CH 70

Agent 07

With too many arriving guests, Xin Lan hadn’t found her target yet. Instead, she recognized familiar faces first.

A familiar producer came over to say hello. After chatting for a while, he took her to meet other people.

This was an invaluable opportunity, so Xin Lan had Zero Nine take note of Qin Yuyan’s position and followed the introducer.

While adjusting the corners of her own dress, Qin Susu inadvertently caught a profile.

“Hey, sis, look, isn’t that the person you thought looked familiar that day?”

Because that person was more attractive and had a higher recognition factor, Qin Susu remembered them even after just a few glances, recognizing that profile.

The moment Qin Susu spoke, Qin Yuyan seemed to sense something and turned her gaze in a certain direction, spotting that figure.

The spotlight was on her; Qin Yuyan was on the second floor, not far from them. Her vision was keen, allowing her to clearly see the fair and rounded shoulder and the beautiful profile of that person.

The surrounding sounds suddenly quieted down, and in that moment, she could only hear the sound of her own heartbeat echoing in her eardrums.

After returning that day, a vague figure appeared in her dreams, and a voice was saying something to her. She vaguely understood but upon waking up, she couldn’t recall it at all.

She remembered that face but didn’t know the name.

She had initially thought it would be just that, a passing moment in the crowd, a fleeting encounter that would come to nothing. However, she hadn’t expected there would be a reunion.

At the moment of reunion, a peculiar feeling welled up in her heart once again.

It was strange, yet not unwelcome.

“She’s here. Maybe she’s someone from our circle that we’ve interacted with before. You saw her, so you remember. It’s just that you can’t recall it, which makes her seem familiar.”

Qin Yuyan felt it was possible, as she genuinely couldn’t recall where she had seen her before, yet there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity and closeness.

“My mom is calling us. Let’s not keep staring. After all, she’s a guest here. We can always ask for her contact information if you want to get to know her.”

Qin Susu felt like she had just uttered something meaningless in the end. Judging by the way her sister was looking, it was clear she wanted to make acquaintance.

What’s so special about her?

Curiously, Qin Susu stole a few more glances. The person seemed pretty and assertive. If it were a handsome guy, she could understand, but it didn’t make sense to fixate on a girl, no matter how attractive she was.

Confused, Qin Susu held Qin Yuyan’s hand and went to find their mother.

The banquet soon began formally. Since the elderly lady had a background in drama, tonight’s celebration included performances by her apprentices and grandchildren to mark the occasion.

The scene was somewhat discordant. While it was normal to have theatrical performances in a traditional Chinese courtyard, the audience consisted mostly of people dressed in formal attire and suits, creating a somewhat surreal sense of temporal displacement.

The understanding of drama varies for different people. Those unfamiliar with it might not be interested, but there is a certain beauty to it that can be appreciated by those who know. Every gesture, every expression carries a charm.

In reality, many celebrities present didn’t understand or appreciate the performance, but saving face was a universal practice. Holding their wine glasses, they applauded the stage performances, contributing to a sense of conviviality between hosts and guests.

Of course, the birthday banquet for the elderly lady proceeded according to her preferences.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren successively offered their birthday wishes. Among them, Xin Lan saw the person she had been hoping to see.

Given the advanced age of the elderly lady, her energy was limited, and she couldn’t endure too long. After expressing her gratitude to all the arriving guests, she was assisted in retiring.

With this, the first half of the banquet came to a close, and another type of high-society gathering began in earnest.

Xin Lan’s intentions were clear; she approached her target while holding a glass of red wine.

However, it was evident that Xin Lan wasn’t the only one interested in getting to know Qin Yuyan.

Qin Yuyan was surrounded by many people. She was dressed in a burgundy dress today, which complemented her fair skin. Her hair was pinned up behind her head with a wooden hairpin, and a few strands of delicate hair framed her temples, adding a touch of maturity to her appearance.

This was different from her on-screen image. She had started as a child star and later portrayed the youthful side of a girl when she took on acting roles. When appearing on variety shows, she exuded a refined and elegant aura distinct from the others.

Now, her attire was elegant and confident, radiating a different kind of beauty.

After a short while, Qin Yuyan spotted Xin Lan standing outside the crowd, holding a glass of wine and leaning against a small table while watching her. Their gazes met suddenly, and the corners of Qin Yuyan’s mouth curved slightly upward. Xin Lan nodded at her, a form of greeting.

Qin Yuyan didn’t have much interest in engaging in conversations with the others around her. Using the excuse of needing to visit the restroom, she walked away from the crowd.

Xin Lan kept her eyes on her, and when she saw Qin Yuyan heading for the restroom, Xin Lan set down her own wine glass and followed.

Inside the restroom, Qin Yuyan was washing her hands, but her peripheral vision remained fixed on the entrance.

Did she just catch her eye signal a moment ago?

Qin Yuyan felt somewhat uncertain. What if Xin Lan hadn’t seen her gaze?

How about signaling again when she goes out?

No, wait, since they’re both outside, it’s better to approach directly.

But how should she start the conversation?

What’s the right way to say hello in the first sentence to avoid making it awkward?

Meeting again… No, that sounds too casual.

What a coincidence, didn’t expect to see you here… No, that sounds too contrived, especially considering it’s her grandmother’s birthday party.

As Qin Yuyan’s mind was in a whirl, she heard the sound of high heels clicking.

Her heart tightened. It was indeed that person.

The person arrived beside her, and Qin Yuyan’s body tensed almost imperceptibly.

Say something!

Qin Yuyan urged herself in her mind to start the conversation quickly, but inexplicably, her mouth seemed sealed shut, as if something was preventing her from uttering a single word.

