star of the peninsula

"Oppa, what's wrong? What happened?!"

Zhang Yuanying curiously put her face close to him, wanting to get a closer look at her oppa's thoughts.

"My thoughts may change. Also, are you always this close to everyone when you talk?"

Chen Chen reached out and grabbed Yuanying's pretty face and slowly pushed her away without giving her any face.

Zhang Yuanying was not angry, but just reminded with a smile: "Oppa, remember to wipe your hands, my base makeup is a bit thick today."

"Also, talking to people face to face is more of a matter of habit." Zhang Yuanying also explained the previous question, "Whether facing fans or facing the camera, this method can bring very good results. It will almost become an instinct after using it for a while. Sorry~"

Chen Chen did not respond to her frivolous "sorry". He found a wet tissue in the car to wipe his hands, then took out his phone and dialed the number.

"Shh~"

Chen Chen turned his head and looked at Xiaoyuan, motioning her to be quiet.

Yuanying understood very well. She covered her mouth tightly with both hands, so she couldn't make any sound.

"Have you seen the news about me and SMART?" Chen Chen called Shirley and ordered, "Respond and confirm it."

"To what extent is it confirmed?" Shirley asked, "Official response or the same gossip as the other party?"

"Semi-official." Chen Chen gave instructions, "In an informal setting, you should appear in person and give an ambiguous response, neither saying yes nor no."

"I understand."

Shirley immediately hung up the phone and turned to prepare this short video which was not so official but was jointly decided by the two top managers of C headquarters.

"..."

There is no need to say much about the efficiency of Headquarter C. Three minutes later, Chen Chen saw related news on the Internet.

Text, pictures, videos, everything is included.

"CEO Cui, have you seen the news online that President Chen Chen of C Headquarters is considering joining SMART?"

The video camera was focused on Shirley, who was walking towards the C headquarters building with documents in her arms. The picture quality was not high and the image was shaky, revealing the nervousness and excitement of the cameraman everywhere.

"Well, I'm not sure about that." Shirley stopped and smiled at the camera, "But our President Chen is indeed meeting with SMART. The specific results will be announced after he comes back."

"Okay, thank you, Cui."

The video goes black at this point, and it is obvious that the person filming took the initiative to end the filming and hurry up to write the article and send it out.

The title of the press release is very bold and eye-catching, "Representative Director of C Headquarters: President Chen Chen is discussing joining with SMART Inc."

Five minutes later, the C headquarters propaganda matrix took effect, and various rumors based on this video began to spread across various social platforms.

The topic is getting more and more outrageous. Some say they are just waiting for the official announcement, some say the talks have broken down, and some even say Chen Chen is already working on acquiring SMART.
This is the vibrant Internet, where people dare to say anything.

But it doesn’t matter. This is the effect Chen Chen wants. He wants people to start associating the name Chen Chen with SMART.

"Wow~ Is this our C headquarters?"

Zhang Yuanying, who had been checking her phone the entire time, was completely dumbfounded, with her mouth wide open, not knowing what to say.

"The company must have its own strengths to be able to retain outstanding artists like you. Otherwise, what will happen if you run away?!" Chen Chen joked.

"I won't run away, Oppa~" Zhang Yuanying hugged Chen Chen's neck and acted coquettishly, then left quickly as if she suddenly remembered something, "Oh, by the way, didn't we do much to promote Suzy's new drama? I didn't even see it!"

"You mean the Netflix drama that aired on the 15th? That one really didn't get much publicity." Chen Chen shook his head helplessly. "Both are broadcast on Netflix and both are Korean dramas. No matter how much it's promoted, it can't beat Squid!, so I just saved my energy."

“I see.” Zhang Yuanying nodded, not quite understanding. “What is Suzy doing recently? I can’t see her at the company.”

"I went to a foreign fashion circle to play." Chen Chen replied: "The company happened to have a lot of dealings with the fashion circles in Europe and the United States recently, and you, Suzy, took this opportunity to communicate, learn, and exchange experiences."

When talking about the endorsement of Integrate, C headquarters had the closest contact with big brands in the fashion circle. Taking this opportunity to let Suzy see if she can seek new development in the fashion circle is one of the few things that can be done.

