After a Contractual Romance with the Scumbag Movie Queen - Chapter 20

After the third performance, the rankings were announced once again, with the top spot holding little suspense.

Jiang Tian’s current popularity was so immense that even the top idol hosting Star Journey was nearly eclipsed, soon to be demoted from “current top idol” to “former top idol.”

The entertainment industry moved at a breakneck pace, new stars constantly replaced the old, and fame had an expiration date.

Looking at the vote count on his cue card, which showed Jiang Tian far surpassing the first-place candidate, even the top idol couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

Back when he had debuted as the center, his votes had also been a landslide, but compared to Jiang Tian’s numbers, his achievement seemed almost trivial.

By this point, Star Journey was nearing its end, with only the live finale the debut ceremony left to film.

He Jing had been hovering between third and fourth place in recent rankings, making her debut highly likely.

Lying on her dorm bed, she glanced at Jiang Tian, who was writing something, and asked, “After debuting, do you plan to stay as an idol or transition into acting?”

The domestic entertainment industry didn’t offer much room for pure idols. Without music shows or mature platforms for exposure, most had to abandon their original dreams of singing and dancing to join variety shows or act in dramas.

Jiang Tian paused and said, “I’ll focus on music. Be a singer.”

“That’s expensive,” He Jing muttered, then remembered Jiang Tian probably had no shortage of money.

“For idols like us, dating isn’t even allowed,” He Jing sighed. “Such prime years, and we can’t even experience sweet romance.”

“It’s not allowed?” Jiang Tian looked up, confusion in her eyes.

“The idol industry runs on fan economy. Dating is considered a breach of idol conduct,” He Jing said, surprised that someone in a survival show wouldn’t know this. “Most fans project their fantasies onto idols. If you’re exposed dating, losing fans is the least of it some might even turn against you.”

“Though.” He Jing grinned mischievously, “rumor has it that dating someone of the same sex counts as exceeding idol standards.”

Jiang Tian blinked lightly but didn’t ask further.

The debut day arrived swiftly.

Only 14 contestants remained in Star Journey, divided into two groups for a head-to-head performance, with each also getting a solo stage.

The venue for the debut was far larger than previous performances a stadium packed with tens of thousands of fans, almost like a concert.

This was a testament to Star Journey’s overwhelming popularity.

When Jiang Tian took the stage, the screams in the venue reached a fever pitch.

Her solo performance was a dance she had choreographed herself. Dressed in a sharp white blazer, she began seated, head bowed, a black cap pulled low over her eyes. The moment the spotlight hit, she flung the cap aside with a flourish, her long, wavy hair flying.

The massive screens above the stage clearly captured her coolly alluring face and confident, effortless performance. Under the gaze of thousands, she showed no trace of fear or hesitation radiant, striking, breathtakingly beautiful.

Fans in the audience screamed their hearts out, some even moved to tears.

“Jiang Tian,Jiang Tian ”

No one knew who started it, but soon, those two words echoed thunderously throughout the stadium.

As the drums silenced and the music faded, Jiang Tian, slightly breathless, gazed at the sea of adoration before her, eyes bright. She bowed slowly.

For the immense popularity that seemed to have come effortlessly, Jiang Tian proved with every meticulously prepared, flawlessly executed performance she could carry it, and she could sustain it.

That night, the top seven contestants of Star Journey officially debuted as a group, with Jiang Tian claiming the center position by an overwhelming margin.

Amidst the roaring cheers and the host’s congratulatory words, Jiang Tian walked down the petal-strewn aisle, step by step ascending to the highest throne, young and radiant beyond measure.

The final seven members debuted as the girl group WINDFLOWER, known in Chinese as Feng Hua (Wind and Flowers).

Stellar Path was initiated by Puxing Entertainment, so as a limited-time girl group with an 18-month contract, WINDFLOWER would operate under Puxing during their active period.

In the CEO’s office of Puxing Entertainment, Qi Puzhi looked at the seven newcomers with a smile and greeted them warmly.

“Hello, Teacher Qi.”

Their expressions varied some timid, some starstruck with excitement, some like He Jing, grinning boldly and brilliantly at Qi Puzhi, and then there was Jiang Tian… who, for now, had tucked away her wolfish tail, appearing cool, composed, and obediently restrained.

