A Scumbag Alpha Gets the Simp’s Script - Chapter 28

【Waaaah, Good Sister, I’m filing a formal complaint! She’s nearly half an hour late.】

Yu Jinzhao had just sent the message and hadn’t even put her phone down when she heard a knock on the door. She had chosen a highly private room; at this hour, a knock could only mean that she had arrived.

She stood up, gave her appearance a quick once-over, and strode to the door to welcome Li Jin.

To Yu Jinzhao’s surprise, Li Jin didn’t look like someone who had spent a long time in the entertainment industry. She had a plain face and an ordinary aura—the kind of person who would vanish the moment they stepped into a crowd.

However, Yu Jinzhao showed no sign of her surprise. She very respectfully opened the door and led the way in. Li Jin didn’t stand on ceremony; she sat down immediately and spoke before Yu Jinzhao could even return to her seat.

“My time is very valuable. If it weren’t for Daowan’s sake, I wouldn’t have come at all. So, keep it brief. If you haven’t said anything to catch my interest within five minutes, there’s no need to continue this talk.”

Li Jin’s attitude was incredibly arrogant; she clearly held a strong dislike for the Yu family—or rather, for Yu Jinzhao.

Yu Jinzhao felt a flicker of displeasure. She had a good temper, but that didn’t mean she was a pushover. She had navigated the world of fame and fortune herself; how many people had dared to throw such a face at her?

“Hello. I respect you as a renowned senior in the film and television industry, and because you are Wanwan’s friend, I decided to give this opportunity to you. But that doesn’t mean you can act recklessly. We are in an equal relationship.”

Yu Jinzhao spoke with calm dignity, her spine straight and her gaze steady. Her expression grew sharp as she leaned forward slightly, exerting a subtle, invisible pressure.

Li Jin seemed entirely unfazed. “Don’t just boast with words. We’ll know if it’s a horse or a mule once we take it for a run. I want to see the script.”

“There is no script.”

“Yu Jinzhao, are you playing with me?”

Li Jin was already impatient; hearing the words “no script” made her temper flare instantly. She looked ready to slam the door and leave.

“Who says a variety show has to follow a script? How would that be any different from a TV drama? Unpredictability and lack of control are what truly attract an audience.”

Li Jin nearly burst into a scolding rage. “A joke! I’ve been filming variety shows for over ten years. Am I the professional or are you? I’ve never heard of one that doesn’t need a script. You’re simply talking nonsense.”

Yu Jinzhao’s gaze suddenly turned razor-sharp. “Then why haven’t you filmed a new variety show in the past few years?”

“Whether I film or not has nothing to do with you.”

“Director Li, I’ve watched the shows you’ve produced over the years. The ones from ten years ago were indeed brilliant—especially the one called The Comeback. It set rating records and made you famous overnight. But…”

Yu Jinzhao’s tone shifted, her voice rising. “But the shows you produced after that haven’t been as stunning. You’ve filmed a few decent scripts since then, but compared to your earlier work, they lack innovation. Audiences get aesthetic fatigue. To protect your reputation, you haven’t taken on any new scripts for several years. Do you plan to keep things this way forever?”

“How dare you, Yu Jinzhao! What right do you have—a useless, second-generation waste—to evaluate my decisions? Who do you think you are? Take away the Yu family name, and what do you have left?”

“Stubborn and stuck in the past. Director Li, if that’s the case, then just wait to be abandoned by the times. You really have grown old. I’ll be watching to see when the title of ‘at one’s wits’ end’ is finally pinned on you.”

Li Jin wasn’t as sharp-tongued as Yu Jinzhao. At this moment, she was so angry she was speechless. “You…!”

Yu Jinzhao brushed some non-existent dust off her sleeve and shook her head with a look of pity. “Since that’s the case, there’s no need for us to continue talking. Remember, you threw this opportunity away with your own hands.”

With a light sigh, Yu Jinzhao rose and strode toward the door, her movements crisp and without a hint of hesitation.

Just as Yu Jinzhao opened the door and was about to step out, Li Jin suddenly shouted, “Yu Jinzhao! Stay right there!”

Yu Jinzhao paused but didn’t turn around. Her tone was mocking. “Director Li, is there something else? Isn’t your time very precious?”

