Chapter 1458
Celebration
On the top floor of the Wangjing office building, in a large office.
Zhang Yuan rarely sat down in the office chair behind the boss's desk.
The table was spotless, clearly cleaned regularly; it's alright.
Yang Siwei knocked on the door and entered, along with a middle-aged man in a suit.
He is a senior lawyer at a law firm that the company's legal department regularly partners with.
"Hello, Mr. Zhang."
"I hope I can be of help to you."
After shaking hands with him, the lawyer, who wore gold-rimmed glasses, sat down steadily in the chair.
"We invited you here today to observe. If you have any questions about any details, you can summarize and raise them," Zhang Yuan instructed before letting his subordinates speak.
“I contacted Funshion Studio yesterday.”
"They contacted me under the guise of being the head of a brokerage firm."
“I told them that a friend had informed us that someone was investigating me recently.”
"Use this as a pretext to ask the other party."
Of course, she couldn't say that it was someone from the security company who was tailing her, because that would alert them.
It's more effective to speak vaguely and let the other person guess.
"Very good, continue."
"Yes, that's a good way to put it. To be more formal, use the company letterhead for an official inquiry. That's a good approach." The lawyer agreed.
"I didn't question them, but instead told them that we need long-term promotional cooperation."
"Ask him if he's willing to collaborate; he can help with publicity for artists including you."
"And she said she could provide long-term financial support." The fat woman found an excuse that both sides could understand.
"Was the call recorded?" the lawyer interjected.
"It's been recorded."
"But the other party said that they are an independent media and do not cooperate with artists."
"Mm." Zhang Yuan nodded.
Regardless of the methods Yang Siwei uses to imply, after the previous business suspension and rectification, the other party will definitely be more careful.
It's not that easy to get.
"I also mentioned that short-term collaborations, or collaborations with individual artists or on projects, are also possible."
"We are willing to pay a high price to buy back the photos they took and the interview transcripts they collected."
"But the other party still refused to cooperate, and their attitude was very firm."
Zhang Yuan nodded again, acknowledging her competence.
By asking this question, even if the other party refuses, you can be certain that they are indeed collecting information about me.
Just like when Yang Zhenning returned to China and happened to meet Deng Jiaxian, who was developing the atomic bomb.
Old Yang guessed that his old friend was doing this, but he also knew that asking directly would not get an answer because it was a secret.
So, when he was leaving, Mr. Yang asked this question.
"Were there any foreigners involved in China's atomic bomb program?"
The question itself is a question; the answer is not important.
Whether Deng Jiaxian answered yes or no, it would prove that China was developing an atomic bomb.
Many hosts also use this tactic, using trick questions to elicit information.
If you react even slightly slow or become nervous, you'll immediately fall into their trap.
The lawyer spoke again.
"When you mentioned short-term collaborations and buying photos and articles, did you specify the exact amount you would offer?"
“I told you, it will be very high, high enough to make him fall in love.”
"I suggest that if you encounter this situation again, just state the amount directly." The lawyer adjusted his glasses, speaking the most brutal words in the calmest tone.
"A single transaction should ideally exceed five thousand."
"Because 5,000 is the threshold for filing a case of extortion in developed regions."
"If it reaches more than 500,000, that would be even better, as it can be classified as an exceptionally large amount and could result in a sentence of more than 3 years."
The lanes were marked out very professionally.
They've even calculated the other party's escape route. That's what makes legal professionals so terrifying.
The law is not only a shield, but in the hands of some people it is also a spear.
The ASUS chip scandal that was very famous a few years ago is an example of this.
A woman bought an ASUS computer in Beijing. The CPU had a problem, and after repairs, the repairman replaced it with a non-standard engineering CPU, which burned out the computer.
ASUS is at fault in this whole affair, but when the woman went to negotiate, she offered a settlement of $500 million under the guidance of her lawyer.
The target is punitive damages of 0.05% of ASUS's annual sales revenue.
A few days later, when they went to negotiate again, they were taken away by the police and detained for 10 months on charges of extortion.
He was eventually acquitted and even received state compensation.
But the matter was ultimately dropped.
Later, there was the Enshi problematic milk powder compensation case, with a claim of 300 million yuan, and he was also sent to jail.
