Chapter 13

To be fair, although Qiao Yuqi is essentially a ^[1]“black-hearted lotus” (黑心莲) is a metaphor used in Chinese to describe someone who appears innocent, pure, or kind on the surface, but underneath harbors malicious intentions or a … Continue readingblack-hearted lotus, and whether it’s the clash between same-sex individuals or the grudge they previously had, Jiang Muti didn’t really have much liking for him.

However, there’s no denying that this guy’s personal value is absolutely undeniable.

In the original story, he became a superstar known as the “^[2]“money-printing machine” refers to something or someone that generates a large amount of money or profit consistently and easily. It’s often used metaphorically to describe a business, … Continue readingmoney-printing machine.” Whether it was the songs he released, the ads he endorsed, or the films he starred in, he brought huge profits to the company.

Of course, in the entertainment industry, whether one can become famous depends largely on luck, but among the male artists of his generation, Qiao Yuqi is undoubtedly irreplaceable.

It’s simple: this guy is a genius composer.

Nowadays, with the help of looks, sound engineers, and the convenience of variety shows to attract fans, anyone can gain short-term fame as long as they create the right persona and have a little opportunity.

Moreover, with the internet’s development, many successful online influencers can even get close to this industry.

But there are very few who leave a lasting impression with irreplaceable talents.

Many young stars rise to fame for a while, but when the hype dies down, they quickly fade into obscurity, leaving behind only a shallow impression.

Forgetful fans replace their idols one after another, with new people rising every day and others fading away.

It was at this time that Qiao Yuqi emerged.

With his genius composing ability, his naturally outstanding looks without the need for heavy packaging, and his youthful invincibility under the age of twenty, along with infinite possibilities for the future.

What’s more, he had high emotional intelligence, could smoothly navigate social circles, and didn’t exhibit the shallow behavior that many young people show when the media and fans inflate their egos.

In the industry, he was always well-mannered, focused on learning, and extracting inspiration to create more works.

Such an artist, with immense potential and a long career ahead, is incomparable to the mass-produced idols of economic companies. He was a rare talent.

With Jiang Muti’s perceptiveness, of course, she knew that with both strength and looks, this guy would never lack luck.

So, seeing his inexplicable questioning look, Jiang Muti spoke frankly, “I can help you find the right connections and ensure that your works are seriously analyzed by authoritative figures, rather than getting lost among a sea of submissions and overlooked by selectors who don’t recognize true talent.”

“Although my family isn’t involved in this industry, you should know that for us, it’s just a phone call or a casual conversation at a social event. This way, you won’t be fumbling around like a ^[3]“headless fly” refers to someone who is acting in a disorganized or frantic manner, usually due to confusion or lack of direction. It’s derived from the image of a fly that, when … Continue readingheadless fly, running into trouble like today.”

At least this guy had just pulled him out of danger, so Qiao Yuqi didn’t hold any malice toward her this time.

However, the subtle gratitude in his heart didn’t interfere with his rationality and judgment.

He spoke calmly, “It’s a small favor for you, but for me right now, it’s an opportunity that’s hard to come by.”

He knew that she was smart, and since she was straightforward, he was also direct: “What do I need to give in return to get this opportunity?”

Before Jiang Muti could answer, he tried to guess: “Agree to date you?”

“Cough!” Jiang Muti almost choked on her own words. She looked up at him and realized he was genuinely considering this possibility.

She immediately felt that her thought process was already quite unusual, but it still couldn’t compare to the key characters in romance novels.

It seemed like everything could be twisted into a melodramatic plot.

She waved her hand weakly, “You can forget it. Trying to buy someone’s true feelings with money and benefits, especially from someone like you… not only is that shameless, but it’s just not worth it!”

She glanced at him and said with a half-smile, “People like you, if you get into a relationship with anyone, it would definitely be the kind where you get all the benefits. Talking about this with you is the most pointless thing. We should just talk business—human relationships should be settled separately.”

Qiao Yuqi wasn’t annoyed by her sarcasm, “Is this your way of projecting? I can’t say you’re wrong.”

The implication was that they were both similarly flawed, so neither of them could point fingers.

“But if you don’t want me, then in the future, anything you get from me—anything that would catch the eye of your Jiang family’s young lady—will only be possible if I have national-level fame. If I’m lukewarm and mediocre, it’s just not going to live up to your expectations.”

Jiang Muti replied, “You’re really clever. I just said ‘let’s talk business’ and now you’re trying to make a deal with me? You want me to help you until you become a national sensation? I have high hopes for you, but that’s nothing compared to your overwhelming confidence.”

Qiao Yuqi smiled but didn’t speak.

Jiang Muti wasn’t a naive girl caught up in idealism. Like him, she had far more insight and plans than her age suggested.

