Chapter 117: An Uninvited Guest

“Is it really her?” Yu Fengqin wasn’t particularly surprised. “Well, it makes sense. I heard CEO Shang is related to her, so it’s quite reasonable for her to be invited.”

“Still relatives?”

“Yes, that’s just a rumor, not confirmed.” Yu Fengqin nodded. “Although Gu Yuhan is considered a top-tier star, after enrolling at Yanjing Film Academy, she basically stopped acting. The only recent drama she starred in was ‘Flowing Years,’ the one you appeared on a show about. That role came because a familiar director invited her. Other than that, she’s been focused on her studies. But soon, she’ll officially graduate next year, and then the film industry will get lively again. She’s a super popular beauty, a walking headline, the so-called living newsmaker.”

“She even has a nickname like that?”

Lin Qihua was speechless.

“CEO Shang inviting her definitely adds prestige. Even if they’re relatives, it still counts. Just because of her presence, tonight’s party will be a great success. The media will surely give it extensive coverage tomorrow.”

“Indeed.” Seeing CEO Shang so excited, Lin Qihua knew Yu Fengqin’s words were on point.

With Gu Yuhan’s arrival, the Qing Song Entertainment celebration officially began. CEO Shang first gave a speech, thanking friends and family for coming, reviewing the company’s decade-long journey, appreciating the employees’ support and dedication, and outlining future plans. After his speech, the guests mingled. There was no dancing at this kind of gathering; those who wanted to dance would head to the adjacent ballroom. Naturally, guests here weren’t here for dancing. Their purpose was to meet new partners and seek collaboration opportunities in this environment.

CEO Shang led a group, weaving through the crowd toasting guests. Everyone else began finding familiar faces, and the atmosphere gradually grew lively.

“I’ll go over there for a bit,” Yu Fengqin said to Lin Qihua after a short wait. “I’ll bring you to meet some people later. It’s good for you to know more, especially since there are quite a few second-tier and even top-tier artists here. The more connections, the more paths open.”

“Alright, go ahead. I’ll wait here.” Lin Qihua smiled, noticing a small group waving to Yu Fengqin.

“Okay, be careful.” Yu Fengqin turned and left.

As she passed through the crowd, Lin Qihua saw Gu Yuhan sitting at a table surrounded by several well-dressed, handsome men, all vying for her attention like peacocks displaying their feathers. But judging by Gu Yuhan’s expression, their efforts seemed to have little effect.

“Perhaps she simply doesn’t belong in such a place,” Lin Qihua thought. “How could this worldly mess tolerate such an ethereal presence?”

After watching for a while, feeling uninterested, he retreated back to his previous corner. Qing Song Entertainment was well prepared—drinks and pastries were abundant and varied. Lin Qihua, feeling a bit hungry, picked up a plate of pastries. The banquet hall was on the second floor, and this corner near the terrace was just right. A gentle breeze fluttered the curtains, and the moonlight outside was like flowing water. The scene, combined with the fine food, brought a sense of peace and contentment.

Lin Qihua savored this moment. A mere turn of the corner separated two worlds: outside, people came and went, wearing masks of hypocrisy, laughing and clinking glasses with strangers, seeking deals. The elegantly dressed beauties flaunted their allure, as they had for centuries. What were they chasing? Lin Qihua did not know. He only preferred to observe quietly from the sidelines, appreciating the myriad facets of life, the moonlit water, and exquisite delicacies.

Yu Fengqin was soon pulled away by her friends. In the first half of the year, Galaxy Entertainment had fallen into hardship; many thought she wouldn’t make it. But unexpectedly, in the second half, she staged a brilliant comeback. Just signing the infinitely promising Lin Qihua alone made her friends envious. She also had a roster of other immensely talented artists like Lei Jing and Xiao Xiao.

Lei Jing’s successful transformation sparked a new trend within the industry, attracting a wave of fans enchanted by her charm. Her three songs this year received continuous praise, and everywhere she went, she was showered with attention. It was believed she might break through this year and rise to the top tier. Xiao Xiao, on the other hand, was firmly established as a second-tier star. Unlike Lei Jing’s androgynous style, Xiao Xiao possessed a goddess aura, beloved by many male fans. As Lin Qihua had predicted, with time and consistent work, she was sure to reach the top tier within two to three years. The group Vivi was also on the cusp of moving up to second-tier, highly competitive within the group scene and regarded as a refreshing trend, almost rivaling first-tier groups. The newly debuted Li Dehui and Song Yujia were steadily climbing, solidly in the third tier, with potential to challenge the second tier next year.

