Page 6

Cai Jinbai said evenly, "Since I intend to sign Mr. Xu, of course I investigated beforehand. That wasn't difficult."

"Back then, Mr. Xu was slandered and targeted across the internet, while his company deliberately suppressed him. I imagine there were no shortage of people around him who kicked him while he was down, were there?"

"Where is the person you saved now? Back then, they didn't step forward to clear your name or speak up for you. They stood by and did nothing, likely to protect their own interests. They wanted to save themselves but abandoned their lifesaver. Mr. Xu, it seems you shouldn't have meddled in other people's business."

Cai Jinbai's words cut straight to the heart. Every sentence stung, and every word was true.

Xu Yuqing could only smile bitterly.

Back then, he had begged everyone he could. But with Star Universe Entertainment bearing down on him, some chose to protect themselves, while others took the opportunity to seize resources that had originally been his. Even those who spoke up for him online, believed him, and tried to prove his innocence could barely make a ripple. Even if something made the trending searches, it would quickly be removed, no different from being silenced.

His fans charged forward for him, but his account was controlled. He had no projects, no chance to appear on screen again. Under such circumstances, he didn't even have a way to explain himself to the public. Thus, the name "Xu Yuqing" gradually faded from the internet.

Did he regret it?

He still gave the same answer: he didn't regret it.

If he regretted anything, it was only that he hadn't thought things through. He had been reckless and impulsive. He had only just entered the entertainment industry and suddenly become famous, without realizing that the darkness within it was far beyond what one person could resist.

He couldn't exactly investigate someone's character in detail before saving them.

They had belonged to the same company, and he had been her senior. More importantly, it involved a girl's innocence. That was why, when she tearfully begged him for help, Xu Yuqing stepped in.

But if he could do it over again, he would definitely think of a more reliable solution before saving her.

He had saved her for no other reason than because it was what his heart had told him to do at the time. He had a clear conscience. That was all.

Looking at the brilliant golden light of righteous wealth above Xu Yuqing's head, Cai Jinbai said, "There is one thing Mr. Xu has gotten wrong as well."

"What?" Xu Yuqing froze.

Cai Jinbai said, "Since you know how ruthless Star Universe's president is, with the heart of a wolf and the nature of a jackal, how could you take it for granted that simply leaving the industry would make him let you go so easily?"

"You don't think Star Universe will only drag you into court and demand compensation for breach of contract, do you?"

"Then... what else could they do?"

Liu Rong's face turned pale as she thought of something.

She had seen far more darkness in the entertainment industry than Xu Yuqing knew or had experienced.

"No way... Could it really go that far?" Liu Rong murmured.

Xu Yuqing asked, "Sister Liu, what do you know?"

Liu Rong's voice was dry as she said, "Maybe... maybe someone will secretly try every possible way to get you addicted to drugs too..."

Chapter 5

Liu Rong's words completely frightened Xu Yuqing. He sat blankly in his chair, his expression empty.

He wondered whether that was really possible. If he truly became addicted to drugs... it wouldn't just destroy him. Even his once peaceful and happy family would fall apart because of it.

The moment he thought that possibility might become reality and truly happen to him, his scalp tightened and his entire body turned cold.

That method was simply too vicious.

Xu Yuqing couldn't help clenching his fists, his lips draining of all color.

He understood that Sister Liu wasn't trying to scare him. Rather, some things were so dark and terrifying that they were beyond anything he could imagine.

"Star Universe Entertainment won't stop until it drives me to death..." Xu Yuqing muttered.

Or perhaps it wanted to force him to kneel and beg for mercy, to break his pride and self-respect.

At that moment, Xu Yuqing couldn't help recalling the arrogant expression and words Gao Chi had worn when he burst into that private room to save someone—"If you dare take her away today, if you dare walk out that door, I'll kill you too!"

He hadn't been afraid then, because that was a crime. Could Gao Chi really disregard the law?

Besides, they were both actors signed to Star Universe Entertainment. His value at the time hadn't been low, and Star Universe Entertainment's president had to consider the bigger picture.

But before Gao Chi could act after making those threats, he himself was taken away by the police first. He had used drugs multiple times and allowed others to use drugs; the sentence wouldn't be light.

Gao Chi had been escorted away by the police from the company, and Xu Yuqing had been there. Before leaving, Gao Chi shot him a vicious glare. As he passed Xu Yuqing, he gritted his teeth and said, "I'm going to prison, but don't you think you'll get off easy. Just wait. I can still kill you..."

Before he could finish, Gao Chi was shoved into the police car.

At that moment, Xu Yuqing had actually felt a bad premonition. Gao Chi going to prison had made the matter blow up completely, leaving no room for compromise.

Sure enough, Star Universe Entertainment shelved Xu Yuqing afterward.

And now, this matter still wasn't over.

The road ahead was murky and filled with darkness.

"So what exactly am I supposed to do..." Xu Yuqing lowered his head and looked at his palm.

