The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 24

Huh?

Yu Youqing never expected such a response. Who exactly was this investor? Her curiosity was piqued immensely.

The shock was so great that Yu Youqing stood frozen for a long moment without reacting.

She asked, “Just that one sentence?”

“Yep, just that.” Lin Xuqiao put away her phone with a smile. “As long as you don’t go too far, the company can handle it for you. And even if you do make some big news,  wouldn’t that just help you skyrocket to fame overnight?”

Yu Youqing had rushed to see Lin Xuqiao precisely because she feared her actions might affect the company. But judging by Lin Xuqiao’s tone, it seemed they weren’t worried at all.

She felt relieved.

“Can I meet the investor?” Yu Youqing hesitated.

Lin Xuqiao chuckled, “She’s very busy. You’ll have your chance in the future.”

Yu Youqing thought this investor was being excessively kind.

First rescuing her from her former agency, then seemingly not demanding much in return, even allowing her to stir up trouble. Yu Youqing found it hard to believe there were purely good people in this industry mutual benefits were what put her at ease.

But since Lin Xuqiao had said so, she didn’t press further and left.

Lin Xuqiao’s phone buzzed with Jiang Musheng’s name. Answering, she heard a calm voice ask, “What happened?”

“Didn’t see any real conflict with Ye Jibai. Nothing major.” Lin Xuqiao found it amusing. “Since when do you care so much? Seems like you’re quite concerned about my artist.”

Jiang Musheng ignored her friend’s teasing and continued, “Ye Miaoyi from the Ye family is her friend. Ye Miaoyi founded Wind, but the Ye family gave Wind to Ye Jibai.”

“Oh, I see! Wait, what? That’s not right. Hold on, how do you even know all this?”

After a pause, Jiang Musheng said, “That’s all for now. Bye.”

Lin Xuqiao was left bewildered. She’d thought Jiang Musheng, who was usually absorbed in work, wouldn’t know anything, but it seemed Jiang Musheng knew everything.

After returning, Yu Youqing saw Wind’s official announcement naming Cheng Shunzhu as their new ambassador.

She glanced at it casually. The speed of the announcement made her suspect that the earlier dinner invitation had just been a formality.

Still, she hadn’t given Ye Jibai any face when leaving, so this outcome wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Before she could put her phone down, Cheng Shunzhu messaged her again. His anxious tone amused her. New to the industry, he carried an endearing naivety that Yu Youqing recognized as genuine.

He reminded her of herself when she’d first started, which was why she’d interacted with him more on set.

Cheng Shunzhu: [Sis! I really didn’t expect it to be me. I was called to that dinner last minute by my manager. I wasn’t trying to steal your endorsement!]

Cheng Shunzhu: [Sis, what are you up to?]

Cheng Shunzhu: [Are you mad? [crying]]

Cheng Shunzhu: [peeking.jpg]

Yu Youqing replied: [It’s fine, I know it wasn’t you. Congrats on the new gig]

She was thinking about Ye Miaoyi’s situation. Although Ye Miaoyi had said they could just abandon the brand and start anew, it was clear she was deeply reluctant to let it go.

Wanting to help Ye Miaoyi was partly for her own sake as well. If the brand returned to Ye Miaoyi’s hands, it would secure a path for herself too. There was no doubt that Wind had excellent prospects, it might even become a top-tier brand someday. Such resources weren’t something just anyone could easily access.

Right now, what they needed was to find a top-notch lawyer to wrest Wind from the Ye family’s control.

Unfortunately, given the Ye family’s influence, few lawyers dared to challenge them, and those who did came with hefty fees. Ye Miaoyi had poured all her liquid assets into the brand, leaving her in an awkward financial bind.

Yu Youqing checked her bank balance and counted her savings.

This was all the money she had earned recently.

It was enough to cover the initial fees for a top-tier lawyer, but spending it all would mean starting from scratch again in her plan to leave the industry.

No matter, Yu Youqing consoled herself. It was for greater gains in the future and for her best friend. What was a little sacrifice?

She transferred the money to Ye Miaoyi.

That evening, Ye Miaoyi invited Yu Youqing to meet at the same bar.

Yu Youqing had initially wanted to suggest another place after all, it was where she had suffered that embarrassing moment in front of Jiang Musheng. But since that bar offered the best privacy, she agreed.

The moment she met Ye Miaoyi in the pulsating rhythm of the bar, Yu Youqing exhaled deeply and removed her mask, revealing a fair, makeup-free face.

Even under the dim, flickering lights, her features carried a subtle allure.

They were in a private booth on the second floor, so there was no need to worry about eavesdroppers.

