810 Jin Chonglin’s Two Requests Part I (2/2)

”Let me tell you my two requests first,” Jin Chonglin said. ”If you can grant them, then I'll immediately agree to your wife's request.”

”Fine. Go ahead and tell me.”

Jin Chonglin didn't speak right away, taking a few moments instead to gather his thoughts first. Jin Liwei and Iris didn't rush him either. They patiently waited for him to tell them his two requests.

”I'm a famous and successful superstar,” he began in a matter-of-fact tone. He didn't sound like he was bragging but just stating a fact. ”I've accomplished so much in my showbiz career despite my young age. I already achieved most of my dreams and reached the top of my field for a few years now. As they say, once you're on the top, the only way left is to go down. I may not be ready yet to give up my top position but there are many younger and talented celebrities out there who might replace me at any time. Sister Xiulan is one of the strongest contenders. The showbiz industry is a very fickle creature. Today, I'm still a superstar, but tomorrow, I might be abandoned and kicked off from the top to be replaced by the next superstar.”

Everyone was silent as they listened to him. His manager, Lin Dong, and his assistants at the front seat all had solemn expressions on their faces.

”Although I still feel pretty confident that I can remain at the top of my game for a few more years—hopefully for at least two more decades but that's just me being optimistic—I need to start investing in an insurance now to secure my future.”

”I approve,” Jin Liwei commented. ”Now tell me about your first request.”

Jin Chonglin took a deep breath before replying, ”My contract with Bright Summit is expiring at the end of this year. I've been with them since I started my showbiz career and I'm extremely grateful for how they helped me succeed and become the superstar that I am today. They always take excellent care of me and I always appreciate that. Even when other superstars they groomed left for better opportunities, I stayed with Bright Summit out of loyalty. They've been negotiating with me to extend my contract since the summer but I haven't given them a definite answer yet.”

”You want to leave Bright Summit?” Jin Liwei asked.

”I want to secure my own future,” Jin Chonglin corrected. ”If I extend my contract with Bright Summit for a few more years, they'll continue being my boss. I trust them right now but what if the leadership suddenly changes and the new leader doesn't think much of me? Then I'll be at the mercy of the higher-ups. I want to take control of my own career. I want to be my own boss.”

This time it was Iris who asked the next question. ”Are you planning on starting your own entertainment company?”

Jin Chonglin's jaw tightened and he swallowed hard before replying in a determined voice. ”Yes!”

Lin Dong, his manager and a Bright Summit employee, didn't look too surprised. A determined expression also appeared on the manager's face. Wherever Jin Chonglin went, Lin Dong would definitely follow.

”Brother Chonglin, would you be open to partnering with me?” Iris asked all of a sudden. ”Are you interested?”

Everyone looked surprised at her offer.

Jin Chonglin frowned. ”Explain.”