"Hiss..."
A shiver ran down Xia Qingtian’s spine for no reason. Her hand trembled, and the cream cake on her fork fell back onto the plate.
"What's wrong?" Wen Ning, sitting across the table, shifted her gaze from her tablet to Xia Qingtian.
"N-nothing," Xia Qingtian said with a dry laugh. "I probably didn't rest well."
"Adjust as soon as possible. Tomorrow, K&S's advertisement is officially launching, with a global simultaneous release. This commercial was recently nominated for an International Muse Award, and it's aiming for the final prize. It will be good exposure for you." Wen Ning took out her phone again to reply to work messages.
"The filming of 'Huayue Zuixi Chun' is also nearing completion. You might need to cooperate with some promotions later. Is that okay?"
"No problem, I'll follow all instructions." Xia Qingtian took a bite of the cream cake and gave an "OK" gesture.
Seeing that Xia Qingtian was still behaving obediently, Wen Ning's lips curved into a satisfied arc. Then, noticing Xia Qingtian eating such a high-calorie dessert, she couldn't help but say, "You need to manage your figure and skin well. Eat less of this kind of thing."
"Mhm, mhm." Xia Qingtian nodded obediently, then took another large bite before asking, "Sister Ning, you still haven't told me why you called me here today."
Seeing this, Wen Ning shook her head helplessly. Just as she was about to answer, a knock came from the door.
"They should be here," Wen Ning replied.
As Wen Ning responded, the door was pushed open, and three muscular men, all over 1.8 meters tall and dressed in suits, walked in.
"Wow..." Startled by these three behemoths, Xia Qingtian raised an eyebrow. She picked up another piece of cream cake with her fork, but before she could put it in her mouth, she heard Wen Ning speak.
"These three are the ones who will be responsible for protecting you from now on," Wen Ning said. "Wen Jiu introduced them. Mr. Gu has vetted them, and they can be trusted."
Xia Qingtian's mouth was agape, and her hand holding the fork trembled. The cream cake on the fork dropped back onto the plate.
"Such ungraceful eating," Wen Ning chided Xia Qingtian. "If you drop it again, you won't be allowed to eat it."
"Ahem." Xia Qingtian finally placed the fork beside the plate and said, "No, these three... protecting me? Is it necessary to be this exaggerated? Ling Fenghan doesn't even get this kind of treatment!"
"Ling Fenghan has been in the industry for so many years, and he hasn't had as many accidental hospitalizations as you did last year." Wen Ning picked up her tablet again. "Although Wen Jiu isn't the most reliable person, the people he introduces are indeed skilled. With them protecting you closely, I'll feel more at ease."
"Protect me closely?" Xia Qingtian’s mouth twitched. "Sister Ning, you mean..."
"Don't worry, it's not a comprehensive, all-day protection. They'll follow you during filming, and they'll be responsible for your travel. You'll still have private time after you return home, as the security at Xiaoyao Pavilion is quite good." Wen Ning figured Mr. Gu wouldn't want anyone disturbing their time together, so she didn't arrange for 24-hour protection.
"I have plans with friends this afternoon..." Xia Qingtian could already imagine the look on Li Xiaoxiao's face when she saw these three imposing figures.
"If you have any objections, take them up with Mr. Gu. I'm just responsible for introducing you," Wen Ning said with a raised eyebrow, adopting a hands-off attitude.
Xia Qingtian pursed her lips, then resignedly sighed before continuing, "Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Yes," Wen Ning said, handing two documents to Xia Qingtian. "'The First Step of Heartbeat' filming has been postponed to next week. You have a week to rest."
"During this period, there are two jobs. One is for the appraisal program 'Thousand Year Ancient Treasures.' You just need to be a background extra for one episode. Your public appeal is good now, and with the award for Z City's Top Ten Youth, the image you've established is quite positive. This kind of culturally-oriented program won't be problematic, and the pay is decent."
"This one is fine," Xia Qingtian nodded. Getting paid just to be a background extra was quite good.
"The other is a three-day recording for the variety reality show 'The Best Intern'," Wen Ning said.
"Ah? Another variety reality show?" Xia Qingtian blinked.
"This variety reality show is produced by Gu’s Entertainment. Each episode is only recorded for three days. The first episode has limited slots, and it was personally approved by Mr. Gu for you to participate," Wen Ning continued. "Moreover, this program is a collaboration with Z University and the Ministry of Education of Z Country, primarily targeting graduating university students, showcasing a semi-realistic internship experience."
"Participating guests can bring a friend. You can see if you have any reliable friends to bring along. This also comes with an internship qualification from Gu’s Entertainment. Although it's only for three days, you can still receive an internship certificate from Gu’s Entertainment with special approval, which will be very beneficial for your future employment."
"Furthermore, if you are sufficiently talented, it's not impossible to be directly hired by Gu’s Entertainment after graduation." Wen Ning looked at Xia Qingtian earnestly. "Of course, it ultimately depends on your own wishes. If you don't want to participate and prefer to rest, that's also fine."
"Is that so?" Xia Qingtian, about to politely decline upon hearing this, heard a familiar "beep" sound in her mind.
"Beep—"
"Heavenly Chosen System has been activated.
Select A, agree to participate in the recording of 'The Best Intern,' reward: a secret about Mobius, and the reason for Li Xiaoxiao's upcoming kidnapping.
Select B, refuse to participate in the recording of 'The Best Intern,' reward: an opportunity for celebrity live streaming sales, and Li Xiaoxiao's kidnapping rescue difficulty +3, chance of death +20%."
"!" Xia Qingtian's eyes widened instantly at the sound.
Did this even give her a choice!
She had to choose A, and not only that, she had to keep Li Xiaoxiao in sight to feel at ease!
Xia Qingtian immediately thought of the unfinished system task from before.
"Select A, prevent Li Xiaoxiao's kidnapping, and reverse Li Xiaoxiao's fate of death. Reward: the genius of the century, Li Xiaozhong.
Select B, stand by and watch Li Xiaoxiao get kidnapped. Reward: an olive branch extended by a mysterious organization."
This meant that during this recording, she might come face-to-face with that mysterious organization?
A chill ran down her spine, and Xia Qingtian furrowed her brows.
"Is it that difficult to choose?" Wen Ning asked, observing the change in Xia Qingtian's expression. "You don't want to participate?"
"Uh... no," Xia Qingtian snapped back to attention and let out a dry laugh. "I was just thinking about which friend to invite."
"Then think about it carefully," Wen Ning said, waving her hand. "I have other work to do. You can go back now. Take these contract documents with you. Once they're signed, have Xiaoxiao bring them to me."
"Okay, Sister Ning," Xia Qingtian replied. She picked up the documents on the table, put them into her single-strap bucket bag, and walked out of Wen Ning's office, her mind heavy with thoughts.
Walking with her head down for a long time, Xia Qingtian felt her steps becoming heavier and a sense of impending crisis... and also...
Xia Qingtian looked up and suddenly noticed that the people she passed by all had looks of slight horror and were deliberately avoiding her.
Xia Qingtian turned her head in confusion and realized that behind her were three burly men whose expressions were even more solemn than hers.
Damn it...
She had forgotten about these three imposing figures!