“Why did you transfer so much at once? I know how hard you worked for this money. Let me send it back,we can figure something else out.” Ye Miaoyi pushed a cocktail toward Yu Youqing, her brows furrowed. “Don’t drain yourself dry just to help me.”

Yu Youqing downed half the glass in one go, her gaze steady. “Didn’t you empty your pockets to help me before?”

Before Yu Youqing had been scouted into the entertainment industry, her family had been in a tough spot, and Ye Miaoyi had always stood by her.

Ye Miaoyi shook her head. “That was different.”

“It’s the same. Keep the money. You will get Wind back, and once you’re the official boss, won’t I have easy access to endorsements?” Yu Youqing grinned, clinking her glass against Ye Miaoyi’s. “No need for formalities between us.”

Ye Miaoyi’s eyes glistened briefly before hardening with resolve. “Alright! So what if it’s Ye Jibai? We beat him up as kids, we can still make him piss his pants now.”

Seeing Ye Miaoyi regain her fighting spirit, Yu Youqing relaxed. Ye Miaoyi leaned in and added, “You know what? Ye Jibai’s here at the bar tonight. He invited some actress to hang out.”

Seeing Ye Miaoyi’s expression, Yu Youqing sensed that she might actually know this female celebrity, so she followed up with a question, “Who is it?”

“Liang Yitang.”

Ye Miaoyi scoffed. “I only found out today when I overheard Ye Jibai’s secretary reporting Liang Yitang’s schedule to him after work. Since I know you two have history, I kept an eye out.”

“Wind only signed Cheng Shunzhu as a seasonal brand ambassador, but his popularity has skyrocketed, and the brand’s value is about to double. So Liang Yitang’s team is eager to get in touch, Ye Jibai wants to sign her for the next season.”

Yu Youqing: “Ye Jibai called her to this kind of place to discuss a contract?”

“It’s just his usual excuse to mess around with female celebrities. My parents spoiled him rotten, he’s completely lawless, rotten to the core. Summoning her here late at night. Liang Yitang’s an omega, isn’t she? He has plenty of ways to make her comply.”

Yu Youqing thought for a moment before asking, “Which private room? Is she already here?”

“You’re not thinking of stepping in to help Liang Yitang, are you?” Ye Miaoyi was shocked. “Even if this blows up, it won’t be a good look, the Ye family will just cover it up.”

“I’m not that charitable. But I do have a way to turn this to our advantage might even save us a lot of money. Come here.” Yu Youqing leaned in and whispered into Ye Miaoyi’s ear. As she listened, Ye Miaoyi’s expression gradually lost control before she finally froze, staring at Yu Youqing in disbelief. “You’re something else!”

“Then let’s go.” Yu Youqing’s smile didn’t waver. “If I could beat him up as a kid, I can still do it now.”

Outside the VIP entrance of the bar, a low-key van pulled up.

But the person stepping out was anything but low-key wearing high heels as if immune to the cold, her legs flashing beneath the sway of her skirt, leaving a trail of perfume in her wake.

Liang Yitang’s face was mostly hidden behind oversized sunglasses, but her entire appearance was meticulously polished.

Her assistant trailed behind, carrying her expensive coat, unease creeping into her voice. “Tangtang, is this really okay? If Manager Zhao finds out.”

“Shut it! How would she know unless you blab?” Liang Yitang snorted. “And so what if she does? I’m just seizing an opportunity, don’t you get it?”

The assistant hesitated. “But I still feel like it’s a bit risk. Don’t you think? We don’t know what President Ye’s deal is, and we didn’t bring any security.”

Though Liang Yitang wasn’t some unknown rookie, President Ye was still part of the investor circle, the kind of man who could easily exploit unspoken rules.

“What’s there to be afraid of? We have a backup plan.” Liang Yitang wasn’t stupid. She lowered her voice. “I didn’t come here discreetly. This bar is always crawling with celebrities, you think there aren’t paparazzi lurking around? If anything happens, let them snap all the photos they want!”

Too engrossed in their conversation, neither Liang Yitang nor her assistant noticed someone approaching.

Just as Liang Yitang was about to ascend the stairs, a lazy voice called out from behind.

“You really shouldn’t go.”

The voice was all too familiar. Liang Yitang whipped around, her expression twisting with undisguised irritation the moment she recognized the face before her. “What are you doing here?!”

“……” Yu Youqing couldn’t be bothered to say more to Liang Yitang. She was just here to give a warning. “Believe it or not, it’s up to you.”

“You’re deliberately trying to provoke me, aren’t you?” Seeing Yu Youqing drop this cryptic remark and turn to leave, Liang Yitang immediately felt irritated. Having climbed the stairs together, she knew Yu Youqing was also here for entertainment and followed her, demanding, “What do you mean? Explain yourself clearly!”

