Rebirth from the Ashes Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Fail To Understand Reality

Lil Chairman Shen was peeling and eating some prawns slowly. Her eyes seemed as they were covered with a thin layer of frost. No one could tell what she was thinking about.
Director An Lin listened with a grimace.
These days, the investors were the big bosses and he could not afford to offend the people who funded him.
“Miss Cloud, if you have no objections to our suggestions, do edit the script by next week.”
“Director An, we hope to start filming as soon as possible. Let’s begin early next month. Two months of filming should be sufficient!”
“As for the cast, let’s recruit average actors. Expensive ones are out of the question. No need to look for the second female lead for we already have someone in mind.”
The investors were used to bossing others around. They were the ones who supplied the money, so other people had to obey them. The director and the screenwriters were nobodies in their eyes. To the investors, they had already done a great service by informing them about their final decision.
“Have you finished?” Shen Xi picked up a napkin gracefully and wiped her fingers. She smiled. “If you have, it’s my turn to speak!”
“Let us know your opinions, Miss Cloud.” Producer Zhang regarded her with a grin.
This screenwriter was very beautiful, indeed. Young girls were often supple and a treat to the eyes.
The rest of the men gazed at Shen Xi with lustful intentions.
“Who’s the screenwriter? You or I?” Shen Xi asked.
“Of course you’re the screenwriter, Miss Cloud. We’re laymen and are unfamiliar with the subject.” If not for her pretty face, Boss Chen would not have been so patient with her.
“Then I’ll tell you what I think.” Shen Xi’s lips curved upwards, but there was no sincerity of a smile. “I’m the screenwriter and I request full control over the script. Not a single word is to be edited in my script.”
The investors smirked as they listened to her. What an ignorant little dummy. She must have a screw loose to fail to understand reality and to be so demanding.
“During the course of filming, you must obey my requests and change the current fixed period of shooting. I want this show to be filmed and released simultaneously. This is for the benefit of our show and it’s the best way to prevent leaks and piracy.”
The investors’ expressions darkened. Who did she think she was to start making demands?
“All of the cast members must be handpicked by me,” Shen Xi continued nonchalantly.
The investors were fuming with rage.
“Moreover, I don’t want a screenwriter’s fee. I want fifty percent of the show’s profits.” Shen Xi lowered the napkin in her hand and grinned. “If you have no problem with that, we can sign the contract.”
“I think that you haven’t learned your place yet, Miss Cloud.” Producer Zhang ignored her words. “Director An, you ought to teach her how to talk to us.”
“She’s a student and a young girl who hasn’t stepped into society. Thus, she’s too idealistic. Don’t take her words to heart, Producer Zhang.” An Lin panicked and did not expect her to be so offensive. He tried to de-escalate the situation. “You must be joking, right, Miss Cloud?”
It was his first time meeting a newcomer as fearless as her.
In China’s film industry, the screenwriter belonged to the lowest rank and had not much say in things.
Changes were made when the director said so.
Changes were made when the investors said so.
Changes were made when the actors said so!
“Director An.” Shen Xi stopped smiling and her expression was replaced with a scornful jeer. “Do I look like I’m joking?”