When two whales clash, there is no guarantee of a clear winner

Xia Lihua had to go back to the company next day at 3:30 pm which is also Milan Stock Exchange's (Borsa Italiana) open time in order to handle various company matters.

"Are you planning to handle all the company matters on your own?" Liang Sichen expressed concern as Lihua appeared tired with a puffy face and slightly disheveled hair.

Xia Lihua stifled a yawn and gently tapped her cheeks. "Despite taking an afternoon nap, I still feel sleepy. However, I must attend to these matters as soon as possible. Pass me those papers which require my signature."

"I'll help you sort out the files."

"It's fine, Feifei will organize the rest. I need to go to the washroom now."

"The washroom on the executive floor is under maintenance. A plumber came by today, but it won't be fixed until tomorrow. You can use the one on the ground floor instead."

"Okay."

...

Lihua washed her face throughly at the sink. Her complexion looked better now.

Wyahh-

Suddenly, she heard someone sobbing from one of the toilet stalls. Intrigued, she decided to wait for the person to come out. When the girl emerged, she noticed that she was still in tears, her face puffy and red. Startling the girl, Xia Lihua gently asked, "What's the matter? Why are you crying?"

As tears continued to stream down the girl's cheek, she struggled to find her words. "I-I...it's not a big deal," she stammered, trying to downplay the situation.

"What is your name? What's wrong?"

"I...My name is Chu Fang. I think I recognise you. You are that new artist...Xia Lihua?"

"Yes, that's me...you can tell me what's wrong."

Upon witnessing Xia Lihua's empathetic expression, Chu Fang's sobs gradually subsided. With caution, she shared her story, saying, "I came here for a dance audition, but I was barred from participating because I am blacklisted in the entertainment industry by Xing Jing Entertainment."

Xia Lihua was in dire need of new dancers and a talented dance crew as a significant portion of her team had been recruited by Yang Entertainment. To find exceptional new talent became a top priority for her in order to maintain the artistic caliber and competitive edge of her company. Recognizing the potential loss of valuable talent slipping away from her grasp and potentially being wasted, she made the decision to assist Chu Fang. "What?...Why were blacklisted?"

Observing Chu Fang's hesitation, Xia Lihua persisted with concern. "What is it? You can tell me without any worries. Maybe I can help you."

As nobody seemed willing to lend an ear to Chu Fang, her spirits lifted upon hearing Xia Lihua's offer of help. Xia Lihua was her last hope.

Being an artist within the same company, Xia Lihua might have the ability to assist her. With a trembling voice, Chu Fang mustered the courage to share, "I...the CEO of Xing Jing Entertainment is not a good person...I...I...I rejected his advances and that's why he became offended."

"...?"

Xia Lihua could guess what had happened even though Chu Fang's words were ambiguous and unclear. "Come with me. Let's see what I can do."

In the corridor, Xia Lihua spotted a woman and called out, "Mrs. Jin!"

Mrs. Jin, as a higher-up and member of the executive board, recognized Lihua as her lady boss. Lihua's attire, a casual Adidas T-shirt and jeans, gave her the appearance of a regular artist due to her rushed arrival at the company earlier.

Xia Lihua subtly winked at Mrs. Jin, indicating that she should address her in a more informal manner. Mrs. Jin responded, "Yes, what is it?"

"This is Chu Fang, she came here for an audition but was restricted from doing so. Can you look into this matter?"

Mrs. Jin was aware of the incident because she was in charge of the auditions. "Chu Fang? Isn't she blacklisted by Xing Jing entertainment? I don't think I can help her."

Chu Fang's hopeful expression faded. "Why...why not?"

"Miss Chu, our current engagement with Xing Jing Entertainment is tied to a major project. We cannot afford to provoke the CEO at this juncture. It will be a huge loss for us." Mrs Jin explained, emphasizing the potential ramifications.

Xia Lihua glanced at Chu Fang, her determination undeterred. She replied to Mrs. Jin, "I understand the situation, but perhaps we can still find a way to help her. It's important to consider her talent and potential."

Comprehending Lihua's implied message, Mrs. Jin nodded in agreement. "Alright, Miss Chu. I will arrange for another audition for you and will send you an email with the details. Please give it your best effort," she assured Chu Fang.

Chu Fang's face lit up with joy, and she tightly held Lihua's hand, expressing her gratitude. "I will never forget this kindness. Thank you so much, both of you. Thank you, Mrs. Jin. I'll take my leave now," she said, her excitement evident. As Chu Fang happily skipped away, Lihua waved her goodbye and encouraged her to give her best in the future.

"En, goodbye. Give your best next time."

Once Chu Fang was out of sight, Xia Lihua leaned closer to Mrs. Jin and shared her thoughts. "I've heard rumors about the CEO of Xing Jing Entertainment being a disrespectful pig and a pervert, it seems they might be true."

Mrs. Jin nodded in agreement, understanding the situation. "I am aware of the rumors, but given the importance of the project, we need to tread carefully and avoid provoking him."

"Xing Jing Entertainment is the top company right now and to take them down we need to take a different route. Collaborating with them might not be beneficial for us in the long run. When two whales clash, there is no guarantee of a clear winner." Lihua suggested, "Rather than engaging in direct conflict, it might be wiser to explore alternative strategies or find unique ways to excel in the industry."

"So, what do you say we should do?"

"We have not yet finalized the contract or made any monetary investments. Please send an email notifying them of our intention to withdraw from the project and terminate our involvement. We will collaborate with some other entertainment company instead. I will discuss the specifics with Liang Sichen, who will subsequently provide you with further details."

"Alright, president."