You Who Doesn't Answer the Phone (Two Become One)

  When Yao Zhuangxian called, Ye Sumeng was studying the "six degrees of separation" theory on a whim.

  This theory was initiated by Stanley Milgram, a professor of psychology at Harvard University in 1967. He conducted many experiments based on this concept and found that an average of only six people were needed to connect two people who had never met before.

  This theory was later also called small-world theory.

  Ye Sumang couldn't help but come up with an idea about this.

  Can we establish a friendship website with infinite possibilities based on this theoretical concept? Because according to the six degrees of separation theory, each individual's social circle will be constantly expanding invisibly, and his extended social force will eventually intersect and cover, forming a giant interpersonal network.

  Maybe one day you'll suddenly discover that many invisible interpersonal relationships exist around you.

  And this social networking site will also gradually become a super platform for you to sort out your interpersonal relationships, because it will dig up all the hidden and unknown things about you, allowing you to have a wider range of interpersonal connections.

  But this idea is still just a concept for Ye Sumang now, and it has been lingering in her mind.

  After some thought, Ye Sumang decided to send an email to the psychology department of Harvard University, which first proposed this theory, and carefully ask those professors how they understand the concept of six degrees of separation.

  As soon as he finished sending the email, Yao Zhuangxian's phone call came over. The two did not chat much on the phone and only made an appointment for a meeting time and place.

  Hanging up the phone, Ye Sumang let out a sigh of relief. Just now, Yao Zhuoxian's tone made him feel that the other party had a great interest in his own ideas, which was good. At least there was a foundation for success.

  With the materials she had prepared long ago in hand, Ye Su Mang set off for the meeting point with Yao Zhuang Xian.

  After arriving at the place, Ye Sumang saw a very elegant tea house. Upon entering, she found that the decorations were also in an ancient style. As soon as she breathed in, the refreshing aroma of tea leaves wafted into her nostrils. The entire environment of the tea house was exceptionally quiet, and Ye Sumang could even hear the sound of water flowing when customers poured their tea.

  It's indeed a good place to talk about things, and Ye Sumang secretly memorized the address of this teahouse.

  Under the leadership of the waiter, Ye Sumang arrived at a private room that had been booked long ago.

  But unexpectedly, there were two people sitting in the private room.

  One of them was Yao Zhuangxian, which was roughly the same as Ye Sumeng's impression in his mind. He had also searched for information and photos about Yao Zhuangxian on the website.

  Tall and slender, he doesn't look much different from the photo. Moreover, it's said that Jiuxian Xiansheng's character design was based on this person's image. However, he himself looks like he has a few more worries than in the photo.

  However, what made Ye Sumang puzzled was another woman sitting opposite him.

  Was this the secretary brought by Yao Zhuangxian? Ye Sumeng couldn't help but wonder about the woman's identity, yet as they sat facing each other, it didn't seem like a simple superior-subordinate relationship, but rather more like two negotiating parties.

  The two people who had been waiting in the private room for a long time were also stunned when they saw Ye Sumang for the first time. Especially the woman, whose eyes emitted an unusual glow, her gaze at Ye Sumang was like looking at prey.

  "Hello, are you Mr. Ye from Tianxia Film?" Although it was quite impolite, Yao Zhuangxian still asked with a hint of doubt.

  Everything was because Ye Sumang looked too young. At most, she seemed to be eighteen or nineteen years old, which made Yao Zhuangxian feel absurd for a moment. Was the so-called "Tianxia Film and Television Media Company" sending such a little girl to negotiate with him?

  Is this a joke with oneself?

  "Mr. Yao is really good at enjoying himself, and he can actually find such a leisurely place." Ye Su Mang pretended not to notice Mr. Yao's attitude, but instead greeted him naturally and warmly.

