The President Made Me Trend

“We just received the notice too,” Xiaoxue explained from the side.

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, revealing the dazzling lights on the hotel’s top floor. The entire film crew was dressed to the nines, and Mo Qinghuan immediately spotted Lu Xuan, surrounded by people, holding a champagne glass and being flattered by the crowd.

He wore a bright smile, seemingly accustomed to such occasions, handling them with ease. Liang Yi was the first to notice Mo Qinghuan’s arrival and eagerly approached to greet her, “You’re here, Qinghuan-Jie.”

“Liang Yi, are you really the male lead in this film?” It seemed Huo-Jie’s information was correct, but unlike Liang Yi’s cheerful demeanor, Mo Qinghuan’s face showed no sign of joy. She furrowed her brows and asked seriously, “Why didn’t you tell me you were the male lead?”

Perhaps he hadn’t expected such a minor issue to upset Mo Qinghuan? Liang Yi felt a bit aggrieved and cautiously replied:

“Qinghuan-Jie, let me explain. Under my agent’s arrangement, I did audition for this film, but having never learned acting, I only considered the audition as an experience, never daring to hope I’d actually be chosen as the male lead. It wasn’t until last night that I received the notice, Qinghuan-Jie, I truly didn’t mean to keep it from you.”

Liang Yi was a kind-hearted young man, and although his explanation didn’t help Mo Qinghuan much, she chose to believe him. Her delicate face began to show signs of displeasure.

Soon, more people noticed Mo Qinghuan’s arrival. Introduced by Huo-Jie, the director handed her a glass of champagne, praising her as if he was thoroughly impressed, “Miss Mo, personally, I’m very much looking forward to our upcoming collaboration. I hope we both perform well and don’t disappoint Mr. Lu, the investor.”

After speaking, the director attempted to clink glasses with Mo Qinghuan, but she avoided it, glanced at Liang Yi, and then said something that shocked everyone present.

“Director, I wish to terminate this contract. Of course, I understand the rules of breach, and you can contact my agent regarding the compensation. Since it’s my personal decision not to participate, the fault lies with me, so I definitely won’t renege.”

As soon as Mo Qinghuan spoke, Huo-Jie was stunned, pulling her arm and whispering, “Qinghuan, have you really thought this through? This film’s resources are the best I’ve seen so far. Why are you suddenly breaching the contract?”

With Lu Xuan as the investor and his connection to Lu Yucheng, the buzz was substantial. Huo-Jie couldn’t comprehend Mo Qinghuan’s sudden refusal.

“Huo-Jie, I have my reasons,” Mo Qinghuan couldn’t explain her dilemma to Huo-Jie. She knew the relationship between Lu Yucheng and Lu Xuan was always awkward. If Lu Yucheng found out Lu Xuan was the investor for this film, he surely wouldn’t let it go easily. So she’d rather compensate for the losses than upset Lu Yucheng.

Huo-Jie was anxious but knew Mo Qinghuan’s character well. She glanced at the director and screenwriter, whose faces were not looking good, then turned to Liang Yi, “Liang Yi, maybe you could talk to Qinghuan?”

Perhaps seeing that the male lead was Liang Yi, Mo Qinghuan might change her mind.

Huo-Jie genuinely believed that the resources for this drama were enough to propel Mo Qinghuan to stardom once again-a rare opportunity not to be missed. It seemed a pity to abandon it so inexplicably.

Moreover, if news of the breach of contract got out, it could have a significant impact. How would Mo Qinghuan continue to navigate the showbiz world?

“Huo-Jie, don’t worry just yet. I think Qinghuan-Jie must have her reasons for making this decision,” Liang Yi reassured Huo-Jie.

Upon hearing this, Huo-Jie felt faint. Although Mo Qinghuan could afford the penalty, what about the reputation she had painstakingly built?

She didn’t want to see Mo Qinghuan act recklessly, yet felt powerless, only able to fret on the sidelines.

“Even though we don’t know the reason for Miss Mo’s sudden breach of contract, we had already sent an amended contract to your company earlier. If Miss Mo breaches the contract now, it will inevitably affect our film’s start date. According to the explicit terms of the contract, Miss Mo must pay triple the penalty.”

Triple? Mo Qinghuan was stunned. The pages of the contract she had seen clearly didn’t contain such a clause. Seeing the director’s cunning expression, she clenched her fists and scoffed:

“Director, do you think I’m new to the industry? Triple the penalty? The contract I reviewed didn’t have this clause. If you’re trying to extort me, you’ve picked the wrong person. I, Mo Qinghuan, never provoke others, but I won’t allow anyone to bully me.”

Huo-Jie chimed in, “The original contract clearly stated that in case of breach, the other party only needed to pay a single penalty. The difference between one and three times is significant. Triple? Are you extorting us?”

This was outrageous!

Huo-Jie was visibly angered by their shamelessness.

The director had someone bring the contract over and handed it to Mo Qinghuan: “Miss Mo, take a look yourself. The contract clearly states triple the penalty, with your and your agent’s signatures, along with your company’s seal. As a public figure, Miss Mo wouldn’t want to renege, would she?”

Huo-Jie stared at the glaring words, bewildered. What was going on?

Mo Qinghuan frowned, finally understanding that this was a trap laid for her. Who was so determined to ensnare her?

She was certain the original contract wasn’t like this. However, with the document now in front of her, she had no way to refute it. Mo Qinghuan was furious but had nowhere to vent.

Observing Mo Qinghuan’s expression, the director tried to persuade her again: “Miss Mo, of course, I hope our contract can continue. You’re a smart person; triple the penalty isn’t a small amount. I admire your acting skills and look forward to working with you. Could Miss Mo reconsider and continue our collaboration?”

Mo Qinghuan remained silent, calculating how to resolve this situation. Clearly, they were at fault, and while she could afford the triple penalty, it was evident she was being set up. How could she willingly give away her hard-earned money?

“Is something wrong?” Lu Xuan seemed to sense the tension. As the investor, he approached Mo Qinghuan with concern.

Mo Qinghuan remained silent, but the director explained the situation to Lu Xuan, expressing slight displeasure.

After listening, Lu Xuan was immediately displeased. He glanced at Mo Qinghuan and openly defended her, saying, “I invest money, not for you to defame my sister-in-law. Her character doesn’t need your judgment.”

“What? Miss Mo is Mr. Lu’s sister-in-law?” The director was shocked and quickly apologized to Mo Qinghuan: “Miss Mo, please forgive me. I didn’t recognize your status. I didn’t realize you had this connection with Mr. Lu. How about this-I’ll drink a glass as self-punishment to apologize to Miss Mo. Please don’t take it to heart.”

With that, the director downed a full glass of champagne, and the surrounding crowd applauded. Lu Xuan’s face finally showed a hint of a smile.