Chapter 13 (1/2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Rousing from her thoughts, Mo Bing rationalized, “Of course, there are plenty of wealthy bosses with this kind of money, but they would not have the connections within the industry to pull this off so rapidly. Also, they would have no reason to want to help you.” Pausing, she looked at Jiang Jiusheng and asked, “Sheng, what do you think?”

“I think,” Jiang Jiusheng said calmly, then added, “I might just be an interested observer.”

Mo Bing said nothing.

Could it be that the legendary “sugar daddy” did exist and had been protecting her all this time? And who could this mysterious protector be? A supernatural force? For the past two years, Mo Bing had indeed investigated, but to no avail, so she could only conclude that her artiste was a jinx—anyone who crossed her would suffer dire consequences.

The door to the studio opened, and Yuwen Chongfeng, dapper as always in a wine-colored tailored suit, sauntered in, sat in a swivel chair, and looked at Jiang Jiusheng with exasperation. “The number of times I’ve told you to cut down on the smoking…”

This, of course, fell on deaf ears! Although angry, his tone was restrained with an air of helplessness.

Jiang Jiusheng had had this conversation before, so she asked instead, “Did you find me those trolls?”

Yuwen Chongfeng stretched his long legs lazily and placed them on a chair. Strumming his fingers on the table, he said, “Do you think I have money to burn? Would I pay to suppress this insignificant incident? From day one, I intended to groom you as an idol, so it’s no big deal if you are hit with a little inconvenience.”

Inconvenience? Oh, let’s just conveniently forget that Jiang Jiusheng had 30 million fans. Mo Bing wanted to throw Jiang Jiusheng’s cigarette case at this boss.

Neglecting to respond, Jiang Jiusheng searched her bag and found a pack of cigarettes. “Got a lighter?” she asked.

And she had the guts to ask the boss for a lighter! Yuwen Chongfeng glared at her, kicked away the chair violently, and placed his feet on the table instead. “No!” he shouted.

He did smoke, but he was not addicted to smoking. He’d forgotten when he’d started smoking, but it had most definitely been after Jiang Jiusheng picked up the habit.

Jiang Jiusheng acknowledged his response and walked around the sofa to the computer desk where she found a metal lighter in the bottom drawer.

Click!

The cigarette was lit. She drew a long drag from the cigarette and exhaled slowly.

Yuwen Chongfeng was speechless. Darn it! He was really tempted to snuff out that cigarette!

Hiding a smile, Mo Bing knew that her artiste could run rings around this boss who simply continued to act tough.

“There is no way you could keep your keyboard player,” said Yuwen Chongfeng. “It’s just too tiresome. With three more shows left on the tour, you have two options: Disband TheNine, and I will find you the best replacement band, or kick Liu Xu out and reorganize your team.” Yuwen Chongfeng retracted his legs and leaned back in the chair, speaking slowly for the effect as he said, “Of course, if you refuse to disband that half-baked lot, you’ll have to bear the consequences. I just want results, and if the concerts are negatively affected…” Pausing, Yuwen Chongfeng looked at Jiang Jiusheng and said, “Look, Sheng, I am just a regular businessman. I want to make money.”

Three years ago, when Jiang Jiusheng had insisted on making her debut together with the band, Yuwen Chongfeng had uttered these exact words to her. In the end, he’d still ended up handing over 100 million to release Jiang Jiusheng’s first album.

Without going deeper into any reasoning, cajoling, or commitment, Jiang Jiusheng simply said, “I have a plan.”

Oh, yes. She had a plan all right. Such insubordination!

At this moment, Yuwen Chongfeng’s phone rang, and he answered the call immediately. A tantalizing feminine voice at the other end cooed, “Master Feng, why are you keeping me waiting? When are you coming over?”

That voice… So, Master Yuwen had a new woman.

In a low tone, Yuwen Chongfeng sweet-talked, “Be good.”

There was silence over the phone for a short while. Then the woman responded obediently, “All right then. I’ll get the booze ready for you.” No longer sounding tantalizing or needy, she replied in an eagerly accommodating tone, “I know you’re busy. You take your time.”