Chapter 71 — Xu Fenglai’s Purpose.
Bai Ruogu had just finished checking the list when, before he could think further, he received a communication request from an executive regarding another matter.
After some thought, he decided to let the receptionist wait, and once he hung up, he connected to the incoming call. A respectful and polite voice came through from the executive.
“President, the midterm assessment for the new trainees will begin in two hours. When do you plan to come?”
It was only then that Bai Ruogu remembered the new trainees midterm assessment was tonight. He rubbed his temples and replied, “You go ahead and prepare. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Understood.”
Bai Ruogu was about to end the call when the executive had more to say.
“President…” the executive hesitated.
“Hm?” Bai Ruogu responded with a questioning tone.
The executive thought for a moment before continuing, “Although I’m only in charge of the film division, I still wanted to ask you something…”
The executive stood by the desk, flipping through a panoramic map of the company as he spoke.
“In the group of new trainees, some focus on acting, some on dance, others on variety shows… but very few specialize in singing. Even though we have vocal training courses, it can only be considered the icing on the cake.”
“Oh? Go on,” Bai Ruogu’s interest was piqued, and he swiveled his chair around.
“Half of our sixth floor is dedicated to recording studios,” the executive paused, “filled with countless pieces of equipment and musical instruments. Just the hardware alone has almost on par with other industries.”
Then, after a brief pause, the executive asked, “I wonder if you had plans to develop in the music industry from the very beginning? Otherwise, why would you have prepared so much equipment?”
As he spoke, the executive grew curious. “If you planned to expand into music, why didn’t this recruitment include specific singers?”
The executive initially thought Bai Ruogu had simply forgotten, but then he heard a soft chuckle from the other side.
Bai Ruogu lowered his thick lashes and smiled faintly.
“First, because I’m unfamiliar with that field. Second, if we’re going to do it, we must do it right. Right now, we’re still missing a key element…”
After ending the call, Bai Ruogu stretched his sore shoulders.
He wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting in the office, but he felt tired. Without waiting for the receptionist to call again, he put on his coat and walked out of the office.
He needed to see the situation for himself.
As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, the bright light outside caught his eye, and he immediately noticed the young man standing in the shadows—a youth of average height.
“Good day, President,” the receptionist greeted him with a bow. Xu Fenglai, hearing the sound, turned his head to look.
Xu Fenglai’s appearance wasn’t remarkable, but his features were clean and pleasant. Upon seeing Bai Ruogu personally arrive, he was first surprised, then quickly averted his eyes, looking awkward and unsure of what to do with his hands.
Bai Ruogu looked him up and down.
To the average person, his attire might pass, but for someone in the entertainment industry, it was lacking. Only his pants were from a recognizable brand, though somewhat worn, and his new shirt and shoes were inexpensive, with a combined value of less than 100 star coins.
Bai Ruogu frowned and pursed his lips.
He recalled that during their last meeting, Xu Fenglai had been unremarkable but at least dressed at an average level. But now…
Xu Fenglai’s complexion had visibly darkened, and there were prominent dark circles under his eyes, indicating stress. Though his hair was neatly styled, it appeared dull, and a few gray strands had appeared near his temples.
It was clear he had encountered some hardship.
Bai Ruogu seemed to understand but chose to feign ignorance, saying casually, “It’s been a while, Mr. Xu.”
Xu Fenglai flinched, instinctively shrinking back, then looked up at the elegantly dressed Bai Ruogu and forced a smile. “Hello… President Bai.”
Bai Ruogu smiled and nodded, motioning for someone to prepare tea, then led Xu Fenglai to a nearby seat.
Xu Fenglai nervously sat down, glancing around the room. As he took in the luxurious decor and exquisite design, he clenched the sides of his pants, feeling increasingly anxious.
This level of strength was clearly far superior to his current agency, Camellia Blossom. Perhaps… he could hold onto a sliver of hope?
Like a drowning man grasping for a lifeline, Xu Fenglai’s gaze toward Bai Ruogu was filled with a mixture of longing and desperation.
Noticing this, Bai Ruogu tapped his fingers on the table and smiled faintly, his tone still polite but with a hint of concern.
“Mr. Xu, is there something you needed to discuss with me?”
“Yes, yes!” Xu Fenglai was flustered, afraid of missing the opportunity.
Bai Ruogu gestured for him to continue.
Xu Fenglai’s face turned pale, and his eyes flickered before he lowered his head. Staring at the finely crafted glass table, his voice trembled slightly.
“I’ve come to ask you for a favor…,” he began, pausing briefly.
“Hm?”
Xu Fenglai swallowed dryly, his voice tense with nervousness. “I… I want to ask if you would sign me…,” he said, lifting his eyes to see Bai Ruogu’s reaction, but quickly looked away, embarrassed by his own audacity.
Bai Ruogu’s fingers paused, and his gaze sharpened before softening again. He smiled and politely asked, “Mr. Xu, has your contract expired?”