Suzy has always been a well-known figure in the fashion circle, and if she is willing to try it herself, the company will help her to some extent.

"I thought I had just left the crew and joined a new one." Yuanying sighed.

"Suzy is the top actress in our C headquarters' film and television department. The company won't touch her without a good script." Chen Chen felt his head swell just thinking about it. "But good scripts are not always available. We can only let her wait while she is busy with her own things."

"So what's the quality of the scripts Oppa gave to the members?"

Yuanying heard him talking about the script and asked a question.

She certainly doesn't need to test her acting skills. She is too busy with high-quality business activities to spare any time for low-return activities.

"I don't know. Those scripts were found by Starship. They are just toys to play with. There is no need to give them to me." Chen Chen looked at the time and waved to Xiaoyuan. "Okay, go back. I'll get ready to leave."

"Well, see you Oppa."

Zhang Yuanying got out of the car with her long legs and walked away slowly.

……

Eight o'clock is a bit late for dinner and a bit early for supper, but it is just the right time to talk about things.

"You were the one who spread the news that I was planning to join Stupid Company?"

As soon as Chen Chenfu sat down, he started to ask questions, catching Lee Soo-man off guard.

"Of course I didn't release it." Lee Soo Man shook his head slightly. "Isn't it common sense that things like this should be kept secret as much as possible? I'm not a businessman without common sense."

"The problem is that apart from you and me, it seems that no one else knows about the contract, right?" Chen Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, "Or did someone else get to know the inside story when I didn't know?"

“There are many people who know the inside story.”

Lee Soo Man said in a muffled voice.

"Who are they?" Chen Chen asked casually at first, and then pretended to be enlightened, "That's right, such a big matter must be decided by holding a high-level meeting at SMART."

"Just what is the result of your meeting? Can you tell me?" Chen Chen said gently.

"Heh, have you not been paying attention to the developments of Stupid Hat Company recently?"

Lee Soo Man pushed his glasses, suddenly sat up straight, and his tone carried a barely perceptible hint of contempt.

"I spent all my time on Squid Game and our new girl group, so I didn't pay enough attention to the surrounding environment." Chen Chen spoke the truth without hesitation, and even put on a humble attitude. "From what President Li said, the solution to my problem was prepared a long time ago, right?"

"No, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the disagreements within SMART." Lee Soo Man told the truth. "My sale of old shares has caused a lot of dissatisfaction. Now the company's management is a little chaotic." "So, what does this have to do with me?"

Chen Chen was stunned for a moment, puzzled.

"Everyone knows that you, President Chen, are a powerful figure. I'm afraid that our small company, SMART, can't accommodate you." Lee Soo Man said it bluntly.

“Please say but.”

Chen Chen leaned back in his chair, full of confidence.

"But you, the real dragon, are a huge contributor to the company. We are reluctant to spend this year with you." As expected, Lee Soo Man said "but".

Without this, there would be no dinner today, and both of them were very clear about this.

"Is Chairman Lee Soo Man also one of those who are reluctant to let go?"

Chen Chen raised his eyebrows playfully.

"Of course." Lee Soo Man nodded. "Your arrival can help SMART increase its stock price. Isn't that a big plus for me?"

"Just today's rumors and Mr. Cui's two words have caused the share price of SMART to rise all the way. The subsequent irresponsible news has directly pushed up the share price. I have no reason not to welcome you."

"And those who already welcomed you are extremely happy and are already preparing for your welcome ceremony," Lee Soo Man added.

This was exactly the scene that Chen Chen wanted to see. He deliberately let Shirley respond and let the Matrix account show its power and lead the pace in order to raise the stock price of SMART and let everyone see that there would be a lot of money to be made after Chen came.

"Oh, this is really good news." Chen Chen gave a fake smile, "Then who is against me?"

"Lee Sung-soo, the head of the first department, is very happy to work with you."

Lee Soo-man slowly gave a slightly confusing answer.

The reason why it is a little confusing is that you can understand it if you think about it simply.

Would the young and strong faction who want to seize power welcome a powerful foreigner to suddenly join their gang? Generally speaking, they definitely would not.

But this is only Lee Soo-man's one-sided statement. Whether his purpose is just to alienate the relationship between Chen Chen and Lee Sung-soo so as to reduce the threat to himself has not yet been verified.

