"That guy earlier... Wen Tao approached my group members one day. He told them he could give them something they wanted." Zhang Yiqing confessed. "They must have believed his words and came here."

Ran Xueyi remembered the young man from earlier. Gentle and young. He looked like a young brother who you would want to spoil. And if Ran Xueyi wasn't immune to his type, she certainly wouldn't think that Wen Tao was capable of selling people to older and perverted old men to sugar babies.

The people who had fallen to this trick were countless. The people who also willingly jumped ships and rode on their sugar daddies and mommies' coat tails were even more. During the start of her career, Ran Xueyi was even approached by these sleazy old men who wanted to make her their playtoy. However, since she belonged to a wealthy family who owned a business empire, they soon gave up and never showed up in front of her again.

p But Ran Xueyi knew that her grandparents had something to do with it.

From the start to the end of his story, Ran Xueyi didn't ask him anything. She only listened and it was enough for Zhang Yiqing, who needed someone to at least listen to him.

"Sorry, Xueyi jie. I made you listen to such a long story that I wasted a lot of your time." Zhang Yiqing realized that over twenty minutes has passed since they sat in the waiting area.

Ran Xueyi didn't speak. Zhang Yiqing wasn't that younger than her. Their ages were a bit closer and there was only a five years gap between them. However, she somehow felt that he was really pitiful. For his group members, Zhang Yiqing was willing to subdue his talent and skills to match their paces, to make sure that there were no fights breaking out in their groups, he would take the blame. When the press finds out something that one of the group members did or has a dating scandal with someone, he would apologize to the public and own up to the fault of his group member.

Ran Xueyi finally understood why Zhang Yiqing wasn't included in many events, advertisements and shows that his other group members could attend and be included to. He was sprayed with dirty water so that he could no longer show his face to the public that it was impossible for him to even enjoy the few years of being an idol.

"Wen Tao invited your group members... However, they aren't children who would follow someone's word without any doubt." Ran Xueyi said, tapping her finger against the body of the glass of juice in front of her. "Surely, you didn't think that they weren't willing when they accepted his offer and came here, right?"

Zhang Yiqing became mute.historical

Then, he finally replied, "I know... But they don't know how grave things could be. I want to stop them and let them rethink their decision."

Ran Xueyi silently stared at him before sighing. Zhang Yiqing was really a good young man. He continuously catched every single flaw and fault that others pushed onto him. Ran Xueyi couldn't describe him as being naive. He knowingly did things even though he was aware of what his agency and group members did to him. He just faced everything optimistically and readily like a warrior while also showing a bit of his innocence and pureness.

These kinds of qualities found in a person were extremely hard to find. Someone who could be so open-minded and talented and brave that he could face any tumultuous waves coming his way.

Earlier when Ran Xueyi saw his information in the list of potential artists she wanted to sign in her company, she thought that if Zhang Yiqing refused her offer, she would accept it as being not destined to work together. She wouldn't persuade him to accept her offer.

However, after witnessing how strong-willed, determined, courageous, and talented he was, she was now sure of what she should do.

Ran Xueyi couldn't let a gem that was buried under rubble stay there and collect more dust to cover it. She needed to pull him out of the dark and let him shine bright as a diamond as he should.

At this time, a door to the private booths opened and a young man dressed in a white v-neck tee, blue ripped jeans, and an earring in his left ear walked out of that room. He looked quite good-looking if he wasn't looking a bit red on the face.

He seemed a bit tipsy as he strolled into the hallway. But when emerged to the waiting area next to the staircase, the haze in his eyes suddenly cleared up upon seeing who was sitting there.

"Zha... Zhang Yiqing? What are you doing here?" said the young man in ripped jeans. He looked quite surprised but no trace of fear or guilt was seen on his face.

Zhang Yiqing's chest felt painful seeing how unconcerned the other was. However, he already made up his mind. So, he approached the other and said, "Li Wenjun... let's go back. You and the others don't have to do this."

Li Wenjun seemed to have guessed where this was going and his face quickly contorted into irritation. "Come on, man. Don't tell me you followed us here just to convince us to stay with you? Are you that stupid?"

Zhang Yiqing ignored his insults. "If you guys don't want to stay with me in a group after our contract expires... That's okay with me! Just get the others out of here and don't even come back! You don't even know what kind of person Wen Tao is and how he will ruin you all."

Zhang Yiqing was clear about Wen Tao's personality and history.

Li Wenjun angrily scoffed. "Just stop, Zhang Yiqing. I know you hate Wen Tao for taking your spot in the training camp. But you don't have to throw dirty water on him! At least, he was kind enough to introduce us to some investors and sponsors who could pave our path." He said this in one breath. After a pause, he added threateningly, "Don't try to stop us now. We don't want you to be more miserable than now."

Li Wenjun left Zhang Yiqing speechless. With one last glare, Li Wenjun turned around. He regretted that he even left the room to get a breath of fresh air only to meet Zhang Yiqing on the way out.

"Wait!"

But just as Li Wenjun walked two steps away from them, a clear, female voice sounded from behind him.

...

Author has something to say: Whew! Finally done with the privilege chapter tiers. Now, the regular chapters will be updated daily starting later.

Ps. I tried to make these scenarios a bit closer to reality. However, this is still fictional so don't confuse it too much.