C10 Bully Honest People!

Xue Chaoqing accepted the cigarette with a hint of reservation, lost in thought.

With a snap, Chu Yun leaned forward, flicking his lighter to life while shielding the flame. His face was etched with eagerness to please. "Director Xue, as the CEO of a listed company, you shouldn't stoop to petty disputes."

Gritting his teeth, Xue Chaoqing lit the cigarette, only to be overwhelmed by the harsh smoke.

After a couple of coughs and a frown, he said, "Mr. Chu, I have no issue with Miss Su." He paused, giving Chu Yun a significant look. "I'm not influential enough to challenge the Han Group, nor can I afford to drag my company into murky waters."

Chu Yun pocketed the lighter and resumed his seat with a respectful demeanor.

"I understand why you'd want to distance yourself," Chu Yun remarked calmly. "But considering your company is the one breaking the contract, isn't demanding compensation a bit excessive?"

Xue Chaoqing had anticipated Chu Yun's visit was about the contract fee. He had already offered a 20% discount, fearing an extreme reaction from the Su family—essentially giving away twenty million for half a year's work. Xue Chaoqing didn't consider himself a swindler.

"The agreement clearly stated our right to terminate the contract, which is legally binding. Mr. Chu, Unhindered Entertainment is a small enterprise and can't withstand such disturbances. Please, don't put me in a difficult position." Xue Chaoqing's tone was meek, his posture submissive.

He wouldn't dare be ostentatious, not with the memory of Mrs. Han's horrific fate fresh in his mind.

With a flick, Chu Yun lit his own cigarette, taking a couple of drags before speaking bluntly. "Director Xue, let me be frank. You can cancel the contract, but forget about the contract fee. You're well aware of the Su family's situation. They couldn't come up with eighty million, let alone eight."

"I've already negotiated with Miss Su," Xue Chaoqing continued to backpedal. "The contract fee can be repaid over three years, interest-free."

Chu Yun's expression hardened, his displeasure evident. "So what you're saying, Director Xue, is that for the next three years we can't travel abroad, enjoy life, or even splurge on a bag or sports car without your approval?"

Xue Chaoqing was on the verge of a breakdown. "Is this some kind of bandit logic?"

Isn't it just common sense to repay a debt? If the economy is struggling, what's the harm in cutting back on lifestyle expenses?

Racking up debt but still wanting to indulge in luxuries, buying designer bags and cars?

Your freeloading has reached a royal level of audacity!

Despite his frustration, Xue Chaoqing didn't dare confront him.

He couldn't gauge Chu Yun's strength. The guy had the nerve to strike Mrs. Han, so he was either very confident or a reckless hoodlum. Either way, Xue Chaoqing wasn't about to provoke him face-to-face.

"Mr. Chu, that's hardly fair of you to say," Xue Chaoqing said, inhaling a bitter drag of his cigarette. "The company invested a billion to bring Miss Su on board. It's only been six months; we can't just write off that kind of loss, can we?"

"Investing always comes with risks. If every investor struck it rich, there wouldn't be any poor people left in the world," Chu Yun explained with a persuasive tone. "Director Xue, if you're struggling to accept this, consider it this way: you could have chosen not to break the contract with my wife, pouring more money and resources into her. Imagine if every project tanked, not earning a dime."

Chu Yun offered a cigarette to Xue Chaoqing for the second time. "Think about it like that. Wouldn't you feel a bit better? Maybe even slightly relieved? Fortunate that you pulled out early instead of getting in deeper?"

Xue Chaoqing was utterly stunned.

Was this not taking advantage of someone's good nature?

With that kind of reasoning, what's the point of me even living? I might as well down a couple of pounds of sleeping pills and end it all! Save myself from future headaches!

"Let's try this."

Noticing Xue Chaoqing's refusal of the cigarette and his mounting agitation, Chu Yun spoke calmly, "I'll offer you two options. First, terminate the contract without any financial penalty. Second, continue the partnership with my wife. And if it's really bothering you, think of it as a two-for-one deal. I'll voluntarily join your company and help Unhindered Entertainment conquer new territories and build an empire."

