"Myles, this is something called the 'Slimming Injection.'" Cindy Shen's voice was heavy with exhaustion and helplessness. "I don't remember if I've mentioned it to you before, but the company says it helps us maintain our figure. Since they have the resources, we just go along with it."
She lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers, as if trying to suppress her unease. "Because of this injection, even artists in the company who originally had average figures are now incredibly slim. You know how the entertainment industry is these days—it's all about looking youthful, thin, and delicate. But the worst part? I heard that even newly signed minors have been made to try it."
"Minors?" My tone turned icy, sharp as a blade. "That's completely destroying their bodies. Has the company never considered the consequences?"
Cindy shook her head lightly, her hands twisting the fabric of her dress. Her eyes reflected deep fatigue. "
Consequences? Myles, the company never cares about that. All they care about is whether we look perfect enough, whether we can sustain the advertising deals and resources. When we sign the contract, it already includes clauses for health checks, treatment plans, and image management… We don't get a say in any of it."
"So the company forces you to take these injections under the guise of 'image management'?" I clenched my jaw, anger surging through me. My fists tightened until my knuckles turned white.
"Yeah." She let out a bitter laugh and nodded. "If we refuse, it means we lose all access to resources."
"They don't treat you like human beings at all. Sooner or later, something terrible is going to happen!" My voice rose involuntarily, the pressure in my chest almost suffocating me.
"Myles, I know you're worried about me," her voice lowered, her gaze weary. "But in this industry, who doesn't want to look perfect in front of the camera? At first, I didn't think much of it either. But now… after every injection, I can feel my body breaking down bit by bit. The company doesn't care. They just tell us to keep going, to endure."
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. "Do you know what's in these injections? Have they been tested?"
"There's no way to check." She shook her head with a bitter smile, her eyes flashing with a hint of sarcasm. "The company tells us not to ask questions, just to trust them. Even the doctors are arranged by them—outsiders can't get involved. But… I did some research online. This injection seems to be a modified version of a diabetes drug."
"A diabetes drug?" My frown deepened, and my voice turned cold. "They're using an untested substance on you? Do you even know the long-term effects on your body?"
"I don't." Her voice was barely audible as she lowered her head further. "But even if I did, what difference would it make? If I refuse, I'll be blacklisted. I've already lost so much, Myles."
"Cindy-Jie ," I suppressed my anger, my voice steady but firm. "You can't keep doing this. Giving in will only make things worse. If you don't stand up, this will keep hurting more people."
She froze, her hands clutching the edge of the sofa, her fingers trembling slightly. "Myles, I know you're trying to help, but you don't understand. The company won't let me stop. If I speak out, they'll ruin me… and they might even drag you into this. You're Mr. Shiao's son. If this goes public, your situation will be even more dangerous than mine."
I stared at her, my thoughts in turmoil. She was right—this wasn't just a risk for her. If I got involved, my identity could be exposed. And if I needed medical support, I would have to turn to Professor Kai Zhou, which might mean revealing the health issues I've been hiding all along.
"Cindy-Jie, you can't keep retreating." I locked eyes with her, my voice low but resolute. "This is no longer just about you. It's about the systemic corruption of this entire industry. If you don't stand up, the company will only grow more reckless, and more people will get hurt."
She fell silent for a long time, her eyes filled with complex emotions—fear, hesitation, and an overwhelming sense of defeat. "Myles, I'm scared… I might not even survive long enough to make a difference."
I took a deep breath, shifting my gaze to the dazzling city lights outside the window. "You have another injection scheduled in three days, right? Before that happens, share your story with the media. Once it's exposed, even the company won't dare act recklessly."
"The media?" She looked up at me, her eyes filled with doubt and fear. "Myles, what will happen if I do it? What if it spirals out of control?"
"Do you have another choice?" I looked at her, my voice calm yet firm. "If you keep enduring, it'll cost you your life. This isn't just about saving yourself—it's about protecting others who don't have a voice."
She bit her lip, her internal struggle evident in her expression. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke softly, "If I'm really going to expose this… I want to use BlissPoint"
"BlissPoint?" I raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes. Everyone's on it now. If I record a video and anonymously tell the truth, with some evidence to back it up, it'll spread quickly. Compared to traditional media, this approach feels more direct—and safer," she said, her voice gradually growing more determined.
I nodded slowly but couldn't shake the hesitation weighing on me.
Exposing this was crucial, but to ensure it was credible and impactful, we needed strong evidence and professional medical support. Professor Kai Zhou was my only option, but asking him for help would mean revealing my own health struggles and risking my anonymity.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, my mind racing. This wasn't an easy choice, but I knew if I didn't act now, there would be no chance for change.
"Alright." I finally spoke, my voice steady. "I'll help you get the medical support we need and guide you on how to create and share the video. But you need to be ready—not just for the exposure itself, but for everything that comes after."
Cindy nodded, her eyes a mix of relief and determination. "Thank you, Myles. I'll gather all the evidence I can."
I looked at her tired face, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. The neon lights outside the window still glittered brightly, but I knew this was the start of a storm—and there was no turning back.