As soon as the online meeting disconnected, Su Qing went ahead and completed the electronic Non-Disclosure Agreement process.
In less than ten minutes, her computer received the encrypted and watermarked script files.
“Third Brother, the script has been sent over.”
Jiang Kaiwen leaned in, feeling a bit nervous as he looked at the compressed file on the computer screen.
“Got it,” Jiang Yue replied, not rushing to open it.
He brewed himself a cup of tea before sitting back down at the desk. Putting on his headphones to block out all external noise, he clicked open the script.
Time ticked away, minute by minute.
Neither Jiang Kaiwen, Chen Fei, nor Su Qing went to disturb him.
Jiang Kaiwen was restless, occasionally browsing his phone and occasionally stealing a glance at Jiang Yue’s back.
It wasn't until evening that Jiang Yue finished a rough reading of all forty episodes of the first season. He even flipped back to read a few key scenes a couple more times.
He took off his headphones, exhaled a long breath, and rubbed his slightly aching eyes.
In his mind, the characters and plot from the script seemed to come alive.
The protagonist grew step by step from the bottom to become a figure who shook up the martial arts world, ultimately uncovering a shocking conspiracy.
The entire story structure was rigorous, the pacing was well-balanced, and political intrigue was interwoven with wuxia. It didn't sacrifice logic for cheap thrills, nor did it put on pretentious airs in pursuit of depth.
More importantly, He Chuan and Song Lan had truly achieved the “fusion” they had talked about.
The male lead didn't start off overpowered. His growth was accompanied by countless difficult choices and losses, and the emotional depictions were delicate and realistic. For several major action scenes, the script only described the atmosphere and key movements, leaving vast creative space.
“It really is a good script.”
Jiang Yue made his judgment. Based on his current eye for scripts, as long as the production quality didn't fall flat, this drama was bound to be a hit.
He looked up at Su Qing and spoke with clear intent, “The script is good. We can proceed with the contract.”
Su Qing, who had been waiting nearby, showed a look of joy on her face.
“It’s a deal?” Jiang Kaiwen quickly asked.
Jiang Yue confirmed, “Yes.”
Su Qing worked highly efficiently, pulling Chen Fei along to review the clauses overnight.
By the next morning, she had finalized the core terms with He Chuan’s side. The formal contract entered the workflow for both parties, and the core terms confirmation page was sent to Jiang Yue first for review.
The contract was signed under a trilogy framework, but it wasn't a bundled deal.
The terms were written very clearly:
After the first part aired, if the market response and reputation met the expected standards, cooperation on the second part would automatically launch.
By the same logic, if the second part succeeded, the third part would launch.
If any part failed to meet the standards, subsequent cooperation would automatically terminate, and neither party would bear additional liability for breach of contract.
In addition, the rights to discuss character development, suggest martial arts choreography, the backend profit-sharing ratio, the promotion cooperation cycle, and the training time before joining the cast were all listed separately in a supplementary agreement.
Su Qing had even gone through them carefully, line by line, several times.
Jiang Kaiwen was dazzled by it all and simply gave up trying to understand every detail of the contract.
“Third Brother, this contract is pretty good,” Jiang Kaiwen said, admiring it sincerely as he looked at the final electronic confirmation page. “It allows us to advance or retreat. Director He was straightforward too, not dragging his feet at all.”
Su Qing added, “Straightforward is one thing, but we can't miss a single clause we need to watch. Especially the backend profit sharing—financial transparency, audit rights, and platform payment cycles must all be written clearly.”
Jiang Kaiwen’s scalp went numb. “Sister Qing, please stop. My head hurts just hearing about these things.”
Su Qing mocked him, “Which is why you’re in charge of ordering food.”
Jiang Kaiwen was indignant. “What’s wrong with ordering food? Food is the first necessity of the people. Shouldn't the boss eat his fill before signing a contract?”
Jiang Yue had just finished reviewing the last piece of information on the electronic confirmation page. Hearing this, he looked up. “What are we eating today?”
Jiang Kaiwen immediately perked up. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that!”
He placed his phone on the table. The screen already showed a food delivery app, paused on a highly-rated private kitchen nearby.
“Green pepper beef, garlic vermicelli shrimp, dry-pot cauliflower, tomato beef brisket soup, and an extra serving of crispy pork. How does that sound?”
Su Qing glanced at him. “Did you order this for the boss, or for yourself?”
“Both,” Jiang Kaiwen said righteously. “This is the first A-Tier project contract since our studio was established. We have to eat something good to celebrate.”
Chen Fei poked his head in from the door. “Then can I apply to add a serving of brown sugar rice cakes?”
