After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH51

Chapter 51

Recently, after meeting with Sheng Yueqing several times, Gu Xingshi finally realized that he wasn’t a fan of Cheng Xin but wanted to sign under him.

When Gu Xingshi realized this, he was momentarily stunned.

After all, he had never thought in that direction before. At most, he felt sorry for him, thinking that his company was mistreating him. He would look after him when they met and speak up for him when he was slandered.

But as an agent, he couldn’t sign someone out of sympathy. If the other party didn’t have talent in this area, entering this circle wouldn’t be good for him.

So, he decided to learn more and discovered that Sheng Yueqing actually had a lot of potential.

His looks went without saying; the key was that he was very photogenic.

In his early years, the few still photos he took, though somewhat immature, showcased a vibrant aura that leapt off the page. In the following years, he was suppressed, cyberbullied, and surrounded by scandals, making him seem wrapped in a cocoon, his brilliance gradually dimming.

But even so, his face was still striking.

After being blacklisted for so many years, if it were someone else, they would have faded away long ago. Yet Sheng Yueqing could still remain active on screen, which was enough to explain the issue.

After all, face enthusiasts are the most genuine. No matter how beautiful a wooden beauty is, people will just glance and move on. Only someone like Sheng Yueqing can captivate them time and time again, making them unable to look away.

Secondly, there’s his character. Despite being betrayed by his teammates and company and blacklisted for so long, he wasn’t pessimistic or depressed, nor was he filled with hostility; at most, he just became a bit indifferent.

This shows that he has a steady and firm disposition, not easily swayed by external factors.

With such a character, what couldn’t he succeed in doing?

It’s a pity that his company didn’t know how to polish this uncut gem; instead, they used this pearl to set off worthless stones, which is simply a waste.

At this point, Gu Xingshi had already decided that he wanted to sign Sheng Yueqing.

However, before he could take action, he discovered that Sheng Yueqing’s company had issued a statement online, smearing him completely.

The system clicked its tongue in sympathy: [Actually, that trainee went to the hospital not because of depression but to treat a sexually transmitted disease. He and Sheng Yueqing had only met a few times; let alone any emotional entanglement, Sheng Yueqing didn’t even recognize him.]

Gu Xingshi was stunned and asked incredulously: [Isn’t this too ridiculous? They’re just making things up!]

The system replied: [What else could it be? The company is quite frustrated. After all, after work, Sheng Yueqing just retreats to his room to play games and write in his diary. There’s not even any adult content on his computer; even I couldn’t dig up any dirt on him, let alone them!]

Gu Xingshi: […]

The system continued: [As for why his company did this, it’s because they knew he wanted to terminate his contract and were afraid he would expose how they stepped on him to promote others. Also, when he first debuted, there was a great opportunity for him, but they were afraid he would become too ambitious and wouldn’t listen to the company in the future, so they directly hid it from him, causing him to miss the opportunity and even offend a senior artist.]

[As for withholding his wages, hiding sales figures, and so on, there are countless instances. Oh, and after he left the group, they even used his materials to deceive new fans…]

Gu Xingshi hadn’t expected there to be so much inside information.

He had thought that because of Sheng Yueqing’s magnet for attracting negative attention, the company used this method to extract his value. But he hadn’t expected that they had ill intentions from the start.

No wonder they reacted so strongly upon knowing he wanted to terminate his contract.

Thinking of this, he proactively called Sheng Yueqing.

In his impression, although Sheng Yueqing was socially anxious, he always had a vibrant vitality inside. But now, he seemed to have withered, and his tone was filled with despair and helplessness.

His manner of speaking had also become cautious, as if a casual word from Gu Xingshi could completely destroy him.

Originally, Gu Xingshi had many things he wanted to say, like comforting him or telling him how to resolve this matter.

But at the moment he opened his mouth, the words changed.

“Sheng Yueqing, are you willing to sign with me?”

He heard silence on the other end of the phone, followed by the sound of something heavy falling. After a chaotic noise, finally, Sheng Yueqing’s voice came through: “Re… really? But…”

Gu Xingshi knew what he was worried about, so he only asked him, “Don’t worry about anything else. Just tell me whether you’re willing or not.”

