Facing the formidable Yuan Fenghui, Pei Yiyi’s manager’s face flushed red.
If not for this being a police station, and if Yuan Fenghui were not a woman… well, mainly the first reason, it forced the manager to restrain his temper.
In truth, every industry has traditions of hierarchy based on seniority.
Yuan Fenghui was notoriously strong in the circle. She had made the Miracle Group famous and now held brokerage contracts for three hot stars: Li Mengjiao, Yun Chen, and Zhang Yangning.
Pei Yiyi’s manager had never managed a breakout star. In terms of seniority, he was a junior of juniors to Yuan Fenghui. This made any outburst before her mere bluster.
“You say my boss agreed to terminate Pei Yiyi’s contract?”
The manager’s mind had not caught up.
Pei Yiyi was worth cultivating properly. Though not the most beautiful, her approachable looks had great audience appeal.
Precisely because she showed promise, the company protected her, fearing she would be ruined before rising. This protection did not mean shielding her from all industry darkness, but rather holding out for the right price. Those wanting to reach for Pei Yiyi had to show sincerity… Like this investor eyeing her. The company boss turned a blind eye, as their cooperation went beyond her leading one drama. There were other aspects. Pei Yiyi was the link facilitating cooperation.
So how could the boss agree to termination!
Pei Yiyi was quite stubborn. With a contract, they could still prevent trouble. Without it, soothing her would be hard.
The manager did not take the termination contract from Yuan Fenghui. Face flushed deeply red, he went outside to call again.
Yuan Fenghui casually tossed the contract on the table and snorted. “What an idiot. Cannot even judge the situation. No wonder he has mixed so long without making any artist famous.”
Though inappropriate now, Yuan Fenghui clearly insulted the manager, yet Pei Yiyi felt an arrow to her knee.
If the manager is an idiot, the artist under him cannot be smart either…
Shui Mingyue worried for Pei Yiyi. “Did Yiyi’s company boss really agree to termination? Will he not demand a huge sum? I heard brokerage contracts are harsh. Artists pay massive penalties to terminate.”
Shui Mingyue did not think Pei Yiyi could afford it.
Yuan Fenghui smiled. “Normally, yes, a huge penalty. Not just Yiyi’s boss. If it were me, I would demand money too. It is not about conscience. It is the rule.”
But this was not normal.
Pei Yiyi’s boss was in the wrong.
Seeing the tide turning, he decided to sacrifice the pawn to save the king. He readily agreed to termination, on condition Wen Ying and Yuan Fenghui not drag his company in when stirring trouble.
Wen Ying helped hugely without claiming credit. Yuan Fenghui wanted Pei Yiyi and Shui Mingyue to know who pulled strings.
“Pei Yiyi is lucky. Wen Ying is willing to help her.”
Yuan Fenghui’s words carried meaning.
Pei Yiyi looked at Wen Ying in shock. She had guessed Teacher Little Fish had background, but this powerful?!
As if confirming, the manager ended the call and returned. Face furious, he snatched the contract from the table.
Before leaving, to save face, he sarcastically blessed Pei Yiyi. “You found a big backer. I will wait to see you hugely famous. Hope you do not disappoint me!”
After the tough talk, fearing a beating, he grabbed the contract and fled.
Anyway, Pei Yiyi terminating. This no longer concerned him. He wanted out immediately!
Not only Pei Yiyi shocked. Even Shui Mingyue saw the clues.
Little Fish, this impressive?
Shui Mingyue seriously recalled media reports and Wen Ying’s casual mentions of family during literary training. She was certain reports true. Little Fish from ordinary family.
If Wen Ying had background, it was not family-given, but her own efforts.
Both bestselling writers, Wen Ying so capable while Shui Mingyue waited for rescue. This embarrassed her.
Shui Mingyue suddenly remembered. “Little Fish, when Jiaxin bought my novel rights, was it really Peng Guoqing’s recommendation?”
Wen Ying looked innocent and serious. “Of course his recommendation. Otherwise? If mine, I would have Tianjiao buy. Right?”
This seemed reasonable.
Wen Ying closer to Tianjiao. Even famous Director Yuan helped her.
But Shui Mingyue still felt something off.
Yuan Fenghui nearly rolled eyes at Wen Ying.
Eleven novels’ rights over ten million. Even if Wen Ying asked Tianjiao, Yuan Fenghui would refuse.
Shui Mingyue’s novels had value, but many awaited adaptation. Why hoard one author’s rights.
Only because Jiaxin’s boss Xie Qian indulged certain people, proactively offering to buy all eleven!
And this time.
Yuan Fenghui did not know how Xie Qian managed. She only knew Pei Yiyi’s boss reluctant but endured pain agreeing.