“Today, I’m going to hear exactly how this ‘scriptless’ variety show of yours is supposed to catch everyone’s eye!”

Li Jin was furious, speaking through gritted teeth. Yu Jinzhao found it a bit funny; her reverse psychology hadn’t even been fully deployed before the director became restless. It seemed Li Jin’s life had indeed been too smooth over the years. However, it also showed she was desperate for a good show to consolidate her status, given she hadn’t produced anything in years.

“Heh, I wouldn’t dare take up more of Director Li’s time.”

Li Jin’s molars were nearly grinding to dust, and the veins on her forehead were bulging. She could only swallow her pride. “I was abrupt earlier. Can you explain now how a variety show without a script is supposed to be filmed?”

Yu Jinzhao finally turned around slowly and returned to her seat at an unhurried pace. She began to calmly explain her ideas.

In truth, she had done plenty of preparation before seeking out Li Jin. The variety shows in this world weren’t that exciting; many were still stuck in a rehearsed stage with limited categories and few choices for the audience.

When she took over the entertainment sector, she debated whether to start with variety shows or film. She eventually chose variety. They show results quickly and have a high return ratio. Yu Jinzhao wanted to see results fast. Moreover, a good script takes a long time to polish, and she didn’t yet fully understand the literary characteristics of this world. Seeing the lack of variety in the market and its massive potential, investing in a show became her first choice.

Li Jin started with a look of disdain, but as Yu Jinzhao went deeper into her explanation, she instinctively sat up straight. Her expression turned serious as she listened with total concentration.

“Where did you get this inspiration? Have you told anyone else about this idea? When can we start filming?”

Li Jin was getting excited. She stood up and fired several questions at Yu Jinzhao, making no effort to hide her urgent interest.

Yu Jinzhao arched an eyebrow. “So, Director Li also approves of scriptless filming now?”

Li Jin’s face turned various shades of red and blue; she felt incredibly embarrassed. But she couldn’t resist the lure of a “completely new variety show,” and her attitude did a 360-degree flip.

“Yu Jinzhao, I admit I was too loud just now. I was too arrogant. For the sake of Pei Daowan, please be the bigger person and don’t hold it against me.”

Li Jin was clearly unfamiliar with such pleasantries; she sounded stiff and awkward, which Yu Jinzhao found slightly amusing.

“Have you told anyone else about this idea?”

“No, I haven’t. After all, you are a famous producer, and since you’ve known Wanwan for years, my first instinct was to tell you. But since you didn’t seem that interested, I suppose I’ll just find someone else.”

“No, no, no! Yu Jinzhao, I’ll take this project. You don’t have to give me a single cent, just let me film it. I guarantee there are few people in the country with a sharper sense of the market than me. Finding a newcomer would be a waste of time and effort—you’d have to train them. But I can definitely do this well.”

Li Jin expected Yu Jinzhao to use her previous arrogance to humiliate her and get even, but she didn’t do that.

“Director Li, I also have high expectations of you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought of you first.”

It would be perfect for Li Jin to control this show. First, she had years of experience and an extensive network. Comparatively, she understood the packaging of celebrities far better than Yu Jinzhao, who would have to spend a fortune and grope her way through. Yu Jinzhao could provide the inspiration, but for the actual filming and promotion, she lacked knowledge of the details. Li Jin really was the best choice.

“What’s the name of the show? When do you plan to launch? Have the venues been rented?”

Li Jin fired off questions like a machine gun again. Yu Jinzhao just smiled and said nothing. It took a moment for Li Jin to realize that this was just an idea—there wasn’t even a framework yet. She had just been sold a “pie in the sky.”

“In these matters, you are the professional. I don’t understand them. I’m responsible for securing investment and solving all logistical problems. As for how to film it, that’s entirely up to you. I won’t interfere.”

“Good, good, good!”

It was better if Yu Jinzhao didn’t manage anything; she just needed to provide the money. When it came to filming variety shows, Li Jin had absolute confidence—she just needed a good spark of inspiration.

“Director Li, would you like a glass of water?”

