"Xiao Jing, you don't have to sign right away. Take the contract with you, and have your lawyer go through the clauses carefully. Then, if everything looks good, bring back two signed copies to Yunteng TV within the next two weeks. After all, our station's spring season production schedule is about to begin—if it gets delayed too long, there won't be a slot left for your series!"
"Uh…" Jing Yu was stunned. That fast? Are they really this eager? Could this be a trap?
His sense of caution kicked in immediately.
"With your past drama successes, Xiao Jing, there won't be any objections from upper management. That's why I can approve this so decisively," Meng Yu added, offering further reassurance.
—
Half an hour later, Jing Yu walked out the front doors of Yunteng TV—still a bit dazed.
"Mr. Jing Yu, I believe today has clearly shown our sincerity. Our station is truly hungry for talent," said Cheng Lie, who personally walked him out.
"I hope you'll walk back into our headquarters with a signed contract in hand—within two weeks."
"Got it." Jing Yu took a deep breath.
Of course, he would have a lawyer thoroughly vet the contract. But as long as there were no hidden traps, his mind was basically made up.
—
That afternoon, Cheng Lie invited more than a dozen Yunteng TV colleagues and treated Jing Yu to a lavish meal at a high-end restaurant. They drank until Jing Yu was tipsy and overwhelmed—but their enthusiasm was real. The next day, they even booked his return flight to Lan Province.
Thus, Jing Yu's job-hunting journey officially came to an end.
By the time Jing Yu returned to Lan Province, it was already late November.
His contract with Jinhui TV had officially expired two days earlier.
After arriving home, Jing Yu immediately contacted two of the province's top law firms to thoroughly review the contract from Yunteng TV.
The investment for his new drama, 'Hikaru no Go', was set at no less than 35 million yuan. Jing Yu's screenwriting fee would be determined based on the final viewership ratings:
Below 1.5%: He would receive a symbolic fee of 100,000 yuan.
But given the heavy investment and the prime-time broadcast slot on Yunteng TV, if the ratings still fell below 1.5%, then honestly, no one would have anything more to say—it would be considered a complete failure. No TV station would dare reuse a writer after that.
To put it plainly: with those resources, if you can't get above 1.5%, you deserve to be out of the game.
2%–3% rating: 4% of total investment as writing fee, plus 3% of copyright revenue.
3%–4%: 4%–7% writing fee, 5% copyright revenue.
And so on…
There was a cap, of course. If ratings exceeded 8%, Jing Yu would receive up to 18% of the total investment as his writing fee, and 14% in copyright profit sharing.
The contract was clear and fair, and after a thorough review, the lawyers found no hidden clauses or traps.
All terms were only valid for the one-year contract period. If Jing Yu chose not to renew, there were no career restrictions placed on him afterward.
After confirming everything multiple times, Jing Yu finally felt relieved.
That night, he invited Liu Neng and Gao Wencang out for a dinner gathering.
He told them about his decision and plans, and the three of them chatted, joked, and shared drinks.
Later that night, Jing Yu made his way to Yu Youqing's flower shop.
It was his second time visiting Yu Youqing's home, and her mother was very welcoming.
She even left the two of them alone to chat.
"So that's the situation. I'm preparing to leave for Modo City—probably within the next ten days. I came today to let you know in person," Jing Yu said after sipping some tea.
After all, since being reborn into this world, the people he'd interacted with most were Liu Neng, Gao Wencang, Yu Youqing, and Xia Yining. They weren't just coworkers from filming—they were people he genuinely considered friends. It was only right to say goodbye.
"Modo City, huh? Mr. Jing Yu really knows how to pick a place. It's the most vibrant city in all of Da Zhou," Yu Youqing said with a deep breath and a gentle smile on her pretty face.
"Will you come back to Lan Province someday?" she asked, a little nervously.
She knew Jing Yu had no family here, not even a home—he was just renting.
Did Lan Province really count as "home" for him?
Once he left for Modo City… would he ever return? Or would he settle there for good?
"Not sure. Hard to say," Jing Yu replied.
"It's getting late—I should head out. I'll still be around in Lan City for another week or so. If you need anything, just give me a call," he smiled and stood up.
But just as he was about to leave, Yu Youqing suddenly grabbed his hand.
"Yu Youqing?" Jing Yu turned to look at her.
They'd held hands many times during filming—but this wasn't acting.
"Jing Yu… I—"
She took a deep breath, clearly about to say something important…
And then she noticed her mother's sneaky, spying eyes peeking through the doorway.
Yu's mom quickly scurried away when caught, but the moment had passed. Whatever bold feelings Yu Youqing had been building up suddenly vanished.
"See you in Modo City!" she said, exhaling and smiling.
"Huh?" Jing Yu was dumbfounded.
"What do you mean by 'see you in Modo City'?"
"I've always dreamed of going to Modo City. There are more than six major TV networks there—stronger than Jinhui TV—and lots of film and TV companies. As an actress, staying in Lan Province means being a big fish in a small pond. I was hesitant, but seeing you take that brave step gave me courage too. I've decided—I'm moving to Modo City as well," she said, cheeks a little flushed but speaking confidently.
"Yu Youqing… My next show is a male-led drama. There's really no role for you—even if you move to Modo City, I can't help you much in the industry," Jing Yu said seriously.
If she was doing this because she thought he could help her career, Jing Yu wouldn't be angry, but he had to be honest. 'Hikaru no Go' had barely any female characters, and their screen time was minimal. If her decision was based on that assumption, he had to stop her.
