Chapter 10: You Can’t Kill Them with One Blow, But You Can Make Them Shed Their Skin

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Zhao Ming naturally had no objections to Chen Mo’s determination not to let the two main instigators off the hook. In fact, he felt just as little sympathy for them. He wouldn’t mind at all if they ended up behind bars for a long time. It was easy to imagine that if Chen Mo reached a settlement with the others but Du Chun continued to be prosecuted, Du would be roasted alive in the spotlight. Even if Du didn’t lose the lawsuit, the infamy he’d have to bear would no longer be something he could erase by simply playing dumb.

The only unfortunate thing was that Zhao Ming had no idea Chen Mo had agreed to negotiate a settlement. But negotiations, after all, were never guaranteed to succeed, right?

Moreover, the benefit of agreeing to out-of-court settlement talks wasn’t just for Chen Mo—it was also good for Star Entertainment. Looking at Zhao Ming, Chen Mo said, “I still have six months left on my contract with the company. Let’s terminate it early.”

Zhao Ming was momentarily taken aback before asking, “Actually, the company has already lifted the restrictions on you. You can resume your work. I know you’re dissatisfied with the company’s attitude, but this industry is like that. The impact from that incident on you has basically faded. Why don’t you reconsider? Maybe you could still get some resources. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

“No need. Let it be as it is. Is that okay?” Chen Mo replied calmly.

Zhao Ming opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing, only nodding slightly.

This was one of Chen Mo’s intentions—to take advantage of the opportunity to terminate the contract. Though it didn’t affect him much, it was still a form of restriction. The company could shelve him or exploit him at will, so it was better to settle it once and for all.

After settling this matter, Chen Mo turned to Zhao Ming again. “Brother Zhao, have you thought about what I mentioned last time?”

“Huh? You really want to start your own business? But...” Zhao Ming sounded surprised.

“You misunderstood. Starting my own business is right, but I never said I’d continue as an artist!” Chen Mo said with a smile.

“Then what are you planning?” Zhao Ming became somewhat confused.

“I’m going to open a company and direct films. The first project is about to launch, and the funds are ready. It’s absolutely reliable. What do you think? Want to come help me?” Chen Mo asked.

“You? Direct films? Since when do you direct?” Zhao Ming was dumbfounded. It was a joke. Chen Mo had been his client since the beginning, and he had never known Chen Mo had this talent. It just seemed absurd.

Although the industry had examples of actors turned directors, Zhao Ming couldn’t find any sign that Chen Mo had such abilities, so he was very skeptical.

“Chen Mo, listen to me. Directing isn’t that easy. There are so many complexities. I’m really worried you won’t be able to handle it!” His first reaction was to warn him.

In the end, Chen Mo failed to persuade Zhao Ming. Zhao Ming just thought it was ridiculous. Besides, after this incident, Chen Mo wouldn’t be suppressed at Star Entertainment anymore, so there was no reason for him to switch companies just because of Chen Mo’s words.

Chen Mo didn’t insist. He wasn’t trying to poach Zhao Ming because of his abilities but simply because they had gotten along well over the past three years. Also, Chen Mo needed help with his acting projects, and if Zhao Ming was willing, he could be quite helpful.

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Unfortunately, Chen Mo had little persuasive power at the moment, so he let it go for the time being.

Elsewhere, Ouyang Jing received Chen Mo’s commission and was happy to negotiate. After all, she knew those others were only incidental; helping Chen Mo gain more benefits would also be good for their law firm.

However, the settlement terms and compensation amount that Chen Mo set were outrageous even for Ouyang Jing.

But this was her job, and everything was ultimately according to Chen Mo’s wishes. It was clear Chen Mo didn’t truly intend to settle, which explained the absurd demands. Still, if even one or two settlements were reached, that would be excellent.

Moreover, their law firm was responsible for the negotiations, and Chen Mo would pay for it regardless.

Soon, the other side was eagerly urging the start of out-of-court settlement talks.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Du Chun certainly wanted to negotiate as well, but Chen Mo gave them no chance.

Well, as for Du Chun, Chen Mo was simply trying to extract some favors. Again, settlement talks could proceed, but whether they would succeed was not Chen Mo’s problem. Even if he didn’t intend to let Du Chun off, Chen Mo knew it was difficult to crush him outright like the others.

