Chapter 77: Zheng Yuechan

Have you considered it, rather than have you already thought it over? That was the first impression Cheng Yao got—the woman before him was forceful, nothing like the easygoing personality described online.

And then, there was her figure, impossibly alluring. Cheng Yao feared that if their conversation dragged on, he might lose control and entertain thoughts he shouldn’t. Judging from her unique traits, she was over thirty and yet had no man—an iron-willed single woman of Shanghai?

Women like her usually had extraordinarily high standards, with an excess of self-awareness. Her dignified face now seemed stern.

But this, without a doubt, was a man’s weakness, and Cheng Yao felt a strong urge to challenge it.

He took a sip of juice and shook his head, “No.”

Her orchid fingers paused, spoon held delicately. Zheng Yuechan scrutinized him, “I told you before, you wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

“I know.”

“Then you—”

“So I don’t plan to walk the influencer path anymore. I’m preparing to start my own company.” Cheng Yao interrupted her, upending the conversation before she could even finish.

She was indeed forceful, but what did that have to do with him?

He hadn’t bought into her pitch from the start, so there would be no further development.

“Starting your own company?” Zheng Yuechan stirred her coffee, a meaningful smile on her lips. She glanced at him, then shook her head, “You’re still too young. You don’t know how deep the waters run. Founding a company isn’t just a matter of saying so.”

“I know. You need money.”

“That’s only part of it. You also need connections and resources. Especially if you’re aiming for an entertainment company—there are far too many, with fierce competition for resources. Besides, Nanjing isn’t suitable for development...” Zheng Yuechan paused, “Let me put it this way: come work at our company for a few years. I’ll be responsible for promoting you. Once you’re famous, you’ll have the contacts. Whatever industry you pursue afterward will go smoothly.

I’m being this straightforward—you should see that I value you highly.”

“Thank you. But are you so certain I can become famous?”

“I have a knack for spotting talent. Besides, if we ignore everything else, your hard skills are top-notch—looks, talent, both exceptional. There are plenty of rural kids without degrees who make it big, so why wouldn’t you?”

Cheng Yao nodded emphatically, as steadfast as stone in crucial moments!

He hadn’t expected Zheng Yuechan’s judgment to be so accurate!

She smiled modestly, “The company will help arrange your persona, your path. If you follow instructions, you can rake in money effortlessly. That’s how things work domestically. When you’re famous, you might get to ‘enjoy’ yourself.”

“Enjoy myself... what do you mean?”

“Top-tier celebrities earn millions a day. Some even make up to two point eight million in a single day. You get it now?”

Cheng Yao frowned, “Can I really enjoy myself like that?”

“That depends on whether you can seize the opportunity. A little fame comes from promotion; great fame, from destiny.” Zheng Yuechan sipped her coffee.

Cheng Yao’s gaze involuntarily drifted to her chest...

He couldn’t say if he’d be famous or not,

But he knew one hand wouldn’t suffice to handle it!

“To be honest, what you said makes my blood race. Stars really rake it in!”

Cheng Yao sighed. Those scientists probably don’t earn even a tenth of what today’s celebrities do...

Zheng Yuechan smiled, “So, shall we work together?”

“Sorry, I refuse.”

“?”

Her smile faltered, then stiffened as she asked, “Reason?”

“Thank you for your regard, but I really don’t have that ambition at the moment.”

Cheng Yao took another sip of juice, his tone gentle, “Still, I will think it over.”

“Fine, let’s leave it at that for today. You can consider it further and contact me anytime.” Zheng Yuechan smiled, discerning his intention.

She picked up her bag and left.

Cheng Yao watched her graceful silhouette until she vanished from sight.

He didn’t ask anything foolish like ‘Would you help me out?’—those childish questions that would betray his immaturity. He understood during their exchange that Zheng Yuechan would never agree to such absurd demands.

His initial ideas were unrealistic from the outset.

Right now, he was nothing more than a nouveau riche. Even his grand plans wouldn’t interest her.

Their status was unequal; just being able to sit and talk for a while was already a courtesy, a sign of her good temper.

Perhaps, the idea of being a boss and founding an influencer company was laughable in her eyes, never worthy of serious attention. After all, she was an agent for real stars.

So, Cheng Yao decided to try first. For management, he had a suitable candidate in mind—Wang Yiming, sales manager at the McLaren dealership.

A savvy man, memorable enough that Cheng Yao still recalled him clearly.

He lingered in his seat, contemplating his future.

In truth, he had little clue how to take the first step. These matters couldn’t be learned from games; in games, you could just automate everything...

Wait,

Reality might work too. Right, I’m not relying on this to make money!

Cheng Yao smiled, a strange smile.

He downed the orange juice, straightened his clothes, and left the café.

“Sir, you haven’t paid...”

“...”

Cheng Yao’s cheek twitched. He cursed Zheng Yuechan’s petty vengeance.

...

...

After leaving the restaurant, returning to her hotel room, Zheng Yuechan placed her bag on the table, her mood sour.

She had actually been rejected by a young upstart...

She’d said all the right words, painted the most enticing picture, yet was still refused. Anyone else, she’d have cursed for not knowing what’s good for them.

But the young man was indeed outstanding.

At present, whether in appearance or talent, he surpassed the boys in those idol contests. With targeted training, publicity, and a crafted persona, he was guaranteed to explode in popularity.

This was the confidence and intuition of a top agent.

But no matter how exceptional the steed, it’s nothing without a discerning owner.

The entertainment industry is treacherous, with many spots predetermined. Even with talent, breaking in is almost impossible—every circle has its own unwritten rules.

In fact, she had plenty of resources, but happened upon Cheng Yao by chance while on a business trip to Nanjing, thinking it might be fate. Sadly, the boy himself lacked ambition.

“Forget it, let him think it over.”

Knock, knock, knock...

Zheng Yuechan opened the door to find Xia Shiqi, exhausted, “Aunt Zheng, I’m dead tired. Finally finished shooting. The fans were so enthusiastic! When are we heading back to the company?”

“We’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

“Aunt Xia, you never used to take these small ad gigs. Why this time...”

Zheng Yuechan didn’t know what possessed her to accept it this time; subconsciously, she thought of Cheng Yao. Perhaps it was somewhat related to him.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come to Nanjing for this trip.

She snapped back to reality, handed over a bottle of water, “The company called just now to say you performed very well.”

“Of course.”

“Next month there’s an audition for the lead female role in a youth romance drama. I’ll try to get you the part.”

...

...