Chapter 119: The Bashful Zhou Not-Easy

"Actually, there is a way to have the best of both worlds!"

"And it's a win-win in terms of both fortune and romance!"

Su Bai looked at Yang Mimi, slightly confused.

Yang Mimi giggled and said, "As far as I know, President Zhou of Xingyue Media has only one daughter: Zhou Yanran."

"So, as long as you win over Zhou Yanran, the entire Xingyue Media will essentially become yours!"

"Would you still need to worry about one problem or another?"

"Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

"You get massive resources, and you get a beautiful young lady like Zhou Yanran!"

"You'll be winning on all fronts!"

"And they won't have to worry about you defecting one day, either!"

After saying this, Yang Mimi chuckled and looked at Su Bai.

Su Bai waved his hand, speechless. What kind of insane logic was this? It was completely unreliable.

"If you don't like that, there's no other way!"

"You'll just have to take a gamble!"

"Or, you can just keep developing as you are right now."

"I will help you with whatever strength I have."

Hearing this, Su Bai felt a wave of warmth in his heart. He knew that although Yang Mimi’s words sounded a bit casual, they were absolutely sincere.

Yang Mimi still had one last backup plan she didn't mention: if Su Bai failed at everything, it wouldn't matter. Her studio would always be open to him. But she didn't say it now, as it might sound too suggestive.

While others might think Su Bai was finished, Yang Mimi believed he couldn't be, unless someone with immense power stepped in to blacklist him. Su Bai's talent was evident to everyone in the industry; how could someone like him fail? Moreover, Su Bai was the quintessential all-around idol—handsome, fit, a great singer, a skilled arranger, and talented in martial arts as well. He had all the elements for a triple-threat career. If she were to manage him, she would package him as an artist who excelled in singing, acting, and variety shows.

"Can you be more serious? What kind of terrible advice is that?"

Yang Mimi burst into laughter. "The recording for 'Light of Tomorrow' starts in a few days. Can you still perform with your hand like that?"

Su Bai patted his chest. "Forget a few days; even if it started today, I could do it."

"It’s not that bad. I was the one who inflicted it on myself, could I really go that hard?"

"I can be discharged later today!"

"I know my own condition better than anyone!"

When Yang Mimi heard Su Bai wanted to be discharged, she flatly refused, insisting he stay for a few more days of injections to avoid infection. Su Bai had to engage in a heated debate, and only after he promised to return every day for anti-inflammatory shots did she finally agree.

Back at the company, when Song Liang heard the purpose of Zhou Yanran's visit, he fell silent. To be honest, it was impossible not to hold a grudge against her. After all, he had worked diligently for Xingyue Media for so many years, only to be cast aside by Zhou Yanran the moment she wanted to please Huisi Capital. If he hadn't happened to meet Su Bai, who was also in a precarious situation, he didn't know what his fate would be—perhaps he would have just wasted the rest of his life.

Now, because Huisi Capital was targeting Xingyue Media, she was coming back to him. If it were just up to him, he would be ten thousand times unwilling. But Song Liang knew she was here for Su Bai, not for him. Refusing her outright would seem selfish.

Finally, Song Liang said, "It’s not that we can’t cooperate, but we must be vigilant."

"Just as you worried, if they pull the rug out from under us, we’ll be in an awkward position."

"Especially you—you’ve signed a contract with a new company. Don't let a piece of paper restrict your development."

"If it becomes a burden, the costs will outweigh the benefits."

"So, even if you sign with the new company, don't sign a long-term contract. The moment you see them preparing to pull back, sign back with our Tiancheng Entertainment immediately."

"In the meantime, we can use this period to accelerate the development of Tiancheng Entertainment!"

"After all, Tiancheng Entertainment is your home base!"

Su Bai nodded, agreeing with Song Liang. He had considered a lot, and for now, the strategy Zhou Yanran proposed was indeed the most beneficial for his development. In reality, any choice for Su Bai currently involved a gamble. Once you sign with any company, no one can guarantee they will continue to provide you with abundant resources if you stop being popular. The entertainment industry is essentially very realistic: if you have utility and can make money for the company, you get resources. If you have no value and generate no economic benefit, no one will invest in you.

However, Su Bai was in no rush to finalize things with Zhou Yanran. Dragging it out a bit was beneficial for him. At the very least, he could use his fame to boost Zhou Buyi first. Su Bai believed in Zhou Buyi's strength. Even if he didn't sign with Tiancheng Entertainment, with Zhou Buyi as the pillar of the company, Tiancheng wouldn't look too bad.

Thinking of Zhou Buyi, Su Bai called him over.

Upon entering Su Bai’s office, Zhou Buyi appeared very reserved. He fidgeted with his fingers, clearly nervous.

Su Bai smiled and said, "Xiao Zhou, sit down!"

Zhou Buyi perched lightly on the sofa, sitting up very straight.

Su Bai said kindly, "No need to be nervous."

"I called you here today to discuss the upcoming recording of 'Light of Tomorrow'!"

"Before we talk, could you sing a song you're confident in?"

Zhou Buyi became even more nervous. He hadn't been this tense during his interview with Song Liang, but hearing Su Bai ask to hear him sing made his heart race.

He said somewhat uneasily, "President Su, well... I only sing the songs I write myself, and I don't have my guitar with me right now!"

Before he could finish, Su Bai took the guitar from behind him and handed it to Zhou Buyi.

"Use mine!"

Zhou Buyi looked at Su Bai in disbelief. For many musicians, a guitar is like a second life and is not easily lent out. Seeing Su Bai offer it so readily, he couldn't help but feel moved.

"Thank you... thank you..." Zhou Buyi kept repeating.

"This song is one I wrote for my older sister when she got married!"

"So it's titled 'My Sister's Wedding'!"

"If there’s anything that sounds off, I hope Teacher Su can point it out!"

Zhou Buyi was extremely careful and cautious. When he first entered, he called Su Bai "President Su"—the proper title for an employee to a boss. But the moment he picked up the guitar, Su Bai became "Teacher Su." Because, in Zhou Buyi’s heart, Su Bai was now his mentor on his musical path.