“Thank you for the water the other day.”

Xin Lan said,

“You’re the little goddess that the entire entertainment industry has been waiting to grow up. How could I not know who you are?”

Xin Lan said with a smile, causing Qin Yuyan to feel a bit embarrassed.

“Those are all exaggerated by the media. I feel really embarrassed when you put it that way.”

Qin Yuyan blushed slightly at Xin Lan’s playful teasing.

Many child stars are known for their good looks when they’re young. Some media outlets often claim that the entire entertainment industry is eagerly anticipating their growth into full-fledged idols. However, if they don’t grow up as expected, it’s certain to be used for sensational headlines in the future.

looking at Qin Yuyan’s profile.

“You’re welcome,” Qin Yuyan responded hastily, then paused. “On that day, did you know who I was?”

Qin Yuyan hadn’t initially thought of this aspect, but seeing Xin Lan’s expression, it was too natural – both the greeting and the gratitude. It wasn’t hard for her to imagine that from the first moment they met, Xin Lan already knew who she was.

“I’m not exaggerating, you’re really remarkable.”

Xin Lan wiped her hands and smiled at Qin Yuyan.

“Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Xin Lan, a talent manager at StarMap Entertainment. Xin Lan, the ‘Xin’ from ‘Lixi Xin’ and the ‘Lan’ from ‘Shanfeng Lan,'” Xin Lan extended her hand in a handshake gesture.

“Qin Yuyan, I believe you’ve probably already thoroughly researched my information before coming here.”

“I’m not exaggerating, you’re really remarkable.”

Xin Lan wiped her hands and smiled at Qin Yuyan.

“Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Xin Lan, a talent manager at StarMap Entertainment. Xin Lan, the ‘Xin’ from ‘Lixi Xin’ and the ‘Lan’ from ‘Shanfeng Lan.'”

Xin Lan extended her hand in a handshake gesture.

“Qin Yuyan, I believe you’ve probably already thoroughly researched my information before coming here.”

Qin Yuyan returned the handshake, their hands separating as soon as they made contact.

Qin Yuyan wasn’t naive. Xin Lan was a talent manager, and even if she didn’t have the intention to sign her, she would definitely have thoroughly investigated her information.

“I hope you don’t find this offensive. It’s part of my necessary preparation.”

As they talked, the two of them exited the restroom.

The main hall was crowded, not conducive to private conversation. Leading Xin Lan, Qin Yuyan headed towards the direction of the garden.

Inside the Qin family mansion, there were numerous flowers and plants, and even before stepping into this garden, the fragrance of flowers could be smelled.

“Not offensive, just a bit surprised. You being a talent manager.”

“Why, does it not seem fitting?”

“Well, if you told me you were a CEO, I might find it more believable.”

Unprompted, Qin Yuyan seemed like the kind of person with a strong presence, someone who gives orders from a high position, a commanding queen rather than the role of a talent manager who takes orders from superiors and worries about artists.

“I would hope for that too.”

Xin Lan raised an eyebrow. She had no choice in this persona. If possible, she would have preferred to not get her hands dirty and just become a CEO directly, using the power of capital to apply pressure.

However, such a path would require an incredibly long time. Status wasn’t as easy to attain as money, and it wasn’t as readily available. Pursuing that route would demand time, effort, and money many times more than the present.

Of course, there was another more expedient path.

But Xin Lan wasn’t one to cozy up to wealthy benefactors. The idea of achieving great success at the cost of her body wasn’t something she desired either.

The person who previously attempted to force himself on her is now a ten-meter-high tombstone grass.

“So, can I understand that tonight’s banquet is, in a way, for my sake?”

“Of course, without a doubt.”

Setting aside the rest, just from this conversation, one might think it’s some kind of blushing, heart-pounding, affectionate exchange.

In reality, Qin Yuyan’s heart was indeed racing, even though she knew Xin Lan didn’t have any ulterior motives.

“In fact, there have been people who approached me for this kind of thing before.”

A long time ago, a company had expressed interest in signing Qin Yuyan. However, she didn’t agree at the time because she was still studying, and she didn’t want to live a life of constant engagements and appearances.

Once you’re signed with a company, you have to follow their arrangements.

Her parents felt the same way. After all, both of them had been in the entertainment industry as well, so they understood the extent of the industry’s exploitation of artists. Only when you reach a certain high level can you break free from that busy lifestyle.

Therefore, they hoped Qin Yuyan would think it through and not make hasty decisions.

“Yes, you’re in high demand.”

Xin Lan stated plainly, her gaze at Qin Yuyan filled with admiration.

Among the three entertainment giants in the industry – StarMap, Starry, and Yangyan – all of them would undoubtedly extend an olive branch to Qin Yuyan. Even the second-tier and smaller companies had this intention.

Qin Yuyan was incredibly easy to manage and package. Once properly packaged and launched, she would become a walking money-making machine.

“As for StarMap, someone from your company just had a conversation with me a moment ago.”

“Who?”

It’s quite normal for other talent managers within the company to have their own ideas, but Xin Lan hadn’t paid much attention to competitors, so she didn’t really care.

“I didn’t remember who it was.”

Qin Yuyan pondered for a moment and replied. Many people were talking earlier, and she was eager to meet Xin Lan, so her mind wasn’t fully engaged in the conversations happening around her.

“My dad actually suggested that I sign with Starry. He said if I’m really considering this path, going to Starry would be a good choice. Sister Dong approached him as well and discussed it with me.”

The “Sister Dong” that Qin Yuyan referred to was naturally Dong Shuyu.

“So, have you decided to go to Starry?”

“Before meeting you, that’s what I was thinking.”