The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Time slipped away quietly as I flipped through the pages, inquired, and recorded. Before I knew it, the sunlight outside the window had already begun to set in the west, and the light that refracted into the room through special channels became dim and yellowish.

Wanwan rubbed her slightly throbbing temples and put down her pen. The initial sorting work was mostly complete, but the real challenge lay in the subsequent rectification and reform.

That's all for today.

Wanwan stood up and stretched her stiff neck: "Thank you for your hard work, elders. Please carry out the tasks I just assigned as soon as possible."

Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu felt as if they had been granted a pardon and quickly stood up and agreed.

Just then, a series of light footsteps sounded outside the hall. A young man with a capable appearance, dressed in the robes of a low-ranking disciple of the Heavenly Lotus Sect, strode in and respectfully bowed before the hall.

“Reporting to Miss, Elders, there are Manager Jin from ‘Jinji’ Grain Shop, Manager Chen from ‘Shunfeng’ Carriage and Horse Shop, and several owners of silk shops outside the door. They say they have heard about some changes within the sect and would like to pay a visit and, by the way, discuss the supply quota and payment settlement for the next season.”

Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu's expressions changed slightly. These merchants were indeed well-informed; only three days after An Long's collapse, they couldn't wait to come and test the waters. In the past, when An Long was in power, which of these people wasn't trembling with fear, afraid of not showing enough respect? Now, it seems they've heard that the person in charge has changed to a young woman, so they've become disdainful, wanting to bargain and even test whether they can break free from some of his control.

Sun Qiniang looked at Wanwan and whispered, "Miss, these people are all important partners of 'Hexinglong,' but they are also all cunning old foxes who change sides easily. What do you think... should we meet them or not? If we do meet them, should I......"

Wanwan waved her hand, a meaningful smile appearing on her face: "You've come at the right time. I was just about to see them. Please ask them to wait in the side hall. I'll be there shortly. The two elders will come with me."

Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu exchanged a glance and nodded simultaneously:

"Yes!"

The side hall was not as oppressive as the Lotus Heart Hall; instead, it was luxurious and comfortable. The tables and chairs were made of fine mahogany, and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. Antiques and jade artifacts were displayed on the curio shelves, and the air was filled with the fragrance of expensive ambergris.

At this moment, five or six well-dressed, portly merchants sat in the side hall. They were leisurely sipping tea, but the glances they exchanged and their slightly restless postures betrayed their inner unease and calculations. Leading them was Jin Dafu of the "Jin Ji" grain store, a middle-aged fat man with a bloated belly and fingers adorned with various gemstone rings, and Chen Laokou of the "Shunfeng" carriage and horse store, a lean, shrewd old man with shifty eyes.

When Wanwan led Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu into the side hall, the merchants' eyes immediately focused on them. Seeing that the woman leading the way was so young, beautiful, and even possessed a touch of girlish charm, a hint of surprise flashed in their eyes. Although Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu, two powerful elders of the Heavenly Lotus Sect, followed behind with considerable respect, they were more inclined to believe that this was a puppet put forward by An Long, who was temporarily unable to appear in person.

"Hehe, Elder Sun, Elder Ouyang, how have you been?"

Jin Dafu stood up first, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and gave a forced smile, but his gaze swept over Wanwan without restraint. "And this young lady is...? She looks very unfamiliar."

Sun Qiniang frowned, about to make an introduction, but Wanwan beat her to it, smiled sweetly, and walked to the main seat and sat down with an elegant and natural posture, as if she was born to sit there.

"I am Wanwan, temporarily managing some mundane affairs of the Tianlian Sect and 'Hexinglong'. I already know the purpose of your visit, managers. It's about the business share and payment settlement for the next quarter, is that right?"

Her directness surprised Jin Dafu and the others. Old Chen chuckled dryly and continued, "Miss Wanwan is straightforward. Indeed, there seem to be some...changes within the sect. We are all uneasy, wondering if business will still be as smooth as before? Especially the settlement of payments. When Sect Master An was here, although there were occasional delays, they were always settled. Now..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: he was worried that internal turmoil within the Heavenly Lotus Sect would affect their interests and even lead to delayed payments.

Wanwan picked up the fragrant tea offered by the maid, gently blew away the foam, but did not drink it. She looked up at the group, her smile unchanged: "Rest assured, everyone. 'Hexinglong's' business will only be smoother and more standardized than before."

