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"Sooner or later" meant that she would leave in time; "later" meant that Star Universe Entertainment would gradually suppress and sideline her, strip her of the resources and authority in her hands, take away the artists under her, and ultimately drive her out of the company in a miserable and humiliating state.

Now that Xu Yuqing's financial fortune had begun to change, it had indirectly affected her as well. Therefore, Cai Jinbai was not at all surprised that Liu Rong had thoughts of changing companies. He had long since instructed Yuan Guangjin to prepare Liu Rong's employment contract, merely waiting to discuss matters further with her and for her to resign from Star Universe Entertainment.

Jinbai Entertainment would handle Xu Yuqing's contract termination with Star Universe Entertainment in full.

After meeting with Yuan Guangjin to discuss matters, Liu Rong became even more determined to switch companies.

Cai Jinbai lacked neither influence nor money. He directly hired Xiang Yizhou, one of the industry's foremost ace lawyers, to help Xu Yuqing with the lawsuit.

After carefully reading the contract Xu Yuqing had signed with Star Universe Entertainment, Xiang Yizhou immediately approached President Gao for negotiations.

Representing Xu Yuqing, he had prepared all the necessary materials in a short time and even produced the contracts of several other actors. Given his current standing in the legal profession, obtaining such things was no difficult task. Even more confidential information was in his possession.

With just a few words, he pointed out loopholes and unfair clauses in the other actors' contracts. These bore striking similarities to Xu Yuqing's contract. If all of them were exposed, Star Universe Entertainment would inevitably suffer losses and repercussions.

Although Star Universe Entertainment was no small company and stood at the forefront of the entertainment industry, who could guarantee that it would remain standing forever without encountering any problems? Other companies were eyeing talented artists hungrily as well. If they secretly poached artists while the stars signed with Star Universe Entertainment were unsettled, could Star Universe Entertainment guarantee that no one would leave?

Even if they could not leave for the moment, it did not mean they would remain signed with Star Universe Entertainment for life.

Star Universe Entertainment was not the only destination in this industry. Celebrities could even start their own studios.

He advised Star Universe Entertainment not to lose sight of the bigger picture over a minor matter. It was just a small actor—was he really worth wasting so much time dealing with?

Xiang Yizhou made it clear that the person who had paid to hire him for Xu Yuqing's case would not let go or give up halfway. That person would have him fight Star Universe Entertainment to the end, until Xu Yuqing successfully terminated his contract and left. Otherwise, no matter how much time or money it took, they could afford it.

As for the potential impact during that time, President Gao would have to weigh it himself.

No one in the industry was unfamiliar with Xiang Yizhou's name.

He had handled countless cases without a single defeat. Whenever he took action, victory was assured.

He came from an influential background and possessed a dignified appearance. His eloquence and manner of speech were even more impressive. At the negotiating table, he had always been unstoppable; defending clients in court, he was sharp-tongued and articulate. No one could match him in that regard. Even if someone barely held on for a while, they would ultimately admit defeat.

He was the best, the most elite ace lawyer. Naturally, the price of hiring him was equally astronomical, and even having money did not necessarily mean one could hire him, because he rarely took cases lightly.

But Gao Su had not expected someone to step forward and hire him to fight a lawsuit for Xu Yuqing.

No—who had actually managed to hire Xiang Yizhou for Xu Yuqing?

He had originally thought Xu Yuqing was at the end of his rope, yet he had not expected him to find a way out of desperate circumstances.

"Who exactly asked you to help Xu Yuqing?" Gao Su asked with a grim expression.

Xiang Yizhou curled his lips. "Sorry, I cannot disclose information about my client."

"President Gao only needs to know that if this goes to court, I have at least an eighty percent chance of helping Xu Yuqing successfully terminate his contract with your company."

"So, President Gao, are you still going to waste time on this lawsuit?"

"If you want to fight, I'll accompany you."

Gao Su's expression shifted unpredictably. Without his realizing it, the matter had completely slipped beyond his control. He had believed crushing Xu Yuqing would be effortless, only for his plans to be abruptly shattered by an unknown variable that had appeared from nowhere.

Thus, after weighing the pros and cons, Gao Su could only grit his teeth and let Xu Yuqing terminate his contract and leave.

Chapter 8

From eagerly anticipating his contract termination, regaining his freedom, and leaving, to being restrained by loopholes hidden in Star Universe Entertainment's contract and instead being required to pay an enormous penalty, with no hope of termination and even thoughts of leaving the industry—then suddenly, the light appeared at the end of the tunnel and things took a turn for the better. From the moment he agreed to sign with Jinbai Entertainment under President Cai, President Gao released him within a short time. He successfully terminated his contract, and it was as though he could leave Star Universe Entertainment in the blink of an eye, never to have anything to do with it again.

He was completely free!

Even with the contract firmly in his hands, Xu Yuqing still felt as though he were dreaming. He murmured, "This... happened way too fast."