“I’m willing, of course I’m willing!” Sheng Yueqing’s tone was urgent, as if afraid that if he spoke a second slower, the opportunity he’d dreamed of would be lost.

Gu Xingshi chuckled softly: “Alright, then the next step is the agent’s matter.”

He asked for the address of Sheng Yueqing’s dormitory and company and instructed him on what to do and what not to do next.

It was as if Sheng Yueqing suddenly had a backbone. He listened carefully to Gu Xingshi’s arrangements, wishing he could memorize every word.

Noticing his unease, Gu Xingshi slowed down his speech.

However, as he listened, Sheng Yueqing felt something was off. Every word was for his protection, without any sacrifice or grievance. Even when facing his former company, there was no concession.

But with such a big issue, mainly because this so-called scandal was released by his own company.

So even though he was unwilling, for the sake of the bigger picture, he could accept if he had to give in or even apologize.

But unexpectedly, Gu Xingshi directly said, “No need. Remember, as long as you haven’t done anything wrong, you never have to bow your head.”

He paused, then softened his voice, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

On the other end of the phone, Sheng Yueqing was stunned.

The night breeze stirred the curtains, as if starlight fell into his eyes. The light gradually spread across his entire face, finally turning into an uncontrollable smile.

“Mm, I believe you.”

*

First, Gu Xingshi contacted a lawyer and then went to pick up Sheng Yueqing.

At this time, outside the dormitory, quite a few paparazzi were lurking. All the cameras were pointed at Sheng Yueqing’s window, and there were many people—whether haters or not—holding banners and loudly cursing him, some even throwing bottles or stones at his window.

Gu Xingshi’s face darkened, but he could only endure his anger, silently putting this account on Sheng Yueqing’s company, Far Ocean Entertainment.

After the car drove into the underground parking lot, he called Sheng Yueqing.

When Sheng Yueqing received the call, he was a bit stunned. Earlier, Gu Xingshi had said he would come to pick him up, but he thought it would be after terminating the contract; he hadn’t expected him to come now.

Fortunately, he didn’t have many belongings, and because he was so excited, he had already packed everything in eager anticipation.

As the car gradually left the dormitory, Sheng Yueqing noticed the paparazzi and haters guarding outside.

Before he could get a clear look, Gu Xingshi had already pulled down the curtain: “Don’t look.”

Sheng Yueqing was startled.

He suddenly thought of a possibility: Did Gu Xingshi come early to pick him up because he was worried that these paparazzi and haters might harm him?

At that moment, this realization felt like a warm current wrapping around his heart.

This was Gu Xingshi’s protection.

What he had once envied and thought unattainable had now come to him.

Even though outside there were curses and malice, Sheng Yueqing felt enveloped in deep happiness.

Gu Xingshi found him a hotel with excellent privacy and comfort, comforted him for a while, and then hurried off to discuss details with the lawyer.

The next morning, he brought the lawyer to pick up Sheng Yueqing.

After a good night’s rest, the previous despair and dejection had vanished from Sheng Yueqing. Even without makeup, his skin was still glowing.

Gu Xingshi took them together to Far Ocean Entertainment.

At this time, Sheng Yueqing’s agent was reporting to the president of Far Ocean Entertainment, but for some reason, his right eye kept twitching today, making him feel uneasy.

At that moment, President Huang of Far Ocean suddenly received a call: “What? Who did you say has arrived?”

When he took the agent to the reception room, he was still puzzled. They didn’t have much interaction with LeShi Entertainment. Why would President Gu come to their company?

Although puzzled, as soon as he saw the person, he immediately put on an enthusiastic smile: “President Gu, what a rare guest! Sorry for not coming out to meet you sooner!”

The agent also greeted him with a smile.

After all, who in the industry doesn’t want to know President Gu? Even just being recognized would be great.

But then he saw the person standing behind Gu Xingshi, and the smile on his face instantly froze.

Why was Sheng Yueqing following behind Gu Xingshi?

After issuing the statement, the agent had been unable to contact Sheng Yueqing.

