Then, there were the arrogant ones—those who treated their work as untouchable masterpieces and bristled at even the slightest suggestion of change.

Qi Jianyi, however, was none of these extremes. She struck a rare balance: confident without being overbearing, self-assured without arrogance. It was no wonder He Zeqing had taken such care to ensure this project’s success.

As the initial round of introductions concluded, He Zeqing gestured toward the chairs. "Shall we sit and begin? There’s much to discuss," he said, his tone calm yet efficient.

Qi Jianyi settled back into her seat, placing her hands neatly on the table. Her posture remained impeccable, exuding quiet authority. Meanwhile, Director Tang took his place across from her, his expression neutral but his mind still processing the unexpected presence of someone from the Qi family.

He Zeqing opened the meeting with a concise overview of the contract’s terms, outlining the collaboration’s scope. The discussion began with the professional detachment of seasoned negotiators, with He Zeqing acting as the bridge between the two.

Qi Jianyi, despite her reserved nature, interjected at key points with questions that were both insightful and precise. It was clear she had prepared thoroughly, leaving no room for ambiguity.

As the conversation deepened, Director Tang found himself increasingly impressed. Qi Jianyi’s questions weren’t just about protecting her interests as an author—they demonstrated a profound understanding of the publishing industry.

She inquired about marketing strategies, distribution channels, and even timelines for international rights acquisitions. Each question reflected her meticulous nature, but there was also an underlying assertiveness that made it clear she wouldn’t settle for less than what she felt her work deserved.

"Director Tang, I have complete confidence in your ability to bring this story to life," Qi Jianyi began, her tone measured and professional. Her calm gaze met his, conveying both respect and a hint of firmness.

"However, no matter how skilled you and your team are, even the best direction can be hindered by poor casting. As my cousin may have already discussed with you, I would like to oversee the casting process personally. That said, I’m not dismissing your input. In fact, I welcome your team’s perspectives during the auditions."

Having addressed the content of the contract to her satisfaction, Qi Jianyi transitioned seamlessly into another crucial topic, ensuring her words were as clear as her intentions.

"I propose that during the auditions, you and your team make note of any actors who stand out to you. Compile a list of the ones you believe have potential, and we can convene to deliberate and make the final selections together. With your extensive experience as a director and my intimate understanding of the characters I’ve created, I am confident we can identify the most suitable talent from the pool of candidates."

Her voice was steady, carrying the perfect balance of deference and determination. "Of course, I realize this may add a little more to your workload over the next few days, but I trust that with our collaboration, the results will be worth the effort."

Though she kept her tone polite, her carefully chosen words carried a subtle message. It was her hope that Director Tang would understand her unspoken expectation—that the casting process should remain free of undue influence or personal favoritism.

Director Tang nodded thoughtfully, his expression neutral but attentive. It was clear he was weighing her words. Qi Jianyi’s demeanor left little room for negotiation, yet she had expressed her concerns diplomatically, ensuring her message was clear without directly challenging his authority.

"It’s not hard work at all, Miss Qi. This is what should be done. I’ll let you make the choice." He replied seriously. In fact, Director Tang really has no objections regarding her request to choose her own cast. After all, the manuscript was her work, and she knows the character best.

Instead of feeling dissatisfied, Director Tang fully supports her decision.

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