Chapter 41: Chapter Forty‑Six: Human Relations and Worldly Wisdom

No matter what, people still ended up meeting.

Of course it wasn't Chen Ci going to see them, but having them come see Chen Ci.

Chen Ci could of course ignore it, but he couldn't not consider Shi San, since he still had to get by in the company.

Moreover, this company actually has something going for it; its artists are all selected from I Show My Style.

This show still has some fame these days, and the people it brings also have some name recognition; at least they're not pure amateurs.

As for this bunch, they're all into music, and Chen Ci's film is also about music, so it doesn't seem that hard to accept.

Then Chen Ci got a list, including the former host Lao Xue from the stage, Liu Wei who returned from Korea, female singer Ding Shuang, and so on……

There weren't few people, but Chen Ci only focused on a few with decent images.

Since they all came from I Show My Style, Chen Ci also brought along Lao Zhao; they were all acquaintances.

But after looking around, Chen Ci felt doubtful, as if something was missing.

"What about Zhang Jie? He also came from I Show My Style, right? Why didn't he come?"

The other two champions, Shi San and Liu Wei, are here, but only the first‑place winner Zhang Jie is missing.

Missing the most famous one, Chen Ci naturally had to ask.

As soon as he said that, everyone's face seemed to simultaneously flush with embarrassment.

Chen Ci found it even more interesting: "What's going on?"

Shi San gave a dry cough, his gaze sweeping over everyone, especially KK.

All we heard was his dry cough: "Brother Ci, come out for a moment, let's talk aside."

Even as they stepped aside to talk, the spark of gossip in Chen Ci's heart was ignited.

The two went out the door one after another, and Lao Zhao hurriedly followed.

At the doorway, Shi San then slowly revealed the hidden details……

Actually it's nothing major, just a dispute.

Simply put, Zhang Jie was dissatisfied with the company's poor treatment; Shi San gave an example: Zhang Jie still had to commute by bicycle after three years in the industry.

In fact, two months ago he finally couldn't take it anymore, secretly signing up for Mango TV's Happy Boy Voice and sending the company a contract‑termination notice.

The company's mainstay is I Show My Style, and the two shows are clearly in competition.

Having its own champion sign up for the rival show is embarrassing, and a big embarrassment at that—how could the company possibly tolerate it?

So now Zhang Jie has been blacklisted internally by the company, even his name has become taboo.

Chen Ci couldn't help laughing out loud after hearing that—serve him right for his misdeeds.

Perfect—let Zhang Jie try it first; if the termination goes smoothly, Shi San can learn from his experience.

At the same time, Chen Ci had another thought: "Zhang Jie is currently causing a ruckus over termination, which means he hasn't been terminated yet, so he's still technically one of your company's artists, right?"

Shi San sensed Chen Ci's ill intent, his answer hesitant: "Probably…… counts."

"Can you get in touch with him?"

"I……"

"No rush."

Chen Ci patted Shi San's shoulder and continued: "Think about it—are there any others who came from I Show My Style that your company doesn't like, preferably someone with some fame?"

His meaning was clear enough; it's not wise to let Shi San and the company break completely, but if there's a chance to put eye drops in, it shouldn't be missed.

Anyway, the company's already gone to hell—Zhang Jie was driven out by it, so we can't expect it to help Shi San much either.

"This……"

Shi San fully understood, but he was still very hesitant.

Lao Zhao, however, jumped in first: "Yeah! In my cohort there was Yuan Chengjie, and in Shi San's cohort there was Qi Wei; they both seemed to have refused to sign with Rising."

"Oh?"

Chen Ci wasn't interested in Yuan Chengjie, but he did have a vague impression of Qi Wei… he vaguely remembered her legs being long.

"Can you get in touch with them?"

"No problem!"

"Kind of interesting……"

The matter of Rising planting people gave Chen Ci a heads‑up.

After all, nothing can be done without personal connections and worldly wisdom.

Besides, the casting matter should also be put on the schedule; decide early to avoid any weirdness later.

Of course, this can't be done overnight.

Moreover, before that, he still had something else to take care of.

Earlier the real‑estate agent had said the old house was for rent, but the production crew was about to start shooting, and they sent Chen Ci an "ultimatum".

Never mind, he's been swamped lately and will only get busier. Might as well treat it as a trip back to his hometown to clear his mind, bid farewell to the past, and prepare for a new life!

Just as Chen Ci was packing his emotions to set off on a spontaneous trip, Xiao Tong showed up at the door—and she wasn't alone.

"Na Zha, please look after him……"

Chen Ci felt rather helpless: "Why me?"

"Na Ti entrusted Na Zha to my care before leaving, but I have an exam coming up right away……"

As it turns out, Na Ti accompanied Na Zha to Jingcheng this time, having taken only ten days off.

He's already overtime by several days and must return to school.

And Na Zha at least has to wait until August, after finishing the one‑year‑anniversary event of the Olympic countdown, before he can go home.

Before departing, Na Zha was naturally entrusted to Xiao Tong, but Xiao Tong is still a student.

"I remember, Mao Mao, you're about to graduate, right?"

Xiao Tong is studying at the Central Academy of Drama junior college; it's a two-year program, and she will graduate before she turns twenty.

Mm-hmm, so I can't afford any distraction during exams, worrying that I won't take good care of Na Zha.

You could try asking Xiao Dan.

Xiao Dan also has to prepare for the final exams...

Oh, then it's settled—Na Zha has no relatives or acquaintances in Jingcheng, so it seems I really have to handle this myself.

I need to go back to my hometown for a trip.

Ah? Then what should we do?

Chen Ci glanced at Na Zha behind Xiao Tong and noticed she was also staring at him.

She was quite lively on stage earlier, but now she appears shy and reserved, even more restrained.

What else can we do? Just bring her along.

Like this, is it okay...

Xiao Tong looked at Chen Ci, then turned her head to look at Na Zha.

The young lady's cheeks puffed slightly as she whispered, "I can manage on my own."

That won't work; let's do this instead—I'll move over and live with Na Zha, studying in the room...

Chen Ci interrupted: "That's even worse—if it delays the exam and prevents graduation, that's the real problem. I'll just take Na Zha with me, treating it as a trip."

But...

Xiao Tong also hesitated left and right; seeing Na Zha's reaction just now, she seemed unwilling to go with Chen Ci.

Chen Ci continued: "I think Na Zha probably doesn't want to affect Mao Mao's sister's exam either."

"Huh?" Na Zha blinked, then lowered her head: "Hmm..."

Alright, that's settled—Mao Mao, go back and prepare for your exam in peace. Once I've tidied up here, I'll bring Na Zha back and pack her luggage as well.

While speaking, Chen Ci pulled Xiao Tong toward the door; Xiao Tong hadn't reacted yet: "I just want to say a few more words to Na Zha..."

In the end, Xiao Tong was persuaded by Chen Ci to go back, leaving only him and Na Zha in the huge villa.

Their eyes met, and Na Zha gazed at Chen Ci longingly.

Chen Ci sighed helplessly: "Na Zha, do you have something you want to say to me..."