The definitions of rights protection and claims versus extortion are actually quite vague, but the core lies in the phrase "huge amount".
The key is not the result, just like with trap problems.
The moment you ask the question, you've already fallen into the trap, and then you can proceed with the legal process.
All they need to do is find a reason to send you in.
That's what lawyers from large companies are used for.
Yang Siwei said he understood and learned another trick.
If you can't solve the problem, then deal with the person who raised it.
"The other party did not agree?" Zhang Yuan did not stop the lawyer's "clever trick," as this was normal practice.
"No, I won't budge an inch."
“It seems this approach won’t work.” Zhang Yuan glanced at the lawyer. “However, could you still help me prepare a template for handling extortion?”
"In case other people in the company need it later."
"Sure, I'll prepare a document plan for use anytime."
"Are there any other methods besides this?"
"If the other party exposes my private life and affects my career, such as movies or endorsements."
"You can sue for defamation and slander."
“But these kinds of lawsuits are different in China and in Europe and America; they’re relatively…backward.” The lawyer pushed up his glasses again, using a relatively mild term.
What I really want to say is that the domestic authorities don't care at all, which is preventing him from making money.
Because foreign companies that deal with celebrities' reputations are very lucrative, while the compensation standards for defamation cases in China are very low, since we don't have giants like insurance groups involved, so we can't make money from them.
"At this point, compensation is unlikely to cover the costs."
"Moreover, the operation cycle will be very long. It can be done, but it is not the optimal choice."
"It's best to take precautions." Zhang Yuan took a deep breath.
But Zhuo Wei has learned from her mistakes and is definitely wary of me; it won't be so easy for her to fall into my trap.
It's truly reached the point where the righteous are one foot ahead and the evil are ten feet ahead...
"Okay, thank you, Attorney Zhou. That's all for today." He made up his mind to have Yang Siwei contact him again, look for loopholes, and stall for time.
Even if it costs money, we must break up his alliance with Zhang Weiping first.
"Boss, this isn't good." The fat woman stayed behind to talk to him alone.
As the saying goes, "Don't pursue a cornered enemy."
"These two are both desperate bandits."
"One has just been closed for half a year, and the other has lost its means of making money in the film and television industry."
She didn't dare say, "It's all your fault..."
"I acted in a movie directed by Feng Xiaogang a few years ago, called 'Cellphone'."
“There is a line in the movie where Zhang Guoli’s character Fei Mo says, ‘The worst thing is to unite.’”
"Now these two enemies have joined forces!"
"Teacher Guoli has a few more lines, 'Trouble.'"
"Now I have no choice but to trouble you a bit more and try to find out what the other party is up to, especially the extortion tactics that Attorney Zhou mentioned."
"clear."
After the other party left quickly, he called Brother Long and his assistant over.
"Brother Long, find the keys to that villa in Hainan."
"Arrange the flight there, and the transportation after landing, etc."
"Be careful with security, don't let anyone follow us."
"Also, add more people from Zhang Weiping and Fengxing Studio, don't be afraid to spend money."
"I need to know where everyone goes and where they stay so that I can find them at any time."
He emphasized the word "found".
Brother Long understood that it shouldn't just be about "finding".
I'm using legal means to "protect" myself. If you insist on forcing me to abandon the law, then I'll have no choice but to resort to weapons.
"Understood, I'll arrange it."
"Also, you asked me to check who Yu Zhengzheng is in contact with in Hengdian."
"We found out. It's a group of rich second-generation locals from Dongyang, and the leader is the son of an official."
“Their father, who was originally a bureau-level official, retired last month, but he still has influence.”
"A local official is more powerful than a distant one, and even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. This guy knows how to find people."
He saw through Yu Zheng's shrewdness.
They have connections, money, and can help themselves.
But it wasn't too strong, not strong enough to completely devour itself.
This guy is cunning, but at the same time he's also a bit "content with what he has." He's not the type to be the best in the world; he likes to hold onto what he has.
"I understand." Zhang Yuan planned, since that's the case, they've already found a local strongman to cooperate with.
If it doesn't work out, I'll just quit, to avoid constant trouble and having to keep an eye on things.
