Chapter 114

Terry's gaze darkened, and after a moment of silence, he said calmly, "Then break the contract." "Don't you think I'm stupid?" Winnie asked softly. "Stupid," Terry answered directly, "but it doesn't matter. You're always a smart person, and if you can make this decision, it means Raven hasn't treated you well. How much is the contract termination fee?" "Compensation and penalty, a total of 150 million. Can you lend me 20 million? I'll pay the rest off within three years." "Okay, and what about the rest?" Terry asked calmly. "Even with the 20 million, you're still far short." "The rest..." Winnie gave a self-deprecating smile. "Although some people won't lend me the money, I still have friends. I can always gather the rest." After hanging up the phone, Winnie flipped through her contacts. She had been in the entertainment industry for many years, and while she had some friends in the circle, who would immediately lend her tens of millions? Money doesn't fall from the sky. Facing a one hundred million gap, even celebrities could only sigh. She scrolled through her contacts again and dialed the bank's customer service. "Do you know how much I can loan based on the properties under my name?" After hanging up the phone, she looked up and saw Yulia standing at the door, her face filled with shock. "What's wrong? Did I scare you?" Winnie asked casually. Yulia immediately rushed to the couch, her voice anxious. "I've never seen you in such a predicament. What happened? How did I not notice? I'm so sorry!" Winnie gently patted her back. "It's okay. Everything will be fine." Yulia didn't notice her slightly reddened eyes. After over a decade in the entertainment industry, finding herself unable to borrow money from anyone felt almost laughable. Winnie gave a bitter smile, her eyes closing as she sank into the couch. Golden-embroidered cushions enveloped her, her form nearly hidden beneath the deep colors and plush comfort. The light, a weak golden hue, flickered—could it be a swan in its last breath, or a butterfly ready to emerge from its cocoon? The sky gradually darkened, and the cold air outside was suffocating. As soon as Wendy entered the house, she eagerly threw off her coat and rushed upstairs. She pushed open the door, and the room was eerily silent, the atmosphere oppressive, as if preparing for the end of the world. She was momentarily stunned, forgetting the opening line she had planned for so long. She had no choice but to get straight to the point, "I have something to announce." The two people in the room reacted slowly. "What?" "I'm going to start my own business." Winnie's eyes flickered slightly. "Are you planning to quit your job?" "Yes, I'm quitting, and—" Wendy looked serious, "Have you ever thought about going solo?" "She's considered it, but doesn't have the money," Yulia interjected. Wendy glanced at her. "I do." Winnie's expression remained indifferent. "It's almost New Year's. If you don't manage your finances, they won't manage you. Save your money..." "No, I met with an investor today, and he's very interested in my project, so he invested a significant amount of money. Plus, I've put in my own money— Winnie, I can help you pay the penalty." Winnie raised her eyes slightly. "100 million?" "150 million. I can put up 80 million, and I believe you can manage to gather the remaining 70 million." "I don't have it." "You might need to check your account," Wendy said firmly. "Open it and see." Winnie didn't move, but Yulia helped unlock her phone and immediately gasped, "Wow, you have 70 million in your account! So much money! Should I check again?" Winnie quickly grabbed the phone back, furrowing her brows as she scrolled through the transaction history. There was indeed a transfer of 20 million this morning. She had been asleep and hadn't noticed it at the time. She tightened her grip on the phone, took a deep breath, and a flicker of light flashed in her eyes. "Looks like fortune's finally on my side!" Wendy smiled and pulled out her laptop. "This is the plan I've prepared for you. It consolidates your current scripts, bookings, variety show endorsements, and the artist resources from Raven, along with market performance and competition analysis." Winnie glanced at her, confused. "Additionally, I've looked into cases of contract terminations in the entertainment industry over the past ten years, including court rulings and trial records. Although the contract penalty is one hundred and fifty million, I can help you negotiate or hire a lawyer to reduce the compensation. Of course, this depends on whether you're willing to take action. It'll be a hassle to tear it all apart." Winnie was stunned. "Also, here's a table I've put together, listing all the directors interested in you, along with their recent projects and influence. Although this part isn't urgent, you must fight for Antony's project. It's worth keeping a slot open for it." Yulia looked somewhat stunned. "Wendy, have you been staying up these past few days doing all of this?" Wendy glanced at her with a look of mild amusement. "Yes. I've spent a few nights making a PowerPoint." Wendy had also met with Van to report her plan, but his response was casual. "Too flashy."