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.............
Jian Xingsui was a little confused.
But Fu Jinxiao looked very mysterious, and he was too embarrassed to ask more questions. He decided to roll with whatever would happen and mull over the termination of his contract instead. Suddenly, the car braked abruptly, which brought Jian Xingsui back to his senses and stabilized his mind.
Fu Jinxiao, who was sitting next to him, glanced at him: "What are you thinking about?"
Jian Xingsui immediately turned around and saw Actor Fu looking at him, so he replied, "I'm thinking... about my previous agency."
"Your contract termination is a thing of the past." Fu Jinxiao sat beside him. The man had been looking at the scripts and documents in his hand since just now, but he now put down his things to look at Jian Xingsui in the eyes instead, "No matter how your past is, if you keep living in the pain of the past and don't put your eyes on the front, you will only have a hard time living in the present, understand?"
Jian Xingsui understood, afraid that he would be misunderstood, he explained himself, "I know. I'm just thinking, since I've terminated the contract with them, what will I do next."
Fu Jinxiao asked seriously, "Do you want to quit the circle?"
Jian Xingsui didn't know what to say. He used to love music and wanted to make music full-time. But after splashing himself in the shallow parts of the entertainment industry, he realized that it's hard to live here, and that he might have to give up.
But after changing so many things in this new life... he felt the flap of the butterfly wings. Things are so different now. There's a slim chance that he could do music for his living now.
Looking up at Fu Jinxiao, in front of this person, Jian Xingsui never wanted to say anything against his will, nor did he want to lie. Although they didn't have a deep friendship, there was always subconscious trust in his heart.
"Actually, I don't want to quit the circle." Jian Xingsui told the truth, "I'm just afraid that I can't do well."
The corners of Fu Jinxiao's lips curled into a smile, "No one is born capable of doing anything well. A butterfly doesn't know it can fly until it breaks out of its cocoon, and a tortoise doesn't know it can win until it races against a rabbit. Even me, I was also a nobody when I first stepped into this circle."
Listening to his voice, Jian Xingsui was full of thoughts.
The boy's eyes were dark, and when he looked at Fu Jinxiao, his whole body leaned forward a little. His fair skin was like clear milk, and his whole body exuded a slight hint of sweetness. When he looked at him seriously, he was cute and adorable.
It seemed that Jian Xingsui still hadn't figured it out. Fu Jinxiao raised his eyebrows and said in a low voice, "I want to tell you: don't be afraid of difficulties, but have the courage to try and conquer suffering. But you keep staring at me like this... What do you mean by looking at me?"
Their distance in the car was not too far.
Fu Jinxiao sat lazily, his handsome eyebrows and eyes tinged with a bit of playfulness. Exuding the charm of a mature man, he said, "Could it be that you are ready to conquer me? Or maybe... be conquered by me instead?"
"!!!"
Jian Xingsui suddenly came back to his senses, and hurriedly said as he blushed furiously, "No, no, no no no no, I, I wouldn't dare."
Fu Jinxiao gave a "tsk", looking a little regretful, "It's not a good thing to be too timid sometimes. I think you should be braver."
Jian Xingsui's ears were so red that he didn't even dare to ask what he needed to be brave for. But he didn't dare to disobey the lesson of his senior, so nodded falteringly: "I... I'll try to be... braver..."
Fu Jinxiao gave him a mysterious, charming smile. Jian Xingsui could only nod with a blank look on his face.
Uncle driver who overheard everything: "..."
'Fu-ge, can you be a human being for once?'
'I never knew that you love to bully your juniors like this!'
Having been Fu Jinxiao's driver for many years, he also understood Actor Fu's character. There were many temptations in the circle. His employer had a great reputation and high power. It's no surprise he was very sought after, but Fu Jinxiao had never let anyone get close to him. He was very cold and without a weakness, all his boundaries were clearly drawn.
But now...
The driver felt as if he had seen a scene where a big bad wolf was bullying a little white rabbit.
Half an hour later, the car arrived at the Shen family's manor.
As soon as they enter the door, they can smell all sorts of appetizing aromas. They knew that the meal must be exquisite.
There were two women sitting on the sofa in the living room, happily chatting. Xu Enzhen was a kind of gentle beauty, while the lady opposite looked very fashionable and glamorous, with dyed blonde hair, exquisite makeup, and countless jewelry on her body.
Jian Xingsui entered the door and called out respectfully: "Mom."
