“Mr. Gu, this is the training program for the third-phase class. Please take a look.”
“Mr. Gu, Starlight TV’s ‘Dancing Youth’ selection show in June is reserving three spots for our trainees.”
“Mr. Gu, Li Mei, the editor-in-chief of *Today’s News*, called. Do you have time to take her call?”
“Mr. Gu, the vocal coach for Luo Ding’s new album said there are a few pitch issues and would like to discuss them with you…”
“Mr. Gu…” “Mr. Gu…” “Mr. Gu…” “Mr. Gu…”
Gu Yaxing’s head was pounding, surrounded by the constant buzzing of voices. He took the documents sent by various departments into his office, answering calls while ignoring the anxious expressions of those around him, waving them away to leave first. On the other end of the phone, Li Mei, the editor-in-chief of *Today’s News*, chuckled, “Mr. Gu, did I call at a bad time?”
“Of course not,” Gu Yaxing replied warmly. “No matter how busy I am, I always make time for your call, Editor Li.”
Though *Today’s News* isn’t an entertainment newspaper, it’s the most widely circulated local newspaper in the province, with a readership ranging from students and teachers on campus to elderly women in communities, with a massive number of working professionals in between. The reach is impressive.
In the past, Gu Yaxing’s studio didn’t have enough influence to even get a foot in the door to pass on information. But now, the editor-in-chief was calling him directly to discuss work.
This is the reality of the entertainment industry.
Li Mei’s voice softened, “Our reporters spotted Luo Ding at the airport about half an hour ago. Can you give us an exclusive scoop? Why was Luo Ding at the airport? I was planning to meet you for next Tuesday’s interview. Will he be back before then?”
Gu Yaxing laughed, “He’s out for work, of course. As for his schedule, I’ll make sure he stays mindful. He shouldn’t be gone too long, though; he’ll probably be back in a few days.”
Sensing he was being evasive, a lightbulb went off in Li Mei’s mind, “Fashion Week is coming up. Could he be attending a show?”
There was no reason to hide this, so Gu Yaxing decided to be honest. “He was invited by a brand. It’s not purely for the show, though. There’s some other work involved.”
“Wow,” she said enviously. “He’s really soaring to new heights. So many people must be jealous of you having such a rising star.”
Indeed.
After hanging up the phone, Gu Yaxing instructed his new assistant to jot down the time for the dinner arrangement mentioned during the call. He then reviewed some files, signed a few documents, and, as his eyes drifted to the date and time on his computer screen, he suddenly felt a wave of emptiness.
Unconsciously twirling the pen in his hand, he found he could no longer focus on the words. He got up and walked slowly to the window.
Golden sunlight filtered through the window, casting a glow on the dark brown furniture. It wasn’t a floor-to-ceiling window, and the furniture wasn’t particularly high-end. This office, used for over a decade, had the same air of age as the entire Yaxing Studio. Even the bookshelf, bought seven years ago, had never been moved since it was placed.
When he first started this studio, Gu Yaxing had sold two of his properties. To keep the company running smoothly, he sold several more. At one point, aside from this office and the building used for artist accommodations, he had nothing left. Of course, Gu Yaxing had been anxious. After so many years of failure, countless setbacks had worn away his ambitions. Reflecting on his once-glorious moments on stage, he had occasionally doubted whether he had made the right choices.
But now, the results proved that success comes from believing in oneself. He had waited so many years and finally found Luo Ding, who saved him from the abyss.
Even at the peak of his career, Yaxing Studio had never been half as busy as it is now. The power of idols is limitless; one person’s success had led to many others’ victories. Although Gu Yaxing had become Luo Ding’s exclusive manager, he no longer had the time to focus solely on Luo Ding’s affairs. The trainees in the studio were emerging batch by batch, with some already making a name for themselves on talent shows. Even Universal, one of the big players, had tried poaching talents.
But seeing the fate of those who left the studio under Universal’s persuasion, compared to Luo Ding’s massive success at Yaxing Studio, many rookies were no longer merely tempted; they were now more cautious. Universal may have resources, but would they really invest those resources in rookies who didn’t know anything?
Big companies have power and influence, but they also have many talents on hand. At Yaxing Studio, rookies might stand out because there are fewer people to compare them against. These newcomers had arrived at the right time, during the company’s transformation. If they rashly left for minor benefits, they would be squandering the opportunity handed to them by fate.
Once one person decided to stay, others who were still uncertain followed suit and began to stand firm.
The winter at Yaxing Studio had passed, and this group of rising stars had limitless potential. With Luo Ding leading the way, those once lost now had direction. All that remained was to hold tight to the wheel and stay the course.
At thirty-something years old, single and past his prime, at least Gu Yaxing was finally reaping the rewards of his career.
This wasn’t a bad outcome at all.
******
Luo Ding was wearing large sunglasses and a mask, urged on by Wu Fangyuan. Wearing such gear indoors felt overly pretentious, and it easily made him look expressionless. If not for the fear of being recognized at the airport, Luo Ding wouldn’t have bothered with this full-body disguise.
However, his appearance—a tall, handsome young man with his face completely covered, walking with his head down—didn’t make him any less conspicuous. The effect wasn’t much different from him walking around without a mask and yelling, “I’m Luo Ding, trying to stay low-key.”
Passengers inside the terminal couldn’t help but look back at him, though none approached since they couldn’t quite identify him. Luo Ding quietly sat in a corner checking his phone, while Wu Fangyuan, worried about his own standout blond hair, also put on sunglasses and a mask.
Together, the two looked like a pair of well-dressed terrorists.
Naturally, the moment they boarded the plane, the masks came off. Before long, word spread through the first-class cabin that a big star had boarded. Though flight attendants were not supposed to disturb passengers, they passed by Luo Ding’s seat repeatedly, trying to stay calm, but their slightly trembling hands and occasional glances in his direction gave away their excitement.
Other passengers, less restrained, made repeated trips past Luo Ding’s seat under the pretext of using the restroom.
Luo Ding, leaning back with his eyes closed to rest, could hear the constant sound of clothing rustling nearby. It seemed these people were walking incredibly slowly. Opening his eyes, he was met with several pairs of cautious, curious gazes.
They were young men and women.
When Luo Ding’s dark, bright eyes caught theirs, the group stiffened, retreating a few steps as if afraid he might be angry.
Luo Ding smiled and nodded at them, his gaze soft and gentle.
“Ahhhhhhhh!!!” Stifled screams erupted in their throats as the group ran off hand-in-hand like monkeys. After a while, one timidly returned to ask for an autograph.
Of course, Luo Ding obliged. Holding the autograph with his flamboyant signature, a young woman who appeared no older than twenty-five blushed deeply. Before leaving, she stammered, “Luo Ding… I… I… I’m your number one fan! You have to take care of yourself, okay? Eat more, don’t get too skinny, alright?!”
After leaving that not-so-fierce warning, she ran off like a frightened rabbit, clutching the autograph book. Luo Ding stood there for a moment, lost in thought, then quietly smiled.
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