Wen Ning shook hands with Xia Qingtian and began professionally, "The company's subsidies and bonuses are detailed in the contract. You should have reviewed them."
Xia Qingtian nodded while moving her hands behind her back, subtly stretching them. She thought about how strong Wen Ning's grip was, her hand still aching slightly.
Wen Ning, seemingly unfazed by Xia Qingtian's small movements, continued, "The signing fee will be transferred to your account after the Golden Week holiday. Based on your contract level, the company will provide you with an assistant, a chauffeur-driven van, and accommodation that's move-in ready."
"A chauffeur-driven van and driver are not necessary. I'm signed as a virtual idol; there should be no chance of real-world exposure. I'll arrive on time for recording sessions," Xia Qingtian said. "I don't need accommodation either. I live at home, and the same goes for an assistant. I'm still studying, and having an assistant around would be inconvenient."
Xia Qingtian was currently pursuing her dream discreetly, opting for a roundabout approach. If she were too bold, her old man might just fly into a rage and argue with her about it.
"These are standard provisions the company offers. It's fine if you don't need them. Also, you cannot refuse the assistant. She can be present only at your workplace, handle liaison duties, and manage private communications," Wen Ning's tone remained businesslike.
After outlining a few special instructions and reminders, Wen Ning glanced at her wristwatch and said, "It's about time. Let's go for lunch together."
"I'm not very hungry." Although Xia Qingtian greatly admired Wen Ning, a leading figure in the industry, she felt a sense of pressure in Wen Ning's presence. She feared she wouldn't be able to digest her food if she had lunch with her.
"I'm not asking for your opinion." Wen Ning stood up, casually tidied the contract in her hand, and made a phone call, asking, "Is the restaurant booked?"
Hearing Wen Ning's words, Xia Qingtian realized that Wen Ning was indeed not asking her opinion, but rather informing her!
Since the restaurant was already booked, would she still have the right to refuse?
Could it be that Wen Ning was trying to put her in her place?
With that thought, Xia Qingtian already felt a slight discomfort in her stomach.
Fortunately, the restaurant's food was indeed delicious, and the environment was elegant. Xia Qingtian sat opposite Wen Ning, eating slowly and deliberately, while Wen Ning also adhered to the principle of not speaking while eating.
Halfway through the meal, Wen Ning announced she had a meeting and left, much to Xia Qingtian's relief. She continued to eat her lunch.
Before she finished, the door to the private dining room was knocked upon. A slightly plump girl entered, the same one who had smiled at Xia Qingtian in the recording studio earlier.
Upon meeting, the girl offered a shy smile. "Hello, I'm your assistant, Li Mengxiao. You can call me Xiaoxiao."
"Hello, I'm Xia Qingtian. You can call me Qingtian," Xia Qingtian stood up and shook Li Mengxiao's hand.
"Sister Ning has already left?" Li Mengxiao said after shaking Xia Qingtian's hand. "I'm so sorry, there was traffic, and I also had to finalize some matters for the contract, so I'm a bit late."
Li Mengxiao, true to her name, always seemed to be smiling. Her voice wasn't loud, but she spoke quickly, appearing to be an open and cheerful person.
Before Xia Qingtian could ask anything, Li Mengxiao began to talk rapidly, spilling out everything she knew.
It turned out that this lunch was not Wen Ning's attempt to assert dominance over Xia Qingtian, but rather a tradition at Gu Corporation Entertainment. After a manager signed an artist, they would treat the artist to a meal.
Since most artists were very conscious of their physique, signings were usually done in the morning, followed by lunch.
Wen Ning herself was incredibly busy. She had just returned to the country yesterday, met with Xia Qingtian early this morning, signed the contract, had lunch, and had meetings in the afternoon and evening, including a social gathering and a charity gala.
Li Mengxiao had also seen Wen Ning taking jet lag medication during Xia Qingtian's recording session that morning, indicating she was likely feeling unwell.
Listening to Li Mengxiao's explanation, Xia Qingtian glanced at Wen Ning's barely touched lunch and sighed inwardly.
It seemed that no one's success was accidental.
After they left the restaurant, Xia Qingtian went to a nearby congee shop and packed a bowl of hot congee, along with a self-heating packet. She handed it to Li Mengxiao, asking her to deliver it to Wen Ning at the company.
Li Mengxiao nodded in agreement and waved goodbye to Xia Qingtian.
Meanwhile, a meeting was underway at Gu Corporation Entertainment. Mr. Gu, seated at the head of the table, made a concluding remark after listening to reports from various departments.
"In the second half of the year, we can focus our efforts on reality show variety programs. They will be popular," Mr. Gu stated. "Try to arrange for the company's newcomers as much as possible to increase their exposure."
Upon hearing Mr. Gu's words, everyone nodded immediately.
Whatever Mr. Gu said was always correct.
It had always been that way.
"If there's nothing else, we can adjourn," Mr. Gu said. "Wen Ning, please stay behind."
Everyone then left their seats and headed for the exit.
After everyone had departed, Mr. Gu turned to Wen Ning and said, "That trip to Italy was taxing. If you need it, I can give you two days off to rest."
"If you really wanted me to rest, you wouldn't have saddled me with a newcomer," Wen Ning replied.
"She's very special," Mr. Gu said, a hint of mystery in his subtle smile.
"We'll have to see," Wen Ning responded. "However, if the company is going to pursue virtual idols, then from a funding and resource perspective, you must grant me maximum autonomy."
"That's no problem." Mr. Gu was always generous in this regard.
He only cared about results.
"With your word, I'm reassured," Wen Ning placed a hand on her stomach, feeling a slight discomfort, but showing no outward signs of distress. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
Mr. Gu nodded and then cautioned, "If you feel unwell, take time off. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Wen Ning gave a slight smile and walked directly out of the conference room, her expression normal as she headed to her office. However, the moment she closed the door, she frowned.
Her stomach pain was an old ailment that frequently flared up in recent years, though it had been much better lately.
Perhaps the long flight, the jet lag, and not eating properly had aggravated it.
At that moment, her office door was gently knocked upon.
Taking a few shallow breaths, Wen Ning straightened her back again and casually flipped open a document on her desk, calling out, "Come in."
Li Mengxiao pushed the door open and offered a shy smile before placing the packed congee on Wen Ning's desk. "Sister Ning, Qingtian saw you didn't eat much at lunch, so she bought some congee for me to bring to you."
Hearing Li Mengxiao's words, Wen Ning's gaze shifted slightly. "Understood. Put it down."
"Okay, then I'll be going now." Li Mengxiao then offered another smile and turned to leave Wen Ning's office.
The warm congee soothed Wen Ning's stomach pain considerably.
"Hoo..." she let out a long breath, looking at the self-heating packet beside the congee bowl, and recalling Mr. Gu's words, she curved her lips. "This Xia Qingtian... at least she's thoughtful."