Amusing Ourselves to Death Arc
Agent 08
Xin Lan’s surprise in her heart outweighs her joy.
These somewhat ambiguous words leave her slightly perplexed. Considering the situation, this is her second encounter with Qin Yuyan.
If she has some intentions, it would be natural for her to act closely and attempt to build a positive rapport. But how about Qin Yuyan…?
Zero Nine: Is it possible that your charisma as the host is so immense that she fell for you at first sight, finding it hard to hold back and unable to extricate herself?
Zero Nine looks up from the internet, catching this conversation just right.
Wow, that’s quite a possibility.
Xin Lan couldn’t easily dismiss this potential scenario from her mind. Out of the blue, how could such a thing be possible?
Zero Nine: There’s nothing that’s beyond the realm of possibility. This kind of situation is very common. You look incredibly attractive when you’re not being fierce, Host!
Xin Lan: Are you implying that I appear fierce when I’m angry?
Zero Nine: Oh no, not at all. You appear super handsome when you’re angry, so handsome that it’s startling.
Zero Nine: Host, did you know? My first host, the confident and striking type, had countless instances of falling head over heels for others at first sight. It’s quite possible that Qin Yuyan might have been captivated by your charm.
Xin Lan: Are you talking about the charm that had me looking intoxicated and feeling nauseous when we first met?
Zero Nine: People who are good-looking evoke pity when they cry, resemble water lilies when wet, and show their true nature when angry. If you had followed our facial strategy, Host, you would have already conquered the world!
Xin Lan neither agrees nor disagrees. She doesn’t deny the power of attractiveness, but she’s just skeptical that Qin Yuyan, considering her background and status, would be affected in such a manner.
If it’s true that she left a positive impression on Qin Yuyan, for instance, if Qin Yuyan simply enjoys befriending good-looking people, then Xin Lan would be pleased.
“The managers at StarMap are very responsible, just like me for example. So, after meeting me, do you find StarMap more worth considering than other agencies? If that’s really the case, then I’m honored.”
Xin Lan said with a hint of playfulness, and her words weren’t meant to refer to herself as an individual, but rather as a representative of StarMap Entertainment.
With this statement, Xin Lan dispelled the ambiguity. Qin Yuyan felt something wasn’t quite right, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what it was exactly.
It was because of this unexplainable fondness she held for Xin Lan that her feelings were wavering.
“Yes, it’s because of you. Actually, even if you were at Yangyan Entertainment, I would still consider it.”
Qin Yuyan blinked, her words bringing back the ambiguous atmosphere that Xin Lan had just dismissed.
At this time, the moon had risen above the willow tips. With no clouds to obstruct it, the silvery-white brilliance bathed the entire garden.
“Do I appear to have a face that inspires trust?”
Xin Lan chuckled, but her inner thoughts were creased with concern.
She merely sought a professional partnership, or perhaps friendship or camaraderie, but without delving into matters of love.
“You give me a sense of familiarity,” Qin Yuyan smiled lightly, subtly picking up on the shift in Xin Lan’s mood and changing the subject, “Shall we discuss business matters here?”
In reality, the curvature of Xin Lan’s smile on her face remained unchanged, but Qin Yuyan felt that Xin Lan wasn’t particularly pleased at the moment.
Due to the change in topic and the fading of the ambiguous atmosphere, Xin Lan’s mood noticeably improved.
If possible, she didn’t want to manipulate Qin Yuyan’s emotions. She was being cautious about this because manipulating someone’s feelings could make them uncomfortable, especially when the other person hadn’t done anything wrong.
She hoped for a cooperative attitude, aiming to work together and naturally find common ground.
This is an essential component, though not a mandatory one.
“If you’re interested in discussing something else, I’m certainly open to it.”
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Xin Lan and Qin Yuyan stood face to face, amidst an abundance of flowers in the garden. However, during the summer, there were also a significant number of mosquitoes.
Xin Lan waved her hand, swatting away a mosquito that was in front of her.
“It seems I didn’t plan well. While the garden provides a secluded setting that’s suitable for conversation, there are more mosquitoes here. Perhaps we should head back to the main hall.”