He wanted to clench his fist, only to find that his fingers had no strength.

Just then, Cai Jinbai's voice sounded. Clear and pure like a spring, it flowed unhurriedly past Xu Yuqing's ears.

"Mr. Xu can sign with Jinbai Entertainment. I can resolve this matter for you, allowing you to terminate your contract with Star Universe Entertainment and leave smoothly. From then on, you will have no worries."

Xu Yuqing abruptly raised his head.

Even Liu Rong couldn't help looking over.

Liu Rong said, "May I ask, President Cai, how do you intend to help Yuqing resolve this? Star Universe Entertainment is, after all, a major company in the industry. Yuqing also has such a serious conflict with President Gao. It isn't something he can simply walk away from. If President Gao insists on refusing to let him go..."

Would Jinbai Entertainment still be able to hold its ground then?

What was more, they still didn't know what Jinbai Entertainment was really like, or what confidence and capital it had to say such things.

What if the other party was merely making empty boasts?

Or had some other motive?

Liu Rong couldn't be blamed for overthinking. In the entertainment industry, it was best to always stay alert, lest one step into a trap and end up in a passive or unfavorable situation.

Besides, why would the other party take the considerable risk of opposing Star Universe Entertainment to help Xu Yuqing terminate his contract for no reason?

She was afraid he would escape the tiger's jaws only to enter the wolf's den, where an even worse and more exploitative situation awaited Xu Yuqing.

Therefore, what Liu Rong meant was that she wanted to understand Jinbai Entertainment clearly.

Was it some unknown small company? Had it only been established recently? What kind of background did it have?

Xuan Yu raised his eyes and shot them a cold glance, scoffing. "Hah. It's nothing more than a tiny entertainment company."

Liu Rong and Xu Yuqing were even more shocked. Why did Vice President Xuan sound as though he didn't take Star Universe Entertainment seriously at all? Was he truly dismissive of it? Was he really that confident about this matter?

Liu Rong and Xu Yuqing didn't dare ask why. They didn't even dare look directly at Vice President Xuan's face.

Compared to President Cai beside him, Vice President Xuan's presence was simply far too oppressive. If they were alone with him for too long, they might become restless and uncomfortable all over. How could they dare ask any more questions? Their lips stayed tightly sealed.

Fortunately, after a short while, Cai Jinbai said, "I understand both of your concerns. Signing with a new company is indeed something that requires careful consideration."

"Jinbai Entertainment was only recently established, and we are currently recruiting talent on a broad scale. Mr. Xu is an outstanding member of The Actors. I believe that as long as he is given an opportunity, he will soar to great heights, gain even greater popularity than before, and rise to a higher position in the entertainment industry, achieving both fame and fortune."

"I admire Mr. Xu's character and value your abilities. At Jinbai Entertainment, you can obtain better resources and development opportunities than before. I can even guarantee that no company in the entertainment industry is more suitable for you than Jinbai Entertainment, nor can any company elevate you to the very top as Jinbai Entertainment can."

Cai Jinbai spoke in an even tone, but his words were no small claim.

His gaze was calm, and his expression never changed, as though he didn't think he was exaggerating at all.

"As for your concern about how I will resolve this matter and whether we might clash with Star Universe Entertainment, I may as well be frank. In your eyes, this matter is enormous, so enormous that it seems impossible to resolve. In mine, it is a trivial matter, one that requires no effort at all. There is no need to waste more words here. As long as Mr. Xu signs with Jinbai Entertainment, all your difficulties will be easily resolved."

"These are some basic materials about my company, as well as a contract specially prepared for Mr. Xu." Cai Jinbai gestured for Yuan Guangjin to hand them the documents. "There is no rush to sign. I will give Mr. Xu one week to consider it. Once you have made up your mind, you may come to the Jinbai Group building to discuss the matter and sign the contract."

"Here is the phone number and address. Then, I shall await Mr. Xu's answer."

Afterward, Cai Jinbai and Xuan Yu got up and left, with Yuan Guangjin following behind. Before leaving, however, he turned around and smiled as he reminded them, "President Cai is completely sincere. I hope Mr. Xu will not disappoint him. If you are worried, you may find a professional lawyer to examine the contract. Also, the meal has been paid for. Enjoy your meal, both of you."

The dishes were brought out one after another, perfect in color, aroma, and flavor. The exquisite food was so tempting it made one's mouth water.

But Xu Yuqing and Liu Rong had no appetite for the moment. They first opened the contract. After reading it carefully, Liu Rong's expression became increasingly strange, and she looked astonished. Even Xu Yuqing hesitated slightly as he said, "Sister Liu, this contract... doesn't seem to have any problems."

Not only could he find no issues with it, but he even felt that the terms of the contract were surprisingly favorable to him.

Liu Rong felt the same. She frowned and said, "Star Universe Entertainment planted traps and played tricks in its contracts. We might not be able to spot traps hidden in the wording. We should still find a professional lawyer to take a look afterward."

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