He had thought that Sheng Yueqing resented him and had blocked him, but since Sheng Yueqing was no longer valuable, he didn’t take it seriously.

But now, the ominous feeling in his mind was growing.

Gu Xingshi also noticed him but ignored him, just looking at President Huang of Far Ocean and said, “President Huang, I’ve come today to help someone terminate their contract.”

President Huang’s face stiffened: “Ter… terminate the contract? For whom?”

Gu Xingshi smiled: “Sheng Yueqing. You should have an impression of him, right?”

The faces of the agent and President Huang instantly changed.

The agent looked incredulously at Sheng Yueqing, then at Gu Xingshi: “You… you…”

He never expected that the person who wanted to sign Sheng Yueqing was actually Gu Xingshi!!

He immediately regretted it immensely.

First, because Gu Xingshi was not someone to be trifled with.

Second, because everyone in the industry knew that President Gu had an excellent eye; whoever he promoted became popular.

Could it be that Sheng Yueqing really had the potential to become hugely popular?!

He hadn’t paid much attention to Sheng Yueqing before, but now he felt as if a treasure was about to be snatched away.

President Huang obviously thought of this too and quickly said, “President Gu, you must be joking. Yueqing has always been an artist our company values; how could he suddenly want to terminate his contract? Is there some misunderstanding?”

Gu Xingshi sneered, “So, the way your company values its artists is by framing them with scandals? Truly eye-opening!”

President Huang’s expression instantly stiffened.

The agent hurriedly said, “It’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. We were deceived by that trainee’s sweet talk…”

But Gu Xingshi had no intention of listening to such disgusting words and directly interrupted him, “Gentlemen, I’m not here to negotiate with you. When I say termination, I’m merely informing you.”

President Huang and the agent’s faces immediately changed.

President Huang glanced at Sheng Yueqing, whose gaze was fixed on Gu Xingshi, not even giving them a glance.

His attitude was already very clear.

Since they couldn’t retain him, they could only make the most of his remaining value and fiercely squeeze some money out of Gu Xingshi.

Thinking of this, he immediately changed his attitude. “It’s Yueqing’s honor that President Gu wants to sign him, but as his parent company, we’ve invested a lot of money and effort in cultivating him over the years…”

Gu Xingshi couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry, President Huang, perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. I mean unconditional termination.”

President Huang said angrily, “You want to take him away without spending a penny? Don’t go too far!”

Gu Xingshi sighed, “Given all the things you’ve done, I’m already being lenient by not asking you for compensation. How is that excessive?”

President Huang: “!!!”

Gu Xingshi continued, “Or should I remind you? Two years ago, when Sheng Yueqing was still in that group, there seemed to be some issues with the sales of the albums and photobooks he released, didn’t there?”

President Huang’s face changed again.

But Gu Xingshi didn’t stop there. There was also the part where the agent secretly embezzled funds, which even President Huang didn’t know about.

The agent hadn’t expected that even this was known to Gu Xingshi. He hurriedly looked at President Huang in panic, “President Huang, I didn’t…”

“Shut up!” President Huang glared at him viciously.

He didn’t know how Gu Xingshi had found out about these things, but since he chose to come to negotiate rather than expose them publicly, did that mean he actually didn’t have any evidence?

Thinking this way, he felt slightly better. However, when facing Gu Xingshi, he still tried to put on a brave front, “You’re spouting nonsense! I’ll sue you for defamation! And I absolutely won’t let Sheng Yueqing terminate his contract! You can forget about getting him!”

At this moment, the lawyer standing beside Gu Xingshi said gently, “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

President Huang snapped, “And who are you?!”

The lawyer took out his business card, “I am Mr. Sheng Yueqing’s attorney. My surname is Ge.”

President Huang: “!!!”

Could this be the famous Lawyer Ge in the industry, renowned for handling contract termination cases?!

Gu Xingshi smiled pleasantly, “President Huang, do you think it’s better for us to discuss this here, or in court?”

President Huang: “…”

Three hours later, a dazed Sheng Yueqing signed his name on the termination agreement.

Opposite him, President Huang and the agent no longer had their previous arrogance, signing with ashen faces.

