2010, spring.

"Qi Lin, this is the contract drafted by the company," Gu Liangyuan, the artist director of Xinghuo Media, pushed a document across the table. "A five-year contract, a 40/60 revenue split, and the title of champion of 'Happy Boys'."

After speaking, he leaned back in his leather seat, gazing out the window at the towering buildings of the China World Trade Center, which appeared and disappeared in the spring mist.

"With these conditions, you won't find another place like it in the entire city of Beijing."

Across from the desk sat a young man with rosy lips and white teeth, his skin radiating a healthy glow.

Zhang Qilin looked at the contract in front of him, somewhat surprised.

Compared to the industry's typical ten-year contracts for newcomers, this contract is incredibly generous.

Add to that the chance of becoming an overnight sensation, and how many people could remain unmoved?

If the original owner were sitting here, they would have already signed the papers without hesitation.

But he wasn't.

He comes from Earth and is a crisis public relations professional.

I just helped a stupid boss resolve a public relations crisis caused by a rash decision.

I went home to rest, and when I opened my eyes again, I was here.

Based on the original owner's memories and his exploration over the past few days, he discovered that this world is highly similar to Earth, and many celebrities are quite alike.

Perhaps, it's a parallel universe.

Because the two worlds are so similar, the contract in front of him felt unreal.

When did entertainment companies become so benevolent?

To verify his doubts, he concentrated and focused his mind.

A surge of light filled his mind, and a virtual compass, imbued with ancient charm, appeared before him.

A smooth and translucent white jade divination tube floats in the center of the compass, surrounded by twelve miniature stars that glow dimly, like stars around the moon.

【Celestial Compass】

This is the ability he gained after waking up.

After multiple verifications, the information given by the compass in each divination was very accurate, which made him trust the compass very much.

With a thought, he activated the divination sticks.

However, the divination sticks did not turn, but instead sent a message:

The signing of the contract is considered a moderately lucky event, exceeding the scope of the "Daily Divination" prediction.

You need to unlock the higher-level "Asking for Directions" skill.

Alternatively, you can combine the four daily divination slips to exchange for a simple divination (once a month).

After a moment's thought, Zhang Qilin chose to perform a simple divination.

The compass shimmered with light, and the runes on the surface of the divination tube flickered.

A message appeared before Zhang Qilin's eyes:

[Medium to low fortune: A mirage, fortune and misfortune are intertwined, ominous. (Successfully averting misfortune, reward: 1 fragment of the "Passerby Popularity" destiny)]

Indeed, all crows are black.

He wasn't a law student and couldn't see the hidden traps in the contract.

But when I was on Earth, I witnessed many celebrity contract disputes. They made all sorts of grand promises when they signed the contracts, but when it came to actually carrying them out, they showed a completely different face.

For example, that artist known for her sweet image eventually broke ties with her company due to contract issues, causing a huge uproar.

"Qi Lin, is there anything you don't understand?"

Gu Liangyuan's concerned voice interrupted Zhang Qilin's thoughts.

He looked up and met Gu Liangyuan's kind smile.

A surprised smile appeared on Zhang Qilin's face:

"President Gu, I have no doubts. I didn't expect the company to offer me such a good contract."

Gu Liangyuan stared at the expression on Zhang Qilin's face, his voice still gentle:

"You are someone I have high hopes for. I will offer you the best treatment and treat you with sincerity. The company hopes to cooperate with you long-term. Since there are no problems, I will call the legal department to sign the contract."

Zhang Qilin's face timely revealed a troubled expression:

"Mr. Gu, I'm very satisfied with the contract, but I... can't sign it yet."

Gu Liangyuan's smile froze.

Based on his understanding of Zhang Qilin, he was certain that the other party would readily sign the contract given such favorable terms.

He hadn't expected to be rejected and even wondered if he had misheard.

He quickly composed himself, put on a kind smile again, and spoke in a voice as gentle as an elder's:

"Qi Lin, what did you just say? I didn't hear you clearly."

Zhang Qilin's face showed just the right amount of guilt:

"As you know, my hometown places great importance on formal employment status. My family said that if I could pass the exam and get a formal position at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, they would agree to my pursuing a career in the music industry."

Gu Liangyuan cursed inwardly, but outwardly maintained a posture of considering Zhang Qilin's best interests:

"Qi Lin, do you know how rare this opportunity is? If you just nod your head, you'll be a top star in the music industry in six months. You'll have status, fame, and wealth. Isn't that much more promising than a government job?"

"In the entertainment industry, fame comes early. If you miss this opportunity, who knows how many years you'll have to wait for the next one. Besides, once you become a top star, we can easily get you into the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Isn't that easier than you struggling to get in now?"

