Chapter 29: Director Tang vs. Chairman Yang

“Interesting statement, Chairman Yang,” Director Tang remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Are you suggesting our company has been running on artists’ investments all this time? By that logic, I suppose Li Manman must have invested quite a bit in the company, right? Should I perhaps offer her my seat on the board?”

Director Tang’s razor-sharp tongue was infamous; he never minced words.

“You—” Chairman Yang spluttered, his protruding belly quivering like an indignant bullfrog poked in the stomach^[1]“像被戳到肚皮的癞蛤蟆” (xiàng bèi chuō dào dùpí de lài hámá) – “Like a toad whose belly has been poked”, describing someone’s reaction to being … Continue reading…

The other board members exchanged uneasy glances, already feeling the onset of a migraine.

Chairman Yang had extensive experience and connections, but Director Tang’s ability to acquire 20% of the shares from various stars in just a year was not to be underestimated.

When these two titans clashed, it was the minor shareholders who’d end up as collateral damage.

Intervene, and they’d offend someone. Stay silent, and they’d appear to be eating melon^[2]” (chī guā) – Literally “eating melon”, a slang term meaning to watch drama unfold or consume gossip.—which would offend everyone! Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.

It was an open secret that Chairman Yang wanted to promote Li Manman, and people usually humored him to save face. But Director Tang, known for his unwavering principles, had always stood up to Chairman Yang , even before he held any real power. Now, as an equal shareholder, his words cut deeper than ever.

“Chairman Yang ,” Director Tang continued, “my years in directing have taught me one thing: Li Manman will never make it big. She’s all arrogance and no substance, throwing her weight around just because she’s got backing. In reality, she’s got neither the looks nor the talent. We’ve thrown a fortune at her, and she still can’t catch a break. I suggest you stop wasting time and money on a lost cause.”

“Oh? So Director Tang thinks Yan Yueqing is the better bet?” Chairman Yang latched onto a counterargument. “Say what you will about Manman’s acting, but her variety shows have been well-received. What’s Yan Yueqing got to show after three years in the industry? More haters than fans, I’d wager.”

Director Tang let out a derisive snort. “How considerate of you to ask, Chairman. Wasn’t it you who specifically instructed Liu Minjun to ensure that outcome?”

“What are you implying?” Chairman Yang’s beady eyes narrowed to slits, his tone turning hostile.

“Oh, come now. Without your permission, would Liu Minjun dare to sabotage one of her own artists? And let’s be honest, was that ‘investment’ really why you signed Yan Yueqing in the first place?”

Chairman Yang ‘s face drained of color as if struck by an unseen blow.

Director Tang pressed on, laying bare the ugly truth: “You signed her because she was easy on the eyes, thinking you’d add her to your personal collection. But before you could make your move, you discovered she wasn’t from the illustrious Yan family and already had a child. Feeling played, you dumped her on Liu Minjun with orders to bury her career. Otherwise, explain to me why Liu Minjun would relegate someone with Yan Yueqing’s natural star quality to play a supporting role in a variety show?”

Even talent managers need to put food on the table.

Some people just can’t catch a break no matter how hard you push them, while others become audience darlings with just a fleeting appearance. Yan Yueqing was clearly the latter, yet she was saddled with an unlikable persona in variety shows, which naturally resulted in backlash from netizens after it aired.

Yet, not once had anyone criticized Yan Yueqing’s looks. The camera loved her; she was born for the spotlight.

With Liu Minjun’s connections, just a couple of decent projects would have been enough to skyrocket Yan Yueqing to stardom, cementing her place in the public’s heart. Instead, her talent was being squandered.

Artists can’t openly defy the company—they either get shelved or obediently take whatever scraps they’re given. It was clear as day: Chairman Yang had ordered Yan Yueqing’s career to be strangled in its cradle.

The other board members were caught in a whirlpool of conflicting emotions as they absorbed this juicy gossip. They exchanged knowing glances, each silently begging for an escape route.

This was Chairman Yang ‘s dirty laundry being aired! If they stuck around, they’d surely incur his wrath. But damn, the tea was too hot to ignore!

