Li Jing had considered countless possibilities but never imagined that this woman, who seemed to have a significant backing, was actually Nine, who had been dominating the trending searches.
She wasn't the rumored ugly, overweight otaku, nor was she a woman in her forties or fifties. Instead, she was young, beautiful, and astonishingly so.
Li Jing felt her mind go hazy, unable to react for a moment.
Wang Chuan and Zhao Kuo were even more dumbfounded, their mouths agape.
However, after a cordial self-introduction, Quan Jiu's gaze suddenly sharpened. She continued, "Furthermore, our people are not for outsiders like you to comment on."
Wang Chuan was Tianhua's ace agent. Besides the boss, who else dared to speak to him in such a tone?
Yet, facing Quan Jiu's reprimand, he froze, unable to find a retort.
Han Zhao looked at the person standing before him.
Her slender back, barely reaching his jawline, exuded immense power in that instant.
He took a long stride, standing shoulder to shoulder with Quan Jiu, his gaze equally resolute.
"I willingly chose Chuxin, and I am grateful and fortunate that Teacher Nine gave me this opportunity."
Wang Chuan finally snapped back to reality and, after a long pause, shook his head with regret. "I've said all I can. Take care of yourself."
Zhao Kuo still wanted to struggle, "Are you really not considering it? Look at our contract, you'll definitely..."
"No need, thank you, Teacher," Han Zhao refused.
Zhao Kuo looked at Han Zhao, then at Quan Jiu. "What a shame, what a shame. You had such a bright future..." He walked away, shaking his head.
With both major entertainment companies giving up, other companies with slightly weaker capabilities also had to leave with regret.
After everyone else had left, Li Jing forcefully shoved the contract into Han Zhao's hand.
She glanced at Quan Jiu sideways, her tone brimming with pride. "Tianyu is the biggest entertainment company with the best resources. If you join Tianyu, I can not only get you into a drama as the male lead immediately, but even a single endorsement can make you famous overnight."
"I..."
Just as Han Zhao was about to refuse, Li Jing interrupted him, looking at Quan Jiu with utter disdain. "And you, although you've been a lecturer for a week, is it not rather despicable to use your position as a lecturer to morally blackmail him?"
Quan Jiu smiled gently and extended her hand. "Hello, what should I call you?"
"You..." Li Jing said angrily, "Perhaps you have connections and backing, but I want to tell you, Tianyu is a subsidiary of the Chu Group. No matter how powerful your background or how strong your backing, can it be stronger than the Chu Group?"
Quan Jiu's smile widened. "You misunderstand. I have no backing and no background. I am simply me."
Han Zhao frowned. "I willingly joined Chuxin. There is no moral blackmail as you claim."
Li Jing laughed in anger. "Then all I can say is, take care of yourself. Han Zhao, Tianyu has been more than generous to you. Name any condition, and we'll meet it. You've repeatedly broken contracts, and I haven't blamed you. Now you're finding a subpar company with such a backer. Do you really think you can go far in this industry?"
Han Zhao said indignantly, "I never said I wanted to join Tianyu. You've been coming after me. I've also said many times that I wouldn't join Tianyu, but you kept pestering me."
Li Jing's temper could no longer be contained. She pointed at Han Zhao's nose and roared, "You, a student who hasn't even graduated, dare to be so arrogant with me? I, Li Jing, am putting it on record today: however far you go in the entertainment industry, I can give you that much land."
After speaking, she glared at Quan Jiu again. "Chuxin Culture, I'll see if you can even survive the first semester."
Quan Jiu smiled faintly. "Don't get so angry, it's bad for your liver."
"You..." Li Jing gritted her teeth. "We'll see."
"Wait." Han Zhao called out to Li Jing, who was turning to leave, and handed her the contract. "I don't need it."
Li Jing snatched the contract, her face dark, and stormed away.
Tian Cheng and Cui Min, who had been watching from afar, glared at Quan Jiu with resentment.
"That old woman actually tricked Han Zhao. She must want to prey on the young," Tian Cheng said angrily.
Cui Min said, "I'll go persuade him."
Tian Cheng immediately looked wary. "What right do you have to persuade him? He's not your boyfriend." After saying this, she headed towards Han Zhao herself.
Cui Min snorted, "He's not your boyfriend either." She then followed.
Xiang Fei was about to step forward when he was interrupted by Tian Cheng, who suddenly appeared.
"You're too shameless! What lies did you use to trick Han Zhao?" Tian Cheng glared at Quan Jiu. "You're his lecturer, but not mine. Believe it or not, I'll report you."
Quan Jiu smiled playfully. "Instead of wasting your breath arguing with me here, why don't you go check out the agencies? Perhaps one will take a liking to you."
Tian Cheng laughed angrily. "I can pick any of the big three. Worry about yourself."
Then, she turned to Han Zhao. "Han Zhao, as fellow class representatives, I sincerely advise you not to be deceived by this woman. If she..."
"What does it have to do with you?" Han Zhao replied coldly. "We're not close. I hope you don't overstep your boundaries in your words and actions."
Tian Cheng's face turned bright red with shame and anger. "Fine, I'll consider my good intentions as a donkey's liver and lungs."
She turned to leave, only to bump right into Cui Min.
Cui Min sneered, "If you want to send care to the male god, you should see if the male god is familiar with you."
Tian Cheng glared fiercely at Cui Min and left in humiliation.
Cui Min smiled at Han Zhao. "Han Zhao, I'm definitely going to Heilijia Company. How about I ask for a favor for you? Come to Heilijia with me."
Han Zhao glanced at her faintly. "Are you from the acting department?"
Cui Min's expression stiffened, and she gave a dry laugh. "Yes, but I'm from Class One. We..." She had seen him many times.
"I'm sorry, I don't know many people," Han Zhao said with an apologetic smile, no longer looking at Cui Min.
Cui Min's fingernails dug into her palm, causing pain. She looked around and left awkwardly.
Ren Kui pursed her lips and smiled, giving a thumbs-up. "Han Zhao, when it comes to sharp remarks, you're the best."
Han Zhao looked innocent.
Xiang Fei finally got his chance. "Teacher Nine..."
"I know. I was just about to tell you that Tianhua isn't suitable for you. Wait a moment. I'll recommend you to Xiaokou Changkai. You have the makings of a comedy actor, and they'll definitely sign you."
Xiang Fei immediately breathed a sigh of relief, his face beaming. "Thank you, Teacher Nine."
Just as he finished speaking, he heard someone calling from the other side, "Xiang Fei, Ren Kui."
Ren Kui said, "Teacher... no, Boss, I'll go reply to them."
...
Ren Kui and Xiang Fei approached Wang Chuan.
Ren Kui said gratefully, "Thank you, Teacher Wang Chuan. I've signed with Chuxin."
Xiang Fei added, "Thank you, Tianyu, for giving me such a precious opportunity, but I don't want to sign for now."
Wang Chuan had laid out both their contracts. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but exclaim angrily, "You are both good prospects. Why would you go to a new company? You'll have no resources there. Han Zhao is confused, but how can you two be confused as well?"
Ren Kui shrugged. "I have a mine at home. I entered the entertainment industry just to slack off, not to go home and inherit family property. Your company is too big, I'm afraid I'll get tired."
Her words left Wang Chuan speechless.
Forget it.
He looked at Xiang Fei again. "Do you also have a mine at home?"