  "Hehe, no need to be polite. Let me introduce you. This is Miss Cai Yinan from Tangren Film." Yao Zhuangxian smiled hypocritically and then directly introduced the other woman's identity and purpose: "Miss Cai has come this time also to discuss the matter of adapting 'The Legend of Sword and Fairy' into a TV series, so I took the liberty of bringing you two together. Please don't mind."

  Upon hearing Yao Zhuangxian's introduction, Ye Sumeng's eyes narrowed and she couldn't help but take a closer look at Cai Yiniang.

  The woman was dressed in a suit, with a crisp and elegant demeanor, and an air of superiority that made her seem confident. Moreover, Ye Sumang found that the other person was also looking at herself with great interest, and when their eyes met, Ye Sumang smiled.

  "Miss Cai, nice to meet you." Ye Sumang stretched out his hand and lightly shook hands with Cai Yinan, as if the other party was not his competitor at all, but a new friend who had been introduced by friends.

  "I'm also very happy to meet Mr. Ye, to be honest, when Mr. Ye came in just now, I thought it was some big star arriving!" Cai Yinniang said with a smile, her small eyes narrowing, making it impossible for Ye Sumang to tell whether she was being sincere or sarcastic.

  "Miss Cai is really good at joking." Ye Sumang dryly laughed and responded with a sentence, then sat down on the empty chair beside her.

  "I'm not kidding, Mr. Ye, your appearance and temperament are excellent, if you're willing to be an actor, we Tang people will use the highest level of resources to support you."

  "That would only disappoint Miss Cai, I have other aspirations." Yeh Su-meng looked at Cai Yi-nu still persisting on this topic and immediately spoke out to refuse.

  After all, he now represents Tianxia Film and Television, which is here to negotiate. Continuing this topic will only make Yao Zhuangxian suspect his sincerity, and at the same time, it will unconsciously lower his status, which will be very unfavorable for the subsequent negotiations.

  Cai Yinniang saw that Ye Sumang was unwilling to continue the conversation, so she could only helplessly sigh and apologetically smile at Yao Zhuoxian: "Occupational disease is acting up, seeing good seedlings always makes me want to recruit them under my banner, General Yao please don't mind."

  "Wherever it is, I also think Mr. Ye's image is stunning, if he becomes an actor, he will definitely have a great development." Yao Zhuangxian's expression didn't change, and he continued along with Cai Yinniang's words, but made Ye Sumang's eyes shrink involuntarily.

  This time Ye Sumang didn't respond, he could see that Yao Zhuangxian looked down on him, so he directly stated his purpose.

  "Mr. Yao, the purpose of my visit this time is to hope that I can get your and your company's consent, so that our company can adapt your work and put it on TV, I think this is absolutely a win-win thing."

  "Oh? How coincidental, both of your companies have come to the same conclusion. I wonder if you have any specific plans, such as investment amount, script, actors, etc. You should know that 'Xian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan' has always been a golden sign in the industry, and I don't want some rough and shoddy work to ruin the reputation of this game." Yao Zhuang Xian asked seriously, his eyes also glanced at Ye Su Mang with a hint of distrust.

  After all, facing an eighteen or nineteen-year-old child's 'boastful talk', Yao Zhuangxian couldn't make himself believe it.

  "We don't have a specific plan yet, but we will come up with a simple draft within a week. Moreover, our Tangren Film has produced many excellent works and has some reputation in the industry, I believe you, Mr. Yao, are also aware of this." Although Cai Yinan's answer was full of confidence, her eyes still flashed a hint of regret.

  This time, Tangren Media didn't do a thorough preparation, the planning department just proposed a possible suggestion, Cai Yinan thought it was interesting and wanted to discuss it to see if they could get the copyright.

  Her idea was to wait and shoot later, but she didn't expect someone else to have the same target in mind, catching her off guard.

  Compared with Cai Yinan, who was completely unprepared, Ye Sumang was fully prepared for the battle. He was very clear about his own disadvantages, so he naturally had to work harder in areas where he had an advantage.