Chairman Yang , thick-skinned as ever, defaulted to denial: “Director Tang, I’d advise against making baseless accusations. It’s damaging to both my reputation and Yan Yueqing’s.”

Director Tang, having made his point about Yan Yueqing, decided to change tack. His lips curled into a wolfish grin, eyes glinting behind his glasses. “Very well, shall we return to the topic of Li Manman then?”

“What’s there to discuss?” Chairman Yang bristled.

Director Tang chuckled, “I post one little tweet, and suddenly I’m summoned to this late-night inquisition. If it’s not about defending Li Manman, then what?”

Chairman Yang slammed his palm on the table. “This has nothing to do with Li Manman! We’re here because of Yan Yueqing’s string of failures! Your public show of support has set tongues wagging about a possible affair, and it’s affecting our stock prices!”

“Oh, I see,” Director Tang’s voice dripped with mock realization. “So, standing up for a colleague implies an illicit relationship? In that case, Chairman Yang , given your fervent support of Li Manman, one can only imagine the nature of your… professional relationship.”

“You—”

“Speaking of which, I hear Li Manman’s been frequenting the gynecology department lately. Is she unwell? Surely you wouldn’t have her filming while she’s under the weather? My, my, Chairman Yang , your lack of concern for your protégé is quite telling.”

The boardroom erupted into a flurry of stifled gasps and meaningful looks.

Oh boy, this tea was scalding hot!

Chairman Yang ‘s knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.

His lecherous nature was no secret. He’d initially set his sights on Yan Yueqing for her looks, manipulating her into signing with the company. But before he could make his move, he discovered she not only lacked the prestigious family background he’d assumed but also had a child.

He wasn’t about to entangle himself with a woman who had an illegitimate child. It wasn’t just about her being ‘damaged goods’—what if she tried to rope him into playing daddy? That was a scandal waiting to happen.

Feeling duped and bitter about Yan Yueqing, he jumped at the chance when a friend introduced him to the seemingly innocent Li Manman to soothe his wounded ego.

Sure, Li Manman couldn’t hold a candle to Yan Yueqing in the looks department—she was average at best among the company’s stars. But she was putty in his hands, eagerly following his every command.

Like when she recently came to him, coyly announcing her pregnancy. Chairman Yang had coldly ordered her to “take care of it,” and the very next day, she was at the hospital…

These were the kind of open secrets that everyone in the industry knew but never discussed openly. Director Tang’s insistence on dragging them into the light was infuriating!

Director Tang pressed on, giving Chairman Yang no chance to recover: “And another thing—are you seriously suggesting that my single tweet could impact our stock prices? If that’s the case, should I start tweeting positive content? Maybe the company will be able to go public in the U.S. immediately?! Pinning all our operational woes on one person—truly exemplary leadership, Director.”

His sarcasm was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Chairman Yang ‘s face cycled through various shades of purple and red, his fat frame heaving as he struggled to breathe.

After what seemed like an eternity, he managed to wheeze out: “So, you’re hell-bent on defending Yan Yueqing, is that it?”

“Defending? Hardly. I’m simply advocating against manufacturing problems where none exist,” Director Tang’s piercing gaze swept across the room, pinning each board member in turn. “When I received this midnight summons, I assumed we were facing some major crisis. Instead, I find myself in the middle of what appears to be a petty vendetta.”

The other board members maintained a stony silence, inwardly cursing their predicament.

They hadn’t asked to be dragged into this mess! Chairman Yang was the one who’d called them here!

Jiang Feng, ever the peacemaker, tentatively poured water for the two warring factions. “Gentlemen, perhaps we could all take a moment to cool down? After all, we’re here for the good of the company, right?”

Jiang Feng was one of the few genuinely principled individuals in the company. Out of respect for him, Director Tang settled back into his seat, taking a sip of water.

Chairman Yang , still too angry to speak, glowered silently. Director Tang ignored him, casually checking his phone—only to notice a missed call from Yan Yueqing.