Chapter 253: She Doesn I t Need a Backer, She Is Her Own
(3)
Translator: _Min
Gu Huiyan pondered whether he could sell something to gift to Si Fuqing.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
“Mr. Gu,” a young man said politely, “may I come in now?”
“Oh,” Gu Huiyan adjusted his glasses, looking towards the middle-aged man for a reminder.
The middle-aged man whispered, “It’s the Ji family, they had an appointment with you. ”
“Right, I forgot,” Gu Huiyan replied, unembarrassed. “Come in.” The young man entered as the middle-aged man left the room.
“Mr. Gu, it’s like this,” the young man began, bowing slightly and presenting a box. “This is a new embroidery by our young lady. The lady sent me to seek your advice, hoping you could share your valuable insights.”
Gu Huiyan nodded. “Let’s see it.”
The young man carefully extracted the embroidery from the box and laid it out on the table.
Gu Huiyan observed it without showing any sign of amazement, which surprised the young man.
Before coming, they had shown the embroidery to professional embroiderers who were full of praise.
Gu Huiyan, having seen much, was not easily impressed.
“Here, and here,” Gu Huiyan finally spoke. “There are quite a few issues, but it’s quite good overall. There’s room for improvement.”
The young man bowed again. “We would be honored if you could visit Sijiu City. Our young lady is eager to learn from you.”
“I’m not taking any disciples,” Gu Huiyan shook his head. “Last time your family invited me, saying there was a prodigy to see, but what was the outcome?”
The prodigy was indeed talented, but he felt something was lacking.
The young man’s expression shifted but remained polite. “Thank you, Mr. Gu. I’ll convey your message to our lady. Our young lady is still young and has much potential. We hope you can visit her someday.” Gu Huiyan waved his hand, signaling the young man to leave.
Some people still had room to grow.
Others had reached their limits.
People really shouldn’ t be compared.
Gu Huiyan returned to studying the vast landscape embroidery, sighing, “Genius indeed.”
He needed to plan his next step in recruiting a disciple.
Meanwhile, at the training base of “Youth With You”.
The seventh episode of the show had just been released online.
This episode was a transition, announcing rankings and eliminations.
Although it didn’t generate as much buzz as the performance episodes, the viewership was still substantial.
Xu Xiyun managed to scrape into the top nine again.
Xie Yu had given up trying to reason with this lucky fellow.
“Xu Xiyun,” a staff member called outside the dance studio, “someone from your company is here with urgent news.”
“Oh, coming,” Xu Xiyun drank some water and quickly followed.
In the resting room were two people.
Xu Xiyun recognized one as their company manager.
What matter was so important that the manager came in person?
As he entered, the other person exchanged a glance with the manager and left.
Xu Xiyun sat down.
“Xu Xiyun,” the manager began slowly, “your performance today was unexpected for the company.”
Xu Xiyun replied enthusiastically, “It’s all thanks to Teacher Si!”
“Teacher Si?” The manager paused, his expression unchanged. “You know, our company was acquired recently.”
Xu Xiyun sensed something was amiss. “Yes, I Imow.”
“The acquirer is Wangchuan Entertainment,” continued the manager. “They have four trainees in ‘Youth With You’, one of whom is ranked just behind you.”
Xu Xiyun tensed up.
He remembered the trainee who was ranked just behind him.
“We, being acquired, have no say anymore. We’re not their handpicked talents,” the manager finally revealed. “So, Wangchuan Entertainment wants you to withdraw from the competition.”
“No!” Xu Xiyun stood up abruptly. “I can’t withdraw. I promised Teacher Si I’d make it to the top six!”
“We don’t want this either,” the manager shook his head. “But what can we do? Your contract has been transferred to the new owners. If they don’t support you, what can you do? Isn’t your grandmother sick?”
At the mention of his grandmother, Xu Xiyun’s expression finally changed.
“When you joined the company, you said you wanted to become a star to earn money for your grandmother’s treatment,” the manager spoke indifferently. “Now, if you comply and withdraw from the competition, Wangchuan
Entertainment will transfer your grandmother to the top hospital in Sijiu City.”
Xu Xiyun clenched his fists. “Grandma…”
Sijiu City’s medical standards are the finest in the Great Xia Empire.
But without money, Xu Xiyun couldn’t afford such top-notch healthcare. Earning money was indeed his purpose for entering the entertainment industry, so he didn’t hesitate when scouted.
However, his lack of funds also meant he couldn’t access high-quality training like other trainees, until he met Si Fuqing.
“Don’t be too disheartened,” the manager consoled, patting his shoulder. “Although you’re withdrawing from the competition, you’ve still gained some fans. If Wangchuan Entertainment has any debut opportunities in the future, they’ll surely consider you first.”
“Now, go to the dormitory and pack your things, prepare to leave.” Xu Xiyun took a deep breath, his voice rough with emotion, “I understand.”
“I’ll wait for you outside, ” the manager said, checking the time. “The company will post your withdrawal announcement on Weibo. Just say it’s for personal reasons, that you need to go back to school and take care of your family, and that’s why you have to withdraw.”
Lost in thought, Xu Xiyun quickly packed his suitcase in the dormitory.
His high ranking made it impossible to leave unnoticed.
“Xiyun, where are you going?” Shi Yu was startled upon seeing him. “You’re ranked ninth, you weren’t eliminated!”
Xie Yu turned, his eyes narrowing sharply.
Xu Xiyun didn’t speak, just carrying his suitcase down a floor when he encountered Si Fuqing returning from the director’s office.
Her eyes devoid of laughter, her expression cold, she asked, “Where are you going?
“I… have to withdraw from the competition,” Xu Xiyun replied, bowing deeply, tears in his eyes. “Teacher Si, thank you for your guidance. I’m truly grateful.” But this was the end of the road.
Ordinary trainees like him couldn’t possibly stand against such a powerful agency.
Si Fuqing responded indifferently, “Hmm, I know you’re withdrawing. I asked you to come back.”
Xu Xiyun was taken aback.
“Miss Si, the entertainment industry isn’t as simple as you think,” the manager said, turning back with a scrutinizing look and a mocking smile. “You should know that in the face of absolute capital, you stars can’t resist. Even if you have connections, don’t overestimate yourself. It’s like hitting a rock with an egg.”
Si Fuqing simply repeated, “Come back.”
Her voice was flat, each word distinct and unyielding..
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