"I know." She smiled.
"This is purely a career move—for my own development."
Jing Yu looked into her eyes. She was watching him seriously and intently.
He started to feel something stir.
He finally became aware of the warmth and softness of her hand still holding his.
Jing Yu cautiously asked:
"Then why not move to the Imperial Capital? There are tons of film companies there too—and it's closer to Lan Province."
"Why? Are you changing your mind and planning to move there instead?" Yu Youqing asked, smirking playfully. "Actually, I've always liked the idea of the Imperial Capital, too. It is the political and cultural center of the country."
Her smile was gentle, but her gaze stayed locked on him.
Jing Yu instinctively took half a step back.
What the heck… is this how it is?
Yu Youqing's cheeks were slightly red, but she didn't say anything more.
"Uh… it's late. I should go."
—
After leaving her house, Jing Yu felt like his brain was spinning.
He thought it over but couldn't make sense of it, so he hopped on his motorcycle and headed to Xia Yining's apartment.
When he arrived, he saw Zhang Jing, who had also auditioned back in 'Your Lie in April'. She looked at Jing Yu with eyes full of gossip and curiosity, barely stopping herself from squealing in excitement.
She made him sign a dozen autographs before Xia Yining finally got her to settle down.
"Modo City? Yunteng TV?" Xia Yining asked, suddenly sitting up straighter.
Her long hair spilled down her shoulders, and her clear eyes fixed on Jing Yu.
"Why would you choose to tell me something so important and confidential before anyone else?" she asked softly, hopeful.
"Huh? No, I didn't. I told Gao Wencang first. Then Liu Neng, then Yu Youqing, and you're the fourth. After this, I still need to call Director Chu," Jing Yu corrected her casually.
Pfft—
A barely stifled laugh burst out nearby.
Chen Jing quickly covered her mouth, but her eyes were filled with playful mischief aimed at Xia Yining.
"Still, doesn't that mean I'm ranked near the top among your close friends?" Xia Yining asked, a bit stiffly, trying to recover.
"I only have three or four friends total. So of course, you're one of them," Jing Yu nodded.
He'd only been in this world for a year, and he was kind of a homebody. He really didn't have many friends.
Chen Jing was practically shaking from holding back laughter.
Xia Yining stared at Jing Yu for a long moment.
"Mr. Jing Yu… if this were the last time we ever saw each other… is there anything you'd want to say to me?"
"Whoa, don't be so dramatic!" Jing Yu quickly waved his hands.
"Da Zhou isn't that big. No way this is our last meeting. With your potential, you'll be famous nationwide soon. When I ask you to star in my next drama, don't pretend you don't know me. Besides, Modo City to Lan Province is just a few hours by plane!"
"Mr. Jing Yu…" Xia Yining sighed.
"Why do you always think in such unconventional ways?"
"Unconventional?" he blinked.
"Shouldn't the normal thing be for you to ask me what I'd say if this were our last meeting?" she looked at Chen Jing, who'd been acting as the third wheel, then took a deep breath.
"So what would you say?" Jing Yu asked.
"Hmm… If this really were our last meeting," Xia Yining said slowly, locking eyes with him, "I think I'd gather my courage… and confess to you."
Her voice was casual—but her gaze was anything but.
Jing Yu's hand trembled. His tea spilled onto the table. He stared at her, waiting for her to say she was just kidding.
Chen Jing stared at her roommate like she was a legendary warrior.
"No need to panic, Mr. Jing Yu," Xia Yining smiled.
"It's not our last meeting. So I haven't confessed."
Jing Yu sat there dumbfounded.
"Um… this… uh…" he stammered, completely lost for words.
This was awkward. Super awkward.
He never expected that he'd get hit with two confessions in one evening.
"Alright, it's getting late. I won't keep you any longer. Modo City, huh? Got it," Xia Yining stood and walked to the door, clearly signaling it was time to go.
—
That night, lying in bed, Jing Yu's mind kept wandering.
He remembered the hand-holding, hugging, kissing scenes with Yu Youqing on set… and the ones with Xia Yining too.
He used to worry about making them uncomfortable during filming—afraid they'd think he was taking advantage.
Turned out… it was him who had been taken advantage of.
At first, he had a hard time accepting it, but soon enough, he came to terms with the truth.
So what if two former co-stars caught feelings? It's not like it would cost him anything.
Still, he couldn't deny it: his view of both women was beginning to shift—subtly, but noticeably.
As his thoughts ran wild, Jing Yu slowly drifted off to sleep.
Over the next few days, Jing Yu visited Director Chu, Production Head Shi Teng, and others to say goodbye.
Director Chu looked displeased but couldn't do anything to stop him. Jing Yu had made up his mind. Rather than making things awkward or ugly, a peaceful farewell was the better choice—for everyone's dignity.
After Jing Yu finalized his contract termination with Jinhui TV, however, the station fell into internal chaos.
Xu You, the one responsible for shortening Jing Yu's contract from long-term to a single year, was promptly thrown under the bus by upper management.
Jing Yu's departure was pinned on him—and Jiang Shiqing was labeled as an accomplice who helped drive away the station's top screenwriter.
Both saw their resources and status plummet overnight.
Meanwhile, news of Jing Yu's exit spread like wildfire—from Jinhui TV, to Lan Province's entertainment circle, and finally across all of Da Zhou.
And with Jing Yu's official signing with Yunteng TV, the station quickly began rolling out preliminary promotional campaigns to announce his arrival.