"To hell with it, let’s drink!"
"Happy divorce!"
"Yeah, happy divorce!"
The four of them raised their glasses and drained them in one go.
After one drink, Zhang Chuan was the first to get chatty. "Which book was it they’re adapting? Bro, I told you back in the day you had it in you. What do you think? My eye for talent isn’t bad, right?"
He was actually really happy for Xiao Ran. Back in their dorm days, Xiao Ran would be clacking away on his keyboard until the middle of the night. Now that one of his books was getting adapted, it meant all those years of hard work hadn’t gone to waste.
Xu Cheng laughed along. "Yeah, now I can go brag to people. ’Ever seen such-and-such TV show? My buddy wrote it!’"
’This is probably the best news I’ve heard in days.’
Xiao Ran pursed his lips, his expression a little awkward. "Um... *My CEO Wife*."
There was no need to ask who the prototype for the book’s main character was.
Noticing the change in Xiao Ran’s expression, the ever-perceptive Yan Xici quickly smoothed things over. "I don’t think it matters which book it is. After all, every book my brother writes is great! Getting an adaptation is a good thing!!!"
Besides, even though they were divorced now, didn’t he write it in the past?
What’s the big deal? Getting a chance for an adaptation is something countless people would be jealous of!
She didn’t find it awkward at all.
’Selling the rights means his fame will rise, too. What a great thing!’
With that, the girl stood up, poured everyone a glass of wine, then raised her own with a brilliant smile. "This second glass is to celebrate my brother-in-law’s successful adaptation!"
Looking at the wine glass in Yan Xici’s hand, Xiao Ran felt a little worried.
"A young lady like you shouldn’t be drinking. Have some juice instead."
In three years, this was the first time he’d ever seen Yan Xici drink. He was really worried she’d have too much.
Hearing this, the girl quickly hid the glass behind her back and explained guiltily, "Oh, come on, it’s a rare happy occasion. I’ll just have a little, I won’t drink too much."
’Even though I don’t usually drink at all, today is a big day for my brother-in-law. On such an important day, I have to have a little wine!’
Xiao Ran glared at her. "Are you not going to listen to me?"
Zhang Chuan couldn’t stand it anymore and couldn’t help but roast Xiao Ran. "Hey, she’s already a junior in college. A little drink is fine. You’re just old-fashioned."
Xu Cheng also chimed in, "Exactly. Xici’s a grown-up now. Stop treating her like a kid."
We’re all friends here, what’s wrong with having a drink? We’re just trying to have fun. Whatever makes us happy, right?
Hearing people stick up for her, the girl nodded along. "Exactly, brother! I’m not a kid anymore. I’m turning 20 soon."
She then held her small hand over her own head to show her height, then moved it over to Xiao Ran’s shoulder. "See? I’m already this tall."
Looking at her adorable expression, Xiao Ran shook his head helplessly. "Fine. Just a little. Don’t drink too much."
’Whatever. We’re at home, after all. I’ll just let her be.’
Having gotten permission, the girl happily picked up her glass, like a little sparrow hopping cheerfully in a grain field.
"Alright then, let’s toast~"
....
Inside the villa, Yan Li was lying on the sofa, holding her phone in one hand. She spoke listlessly, "So, you’re saying you were rejected?"
She had just finished her own divorce party a little while ago and had also had quite a bit to drink.
Right now, her stomach felt a little unsettled, and her head was dizzy.
She was just about to tidy up and go to bed when, unexpectedly, Wang Meng called to tell her they had failed to buy the rights.
On the other end of the line, Wang Meng’s voice was full of guilt. "I’m sorry, President Yan. I was incompetent."
Wang Meng was an old hand by Yan Li’s side, having been with her for several years.
She had an excellent eye for talent. Whether it was choosing scripts or skits, she was outstanding and had created a lot of wealth for the company.
This failure was just baffling; even she herself hadn’t expected it.
Yan Li cleared her throat. "What was the reason for the rejection?"
She also found it hard to understand. Who would refuse a three-million copyright fee?
"Ai Qi was also interested in the script, but their offer wasn’t as high as ours. Yet, the other party chose Ai Qi without hesitation..."
Wang Meng couldn’t figure out the reason either. When she asked Shi Guang, he just said it was the author’s preference and that he had to respect the author’s choice.
"Speaking of which, this author is only a Level 5. He’s not even a Great God yet. For an author like that to refuse a three-million copyright fee."
"It is a bit puzzling. I asked Shi Guang if I could meet with the author to talk, but Shi Guang said the author’s stance was firm and advised me not to waste my time."
It wasn’t hard to hear the confusion in Wang Meng’s voice.
’Talk about failing before you even get out of the gate. I was rejected without even meeting the author.’
"Oh?" Yan Li was a little curious. "What’s the book called? And who’s the author?"
’Is there really something money can’t buy these days?’
"The book is called *My CEO Wife*, and the author is Yiran Zide," Wang Meng reported faithfully.
Yan Li’s eyes widened, and she felt the effects of the alcohol vanish. "Yiran Zide? Are you sure????"
Yiran Zide was Xiao Ran’s pen name. She knew that.
’I just never thought... what a coincidence. How did they end up picking Xiao Ran’s book of all things?’
Besides, in her memory, hadn’t Xiao Ran been a flop for several years?
’He can still write a good book?’
This truly surprised her.
Wang Meng was startled by President Yan’s reaction. "Yes, President Yan."
Yan Li’s brow furrowed, still finding it hard to believe.
’This is too much of a coincidence. We get divorced in the morning, and my company picks his book in the afternoon. Now I think I understand why Xiao Ran refused. It’s just a stroke of good luck. What’s there to be proud of?’
Since he had refused, she wasn’t the type to go begging him. That would only make her look cheap.
She sighed. "Alright, I get it. Was this the only book you selected?"
’If there are others, we’ll just replace it.’
"Not exactly. There were three in total, but this one had the best plot and structure. The other two are a bit inferior in comparison."
Wang Meng had twenty people under her, five of whom were dedicated to scouting for books. They spent every day on various websites, looking for popular books to read. This one was the cream of the crop, the most suitable for the company.
She just never imagined the author himself would refuse.
Yan Li blinked. She couldn’t deny it; this was something she truly hadn’t expected.
’Xiao Ran’s book... actually has this much potential.’
After a moment of thought, she said, "Keep the offer low and pick one of the other two!"
"Yes, President Yan."
After hanging up, Yan Li was completely sober. She poured herself a glass of water and sat on the sofa. The cool moonlight shone on her as she opened the app, searched for Xiao Ran’s book, and clicked on his reviews.
Yoyo Luming: This book is really good. Does the author actually have a CEO wife? The depiction is so vivid.
24-Hour No-Sleep: Update, author! It’s not enough to read! It’s written so well!
Yinanping: Not to rush you, but your writing style is incredible. I love it so much.
Jia You Chong: To be honest, the CEO’s personality isn’t great, but I really like the male lead.
Yan Li read through several pages. There was basically not a single negative review.
Her mood was now quite complex.
She picked up the glass of water from the table and took another sip.
’Xiao Ran, oh, Xiao Ran...’
With a shake of her head, she remembered something else.
Her sister, Yan Xici.
’There was just so much going on today, so much that I completely forgot about my sister.’
Thinking of this, she picked up her phone and dialed Yan Xici’s number.