After a Contractual Romance with the Scumbag Movie Queen - Chapter 21

“Is this considered family and friends, or just good friends?”

Jiang Tian asked with an utterly serious tone, though her words made no effort to hide her teasing intent.

Qi Puzhi’s eyes still carried a faint flush at the corners as she looked at her with a faint, ambiguous smile. “If you want, it can be either, family and friends, or just good friends.”

“Then I don’t want it,” Jiang Tian replied quickly.

After a pause, she whispered sincerely, “I only want to be lovers.”

Qi Puzhi gazed at her for a long moment before finally looking away, slightly flustered. “Mm.”

Jiang Tian immediately smiled, sweet and alluring. Unable to withstand the intensity of her gaze, Qi Puzhi changed the subject. “I have a meeting in twenty minutes.”

“Then should we kiss?” Jiang Tian looked at her, tilting her head slightly, as if ready to seize the moment for intimacy.

Qi Puzhi pushed her away lightly, chiding, “Do you even take the agreement seriously anymore?”

Months ago, she and Jiang Tian had signed an agreement in this very office.

Back then, Jiang Tian had been gentle, proper, and obedient, like a little deer so much so that Qi Puzhi had almost felt guilty for corrupting her.

But now, months later, Jiang Tian was practically a wolf who couldn’t be bothered to hide her big tail anymore.

“I do take it seriously, sister,” Jiang Tian said, letting herself be pushed away, lowering her eyes in docile obedience.

Qi Puzhi let out a soft hum.

This girl knew exactly how to read the room. The moment Qi Puzhi showed the slightest irritation, she’d become so well-behaved that there was no fault to find.

But it wasn’t as if she was scheming.

Rather, she understood Qi Puzhi’s conflicted emotions, pushing forward when she was being tsundere, retreating when she was genuinely annoyed, every step perfectly calculated to bring her pleasure.

Not manipulation, but care and understanding.

Qi Puzhi composed herself slightly. “What I meant was, we should use this time to discuss your future agency contract.”

Throughout her time on Starlight Journey, Jiang Tian had been an independent trainee, unsigned to any agency.

Now that she had debuted, though the entire Windflower group was temporarily under Puxing Entertainment for short-term promotions, Jiang Tian needed her own agency for long-term development.

Given Jiang Tian’s current popularity, it wasn’t a matter of companies choosing her, she was the one choosing.

“Have you looked into any agencies?” Qi Puzhi pulled her to sit on the sofa for a proper discussion. “I can help you avoid any pitfalls.”

As the owner of Puxing, she had a decent understanding of most well-known entertainment companies in the industry.

Not once in her words did Qi Puzhi extend an invitation. Jiang Tian blinked. “Sister, don’t you want to sign me?”

Even before her debut, she had received offers from multiple agencies, and after debuting, even more. Yet Puxing Entertainment had never extended an olive branch.

Qi Puzhi was momentarily taken aback. “You want to join?”

From the perspective of Puxing’s owner, of course she’d want to sign Jiang Tian, any agency would profit immensely from her current popularity.

But from another angle, she didn’t want Jiang Tian’s career choices to be influenced by their romantic relationship, so she had never expressed any preference.

Besides, the Qi and Jiang families had always been at odds. If Jiang Tian signed with her company, forget the gossip in elite circles, her parents would undoubtedly disapprove.

Jiang Tian seemed to understand all her concerns. She said earnestly, “Sister, I know what you’re worried about. But from the very beginning, I wanted to sign with Puxing after debuting.”

Qi Puzhi studied her for a long while before finally saying, “If you’ve made up your mind, Puxing will of course welcome you.”

“I’ve made up my mind,” Jiang Tian said, as resolute as when she had signed their relationship agreement. “I’m ready to sign anytime.”

Since she had said so, Qi Puzhi no longer hesitated and readily agreed, “Alright, we can discuss the specific contract details next time. I have a meeting to attend now.”

“Then for the next discussion.” Jiang Tian asked before Qi Puzhi stood up, “Will it be a face-to-face meeting with you?”

Qi Puzhi paused, then smirked, “What’s the matter? Want to see me?”

Jiang Tian’s contract would be drafted by professionals. As the boss, Qi Puzhi only needed to glance over it and give her approval, there was no need for her to personally negotiate.

But Jiang Tian said, “Yes, I want to see you.”

So Qi Puzhi, with an innocent expression as if merely stating a fact and not indulging her wish, replied, “Actually, it does require a face-to-face meeting with me.”

Jiang Tian looked at her, and the dimples in her cheeks deepened with a smile.

It made Qi Puzhi unable to resist reaching out and poking one.

After Qi Puzhi left to attend to her work, Jiang Tian returned home.

“You haven’t signed with a management company yet, have you?”

At the dinner table, Jiang’s father casually brought it up and recommended a company owned by a family friend.

But Jiang Tian said, “I’m signing with Puxing.”

Jiang’s father paused mid-motion while picking up food and frowned at her, “What do you mean?”

“Puxing Entertainment’s operations and career planning align perfectly with my vision,” Jiang Tian explained unhurriedly.

Jiang’s father said, “But that’s Qi Puzhi’s company!”

His face was full of disapproval, “Though there’s no need to dwell on the past grievances between our families, Qi Puzhi has a terrible reputation in the industry. If you get too close to her, your own reputation will be tarnished.”

Jiang Tian looked up at him, “A terrible reputation? If you’re referring to those rumors, I believe we discussed this last time. It seems I didn’t convince you.”

Jiang’s father said sternly, “Whether they’re true or not, Qi Puzhi’s name is synonymous with promiscuity.”

Jiang Tian replied, “I recall the CEO of the company you just recommended is notorious for his wild parties and indulgence in pleasure.”