Yu Youqing glanced at her. “I’ve already told you, it’s best if you don’t go.”

From the tone, Liang Yitang could tell Yu Youqing probably knew why she was here. After all, resources in this industry were never a secret, those with capability got them, no matter the means.

“You’re just afraid that if I land this endorsement, things will get even harder for you, aren’t you?” Provoked by Yu Youqing, Liang Yitang became even more determined to secure the deal. “Let me tell you, you can’t compete with me!”

Yu Youqing shrugged. “I know Ye Jibai better than you do. If you won’t listen, suit yourself.”

She quickly walked toward another private room.

Liang Yitang was in a foul mood. Yu Youqing’s interruption had left her deeply unsettled. But between Yu Youqing’s words and her assistant’s earlier warnings, a sliver of unease crept into her heart.

She texted her assistant to wait outside with backup, ready to intervene if anything went wrong, before pushing the door open.

–

Ye Miaoyi immediately approached when she saw Yu Youqing return. “Did it go well?”

“Perfectly. She didn’t listen to me, just as expected.” Yu Youqing exchanged a knowing look with Ye Miaoyi. “But she did take some heed, she had her assistant and paparazzi on standby. The rest is up to your financial prowess.”

“No problem, leave it to me. I guarantee Ye Jibai won’t slip away this time.” A glint of excitement flickered in Ye Miaoyi’s eyes as she checked her phone. “Just thinking about that little bastard’s priceless expression makes me want to laugh.”

Yu Youqing smirked but said nothing.

After about twenty minutes, Ye Miaoyi looked up from her phone. “Let’s go!”

Yu Youqing stood. “He’s that impatient? Only twenty minutes. How ungentlemanly.”

“He’s the kind of alpha who’s just plain pathetic utter trash.” Ye Miaoyi walked out with Yu Youqing. Though the private rooms weren’t far apart and the soundproofing was decent, they could still hear the commotion from inside as they approached.

The sound of a glass shattering on the floor echoed out.

When Yu Youqing pushed the door open, she saw Ye Jibai gripping Liang Yitang’s wrist, forcefully pulling her back.

Well, well. Resorting to force already?

Liang Yitang had knocked over the drink Ye Jibai handed her, prompting his furious outburst: “Don’t you dare disrespect me like this!”

The cold liquid splashed onto her feet. Liang Yitang knew all too well that drinking it would have led to irreversible consequences. Beneath the table, she sent a message on her phone.

But even if she gathered evidence and called for help, what then? With the Ye family’s influence, suppressing such a scandal would be child’s play, wouldn’t it?

Ye Jibai sneered as he approached Liang Yitang. “Miss Liang, didn’t you want to be the spokesperson? Since you desire these things for yourself, naturally you should be prepared to pay the price.”

“Stay back! President Ye, aren’t you afraid I’ll expose all this?” Liang Yitang retreated step by step.

Ye Jibai strode forward and seized Liang Yitang’s shoulder. His previously refined face had lost all gentleness, now looking at her like an ant struggling underfoot. He said leisurely, “Expose me? Go ahead and try. You’re not the first naive woman to say such things to me.”

Panic surged through Liang Yitang like tidal waves. Suddenly, she remembered Yu Youqing’s warning when they’d met, why hadn’t she listened when that damned woman told her not to come?

Wait, in that lightning flash of realization, she also recalled Yu Youqing saying, “I know exactly what kind of person Ye Jibai is.” This wasn’t his first time? Had he done this to Yu Youqing before?

The thought struck her: was Yu Youqing’s current miserable state because she’d offended the Ye family before?

Countless thoughts raced through Liang Yitang’s mind, but regret dominated them all. Since her debut, everything had gone smoothly, she’d always been the one giving others attitude, never the one suffering losses.

When Ye Jibai reached out to grab her, his alpha pheromones overwhelmed her at close range, leaving Liang Yitang completely immobilized.

It’s over!
Then the door opened.

Liang Yitang saw Yu Youqing’s face.

Had she come to laugh at her? What perfect timing for mockery!

But the next second, Yu Youqing charged forward and delivered a vicious punch to Ye Jibai’s nose, sending him stumbling back two steps. Clutching his nose in disbelief, he shouted, “Yu Youqing! How dare you hit me!”

As Ye Jibai retreated, his people moved to intervene only for three paparazzi with camera equipment to burst in behind them. Camera flashes erupted simultaneously as Ye Miaoyi expertly closed the private room’s door.

Yu Youqing stepped forward again and delivered a resounding slap across Ye Jibai’s face, smiling as she said, “What if I hit you? It’s hardly the first time.”

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