Jiang Mengran ultimately did not get into the building, only receiving a termination notice.
Being detained for half a month had already pushed her to the brink of collapse, and now she had even lost her job. This was the Chu Group, and being fired by them meant what? It meant that in Chu Rong's eyes, she no longer had even the slightest chance.
In the past, Chu Rong had remembered her life-saving grace and kept a position for her at the company. But now, that position was gone, taken back. This indicated that Chu Rong was no longer grateful to her.
Indeed, if he were truly grateful, if there were still any lingering affection, how could he have sent her to prison?
Jiang Mengran left the building with a bitter smile, her resentment towards Quan Jiu almost bursting out of her. But for now, she could only wait, secretly telling herself that if it truly was that bitch, she would absolutely not let that bitch have an easy time.
...
Jiang Mengmei returned to the company, and her assistant was looking for her, saying that the recording schedule for the talent show had been finalized and Li Jing was waiting for her to discuss it.
Jiang Mengmei's face lit up, and she hurried into Li Jing's office, "Sister Li, can I participate in the show's recording?"
Li Jing said proudly, "Perform well. Although the resources I have can secure you a place in the entertainment industry, you also need to be ambitious."
Jiang Mengmei seemed to already see herself standing in the center of the spotlight and said excitedly, "Don't worry, I will definitely work hard."
Li Jing leaned back in her chair, picked up a plan from her right side, and handed it to Jiang Mengran. "Just working hard isn't enough. To become famous, marketing and momentum are the most important. For this talent show, I'm not asking you to achieve any great results, and with your professional abilities, it's highly likely you'll be eliminated in the first round..."
Jiang Mengmei frowned and interrupted, "Sister Li, you're pouring cold water on me before we've even started. Is this how a manager should be?"
Li Jing's face darkened, "You're nothing right now, and you dare to argue with me? When I'm speaking, just listen obediently and execute. If you don't listen, then find another manager. I don't have time to play with you."
Jiang Mengmei gritted her teeth in anger, but she also knew her current situation. Without the Chu Group as her backing, she was nothing. Thus, she could only lower her head and remain silent, cursing to her heart's content.
Li Jing gave her a sidelong glance before continuing, "Your purpose in participating in this talent show is only one: to flaunt your wealth. A rich young lady is your persona. Your food, clothing, and expenses are all on this list. The recording is still a week away, so prepare yourself. Once you're ready, let me review it first."
Jiang Mengmei's spirits immediately lifted when she heard her persona was a rich young lady. Indeed, she was noble at heart.
"This persona suits me quite well," Jiang Mengmei said, picking up the plan, but her expression froze. "Sister Li, the things on here..."
They were very expensive. A necklace alone was two to three hundred thousand, a bag was four to five hundred thousand. The items listed on this single sheet amounted to over four million.
And this was just one set of outfits. Li Jing had arranged a total of five sets of outfits for her.
Seeing her silence, Li Jing asked suspiciously, "What? Do you think it's too expensive? Aren't your parents doing business abroad with billions in assets? This level of spending shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"
Jiang Mengmei forced a stiff laugh. "My parents are quite strict with me and don't allow me to spend money carelessly."
Li Jing's face turned stern. "Are you your parents' biological child? This concerns your future. If they're unwilling to spend even this little money, then I advise you not to pursue the idol path. The rich young lady persona is very popular right now. If you're unwilling, then find another manager. As for me, this is how I've arranged it. You decide for yourself."
Jiang Mengmei became anxious. "I didn't say I'm unwilling, I just... I'm worried that the money will be spent without any effect."
"That means you're not outstanding enough. Remember, no matter what, if you're first, you'll definitely get attention. Your professional ability is lacking, so you need to find another way. As long as you present the persona of a rich young lady as first-class, you'll definitely break through. What I mean by first-class isn't just preparing the clothes and jewelry I've listed, but you need to be adaptable, observe other contestants' attire and daily lives. If they're dressed better than you, then you need to adjust your plan. In short, present the persona of a rich young lady at the highest level, above everyone else."
Jiang Mengmei trembled inwardly but agreed outwardly and left with the arrangement plan.
...
Time passed quickly, and it was soon late August. Han Zhao successfully passed the rigorous selection process for the variety show "Shi Shuo" and became a guest participant for that episode.
After all, he was the first artist she had signed. Quan Jiu wanted to go to the site to encourage him and also to meet some important figures. Thus, on the day of the recording, she arrived at the studio.
Bai Lin was chatting with a familiar staff member when he suddenly heard a shout from behind him. He turned around and smiled, "Boss, you're finally here! Come, let me introduce you. This is Chen Fei, the director of 'Shi Shuo'; Director Chen, this is Quan Jiu, the boss of Chu Xin Culture."
Chen Fei couldn't help but express his surprise. "This is Boss Quan? I thought it was some celebrity."
Quan Jiu was the first to offer her business card. "Hello, Director Chen. I really like your show 'Shi Shuo.' You turn serious history into vivid and interesting stories, bringing the public closer to history."
After his initial shock, Chen Fei took out his own business card and said, "Thank you, Boss Quan, for your appreciation of our show. Han Zhao is a really good kid, with solid historical knowledge. I'm very grateful that you've sent us such a capable young contestant."
Quan Jiu smiled politely. "It is I who should thank you for giving the newcomer Han Zhao such a rare opportunity."
They exchanged business cards and exchanged a few pleasantries. Then, Quan Jiu saw Han Zhao walking out of the makeup room, so she excused herself from Chen Fei and headed towards Han Zhao.
After Quan Jiu walked away, Chen Fei exclaimed, "With such excellent external qualities, to be just a behind-the-scenes boss, it's truly a shame."
Bai Lin laughed heartily. "Our boss is a formidable person. You mustn't underestimate her."
Chen Fei patted Bai Lin's shoulder. "Someone who can swallow half of Hei Li is definitely not to be underestimated. Your judgment is not wrong; the boss you chose must also be a capable individual."
Indeed, Bai Lin still remembered how the vast Hei Li was so quietly dethroned. Although there were some conspiracy theories online speculating that his boss was behind the push, there was no evidence, so everyone treated it as a suspense story.
As for his boss, she was usually busy and didn't have time to surf the internet, nor did she care about netizens' opinions.
"Then you be busy. I'll go look around," Bai Lin said finally.
After Bai Lin left, Chen Fei took out Quan Jiu's business card, took a photo, then opened WeChat, searched for a friend, and sent it to a contact saved as Zhang Xin. After sending it, he opened his contacts and called Zhang Xin.
The call was quickly answered, and Zhang Xin's voice, tinged with worry but also a hint of hope, came through. "Lao Chen, I hope this call is you recommending a good candidate for me."
Chen Fei smiled helplessly. "I sent you the business card on WeChat. Contact her yourself. I can guarantee that after you meet her, you'll be begging her on your knees."
Zhang Xin didn't believe it. "That exaggerated? Is it true or not?"
"You'll definitely be satisfied. I've sent you the business card. Whether you can persuade her depends on you. Don't call me again after this; you're really annoying me to death."
Hearing his tone, Chen Fei felt there was no falsehood. He jumped for joy. "Director Chen, you are my reborn parent! Don't worry, I'll call you every day to check on you, old man."
Chen Fei spat at him in annoyance before hanging up.