What surprised Luo Zheng at the airport wasn't just Kevin waiting for him—it was the presence of Marvel's largest shareholder besides himself: Carl Yikan.
"Mr. Karl, this is quite the surprise—and a pleasant one at that," Luo Zheng said with a grin. Instead of shaking hands, he stepped forward and gave the older man a firm embrace. It wasn't enthusiasm driving the gesture—his hands were still sore from earlier… negotiations.
Before getting off the plane, Liu Yan had made sure he "paid" for his antics. Ironically, though, Luo Zheng felt their relationship had shifted slightly because of it. There was something oddly satisfying about watching someone slowly change, especially when the process itself was so… engaging.
"Chairman, I've already seen the film," Carl said bluntly, as was his habit. "It's excellent! Nearly scared this old heart out of my chest."
"Oh?" Luo Zheng turned toward Kevin. "I thought there was an issue with the editing?"
Kevin immediately stepped forward to explain. "Chairman, Director James Wan and I disagreed during post-production. So… we ended up cutting two different versions. We need your final decision."
Luo Zheng frowned. "Wasn't my script clear enough? How did this turn into two versions?"
Kevin hesitated slightly. "Director Wan insisted on his approach."
Luo Zheng's expression darkened, but before he could say anything sharp, Carl quickly intervened. "Let's not rush. I've seen both versions—each has its strengths. Why don't we discuss it back at the company?"
Noticing the growing crowd around them, Luo Zheng suppressed his irritation and got into the car, pulling Liu Yan along.
At Marvel headquarters, the conference room was heavy with tension. Executives sat silently around the table, while James Wan occupied a seat at the far end, looking visibly uneasy.
After reviewing both cuts, Luo Zheng finally spoke.
"I understand Director Wan's intentions."
The entire room seemed to exhale at once.
Even Kevin relaxed slightly, though his eyes remained focused. As for James Wan, the pressure that had been weighing on him suddenly eased—but not entirely. His shirt clung to his back, damp with cold sweat.
"You've made the film more intense," Luo Zheng continued calmly, his gaze fixed on him. "More shocking, more graphic. But you forgot something fundamental."
James Wan stood up instinctively. "Chairman… what do you mean?"
"The core of the story," Luo Zheng replied, his voice firm. "It's not just about fear. It's about humanity—about questioning life itself."
The words hit hard.
James Wan's face paled as realization dawned.
"Yes, your version is more visually aggressive," Luo Zheng went on, walking closer. "But those additions slow the pacing. They distract from the narrative. And more importantly—they risk pushing the film into an NC-17 rating."
The room went still.
"If that happens," Luo Zheng added, "the film won't even make it into proper theaters. You'd have to cut those scenes anyway just to qualify for an R rating. So what's the point?"
He placed a hand on James Wan's shoulder.
"Filmmaking is about choices. You can't keep everything. You have to know what to let go."
"I… understand," James Wan said quietly, lowering his head.
Luo Zheng nodded. He wasn't angry anymore—just firm. He had seen this mistake before, in another time, another life. This time, he wasn't going to let it repeat itself.
Still, he gave a small, encouraging smile. "Your ambition is a good thing. Keep that. Marvel needs people like you. Just… learn to balance it."
"Meeting adjourned."
With that, he turned and left the room.
By the time everything wrapped up, it was already late. Luo Zheng didn't bother calling anyone else. His former secretary had been reassigned, leaving him with an inconvenient surplus of energy—and no outlet.
Naturally, his attention drifted toward Liu Yan.
The moment she noticed his gaze, she instinctively clutched her collar.
"What are you thinking?" she asked cautiously.
Inside the apartment, Luo Zheng leaned against the wall and sighed dramatically. "You really think that little of me?"
"You know exactly what I mean," she replied, taking a step back, positioning herself closer to the door.
"Making baseless accusations against your boss?" he shot back. "I should dock your salary."
That struck a nerve.
"Fine! Deduct whatever you want. I quit!" she snapped, dropping his coat and turning toward the door.
But just as she reached for the handle, Luo Zheng grabbed her arm and pulled her back. The sudden motion caused her to stumble straight into him.
"Let go of me!" she struggled.
"You want to leave?" he murmured near her ear. "Can you afford the penalty for breaking your contract?"
Her body stiffened instantly.
Her eyes reddened, emotions surging dangerously close to the surface.
Realizing he had pushed too far, Luo Zheng released her immediately.
He had already figured her out—stubborn, principled, and a little too idealistic for this industry. She wanted success without compromise, a path that rarely existed.
"Alright," he said, softening his tone. "I went too far. I'm sorry."
He reached out and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"You've had a long day. Get some rest."
For a moment, she didn't move.
Then, as if snapping back to herself, she tried to leave again.
That was the final straw.
Luo Zheng's patience broke.
In one swift motion, he lifted her over his shoulder and carried her toward the bedroom.
A startled cry echoed through the apartment.
The next morning, sunlight filtered softly into the room.
Both of them woke at nearly the same time.
Luo Zheng turned his head slightly, observing her quietly.
Liu Yan lay curled up, arms folded tightly against herself, still wearing her jacket. Her shirt beneath was wrinkled beyond repair—and missing several buttons.
"I kept my word," Luo Zheng said calmly. "I didn't do anything."
Liu Yan slowly opened her eyes, her expression cold. "Then where did the buttons go?"
He shrugged without hesitation. "Maybe… they ran away on their own."
"Bastard."
"I'll allow that—but only in this situation."
"Idiot."
"…That one's not as charming."