Seeing her youngest's return, Xu Enzhen immediately got up and greeted him: "Suisui is back. Ah, you're here too, Jinxiao. You two came back together?"
Fu Jinxiao said politely, "Hello, Auntie, excuse me."
Xu Enzhen hurriedly said, "Don't bother, don't bother, what's the matter... Oh, what is this? You bring us a gift?"
Fu Jinxiao had a polite smile on his lips, "It's just a little thought of mine."
After Xu Enzhen opened it, she found that it was a premium silkworm thread that she had been looking for a long time. She couldn't hold down her smile, "Ah, this child, you really put your heart into your gifts. How do you know that I always want this?"
Fu Jinxiao was very humble, "I heard you mentioned it last time, and it happened that my friend had it, so I bought it for you."
Xu Enzhen was very happy.
It's no wonder that the industry had such a high opinion of Fu Jinxiao. The eldest son of the Fu family was smooth and good at making connections. Although this silkworm thread was not very expensive, it was very difficult to find. Generally, it was difficult to get it without the proper connections. While it's true that as the Madam of the Shen family, she could get this with her husband's name, but getting it easily like this was very pleasing. Fu Jinxiao was very good at giving gifts, and the scale was always just right.
This was also why Xu Enzhen was optimistic about this prospective son-in-law. She thought, if she could find such a good candidate this early, she wouldn't worry much.
Xu Enzhen pulled Jian Xingsui and said, "Thank you so much for tonight, Jinxiao. Did Suisui bother you today?"
Fu Jinxiao continued to be an exemplary guest, "Auntie, you are too kind. Suisui could never be a problem for me."
Xu Enzhen was even happier, "That's really kind of you."
Jian Xingsui always felt that with the way his Mother treated Fu Jinxiao... there's some deep meaning behind it. He didn't know what, though.
They all walked to the sofa, and the stylishly dressed woman also stood up, her eyes fell on Jian Xingsui, and she asked, "You are..."
Jian Xingsui was a little nervous, bent down, and bowed: "Hello Auntie, I'm Jian Xingsui."
Facing this glamorous but distant-looking woman, he couldn't help but to feel insecure. And part of the reason was that she was also Fu Jinxiao's mother.
After the woman was silent for a while, she suddenly came over and held Jian Xingsui's hand enthusiastically and said, "Hi, hello, I'm Li Na1hmm Idk if she's actually from abroad or not, but considering her blonde hair is dyed, I think not. So Li Na it is. If she's a westerner, I would use Lena / Lina instead., and I'm your mother's good friend. You call me Mo–"
Fu Jinxiao coughed lightly, cutting his mother off.
Li Na understood what her son meant, so she just smiled and changed her words, "-I mean, you can call me Aunt Lili!"
Jian Xingsui was a little confused at first, but felt that he might have misheard, so he obediently responded, and called out in a clear pronunciation, "Aunt Lili."
Li Na looked at the well-behaved and sensible child in front of her, and her heart instantly melted.
She has always wanted a soft, well-behaved, and cute child, but life was often unsatisfactory. She gave birth to Fu Jinxiao. He was the polar opposite of what she wanted.
"Suisui..." Lili held his hand, "I've heard about you. I heard of your previous mistreatment, but don't don't worry, those things will never happen again in the future. The men in my family won't let it. They can and will eradicate all your future enem– I mean, your troubles. You can rest assured."
Jian Xingsui: "Huh?"
Why did he feel that there's something wrong in her statement?
Xu Enzhen also echoed at her side, "Don't worry, the Shen family also will eradicate all your troubles."
Jian Xingsui: "???"
Let's just pretend he heard nothing important.
Seeing his embarrassed appearance, Fu Jinxiao smiled. He was keen to let his mother communicate with Jian Xingsui, leisurely watching it happen.
Jian Xingsui was dragged by Lili into discussing many topics, and finally got a little scared. He subconsciously turned his eyes to Fu Jinxiao for help, and Actor Fu restrained his desire to bully this cute little rabbit after receiving that pitiful gaze. He said to Xu Enzhen, "Auntie, I smell the aroma of a delicious chicken soup, did you cook by yourself today?"
Xu Enzhen quickly responded: "Yes, yes, I almost forgot that! Since everyone is here, let's have dinner first."
Jian Xingsui asked, "What about Dage and Father?"
"It's common for them to work overtime." Xu Enzhen waved her hand dismissively, "There's no need to wait."