After the agreement was signed, Gu Xingshi solemnly handed Sheng Yueqing his copy. “Congratulations, you’re free now.”

Even after leaving the building of Far Ocean Entertainment and sitting in the car, Sheng Yueqing still couldn’t believe it.

Was it really so easy to terminate the contract?

On the other side, after successfully terminating the contract, Gu Xingshi immediately released a pre-edited Weibo post.

[Welcome @ShengYueqing to join the LeShi family. ‘Ride the wind and cleave the waves; set your cloud-white sail to cross the sea.’]

Immediately afterward, Meng Yuansheng, Cheng Xin, and even Qin Wen, who was filming on set, reposted the Weibo message, expressing their welcome and affection for their new junior colleague.

Once again, Sheng Yueqing was stunned.

He had previously been worried about how to clear his name from all those scandals.

But unexpectedly, just as Gu Xingshi had promised, he didn’t have to face these things at all; instead, all the pressure was shifted entirely onto himself.

Sure enough, after this Weibo post was released, no one kept hounding Sheng Yueqing anymore. Instead, everyone flocked to comment under Gu Xingshi’s post.

[President Gu, are you out of your mind? Of all people to sign, why choose someone with such poor character?]

[Ahhh, I’m really speechless! Sheng Yueqing, you parasite, after ruining one company, now you’re ruining another!]

[President Gu, please! If you want to sign new artists, there are plenty in the entertainment industry who are good-looking and have good character. Why insist on signing someone like Sheng Yueqing?]

[I think you’re all overreacting. President Gu has a keen eye for talent. Maybe the truth isn’t as it’s portrayed online?]

[I used to think that Sheng Yueqing wasn’t a good person, but since President Gu is willing to sign him, maybe there’s a twist to this story. Let’s wait and see!]

[This newcomer sure has a grand welcome! As soon as he signs, his seniors line up to congratulate him. Are the seniors going to coddle him afterward?]

[I’m truly disappointed in President Gu this time. I thought he only signed talented individuals, but in the end, he couldn’t escape signing a mere pretty face…]

[Hahaha, waiting for this to backfire!]

[Reporting the haters who are stirring up trouble!]

[Waiting for the warning from #10086~]

[But those scandals are pretty solid. I feel that even 10086 can’t clear his name this time.]

[There have been even more solid scandals before, and didn’t they turn out to be false?]

[I choose to trust #10086.]

*

Looking at the comments under Gu Xingshi’s Weibo post, Sheng Yueqing felt anxious.

But Gu Xingshi remained calm, “No rush, let public opinion ferment a bit more.”

Sheng Yueqing: “???”

Then, Gu Xingshi took out a contract that had been prepared in advance. When Sheng Yueqing was about to sign it immediately, he stopped him and instead had Lawyer Ge explain it to him clause by clause.

He even said confidently, “Since we’ve paid the lawyer’s fee, we should make full use of it!”

Lawyer Ge: “…President Gu, is it appropriate to say such capitalist things in front of me?”

But after saying that, he laughed and then earnestly explained the contract to Sheng Yueqing.

The more he explained, the more surprised he became.

He had handled countless contract termination cases and seen hundreds if not thousands of contracts, but it was the first time he had seen a contract that was so considerate of the artist.

For a moment, he even wanted to ask Gu Xingshi whether he was running a company or a charity.

But soon, he realized that this was actually just a normal contract.

It’s just that such contracts are usually only seen in the hands of top-tier artists who have significant influence.

Having seen so many capitalists using all sorts of means to exploit newcomers, he found a normal contract to be an anomaly.

Perhaps this was a sad reflection of the entertainment industry.

His voice became increasingly gentle. After finishing the explanation, he patted Sheng Yueqing on the shoulder, “You’ve met a benefactor. Work hard and don’t let President Gu down.”

Sheng Yueqing nodded vigorously.

He held the pen and, with unprecedented solemnity, wrote his name stroke by stroke, as if signing a contract with happiness itself.

At that moment, all the unpleasant experiences of the past became blurred.

For the first time, he had hope for the future.