Jiang’s father waved it off, “He’s my friend, of course I know him. He just likes to have fun in private. It’s normal for men to be a little promiscuous. What does that have to do with your contract?”

“…” Jiang Tian felt nothing but sorrow, not even the energy to argue with him. She finished her meal in silence.

Fortunately, while her parents liked to offer opinions, they never forced their decisions on her. She had always been strong-willed since childhood, and her choices were never swayed by them.

Two days later, Qi Puzhi sent her a message about the face-to-face meeting.

Already very familiar with Qi Puzhi’s office, Jiang Tian didn’t wait for her to play host. Seeing that Qi Puzhi was busy, she leisurely poured herself a glass of water, looking every bit like the office’s co-owner.

Just as Qi Puzhi finished her work, Zhang Hua happened to walk in.

“Jiang Tian,” Zhang Hua greeted the young woman on the sofa, “If all goes well, I’ll be your manager from now on.”

As Qi Puzhi’s longtime ally, Zhang Hua had risen to become a top-tier manager alongside Qi Puzhi’s ascent in the entertainment industry.

Currently, she only managed Qi Puzhi and led a rather relaxed life.

When Qi Puzhi asked if she wanted to take on Jiang Tian, Zhang Hua had initially wanted to refuse outright, unwilling to endure the couple’s constant displays of affection.

But curiosity about how her long-ascetic friend would behave in a relationship got the better of her, and she ultimately accepted the job.

Looking at the newly risen top idol, she sighed inwardly. Despite the girl’s current delicate and refined appearance, proper and dignified, she was after all someone who could handle Qi Puzhi, likely another difficult character similar to Puzhi herself.

Jiang Tian seemed to recognize her and greeted in return, “Sister Zhang.”

Zhang Hua nodded and handed over the contract in her hand. “Puzhi and I have discussed it thoroughly. We had someone draft an initial version, take a look and see if there are any issues.”

The terms Qi Puzhi offered Jiang Tian were exceptionally generous, to the point that no second contract of this caliber could likely be found in the entire domestic entertainment industry.

Even Zhang Hua felt a twinge of pain handing it over.

Jiang Tian read through it for a while, then glanced up at Qi Puzhi.

Puzhi knew exactly what she meant and immediately said, “Point out anything you’re dissatisfied with. But lowering the terms is out of the question, I won’t take advantage of you.”

Given Jiang Tian’s current popularity, any company signing her would essentially be getting a bargain. Yet the contract Qi Puzhi offered was practically Jiang Tian getting the better deal.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Tian didn’t hesitate much and went along with Puzhi’s wishes. “I have no objections. I can sign.”

After all, what was hers was Puzhi’s anyway.

Once the contract was signed, Zhang Hua suggested, “Now that the contract’s signed, how about a celebratory meal?”

Though she had no desire to be a third wheel, as Jiang Tian’s manager, it was necessary to get a preliminary understanding.

But when the dog food was practically force-fed to her, Zhang Hua regretted it.

The young couple was kind-hearted during their meal out, they didn’t exclude her, keeping the conversation at a level where everyone could contribute, and there were no overt displays of affection.

But those subtle, unintentional glances, the charged atmosphere whenever their eyes met—somehow sticky, awkward, and flirtatious all at once, left Zhang Hua utterly exasperated.

The moment the meal ended, she fled without looking back to each their own, best to part ways when possible. It was wiser to steer clear of couples in the throes of new love.

They’d also have to start preparing contingency plans for when their relationship went public.

“Sister, what’s this Cross-Border Date that Sister Zhang mentioned?”

In the elevator to the parking lot, Jiang Tian asked curiously.

During the meal, Zhang Hua had half-jokingly said, “The chemistry between you two, it’d be a waste not to join Cross-Border Date and make everyone jealous.”

Qi Puzhi explained Puxing’s plans for Cross-Border Date.

The show intended to invite well-known figures from various fields actors, singers, dancers, etc. pairing them up to film their interactions.

The interactions would revolve around “cross-border” themes. For example, if it were an actor and a singer, the actor would guide the singer through filming, while the singer would take the actor through song recording, and so on.

This was a variety show independently initiated by Puxing, with an innovative format. If the first season performed well, it would continue, making the selection of participants for the inaugural season crucial.

Popularity, buzz, and reputation, none could be lacking.

Seeing Jiang Tian lost in thought, Qi Puzhi said, “Zhang Hua just mentioned it casually it’s not a must. You can think about it.”

In Puzhi’s view, the show had potential. Participating would give Jiang Tian good exposure.

But Cross-Border Date wasn’t just about crossing borders, dating was also a focal point, making it somewhat of a semi-dating show. The planning team had noted in their proposal that this was one of the show’s explosive selling points.

Jiang Tian thought for a moment. “If Sister goes, I’ll go.”

Qi Puzhi looked at her for a while before saying softly, “Do you know what that would mean?”

At least during the show’s broadcast, their names would be tied together. Gossip would run rampant, and CP discussions would surge.

Creating a CP is easy; breaking it apart is hard.

Qi Puzhi had a reputation for being flirtatious. Although many of the rumors were deliberately stirred up by others seeking clout, with Jiang Tian’s level of popularity, there was absolutely no need for her to make such a sacrifice.

Jiang Tian said unhurriedly, “I know, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”

After speaking, she tentatively reached out with her right hand to touch Qi Puzhi’s left hand, which hung by her side. Then, her fingers gently yet irresistibly slipped between the gaps, intertwining their hands until they were fully clasped together.

Qi Puzhi looked at her, fingers twitching restlessly, only for Jiang Tian to tighten her grip.

“Jiejie,” Jiang Tian leaned in closer, her eyes carrying a faint smile, her voice almost hypnotic. “Weren’t you having so much fun teasing me in front of the camera last time?”