Xin Lan nodded, and they walked back along the path they had taken earlier.
“By the way, if you’re considering signing me with StarMap, what advantages would you offer?”
Qin Yuyan wasn’t letting herself get carried away by her unexplainable emotions, and she was still weighing her options.
“What kind of benefits are you interested in?”
Xin Lan left the decision up to Qin Yuyan, allowing her to make requests and seeing if she could fulfill them.
“I hope you won’t take offense to me making a comparison.”
“Please proceed.”
“Sister Dong mentioned that if she signs me, she would handle only me.”
Having one-on-one management also means that all the resources acquired will be channeled toward a single individual, maintaining an unquestionable position in the manager’s perspective.
On a personal level, Qin Yuyan wished for Xin Lan to manage her exclusively. This way, she could have all of Xin Lan’s focus centered on her.
“I’m sorry, but I might not be able to do that for the time being.”
Xin Lan appeared regretful in her expression, yet her tone carried a definite assertion.
If Shen Yun fall into someone else’s hands; how could Xin Lan still have control over her?
Qin Yuyan was momentarily stunned, seemingly not anticipating such a response from Xin Lan.
“Is my stance a bit too much? Ironically, I’m the one who wanted you to join my team,” Xin Lan said with a touch of self-deprecation, her gaze fixed earnestly on Qin Yuyan. “But I have my own compelling reasons for this decision. However, I can promise you that if you were to come under my wing, you would undoubtedly hold the utmost importance in my heart.”
Qin Yuyan turned her head slightly, seemingly looking at the road as if lost in thought, but she was actually concealing her racing emotions.
Undoubtedly, she would be the most important one in her heart…
Stop, stop… Qin Yuyan fought against the urge to let her lips curl upwards.
But why did Xin Lan have compelling reasons to make that choice?
Is it about maintaining good relationships with her artists? Sense of responsibility? Demands from superiors?
“Who are you currently managing?”
“One male and one female, Cheng Zhi and Shen Yun.”
“Shen Yun? I’ve heard of her.”
Qin Yuyan wasn’t familiar with Cheng Zhi, but she had some knowledge of Shen Yun.
Being acclaimed as one of the Four Young Actresses, she must have gained popularity through a hit TV drama.
Shen Yun gained immense popularity from the urban emotional drama “If You’re Well,” and even though Qin Yuyan kept a low profile, she still followed industry news.
“You already manage Shen Yun, so why do you still want to sign me?”
Qin Yuyan asked with a puzzled expression, striving to disregard the discomfort in her heart.
Shen Yun’s potential seemed promising; with proper nurturing, even if she couldn’t secure a position on the silver screen in the future, she could maintain her appeal on the small screen.
Transitioning from the big screen to the small screen might be a smooth process, but moving from the small screen to the big screen often faced challenges.
“You have the capacity to radiate, while she is bound to fall short.”
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Xin Lan’s statement was unequivocal, and she paused, meeting Qin Yuyan’s gaze.
The discomfort that had been present in Qin Yuyan’s heart was immediately smoothed over, yet she reminded herself to maintain her composure outwardly. Nevertheless, when she spoke, the lightheartedness in her voice couldn’t be masked.
“You’re quite confident in me. By saying this, aren’t you indirectly criticizing her? Aren’t you concerned I might relay this to her?”
“I’m not concerned.”
Having almost reached the hall, Xin Lan responded softly.
Qin Yuyan tilted her head slightly, not letting Xin Lan see the smile on her face.
“Well, let me consider it. Why don’t we exchange contact details for now?”
“Sure, but my phone is with my assistant.”
And An An is waiting outside the courtyard.
Evening gowns typically don’t have pockets or similar features, and when Xin Lan entered, she didn’t bring along a small handbag.
“I’ll go grab mine, wait for me.”
“Alright.”
Qin Yuyan headed towards her room, while Xin Lan stayed put. A passing waiter carried a tray, and she picked up a small plate of pastries.
This kind of event wasn’t conducive to focusing on food, and Xin Lan had no intention of doing so either. She just took a small plate of pastries to satisfy her appetite.
