Chapter 70: A New Starting Point
Having decided on her development direction, at least the confusion in her heart lessened, and she would move forward towards her ideal more firmly. For her, this was the best arrangement.
As Nangong Ying said, people from Orange River arrived quickly. It was Yu Tianchen again, but this time he brought a contract, ready to discuss signing with her. Orange River planned to sign her and cultivate her into an artist under their banner. This was agreed upon before.
But when actually sitting at the negotiation table, Yu Linna looked at the contract and felt somewhat uncomfortable with the content. Not for any other reason, just felt that some clauses were unfair. Several were even tyrant clauses, equivalent to selling all her rights to them. But without signing this contract, she couldn’t enter Orange River.
“According to the contract terms, after signing you, you become an artist of our company. As a member of our company, you must work for this company. Your appearance fee will be based on your value. You must obey our company’s arrangements and create benefits for this company. Because you are a newcomer, some things can only be stipulated this way. When your value is higher, we will sign a better contract.”
Yu Tianchen was a smart man. He knew things wouldn’t be so easy; everything had to have a process. Gradual progress was the true principle.
Moreover, the current Yu Linna definitely needed this contract. Since she wanted to enter the entertainment industry, she inevitably had to join a company. And a large company like Orange River was naturally the first choice. It wasn’t just talk; every newcomer actor desperately wanted to get into this company.
“Will Nangong also be at this company?”
“Yes, I guarantee it. She will definitely become an actress under our banner. We have already drafted a new contract, planning to sign a four-movie contract with her.”
Since the last incident, Yu Tianchen was confident he could sign a new contract with Nangong Ying. They reduced the contract by one movie, hoping to pull Nangong Ying over with this. Everything was developing in a good direction. Their Orange River would become more prosperous, and Nangong Ying was just a card in their hands. They were lucky that Nangong Ying hadn’t been poached so quickly; they could act preemptively. Even luckier, Nangong Ying had no backing in the circle; they could use this to pressure her.
“Then… can I also become your actress?”
“As long as you seize the opportunity, that day will come. We are now signing you, the person, for a term of two years. You’ll start by shooting commercials, completely obeying our conditions.”
This was the first time Yu Linna faced such a contract.
To be honest, this contract couldn’t be called very friendly. It required her to obey arrangements 100%, and during this period, she was not allowed to film for any other company, not even commercials. And once breached, she would have to pay a penalty of 60 million, an extremely terrifying figure.
But if she performed well, Yu Linna could soar and transform.
“Alright. But I’m a minor. I need my guardian to sign.”
Ultimately, Yu Linna chose to compromise. For better development, to make her fame greater, she chose to compromise. Because she subconsciously believed that this was what Nangong Ying wanted her to do, and Nangong Ying wouldn’t harm her.
She believed that everything Nangong Ying did was for her own good.
“Okay, I’ll leave the contract with you. Take it to your guardian to sign.”
Yu Tianchen wasn’t anxious for her to sign immediately. He knew well that haste makes waste; only by casting a long line could one catch a big fish. Besides, Yu Linna was a child, with plenty of room for development.
Even if cultivation failed, the initial goal had already been achieved.
Because Yu Linna was just Nangong Ying’s scapegoat.
Taking this contract, Yu Linna went back alone. She didn’t know how to resolve this matter. This contract couldn’t be called a good contract, but it was her only chance to enter the entertainment industry.
Not enough strength, make up for it with the thickness of connections.
Since it was Nangong Ying’s recommendation, she definitely wouldn’t harm her. She had to cherish this opportunity.
But the problem was, she was only 17 this year, not yet an adult. She couldn’t sign this contract yet, only find her nominal guardian to help sign it. Although called a guardian, this person actually hadn’t cared about her life or death for many years, their whereabouts unknown.
If it weren’t for this matter, she absolutely wouldn’t have gone looking for that person. But now there was no choice; someone needed to sign. Besides that person, no one could provide the signature. Her only legal guardian was that person, even though that person had no real relationship with her, only becoming her guardian due to legal regulations. But for this piece of paper, Yu Linna had to find her.
Returning home, Yu Linna dug out the phone book that had been at the bottom of her box for many years, found the guardian’s phone number, and dialed.
After a while, the phone made a few sounds, but didn’t connect. Because this number was already out of service.
Although she had expected such a result, she didn’t expect it to come so bluntly.
Even if that person really disliked her, did they have to go this far, not even leaving a contact number?
Helplessly, Yu Linna had to find the phone numbers of several past foster families, holding onto a sliver of hope, and made several calls.
