The days after signing the contract felt like an accelerated dream. Lin Chen was pushed along by an invisible hand, shuttling between glamorous events. His time was precisely divided into minute-by-minute blocks, filled with training, interviews, photoshoots, and various social activities. Starry Entertainment's star-making machine was running at full speed, attempting to polish the "Lin Chen" brand and launch it to the market in the shortest possible time.
His social media accounts were taken over by the company. The content posted was meticulously planned, consisting entirely of positive, uplifting quotes and heavily edited photos that fit his persona. Occasionally, he would log into his almost forgotten "Echo" account, looking at the fan comments still asking for the full version of *Mountain Questions*, and a wave of indescribable sorrow would well up inside him, but he dared not reply.
Chen Kai seemed to have sensed something from his sudden silence on social media and the change of his phone number. He tried sending him several messages through the "Echo" platform, his tone shifting from initial inquiry to later concern. Lin Chen saw them, but could not respond. He felt like he was trapped in a transparent glass dome, able to see the outside world but unable to touch it, and unable to be touched.
That evening, he had just finished recording a variety show and returned wearily to the apartment arranged by the company. His agent, Amy, called, her tone leaving no room for argument: "Lin Chen, get ready. The driver will pick you up downstairs in half an hour. President Lu is having a private party and specifically requested your attendance."
President Lu? Lu Tianyu? The head of Xingyao Entertainment, the legendary figure who wielded immense influence in the industry? Lin Chen's heart tightened. An ominous premonition enveloped him.
Half an hour later, he got into the company car—not the usual business van, but a more understated yet luxurious sedan. The car didn't head towards any famous hotels or clubs, but instead navigated the city's intricate streets, eventually entering a heavily guarded, secluded upscale villa district.
The villas appeared unassuming from the outside, but stepping inside revealed a completely different world. The heavy solid wood doors shut out all outside noise. The interior was minimalist modern, yet understatedly luxurious. The air was thick with the mingled scents of cigars and expensive perfumes.
Amy didn't follow him in; he was led alone by an impeccably dressed waiter through the spacious living room to a room at the back. Pushing open the heavy soundproof door, the sight inside made Lin Chen's breath catch in his throat.
The room was larger than he'd imagined, more like a private club. A soft Persian carpet absorbed all footsteps. Five or six people sat on a large leather sofa. In the center sat a man who looked to be in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and possessing a refined air—it was Lu Tianyu, whom he'd seen in a financial magazine. He held a glass of red wine, smiling as he listened to a bald man beside him—Lin Chen recognized him as the CEO Liu who had pressured him at the dinner party earlier!
Besides them, there were also two veteran directors and producers Lin Chen had seen on television, both of whom held positions of great influence, and a currently popular actress known for her stunning beauty. The actress, wearing a sexy halter dress, leaned almost half her body against Lu Tianyu, smiling charmingly.
Upon seeing Lin Chen enter, all eyes turned to him. Those gazes were no longer the enthusiasm of an audience on stage, nor the curiosity of a media interview, but rather a… more direct, more blatant scrutiny, carrying the casualness and assessment of someone in a position of power appraising an object.