Chapter 69

After the photos were taken, the stars returned to their seats; the several actresses who had just been elbowing each other in a frenzy now sat together laughing and chatting, as if nothing had happened.

Amid a harmonious atmosphere, the Weibo Night officially began.

The first to take the stage was this year’s newly debuted popular boy band—StarBoy.

Unlike girl groups, all members of this boy band had strong abilities and high looks; several of them had over ten million Weibo followers and already held substantial TV drama resources, through which their popularity would inevitably rise another level.

Although their talent paled compared to those idols who had returned from abroad earlier, those people weren’t invited to this Weibo Night, so when they appeared, over ninety percent of the female audience screamed and cheered.

Their performance was their debut song—singing and dancing excellently, with outstanding stage presence; even Wen Xia, known for being critical, clapped at the end.

Luo Quan wasn’t a professional, but to her, the idols looked well-synchronized; if they weren’t lip-syncing, it’d be even better. Since everyone was clapping, she clapped too.

After the performance ended, the boy band didn’t leave the stage immediately, only stepping to the edge.

The host immediately stepped up and announced tonight’s first award: “Best Idol Group of the Year.”

Besides the recently performed StarBoy, another girl group called “Youthful Years” was also nominated; this girl group debuted last year and had average popularity domestically, but since girl groups were rare in China, they were the best among the few.

More than a dozen members walked together to the host’s side; the captains of both groups accepted the trophy and delivered their acceptance speeches as usual.

When it came to the girl group’s captain, her first words were directed at Wen Xia, seated in the front row:

“Before I debuted, Senior Wen Xia had always been my idol; she inspired me to dream of becoming an idol. I’d like to thank her here.”

Hearing such high praise from the captain, Wen Xia immediately stood up and applauded her; all the stars in the audience politely clapped as well.

After the winners left the stage, Luo Quan leaned close to Wen Xia and smiled: “Didn’t know you had fans everywhere.”

Wen Xia preened like a peacock strutting down the street: “Just look at how popular I am in China~~~”

“Mind if I sit here?”

Suddenly, a deep, rough voice came from above the two women.

Luo Quan looked up and saw a middle-aged man with oily skin, a few sparse strands of hair combed across his forehead, and a bloated belly held tight by a belt, resembling a pregnant woman in her eighth month.

Luo Quan was about to refuse, but Wen Xia pulled her aside: “Of course you can, Mr. Zhou, please sit here.”

Wen Xia patted the seat to her right.

“You know each other?” Luo Quan asked curiously.

Mr. Zhou smiled warmly: “I’ve met Miss Wen a few times in Korea, and we’ve chatted online a few times recently.”

“Let me introduce you—this is Mr. Zhou Yangwen, General Manager of Penguin Entertainment!”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhou,” Luo Quan nodded lightly, neither humble nor arrogant.

“I’ve often heard your name from my Japanese friends, Miss Luo. My company is very eager to collaborate with you.”

Luo Quan nodded seriously: “If the opportunity arises, I’ll consider you first.”

She wasn’t just humoring Zhou Yangwen—Penguin Company was a domestic entertainment giant, present everywhere from basic telecom to media, gaming, music, film, and variety shows, with virtually limitless resources.

Partnering with Penguin didn’t guarantee instant fame, but it certainly promised a brilliant career path in China.

“Definitely an opportunity, definitely an opportunity,” Zhou Yangwen nodded eagerly.

“Are you two discussing something? Should I leave?” Luo Quan looked at Wen Xia.

Wen Xia hesitated, then said: “Probably not necessary—it’s already settled.”

Zhou Yangwen waved his hand: “No need to leave. I came partly to deliver the contract to Miss Wen, and partly to meet Miss Luo.”

Luo Quan turned to Wen Xia, surprised: “You signed a contract with Penguin?”

“That’s correct,” Zhou Yangwen said calmly, pulling a file folder from under his armpit and handing it to Wen Xia. “Miss Wen has been a contracted artist of Penguin Inter Yu since August 18th.”

“So fast?”

Wen Xia took the folder: “I thought about it for nearly half a month, and it’s only three years.”

Wen Xia spoke bluntly, not hiding anything in front of Zhou Yangwen.

Zhou Yangwen’s expression didn’t change; he still smiled: “I have great confidence in Miss Wen’s prospects in China. Over the next three years, we’ll provide you with the best resources, including the talent show you proposed!”

Wen Xia smiled: “Let’s just follow the contract. If the results are good, I’ll sign a longer deal after three years.”

After the deal was settled, Zhou Yangwen turned to Luo Quan: “How long is your contract with Sony? Though you’re still studying in Tokyo, you’ll eventually return to China—it’s your homeland.”

“If your Sony contract isn’t long, we could sign a letter of intent first.”

Luo Quan shook her head: “I haven’t signed any contract. I only licensed Sony to distribute my songs—I have no agreements whatsoever.”

This was a stroke of luck! Zhou Yangwen’s heart stirred.

Though his focus had always been domestic, he’d heard his Japanese friends mention Luo Quan’s name repeatedly, praising her talent beyond measure—she was said to be nearly deified in Japan’s music scene.

He’d listened to her songs too; they were unquestionably the best Japanese songs in recent years, no qualifiers needed.

Someone with such genius who could write such outstanding Japanese songs could surely write equally brilliant Chinese songs—and China’s Mandarin music scene desperately needed creators like her!

If they signed Luo Quan, they’d save money on lyricists and composers. With her talent and exceptional looks, a simple polish and just one album could launch her into stardom!

With Penguin Inter Yu ’s vast traffic resources, they could make her a queen of the industry within three years.

So when Zhou Yangwen heard Luo Quan wasn’t signed to Sony, his heart burned with excitement.

But Luo Quan doused him with cold water in one sentence:

“Sorry, I have no intention of signing any contract right now.”