  "I have made a detailed plan here, please take a look, I will explain it to you on the side." Ye Su Mang calmly took out a stack of materials from her bag and handed them over to Yao Zhuangxian.

  The materials were made very detailed, from the initial publicity and momentum to the selection of actors, the progress of filming, and finally the sales channels, etc. A detailed plan was made. And Yao Zhuangxian's eyes also changed from initial disdain and suspicion to being full of interest.

  It seemed that Cai Yinniang had sensed the change in Yao Zhuangxian's eyes, and her heart suddenly tightened. For the first time, she looked at Ye Sumang, who was explaining his ideas to Yao Zhuangxian with a calm face, as an equal competitor.

  She found that this young man's means seemed not as tender as his appearance.

  "Mr. Yao, this time for the adaptation of 'The Legend of Sword and Fairy', we will also try our best to respect the original work, while focusing on the development of emotions. I have always believed that the biggest highlight of Xian Jian should be the combination of chivalry and tenderness, with a focus on tender feelings. Ling'er's struggle between her duty as an immortal and her personal emotional choices, as well as Lin Yue Ru's unwavering dedication to Li Xiao Yao until death, are all aspects that can be deeply explored and portrayed. We can bring out many things that cannot be expressed in the game and present them on TV!"

  "So, do you have any specific ideas?" Yao Zhuangxun put down the materials in his hand and asked with expectation-filled eyes.

  "Of course, I've been ready for a long time." Ye Sumang put down the clear tea in his hand and took out a script about adaptation from his bag under Cai Yinnong's surprised gaze, handing it to Yao Zhuoxian.

  Ye Su Meng's script was not written from the perspective of the play, but rather transformed into a form that expressed his thoughts, allowing Yao Zhuang Xian to understand his changed thinking more clearly. Sure enough, Yao Zhuang Xian soon became engrossed in Ye Su Meng's rewritten plot and became very interested.

  At this moment, Cai Yiren really didn't dare to underestimate Ye Sumang anymore. Although she had the upper hand in their initial conversation, it was just a verbal advantage after all.

  But once she entered the working state, this young man's full preparation made her retreat everywhere, and obviously the other party's manuscript and idea were also excellent, otherwise Yao Zhuangxian would not have shown such a satisfied expression.

  Cai Yinniang can only secretly blame herself for being unprepared, it's just that the achievements she has made in recent years have made her a bit complacent, which led to this kind of fundamental mistake, resulting in the current passive situation.

  Meanwhile, the other two people in the private room did not know about Cai Yinnong's regret at this moment. Yao Zhuangxian was holding the document and reading it with great interest, occasionally asking Ye Sumang one or two questions, and Ye Sumang answered calmly, making Yao Zhuangxian very satisfied.

  Yao Zhuangxian looked very serious, and his eyes gradually radiated a surprised light. After repeatedly flipping through it many times, he reluctantly put down the document.

  "Honestly, this script is done very well. It has portrayed the tenderness of Xianjian even more deeply." Yao Zhuangxian praised and pointed to the script on the table, smiling and asked: "Who wrote this? Can I meet him?"

  "I don't think it's necessary to bother with that anymore, because this person is me." Ye Sumang shrugged and said lightly, opening his hands.

  Upon hearing this sentence, Cai Yinniang and Yao Zhuangxian simultaneously looked at Ye Sumang with surprised eyes.

  They didn't expect that such a brilliant and rigorous article would come from the hands of this young man.

  "I think I haven't done a detailed self-introduction yet, actually my main job is as a director, previously in Beijing there was a movie called "Nightclub" that was shown, that was my debut work which I wrote and directed myself."

  It wasn't until then that Ye Sumang truly revealed his identity.

  Because if it was said from the beginning, perhaps only the other party's distrust would be gained. Only after obtaining a certain affirmation and then announcing one's own identity can this give the final blow to Yao Zhuangxian's mental defense line, making him trust his own abilities.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, as soon as they heard that Ye Sumang was actually the director of the box office miracle movie, Yao Zhuangxian and Cai Yinniang's expressions suddenly became brilliant.