"President Gu, I also consulted Teacher Wang's opinion. She also suggested that I take the exam now. She said that the Beijing People's Art Theatre values ​​basic skills the most and is the best place to hone acting skills. Becoming famous too early will not give you time to hone your acting skills, which is not good for your long-term development."

"Qi Lin," Gu Liangyuan leaned forward, his expression unusually sincere, "I don't agree with your teacher's point of view. Acting skills are honed through practice. Isn't learning face-to-face with those award-winning actors on set much more effective than your methodical learning?"

Zhang Qilin feigned a hesitant expression:

"Mr. Gu, but my family is quite traditional. They always feel that a government job is the only secure one, and that the entertainment industry is too unstable. My dad even said that not taking the government job exam is unfilial..."

When Gu Liangyuan saw that Zhang Qilin had even brought up filial piety, he knew that he could no longer persuade him.

For thousands of years, the Chinese people have regarded filial piety as the most important virtue.

Entertainment companies value their reputation above all else, and even if they wanted Zhang Qilin to sign a contract, they couldn't afford to give others cause for criticism on such a matter of principle.

So he settled for second best:

"In that case, let's sign the contract first. Once you pass the exam and get a permanent position, your acting work can be arranged flexibly according to your schedule, and the company will fully cooperate with you."

"President Gu, I think it would be better to wait until after the exam and consult with the Beijing People's Art Theatre before signing," Zhang Qilin said with an expression of concern for the company. "The company has always considered my needs, and I can't let the company suffer losses."

Gu Liangyuan looked at Zhang Qilin with a forced smile:

"Qi Lin, have other companies approached you? Don't be fooled. Xinghuo Media's strength and resources in the music industry are far beyond what those small companies can match."

Zhang Qilin maintained a sincere expression on his face:

"Mr. Gu, you've misunderstood. No other company has approached me. I'm well aware of Xinghuo's capabilities. If I want to develop my career in the music industry, I will only sign with Xinghuo Media."

Gu Liangyuan scrutinized Zhang Qilin with sharp eyes.

A moment later, he laughed again, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Qi Lin, since we've come this far, we'll do as you wish. The company's doors are always open to you. I hope you'll make the right choice."

Zhang Qilin quickly stood up and bowed:

"Mr. Gu, thank you for your understanding and support. I'll be going now."

As the door closed, Gu Liangyuan's smile vanished instantly. He picked up his phone and expertly dialed a number.

After the call connected, his expression became respectful:

"Mr. Li..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was coldly interrupted by a deep voice on the other end of the phone:

"All signed?"

"He..." Gu Liangyuan's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, "...refused."

"What!!" Mr. Li's voice suddenly rose, "They refused!"

"Yes...yes."

"reason?"

His family wants him to take the civil service exam first.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, and Gu Liangyuan could even hear his own nervous heartbeat.

After a moment, Mr. Li's voice came again:

"Didn't you clearly explain the benefits of signing the contract to him? Didn't you make him understand which has a better future: becoming an overnight sensation or taking the civil service exam?"

"I've said everything I needed to say, but people from Shandong always value government positions above all else. He even tried to pressure me by bringing up filial piety..."

"Useless!" President Li roared. "I promised those bosses I would train Zhang Qilin and send him over, and now you're telling me he went to take the civil service exam?"

"Mr. Li, since he won't sign, I can't force him to comply. Do you think we could replace him with Ren Weiyi...?"

"Ren Weiyi?" President Li scoffed. "His appearance and demeanor make him look like a lackey next to Zhang Qilin. If I were to offer him up to those bosses, wouldn't that ruin Xinghuo's reputation? How would we raise funds in the future?"

"But Zhang Qilin won't sign the contract..."

"You should have signed his film and television training contract back then, and we wouldn't be in this passive position now."

Gu Liangyuan was speechless for a moment.

Zhang Qilin paid training fees when he came to the company, and both parties clearly agreed that the company would only be responsible for music-related matters.

He had reported this matter before, but now it has become his responsibility again.

But faced with Mr. Li's questioning, he could only honestly take the blame.

After Mr. Li finished complaining, there was a moment of silence on the other end of the line.

A short while later, Mr. Li's voice rang out again, his tone ruthless:

"We can't afford to offend the current director of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, you know what I mean?"

"Understood, Mr. Li. Then...Ren Weiyi?"

"Let's use him as a pet to amuse those bosses for now. You should get Zhang Qilin's matter sorted out as soon as possible."

"Yes, Mr. Li, about Ren Weiyi's contract..."

"ten years……"

……

While waiting for the elevator, Zhang Qilin saw a line of information:

[Successfully avoided misfortune, Luck Value +5, Popularity Fragment +1]

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