Jane Anning drove Xize to the space station, and from there they took a spacecraft back to the Silver Fox Entertainment headquarters on the planetary skyscraper. Throughout the journey, Xize remained silent, his eyes methodically scanning the unfamiliar future world around him.
It was reassuring to note that despite humanity's advanced technology and the ability to build suitable habitats and develop planets, the basic way of life remained largely unchanged.
Upon arriving at Silver Fox's building—a standalone 50-story skyscraper in a bustling district—Jane Anning strode into the lobby, her cape draped, sunglasses on, and high heels clicking authoritatively. Her chin held high like a proud peacock, she naturally placed a hand on Xize's back in a protective manner, guiding him forward.
As they entered the lobby, the sound of brisk, sharp footsteps drew many curious glances, and soon, nearly everyone in the lobby turned their attention to them. It was impossible for anyone in Silver Fox or the entertainment industry not to recognize Jane Anning; she was recently the subject of a major scandal.
Jane Anning's fall from grace—losing her talent and being unable to secure gold-star status—had become a laughingstock. Her situation was the talk of the industry, with many using it as fodder for ridicule. While some high-profile individuals remained discreet, the general public, including competitors, took every opportunity to denounce her. Only a few were willing to speak up in her defense.
Despite her current downfall, Jane Anning was no longer the senior manager with countless top stars in her grasp. Being intentionally "exiled" by her company, she had become the subject of public scorn.
As she walked in, many pointed and stared, their expressions ranging from ambiguous to gleeful, with some even murmuring, "Why hasn't she resigned yet?"
Yet, Jane Anning held her head high, chest out, and exuded an air of defiance and resolve. Her posture was more commanding than ever before, as she passed by, not glancing at anyone, and made her way toward the elevator.
Xize, beside her, kept his collar up and head down, shielded by Jane Anning as they approached the elevator. He too felt the weight of many unfriendly gazes, which he easily deduced were directed at Jane Anning.
Once in the elevator, Xize removed his mask and looked at Jane Anning, asking, "What's going on?"
Jane Anning, showing no patience, gave him a firm slap on the forehead and said, "Mind your own business! As agreed, I'll be the high-profile one while you stay low-key. Let them hate me; you just focus on dazzling the entertainment world!"
Though they had just met, Jane Anning had never been so candid with any artist. Perhaps it was the pleasantness of being with Xize—despite his youth and being younger than her, his composed aura made her feel at ease, lowering her guard and emotional distance.
It could also be that she was running out of time. She was no longer young, and if she didn't make a breakthrough in the next year or two, her career might only decline further.
She could not afford to wait any longer. She refused to hesitate or take incremental steps back to the top. Despite her lost status, she would not be easily defeated. She had once worked diligently from an assistant to a manager, only to fall dramatically. Now, she would unleash her full potential and prove to those who doubted and mocked her that she could rise again and become a top manager.
With Xize by her side—a future star likely to shine as brightly as Arnold across the galaxy—she was determined to succeed, and so was he.
The elevator ascended to the 48th floor. Although Xize didn't know the specifics of Jane Anning's situation, it was evident her circumstances were dire. In an industry as turbulent as entertainment, he realized that retreat wasn't an option; progress was the only solution.
Xize admired Jane Anning's courage and foresight. Following such a manager would be advantageous for him, especially given his current lack of connections. He was confident he had made the right choice.
Jane Anning, having shed her earlier haughty demeanor, now faced Xize with calm determination. "Remember, no matter what happens, maintain your composed demeanor. Let me handle the rest. Trust me, no one will underestimate you."
So, he was to play the role of a mere figurehead… Xize nodded, intrigued. Though he had been a celebrated actor in his past life, he had never been a mere decoration.
The elevator doors opened on the 48th floor, where an intelligent robot approached them. "Hello, Ms. Jane Anning. Mr. Xia Li is in an important meeting. You may wait in the lounge."
Jane Anning produced a small gold bar from her coat and dropped it into a slot on the robot's head. Instantly, the robot's demeanor changed, and it directed them to the A6 conference room, leading the way.
Xize observed, "..."
Jane Anning gestured for Xize to follow and remarked, "Always pay to get things done."
The robot, overhearing, cast a displeased look at Jane Anning as its light blinked with a "==" sign.
The A6 conference room was not fitted with electronic doors but traditional wooden ones, reflecting a classical Chinese style—wooden floors, intricately carved screens, and ancient palace lanterns. The decor suggested a strong affinity for Chinese aesthetics, and the robot's back was even adorned with blue-and-white porcelain patterns.
As Xize surveyed the surroundings, Jane Anning forcefully kicked open the door. The lock shattered, falling to the ground as if it were mere pieces of metal.