It was like riding a roller coaster. His emotions had risen and fallen sharply during this period, but before he could react, he had come to a smooth stop, with brightness stretching out before him.

It truly was as President Cai had said before—this enormous matter to him was merely a trivial matter in President Cai's eyes, not worth mentioning and requiring little effort.

President Cai had not even personally stepped in. He had merely hired a lawyer for him, and Star Universe Entertainment had let him go.

In an instant, Xu Yuqing held the feather-light contract as his eyes reddened. Infinite gratitude for President Cai rose in his heart, and he desperately wanted to do something to repay him.

What could he do? President Cai wanted for neither food nor clothing, lacked neither money nor material comforts, and presumably used only the very best in everything. It seemed he could only act well, reach the pinnacle of success, and generate enormous profits for the company to repay President Cai's kindness.

Xu Yuqing left Star Universe Entertainment's doors together with Xiang Yizhou. It was not appropriate for Liu Rong to openly get close to Xu Yuqing without restraint at this time.

She was currently busy handling all the matters involved in resigning from Star Universe Entertainment. It would probably take around a month to complete, and that was an optimistic estimate. But there was no rush. It would be much easier for Liu Rong to leave than for Xu Yuqing. At the very least, she did not need a lawyer's assistance and only had to wait for the procedures to be completed.

As soon as Xiang Yizhou and Xu Yuqing left Star Universe Entertainment, they hurried without pause to the office building where Jinbai Entertainment was located.

Xu Yuqing was also deeply grateful to this top ace lawyer of the industry.

He sincerely thanked him, but Xiang Yizhou said that he was simply doing a job for money. If Xu Yuqing wanted to thank someone, he should thank President Cai. Otherwise, Xiang Yizhou would never have taken action for Xu Yuqing alone. Of course, he did not say that last part aloud. He was not some tactless, arrogantly speaking person.

In front of outsiders, Xiang Yizhou had always known how to maintain proper restraint, presenting himself as refined and polite.

Xu Yuqing asked curiously, "Lawyer Xiang, do you know President Cai?"

Xiang Yizhou replied calmly, "I met President Cai once when I was abroad."

Oh, so that was how it was. Xu Yuqing understood. It was not strange for President Cai to know a prominent lawyer.

They soon arrived before the Jinbai Group building. Looking up, Xu Yuqing could not help but marvel at its grandeur. This was an office building purchased for a string of numbers he could not even imagine. It seemed as though the entire building radiated a dazzling golden light. He wondered whether all that money piled together would be as tall as the building.

Xu Yuqing clicked his tongue inwardly and entered with Xiang Yizhou, heading to the top floor.

"President Cai, President Xuan, Mr. Xu and Mr. Xiang have arrived," Yuan Guangjin said after knocking.

"Come in."

Cai Jinbai was sitting on the sofa reviewing some documents. When the two entered, he gestured for them to sit before him.

Xuan Yu, meanwhile, sat in an executive chair, casually and lazily holding his phone. His hands tapped rapidly against the screen as though he were playing a game.

With visitors arriving, Cai Jinbai put away the documents, but Xuan Yu did not even raise his head.

This office seemed to belong to both of them. It was remarkably spacious, with broad sofas and even two executive chairs. The desk was one long table, and an exquisitely designed incense burner sat atop it, hazy smoke drifting upward in curls. Its fragrance was subtle and elegant, making one feel refreshed and at ease.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but upon seeing President Cai, Xu Yuqing felt his spirits lift, as though he had become better. He personally thanked Cai Jinbai once more and gave a solemn bow. There was no need for extra words; in the future, he would prove through his actions how determined he was to repay President Cai.

Cai Jinbai accepted his thanks. After Xu Yuqing formally signed his contract, and since Liu Rong had not yet joined the company, he assigned Xu Yuqing three assistants and had Yuan Guangjin take him out to familiarize himself with the company's internal environment.

The building's infrastructure had long since been completed. The office spaces, various equipment, necessities, and everything else were fully prepared. Even if something had been overlooked for the moment, it could be added later without causing any delay.

As for staff, recruitment was still ongoing, and some departments had not even begun operating yet.

After Xu Yuqing and Yuan Guangjin left the top-floor office, Xu Yuqing became eager at the thought of touring the entire office building.

He asked, "Assistant Yuan, besides me, does the company currently have any other signed celebrities or actors? Should I go meet them?"

Yuan Guangjin turned back at his words and smiled faintly. "There's no need, because at present, apart from Mr. Xu, the company temporarily has no other signed actors or celebrities."

"Ah? I'm the only one?"

"Yes, just you."

Xu Yuqing could not help touching his nose, then said seriously, "I believe the company will sign more and more people in the future."

"That is certain," Yuan Guangjin said.

After all, this was only the beginning. With President Cai here, why worry that wealth would not come pouring in?

While Cai Jinbai spoke with Xu Yuqing, Xiang Yizhou sat quietly to one side and waited.

Only after they left did he smile and speak. "President Cai, it has been a long time."

Xuan Yu's fingers paused, and he lifted his eyes.