AFVSIBS Chapter 50: Crisis Behind the Plagiarism Storm

 Zhao An cared deeply about whether Zhou Chen could stay on the program, as it was crucial for the show's viewership ratings. So, he didn't want his assistant to have any technical shortcomings in this matter.

Seeing Zhao An misunderstood him, Qin Haishan immediately explained, "Director Zhao, it's not a matter of my technical skills. It's that there simply isn't such a song as 'Childhood' overseas. It means, there's no existence of the song 'Childhood,' so naturally, I couldn't find it."

"What! How is that possible? Then what exactly is going on?"

"The only possible explanation for the current situation is that someone deliberately fabricated a song similar to 'Childhood,' akin to 'The Childhood,' and used it to frame Zhou Chen for plagiarism," Qin Haishan analyzed.

"If there really is no song called 'Childhood,' then it's indeed possible as you said. After all, Zhou Chen is very popular now, and it's bound to arouse jealousy and resentment among other trainees."

"Yes, so what should we do now?"

"I'll talk to Zhou Chen first and see what he thinks."

After saying that, Zhao An found Zhou Chen's phone number in the list of trainee guests and called him.

"Zhou Chen, this is Zhao An. Do you know about the online situation?"

As soon as the call connected, Zhao An asked directly.

"Thank you for your concern, Director Zhao. I already know. I can assure you, I didn't plagiarize."

"Naturally, I believe you. The reason I called you this time is to tell you that someone is likely trying to frame you."

"Okay, I also know."

"What! You know too?"

"Yes! The lyrics mentioned in the article 'Childhood' are not foreign at all, because they have a strong cultural flavor of Longguo. It's very obvious that they were written by someone from Longguo. How could they be written by someone from a foreign country?"

"Right, I had my assistant search last night, and there is no such song domestically or internationally. So the song 'Childhood' must have been deliberately written by someone, falsely claiming it's a foreign song to deceive netizens and frame you for plagiarism."

"Thank you, Director Zhao, for your concern. In fact, I'm writing a statement right now and will release it on Weibo soon for an explanation."

"That's great. I'll have my assistant send you some information later. Keep an eye on your phone. I won't disturb you anymore with writing your statement. Goodbye."

With that, Zhao An hung up the phone and instructed his assistant, Qin Haishan, to send the information they found to Zhou Chen.

"Chuchu, I suddenly remembered something. We can demand Zhou Chen to pay a five million breach of contract penalty."

As Zhou Chen continued to write his statement earnestly, on the other side, Wang Wei suddenly remembered something and immediately said to Zhang Chuchu.

"Why would you say that? He's just plagiarizing for now, and he's not disobeying the company's arrangements."

"No, I remember now. When all the trainees signed contracts with the company, there was a note that if a trainee was found to have plagiarized others' works during the period, they would need to pay a five million breach of contract penalty," Wang Wei explained.

"Is that so?" Zhang Chuchu asked, puzzled.

"Of course, don't forget that I'm the manager of the company. Can I make a mistake? So now that Zhou Chen is caught up in this plagiarism scandal, we can completely use this to demand compensation from him and then shelve him. He's the one who broke the rules first, and Manager Chen won't be willing to speak up for him." Wang Wei said smugly.

"Great, I'm going to call that kid now. Let's see how he acts today."

With that, Zhang Chuchu, ignoring the pain from multiple calls last night, immediately took out her phone and called Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen didn't want to answer Zhang Chuchu's call, but considering she was his nominal agent. If he didn't answer her call, she would inevitably bring up the matter of the contract.

So, he could only press the answer button: "Zhang Jie, are you calling about the plagiarism scandal on the internet?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I want to talk about. Zhou Chen, you not only failed to work hard but also got involved in a plagiarism scandal. Tell me, how should we deal with the negative impact on our company?" Zhang Chuchu questioned sternly.

"Zhang Jie, what if I didn't plagiarize?" Zhou Chen asked directly.

"What if? This matter is already on the hot search. Is there still room for 'what ifs'? Let me tell you, the contract we signed with you clearly states that if you're involved in plagiarism, you'll have to compensate Wanhe with five million in damages." Zhang Chuchu said arrogantly.

"Five million in damages?"

Zhou Chen couldn't help but be surprised by this number.

He never expected the entertainment industry in this parallel world to be even more ruthless towards trainees. Such a tyrannical clause would openly exist.

"Yes, I'm not making empty threats or talking nonsense. It's clearly written in the contract. Pack up your things and come back to the company with me. The company's legal personnel will talk to you."

"Wait, I haven't finished yet. What if I didn't plagiarize?"

"No plagiarism? Evidence has been brought out now. You say there's no plagiarism? Zhou Chen, to be honest, I feel sorry for you. Although we've had some conflicts lately, your talent is evident to everyone. Yet, you chose to plagiarize. So, if you choose to court disaster, no one can save you."

"Sorry, Zhang Jie, let me repeat, I didn't plagiarize. Since I didn't plagiarize, I naturally don't need to compensate according to the violation clause in the contract." Zhou Chen replied firmly.

"Zhou Chen, don't give me these useless words. If you didn't plagiarize, then prove your innocence to me. Let me tell you, our company won't help you at all. If you can't prove your innocence, you'll obediently come back and pay five million." Zhang Chuchu gave a direct ultimatum.

"Okay, I'll prove it to you later."

With that, Zhou Chen hung up the phone directly.

Hearing Zhou Chen's confident words, Zhang Chuchu couldn't help but feel a bit doubtful.

"What's wrong? What did that kid say?"

"He said he didn't plagiarize and also said he would prove his innocence. If he really proves his innocence, then he indeed doesn't need to pay five million. And he'll continue to stay on the show." Zhang Chuchu replied.

"Don't worry, he's just a trainee with no resources or connections. If our company doesn't help him, what can he use to prove his innocence?" Wang Wei said disdainfully.

"You make sense. Without the company's help, it's too difficult for him to prove his innocence. I think he's in deep trouble now." After thinking for a moment, Zhang Chuchu also agreed with her husband's view.

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