Qi Puzhi’s gaze lingered subtly, locking eyes with someone for a brief moment.

Since their last encounter, half a month had passed without meeting. When artists dated, distance hardly mattered.

“Please, have a seat,” Qi Puzhi beckoned warmly, while her assistant swiftly poured tea for everyone.

As the boss, Qi Puzhi didn’t need to handle every detail herself WINDFLOWER’s contract matters didn’t require her direct oversight.

Still, as newcomers to the company, a few words of encouragement were necessary.

Qi Puzhi was an excellent conversationalist, her words as gentle and soothing as a spring breeze. After a few exchanges, even the shyest among them visibly relaxed.

“Any other questions?” Having covered the essentials, Qi Puzhi asked casually.

“Teacher Qi.” Xu Qinye, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up.

Qi Puzhi remembered her, the girl previously embroiled in rumors with Jiang Tian, who had apparently debuted in second place.

Among the seven, Jiang Tian sat at the far right, Xu Qinye at the far left, the distance between them vast. They hadn’t seemed to interact much on the show afterward.

“I didn’t handle it well,” Jiang Tian had said while coaxing her last time. She must have settled things privately with Xu Qinye later.

Holding no particular grudge, Qi Puzhi responded kindly, “Do you have a question?”

“If there’s a chance next time, I’d like to seek your advice on something.”

Her words were vague, as if she couldn’t speak openly in front of the group yet wanted to secure an opportunity with Qi Puzhi.

Qi Puzhi agreed.

“Alright, I won’t keep you any longer,” Qi Puzhi said, eyes curving into crescents. “You’ve all worked hard these past months. Take a few days to rest and see your loved ones once things pick up, you might not have the time.”

“Teacher Qi.” One girl ventured hesitantly, “Could I, get your autograph?”

“Of course,” Qi Puzhi agreed generously.

With one asking, the others followed suit. Qi Puzhi simply pulled out a stack of postcards from her drawer and signed seven.

She handed them out one by one. When it was Jiang Tian’s turn last in line, their fingers tangled briefly, hidden beneath the postcard, unnoticed by anyone else.

Jiang Tian took the postcard, meeting the woman’s eyes, which sparkled with faint amusement, as if she delighted in this subtle, public teasing.

After WINDFLOWER left, the office door was soon knocked upon again.

The assistant opened it to find the newly minted top idol standing outside, tall and poised, leaving her momentarily unsure what to do.

She turned to look at the woman in front of the computer, “President Qi.”

Without even looking up, Qi Puzhi knew who it was: “Let her in.”

After speaking, she dismissed the assistant again.

With only the two of them left in the office, Qi Puzhi watched as Jiang Tian closed the door and asked knowingly, “Little idol, why did you come back instead of leaving with your group members?”

Jiang Tian, still holding the postcard in her hand, walked in composedly, her expression gentle and obedient: “Sister, you were the one who just told us to go meet our family and friends.”

Qi Puzhi raised an eyebrow and asked leisurely, “Oh? So, am I family or a friend?”

Jiang Tian walked up to her, slightly bending down to look at her, “Sister, are you really curious?”

The way she said it implied that if Qi Puzhi wasn’t that curious, she wouldn’t answer.

Qi Puzhi met her gaze up close, close enough to feel the other’s breath.

Her eyes drifted from Jiang Tian’s bright eyes to her straight nose and naturally red lips. Qi Puzhi chuckled nonchalantly, “Go on, tell me.”

Jiang Tian then leaned in further, pressing Qi Puzhi against the office chair, and kissed those alluring crimson lips.

Pressed together, rubbing, sucking.

In the midst of their entanglement, Qi Puzhi tightly closed her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly.

When she unconsciously opened them, she realized Jiang Tian had never closed hers those deep, dark eyes staring intently at her throughout the kiss.

Her already unsteady breathing grew even heavier. Qi Puzhi pressed against Jiang Tian’s shoulders and pushed her away.

After the kiss, Jiang Tian’s lips were slightly swollen, and her usually cool, ethereal face was tinged with desire.

“Sister,” she panted softly, asking humbly and slowly, “Does this count as family or a friend?”