Xue Chaoqing was taken aback and quickly cut off Chu Yun, "Hold on, you're looking to work at Unhindered Entertainment?"

Chu Yun shrugged. "Is there a problem? I'm deeply knowledgeable in the art of strategy, have a high emotional intelligence, am fluent in eight languages, and possess leadership qualities. You should be thrilled to have me at your little company."

Happy my foot...

The only reason I ended the contract with your wife is because you, this troublemaker, got on Mrs. Han's bad side, making life at Unhindered Entertainment unbearable. And now, not only is the contract cancellation a bust, but you, the instigator, want to join the company?

Xue Chaoqing couldn't take it anymore. With a thud, he slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Chu Yun, you're pushing it too far!"

"Sit down," Chu Yun commanded, giving Xue Chaoqing, who was on the brink of a meltdown, a stern look. "Do you believe I'll smack you?"

Xue Chaoqing felt like he'd been hit by a bolt of lightning and plopped back down.

"Enough playing around," Chu Yun said, pulling out a box of unbranded cigarettes from his pocket and tossing one to Xue Chaoqing with an inscrutable expression. "Xue Chaoqing, if you had any sense, you'd realize I'm no ordinary man."

Hearing this, Xue Chaoqing began to regain his composure.

He had managed to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry, so he certainly wasn't brainless.

That was precisely why he had been holding back from having a fallout with Chu Yun.

"Could it be that Mr. Chu—"

"Stop guessing, and don't ask," Chu Yun interrupted nonchalantly. "Just know this: with me around, the Han family won't dare touch you. Your job is to simply make my wife a star."

Xue Chaoqing's mind was racing.

He couldn't get a read on Chu Yun's true background and was hesitant to commit.

"Do you have Chee Jun's phone number?" Chu Yun asked offhandedly.

Xue Chaoqing nodded.

"Call him," Chu Yun instructed, his lips pressed together. "Ask him who I am. Find out the consequences of crossing me."

Chu Yun didn't need to say anything; he would still seek out Chee Jun privately for information.

Now, he felt even less constrained.

He quickly dialed Chee Jun's number, and Xue Chaoqing inquired with subtle tact.

"Trust him. You can rest easy; he's got your back."

After ending the call, Xue Chaoqing wiped the sweat from his brow and offered to light Chu Yun's cigarette. "Mr. Chu, Miss Su's contract remains unchanged. I'll look into finding a position that suits you later. The economy's been rough, and we've had to lay off staff..."

"No worries," Chu Yun replied, lighting his cigarette. "Director Xue, I'm not well-versed in the entertainment industry. Why did you agree to spend a hundred million to sign my wife? She's tone-deaf and doesn't have the allure of those female stars. Plus, she's not exactly young."

Xue Chaoqing's lips twitched. Who talks about their wife like that? It seemed to him that Su Mingyue wasn't particularly important to Chu Yun—perhaps just one among many beauties.

"Miss Su may not have formal training, but she's exceptionally talented in acting. Plus, her beauty is undeniable. In just half a year since her debut, she's already made a name for herself. I'm confident she'll go far."

Chu Yun nodded, stood up, and said, "Well, I'll leave you to it. I've got other matters to attend to."

With the reassurance from Chee Jun, Xue Chaoqing wasn't likely to turn on him anytime soon. The Su family wouldn't be thrown into disarray either.

Ding, ding.

He had just settled into the taxi when his phone chimed with a new message.

"Young Marshal, are you on a mission?"

He had just swapped numbers with Xue Chaoqing, and now Chee Jun was reaching out.

"No. I've retired."

Chee Jun's complexion paled at the message.

Retired?

Had he inadvertently set Xue Chaoqing up for a fall?

Yet, he couldn't bring himself to cross Chu Yun.

If Chu Yun had retired, he might not be able to shield Xue Chaoqing anymore. But dealing with Chee Jun himself would still be a piece of cake.

Moreover, having achieved such a high rank in his original position, even in retirement, he would not be easily brought down by the Han family.