"Great!" Mr. Wang smiled broadly, picked up the contract, carefully checked the signature, and then extended his hand. "Welcome to the Star Shine family, Lin Chen! From today onwards, you are our key rising star!"
Lin Chen mechanically extended his hand to shake his. The hand was warm and strong, yet it felt chillingly cold.
Then, Mr. Wang pressed the call button on the table. A young woman in a business suit, with a capable expression, walked in.
"This is Amy, your new executive agent. She'll be responsible for your daily schedule, publicity, and coordination," Mr. Wang introduced. "Amy, take Lin Chen to complete the onboarding procedures and familiarize him with the environment. Also, notify the public relations and planning departments to launch the 'Lin Chen Project.'"
"Yes, Mr. Wang." Amy gave Lin Chen a standard professional smile. "Mr. Lin, please follow me."
Following Amy out of the office and through the bright, spacious work area, Lin Chen looked at the busy, impeccably dressed employees and the huge posters of the company's most popular artists hanging on the walls. He felt like a screw being fed into a giant machine, about to be tightened and turned according to a pre-set program.
He received his company access card, registered his fingerprint, and signed a series of additional confidentiality agreements and codes of conduct. Amy was extremely efficient, quickly sending him a densely packed schedule to his phone.
"This is your preliminary schedule for the next week. Tomorrow morning at nine, the company's styling team will create a completely new image for you. There are media interviews in the afternoon, and a brand gala dinner to attend in the evening. Starting the day after tomorrow, you'll begin intensive vocal and dance training with top-notch instructors. In addition, the company has already secured several high-quality commercial performances and variety show guest appearances for you; I'll confirm the details with you later..."
The schedule was packed full, leaving almost no time to breathe. He felt like a toy suddenly wound up, propelled by a tremendous force towards a pre-planned future.
After completing all the formalities, Amy escorted him to the elevator, smiling as she said, "Mr. Lin, please take care of me from now on. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. The company has arranged accommodation for you; I've sent you the address and password to your phone. You can move in today. The company will coordinate your training base during the competition."
Standing beneath the imposing building of Xingyao Entertainment, Lin Chen looked up at the towering glass curtain wall, the sunlight somewhat dazzling. He clutched the cold access card in his hand, and in his pocket lay the newly signed contract, akin to a servitude agreement.
He had succeeded. He had signed with the industry's largest company, embarking on a star-studded career countless people dreamed of.
But why did he feel no joy, only a heavy, empty, and fearful weight, as if he had mortgaged himself?
The devil's contract had been signed.
And from this moment on, his life officially embarked on a path of no return, firmly controlled by capital and rules.
The starlight ahead seemed exceptionally dazzling, and exceptionally…cold.