Reborn Rich: Prices Dropped, My Savings Didn't novel Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Chapter 85: You Have a Good Older Sister

Lily Sterling observed the expressions on the two executives’ faces from the side, feeling both apprehensive and full of admiration for her sister. ’If it were me, I would never dare to say these things.’

Iris Underwood’s expression shifted slightly. In all her years in the business, she had never been in a contract negotiation with a newcomer where they held the upper hand. While Lily Sterling’s potential was outstanding, she was hardly without precedent.

Connie, however, remained all smiles, betraying not a hint of displeasure.

Cecilia Sterling, having finished with the pleasantries, cut straight to the chase. "First point: both of your contracts explicitly forbid actors from dating during the contract period. I want that clause removed."

"I realize this is probably a standard clause for all companies signing new talent, but I don’t believe romance is something one can control by decree. If you suppress an actor’s natural instincts, you’ll just end up with everyone dating in secret, followed by the company having to do massive, blanketing PR."

"I understand the company wants its artists to remain single to cultivate a fan base, but Lily just wants to be an actress, not a celebrity. Therefore, I don’t want the typical idol playbook used to control my sister’s freedom, much less her private life."

Iris Underwood opened her mouth but couldn’t think of how to respond.

Connie, still smiling, looked at Lily Sterling and asked, "Young lady, you aren’t already dating someone, are you?"

Lily Sterling froze for a moment, her face instantly flushing red. "No, ma’am. I’ve never been in a relationship."

Cecilia Sterling explained, "My saying this doesn’t mean my sister will necessarily date someone in the future, but I want to preserve her right to do so freely."

Connie raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Okay, no problem. I can agree to that."

Iris Underwood, on the other hand, bit her lip in frustration and remained silent.

Seeing her reaction, Cecilia Sterling continued, "Second point: for the next three years, Lily will not take on roles that are too similar to one another. We can offer a trade-off: as long as the role’s profile isn’t repetitive, Lily can take small, supporting parts. Not playing the lead is fine."

Lily Sterling nodded excitedly in agreement. Her sister had hit on the one thing she cared about most; she wanted to portray a wide variety of characters and leave a diverse range of on-screen personas for the audience.

Connie thought for a moment before saying, "Three years is too long. Two years, I can do. The reality of the industry right now is that there are too many formulaic scripts. Those historical idol dramas are all cut from the same cloth, and dozens are produced every year. Truly excellent, good scripts are rare."

Cecilia considered this. What Connie said was true of the current landscape. She remembered Estelle Goodman binge-watching five shows in her dorm room in a single month—three historical idol dramas and two urban dramas—all of which were just the same old stories in a new bottle.

And so, Cecilia Sterling nodded, agreeing to the two-year limit.

Iris Underwood let out another helpless sigh.

Then they heard Cecilia Sterling continue, "Lily will not be a regular cast member on variety shows. She’s not glib and has a shy personality, so she’s not suited for them. However, occasional appearances for promotional purposes are fine."

"Lily will not be made to entertain sponsors on behalf of the company, especially at private drinking parties. That is absolutely forbidden!"

Cecilia Sterling rattled off several more supplementary clauses in one breath. These were all things she could think of that her sister needed, including protections against the very things her sister had suffered from in her previous life.

For a newcomer to make such demands was, in truth, highly unreasonable, even arrogant. Cecilia Sterling was well aware of this.

Lily Sterling’s eyes reddened with apology. "Ms. Underwood... I..."

"Don’t apologize." Iris Underwood looked at her with a frank smile. "With a personality like yours, it’s true you’re easily bullied. Actually, there’s something I’ve wanted to apologize to you for. That time at the press conference, I ran into you backstage. When the staff left you hanging, I could have helped, but I didn’t. Selfishly, I wanted you to suffer a setback so you’d feel the need for a company to back you up, and then you’d come sign with me. I’m truly sorry about that."

As Lily Sterling listened to Iris Underwood, tears began to stream uncontrollably down her face. She was, at heart, a simple and soft-hearted young woman.

She choked out, "It’s okay, Ms. Underwood. We’ve only met a few times, but you’ve already taught me so much..."

Iris Underwood felt a pang in her own heart. She patted Lily Sterling’s shoulder, then glanced at Cecilia Sterling and said sincerely, "It’s a good thing you’re not alone. You have a good sister."

Lily Sterling nodded, still crying.

"Connie!" Iris Underwood turned to her, smiling with a mix of resignation and helplessness. "The moment I heard you were here, I knew I was out of the running. Still, it’s been an interesting experience. Getting to compete with the great Connie for talent is a story I can dine out on for the next two years."

Connie chuckled. "Don’t be like that. I know the tight spot you’re in. That Donovan Sanders is incredibly short-sighted. If you’re ever interested in coming over to Locke Media, my door is always open!"

Iris Underwood laughed at her words. "Normally, if someone talked about my boss like that, I’d have to say a thing or two in his defense. But today... I couldn’t agree with you more, Connie. He really... He’ll have his day of regret!"

What began as a serious negotiation ended on a surprisingly warm note.

Iris Underwood gracefully conceded defeat, and Lily Sterling’s management contract ultimately landed in the hands of Locke Media.