The funny thing about cracks though, was that breaking it open was so much easier than spotting it. It was simply a matter of figuring out the right leverage. Zhu Zhelan was in a position that gave her a full arsenal. And she had the guts to use them. Other times, it was simply a matter of letting it widen by itself.
She felt like rolling up her proverbial sleeves. The task at hand was becoming more and more appealing.
"I believe both of your teams already have enough information that they need in their professional capacity," she nodded dismissively at the managers and assistants gathered around the pair. Grudgingly, they stepped out of the room, throwing concerned glances at their respective charges. But the VP was right. This was between the pair now.
She let the silence linger for a few beats after the door closed and the three of them were left assessing one another. Dylan was looking furiously confused; Yue was casting apprehensive glances at him, as if expecting him to blow up any minute. Zhu Zhelan tilted her head in Yue's direction.
Time to get to work.
"I know this is unconventional, but in the long run, this is the only solution that is sustainable." She squared her shoulders, and clasped her hands on the table in front of her. She had to admit. Sitting at the head of the table and subtly moving her chess pieces was one of the better parts of her job. Kept her on her toes, and the boredom away.
"I thought our contracts subliminally required us to remain unattached for the whole term. That was the one clause this agency refused to budge on when we both transferred." Dylan was starting to shake off his surprise and was quickly getting back into fight mode.
"That is also the one clause, not so subliminal if you ask me, that will be ground enough to have the contracts terminated, if that goes public." Madame Zhu nodded towards the envelope gripped tightly in Dylan's white knuckles. She spoke slowly, shifting her gaze between both of them, reminding them of the looming threat.
Dylan scoffed. "So you're imposing that we get hitched, at the agency's terms and conditions and....schedule, so you can avoid expenses and having to pay bribes. Are you going to tell us when to have kids too?"
"Actually, we would prefer to have the wedding very soon," Madame Zhu deadpanned. "As for the rest, no. No terms and conditions. No written contract. But the agency will be asking for an amendment on the terms of your current contract. We want you to stay on board for five more years after the original expiration."
"I refuse to believe this is just a cost-cutting measure. And I am not sure what you're gaining with this. But you're toeing the line. This is our lives you're meddling in." There was a menacing undercurrent in his voice. Madame Zhu tensed, not from fear, but in anticipation.
He knew she had them both backed to the wall. They were both promising actors with impressive portfolios under their belts. But nothing exceptional. Yet. She knew they couldn't afford to breach their contracts now, without any prospects at the ready. The entertainment industry was not as prolific as before and actors were easier to come by.
But if they took the bait, she knew she can raise them both to better heights. All the three of them needed now was the catalyst that was marriage.
"You are both already in your mid-twenties. Soon the roles available for you will require maturity, not just physically. Directors and producers will require credibility. To be blunt, choosing you will be easier if they are sure you understand and experienced commitment and intimacy firsthand."
"With all due respect Madame Zhu, cut the crap. You have middle-aged actors desperately hiding their relationships just to remain relevant."
"Aren't you glad you won't have to do the same?" she quipped, retracting. She had moved the wrong pawn. Clumsy of her. She glanced at Yue, trying to figure out what it was that made the girl consider marriage, however fleetingly.
Dylan's eyes narrowed. "So you can sell us as a package? Free publicity with every public sighting, is that it?"
That didn't take too long. He was smart. She hoped he wouldn't figure out the rest, though it wasn't such a long stretch.
"How about we look at the advantages in your point of view? No public backlash on every public sighting. You live normal lives, uncaring about paparazzi shots and speculations. No more pretenses on interviews. No restrictions on your social media posts pertaining to each other. No forced gimmicks with other co-stars you can barely stand."
She kept her focus on Yue, but the girl remained motionless. She was missing something. What was it that the girl wanted? What was it that made her falter and consider marriage before she shot it down?
She sighed. She was losing her touch.
"It's a big step. You both can have two days to think it through."
Yue's head snapped up. Bingo!
The top executive felt the grin pulling at her cheeks but she had the iron will to keep her face passive. She pretended to check her phone for the date before dialing a number. When the other line picked up, she kept her eyes away from the pair and delivered her instructions nonchalantly.
"What's on Dylan Wang and Shen Yue's calendars for the next two days?"
She felt their eyes on her and she didn't mind. She wanted them both to see what she could do for them if they played along with her.
"Workshops? So only the magazine photoshoot would be a concern then? Clear them all. Get Maurice from Vogue, tell her I need to speak with her. No, not the editor. Maurice, the board member." She pressed the end button and waited. Not for long.
"I need to think about it." Yue finally spoke up.
Dylan whipped his head to her sharply. "You're seriously considering this?"
Yue blushed but stubbornly refused to look at him.
"Excuse us. I need to speak with her," he managed to say before he grabbed Yue's arm and pulled her out of the room.
________________________
Added soundtracks for last two chapters. You can check them out.
I feel like Yue is the Eve here, being tempted with multiple forbidden fruits. And like every man before him, Dylan is powerless. Zhu Zhelan knows what she's doing.
SINNERS - Lauren Aquilina
Our lives are stores, waiting to be told
In search of silver linings, we discovered gold
And judgment taught us that our hearts were wrong
But they're the ones that we'll look down upon
The rules say our emotions don't comply
But we'll defy the rules until we die
So let's be sinners to be saints
And let's be winners by mistake
The world may disapprove
But my world is only you
And if we're sinners then it feels like heaven to me
You showed me feelings I've never felt before
We're making enemies, knocking on the devil's door
But how can you expect me not to eat,
When the forbidden fruit tastes so sweet?
Our hearts are too ruthless to break
Let's start fires for heavens sake
And if we're sinners then it feels like heaven to me
YOU ARE READING
EVERGLOW
FanfictionA forced marriage brings together two actors already on the road to falling in love. But a misunderstanding tears them apart. Two years later, they are forced to face each other again. One needs freedom, the other needs a chance. Both need to face t...