“Alright, enough other talk. I will check when you can leave.”
Statements recorded.
Blood drawn promptly for testing.
Club surveillance for police to retrieve. The two frightened girls needed baths, food, good sleep.
Yuan Fenghui just thought this when Gong Sheng appeared at door saying Pei Yiyi and Shui Mingyue could go.
“Miss Pei’s assistant still in hospital. Head assaulted. Now concussion symptoms.”
Pei Yiyi’s heart tightened. “Serious?”
Gong Sheng glanced Wen Ying first, coughed. “Depends on doctor’s diagnosis. Rest assured. I asked friends to care for her. No one will harass recovery.”
Wen Ying understood instantly. Assistant fine. Concussion severity depended on developments.
The little assistant clever, loyal to Pei Yiyi. Pei Yiyi truly lucky.
This also showed Pei Yiyi treated assistant well, or assistant would not fight so hard.
Pei Yiyi missed subtext, still worried. Called assistant. Hearing voice confirmed guess.
Assistant said nauseous, dizzy, groaning, yet excited for Pei Yiyi. “That cheap dog Qian called, sourly asked when you connected Tianjiao. I said do not know! I really do not, but so happy Sister Yiyi. Tianjiao! Signing Tianjiao, what worry later—”
“Cheap dog Qian” was Pei Yiyi’s manager… now ex-manager.
Pei Yiyi embarrassed interrupting excitement. “Rest well first.”
Yuan Fenghui not said signing her. Pei Yiyi avoided assuming.
Group headed out. Gong Sheng beside Wen Ying, whispered current situation.
Luo Hao waiting outside finally saw Shui Mingyue. Tried approaching. Little Brother Ma and security blocked.
Shui Mingyue nauseated seeing Luo Hao, turned head away.
Wen Ying pretended ignorance, smiled at Luo Hao. “Mingyue frightened. I take her hotel rest. Thank your concern for her.”
Pei Yiyi cooperated urging. “Hurry, hurry. Uncomfortable here.”
Leaving, police returned Shui Mingyue’s phone. Found on floor next private room during evidence collection.
How phone on next room floor?
Shui Mingyue could not recall.
Luo Hao supporting her out, constantly soothing, do not fear. She limp, forgot bag and phone.
Wen Ying said likely Luo Hao’s doing.
Without phone, even conscious, Shui Mingyue could not seek help. Only cling to Luo Hao as lifeline.
Several missed calls: Wen Ying, parents, director.
Director and others drunk, not sobered when police came. All at station now.
“Ignore for now. Still unclear who involved, who truly unaware.”
Shui Mingyue could contact only parents.
Briefly explained. Mother cried on phone, said coming immediately.
Shui Mingyue gently coaxed. “Really fine. Nothing happened. Little Fish with friends saved us.”
Mother Shui wished to kowtow thrice to Wen Ying.
Settled Pei Yiyi and Shui Mingyue at hotel. Gong Sheng could discuss serious matters with Wen Ying.
“That investor not caught. Locally famous. Friends say other cases on him. Previously paid others to take blame.”
Police took other dinner bosses for questioning. All claimed guests, knew nothing.
Wen Ying asked Gong Sheng. “Think we can catch him?”
Gong Sheng thought seriously, nodded. “I think no problem.”
Gong Sheng knew his own influence limited.
But boss enlisted others. Gong Sheng felt confident.
Thinking Xie Qian, recalled recent news. Boss abroad long finally returning. Likely at airport now.
Wen Ying unaware. Gong Sheng guessed boss wanted surprise. Would not spill a word.
Yuan Fenghui knocked, entered. Directly asked Gong Sheng. “Mr Gong, Pei Yiyi terminated. Does Jiaxin want her?”
Gong Sheng evaded. “Director Yuan, I no longer handle Jiaxin business…”
Yuan Fenghui held back eye roll long, now flipped. “Enough. You not handle Jiaxin, but signing one artist, would Jiang Youjia oppose? Man, be decisive. Stop hemming!”
Sign Pei Yiyi?
Signing meant pile of follow-up.
Gong Sheng sneaked glance Wen Ying’s expression, perfect smile. “Director Yuan so enthusiastically recommends, then sign.”
Hmph, another flatterer!
Yuan Fenghui inwardly mocked Gong Sheng, turned smiling to Wen Ying. “Busy all this, tired? Go chat with Pei Yiyi and Shui Mingyue, comfort them. Leave rest to me and Mr Gong.”
Ninety-nine steps taken. Yuan Fenghui minded not the last.
Must treat little fox Wen better, or little fox ditch Tianjiao for Jiaxin?!
