The Vicious Female Supporting Character Goes Viral After Her Masks Drop During the Talent Show - Chapter 14

Ten days ago, in that same bar.

The initial evaluation recording had gone smoothly, and Zhang Jing was excitedly describing Zhong Yan’s performance to Xu You. Xu You listened, nursing a drink, feeling deep regret for missing the live show. He had planned to sneak backstage using his connection with Zhang Jing, but an emergency work matter had ruined his plans.

“Next time, for the first public performance, you must save me a prime seat,” Xu You insisted. “I’ll be there even if it kills me.”

“Consider it done,” Zhang Jing said, rubbing his hands together with ambition. “I’m currently figuring out how to maximize the value of Zhong Yan as a secret weapon. Give me some advice, and I’ll give you the VIP treatment.”

Zhang Jing explained his dilemma. He wanted Zhong Yan to be the Center for the theme song. The Theme Song Center (Initial C) is what fans focus on most before the show officially premieres. If the Center is a complete unknown rather than a pre-show favorite, it sparks massive discussion.

His plan was a two-step “hype” strategy:

Step One: Leak breadcrumbs about this mysterious “Legendary Center” to build curiosity.

Step Two: Once the show airs and her identity as the author “Zhong Yan” is revealed, the hype would explode.

The obstacle? Dingming Entertainment. They were pushing Tian Jingyu for the Center spot. Zhang Jing had already promised it to them before he knew Zhong Yan was a contestant. Now he wanted to go back on his word without making an enemy of the industry giant.

Xu You smirked. “So, you black-hearted businessmen got caught in your own web of insider rules? You’re hoisting yourself by your own petard.”

“In this industry, it’s not easy to stay clean,” Zhang Jing sighed. “Stop joking and help me.”

“I’m not joking,” Xu You said, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light. “Since you’re dealing with a ‘big vat of dye’ (a dirty industry), why not try being a ‘white lotus’ for once?”

Back to the Present

Zhang Jing patted Xu You’s shoulder, still marveling at the plan. “That rule change was brilliant. Let the trainees choose, then blame the outcome on them. A perfect ‘white lotus’ move—clean hands, but I got exactly what I wanted.”

By letting the trainees vote, Zhong Yan’s win was almost guaranteed, achieving Zhang Jing’s goal while giving him a “shield” against Dingming. He could simply tell them, “I tried to help, but the girls didn’t vote for her!” Business isn’t about making friends; it’s about managing interests. As long as they didn’t completely fall out, a bit of tension was manageable.

“The drinks are on me today!” Zhang Jing declared.

Xu You laughed and ordered the most expensive bottle on the menu. After a few rounds, he asked, “Since Dingming is being such a burden, why don’t you find a reason to scrap the management agreement before it’s signed?”

“I want to,” Zhang Jing admitted, “but I need a valid reason—and a better successor.”

The previous producer of Best Boys had family ties to Dingming’s Lu Mingqiu, which was why the management rights always went to them. But Zhang Jing’s research showed that the previous groups were managed poorly: few albums, low quality, unfair resource distribution, and terrible fan relations. The groups peaked at debut and faded into obscurity soon after.

“Have you heard of a manager named Li Xing?” Xu You asked.

“Li Xing? I know her,” Zhang Jing nodded. “She was at Dingming’s artist department. Young, but incredibly capable. She was the one who actually set up their idol department and launched their only truly successful group.”

However, she had been mysteriously transferred to the actors’ department, and the idol groups she left behind slowly withered away.

“She resigned from Dingming two months ago,” Xu You whispered. “Word is she’s found a new backer and is preparing to get back into idol management.”

“Really? I haven’t heard about that,” Zhang Jing said, intrigued. “If we could get Li Xing to handle the debut group, she’d be the perfect alternative to Dingming.”

Dingming Headquarters

Lu Mingqiu was still fuming from his phone call with Zhang Jing. He knew the producer was playing games, but he couldn’t prove it. He stepped into the elevator, only to find the CEO, Lu Tingshen, already inside.

“You look stressed, Director Lu,” Lu Tingshen said coolly.

Lu Mingqiu forced a smile. He suddenly remembered a more important objective. “Tingshen, do you have a moment? I’d like to talk.”

“Coincidentally, I have something to discuss with you as well.”

They went to the CEO’s office. Lu Tingshen got straight to the point. “Do you remember Li Xing from the artist department?”

Lu Mingqiu stiffened. “The one who resigned two months ago? Yeah.”

“Her resignation happened just before I returned to the country. Why did she leave?”

“Young people today can’t handle hard work,” Lu Mingqiu lied. “She complained about overtime and wanted weekends off. Typical millennial excuses.”

“Is that so?” Lu Tingshen leaned forward, his gaze icy. “Then why did you transfer her out of the idol department three years ago when she was their most successful manager, only to have her manage bottom-tier actors?”

Lu Mingqiu looked away. He had hated Li Xing because she was too independent and constantly questioned his authority. He had demoted her to put her in her place.

Lu Tingshen was furious. He had been looking for a replacement for the incompetent Lu Mingqiu and had identified Li Xing as a top-tier talent. Discovering that she had resigned just as he took over was a massive blow. He had even tried to hire her back with an open checkbook, but she had refused, saying she already had a “better place.”

“So, Director Lu,” Lu Tingshen pressed, “you admit your ‘mismanagement’ led to the loss of top-tier talent and a decline in company performance?”

Usually, Lu Mingqiu would fight back. But today, he chose to “endure humiliation for a greater purpose.” He put on a look of fake remorse. “Yes… it was my oversight. I will reflect on it.”

Lu Tingshen was surprised. The old man had never been this reasonable. “Are you done? Because I have something to say,” Lu Mingqiu said with a fawning smile.

“What is it?”

“Nephew,” Lu Mingqiu said, “I’d like to introduce you to a girl. I think it’s time you saw someone else.”