Chapter 252: Chapter 180: Beauty Offers Herself (Seeking Monthly Votes)
With the rise of the internet, Starlight Entertainment had grown substantially, boasting countless second and third-tier stars. However, its parent company, Starlight Group, had shifted its business focus overseas long ago. Consequently, Starlight Entertainment’s development stagnated. Despite this, it remained a top-tier entity in Ji City. Aspiring live-streaming influencers with promising prospects were all proud to join Starlight Entertainment.
In an office within the Starlight Entertainment building, Song Mingcheng’s fingers tapped lightly on the desk as he picked up the phone, a fleeting look of confusion in his eyes.
This mobile number was one he had specifically gotten for his return to the country. Currently, only former business partners and officials from Ji City knew it.
Who could this unfamiliar caller be?
"Mr. Song, hello. I am Lu Jinli, from Starlight Entertainment. I saw you once at the annual meeting three years ago."
From the phone, a clear, somewhat cautious voice emerged.
Song Mingcheng pondered for a moment, nodded, and acknowledged with a slight frown and a soft "Mm."
Having started from scratch, he had dealt with countless people. After returning to Xia Country, he had restructured the group’s operations there. So, he naturally guessed Lu Jinli must have pulled some strings to get his number, intending to renegotiate her contract.
But this matter... was non-negotiable!
The group had already bled a significant amount of money upon its return to Xia Country. To establish a foothold, they had to adjust their strategy and focus on promoting Arena Martial Artists.
In his opinion, the company’s stars should all stir up scandals with these Arena Martial Artists to boost their popularity.
So-called stars were merely tools for making money.
Only by squeezing every last drop of usefulness from these stars who were being phased out by the times could he consider himself a qualified capitalist.
Of course, at this moment, he wouldn’t bluntly kill the conversation.
In business, there is no right or wrong, only interests.
If the connections Lu Jinli brought could indeed generate substantial profit, a mere contract could easily be terminated.
"There’s no need for such hassle. Just ask him directly if he remembers seeing anyone on the cruise. If he remembers, he will naturally agree to all your requests. It’s not just about leaving Starlight Entertainment; if you want to renegotiate your contract and have Starlight Entertainment fully back you to become a top-tier star against the industry tide, that’s also possible."
Just as Song Mingcheng was leisurely waiting for Lu Jinli’s request, contemplating how to refuse, a strange yet somewhat familiar male voice sounded through the phone.
This voice... Meeting on the cruise...
Suddenly, a figure appeared in his mind.
Song Mingcheng’s eyes widened. He shot up from his office chair, his body involuntarily leaning forward.
If his guess wasn’t wrong... This Lu Jinli... was the very "Jinli" he had encountered since his return to Xia Country! If he could just seize this opportunity... Starlight Group wouldn’t just avoid collapse; it could rise to new heights! Although he couldn’t be one hundred percent sure... it was worth the gamble! It was just a matter of some resources, after all!
Having made up his mind in an instant, Song Mingcheng took a deep breath and spoke with utmost gravity, "Miss Lu, I just reviewed your contract. I feel that with your qualifications, you definitely have better prospects for development. I’ve invested in a program; are you interested..."
「Ji City. At Ye Zhenzhen’s home.」
In the living room, Lu Jinli felt as if she had been knocked senseless by a sugar-coated shell.
She could hardly believe that such tempting conditions could come from Director Song’s mouth.
Even the hand holding her phone was trembling.
She couldn’t help but take a deep breath as she looked at Jiang Shu, the man her best friend had identified as the true mastermind behind Shuyan Medical Company.
Who... exactly was he? Even Director Song had changed his tune immediately after hearing his words, seemingly ready to sacrifice the group’s interests to make her stay.
"Director Song... thank you... I need to think it over..."
She bit her lip, tactfully declining the generous offer.
There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. She would gain from it. Director Song would gain from it. And the one who would lose out would be her best friend’s secret crush. By comparison, it was best to refuse. No gains would be made by either party, nor losses incurred. Besides, all she wanted initially was to leave.
"Congratulations to our little Jinli for escaping that ordeal!"
As Lu Jinli hung up the phone, Ye Zhenzhen was genuinely happy, her lips curving into a smile as radiant as a crescent moon reflected in a tranquil pond.
"Well... you two chat. I’m going to the company to deal with the contract..."
After glancing at Ye Zhenzhen, then turning to Jiang Shu with a look of immense gratitude, Lu Jinli swiftly grabbed her bag and left. Her movements were smooth yet hurried, as if she were fleeing some ferocious beast.
Only Jiang Shu and Ye Zhenzhen remained in the living room. The atmosphere grew awkward, so thick it felt as if the air itself might solidify.
"Thank you..."
Ye Zhenzhen was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper.
The entertainment industry was indeed a mixed bag. In the past, as the company’s cash cow, she had attracted immense traffic. Any covetous gazes had remained hidden in the shadows.
But when the world underwent dramatic changes, she had made a swift retreat. Consequently, until now, she’d never been alone in a room with an adult man.
During their previous encounter in the hotel suite with Jiang Shu, his youthful face had clearly shown his naivety.
Moreover, back then, she hadn’t harbored any romantic feelings.
But now...
Ye Zhenzhen kept her head low, not daring to look up.