This question left Xu Fenglai speechless. His palm clenched tightly, and a layer of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. He stammered, “No… no, it hasn’t.”
Before Bai Ruogu could say anything further, someone beside him immediately stepped in to respond on his behalf.
The receptionist smiled politely, her tone gentle, “I’m sorry, sir, but your request is quite difficult to fulfill.”
Bai Ruogu did not argue. He calmly sipped his tea, allowing the receptionist to continue speaking.
As someone with sharp perception, the receptionist understood perfectly. She smiled and continued to explain.
“To be honest, when you arrived, we already had your information. You’re a second-tier singer, someone who has reached heights that many in the industry cannot. But this also means your contract termination fee is higher. Of course, our boss Bai has always valued talent. If you truly stand out, it’s not impossible for our company to cover the termination fee for you. However, we prioritize potential. Besides, forcibly terminating your contract would inevitably offend your current agency…”
At this point, how could Xu Fenglai not understand? His lips turned pale, and he forced a weak smile. However, his hand clenched even tighter, as if holding onto the last straw of hope.
Bai Ruogu thought this was just a simple meeting and that there would be no further connection afterward.
After all, he was no longer a passionate youth, and in the adult world, interests always come first. There were many people in this world with difficulties, and he couldn’t possibly help everyone.
Just as he took another sip of tea, he heard Xu Fenglai speak in a low, suppressed voice.
“Mr. Bai, would you like to hear me sing a song? I believe I still have potential.” His voice was so low that it sounded rough, almost disappearing at the end, but Bai Ruogu could hear the despair lingering in his tone.
Bai Ruogu slightly raised his eyelids, placed the teacup down, and said with a caring tone, “I’d be honored.”
Xu Fenglai initially intended to sing on the spot, but Bai Ruogu stopped him and had someone bring him warm water to soothe his throat. Then, he led him to the recording studio on the sixth floor.
The two took the elevator up, and as they entered, the lights brightened, but the place was cold and empty.
Xu Fenglai was a bit surprised. Bai Ruogu patted him on the shoulder and said with a sigh, “Usually, the new recruits are all practicing their singing. This is the first time the place has actually been used since it was renovated.”
Xu Fenglai’s heart trembled. Realizing that this place had been opened specifically for him, he couldn’t help but feel the pressure intensify.
Bai Ruogu, however, said with a smile, “No need to be nervous, relax. That’s why I said you’re the first, but everything has a beginning. Who knows, the second one might come right away.”
Bai Ruogu led the way, while Xu Fenglai patted his chest and took deep breaths. His palms were soaked in sweat.
They arrived in front of a recording room, and after an eye scan, the door automatically opened.
The room was quite spacious, about seventy or eighty square meters, with a dark color scheme that gave off a sense of security.
It was equipped with all kinds of musical instruments, and at the far end was the recording booth. Bai Ruogu activated all the equipment, and under his gaze, Xu Fenglai walked into the booth.
Before the door closed, Xu Fenglai, feeling a bit anxious, glanced back at Bai Ruogu. Bai Ruogu raised his hand and gestured for him to do his best.
Xu Fenglai took a deep breath, recalling the music he had never dared to show anyone all these years. He finally calmed down.
This was the decisive moment.
Once inside the booth, Xu Fenglai, wanting to familiarize himself with the equipment, turned off the speakers so that only he could hear his own singing.
Touching the brand-new equipment, Xu Fenglai felt a moment of disorientation, but then his gaze brightened.
He had never seen such good things in his entire life, let alone brand-new ones. His heart pounded, and his eyes began to water.
Everything here was wonderful. The boss was kind. He really wanted to stay.
Outside, Bai Ruogu sat calmly, holding a cup of coffee that had been brought up from downstairs.
He took a small sip, and his chair, like a recliner, swayed gently with him.
But at that moment, a sudden, invisible force wrapped around his waist. That force was warm, as if mimicking human body temperature.
Before Bai Ruogu could say anything, the rim of his cup, where he had just sipped, tilted downward, as if someone else was drinking from it. A large gulp of coffee disappeared, seemingly into thin air.
Bai Ruogu: …
How old are you, still doing things like this?
“Can you taste it? You even drank a sip,” Bai Ruogu asked lightly as his chair swayed.
The voice of someone close to Bai Ruogu’s ear, raspy and hushed, replied, “I can’t taste it, but I can pretend that I can by doing this.”
Bai Ruogu smiled softly, covering his mouth with his hand, but the arm around his waist tightened. Though the voice at his ear remained calm and toneless, Bai Ruogu could sense a hint of jealousy in the words.
“During your conversation with him earlier, the closest distance between you was 0.435 meters, which already exceeds personal space and falls within the range of intimate distance…”
Bai Ruogu paused for a moment. The usually calm and composed Mr.Bai couldn’t help but cough. He glanced at the empty surroundings and his body involuntarily shrinking inward.