1novels Chapter 156 The Vinegar Jar Trick
Chapter 156 The Vinegar Jar Trick
Chapter 156 The Vinegar Jar Trick
As soon as Jiang Yu stepped into the presidential suite, he casually draped his coat over the armrest of the living room sofa. Before he could even unbutton his shirt cuffs, his personal phone on the coffee table began to vibrate persistently. The screen lit up with a soft light in the dim room, displaying the name "Xixi" and a custom emoji she had set in private, showing her sticking out her tongue and making a face.
Jiang Yu's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile. The fatigue of the day and the tension he felt when facing the media seemed to melt away instantly at this moment with this simple name.
He picked up his phone, answered the call, and then sank into the large, luxurious down sofa that could comfortably accommodate two people, letting out a sigh of contentment.
"Feed?" He deliberately lowered his voice, with a hint of languor from just finishing a meeting.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Liu Yifei's soft, slightly whimpering voice, clearly trying to suppress a laugh, came through, accompanied by the faint sound of a coffee machine in the background: "Dear Chairman Jiang~ Good evening! No, it's evening where you are, but it's a sunny morning in Los Angeles here. Isn't Seoul nighttime especially exciting? Isn't the Korean BBQ particularly delicious? Have you been chased by enthusiastic Korean reporters and possibly fans so much that you needed bodyguards to clear the way?"
A barrage of questions, like popping beans, came out in a relaxed and lively tone. But Jiang Yu immediately caught the teasing and a hint of subtle "interrogation" that was perfectly hidden in the slightly upturned tone and the deliberately emphasized "wonderful and flavorful."
It seems that the gossip storm from South Korea has not only crossed the Pacific Ocean, but has also reached her ears precisely.
Jiang Yu couldn't help but chuckle softly, sinking deeper into the sofa and even putting his legs up on the footstool in front of him, completely relaxing.
"Good morning, Ms. Liu. It seems the coffee in Los Angeles hasn't fully woken you up yet, and you're already interested in East Asian entertainment headlines?"
He deliberately answered with a tone that was both helpless and indulgent, "The Seoul night view is alright. As for the barbecue, it's a business dinner, it's all about the atmosphere. The reporters—they are indeed quite dedicated, comparable to Hollywood paparazzi. What, Ms. Liu, even during your breaks on set, you still remember to conduct international media monitoring?"
"Hmph, I don't have time to monitor you."
Liu Yifei gave a soft hum on the other end of the phone, but the laughter was already overflowing from her voice. "It's my new assistant, a young Chinese-American girl who studied in Korea. This morning, while browsing social media, she suddenly exclaimed 'Wow!' and ran over to me with her phone in her hand, her eyes wide open, saying, 'Sister Yifei! Sister Yifei! Look! President Jiang is a hit in Korea!'"
He even revealed his ideal type! It's Son Ye-jin and Kim Tae-yeon! ———— Kang Woo oppa? Hmm~?
The way she deliberately dragged out the "Oppa" in a Korean accent made Jiang Yu feel as if he could see her mischievous wink even through the phone. At the same time, his scalp tingled slightly, but he also found her incredibly cute.
He cleared his throat and immediately adopted a serious tone to explain, "I'm innocent, Judge Liu. That was just a standard trap question from a Korean entertainment reporter. They asked if I had any favorite Korean celebrities," and I had to respond politely, right? Son Ye-jin's acting is solid, and I know her from working with Light Chaser Animation; Kim Tae-yeon's singing is captivating, and her songs are indeed beautiful. This is an objective evaluation, an appreciation on an artistic level, which is fundamentally different from a subjective, emotional term like "ideal type," okay?"
"Oh~ I see." Liu Yifei's voice trailed off, carrying a teasing tone that said, "I know everything, so go ahead and make this up."
"Ms. Son Ye-jin's acting is outstanding," yes, a very professional evaluation from a colleague I've worked with. "Kim Tae-yeon's rendition of 'If' is very moving," yes, good taste in music, a very artistic focus. Wow, Chairman Kang's response was both polite and tactful, affirming others while showcasing her own refined taste—a perfect PR response!
No wonder it made the headlines.
She paused, then her tone suddenly changed, taking on a hint of coquettishness, "But, Boss Jiang, how come I don't think I've ever heard you praise my acting skills or—anything else—so specifically and so engagingly before?"
There wasn't much jealousy in those words; it was more like the playful teasing and playful banter typical of couples, the subtext being, "Praise me too!"
.
This film has a solid plot, delicate emotions, and a touch of nostalgia. It was produced on a low budget and has been quite successful in terms of both critical acclaim and box office. It is very suitable as a trial project for collaboration.
"Our domestic screenwriting department is currently working on the initial concept for a romance film," Jiang Yu began, speaking calmly as if in casual conversation. "The tentative title could be 'Introduction to Architecture'."
He briefly outlined the plot: The male and female protagonists meet in an introductory architecture class at university, develop feelings for each other, but miss their chance due to misunderstandings and naivety.