Xize mentally exclaimed in surprise, realizing Jane Anning had hidden strength. Not only was he astonished, but Xia Li, who was engaged in a video call, was also startled.
Xia Li, taken aback, gripped the armrests of his chair, eyes wide in disbelief as he looked toward the door. He relaxed when he saw Jane Anning but then pointed at her, shouting, "Jane, what are you doing? Didn't anyone tell you I'm in a meeting? Get out!"
Jane Anning, in her high heels, strode into the conference room. Xia Li, stunned by her unexpected intrusion, forgot to end the video call. The screen above the long table showed Arnold's face, a celebrity who could make fans across the galaxy scream.
Though Jane Anning had previously worked as Arnold's temporary manager, she only briefly reacted with surprise before nodding and greeting him. An idea formed in her mind.
Arnold maintained his silent, waiting posture, neither interrupting Xia Li nor showing annoyance at Jane Anning's sudden appearance.
Jane Anning approached Xia Li's desk. As Xia Li prepared to rise, Jane Anning's commanding presence forced him back into his seat. Once polite and gentle, Jane Anning now seemed like a fierce tigress.
Placing her hands on the desk and leaning forward slightly, she glared at Xia Li and said, "Mr. Xia Li, I'll be straightforward. I want you to meet someone and help me with a favor. Is that possible?"
Xia Li had never interacted with Jane Anning like this before; the formidable aura emanating from the woman before him was overwhelming, leaving him momentarily disoriented and somewhat embarrassed. "How did you become like this?"
In the presence of Arnold, Jane Anning was unreserved. "If you were in my position, suddenly stripped of all your work and artists as an agent, how would you react?"
Xia Li was well aware of Jane Anning's situation, but each level had its own jurisdiction. Although he knew about Jane Anning's predicament, it was not within his purview to intervene. He shifted uneasily, trying to ease the tension. "This is your superior's decision. While I am his superior, I cannot override his decisions. Instead of coming to me, you should speak with him directly. Perhaps…"
Jane Anning smiled, her demeanor nonchalant. "No, Mr. Li, I'm not here to complain about my superior or to seek assistance for myself. I'm here to introduce someone to you." With that, she turned her gaze towards the door.
Li adjusted his chair and followed Jane Anning's gaze to the door, where a figure stood.
From the moment Jane Anning barged in, Xize had positioned himself by the door, minimizing his presence, silently assuming the role of a decorative vase—an authentic vase, not a mere imitation. It should be an antique, unearthed from the soil, cleaned of its dust, and revealed in its true form.
Xize had become such an antique vase, though he had never been one before. He understood how to manage his presence with subtlety. Despite the challenge of maintaining this silent demeanor, his experience as a former actor proved invaluable.
When Jane Anning burst into the room, he remained at the door, nearly invisible. Despite the wide-open doorway, Li had not noticed him, as if the scene consisted solely of Jane Anning and Arnold on the screen.
However, when Li turned his head, he saw the figure standing quietly at the door, framed by a large wooden screen in the corridor and standing on a rich red carpet. He resembled a pristine antique porcelain vase, silent and composed, with a faint smile. His eyes, initially downcast, lifted when Li's gaze met his. His long, dark lashes fluttered like delicate butterflies, and his penetrating, dark eyes seemed to bore into Li's very soul. His presence exuded a unique, enigmatic aura, reminiscent of a distant, ancient Eastern land.
Li was an admirer of Eastern culture, particularly Chinese heritage. To him, only Earth's millennia-old legacy could truly embody the essence of the East. He had decorated the entire 48th floor with an antique Chinese style, seeking to capture that deep, mysterious cultural essence. Now, before him was a living embodiment of that Eastern charm.
Li stood, eyes wide with disbelief, overwhelmed by the sight before him. This young man had an entirely Eastern visage, and his presence was akin to an exquisite antique vase, so striking that Li wished he could wrap him in cloth and store him in a safe, hidden away from the world.
Understanding Li's fascination with Eastern artifacts, Jane Anning cleared her throat and smiled. "Now, Mr. Li, do you have time to talk with me?"
Xia Li glanced at the figure at the door, his excitement evident as his jaw quivered. He fumbled for the remote on the table and turned to Arnold, waiting nearby. "Sorry, but we'll have to conclude for today. I have some urgent matters to attend to."
The man on the screen, Arnold, displayed a hint of curiosity rather than displeasure. He was intrigued by Li's reaction, wondering if he had seen someone of Eastern descent.
Arnold, unable to see the figure at the door due to the camera angle, was puzzled by Li's reaction. Jane Anning, catching Arnold's curious glance, smiled and exited the room. Arnold nodded in acknowledgment, signaling that it was acceptable, and ended the video call.