The sound of high heels blended with the music as they drew nearer, and Xin Lan raised her head to find Dong Shuyu standing in front of her.
Dong Shuyu was 37 years old, no longer young. In the realm of talent management, she was considered a senior figure.
Setting aside Qin Yuyan’s attitude toward her, Xin Lan didn’t feel particularly assured about facing Dong Shuyu.
In this contrast of circumstances, even a fool would know which side to pick.
Xin Lan’s statement was confident, yet she was simply trying her best.
She would work hard to secure the best resources for Qin Yuyan, optimize her time usage, and strategically manage all aspects of her career. However, she wouldn’t dedicate an excessive amount of time trying to gradually win over Qin Yuyan.
From Xin Lan’s perspective, this wasn’t necessary nor particularly effective. When an artist signs a contract, they invariably select aspects that are advantageous for them.
What’s the use of playing the friendship card? Would playing the friendship card make Qin Yuyan more popular?
“Sister Dong.”
Setting down her small fork, Xin Lan picked up a napkin and gently dabbed her lips before greeting Dong Shuyu.
“Little Xin, it’s been quite a while since we last saw each other.”
Dong Shuyu’s attire didn’t resemble that of a 37 year old; her red lips were alluring, and though her appearance wasn’t exceptional, her aura made up for it.
In this industry, those who are older are often addressed as “sister,” and even the more senior individuals are addressed similarly.
The term “little” in “Little Xin” was a way of addressing that subtly asserted Dong Shuyu’s seniority over Xin Lan.
Xin Lan didn’t mind and offered Dong Shuyu a gentle smile.
“It truly has been a while. Sister Dong, your skincare routine seems to be working wonders. There’s not much difference from six months ago.”
Their relationship was competitive, and if Dong Shuyu intended to assert her seniority, Xin Lan wasn’t going to act overly righteous; she could throw back some subtle irony.
Dong Shuyu called her “little,” so she would respond by jestingly calling her “old.”
“Certainly, my husband compliments me on it as well. Even when work is hectic, Little Xin, don’t forget to take care of yourself. We’re both at this age, and even if we’re attractive, we’re just the leftover vegetables in the market.”
Dong Shuyu responded with a smile, seemingly composed. Both of them were well aware of each other’s thoughts.
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“No need to trouble yourself about that. Just focus on taking care of Fanying. There’s no need to extend your reach too far.”
“I’m showing concern for you as well. After all, when I reach my age, there might be no one to rely on, and it’s easy to feel lonely,” Dong Shuyu chuckled lightly and changed the topic. “I saw you and Yuyan walking together earlier. It seemed like you were having a good conversation?”
“Your observation skills are quite sharp, Sister Dong. Yuyan is a good person, and we get along well.”
“That’s right. We all know Yuyan is great. I’ve even set aside some time here, waiting for her. I heard you have a couple of talents on your hands over there. It must be quite busy. Shen Yun’s been quite ambitious lately. If you were to recruit another talent, it might become overwhelming. Shen Yun’s determination is quite strong.”
The relationship between StarMap Entertainment and Fanying Entertainment was never great, with incidents of resource competition and talent poaching happening quite frequently. As a result, the relationship between the talent managers from both companies wasn’t particularly friendly. A hint of rivalry in their conversation was quite normal, especially given that Xin Lan and Dong Shuyu were currently in a competitive relationship. If they could hold a civil conversation, that would be quite a surprise.
“Don’t tell me, Sister Dong, that it’s your age causing shaky hands and difficulty in balancing things. As for my hands, they’re steady.”
Xin Lan placed her plate onto the waiter’s tray and retrieved a glass of wine from it, placing it on a small table.
Dong Shuyu’s faintly wrinkled brow showed that she was a determined individual.
Verbal sparring wouldn’t cut it; they needed to see concrete actions and how Qin Yuyan would decide.
Dong Shuyu lifted her head and happened to spot Qin Yuyan walking over.
“Sister Dong.”
Dong Shuyu hadn’t even had a chance to bask in her victorious expression with Xin Lan when she heard Qin Yuyan addressing Xin Lan and gesturing towards the phone in her hand.
“Ah Lan, give me your phone number.”