  After a long sigh, Yao Zhuangxian finally smiled and said: "So you're the director of that movie 'Nightclub'! I've watched it twice and laughed so hard my belly hurt. I didn't expect that not only do you have a talent for writing comedy scripts, but your portrayal of emotions is also so sincere and moving. Truly, heroes emerge in youth!"

  "A director should not be limited to one type." Ye Sumang said with a hint of humility, but to others, it was full of pride and confidence in his own abilities.

  "Now that we're both satisfied with the plan, I think we can discuss specific matters." Yao Zhuangxian no longer held the initial disdain for Ye Sumang, but instead seriously and solemnly regarded him as an important representative of the group, and a person who could determine his own fate.

  On the other hand, Cai Yinniang was really anxious at this moment, because looking at Yao Zhuangxian's attitude, an excellent opportunity was about to slip away from her hands.

  But even if she was anxious, there was no way at this moment. One misstep after another, and now she could only stand by and watch as Ye Su Mang smiled and discussed the details of the game adaptation with Yao Zhuangxian.

  Ye Su Meng's many ideas made Yao Zhuang Xian very satisfied, he even felt that the boy in front of him was his kindred spirit, and he had thought about directly signing a contract with Ye Su Meng, but reason ultimately suppressed this impulsive idea.

  "I don't know how much capital your company will ultimately invest," Yao Zhuangxian asked Ye Sumang after taking a sip of tea.

  This is now his only concern, after all, there is a direct relationship between the investment in a TV series and the final effect.

  "For now, the amount our company can invest is 10 million RMB. As for whether the funds will be sufficient after filming, we'll consider adding more funds accordingly." Ye Sumang hesitated for a moment before saying the largest number he could offer.

  When Yao Zhuangxun heard this investment figure, his expression was taken aback, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly. On the other hand, Cai Yinniang, who had almost given up hope, suddenly looked delighted, knowing that her chance had come.

  "Mr. Ye, I think you may not fully understand the investment in TV dramas. One hundred million sounds like a lot, but 'The Legend of Sword and Fairy' is a fantasy game after all, so when making a TV series, a large amount of special effects must be added, naturally the cost will double, I think your one hundred million is definitely not enough." Cai Yinniang said with a light smile, speaking calmly.

  "Hehe, I think Miss Cai has some reason to say that, Mr. Ye, can't we invest a bit more?" Yao Zhuangxun listened to Cai Yinnuo's words, hesitated for a moment, and also nodded in agreement, while casting an inquiring glance at Ye Sumeng.

  Yao Zhuangxian did not want to terminate this collaboration with Ye Sumang due to financial issues, as he had been deeply attracted by the other's talent.

  Unfortunately, regarding the issue of funding, Ye Sumang's expression remained calm, but he couldn't help but let out a wry smile to himself.

  If he really had money, he would have gone to film "A Better Tomorrow" long ago, why bother fighting for a game adaptation here.

  Seeing Ye Su Mang's silence, Cai Yi Nong suddenly asked on the side: "Mr. Ye, I don't know if you have any interest in collaborating with us Tang people on this TV series?"

  "Cooperation?" Ye Sumang looked at Cai Yinuo with a puzzled expression.

  "Of course. I see that Mr. Yao is very satisfied with your idea, and I also listened to some of it on the side, and I think it's very interesting. Now, it seems that your company lacks funds and can't come up with more money for a while. And we, the Tang people, happen to be very interested in adapting this game, so if you don't mind, let us join in too, and we can work together to create this TV series." Cai Yinniang said seriously, her previous smile gone from her face.

  In fact, this TV series involving a large investment is also something that Tangren cannot fully undertake on its own, even if negotiations are successful at the moment, it will still be co-produced with other companies later.

