Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
He sat on the sofa as he pulled out his smartphone as his fingers danced across the screen like butterflies. Zhaoyang could not tell to whom he messaged.
Lu Zhaoyang took a glance upon the clock, took a few seconds to figure out an appropriate line to initiate conversation, “Time flies. It’s already the weekend. Do you have any place to go?” She said carefully as if talking to a handsome and cool stranger on Tinder.
“Yes.”
“Where? I can tag along.”
Huo Yunting stood up at first. He held his step, gave her a glimpse and walked outside the moment he heard Lu Zhaoyang saying that.
“Are you sure?” He muttered.
“Duh!”
I am 100% sure.
An hour later, as they arrived by the place, “I am— a little unsure…” she mumbled inside the car as she realized they were at Su Yao Media Corp. (City Branch). Her feeble body shuddered, “Don’t tell me…” She turned her head to Huo Yunting, “You’re sending me to that showbiz guy and make me some cheerleader or something?”
“You?” Huo Yunting surveyed her from tip to toe, “Too old.” Huo Yunting left the car leisurely without forgetting his usual one-liner to Zhaoyang.
UGHH! Be calm, Zhaoyang, you can do it.
He’s not wrong though—I *am* kind of old compared to those little high school girls in the showbiz.
She arrived by the lobby under Huo Yunting’s lead as she bumped into the crowd who took up the whole space. They were all young boys and girls but every single one of them was either stunningly beautiful or simply athletic and bright. There was also a small pack of calm, individualistic men lurking around the corner.
Okay, what day is today? Is it International Youth Day?
Thought Zhaoyang as they went up to the 15th floor by an elevator at the end of the room.
They were then welcomed by a door to a seemingly spacious office from which playful laughter could be heard.
Su Cheng was there, chuckling as he “socialized” with an 18-year-old girl he just picked from downstairs.
“Momo, you’ll surely be the next member of ABJ-48. So, wanna have movies tonight to celebrate?” Whispered Su Cheng as he grabbed her hand, feeling the sixteen year old-like skin smoothness. Right when he was going to lay a gentleman’s smooch on her hand, Huo Yunting barged in. The showbiz owner gave a few quick strokes before sending his girl away, “Well, see you tonight.”
“Oppa Su—You’ll keep your words, alright?” Said the little girl as she left with her booty shaking and ran away covering her excited face the moment she exchanged gazes with Huo Yunting. Zhaoyang could see her reddened ears when she exited the office.
“Brother Ting!” Su Cheng stood up with hands on the table, “See, I told you so! You really need some leisurely time here. It’s such an honor to have you here, even more so with Yang the Beauty of yours. Have a seat! Be my guest and my judge!”
“What judge?” That was when Zhaoyang spotted the stack of photos across the long desk in front of Su Cheng, “Are you forming a new group for the debut?” She remembered the young crowd at the lobby.
Su Cheng giggled as he pulled the chairs for them, as he expressively raised his brows at Zhaoyang, “Our company lives with the seasonal business model where we form a new group every spring, summer, autumn and winter. And this batch is for winter next year.”
“But— aren’t we still in like—the beginner of summer?” Frowned Zhaoyang.
Doesn’t that mean they aren’t making their debut till a year or more later?
“Well, that’s how we do business, lassie. Unless you look otherworldly and talented from the beginning, you will have to attend an intensive training course,” replied Su Cheng with a bottle of wine he just got from the bar in the other corner, “Sparta training, baby. Get your skills honed, your body sculptured. You wanna try?”
“I am afraid I have to turn down your offer despite your seniority. Not interested in a debut, not interested in being a leader for some singing and dancing ZOZ Brigade,” she pointed at the bottle promptly, “Not interested in alcohol, too.”
“We will let Brother Ting take your glasses then,” he said as he poured Huo Yunting a full glass, “You don’t have to do the singing and dancing if you don’t like it. You can just stand there. Just stand there and people will pay to see you! How easy!”
“Yeah right,” snorted Zhaoyang, “I’ve been standing here and you have seen me for so long, how much is that?”
“Hah—hahaha…” He laughed awkwardly with tears in his eyes as he looked at Huo Yunting, “Brother Ting, don’t tell me she’s serious…”
“All on Huo Yunting’s bill then.”
