"It's fine; Shengshi Company can't make much of a splash," Chen Jie said calmly.
Cai Ni, seeing Chen Jie's nonchalant attitude, grew anxious. "Teacher Chen, you might not understand what I mean. If this incident causes public outrage, I can't guarantee your continued employment at our school!"
"Of course, if you use your influence to have our school's big boss arrange for the song and dance convention to be held elsewhere, then I can turn a blind eye to any negative repercussions you cause outside."
Cai Ni had received orders from the higher-ups that Chen Jie was not to be fired under any circumstances. However, the current situation was special. If Chen Jie alone triggered significant consequences, the school would face a reputational crisis. In that scenario, even if unwilling, Chen Jie would have to pack his bags to protect the school's image.
As a principal, Cai Ni faced considerable pressure. Ji Afei was precisely exploiting this vulnerability to get rid of Chen Jie.
Chen Jie gave Cai Ni a reassuring look. "Someone informed me of Shengshi Company's decision yesterday. I happen to need to accomplish something with this opportunity. Don't worry, Shengshi Company is just a small firm; I don't take them seriously."
"Just help Shengshi Company with the song and dance convention like Deputy Director Ji, and leave the rest to me."
Cai Ni's heart skipped a beat. How could Chen Jie, just a teacher, have such influence? He knew Shengshi Company's plans yesterday? She, the principal, only learned about it this morning. By then, it was too late to take any remedial action. Coupled with Chen Jie's tone, Cai Ni was taken aback. He didn't even take Shengshi Company seriously? Could Chen Jie's identity be that high? With this thought, she gave Chen Jie a deep look. "Since you say so, I'll do as you say. However, if at that time..."
Before she could finish, Chen Jie interrupted, "Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you. If it brings any negative impact to the school, I'll leave."
Cai Ni breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't expect any miracles to happen, unless the dance was stopped. But Chen Jie's intention was not to stop it, but to push it forward. She couldn't fathom what Chen Jie was planning.
Wei Xiang and the others, seeing Cai Ni arrive, realized the gravity of the situation and felt immensely heavy-hearted.
At this moment, a large number of reporters began to enter. They began taking pictures of the stage. These reporters were recording the dance convention via live broadcast. After all, it was a free performance by Guo Xiaofeng, a top domestic star, which was a huge draw. They had to capture the event live. There were even some influencers with millions of followers live-streaming. Shengshi Company had spared no expense in hyping this event.
As Shengshi Company's star performer, Guo Xiaofeng would certainly not be the first to appear. Initially, there were only some song and dance acts, but they were enough to send the less-experienced students into a frenzy, as every performer was a celebrity. After an hour of performances and enthusiastic speeches by the host, it was soon Guo Xiaofeng's turn.
Guo Xiaofeng sneered backstage. Her first task today was to get revenge on Chen Jie! Disrupting their multi-billion dollar business was something even Sheng Jinsong wouldn't let Chen Jie get away with! She had initially planned to make Chen Jie come on stage and kowtow during her performance, appearing to let it go, and then punish him in secret. But she knew Chen Jie had hit Tian Guang, and she was no longer willing to give Chen Jie any chances. She was determined to use her influence to make Chen Jie a public enemy.
With this thought, she said to the makeup artist backstage, "How is my makeup?"
The makeup artist smiled, "Teacher Guo, are you satisfied with my work?"
Guo Xiaofeng turned to look in the mirror. In the reflection, a clear, large handprint was visible on her face. Because the makeup artist had deliberately deepened the color, the handprint looked extremely red, as if it had bled. This made her incredibly beautiful face seem to have a tattoo, adding a touch of sexiness.
"Good!" Guo Xiaofeng nodded with satisfaction. This way, she wouldn't lose fans by making them think she was disfigured. She could let her fans see that even with a handprint, Guo Xiaofeng was still stunningly beautiful. With the promotion by major media outlets today, her value was bound to skyrocket!
"Teacher Guo, it's time for you to appear," Tian Guang rushed over from the front stage and urged Guo Xiaofeng.
"Okay, I'm coming!" Guo Xiaofeng took out a pink mask and put it on, covering her luscious red lips and smooth chin. This left only the red marks from her fingertips visible of the handprint.
"Teacher Guo, you must perform with all your might later and gain the sympathy of your fans. Only then will you achieve the best effect!" Tian Guang reminded her.
Guo Xiaofeng vowed, "Don't worry, Director Tian. I will make Chen Jie pay ten or even a hundred times over for his disrespect to you! He won't escape today, no matter what!"
"I believe you! Hurry to the stage!" Guo Xiaofeng took off her jacket, revealing a sexy dancer's qipao. Then, with elegant steps, she walked onto the stage.
Her appearance was met with cheers from the audience. Guo Xiaofeng's fame was immense. As the Queen of Dance, one might not have fans, but everyone had heard her name. With her entrance, most people took out their phones to start filming.
"This is strange! Why is our goddess Guo Xiaofeng wearing a mask?" someone asked with a puzzled expression.
"No way? Is it because the free content is different from the paid content?"
"This reminds me of the jk girl."
"Is that a slap mark on her face?" Li Ziling, with sharp eyes, immediately noticed that there were still a few finger marks on the part of her face not covered by the mask.
"Ah! How shameless! Her slap mark isn't that serious! It's clearly drawn on!" Azi was also furious at their shamelessness.
"What can we do? We can't do anything anyway. They've invited so many media outlets today precisely to drown out certain voices!" Wei Xiang said helplessly.
Chen Jie, however, remained calm and composed. Li Ziling couldn't sit still. He approached Chen Jie. "Aren't you worried at all? They are clearly trying to smear you, and you can still be so calm?"
"What can I do? Will panicking help? Let's take it one step at a time," Chen Jie replied.
"You, if I promise to leave the school with you, would you be willing to run away?" Li Ziling suddenly said.