He planned to have Shu Chang thoroughly investigate the accounts and calculate the money; if necessary, they could part ways amicably.
After all, the situation with Zhuowei is more complicated, so we can't afford to be distracted.
"Okay, you can go and make the arrangements first."
Zhang Yuan left his assistant behind.
"Dandan, have you contacted your sister Qianqian yet?"
"I said so."
"Has the item been delivered?"
"It's been delivered."
The item was that huge pile of natural transparent crystals he bought in Brazil, as a birthday gift for her.
"Okay, you and she set a time to meet in Hainan." "We'll leave once we're ready... what about the rest?"
"Ready?" The assistant patted his chest, as if to say, "I've got this covered."
Before leaving home that evening, Brother Qian called him to thank him and apologize.
He also stated that he would never drink alcohol again when he had work to do.
Last night... or rather, in the early hours of the morning, around three or four o'clock, he recovered and called Teacher Guo.
More than half of adults are willing to admit their mistakes.
Brother Qian was very frustrated, feeling that this was a stain on his artistic career.
But when he learned that the tainted video was in Zhang Yuan's hands, he was no longer upset and said he wanted to bring some "gifts" to his house and have dinner with him.
He then quickly boarded the plane and disappeared.
……
He bought that villa in Hainan many years ago, but he has only been there a handful of times.
The house is perfect, with all the necessary facilities, and there's even a shuttle service to the beach.
The seafood here isn't too expensive; it's cheaper than in Beijing.
Of course, the most authentic is still Northeastern cuisine...
"You're here?"
He was well-prepared and opened the door to welcome the Liu family mother and daughter.
It wasn't that Zhao Dandan had sent the wrong message; he had specifically asked Xiaolongnu to bring her mother along for the vacation.
"Welcome, there will be a seafood feast tonight."
"I'll go pick out a good bottle of wine, and we'll share it."
He was about to head to the wine storage room in the basement.
“I’ll go with you.” Sisi put down her suitcase and followed him.
After descending the steps, Zhang Yuan looked back and saw that her mother hadn't followed, so he put his arm around her waist.
She cooperated by leaning back against her chair and raising her chin.
"Okay." After kissing for a while, she patted his shoulder: "Although I miss you too, let's pick a bar first."
Because friends and relatives can use the house freely, the items on the shelves are all common, mass-produced goods.
He locked all the good wines in a temperature-controlled cabinet.
"I received your gift." She held up a bottle of red wine with a rather unusual shape.
I don't know if it's good or bad, as long as it looks nice.
"Who would give away such a large raw stone? People usually give processed handicrafts." She said with a sidelong smile, seemingly blaming someone.
"That's why it's special. How could I give the same thing as everyone else?"
"It's a bit late, but I still wish you a happy birthday."
She went back to her hometown to visit her elders for her birthday, and also sang and ate with some friends from the Beijing Film Academy and the entertainment industry; he didn't participate.
"And I hope you can be like this stone, forever clear and natural."
"Without artificial carving or processing, it can bloom with the most beautiful brilliance simply by the natural sedimentation of time."
"Wow, you're so good at talking." She gave him a cheerful kiss: "The content is worth 80 points, and your words add 20."
"I'd give you a rough score of 100."
"I plan to put it in the living room as decoration, and I'll make some ribbons and fold some little stars to hang on it."
Zhang Yuan imagined it; it wouldn't look good.
This matching concept is similar to her clothing philosophy.
"What's with that expression?" Coming to his senses, he saw the other person squinting at him.
"It's nothing, I just thought 100 points was too high."
"It's only a perfect score because it was from you," she said sincerely.
"Wow, you're quite the talker."
"But there are other gifts, in the bedroom prepared for you. Go and see them in a bit."
"What are you waiting for? Let's go now."
I pulled him along, and we jogged up to the second floor.
I pushed open the door and went inside, looking around.
"Where?"
"On the bed."
She stepped forward, picked it up, and flipped through it.
"What are all these?"
"Isn't it your zodiac year? You're wearing a red suit."
She opened the packaging bag with her fingers, pinched the shoulder strap, and lifted up a bright red, semi-transparent, sexy lace bra.
With her other hand, she picked up a pair of equally bright red, more sheer lace panties, a thong-style panty with no back covering and only a little coverage in the front.