Although she didn’t know what exactly made her value him, at least she didn’t rashly try to exploit her family’s wealth and connections to invade unfamiliar territory.

It was clear that she was calmly sitting on the sidelines, making a low-risk investment.

Since she had confidence in her judgment, there was no reason Qiao Yuqi should lack confidence in his own talents.

So, he dared to offer her a little extra help beyond just a simple favor.

This was the true way to lay the foundation for future cooperation, showing his sincerity.

Jiang Muti knew this guy was smart, and many things didn’t even need to be spelled out.

She smiled generously, “Alright, as long as you can offer something in return.”

The influence and network represented by a top-tier superstar should not be underestimated. With just a small favor, she could have him owe her a few favors, which would be useful in the future.

The two shook hands symbolically, but before they could part, a car slowly pulled up next to them.

The window rolled down, and Yun Cheng’s face appeared. He didn’t look happy, and didn’t care about politeness.

He directly called out, “Muti, aren’t you going home yet?”

Jiang Muti was a little surprised to see him here, but then realized that he had likely stayed late for practice and was hitching a ride home with a teammate.

Their school had recently qualified as the representative team for the city, and next month they would be heading to the capital for the national selection. So, Yun Cheng had been practicing especially hard recently.

She didn’t think much about it and said, “I’ll head back now.”

Yun Cheng responded, “Then get in the car. Feishi promised to give us a ride home.”

Jiang Muti wasn’t bothered. She nodded at Qiao Yuqi, and the two parted ways.

She opened the car door and got in. The backseat felt a little less spacious now that she was occupying it.

Through Yun Cheng, she smiled at Ji Feishi, who was sitting on the other side, and said, “Sorry for the trouble.”

Before Ji Feishi could respond, Yun Cheng hurriedly said, “Why are you still dealing with that guy? Didn’t I tell you? A man surrounded by a group of girls isn’t worth it. Don’t fall for that whole ‘gentlemanly charm’ act. I’m telling you, only a man understands another man—he’s just a ^[4]“Central air conditioner” is a metaphor for a man who is overly friendly and attentive to everyone, without genuine emotional investment.central air conditioner.”

It was then that Jiang Muti remembered. When it came to discovering the original owner’s crush on Qiao Yuqi, it wasn’t Yun Duo who first noticed—it was Yun Cheng.

The original owner had the bad luck of being caught writing a love letter in the garden pavilion, and afterward, Yun Cheng and the others had come to their school for a friendly match, specifically paying attention to that guy. He could tell immediately that Qiao Yuqi was trouble and even tried to advise the original owner.

Recently, Jiang Muti had changed a lot, becoming more positive and cheerful, heading in a good direction. Yun Cheng was happy about this, but seeing her still tangled up with someone like Qiao Yuqi, how could he not feel anxious?

Jiang Muti comforted him, saying, “I was just talking to him, why are you so worked up? I’ve changed my tastes lately, I don’t like that type anymore.”

But Yun Cheng didn’t believe her: “You used to complain that Brother Juan was interfering too much, but fortunately he kept an eye on you, otherwise you’d have been tricked by those bastards out there.”

Jiang Muti didn’t like explaining things repeatedly. Seeing Yun Cheng stubbornly continuing, she smiled mischievously and teased, “Really, I’ve recently developed a thing for athletes.”

“Especially those who play basketball—tall, handsome, and dazzling. Their energetic movements on the court, and the hormones they give off, are simply irresistible.”

After saying that, she grinned and watched Yun Cheng. From her experience teasing sporty, innocent younger boys in her past life, she knew that within three seconds, this guy would turn red in the face, avoid eye contact, and stammer.

He would no longer have any interest in talking about who the original owner had a crush on.

As expected, Yun Cheng froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Just as Jiang Muti felt triumphant, she heard him shout, “You… you like Feishi?”

“Cough, cough, cough—” This was the second time Jiang Muti had choked today, and she completely couldn’t understand how this fool ended up involving someone else.

Just as she was about to rebut, she saw Yun Cheng punch Ji Feishi on the shoulder, angrily saying, “I treat you like a brother, and you’re hitting on my girl?”

Ji Feishi shrugged. “It’s not my fault. I don’t need to apologize for my charm.”

By now, Jiang Muti had caught her breath, and she stared at Ji Feishi in disbelief. “Yun Cheng is already a fool, but you think so too?”

In her mind, Ji Feishi was supposed to be a perceptive and clear-headed person. Did he really take this obvious joke seriously?

However, Ji Feishi responded, “Of course. It’s perfectly understandable that you’d like me.”

Jiang Muti’s face turned blank. She understood now—he was a narcissist that was convinced of his own charm and totally unashamed about it.