So without anyone offering goodwill, Chen Mo planned to stall. After all, the others were merely accomplices, but Du Chun was his close brother! How could he be equated with those people? The main reason was that Chen Mo understood the current situation made it impossible to finish Du Chun off decisively, so it was better to use him for some leverage.

Du Chun might only lose money and favors, but Chen Mo would lose a “good brother.”

It must be said that compared to Fang Xiaoxiao, Du Chun’s connections—or rather, his father’s connections—were truly extensive.

Sure enough, Chen Mo soon received a call from his former homeroom teacher at the Beijing Film Academy, Li Bin.

Chen Mo respected this teacher quite a bit. When the scandal first broke, although Li Bin hadn’t publicly defended him, he had called to express concern.

“Chen Mo, busy?” Li Bin’s voice came through the phone.

“Teacher Li, don’t tease me. What could I possibly be busy with now?” Chen Mo smiled.

“Heh, kid, you’re not mad that I didn’t speak up for you back then, are you?” Li Bin chuckled.

“Of course not. When I was being attacked by everyone, you still believed in me and called to check on me. I’m deeply grateful,” Chen Mo said sincerely.

He was telling the truth. Others helping you is kindness; not helping is their right. At that time, he had no evidence to prove his innocence, so why should people believe him? Li Bin’s faith and comfort were already rare.

“That’s good. You really handled this well this time! Ha ha ha!” Li Bin suddenly laughed heartily.

“It was an act of helplessness. Sorry to make you laugh, Teacher,” Chen Mo modestly replied.

“Actually, I wasn’t going to call you now, but... to be honest, I’m calling as a troublemaker this time,” Li Bin said after a pause, sounding somewhat regretful.

“Someone approached you?” Chen Mo immediately guessed it was someone pleading on his behalf.

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As for who it was, Chen Mo could easily guess.

Fang Xiaoxiao probably didn’t have such extensive connections, and since the others were already in settlement talks, it had to be Du Chun.

His father was an old actor and director with considerable clout in the industry.

Sure enough, Li Bin said, “Yes, Old Du and I are old friends. He came begging me. I couldn’t not call you. Of course, if you think it’s inappropriate, just forget it.”

Although Chen Mo had a plan in mind, he feigned hesitation. Since he was selling favors, he had to do it properly.

After all, who did he hate most in this incident? Fang Xiaoxiao, of course, but not the most. They never had a close relationship.

It was actually Du Chun. Before this, they were sworn brothers, yet Du Chun stabbed him in the back at the crucial moment.

One could even say this scandal escalated partly because even Du Chun, who everyone thought was Chen Mo’s brother, didn’t stand by him.

To Chen Mo, this was blatant betrayal.

But since Teacher Li had already spoken up, and Chen Mo would need his help for upcoming film projects, this favor was well worth giving. Chen Mo almost wanted to thank Du Chun.

Chen Mo hesitated to speak. Li Bin, thinking he was putting Chen Mo in a difficult spot, sighed and said earnestly, “I understand your anger. No matter what you decide, I support you. Don’t feel like you’re disrespecting me. By calling, I’ve already returned a favor.”

“Then let’s negotiate. I’ll talk to the lawyers. Can’t let you be in a tough spot,” Chen Mo reluctantly agreed.

Li Bin paused, then said, “No pressure, okay?”

“No pressure. Honestly, it’s just a matter of time. Legally, my chances aren’t very high. But we can negotiate. Just don’t blame me if I ask for too much,” Chen Mo smiled.

“You! What kind of person am I to you? Don’t worry. If you agree, that’s already giving me face. How you negotiate is your business. I’m not his father,” Li Bin laughed.

“By the way, Teacher, I’ll come back to school to see you in a few days. I have some things I’d like your help with,” Chen Mo said casually.

Chen Mo was laying the groundwork for his next moves.

He had long decided: if they wanted an out-of-court settlement, seeing that it was for Teacher Li’s sake, he could allow it. But the terms of the settlement would be another matter, right?

It wouldn’t be that he, as a student, was disrespecting his teacher. Look, he had already agreed to negotiate, but if the other side disagreed, that wasn’t his fault.