By all accounts, Yu Fengqin held a strong hand. Galaxy Entertainment was on the rise, explaining why her friends wouldn’t let her go easily. Occasionally, she glanced back at Lin Qihua standing quietly in the corner, feeling a bit guilty. But she couldn’t ignore her companions and planned to come back to him later.

Lin Qihua didn’t mind. When he saw Yu Fengqin’s apologetic look, he simply raised his glass in response, signaling her not to worry, and continued enjoying the food leisurely.

However, the night was destined not to pass quietly. Soon, Lin Qihua was interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

A girl in a pale yellow evening gown staggered toward him, clutching her chest, her face full of panic.

Perhaps she hadn’t noticed Lin Qihua or was simply too anxious. As she rounded the corner, her right shoulder collided closely with his, causing Lin Qihua to stumble and nearly fall, spilling half a cup of water.

The girl fared worse—caught off guard, she cried out and fell to the ground, soaked by the spilled water, looking utterly disheveled.

“Are you alright?” Lin Qihua was startled but quickly recovered, bending down to offer a hand.

The girl ignored him, her eyes filled with despair as she looked fearfully behind her.

“Where do you think you’re going?” A man in his thirties approached with two companions, a heavy scent of alcohol wafting from him, making Lin Qihua frown.

“Tongtong, how can you be so careless?” A middle-aged woman beside the man stepped forward, reaching to help the girl up. “Mr. Tang was just joking with you. You can’t take it so seriously. Come on, get up now.”

The girl, called Tongtong, slapped the woman’s hand away and sneered, “Jokes? Jokes that involve my body? Jokes that end in bed? Sorry, I can’t afford to play that game.”

“What are you saying in front of outsiders?” The woman snapped angrily. “Get up, obey. Mr. Tang thinks you’re talented and wants to test you, give you a chance to shine. If you do well, you’ll be recommended to a major director. You should thank him, not cause trouble.”

“Sorry, I don’t want this chance.” The girl remained unmoved, her eyes resolute. “See that terrace? I was going to jump off it, but someone stopped me.”

A bitter smile, like a wilting flower, radiated cold desolation.

“Don’t say such nonsense,” the woman was startled, whispering, “Stop this.”

“Heh,” another man with glasses, standing next to the man, stepped forward, raising his eyes above his glasses. “Su Zitong, don’t be so shameless. You’re just a low-tier third-tier artist with some looks, acting all high and mighty.”

“Don’t say that.” The middle-aged man stopped the bespectacled man, smiling as he appraised Su Zitong. The look in his eyes made the girl shrink inward. “Tongtong, I like that name. I was a bit drunk earlier, my apologies. I hope you forgive me.”

Su Zitong’s gaze flickered, tinged with disgust. “I’ve already forgiven you. What else could I do?”

“That’s good.” The man chuckled. “Your agent knows what kind of person I, Tang Zhijie, am.”

“Exactly,” the middle-aged woman chimed in. “Mr. Tang is famous for supporting newcomers. This is your golden opportunity.”

Su Zitong looked at her manager and the woman with despair. “What did he give you to be so eager to push your artist into his arms?”

“What are you talking about?” The woman blushed. “I already said, Mr. Tang is supporting you.”

“Then I don’t want this support. Thanks for your kindness.” Su Zitong stopped sitting on the ground and got up, awkwardly glancing at Lin Qihua before brushing off the dust and coldly asking, “May I leave now?”

“I truly want to help you.” Tang Zhijie stepped forward to block her, reaching out to grab her. “Be obedient. I promise you can become a big star.”

“Don’t touch me.” Su Zitong took two steps back. “If becoming a star means trading my body, then I’d rather quit the entertainment industry.”

“Do you think you can do whatever you want?” The woman grabbed her shoulder fiercely, snarling, “If Mr. Tang gets angry, not only you, but even me and our company will suffer. Do you think you can just do as you please?”

“Exactly, so be obedient.” Tang Zhijie smiled, reaching out to touch Su Zitong’s face.