  Ye Su Mang's ideas were clearly excellent, and Yao Zhuang Xian was very satisfied. So Cai Yi Nong had the idea of collaborating with Ye Su Mang, anyway they would have to cooperate, isn't it better to cooperate with someone who has already proven their talent and creativity?

  "Yes, Mr. Ye, I think Miss Cai makes a lot of sense. Tang Ren has the funds, you have the ideas and creativity, it's a perfect match!" After hearing Cai Yinniang's request, Yao Zhuangxian's eyes also lit up. He didn't want to give up Ye Sumang's brilliant ideas, nor did he want to make the TV series rough. Now that such a win-win solution was in front of him, he immediately applauded in agreement.

  "I have no objection, I hope this cooperation goes smoothly!" Ye Sumang agreed after a moment's consideration.

  After all, the lack of funds is indeed his current weakness. It's best for Tang Ren to participate and make up for it. Moreover, with Tang Ren's investment, Ye Su Mang can also add more of her own ideas to this TV series, which is a good thing for the work itself.

  Rome wasn't built in a day, and after several rounds of talks, the three parties finally reached a consensus. Yao Zhuangxian also obtained the TV adaptation rights for Ye Sumang and Cai Yinniang from the headquarters.

  As for who owns the film and television adaptation rights, Ye Sumang and Cai Yinniang had another dispute. Cai Yinniang believed that the company investing more in the TV series should naturally occupy the copyright, while Ye Sumang insisted on each occupying 50%, which was fair and reasonable. In the end, Cai Yinniang compromised.

  Because all three parties had a mutually beneficial attitude, the copyright fee was only symbolically collected at 10 million, with both sides receiving 5 million each. Tianxia Film and Tangren Film jointly acquired the rights to adapt the Xianjian series for the next five years.

  However, when the three parties signed the contract in the end, Yao Zhuangxian made two requests to Ye Sumang.

  The first is that he hopes to be present when the crew selects actors and can express his own opinions.

  Another is his own unreasonable request, he very much hopes that Ye Su Meng can create the story background and game script for "The Legend of Sword and Fairy 2"!

  Two requests The first one is very reasonable, but the second one is really beyond Ye Sumang's expectation.

  But after some thought, Ye Sumang still agreed. He had never done a game script before, but he could still write one. This was not too difficult for Ye Sumang, and it would also lay the foundation for turning Xianjian into a TV series in the future.

  After all this, the TV series' co-production was also confirmed. Ye Su Meng took on the role of director for this TV series, while Cai Yi Nong entered the crew as the chief producer and executive producer.

  However, it is clear that the disputes brought about by cooperation have not ended yet. Ye Sumang and Cai Yinuo had different opinions on casting again.

  Ye Su Mang's attitude was very clear, the female lead in his mind already had a clear candidate, that is Liu Yi Fei who missed cooperation in the previous film!

  He still remembered the scene when he first saw that girl, her ethereal temperament completely matched the image of Zhao Ling'er in the game, and Liu Yifei's age was also very close to Zhao Ling'er. Ye Sumang felt that there was no other girl who could be more suitable for this role than Liu Yifei.

  Cai Yi Nong hopes that his company's actors will star in the TV series, after all, this can maximize efficiency.

  In the end, the two of them pushed this matter to a third party, Yao Zhuangxian, to decide. The latter was also very decisive and directly stated that both parties should bring their ideal heroine, and then the three would make a choice together.

  Ye Sumang and Cai Yinniang thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

  Ye Sumang returned to the company and couldn't wait to call Liu Yifei.

  However, what made Ye Sumang strange was that he dialed Liu Yifei's phone number and the call went through, but no one answered. Ye Sumang made several consecutive calls, all with the same result.

  Like this, Ye Sumang fell into a strange circle, and could only continue dialing the phone continuously.

  It wasn't until three days later, when Ye Sumang pressed the 301st phone call, that a slightly cold voice finally came from the other end.