What makes Rong Xianning so deserving...
The young man looked at him silently and asked, "Why?"
"Why so many whys? Can’t I just do a good deed? Of course, if you have somewhere else to go, then go. But by the looks of you, all ragged and forlorn, I’d say you’re homeless. This apartment is sitting empty anyway, so why not lend it to someone who has a need? The fridge has food. If you’re short on anything, call the number stuck on the living room phone; the property management will send someone to deliver it to you."
"Of course, I’m not letting you stay for free either. You’ll need to clean up the place for me and keep an eye on the apartment."
Zhao Heng racked his brain and couldn’t come up with any better excuses.
Is this really a good deed? This is pure exploitation.
What exactly does the boss see in this kid?
Zhao Heng sized up Rong Xianning skeptically, his thoughts full of disdain—what a pampered pretty boy living off others.
Rong Xianning frowned slightly, sensing that something wasn’t right.
He lifted his gaze and looked at Zhao Heng calmly. "I am Rong Xianning."
Zhao Heng sneered, "Of course I know. Your name is currently the top trending topic everywhere."
Rong Xianning’s brows furrowed tighter.
Zhao Heng grinned smugly, "Aren’t you curious how your agency and all the TV networks couldn’t find you, but I could?"
Sure enough, the young man’s pitch-black eyes revealed a trace of confusion.
Zhao Heng pointed to the sky. "Some things shouldn’t be revealed; just know that I won’t harm you."
Rong Xianning cast him an untrusting look.
Zhao Heng coughed awkwardly, took a cardholder out of his jacket, and pulled out a business card to hand to him.
Rong Xianning reached out and took it.
CEO and Director of Artist Management – Zhao Heng, Other Shore Entertainment.
The young man’s pupils contracted sharply, his pale fingers crumpling the card. Find the newest release on NoveI★Fire.net
"Don’t get the wrong idea. Sure, I’ve been keeping tabs on you, but I have no personal interest in you. It’s our boss—she’s the one who’s been admiring you."
"So, how about it? Interested in joining our company? Don’t worry about breaking your contract with Eternal Century—I’ll have our lawyers handle it cleanly so you won’t have any lingering concerns."
The young man hung his head, silent and speechless.
"Our company might not be very famous, but don’t underestimate us. We have the best legal and hacking teams. Whether it’s lawsuits or managing online public opinion, we’re leagues ahead of that flimsy shell company, Eternal Century. Miss this chance, and you’ll regret it forever."
Zhao Heng spoke persuasively, like a big bad wolf coaxing Little Red Riding Hood: "Your current PR disaster... your company’s response has been a complete mess. They missed the golden window for damage control, and they can’t even find you when you’ve disappeared. Tsk... what can such a lousy company bring you?"
The young man said quietly, "I have a pair of deadbeat parents."
Zhao Heng snorted derisively, "And? So what?"
Rong Xianning suddenly raised his head.
"When they sold you to Ding Meng for five million, their ties to you were severed. Their mistakes are not your mistakes. If used wisely, this could become the ultimate hook to evoke pity from your fans."
Rong Xianning shook his head, exhausted. "That wouldn’t be fair to others."
"So you’re willing to endure being criticized by thousands and exit the entertainment industry? Doesn’t that play right into the hands of those scumbags? What a fool you are."
"Trust me. If you agree to sign with us, I’ll solve all your crises and help you escape Ding Meng—the claws of that old hag. An old cow trying to eat young grass? Ha, spare me. Like she’s worthy."
Rong Xianning asked again: "Why?"
Zhao Heng raised an eyebrow. "I already told you, it’s because our boss admires you."
Suddenly, Zhao Heng felt that the remark might be misunderstood. Did the boy think their boss was like Ding Meng, shamelessly chasing younger men?
But looking at Rong Xianning, it was clear he hadn’t thought along those lines, and Zhao Heng relaxed with relief.
Our boss isn’t Ding Meng trying to prey on fresh meat—you’re just one of the boss’s collection of favorites.
There’s still Jiang Han before you, more mature, charismatic, and talented by far.
Compared to Jiang Han, Rong Xianning is just a weakling.
"You don’t need to give me an answer now. Take a hot shower, rest well, and think it over carefully."
Before leaving, Zhao Heng rummaged through the drawer in the entryway and pulled out a set of keys: "These keys give access to the elevator. The door code is four zeros. Rest early. Goodnight."
The sound of the door closing echoed, leaving the room in complete silence.
Rong Xianning clenched the business card tightly, staring quietly at the embossed golden lettering.
Other Shore Entertainment.
A name he had never heard before.
Under the refracted light, dark ripples shimmered across the card’s surface, luminous and enchanting.
The image of a red spider lily, also known as Manjusaka.
It’s said that those who see this flower will have their sins vanish.
The Other Shore—Buddhist teachings say it’s a realm beyond life and death, a place to strive for and long for, a state of liberation from worldly troubles and achieving enlightenment.
It is the ideal shore they will someday reach.