The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

Shang Yibo's heart sank, knowing that Zheng Qiang was forcing him to reveal his hand. He pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Zheng Bank, if your bank is willing to consider an extension, we can provide additional collateral, and we can even consider using my personal assets as collateral. As long as we can overcome the current difficulties, we are willing to pay the corresponding price."

Wen Gang glanced at Zheng Qiang, then at Shang Yibo, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. After a moment, he interjected, "President Shang, we've been cooperating with Rushang Group for many years. Although your company has always had a very good reputation, this year is different from previous years. Banks have their own rules, and we can't be too casual either. Haha, everyone understands."

He changed the subject and continued, "Speaking of which, Mr. Shang's personal guarantee is something we can discuss. Is it Zheng Xing?"

When Zheng Qiang heard that Shang Yibo offered to personally guarantee Ru Shang Group, his eyes lit up noticeably. "Wenxing, President Shang is a popular celebrity. My daughter often mentions him to me. A big star's reputation is usually guaranteed. Besides, President Shang's personal assets are worth over a billion. However..." Zheng Qiang hesitated slightly, then changed his tone, "Let's go back, look at the information, and study it further."

Wen Gang chuckled and said, "Zheng Xing, ask President Shang for his autograph and give it to your daughter when you get back. She'll definitely love it."

"No problem, no problem," Shang Yibo said reluctantly.

Shang Yibo could tell that tonight's negotiations had reached their limit and there was no possibility of any further substantial breakthroughs. Continuing to apply pressure would only backfire.

He raised his glass, a composed smile returning to his face: "Then thank you very much, Wenxing and Zhengxing. In any case, Rushang Group will continue to work hard and will never let your trust go to waste."

Wen Gang also raised his glass, a smile returning to his face, and said in a relaxed tone, "President Shang, we're old friends, let's understand and support each other!"

Zheng Qiang simply nodded slightly, remaining expressionless and remarkably calm.

Shang Yibo's gaze inadvertently swept over Zhang Xinyi sitting to the side, and he raised an eyebrow slightly. Zhang Xinyi immediately understood, took out the gift that Zhou Yanruo had prepared for them in advance from under her seat, and said respectfully, "Wenxing, Zhengxing, this is a small token of our President Shang's appreciation. Please accept it."

He bent slightly and handed the gift bag to the two bank managers. Wen Gang laughed and nodded to his assistant behind him, who immediately stepped forward to take the gift bag. Zheng Qiang, however, waved his hand and said in a calm tone, "This is unnecessary, Mr. Shang, you're too kind."

Shang Yibo smiled slightly and explained in a relaxed tone, "It's nothing valuable. The two bank presidents are both honest and upright, how could I do anything disrespectful? It's just some products I endorsed when I was filming, and some small gifts to take back and appease the kids."

As night deepened, the drinking party finally ended. Shang Yibo stood at the hotel entrance, watching Wen Gang and Zheng Qiang's car slowly drive away, his heart heavy. Today's meeting had not gone as expected, and every step from now on would be even more difficult, but he had no other choice.

Zhang Xinyi walked to his side and whispered, "President Shang, President Zhou just sent me a message saying that she has returned to the group and will ask you to contact her as soon as this is over."

Shang Yibo glanced at his watch; it was just past ten. He nodded and instructed, "Let's go back to the company as well."

The two got into the car, which slowly drove into the night. The city lights were still dazzling, but a gloomy atmosphere hung over Shang Yibo's heart. He felt unprecedented pressure, and this was only the beginning.

"I never thought that my status as a big star could be used in business negotiations. By selling myself out, I gave Ru Shang a chance to turn things around. It's not a big deal," Shang Yibo thought to himself with a self-deprecating smile.

On the way, Shang Yibo sent Zhou Yanruo a message: "I'm on my way back to the company. Let's talk when we meet."

The car quickly drove into the headquarters building of Rushang Group. After Shang Yibo got out of the car, he went straight to the elevator, with Zhang Xinyi following closely behind. The elevator doors slowly closed, and Shang Yibo looked at his slightly tired face in the mirror, took a deep breath, and composed himself.

The elevator doors opened, and Zhou Yanruo was already standing at the door waiting. She was wearing a smart suit, and although her face showed a hint of fatigue, her eyes were still bright.

"It ended earlier than I expected. Did your talks go smoothly?" Zhou Yanruo asked eagerly, her tone filled with concern.

Shang Yibo curled his lips into a smile, but didn't answer. He walked into the office and asked directly, "How's the situation on your end?"

Zhou Yanruo closed the door, her expression serious: "It's a bit complicated."

Shang Yibo sat down on the three-seater sofa in the reception area and pointed to the sofa to the side, "Sit down and talk."

“Yes, President Shen brought Qingnan and Xie Can with him tonight,” Zhou Yanruo said.

"Such a grand affair? Several of your top generals have come." Shang Yibo sensed that something was amiss and frowned, asking, "They didn't make things difficult for you, did they?"

"No, it was just a normal business meeting," Zhou Yanruo stated the result directly. "Your contract with Yihua Entertainment includes two variety shows to be filmed, produced by two different platforms. Their suggestion is to negotiate with the platforms to have you withdraw from the regular cast and become a guest star. They've come to discuss this with us to see if you agree."

"They've already negotiated with the platform, and then they come back to ask for our opinion?" Shang Yibo couldn't help but chuckle. "Is it that simple? Is there something else going on?"

“You guessed right, there are conditions.” Zhou Yanruo pursed her lips. “Yihua is co-producing an idol drama with the platform, which is currently airing. The actors are all newcomers, and the show is not popular enough. They are having trouble attracting sponsors and it looks like it’s going to flop.”

Shang Yibo: "What does this have to do with me?"

“It’s none of your business, but it’s Yihua Entertainment’s business. They can’t stand by and watch their businesses suffer huge losses,” Zhou Yanruo continued. “The best way to promote them is to have the actors go on variety shows. Using variety shows to generate national buzz is faster and more effective than anything else.”

"so what?"

"It's not easy for them to negotiate resources now, and there's not enough time. Your variety show is about to start filming, and this time it's being produced and broadcast simultaneously. Adjusting your contract is the best solution. Since you're going to retire from the entertainment industry anyway, one more or one less exposure opportunity won't make a difference."

Shang Yibo pondered for a moment, "What do you think?"

“I’m actually quite happy about it. You don’t have the time or energy to film variety shows right now. You’re bound by a contract and can’t do what you want. I’m the one who’s struggling with this. They really don’t need to go to all this trouble to negotiate with me,” Zhou Yanruo said slyly. “I didn’t discuss it with you. I decided on my own to cooperate with them in signing a supplementary agreement to terminate the contracts you haven’t yet fulfilled. We can take this opportunity to finalize the terms regarding breach of contract penalties. That way, you only need to participate in one variety show recording, and as a guest star, to fulfill your contract. Being a guest star on a variety show won’t take up too much of your time.”

"I completely agree, sigh..." Shang Yibo sighed heavily, probably relieved.

Zhou Yanruo: "Also, it was Shen Yihua who suggested that we announce our retirement from the entertainment industry at the end of the variety show filming. This way, we would maintain the show's popularity and wouldn't have to put in the effort to find a suitable opportunity. Shen Yihua is very shrewd, and I felt that it wouldn't do us any harm, so I agreed."

"That's for the best, without too many constraints."

Just an hour ago, he had used his "celebrity" status to gain the bank president's trust and approval, and now he was using that same effect to negotiate contract terms. "Celebrity" has this other use after all. Shang Yibo couldn't help but smile wryly.