However, just as he was holding the contract and immersed in these emotions, Gu Xingshi came in energetically, “Now that you’ve signed, let’s go to your first job!”

Immediately, Sheng Yueqing became nervous.

Unexpectedly, Gu Xingshi took him to a photography studio in the suburbs.

Sheng Yueqing had heard from his former teammates about this studio; it’s the most expensive and high-end studio in the entire capital. Even when they were at their most popular, the company was reluctant to let them shoot here.

He hadn’t expected that now, after terminating his contract and before earning a penny for the new company, President Gu would bring him here.

Moreover, after entering, he felt even more dizzy.

The photographer was actually Adam!!

Although he knew that President Gu had a good relationship with Adam, and it was normal to invite him for shoots, the fees still had to be paid.

Just thinking about the cost of the studio plus hiring Adam made Sheng Yueqing feel anxious.

However, Gu Xingshi was calm and confidently introduced, “This is my new artist, Sheng Yueqing.”

Adam glanced at Sheng Yueqing and couldn’t take his eyes off him, exclaiming, “Where on earth do you find these treasures! Oh my God! This face is simply a masterpiece of God! Nuwa’s (a goddess in Chinese mythology) display of skill!”

“I haven’t even had a drink yet, but I already feel inspiration bursting forth!”

Adam even personally helped style Sheng Yueqing, exclaiming as he worked, his language getting jumbled.

When it came time for the shoot, it was even more intense.

At first, Sheng Yueqing was a bit uncomfortable, but seeing Gu Xingshi constantly praising him beside Adam, he felt enveloped by a sense of security and gradually relaxed.

Photogenic charisma is a mysterious term.

Some people may not look particularly outstanding in daily life, but once they appear in front of the camera, they exhibit a dominating and captivating quality that seizes everyone’s attention.

When this quality is combined with extreme beauty, it has the impact of a nuclear explosion.

At that moment, Gu Xingshi truly understood what it meant to be struck by beauty.

He was extremely satisfied.

Since everyone said that Sheng Yueqing was just a pretty face, then he would elevate that beauty to the extreme, making it a weapon of mass destruction.

He knew the unease and inferiority in Sheng Yueqing’s heart.

He wanted to make him understand that he was no worse than anyone else, and he didn’t need to compare himself to anyone. He inherently possessed the most exceptional talent.

In the evening, Gu Xingshi had Sheng Yueqing post the photos online.

The topic of Gu Xingshi signing Sheng Yueqing had been trending online all afternoon, but apart from the initial Weibo post about the signing, none of the parties involved had made any further statements. The heated atmosphere seemed to be gradually cooling down.

Until Sheng Yueqing posted on Weibo, like a spark igniting a fire again with a “boom.”

[Sheng Yueqing, how can you be so… so good-looking!!!]

[OMG!! I just saw an immortal!!]

[Is this even a beauty that humans can possess! I feel like I can’t breathe.]

[Is this really Sheng Yueqing?!!! Did he get plastic surgery!!]

[Can you get surgery to look like this in just one afternoon???]

[Ahhh, I originally came to scold him, but how can I bring myself to scold when faced with this face!!!]

[I can only say: Hi! Hubby!]

[Not to mention his character for now, but with such beauty, there’s no substitute in the entertainment industry!]

[Dear! Promise me! Use styling like this from now on, okay! His previous company was wasting his looks!!! If it weren’t for President Gu, I wouldn’t have known I could enjoy such eye candy!!]

*

Even Sheng Yueqing was stunned.

Were these comments under his Weibo post?

So not every time he posted on Weibo, he would be scolded.

Although there were still some haters jumping out to curse, they were quickly rebutted by others.

In the face of overwhelming beauty, no one could resist.

Gu Xingshi patted him on the shoulder and said earnestly, “So, do you believe what I said now?”

“Yes!” Sheng Yueqing’s eyes were bright.

Unconsciously, confidence began to spread and grow in his heart.

But Gu Xingshi’s work wasn’t over yet.

He flexed his fingers and brought out his secret weapon, the account ‘#10086’.

After appreciating the beauty, it’s time for everyone to feel some heartache.

“Time to do something big today—let’s expose Far Ocean Entertainment.”