Driven by her competitive spirit as a top student, Cierra took a deep breath, blocking Cierra's path, her voice as gentle as flowing water:
"If Mr. Logan, you doubt my professionalism, the contract includes a probation period. If, after the probation period, you still have doubts about my professional abilities, we can terminate the contract according to its terms. The client won't have to pay any fees, and the company will initiate procedures to find you a new professional manager."
Basil was surprised. This woman looked young but had quite a bit of courage. It was the first time he had seen someone remain so calm under his stern expression.
He was known in the film industry 'Charming but Ruthless Phantom'. Once, a newbie actor burst into tears under his gaze during their first film shoot and even considered quitting the industry. Thus, his nickname spread far and wide.
Impressed by her courage, the director, who had been hardened by the industry to near indifference, suddenly changed his attitude 180 degrees. His cold eyes softened as he nodded, walked back to the sofa, sat down, folded his long legs, and crossed his arms, ready to listen.
"Let's hear it. How do you plan to help me? Do you have a proposal?"
A proposal? Isn't that a bit too professional? Cierra suddenly felt guilty at Basil's question. She had come empty-handed, so she decided to stall. Whatever it took, she just needed to get through today. "That depends on what you need me to do."
"A professional manager should be capable of creating a comprehensive proposal."
The director's words were crisp and firm, extinguishing any remaining thought of cutting corners. Cierra unconsciously broke into a cold sweat and quickly pulled herself together to respond carefully.
"The contract states that my task is to assist you in pursuing your desired partner?"
"Hold on," Basil interrupted her impatiently, rubbing his furrowed brow with his index and middle fingers. "My time is precious. All my requirements for the love manager provided by your company are recorded in the contract. Little girl, I suggest you read the contract carefully before coming to me." His words were merciless, especially the term "Little girl," which was dripping with sarcasm.
Cierra suppressed her rising anger. This man had already called her "Little girl" several times. How much did he look down on her? She became even more certain that this man was a practical, no-nonsense professional elite, completely out of her league as someone whose soul was still not even eighteen. No wonder he only had two expressions since he entered the room: a poker face and a frown. He probably thought talking to her was a waste of time.
Suddenly, Basil asked her again, "How old are you exactly?"
"I'm twenty-four." This time Cierra answered quickly, not daring to try and fool him anymore.
Fearing that he would make a big deal out of her age and experience again, she quickly added, "But I've been in this industry for two years." She held up two fingers, leaning forward as if afraid he wouldn't see clearly, shaking them in front of him.
Basil took a deep breath, looking both amused and disdainful. "I can see it clearly. No need to keep emphasizing it."
"Oh!" Cierra exclaimed, drawing out the sound. It seemed this man didn't appreciate her humor.
But being a genius girl with high IQ and EQ who feared nothing, she quickly switched tactics. "Alright, I have carefully reviewed the contract between our company and you. However, the task arrangement requires your approval, so let's discuss the work details first."
She took out her laptop from her briefcase, quickly booted it up, and started typing, not wanting to give him any more ammunition against her.
"First, Mr. Logan, can you tell me about the person you're in love with?" Mr. Logan kept typing without looking up, but after about thirty seconds of no response, she tilted her head and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
The usually aloof and arrogant Director Han actually looked a bit awkward. "It's not love; I just have a slight interest in her," Basil said, turning his gaze away, avoiding eye contact.
"Oh!" Cierra drew out the sound again, inwardly mocking him. Love is love, and you're willing to spend big money on a love bounty hunter for just a slight interest? Who are you kidding? But she didn't dare voice these thoughts.
Then there was a long silence.
Seeing Basil's silence, she felt a bit anxious. Didn't he say his time was precious? She gritted her teeth and emphasized again, "Can you tell me about the person you have a 'slight interest' in?"
Basil squinted, looking at her with a hostile expression. Cierra suspected he wanted to get up and leave. But it wasn't her fault. If the director was so stingy with his words, how was she supposed to know his inner feelings? It's not like she could cheat like the female lead in other transmigration novels. Unfortunately, Cynthia hadn't given her any special powers.
"Lettie was my senior in high school," Basil finally continued, his tone calm but distant, as if he were telling someone else's story.
"And then?" Cierra looked up, seeing Basil's strange expression. She felt a bit puzzled, shrugged, and stopped typing, asking, "Is that all?"
"We knew each other in high school,"
"That early?" Cierra gasped, her tone rising slightly. "So, you've been in love with her since high school and are just now hiring a love manager to help pursue her?" He raised her delicate eyebrows, scrutinizing Cierra with the corner of her eye.
No way, this man, besides being naturally handsome, had extraordinary patience. How many years had he been in love since high school? He must have been pining for at least twelve years. Such dedication was unparalleled even in the entertainment industry!
"I told you it's not love," Basil's eyes tightened, his tone a bit sharp. A surge of irritation rose in his chest, and the woman's probing gaze made him feel embarrassed. He clenched his knuckles so hard they cracked, fearing he might lose control and knock out the woman with a knowing smile in front of him.
"Alright, alright, I understand. Please continue." Cierra smiled sweetly at him, seemingly oblivious to Basil's near-explosive impatience, and lowered her head to continue typing.
"In high school, I wasn't outstanding, so Lettie probably doesn't know who I am," Basil rubbed his temples, taking a few deep breaths before continuing. His voice was hoarse, his expression hinting at weariness.
Cierra was quite dismissive. She felt that continuing this cryptic conversation with Basil would kill off a lot of her brain cells, so she decided to cut to the chase.
"I got it." She snapped her laptop shut with a clap.
"I have a rough understanding of your 'crush' from high school until now. Let's discuss the cooperation details—"
Basil: "............"