Jian Xingsui nodded. Finally, he could escape from Li Na's clutch.
..............
Li Na stopped talking and let Jian Xingsui go to the dining table. At the table, Jian Xingsui naturally helped Xu Enzhen serve soup and rice, and helped Li Na carry the dishes, going back and forth very diligently.
The Shen family was different from other wealthy families. Xu Enzhen really didn't like having many outsiders hanging around in her home, so she only kept Auntie Wu to help with the housekeeping. Many things were done by the family members themselves, but everyone enjoyed it and got used to it. In her mind, only when you were busy with your family could you have a sense of happiness in life.
Li Na was very grateful, "Thank you, Suisui, you are so hardworking."
Jian Xingsui was very respectful, and he also followed the rules in doing things, and said softly, "You're welcome, Auntie. Is the portion enough? Do you want another bowl?"
Li Na was touched by the child's thoughtfulness and filial piety, and said, "No need! Don't worry."
But Jian Xingsui was happy to do these things. He loved getting the recognition of his hard work. In this warm family home, his hard work was affirmed, and he felt he was contributing to the family. He let out a sweet smile, "No trouble, no trouble, you are welcome."
As Jian Xingsui was about to serve a bowl to Fu Jinxiao, the actor stopped him. The man held him down with neither light nor heavy force, "Sit, I'll serve it. No need to move anymore."
Jian Xingsui looked up at him in surprise.
Actor Fu got up and went to the kitchen to fill up two bowls of soup, one for his mother and one for Jian Xingsui.
Li Na took a look at the generous pile of meat in Jian Xingsui's bowl, and nodded in satisfaction. At least her son knew how to treat his future wife right. This poor child thought he was orphaned before, and just now finally given the family warmth he deserved. He was very cute, so she very much approved of her son's silent spoiling.
Li Na thought of a scheme. She coughed softly and said, "Son, you should drink more too. Didn't you rush home two days ago and hurt your leg? You've been busy with work, and now you can take a break. Hurry up and eat more."
Jian Xingsui paused, and looked at Fu Jinxiao in surprise, asking anxiously, "Are you injured?"
Fu Jinxiao glanced at his mother coldly, and knew what she was planning.
"It's not a big deal." Fu Jinxiao said slowly to the youth beside him, "It's just a relapse of an old injury. I just need a rest to recover."
Jian Xingsui knew of this injury.
In the early years of his career, Actor Fu accidentally fell off his horse. It was mainly the filming crew's fault. The injury was very serious, and even left him with a lasting health impact. If he was overtired and hit hard, he would relapse.
Jian Xingsui couldn't bear it, and even felt a little sad, "You still have to check it in the hospital. If it relapses, you will further aggravate the injury. Why didn't you go to rest when you came back today? I'm sorry to trouble you and Wang-jie to accompany me. I shouldn't have bothered you, I–"
Fu Jinxiao put down the tableware in his hand and said, "I want to accompany you, what does it have to do with you?"
Jian Xingsui was taken aback.
Actor Fu was a bit aggressive this time. With the corner of his eye, he spied on Jian Xingsui. His eyes looked a little playful, "I have a personal doctor, and he gave me a check-up a few days ago. It's nothing serious, I just need a rest. Overall, my health is still fine, so don't worry. If you really want to be grateful, contact Meican in two days and sign the contract."
"...?"
Jian Xingsui said, "What contract?"
"Fenghua Entertainment's contract." Fu Jinxiao took a sip of his soup with a spoon, then slowly put down the tableware, "Didn't you need to sign a contract with an agency now?"
Jian Xingsui didn't expect that he could sign a contract with the legendary and famous Fenghua Entertainment!
Although he didn't understand many things, he still knew that Fenghua Entertainment was the leading agency in this industry. Artists who could sign there were guaranteed to have a good future with good strengths to back it up.
Jian Xingsui felt as if he was unbelievably lucky. He cheerfully asked, "Isn't Fenghua Entertainment your agency? I can sign there too?"
Fu Jinxiao raised his eyebrows: "You don't believe me?"
"It felt unreal!"
The two sat together, their distance grew shorter. The Movie Emperor turned around, his voice was low and sexy with a smile, "Or you don't want to be in the same company as me?"
Of course Jian Xingsui wanted to be in the same agency with his idol. He instantly retorted, "No!"
After saying it, he felt a little shy again.
