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墨書 Inktalez
"Enough! This is too much!" Director Wang exclaimed, nearly sliding off his chair. "We can finalize the proposal tomorrow..."
"There's a condition," Lin Xiaofan interrupted him. "The end credits must include 'This film is fully sponsored by Mr. Lin Xiaofan,' for no less than ten seconds, and it must feature my photo and contact information."
Director Wang's smile froze on his face. "This... this isn't in line with the rules, is it? Public service films typically don't accept commercial sponsorship..."
"Add fifty thousand," Lin Xiaofan said, raising a finger. "In cash."
The office fell silent for a few seconds, the only sound being the hum of the computer fan. Director Wang's Adam's apple bobbed up and down before he finally nodded heavily.
As Lin Xiaofan left the advertising company, he felt particularly elated. The system's "indirect benefits" feature seemed tailor-made for him! Once the documentary aired, not only could he cash out a substantial amount of money, but he could also boost his visibility—perhaps even solve his employment issues.
Suddenly, his phone rang with an unfamiliar number.
"Lin Xiaofan?" Su Yuqing's voice was as cold as ice. "What do you mean by that?"
Lin Xiaofan was baffled. "What do you mean?"
"Stop playing dumb!" Su Yuqing nearly shouted. "I just received a call from Principal Li saying you contacted them about reshooting some documentary? And that you want the kids to hold thank-you signs?"
Lin Xiaofan's heart sank—he hadn't expected the news to spread so quickly.
"This is a win-win situation," he tried to explain. "The documentary can help the school gain more attention and donations..."
"Shut up!" Su Yuqing rarely cursed, but now she did. "You just want to use those kids as props to promote yourself!"
The two argued fiercely over the phone. Lin Xiaofan emphasized his financial investment, while Su Yuqing accused him of exploiting impoverished children. Finally, she dropped a bombshell: "If you dare to harass those kids, I will report your Cancer Foundation to the civil affairs bureau!" Then she hung up hard.
Standing on the bustling street, Lin Xiaofan listened to the busy tone echoing in his ear. Passersby glanced curiously at the young man staring blankly at his phone, unaware of the veins bulging on his forehead and his clenched fists.
"Damn it!" He kicked an empty soda can off the ground in frustration.
Back at his rental apartment, Lin Xiaofan collapsed onto the sofa. The landlord's considerate lock replacement service had cost him two thousand yuan, but at least he didn't have to sleep on the streets anymore. He turned on the TV; local news was covering a charity gala hosted by some entrepreneur, showing tables laden with delicacies and guests wearing insincere smiles.
"Hypocrites..." Lin Xiaofan scoffed but suddenly remembered the meager scraps of meat floating in bowls belonging to children in the mountains.
His phone vibrated; it was a draft proposal from Director Wang. Lin Xiaofan skimmed through it and frowned deeper—the entire document was filled with phrases like "heart-wrenching" and "emotionally stirring," suggesting they find a few particularly unfortunate children to "highlight."
【System Notification】
【Potential moral risk detected】
【Recommendation: Reassess partnership】
Lin Xiaofan irritably dismissed the notification. All he wanted now was to finish this damn documentary quickly, cash out his money, and then...
Then what?
The sudden question left him stunned. What would happen after paying off the debts? Would he continue to exploit the system for profit? But Su Yuqing's sharp inquiries pierced his heart like thorns: "Do you really think those children are not your tools?"
Early the next morning, Lin Xiaofan arrived at Aurora Media with dark circles under his eyes. Director Wang excitedly showcased the storyboard he had rushed to complete overnight, one page prominently featuring a scene of a little girl crying and thanking "Uncle Lin."
"This is too much," Lin Xiaofan said, his face darkening.
Director Wang waved dismissively, "Don't worry, Mr. Lin. We’ll make her cry for real; kids are easy to scare..."
"Cancel the project," Lin Xiaofan suddenly declared.
"What?" Director Wang was taken aback. "But the contract..."
"I'll pay the penalty for breach of contract," Lin Xiaofan said as he stood up to leave.
Director Wang hurriedly blocked his path. "Wait, Mr. Lin! We can negotiate...," he lowered his voice, "Actually, we have a collaboration with Zhao Charity Foundation; they have more resources..."
Lin Xiaofan spun around sharply. "Zhao Tianming?"
Director Wang smiled mysteriously and pulled out a gold-embossed business card from his wallet. "President Zhao loves young people like you who have ideas."
The words "Chairman of the Zhao Charity Foundation" gleamed in the sunlight on the card. Lin Xiaofan's fingertips trembled slightly as a red warning suddenly popped up in the system:
【High-Risk Alert】
【Malicious affiliated party detected】
【Immediate termination of contact is advised】
Director Wang continued to chatter, "President Zhao is currently preparing a large scholarship program and needs resourceful partners like you..."
Lin Xiaofan stared at the business card, memories flashing through his mind: the murky eyes of an old principal in the mountains, the cracked lips of children, Su Yuqing meticulously checking the accounts by candlelight... and that little girl who shyly said "Thank you, Uncle" while receiving thin porridge in a fertilizer bag used as a backpack.
He slowly tore the card in half and turned away, leaving Director Wang in shock.
Above the city, dark clouds were gathering; a storm was about to break.
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