Li Jin snapped out of it, her eyes narrowing as she looked Yu Jinzhao up and down. “You really are different from the rumors. To be honest, if it weren’t for Daowan’s sake today, I wouldn’t have come. I didn’t expect such an unexpected harvest.”

Hearing this, Yu Jinzhao grew curious. “What do the rumors say about me?”

“A playboy, a useless rich kid, morally bankrupt, a predator… if you didn’t have a good father, who knows how many times you’d have been sent to prison.”

Yu Jinzhao’s mouth twitched slightly. Although she knew the original owner was a piece of work, few people said it to her face. As someone who had been law-abiding her entire life, she felt a bit of a chest pain.

Li Jin belatedly realized she’d been a bit harsh. Thinking about how Yu Jinzhao had a decent temper—even after she’d thrown a fit, the girl was still willing to give her the show and stay out of the way—she tried to soften it.

“But you seem alright today. Much better than the rumors. You don’t look that arrogant.”

Well, thank you very much!

“Even though you’re different today, I still don’t like you. Because you forced Daowan into marriage.”

“…”

Yu Jinzhao was speechless. Was that me? Did I have a say in that?

“Don’t look at Daowan as cold and unapproachable; she’s actually a very good person. She’s just not good with words. Even after what you did to her, she was willing to set up this meeting for you. You really have let her down.”

Yu Jinzhao had nothing to say to that either. The original owner’s forced marriage had been a massive scandal in Jiangcheng; everyone in the circle knew how unwilling Pei Daowan was, and that she only couldn’t refuse because of the Yu family’s power.

At this point, Li Jin couldn’t help but sigh. she felt a tiny bit of guilt for her sudden “defection” to Yu Jinzhao’s side, but it wasn’t her fault—who told Yu Jinzhao to come up with such a unique show format? Still, she would stand firmly by Pei Daowan. As for Yu Jinzhao… use her and then toss her aside.

Yu Jinzhao’s expression was a mix of many emotions. While she didn’t care that much about her reputation, it was unpleasant to have to take the blame for things she hadn’t done.

“Fine, I get it. It won’t be like that in the future. Just consider me a reformed prodigal.”

Li Jin squinted at Yu Jinzhao suspiciously. Thinking that she was currently her financier, she decided to keep certain words to herself.

Li Jin clearly didn’t find that claim very credible. She immediately grabbed Yu Jinzhao to ask about the new show. By the end of it, Yu Jinzhao was regretting it—she hadn’t realized Li Jin was such a chatterbox. She waved her hand and took a sip of tea. “That’s all I’ve thought of for now. You decide the rest. You’re in charge; I really won’t interfere.”

Li Jin still wanted to ask: “Then…”

Yu Jinzhao didn’t give her the chance. “Look, it’s almost 6:00 PM. I have a banquet to attend soon; I’m going to be late.”

Li Jin was puzzled. “Oh right, Daowan said she had an event tonight too. She asked if I was going, but I said no. You have one as well?”

“Wait… you two wouldn’t happen to be going to the same one, would you?”

Yu Jinzhao turned her head. “Did she invite many people?”

“Probably not. She isn’t the type to enjoy crowds. Most of the time, she hates attending these things.”

Yu Jinzhao felt a bit of a sting, which made Li Jin look even less appealing. When was Li Jin invited—before or after her? And Li Jin was an Alpha too; logically, they shouldn’t have much in common. How did they know each other? A string of questions clouded her mind, and her gaze toward Li Jin grew wary.

Sensing the look, Li Jin laughed nonchalantly. “Don’t overthink it. Daowan and I have known each other since we were kids. We lived in the same neighborhood. And she doesn’t like me.”

There was one more sentence Li Jin didn’t say: She doesn’t like anyone, so there’s no reason to treat me as a romantic rival.

Yu Jinzhao gave a soft grunt of acknowledgment, gathered her things, and turned to leave. She hadn’t forgotten—Pei Daowan said she’d pick her up personally. For that reason, she hadn’t driven today and had come by taxi.

Seeing her rush off, Li Jin chased after her. “I still have a few questions! Let’s talk again next time!”

Yu Jinzhao acknowledged her, pointed to her phone to signal they’d talk there, and hurried down. Three minutes ago, Pei Daowan had messaged her: she was already downstairs.