But Fu Jinxiao stretched out his hand to pat the youth in the head. His handsome face calmed down, and he turned serious, "Then, I'm glad you're willing to join. On behalf of Fenghua Entertainment, I welcome you in advance."
Jian Xingsui felt shy when his idol patted his head. With the warm overhead light of the dining room illuminating the man's handsome features, it looked like one of his pipe dreams. To be in the same agency with his idol... not even in his wildest dreams.
After patting his head, Fu Jinxiao held his hand out and Jian Xingsui took it. The warm temperature of the actor's hand also warmed his heart up. The youth said humbly, "Thank you for giving me the opportunity. I will work hard. In the future... please give me more advice."
Fu Jinxiao's eyes fell on the young man, and a smile appeared on the corner of his lips: "Mhm. I will."
Jian Xingsui was still immersed in joy and was a little lost in thought.
Fu Jinxiao whispered: "Let's eat."
Jian Xingsui nodded: "Okay."
Li Na looked at them and deduced that Suishui should have feelings for her son. But he either hadn't realized it, or didn't dare to confess. She understood him, because she knew how ill-tempered Fu Jinxiao could be. Besides, her son... kinda has that perverted edge to the people he liked. He just had a black-heart and loved to tease the subject of affection.
It's best to let nature run its course. She was looking forward to the day she could call Jian Xingsui her daughter-in-law.
Since Li Na decided to let them be, she instead chatted with Xu Enzhen, "Did you get the paternity test yet? Has Suisui's household registration changed?"
"We tested it two days ago. When the result comes out, we will change his household registration immediately."
Li Na approved the decision. She looked at Jian Xingsui with a smile and said, "Then, your surname will be changed into Shen from now on. Are you not used to it?"
Jian Xingsui looked at Xu Enzhen and then looked at himself. He stopped his movements, thought for a while and replied, "Maybe a little bit, but it doesn't matter, I like the surname Shen very much, and... I like this place very much."
After the words were finished, Xu Enzhen showed a relieved and happy smile.
Li Na also said, "That's good, this matter should end as soon as possible. A new household registration and a new surname to represent a fresh start at life, a brand new beginning. Come here, I have something to give you."
Li Na was sitting next to Jian Xingsui, and he moved closer curiously.
The woman picked something from her wrist. It was a jade pendant made of rope. The centerpiece jade was crystal clear and looked extraordinary. She gestured for Jian Xingsui to take and wear it. The youth hesitated, "Auntie..."
But Li Na took his hand and said, "My mother-in-law gave it to me when I got married. This is like a family heirloom. This jade pendant also has the meaning of keeping people safe. Please take it, it's for you, I just hope that you will be fine and safe in the future."
Jian Xingsui looked at the pendant in his hand. As he listened to Li Na's words, his hand that was holding the pendant trembled slightly. He looked straight into Li Na's eyes, and saw how sincere she was. He was moved and flattered. He hadn't received anything good for many years, and now he suddenly had it, but he was a little panicked, "It's your family's heirloom, Auntie. It's too precious, I can't take it."
"Well, it's my gift for you, It's up to me to decide who can or cannot take it." Li Na patted his hand: "What's the relationship between me and your mother, you are still polite to me?"
Li Na sneakily winked at her son, hoping he'll get the implication inside her words – 'this is something passed on to the daughter-in-law'.
Fu Jinxiao received the signal, and looked at her helplessly. He put down the bowl and chopsticks, and said to Jian Xingsui in a whisper, "Since Mother gave it to you, you can keep it, there is no need to be burdened, this bracelet has been worn by her for many years. Truthfully, she probably wanted to give it to others as soon as possible anyways. So that Father could buy her a new one as a replacement."
He was merciless enough to expose his old mother.
Li Na glared at him, "This stinky child. If you hadn't bought one for me for so long, would I have to resort to this?"
Fu Jinxiao ignored her and continued to watch Jian Xingsui eat.
Xu Enzhen smiled, and also reminded, "Wear it well. This is your Aunt Li Na's wish. I have heard of this jade pendant. It is indeed very effective. It will definitely protect you in the future."
Jian Xingsui nodded seriously: "Don't worry, I will."
Shen Xingchen, who was focused on eating well on the opposite seat, was dissatisfied by this blatant bias, "Mom, why don't I get any ancestral pendant?"
Xu Enzhen glared at him, "Why would you need that kind of protective pendant? Your life is so easy anyways. Besides, our Shen family doesn't have that kind of heirloom accessories."