Su Qing looked at Jiang Yue.
Jiang Yue nodded. “Add it.”
Chen Fei immediately beamed. “Thank you, Boss!”
As Jiang Kaiwen placed the order, he muttered softly, “See that? This is the human touch of our studio.”
Su Qing said expressionlessly, “Your human touch is pasting the reimbursement slips on my desk.”
“Sister Qing, think bigger,” Jiang Kaiwen said seriously. “This is called team cohesion.”
Su Qing couldn't be bothered to argue with him. She turned to Jiang Yue and said, “The contract for 《The Pivot Bone》 is basically fine, but we can't delay the online meeting with the luxury brand. They just confirmed that the head of the Xia Nation region has forty minutes free tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. How about we schedule it then?”
Jiang Yue leaned back against his chair. “Sure.”
“Also, a sports brand has expressed interest in a long-term cooperation. I’m holding them off for now. I’ll look into it in detail after you formally settle things with the luxury brand.”
Su Qing didn't speak quickly, but every word she said was practical.
Hearing this, Jiang Kaiwen almost placed the wrong delivery order. “Sister Qing, can we take things one step at a time? Third Brother just got back from wrapping up his shoot. He hasn't even warmed his seat in the studio yet.”
Su Qing glanced around the empty office. “His seat might be warm, but the guest sofa that came with the rental has already been returned. We haven't bought a new one yet.”
Jiang Kaiwen: “...”
Jiang Yue followed her gaze.
The new studio was indeed very empty.
Before the renovations, they had used the basic desks and chairs provided by the industrial park. They were functional for work but far from comfortable.
Now that the hard renovations were wrapping up, the old furniture had mostly been cleared out. Only a few temporary desks, a few chairs, and a printer remained. Even the pantry only had a coffee machine and a case of mineral water.
There were even unopened power strips and green plants piled up in the corner.
When the delivery arrived, Chen Fei temporarily pushed two conference tables together to make a dining table.
The group sat around it. As soon as the food containers were opened, the steam and aroma quickly overpowered the faint scent of the new renovations.
Jiang Kaiwen pushed the tomato beef brisket soup in front of Jiang Yue. “Third Brother, drink some of this to nourish yourself.”
Jiang Yue looked down at it. “Isn't this what you wanted to drink?”
Jiang Kaiwen paused, then said calmly, “I’m testing it for poison for you.”
Su Qing picked up a piece of green pepper beef and said dryly, “Don't worry, it won't kill you.”
Chen Fei held back his laughter nearby, almost dropping his brown sugar rice cake onto the table.
After Jiang Yue took a few bites, his phone suddenly vibrated. It was a message from Cheng Songran.
【I heard you’re taking on a wuxia drama?】
Jiang Yue raised an eyebrow and replied with a question mark.
Cheng Songran’s next message popped up quickly.
【I know He Chuan. He just posted on his Moments: 'Some actors only nod after reading the script. This kind of person is suitable for doing big things together.' Although he didn't name names, I heard some rumors and guessed it was you.】
Jiang Yue handed his phone to Su Qing.
After reading it, Su Qing’s eyelid twitched. “He sure has a big mouth.”
Jiang Kaiwen immediately became alert. “Will there be a leak?”
Jiang Yue shook his head. “No names, no project title. It’s not a big deal.”
A few seconds later, Cheng Songran sent another message.
【A friendly reminder: He Chuan is even more demanding than I am.】
Looking at the message, Jiang Yue couldn't help but chuckle. He reserved judgment on that statement.
Jiang Kaiwen leaned over. “What did Director Cheng say?”
Jiang Yue showed him the phone screen.
After reading it, Jiang Kaiwen’s expression became complicated.
“Even more demanding than Director Cheng?”
He looked up at the ceiling, as if mentally preparing himself in advance. “Then should I buy knee pads, waist support, Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid, and small fans ahead of time?”
Jiang Yue picked up a piece of crispy pork, chewed it slowly, and then spoke, “Let’s buy the studio sofa first.”
Everyone looked at him at the same time.
Jiang Yue put down his chopsticks. “We can't keep relying on hard chairs when reading scripts in the future.”
Jiang Kaiwen immediately raised his hand. “I agree! Third Brother is wise!”
Su Qing also nodded. “We indeed need to buy one. I’ll draw up a procurement list and budget first. Once you approve the funds, I’ll contact the furniture supplier.”
Jiang Yue nodded. “Go for comfort and eco-friendliness. Don't skimp on this.”
Chen Fei asked in a small voice, “Can brown sugar rice cakes be approved in the future too?”
Su Qing glanced at him.
Chen Fei immediately shut his mouth and focused on eating.
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