"For instance, participating in a small show on the weekend, or making a cameo in a large film or television series—the workload is minimal, and there's no need for deliberate preparation."
"You'd also get an early peek into the professional circle, which will make things much easier if you decide to pursue this path in the future. Even if you don't like it, at least you can stop early and it won't interfere with your studies," she said, fully understanding what young people cared about as an agent.
"Besides, the earnings aren't bad either, and you'll get to meet many big stars you recognize with ease. Even if you don't go in this direction in the future, having popular friends will certainly help your career later on."
"Is that so..." Tilan tilted her head slightly, pondering how to politely decline the offer in front of her.
If it had been over a year ago, she might have been tempted, for she was indeed uncertain about her future and short of money back then. But now... there were too many important things waiting for her to accomplish.
Witnessing this scene, Audrey couldn't help but chuckle quietly to herself. This savvy auntie, long accustomed to breezing through victories, also had her moments of disadvantage and defeat.
But it wasn't her fault, after all, those with the Songstress Talent were exceedingly rare. Before her Talent had awakened, this auntie had intended to recruit her into her own company. It was only after she became a Songstress that the other party gave up, because the Federal Law explicitly stated that no company may sign an employment contract with a Songstress. Any pre-existing contract would be automatically invalidated once the Songstress Talent awakening was confirmed and their identity established.
Such legislation was designed to protect Songstresses from becoming pawns of certain companies or forces, forcing them to maintain independent status. Additionally, the business contracts they signed were laden with restrictions and could not include just any arbitrary terms or conditions.
"Actually, Hexia has been helping me finish my album recently. We even sang a song together, so she probably doesn't have the time to attend the activities Aunt Juliana mentioned," Audrey finally stepped in to offer an explanation for Hexia.
"Ah, is that so?" Juliana agreed, sounding somewhat unconvinced. She knew Audrey's reputation well; the girl she'd watched grow up was now one of the renowned Songstresses of Flying Feather Star Domain. How could she casually invite someone else to perform in her album?
Songstresses, as a special group under the Federal Official's extra care and beloved by the public, always produced albums that were the industry's gold standard. Even the background personnel for the albums were experienced professionals with significant achievements.
Audrey's company might seem small in personnel, but each member was an industry elite with a profound background. Without such a background, one simply could not join. Every Songstress was supported by a vast power group, and to Juliana's knowledge, famous mega-corporations of Flying Feather Star Domain like 'Blazing Red Lotus', 'Meteorite Shield', and 'Silver Star' had sponsored Audrey and even designed and produced co-branded products specifically for the young lady—it was no ordinary attention.
"If that's the case…" She was about to give up, but then an announcement came from the stage in the hall.
"Anyone else wants to take the stage? Tonight's final performance, on such a beautiful night, who has something to express or to sing to us? Life is not just about the present despondency and helplessness. There are also those dreams that seem unattainable, as worthless as scrap paper and as precious as gold!"
"Come on, any words can be sung out, for it is the trembling of the heart of steel, yearning to burst forth with a fiery passion!"
Such adolescent words, yet they were sincere and stirred excitement throughout the venue. And at that moment, someone suddenly shouted.
"I saw her! The dream girl sitting in the corner, my fairytale princess in my dreams, the pure white Swan Princess, Lady Audrey—" Amidst the strange calls, everyone's gaze eventually settled on the corner.
"Ah, really?" Someone exclaimed incredulously.
"That's Audrey sitting there? How did I not notice before?"
"Why am I only seeing this now?" someone lamented, stamping their feet in regret.
Confronted with all the hopeful eyes looking their way, Audrey could no longer hide. She stood up, looking at Hexia beside her.
"Seems like we have no choice but to take the stage."
"Want to join us, Tilan?"
Calling her friend by name, the two then took each other's hands and slowly walked onto the stage.