Fifteen years later, the male protagonist, now an architect, is commissioned by a client to renovate an old house, only to discover that the client is none other than the female classmate he had a crush on back then.
The reconstruction of the old house was also a process of tracing back and rebuilding the two people's lost youth and budding feelings.
Jiang Yu's narration was concise yet captured the core emotional conflict and dramatic points. Quan Zhengting and Han Xiaozhou listened attentively, and even Kim Tae-yeon and Song Qian, who were quietly eating nearby, couldn't help but prick up their ears, drawn in by the story.
"I think this story has a kind of understated yet profound emotion, which requires nuanced acting." Jiang Yu looked at Quan Zhengting. "If SHOWBOX is interested, we can collaborate. Light Chaser will provide the complete script, the core director and production team, and will be responsible for distribution in parts of Asia, excluding South Korea. SHOWBOX will be responsible for production funding, some actors, and distribution in South Korea. Light Chaser will ultimately take 40% of the profits."
This arrangement means that Light Chaser provides the creative ideas, technology, and distribution channels, while Showbox provides the funding and local execution, with Light Chaser taking nearly half of the profits, giving them a strong dominant role.
Quan Zhengting quickly weighed the options in his mind. The demand for a 40% share was not low, but what Light Chaser provided was the core script and production guarantee, which is often the key to the success of a project.
Moreover, being able to establish a relationship with Light Chaser Animation and open the door to cooperation may have a long-term value that exceeds the profits of this film itself.
He recalled the news from yesterday that CJ was trading variety show training slots for a share of investment in "Pacific Rim," and knew that Chairman Jiang's negotiating style was just like that: assertive, but the value he offered was also substantial enough.
"Chairman Jiang's story is truly moving!" Quan Zhengting's face lit up with excitement. "SHOWBOX is very interested in participating! We can have our project team handle the specific details as soon as possible. As for the profit sharing—I believe that with Chasing Light's professional expertise, we'll definitely be able to deliver returns that exceed expectations!"
He tacitly approved of the profit-sharing plan and was very enthusiastic; he knew that getting on board first was the most important thing.
"Okay, then we've finalized the preliminary agreement for this project. We'll have our subordinates handle the specific contract negotiations." Jiang Yu said decisively.
Then, he turned to Kim Young-min, who had been waiting, his smile unchanged, and his tone tactful: "Representative Kim, SM's achievements in the music and idol fields are undeniable. However, at present, our focus at Light Chaser Animation, whether in China or North America, is more concentrated on pure film and television content production and investment, and we have no plans to get involved in idol management or idol group operations for the time being. Therefore, there may not be any particularly suitable points for direct cooperation on film and television projects at the moment."
He saw a hint of disappointment flash in Kim Young-min's eyes and continued, "However, no one can predict the future. Perhaps there will be suitable projects that require idol artists to participate in, or there may be some cross-industry promotional needs in the Chinese market. It won't be too late to seek opportunities to cooperate with SM then. Kim Tae-yeon and Song Qian are both very talented young people. I wish them all the best in the future."
These words clearly rejected in-depth film and television production collaborations at present, but did not completely close the door to the future, thus giving SM a lot of face.
Kim Young-min is a smart man; he knows that bringing Kim Tae-yeon and Song Qian today has already achieved its main purpose. At least he's become familiar with Kang Woo, established initial contact, and even "explained" the misunderstanding from yesterday's news (although they were happy to see it happen). As for deeper cooperation, that can't be rushed.
He immediately put on a smile: "Chairman Jiang is right, we were too impatient. I look forward to future opportunities for cooperation. Taeyeon, Victoria, thank you again for Chairman Jiang's time."
Kim Tae-yeon and Song Qian quickly stood up again to express their gratitude, and the lunch ended in a fairly harmonious atmosphere.
After seeing off the four uninvited guests, Jiang Yu returned to his suite and instructed Wang Wei: "Notify Chen Jingming and Zhou Shouzi to expedite the legal procedures for the Hynix investment and the handover of the Wuxi factory. Have them stay in Korea and China to handle the remaining work. We'll fly to Los Angeles tomorrow afternoon as planned."
"Yes, boss," Wang Wei replied, then asked, "What about the 'Introduction to Architecture' project with SHOWBOX—"
"Have BJ Company set up a team to quickly produce a script outline. Then send a producer to liaise with SHOWBOX. Tell the team that this is a trial collaboration, and they must ensure the quality of the script and the production standards to make a good start," Jiang Yu instructed clearly.
"clear."
Meanwhile, on the car leaving the Shilla Hotel, and later back at SM Entertainment, Kim Tae-yeon and Song Qian experienced a...
A completely different interrogation.
In the car at SHOWBOX, Kwon Jung-jung said to Han Hyo-joo, "Hyo-joo, you did a good job today. You heard Chairman Kang's story, what did you think of it?"