"Okay, I'll take note. I'll verify it myself later." Chen Chen raised his chin. "Now, let's get to the point."

The so-called key point is how SMART plans to arrange for Chen after confirming his acceptance.

"consultant."

Lee Soo-man was given a position with a loud voice but no executive power.

"It's just as I predicted." Chen Chen responded expressionlessly, "OK, I accept it."

The position of consultant is perfect for SMART. It can fully utilize Chen Chen's influence without giving him any real power, and it poses no threat to anyone.

Moreover, as a consultant, Chen Chen is also obligated to provide solutions when SMART encounters problems. Of course, this is only in theory. In reality, whether Chen Chen is willing to work for SMART depends on his mood.

What? You idiot, you dare to force me?

"President Lee Soo Man, is there anything you need to tell me in advance? Tell me now. I still have two days to adapt." Chen Chen continued.

"There's nothing to explain. SMART will have no restrictions on you." Lee Soo Man glanced at him, "Because, it's useless even if we ban you."

"Okay, let's eat then."

Chen Chen was too lazy to say anything else and started eating.

……

"It's so uncomfortable. This meal makes me feel sick all over!"

"It felt like anticlimactic! It seemed like we both prepared a lot of things for each other, but neither of us used them and the conversation ended!"

"I'm sure Lee Soo Man must have something lying in wait for me, but I can't think of it now!"

It was less than ten o'clock when Chen Chen got home after dinner. He had time to hug his soft and gentle girlfriend and complain boldly.

"You are already the president of C headquarters, Chen. You should not be afraid of an ambush, right?"

Bae Joo-hyun didn't know what this person was worried about, but in her opinion, her boyfriend had nothing to worry about.

"But this time it's SMART, after all. It's probably the most difficult company to deal with among all the South Korean entertainment companies." Chen Chen bit his girlfriend's fair shoulder, "If I don't handle it well, I might suffer a big loss."

"Oh, you are born in the Year of the Dog!" Pei Zhuxuan hit him and said angrily: "Maybe he was the one who ambushed you, why did you bite me?!"

"Hehe, it's just something I said casually." Chen Chen laughed and climbed up from his girlfriend, saying, "But I think he doesn't dare to take the initiative to attack me. The ambush will only work after I take the initiative."

"The question is, maybe you won't take the initiative?" Pei Zhuxuan pulled up her clothes and sat up, "You went to SMART to cause trouble!"

"Don't worry about it. If I have to take the initiative first, then I will have the initiative." Chen Chen said seriously: "This is very important. The first-hand advantage is especially important between equally matched opponents."

"Oh, whatever you want, I don't understand that." Pei Zhuxuan happily hugged Chen Chen from behind, "I only know that we are going to be colleagues!"

"Yeah, we're going to be colleagues." Chen Chen turned around and teased her, "Will you be happier if you're dating a colleague?"

"That's not the case~" Pei Zhuxuan smiled innocently, "It's just that there is a very different feeling. It's strange and exciting at the same time."

"Humph, then have you ever thought that we are not actually colleagues?!" Chen Chen sneered, "I am the high and mighty consultant, and you are just a front-line employee who doesn't even have social security!"

"Then I said I was a regular employee and you were a temporary worker." Bae Joo Hyun rolled her eyes, "Everyone can speak!"

"No, you're wrong. You idols are not regular employees either." Chen Chen laughed. "You are far from being real regular employees!"

"Really?" Pei Zhuxuan took two steps back in disbelief, "Why?"

"No reason, it's just set up like this." Chen Chen changed the subject, "Okay, let's not talk about this. How's your script research going?"

"It's a bit difficult." Pei Zhuxuan was a little nervous. "I don't have any experience of deep hatred and bitterness. It's difficult to play the heroine who is deep hatred and bitterness."

"That's fine. Just focus on showing your cool side." Chen Chen made a stupid move. "A flawed script deserves a flawed actor like you. Otherwise, people will say one side is wasted."

"You are the flawed actor!" Pei Zhuxuan punched Chen Chen three times, then turned around and lay on the bed, covering her head, "It's time to sleep, let your poisonous mouth rest!"

...(End of chapter)