“Hello, long time no see, this is Nana. No, no, I wanted to ask you about Auntie Tong’s news. Do you have her phone number?”
“Okay, I understand. Thank you.”
“Hello, long time no see, this is Nana. I want to ask Uncle a question, do you know Auntie Tong’s phone number?”
“Okay, got it.”
“Hello, long time no see, this is Nana. Auntie, I want to ask, do you know Auntie Tong’s phone number?”
Making several calls in a row, she contacted almost all the foster families she had lost touch with. What she got, of course, were curses and impatient words.
Back when Yu Linna was boarding, these people didn’t treat this girl well. Weren’t they all polite at first, but ended up kicking her out? In their hearts, Yu Linna was just an outsider, never becoming family no matter what.
So when she was finally taken over by someone else, they were all relieved. At this time, no one wanted to bother with Yu Linna anymore. Whoever wanted her could take her.
As for the Auntie Tong Yu Linna mentioned, she was Yu Linna’s nominal guardian, and also the longest-serving one. But this person hadn’t taken care of her either, ruthlessly leaving her here and running off alone.
So Yu Linna asked many people, but few knew her contact information.
Rather, even if they knew, they didn’t want to say, because they didn’t want any further relationship with Yu Linna.
But heaven rewards the faithful. Finally, from a certain former foster family, Yu Linna found news of her.
“You mean Tong Lili? I remember she seemed to have gone to Shanghai. Opened an online store there, business is quite good, probably developing into a small company. I have her address.”
Finally, she found her guardian’s address. Although it wasn’t smooth, at least she knew where she lived. Getting her address, Yu Linna wanted to call her, but heard she was a busy person who disliked being disturbed by private calls, so she gave up.
Years of living habits told her: if you can save someone trouble, save them trouble; if you can be a bit more obedient, be a bit more obedient.
This was her habit developed over many years.
“I understand. Thank you.”
Getting the contact information, Yu Linna had a reason to set off.
Coincidentally, she had also won the championship throne in the English competition, brought back the trophy, brought glory to the school. Asking for leave would be easy. Yu Linna didn’t think much more, immediately booked a train ticket on her phone. She had to set off for Shanghai immediately.
The girl opened her wardrobe, picked a few clothes, packed clean underwear, and put them in a small bag. Because she had been to Shenzhen before, she was very experienced with these things. It was just going to Shanghai, no big deal.
What kind of days hadn’t she lived through over the years? As long as she got the signature, everything would be fine.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated. She picked up the call. The caller ID showed the name Ye Zhiyun.
What did this person want?
“Hello, Ye Zhiyun?”
“Yes. Good noon. Are you free? Let’s go out for dinner tonight.”
“Tonight…”
Looking at her packed clothes, Yu Linna hesitated slightly.
She had already booked the ticket and had to leave immediately. It was unlikely she could stay until evening.
Although she really wanted to stay, time wouldn’t wait for her. For that ideal, she could only set off.
“Sorry, no time. Maybe next time.”
“Alright. Wenqian said she wanted to find you. Ever since you cosplayed last time, she wanted to find you again.”
“Unfortunately, I won’t go again.”
“Yeah, that makes sense.”
The two fell silent, the atmosphere becoming tense.
Ye Zhiyun looked up, sighed deeply. Sure enough, she still wanted to hear her voice more.
“Recently, I earned some money and am preparing to invest in a new movie.”
“Hmm?”
This was the first time Ye Zhiyun mentioned her work matters to her.
It was a rare experience for Yu Linna.
In her impression, this girl didn’t seem like someone who would talk about work with her.
“So, you don’t need to rush to pay me back. I’m not short of that little money.”
“Okay.”
“Yu Linna, I…”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing.”
In the end, she still didn’t know what to say, ending the topic with this sentence.
Ye Zhiyun hated Yu Linna; this was originally an indisputable fact. She thought she would hate her for a lifetime, but never expected her persistence to be so fragile.
What did she feel about Yu Linna now? She really didn’t know.
And Yu Linna, she had already packed her bags, took her bag, and left this city. She boarded the train, heading towards the distant metropolis. She had never been to such a far place, didn’t know what Shanghai was like, but she still went.
On the road ahead, whether light or darkness awaited her, she didn’t know.
But if she wanted to escape the guardianship of her current guardian, rely on her own strength to carve out a path, that was the most practical. In this world, no one could help her; only she herself was the only one.
She, Yu Linna, was about to embark on a journey.
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