The two had just separated from an embrace when their agent bustled over, his pace quick and eager.
At that moment, his expression was akin to that of a eunuch from the Eastern Depot, his face plastered with a simpering smile, yet harboring daggers in his heart.
"That was brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! You truly poured your hearts into this past month!" The agent appeared incredibly excited, but this excitement wasn't a genuine appreciation for the performance; it reeked of mercenary motives. He lit a cigarette for Ren Yuanhao and continued, "I sent word of the spectacular scene just now to the boss, and without a second thought, he agreed to make you permanent. Three performances a week, with all resources open to you!"
Just as he was speaking, Li Li, who had been lingering nearby, charged onto the stage like a tigress, unleashing a torrent of abuse. "Agent, your ability to shift with the wind is truly remarkable! Our 'Jing Bao Shao Nv' currently holds the top spot, and what right do they have?"
"What right? They're worth three of your performances, and you still have the nerve to ask me why?" The agent’s demeanor shifted with remarkable speed. After this outburst, it seemed he wasn't done venting. "Look at you, dressed like that, vulgar and indecent, not to mention your performances of selling flesh – I couldn't stand it anymore. You're dragging down our company's image. Look at Qing Luo and Guan Ying, what excellent images they project!"
After being berated so harshly, Li Li's face instantly flushed crimson. Yet, the agent’s words were logical and accurate, leaving her no room for rebuttal. After stammering for a long time, she finally managed to blurt out, "Very, very good. If you do this, we 'Jing Bao Shao Nv' will terminate our contract with you!"
"Very well. I believe you and I are both aware of the consequences of unilateral termination. If you're not afraid of hefty compensation, then by all means, go ahead."
"You!" Li Li's face turned red with anger, but she couldn't find any excuse to vent her fury. She kicked aside a nearby curtain and stormed off in a huff.
Everyone applauded, rejoicing. In the past, when they were exploited by 'Jing Bao Shao Nv', they had felt the same indignant helplessness. Now that the tables had turned, how could they not be excited?
After his scathing remarks, the agent’s face once again assumed a fawning expression. "Qing Luo, I heard your living conditions are quite poor. The company has decided to allocate an apartment for you all. It will have 24-hour security, a park, a moat, and lush greenery, making for a pleasant environment. What do you say? The company treats you very well, doesn't it?"
Qing Luo remained silent, but Guan Ying slowly stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Agent, that's not what you told us just now..."
"Pah, it's me who has been blind, looking down on people with dog eyes," the agent said, slapping himself repeatedly. "My dear little grandmothers, no man is without fault. Please spare me this time? I'll keep my word. From now on, if you need any resources, just ask me. I will go through fire and water without hesitation."
At this moment, Ye Lan emerged from backstage, having changed out of her beloved "Broad Sleeved Flowing Immortal Dress." Her simple, elegant off-the-shoulder gown perfectly accentuated her cool, aloof temperament.
Upon seeing Ye Lan, everyone flocked around her, showering her with effusive thanks.
"You don't need to be so polite with me. If you need anything in the future, just give me a call. Of course, if I'm fortunate enough to make a guest appearance, I'd be very happy."
Her words were heartwarming, a far cry from the tone of a cold queen; she sounded more like a friendly older sister.
Qing Luo ignored the agent. This time, besides Ren Yuanhao, Ye Lan was the person she was most grateful to. As she was about to bow, Ye Lan stopped her.
"Qing Luo, your understanding and interpretation of Han culture are at an incredibly high level. I imagine you've done a lot of private study. Don't be too formal, sister. I have something to say, and it might not be pleasant, but I still must say it."
"Please speak, sister." Qing Luo bowed to Ye Lan with Han palace etiquette, her grace and elegance complemented by a touch of youthful charm.
"Firstly, you must take good care of your health. No more staying up late. Secondly, I hope you all can maintain your original intentions and not be tempted by worldly fame and fortune in this turbulent world. Do what you love, and persist in what you want to achieve." Although Ye Lan hadn't spent much time with them, she sensed a purity and tranquility from them that was rare in this chaotic world. It felt like innocent children, whose thoughts and actions stemmed purely from their hearts. What Ye Lan worried about was whether they could maintain this sincerity once wealth and status began to flood their lives.
Qing Luo, being intelligent, understood Ye Lan's meaning. As she was about to bow again, Ye Lan raised her hand to stop her.
"Alright, you and I don't need to be so formal." Ye Lan tilted her head, gazing thoughtfully at the interior of the venue. "I believe it won't be long before this small venue can no longer contain you. A bigger stage awaits."
Upon hearing this, the agent’s face paled instantly. However, he dared not retort and could only meekly say, "Of course, of course. The company will certainly provide these young ladies with a larger venue and stage."
Just then, the system voice of a loli echoed in Ren Yuanhao's mind.
"Beep beep, order completed, intimacy level met. Received 500 points. Since you were previously owing 1000 points, after deduction, you still owe 500 points. Please strive harder."
—Can you not break my immersion when I'm happy, and please don't talk to me about debt, okay?
Ren Yuanhao sighed silently. Then, a thought struck him, and he took out the jade bracelet from his pocket, carefully handing it to Guan Ying.
"Here, this thing is heavy. I'm returning it to you."
Although Guan Ying was delighted, the thought of how much Ren Yuanhao had done for the girl group made her hesitant to accept it.
"Take it. They say jade nourishes a person, and seeing how reluctant you are to part with it, how could I bear to keep it for myself?"
"But you helped us so much, this..."
Guan Ying wasn't being polite. While the jade bracelet did hold many cherished memories for her and was a respectable heirloom, this kindness was like a second life. The jade bracelet was merely an inanimate object. Even if her mother were alive, she would surely agree with her decision, wouldn't she?
"If I tell you to take it, then take it. I want to come and watch your performances again in the future. I'm telling you now, no matter how high your ticket prices are, you must give me a green channel. How about that?" Ren Yuanhao tossed the jade bracelet into Guan Ying's hand and said with a hearty laugh.
"That's only natural. Our VIP seats will always be reserved for you, free of charge," Guan Ying replied with a laugh, a hint of the martial world in her tone.
As the two were talking, Qing Luo suddenly raised her arms and exclaimed, "To celebrate the complete success of our performance today, let's all let loose and have a big feast, shall we?"
Although it was past midnight, everyone's spirits were still high. With a cheer, they followed Qing Luo and strode away...