He put down his teacup, his tone becoming calm: "First, all outstanding payments that were in accordance with the contract and have clear accounts will be settled in full by 'Hexinglong' within three days."

These words stunned not only Jin Dafu and the others, but also Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu. Although the sect had ample funds, settling all outstanding payments at once was still a huge expense.

"second,"

Before they could react, Wanwan continued, “Starting from the next season, all collaborations will be based on the newly drafted contract. The contract terms will be clearer and the responsibilities will be clearly defined. 'Hexinglong' promises that there will be no more unreasonable price reductions or forced contributions. Similarly, you all need to ensure the quality of the supply and deliver on time.”

"Third, regarding share. Unlike before, it will no longer be forcibly assigned by 'Hexinglong'. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation based on your credit, product quality, price, and willingness to cooperate, and select the best partners. Reputable and financially strong partners will receive a larger share and more favorable terms."

Her gaze swept over the surprised and uncertain crowd, finally settling on Jin Dafu and Chen Laokou. Wanwan's lips curled into a slight smile: "Of course, if anyone feels that this is incompatible with the new rules, or does not trust me, they may propose to terminate the cooperation now. 'Hexinglong' will not make things difficult for you, and all previous accounts will still be settled as agreed."

The side hall was completely silent.

Jin Dafu, Chen Laokou, and the others exchanged bewildered glances, completely caught off guard by Wanwan's move. They had anticipated various possibilities, including the new leader establishing authority, delaying payments, or even forcibly demanding more benefits, but they never expected the other party to be so "reasonable," even proactively offering to settle old debts and establish new rules?
This is completely unconventional! But upon closer examination, if this were true, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon for these merchants, meaning a more stable and fairer trading environment.

But... can this woman's words be trusted? Does she really have that much power and influence? Is there some other conspiracy behind this?

Jin Dafu forced a smile and tentatively asked, "Miss... is this true? This... Sect Master An..."

“Anlong has gone mad from practicing his martial arts and is no longer able to manage affairs.”

Wanwan interrupted him directly, her tone indifferent: "Now I am in full charge of the affairs of the sect. Elder Sun, Elder Ouyang," she looked at the two behind her, "Am I right?" Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu immediately bowed: "What you say is the highest order of the sect, and we will obey it without question."

The reverence in their tone seemed genuine.

Seeing this, Jin Dafu and the others had no more doubts, replaced by a tremendous sense of surprise and a faint unease. They were surprised by the potentially better working environment, but uneasy because the new leader, seemingly charming, was actually ruthless and unfathomable.

“In that case… on behalf of ‘Jinji’, I, Jin, am willing to continue cooperating with ‘Hexinglong’ and abide by the new regulations!” Jin Dafu was the first to express his opinion, his face full of sincere smiles.

"My 'Shunfeng' carriage company is also one!"

"And we..."

In an instant, the atmosphere in the side hall became lively, and several businessmen expressed their opinions one after another, their previous contempt and probing had long since vanished.

Wanwan responded with a smile, her words and actions impeccable, but in her heart, she knew perfectly well that this was only the first step. By stabilizing these fickle individuals with benefits and rules, the real step would be to gradually guide the vast Tianlian Sect's industries towards the "economic path" planned by the Alliance Leader.

Watching Wanwan navigate among the shrewd businessmen with ease and control, Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu's expressions grew even more complex. This successor of the Yin Kui Sect seemed to be more than just a highly skilled enchantress. Her speed of learning and adaptation, as well as her adeptness at handling affairs, far exceeded their expectations.

Perhaps... submitting to such an existence, and the god-like yet demonic leader behind her, might not be a bad thing for the Heavenly Lotus Sect? At least, it's more promising than following that increasingly muddle-headed Anlong who only knows how to exploit and enjoy himself.
This idea spontaneously arose and spread in the minds of both Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu.

After the managers of the grain and carriage shops left, each with their own thoughts and gratitude, the side hall returned to a temporary tranquility.

Watching the group's retreating figures, Sun Qiniang frowned, turned to Wanwan, and whispered:

“Miss, these unscrupulous merchants usually fawn over Anlong like lapdogs, but now that you've taken charge, they dare to come here directly to test us, their words full of disrespect. Should I... send someone to teach them a lesson? Let them know that the Heavenly Lotus Sect is still the same Heavenly Lotus Sect, not one they can take lightly.”

After she finished speaking, a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes, clearly indicating that she was used to the Demonic Sect's methods of establishing authority.

