Li Chu went to meet the representative from Black Gold Entertainment in charge of her potential signing, feeling a bit anxious. However, on her way there, she adjusted her mood and called Tang Congnan.
When Tang Congnan found out she was meeting someone from Black Gold, he nearly lost control of the steering wheel.
"Brother Nan, can you calm down? We almost drifted into the hearse, seriously!" Li Chu took a deep breath, patting the back of her seat in exasperation.
Good thing they didn't hit a tree near the gate of the community; otherwise, both "mother and daughter" would've been in serious danger.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner that you were going to meet someone from Black Gold?!"
Tang Congnan was so excited he could barely hold onto the steering wheel properly.
If Li Chu really could switch to Black Gold, it would be a fantastic opportunity. Black Gold was a big company with more resources, exposure, and chances to succeed. And, crucially, she wouldn't have to worry about the shady practices of some smaller companies' bosses.
"I didn't want to keep you up all night worrying. Anyway, Brother Nan, just focus on driving so we're not late."
"Oh, right." Tang Congnan restarted the car, driving more cautiously this time. As he drove, he asked Li Chu how Black Gold had reached out to her.
Li Chu explained the phone call and confessed that she still wasn't sure how Black Gold had taken notice of her in the first place.
Tang Congnan, brimming with excitement, said, "Maybe this is one of those 'hidden gems waiting to be discovered' situations. There's always someone who recognizes talent!"
Li Chu sighed inwardly. Sure, sure, whatever you say.
Tang Congnan then started sharing all the Black Gold information he knew with her, speculating about her bright future. But as he spoke, his excitement began to fade, and he grew quiet.
Li Chu knew why he'd gone silent. She could easily bring Qian Duoduo with her when she switched companies, but Tang Congnan? It was less certain.
Since she was moving to a new company instead of starting her own studio, Black Gold might not accept Tang Congnan as her manager. The company might prefer to pair her, a promising newcomer, with a more experienced agent who had stronger industry connections and could secure bigger opportunities.
"Brother Nan, the people from Black Gold said they'd give me a B-level contract," Li Chu said, casually adjusting her makeup in the mirror.
Given her current status, getting a B-level contract was already a pretty generous offer. Although Tang Congnan wasn't familiar with the specifics of Black Gold's B contracts, he compared it to other contracts he had seen before and nodded in approval.
Tang Congnan perked up, saying enthusiastically, "They've got a sharp eye! They see your potential!"
Li Chu then asked softly, "Do you think if I negotiated to bring you with me, they'd agree? And... would you be willing to go?"
Her words hung in the air as she glanced at Tang Congnan.
At that moment, they stopped at a red light. But Tang Congnan was so shocked by her question that he nearly stepped on the gas, almost launching them into the sky.
"Aaah! Why would you ask something like that while I'm driving?! I'm not married yet, and I don't want to die so soon!" Tang Congnan's excitement surged, causing his neck and face to flush red.
Li Chu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Wait, did you give birth yourself?"
Her eyes playfully scanned Tang Congnan. In this world, the concept of pregnancy was slightly different except for alphas, who couldn't get pregnant, both betas and omegas, regardless of gender, could conceive.
However, male betas had the lowest pregnancy rates because they didn't produce pheromones. Male betas could naturally impregnate other male or female betas, but female betas couldn't impregnate male betas.
But that wasn't a big issue. With modern technology, female betas could choose to have a fertilized egg implanted in either their own or their partner's uterus. Male beta and female beta couples also had the option to implant fertilized eggs into the male beta's gestational cavity. It was all very flexible.
Tang Congnan coughed loudly, matching the intensity of the red light outside.
As the light turned green, he steadied his hands and continued driving, deciding not to speak to Li Chu for the next three minutes to regain his composure.
Three minutes later, having shifted from excitement to calm, he pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned off the engine.
"I definitely want to go, but I'm afraid I might not be good enough, and I'm afraid it won't be worth it for you."
Tang Congnan let out a deep breath. Of course, he was eager to work at a bigger company and keep working with Li Chu, but there were challenges. Would Black Gold even accept him? Would they value his skills? Was he capable enough to support Li Chu's rising career?
Li Chu waved her hand dismissively. "What do you mean it's not worth it? You remember what I said, right? If we get rich, we'll do it together."
"I believe in you, Brother Nan. You've got what it takes to be a great agent. I haven't made it big yet, but who knows? Maybe one day, we'll both be at the top me a star, and you a top-tier agent?"
Li Chu smiled as she hyped him up. She didn't really care about becoming a top celebrity, but she wanted to cheer Tang Congnan on.
Tang Congnan's face grew more serious. He looked at Li Chu intently and said, "If Black Gold is really willing to take me, I'll work my hardest for you."
Li Chu shuddered, shaking her head. "...That's not necessary."
Mom, please, what's happening? Calm down, mom!
Still, Tang Congnan remained serious. A minute later, he slapped the steering wheel and yelled, "Let's go! Let's make it happen!"
With renewed energy, Tang Congnan hit the road again, driving his car with the determination of a Maybach driver.
When they arrived, Li Chu decided not to let Tang Congnan accompany her inside.
The Black Gold representative she was meeting with, Hu Yi, looked a bit surprised when he heard Li Chu's request. He said he needed to consult with the headquarters.
Li Chu nodded and waited while he made the call.
Ten minutes later, Hu Yi returned with a clear answer.
"Yes, it's possible. But the company won't invest in you for nothing. We don't know your original agent's capabilities yet, so he'll be put under a probationary period. In the meantime, you'll be under my care, and he'll act as your assistant manager. If things go well, he can take full charge of you."
"Thank you so much," Li Chu said gratefully.
Hu Yi waved it off. "No need to thank me. Work hard. Go terminate your contract with your current company this afternoon."
In fact, this whole matter had been a direct order from the big boss. When Hu Yi first received the instruction, he was confused, but he followed it right away. He assumed that Li Chu must have some kind of special connection to the boss, though she seemed completely unaware of it.
Since Hu Yi seemed busy, Li Chu set the time for her contract termination and left.
When she told Tang Congnan what Hu Yi had said, he still found it hard to believe. The idea that he could also go to Black Gold felt surreal, just as surreal as when Li Chu had first told him about being scouted half a month ago.
"Bao'er, pinch me. This all feels so unreal."
Li Chu pinched him mercilessly and joked, "If it still feels unreal, I could always shave your head?"
"No! You're the reason I'm going bald early!" Tang Congnan exclaimed, backing away to protect his hair.
After a moment of silliness, his expression grew serious. "Li Chu, thank you."
It was the first time Li Chu had seen him express such genuine gratitude. She smiled at him, but just when they seemed to be having a heartfelt moment, she ruined it by saying…
"Brother Nan, I really want to eat honey chicken."
Tang Congnan sighed dramatically. "Eat! Eat as much as you want!"
Li Chu gleefully asked Qian Duoduo to order the chicken, and after getting it, she shared the good news with Teacher Ning, as usual.
[Li Xiaochu]: Teacher Ning, I ordered chicken!
[Li Xiaochu]: The taste is amazing! Just like the pheromones of that alpha I met yesterday!
[Li Xiaochu]: It's a bit pricey, but totally worth it!
When Ning Manqing first saw the message, she nearly had a heart attack, wondering what kind of club was selling alpha pheromones. But then she remembered that Li Chu wasn't the type for that sort of thing and calmed down.
[Teacher Ning]: You should have some tea after eating.
[Teacher Ning]: To help with digestion.