To celebrate Fengxing Entertainment's 30th anniversary, the company hosted a grand banquet. Nearly all the artists under Fengxing Entertainment attended. After all, not attending would be a slap in the face to the company and, in turn, to themselves.
All the stars were dressed to the nines, making the event nothing short of spectacular. At that moment, Shen Tong sat with Chen Xiaoyong in the audience. Chen Xiaoyong wore a high-end custom-made red gown, looking both noble and glamorous. However, all eyes were on another figure in red.
On stage, Xie Sangyan, dressed in a red cocktail dress, was singing Eason Chan's "The Coldest Day". As the music stopped, the entire venue fell silent.
After finishing her song, Xie Sangyan returned to her seat. However, fate had it that she and Chen Xiaoyong were seated in the same row. While Chen Xiaoyong was in the interview area, she merely snorted when she saw Xie Sangyan from afar, maintaining an air of cold aloofness.
Shen Tong also watched as Xie Sangyan walked towards the interview area. Given the recent explosive news, Xie Sangyan would likely face a barrage of questions from the media.
"Do some people really need to be invited. They really think of themselves as big stars? I've never seen anyone so impolite, not considering the occasion. Such a lack of upbringing!" Chen Xiaoyong sneered at Xie Sangyan as usual.
Shen Tong couldn't help but sigh inwardly at Chen Xiaoyong's intelligence. It was clear that Chen Xiaoyong herself was the one lacking decorum. In contrast, Xie Sangyan didn't take Chen Xiaoyong's words to heart, sitting down gracefully as if she hadn't heard a thing. Her movements were elegant, like a dynamic painting.
"Xie Sangyan, you won't even say hello when you see your seniors!?" Chen Xiaoyong, losing her patience, raised her voice slightly. "Don't think you can neglect me just because I'm easygoing. Necessary manners are still required."
The statement was a classic case of blaming the victim. Shen Tong began to worry about Xie Sangyan's situation. Unfortunately, Xie Sangyan didn't respond to Chen Xiaoyong, pulling Fang Xiaoxi closer and smiling faintly.
Chen Xiaoyong, furious, jumped up from her seat. She always cared about appearances, and being ignored by Xie Sangyan in public was more humiliating than being insulted. At this point, she didn't care about the consequences and just wanted to teach Xie Sangyan a lesson.
Seeing Chen Xiaoyong's movements, Shen Tong knew trouble was brewing. From her experience, she knew Chen Xiaoyong was about to hit someone.
In such an important setting, Shen Tong didn't need to think twice to understand the severity of the situation.
Before Chen Xiaoyong could strike, Shen Tong grabbed her hand and whispered in her ear: "Mr. Xia's secretary is watching. There are so many reporters here, Miss Chen, it's best to ignore Xie Sangyan."
Startled, Chen Xiaoyong noticed the secretary of General Manager Xia standing there, observing coldly. The person she feared most was Xia Zixuan, who was notoriously unforgiving with misbehaving artists. Realizing she couldn't hit Xie Sangyan now, Chen Xiaoyong tried to calm down and avoided provoking her further. Unfortunately, a few reporters had already noticed the scene. Soon, a swarm of them surrounded Xie Sangyan and Chen Xiaoyong, bombarding them with questions.
"Miss Chen, it's often said that you and Xie Sangyan don't get along. Is this true?"
"Miss Chen, can you explain why you were about to reprimand Xie Sangyan?"
"Miss Xie, how do you feel about what Miss Chen just said?"
...
The reporters fired off questions, and Chen Xiaoyong quickly put on a friendly facade, smiling warmly at Xie Sangyan, "How can you say that? Sangyan and I are actually very close friends."
"If you're such good friends, why were you just about to reprimand her? Aren't you worried about ruining your relationship?"
Chen Xiaoyong continued smiling, "Of course not. Haven't people said that only the closest friends can speak harshly to you? My earlier words just prove how close Sangyan and I are."
As she spoke, she pulled Xie Sangyan closer, making the two appear even more intimate. Xie Sangyan remained silent, wearing a polite smile.
Watching this dramatic turn of events, Shen Tong found it both amusing and exasperating. At least the matter seemed to be resolved for now. However, with the recent flood of news about Xie Sangyan, most reporters focused their questions on her.
The following morning, the situation took a different turn. Shen Tong and Chen Xiaoyong were summoned to General Manager Xia's office. Also present was Xie Sangyan's agent, Yang Song.
"General Manager Xia, Brother Yang," Chen Xiaoyong greeted them, feeling quite surprised.
"Good morning, General Manager Xia, Brother Yang," Shen Tong echoed, feeling anxious.
Sitting at his desk, Xia Zixuan glanced at Shen Tong and said, "Yang, please inform them of my decision."
"Sure." Yang Song stood up and said, "After discussing with General Manager Xia, we decided that I have too many artists under my care to give you enough attention. Therefore, from now on, the company will assign you a new agent."
"What! Why? Everything was fine before!" Chen Xiaoyong could no longer stay calm. "Brother Yang, if I've done something wrong, just tell me, and I'll change!"
Shen Tong watched them talk, still trying to process everything.
Xia Zixuan coldly replied, "It's too late."
"What?" Chen Xiaoyong trembled.
Xia Zixuan continued, "Fengxing Entertainment does not need artists who don't know how to behave. You should be well aware of the inappropriate things you said at the anniversary banquet."
Finishing his statement, Xia Zixuan didn't even bother to look at Chen Xiaoyong. Yang Song added, "After our discussion, we've decided that Shen Tong will be your new agent. She will also continue as your assistant, meaning she'll be both your assistant and agent, receiving double the salary."
"What? Shen Tong as my agent? I refuse." Chen Xiaoyong couldn't believe the company's decision.
Yang Song coldly responded, "This is the result of your own choices. Did you listen to any of my advice? I'm not in the mood to bargain with you."
"It's not that the company didn't give you a chance, Chen Xiaoyong. If you continue to be unreasonable, I'll retract my statement. The company can terminate your contract at any time for not complying with regulations." Xia Zixuan was ruthless.
Chen Xiaoyong's face turned pale. Shen Tong, meanwhile, was still processing the news of her promotion.
"You're dismissed. This matter no longer concerns you," Xia Zixuan said. "Shen Tong, stay."
Knowing Xia Zixuan's methods, Chen Xiaoyong didn't dare to argue. She left the office, fuming.
Yang Song followed Chen Xiaoyong out, leaving Xia Zixuan and Shen Tong alone in the office.
"Thank you, General Manager," Shen Tong said, unsure of what else to say.
Xia Zixuan looked at Shen Tong, who, as always, dressed modestly but exuded a unique aura.
"No need to thank me. This is a test. If you don't want to disappoint me, work hard to manage Chen Xiaoyong well," Xia Zixuan said.
"This is my job. I will do my best. Thank you for the opportunity," Shen Tong replied, smiling at him.
"I'm optimistic about you," Xia Zixuan said, his eyes deep but offering a rare smile. Though faint, it greatly encouraged Shen Tong.