Wanwan sat upright in the main seat, her fingertips lightly tapping the mahogany armrest, making a soft, tinkling sound. Hearing this, she smiled slightly and shook her head: "No need. Establishing authority doesn't necessarily require killing and arson, especially against these people. Killing them or intimidating them might seem to subdue them in the short term, but it would also chill the hearts of other partners and confirm the rumors that we are internally unstable and can only be maintained by violence."

Her gaze swept over Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu, and Wanwan's tone was calm yet undeniable:
"The Alliance Leader has said that the essence of economics lies in circulation and credibility. What we want is not a commercial network that trembles under our military might and outwardly complies but inwardly defies us, but a prosperous market willing to trade fairly with us and even rely on our channels. Their coming to test us today is nothing more than seeking wealth and stability. We have offered clearer and fairer rules and are willing to settle old scores, demonstrating our strength and sincerity. As long as we keep our word, they will naturally be more compliant than during the Anlong era, because there is profit to be made here and the rules are clear."

Ouyang Xu coughed twice, a thoughtful look on his sallow face: "Young lady, your insight is brilliant... cough cough... In this way, we can not only stabilize the situation, but also gradually guide 'He Xinglong' towards the... cough cough... virtuous cycle that the Alliance Leader mentioned. However, in the early stages, some people will inevitably think we are weak and easily bullied..."

"Deceive? Ha~"

Wanwan chuckled lightly, a cold glint flashing in her beautiful eyes: "If there are any fools who think they can take advantage of us, then we can deal with them swiftly and decisively, which will have a better deterrent effect. We've set the rules; those who follow them will earn money, and those who don't will naturally face the consequences. This is much smarter than indiscriminately suppressing them."

Upon hearing this, Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu thought about it carefully and realized it was indeed true. They couldn't help but look at Wanwan's methods with even greater respect. This young successor of the Yin Kui Sect was far more experienced and farsighted than her age suggested.

Just as Wanwan was about to give the two more instructions regarding the details of the new contract and the internal personnel reorganization, hurried but light footsteps sounded again outside the hall. The capable disciple, with a serious expression, quickly entered the side hall, bowed, and reported:
"Miss, Elders, there are guests visiting outside who specifically request to see Sect Master An."

Sun Qiniang frowned: "Didn't we say that the sect leader is in seclusion and not receiving any guests? Who is this visitor?"

The disciple lowered his voice, his tone tinged with nervousness: "It's...it's 'Princess Mei' Zhu Mei, and Princess Rou of the Western Turks Lian Rou. They came together, saying they had a prior agreement with Sect Master An."

"Zhu Mei? Lian Rou?"

Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu's expressions changed simultaneously, clearly showing their extreme fear of these two names.

A glint of interest flashed in Wanwan's eyes. Zhu Mei, daughter of Zhu Jie, was as beautiful as a flower, ruthless and vicious, known in the martial arts world as "Poisonous Spider"; Lian Rou, the beloved daughter of Yun Shuai, the grandmaster of the Western Turks, was also a powerful figure in the Western Regions. The sudden visit of these two, especially at such a sensitive time when Anlong had just fallen from power, was by no means accidental.

"Where are they now?" Wanwan asked.

"They are already waiting in the reception hall outside the main gate," the disciple replied.

Sun Qiniang looked at Wanwan and whispered, "Miss, both of these are troublesome individuals. Zhu Mei is skilled in martial arts and adept at using poison, and she has an eccentric personality. Lian Rou has received the true teachings of Commander Yun, and her phantom movement technique and curved blade technique are extremely difficult to deal with. Moreover, she represents the attitude of the Western Turks. They did have some contact with Anlong before, seemingly intending to form an alliance, but I am not entirely clear on the specifics of the discussions. Now that Anlong is in trouble, I fear they have ill intentions."

Ouyang Xu coughed as he added, "Cough cough... Especially that Zhu Mei, she's vicious. If she finds out about the changes in the sect, it might cause trouble. Perhaps... Elder Sun and I could step in and use the excuse that the sect leader is away to send them away first?"

Wanwan pondered for a moment, then a playful smile appeared on her lips: "There's no way to avoid it. Since you're here, let's meet them. I'd also like to see what kind of people these two 'princesses' are. You'll come with me."

With that, she rose first, her dark green skirt brushing the ground as she silently walked away. Sun Qiniang and Ouyang Xu exchanged a glance, suppressing their unease, and followed closely behind. (End of Chapter)