Han Hyo-joo nodded earnestly: "President, the core of the story is very delicate. If it can be well-written, it will be a very touching movie. Chairman Kang has a unique perspective on storytelling; it's not the kind of commercial formula."
"Yes, that's why he was able to succeed in Hollywood," Kwon Jung-jung remarked. "This collaboration must be done well; it's the key to unlocking the door to stardom. Hyo-joo, prepare well; you have a great chance of getting the lead role."
In the SM car, Kim Young-min was reviewing the day: "Taeyeon, how did you feel about meeting Chairman Kang today?"
Kim Tae-yeon was still a little dazed and whispered, "She has a very commanding presence, but her voice is actually quite gentle. It's not quite what I imagined."
"Where's Victoria Song?" Kim Young-min asked, looking at Victoria Song.
Victoria Song replied in Korean, "Chairman Kang is a very nice person. He encouraged me in Chinese. I feel that he has very clear goals."
Kim Young-min nodded: "Today we've established initial contact. Taeyeon, yesterday's news coverage is good for both you and Girls' Generation. The company will manage it appropriately; just be mindful of the situation. Victoria, you made a good impression on Chairman Kang today, that's great. Keep up the good work; with your debut just around the corner, don't let your guard down."
"Yes, President-nim," the two replied in unison.
When Kim Tae-yeon and Victoria Song returned to the SM Entertainment building in Cheongdam-dong and entered the floor shared by Girls' Generation and some trainees, it was as if two pebbles had been thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating huge ripples!
"Unnie! You're back!"
"Taeyeon unnie! Victoria unnie!"
"How did it go? Did you see Chairman Jiang Yu?"
"Isn't he even more handsome in person? Doesn't he have an incredibly strong presence?"
Did he say anything?
The other eight members of Girls' Generation, who had been waiting anxiously, along with several trainees from the same f() reserve team as Victoria Song, immediately swarmed around her, bombarding her with questions, their eyes practically overflowing with curiosity and excitement.
The corridor suddenly became noisy and bustling.
Surrounded by her girlfriends, Kim Tae-yeon blushed again, feeling a little overwhelmed: "Hey! Keep your voices down! This is the company!"
""
Im Yoona put her arm around her shoulder and said with a grin, "Tell me, tell me! Stop keeping me in suspense! What did the president take you guys to do? Did you have lunch together? Did Chairman Kang Woo mention praising you yesterday?"
Kwon Yuri chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, what kind of person is he in private? Is he as young and handsome as the news says?"
Even Seohyun, who is usually quite quiet, stared at Kim Tae-yeon with wide, expectant eyes.
Victoria Song was also surrounded by F's younger sisters, who were asking her similar questions.
Under pressure from her younger sisters, Kim Tae-yeon could only give a brief description: "Well—the CEO took us to the Shilla Hotel to meet Chairman Kang, as well as CEO Kwon of SHOWBOX and senior Han Hyo-joo. We had lunch together. Chairman Kang is taller and more charismatic in person than he appears on TV. He's quite polite and not as distant as I imagined."
"And then what? Did he say anything to you specifically?" Huang Meiying pressed.
"He said that yesterday he recognized my singing and encouraged me to keep working hard," Kim Tae-yeon said honestly.
"That's it?" Choi Soo-young was a little disappointed. "Didn't we talk about anything else? Like asking what you like? Or making plans to meet again?" She'd watched too many idol dramas.
"Hey! Choi Sooyoung! How could this be!" Kim Tae-yeon covered her mouth in embarrassment and annoyance.
"What about Senior Han Hyo-joo? Did Chairman Kang speak to her?" someone asked.
"As I said, it was just a normal greeting. It seems that Chairman Kang discussed a film collaboration project with President Kwon of SHOWBOX," Kim Tae-yeon recalled.
"A movie collaboration?" Im Yoona's eyes lit up. "What movie? Are there any roles that would suit us?" Although they knew the chances were slim, it didn't stop the girls from dreaming.
"I don't know the specifics, they just mentioned it briefly," Kim Tae-yeon shook her head.
On the other side, Victoria Song was also answering the girls' questions: "Chairman Jiang encouraged me in Chinese, telling me to work hard and bring my work back to China in the future. He seemed very serious, but also kind, probably because we are both Chinese."
""
"Wow, Victoria unnie is amazing! She can talk to Chairman Kang!" Jung Soo-jung said enviously.
"I heard he's worth billions of US dollars! In US dollars!" Park Sun-young exclaimed softly.
"The key is that he's so young and handsome—" Choi Sulli cupped her face and began to daydream.
"Alright, alright, stop crowding around here, those of you who need to practice, go practice!" The manager, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, appeared just in time and dispersed the overly excited group of girls. "Taeyeon, Victoria, you two should get ready too, the team has a schedule this afternoon."
The girls reluctantly dispersed, but the discussion and imagination about Jiang Yu obviously wouldn't stop so quickly.