Tan Yawen, hearing Director Zhang speak, knew his mouth had come in handy.
He continued, "Director Zhang, your reputation has long been a thunderclap in my ears. You are someone who truly serves the people and truly acts for them. It is precisely because of your character that I wished to meet you, to listen to your teachings, and allow me to grow strong under your guidance, becoming a person useful to the nation."
Director Zhang most enjoyed being praised as a good leader who served the people.
Moreover, at his status, reputation mattered even more.
Other wealth, those external possessions, he no longer regarded as important.
Thus, Tan Yawen's words struck Director Zhang right in the heart.
"Little Tan, it is my regret that I did not meet you sooner," Director Zhang chuckled, praising him again.
"Director Zhang, you jest. Being able to know you, whether early or late, is the most meaningful event of my life," Tan Yawen said, then stood to pour Director Zhang a glass of white wine, adding, "Director Zhang, please eat first. We can talk while we eat. We mustn't let Director Zhang go hungry."
"Haha... certainly," Director Zhang laughed heartily.
As Director Zhang tasted a couple of dishes, Tan Yawen continuously toasted him. Director Zhang had a small wine cup, but Tan Yawen directly downed a large one in a single gulp. During this, Director Zhang repeatedly applauded.
Tan Yawen's social circle was quite extensive, and it was inseparable from his efforts.
To curry favor with a leader, he was already going to great lengths.
However, to be fair, Tan Yawen's ability to make his company big and strong, and to establish himself in Yan Jing, was indeed closely related to him.
"Little Tan, drink slowly. I am quite happy today," Director Zhang advised, watching Tan Yawen drain large glasses of white wine in one go.
"Director Zhang, don't worry, I know my limits. I must drink happily with Director Zhang," Tan Yawen grinned.
"Isn't it because I fear that if you get too drunk, there will be no one left to drink with me?" Director Zhang asked.
"Then I shall listen to Director Zhang. I will drink slowly with Director Zhang. Before Director Zhang arrived, I was in a bad mood. Now that I see Director Zhang, my mood has improved, and I wish to drink more."
Tan Yawen began to subtly hint at his bad mood today.
After so much groundwork and flattery, Director Zhang would surely ask him why he was in a bad mood.
Indeed, upon hearing this, Director Zhang followed Tan Yawen's lead and asked, "Little Tan, what is it that's making you unhappy? Speak up, and we can all help you analyze it."
"Alas... it's actually some company matters. Director Zhang, please don't mind me," Tan Yawen sighed, preparing to elaborate.
"Tell me, it's alright," Director Zhang said, putting down his wine glass and awaiting Tan Yawen's next words.
"It's like this: I don't know who my company has offended. Just now, all the movies and TV dramas from my company were taken down, and without any reason for the removal. I've already asked several people about this, and the response I got is that I've angered someone, and so they want to deal with me."
"Director Zhang, I don't mean anything else by saying this, I'm just venting my inner displeasure. If Director Zhang can uphold justice for the people, then I, Tan Yawen, will be endlessly grateful to you."
"Director Zhang, I can guarantee you that my company's movies and TV dramas have no violations whatsoever. Director Zhang, you can inquire later and find out what's going on."
After speaking, Tan Yawen even stood up and bowed specifically to Director Zhang.
Hearing this, Director Zhang frowned.
If what Tan Yawen said was true, then someone was abusing their power right under his nose.
Director Zhang would certainly not stand idly by in such a situation.
"Little Tan, as long as the situation you've described is true, I will give you a satisfactory explanation," Director Zhang declared, slamming the table with an imposing air.
"Director Zhang, I thank you once again. I toast you with this glass," Tan Yawen said, picking up a glass and draining it in one go, expressing his gratitude to Director Zhang.
"No need for thanks. I am merely doing my duty. I will ask about it now," Director Zhang replied, immediately making a phone call.
To be fair, Director Zhang dialed the deputy director in charge of entertainment directly in front of everyone.
The phone rang for a while before being answered. A voice on the other end said, "Hello, Director Zhang."
"Comrade Wan You, good noon. I have something to inquire about," Director Zhang greeted, preparing to get to the point.
"Director Zhang, please speak," the voice on the other end responded.
"It's like this: did you take down all the movies and TV dramas of a company called Gem Entertainment today? What is the specific reason?"
"The person in charge of Gem Entertainment has lodged a complaint with me. You must have a reason for taking down their company's productions, right?"
Director Zhang directly inquired about the reason.
After all, any production taken down requires a reason. If private power is abused for everything, wouldn't society descend into chaos?
The deputy director on the phone said directly, "Director Zhang, I can't do anything about this matter. I can only execute it. I was actually planning to discuss this matter with you this afternoon. Since Director Zhang already knows, allow me to say this: Director Zhang, this matter is difficult to handle."
Director Zhang furrowed his brow: "What do you mean? Did Gem Entertainment commit an offense?"
The voice on the other end became serious and stated, "It was the leader of the Dragon Group, Long Aotian, who personally made the call."
Director Zhang: (⊙o⊙)...
Long Aotian?