Ultimately, everything boiled down to profit. If the stakes were high enough, negotiation was unnecessary; he would even stoop to begging for it himself. After all, making money wasn't shameful. How much was face worth, anyway?
By that time, Xu Qingqiu had understood what the director meant. She wasn't foolish; on the contrary, she was very smart.
The director could have approached her sooner or later, but he chose this particular time. The reason is as clear as day—my performance must have truly exceeded his expectations.
With this thought, the disappointment in her heart from the director's words unexpectedly lifted.
If I'm not allowed to sing original songs, then I won't. Since it's a competition, I'll compete fair and square. I believe in my abilities. So what if it's not an original? Competing with true skill doesn't scare me.
"Okay, I'll follow the director's arrangements."
Seeing how readily she agreed, the director also felt an unexpected delight.