"This red suit?" She was past the age of blushing at the sight of such things, but her cheeks were still rosy.
"And socks too, you can't have a pair of red socks during your birth year."
She was just about to say that something was normal when she saw him hold up a pair of red lace-trimmed fishnet stockings.
"Then what is this?" she sighed and held up a red cat-ear headdress.
Zhang Yuan smacked his lips twice. He had asked his assistant to buy it. He was unusually clever for once, but perhaps a little too clever.
“You like cats, don’t you?” he explained.
"Pervert," she muttered under her breath.
I've already told those two people on Bilibili that I like cosplay, so I haven't broken my promise.
Don't you like it?
"Let's make this clear first, these can't be worn like your usual clothes, and you can't mix and match them with your mom."
Liu Qianqian: ...
She held it in for a long time before finally cursing, "Go to hell."
"Middle-aged people can also have their own lives and interests."
“My mom looks down on everyone.” She packed up all the red suits, piled them up, and threw them into the closet.
"And not everyone is like you, all you do is play all day long."
"Will you play with me or not?"
"I'll think about it..."
After dinner, her mother talked about her daily life.
Their family transformed their backyard into a stray cat rescue center, where there are now 4 or 50 cats.
If you have money, doing some charity work is better than indulging in a life of debauchery.
Moreover, they are not the kind of "animal protection performance artists" who only care about animals and not people.
They also regularly donate a lot of money to people.
"By the way, your house is quite big, do you have any mice? Do you need to keep a cat?" Aunt Liu asked.
"Don't worry, we'll make sure the sterilization and injections are done properly here, and we'll make sure all the money is spent before sending them out."
"Ordinary people wouldn't give it to you; there are conditions, and you have to be a decent person."
Zhang Yuan touched his chin; the scratch from the tabby cat on his doorstep years ago when he was playing the Godfather still ached faintly.
"I really like cats."
"I don't even like regular cats."
After he finished speaking, he glanced at Xixi.
Little Dragon Girl gave him a gentle glare.
"But my house isn't a villa, and the yard isn't roofed. What if someone runs out?"
"If it gets lost again, it will become a stray cat again."
"Oh." Aunt Liu didn't say anything more.
"How about I ask my friends if they have any recommendations?"
"Okay, the people you know are all good."
After finishing dinner, I went back to my room.
After he finished showering, he slipped away to the door of the other person's bedroom.
I knocked on the door, and it opened a crack after a short while.
"Didn't you say you don't keep cats?"
"What brings you here?"
"I'll raise someone like you—obedient, good-tempered, and doesn't bother me."
"And all your cats are spayed/neutered, but mine isn't."
"Open the door quickly, or I'll start a cat fussing."
The other person sniffed, then blushed slightly and released the doorknob.
Upon entering the room, I saw that she was wearing a white cotton bathrobe, and had probably just finished taking a shower.
I squinted and glanced down; a hint of red peeked through the bathrobe.
"Have you tried it?"
Does it fit?
"How about I give you some advice..." he said, and started stripping her clothes.
Although she said no, her body language betrayed her, and she changed her clothes early on.
She even looked at herself in the mirror and admired herself.
After changing into this outfit and putting on the cat ears, this night can only be described as a scene straight out of a Feng Xiaogang movie.
It never ends.
They didn't wake up until noon the next day.
Liu Xiaoli wisely didn't look for her daughter at all and went to sunbathe on a nearby beach.
"Look at you, you didn't get up until noon."
"It would be so awkward to see my mom later." After getting up, she changed out of her festive outfit and combed her hair.
“Your mother was young once too, what doesn’t she understand?”
“Otherwise, where would you come from?” Zhang Yuan said nonchalantly.
Your mom probably spends more money on entertainment than you do, you just don't know it.
“I’ll be heading out in a bit. You and your mother can go shopping at the duty-free shop.”
"There's a car in the garage, a convertible Porsche, you can drive it yourself and go for a spin at the beach."
He straightened his clothes.
Liu Xiaoli was brought along because someone needed to keep Qianqian company since she was alone.
Zhang Yuan didn't just come here for vacation.
He also has to attend a wedding being held in Sanya... (End of Chapter)