Shen Xingchen rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes, keep your secrets."
Jian Xingsui watched them quarreling and smiled. He touched the jade pendant in his hand, and a spark of happiness lit up in his heart. He was very much looking forward to the future. Life was so much better now, he could see all its beauty in full colors now.
The next day–
In the Fenghua Entertainment building, Jian Xingsui signed the contract. Wang Meican shook hands with him, "Suisui, I am very glad that you can officially join us. I will be your agent from now on."
Jian Xingsui answered in a very respectful manner, "Thank you, Wang-jie. To be honest, I really didn't expect you to accept me, I caused you trouble."
Wang Meican let out a genuine smile, "There is no trouble for me. While Fu Jinxiao did ask me to treat you well, I personally think that you have so much potential to dig. You're a malleable talent, and I haven't brought in newcomers for a long time. It just so happens that I have the energy to bring in newcomers."
Jian Xingsui was still very grateful: "Wang-jie, don't worry, although I don't have much advantages, but I will work hard and never worry you."
Wang Meican liked obedient children. He was so much unlike Fu Jinxiao, he didn't make her heart race in anger every so often. She quickly supported Jian Xingsui, "It's okay, it's okay. But Suisui, since you signed a contract with me as my artist, there are one thing I still want to tell you. It's nothing big: if you fell in love, please tell me in advance."
Jian Xingsui was taken aback for a moment, obviously not expecting it, but still nodded shyly, "Yes, I will."
Wang Meican was relieved now, after all she knew that Fu Jinxiao would not tell her about this. Fortunately, Jian Xingsui was a very sensible child, and she really saved herself a lot of trouble. She knew that sooner or later, that wolf Fu Jinxiao would get together with Jian Xingsui. So long that this youth tells her, she could still be informed with this relationship.
Wang Meican gave herself a thumbs-up in her heart, and then got to the point, "Then let's discuss your work. In fact, I agree with you to focus on music. However, we do have an invitation for a variety show that has not yet been finalized. Your participation is still not finalized because it depends on the public opinion and your popularity."
Jian Xingsui was puzzled: "What is it?"
"You don't know yet?" Wang Meican thought about it and understood, "It should be because of your former agent, that doggy thing Wang Gangqiang1I checked back to previous chapters, his name was Wang Ye back then lol.. He didn't tell you that after the survival show finished airing, the 'Starlight' director team will launch a relatively large-scale reality show. If the initial plan is to be followed, all the debuting members will participate."
Jian Xingsui seems to have heard about this in his previous life. The director team of this reality show was really good, and the lineup alone was full of popularity.
Wang Meican pushed her glasses up, "And the director of this reality show is not the original director of 'Starlight', but director Su Ji'an Su Da. He directed the filming of several popular reality shows in the past two years, so if you can get invited, it'll be a good resource to start your career."
Jian Xingsui hesitated: "But aren't all the guests already decided?"
Wang Meican turned on her phone and showed him, "It's also your luck. They decided on a gimmick to invite other guests, one of which is a popular trainee who didn't debut."
Jian Xingsui: "Who will be added?"
"Look at the audience." Wang Meican clicked on a Weibo account, "This special guest is actually... decided by the public. There's a public voting currently happening to select who would fulfill this quota. All 102 non-debutants were put into the eligible list, and the netizens will vote for their pick. The first place winner will be invited as the guest."
Jian Xingsui heard about this for the first time today, and was happy and excited, "It seems that Director Su really understands the audience."
Wang Meican nodded, "Moreover, Director Su also opened a special voting channel, which is to give 108 contestants the qualification to vote. They are not allowed to vote for themselves. Everyone collectively votes for a contestant who they think needs to be given a second chance."
Jian Xingsui really skipped on this. He was too busy mired with many troubles to follow the current news, it seems.
The agent knew this just by observing Jian Xingsui's lost look. She chuckled and said, "Although there are still two days before the end of the voting, the total vote by the public can be looked at any time. Do you want to go and have a look?"
Jian Xingsui perked up.
He knew that this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. If he successfully became a guest, he could reunite with Shen Xingchen and Ning Ze, and he could even have the opportunity to meet and cooperate with Fu Jinxiao and Instructor Tuya again. Although this also means he might have to face Anran again, but compared to the temptation of the former, this amounted to nothing.
Wang Meican adjusted the voting results page for him, and gave him a look, "See where you are."