Chapter 24: Qi Shenzhi Shows His Power

Qi Shenzhi’s overwhelming aura made cold sweat instantly stream down Jin Qiong’s forehead.

He had overestimated his own importance.

His mind spun rapidly, trying to find any value he could offer Qi Shenzhi. But no matter how much he thought, he realized he had no real leverage.

Finally, gritting his teeth, he said, “I guarantee these dramas will be massive hits. As long as you help me with this, I’ll give you 50% of the profits.”

This was his greatest show of sincerity.

Fifty percent might not seem like much, but in reality, it was the highest he could offer. After deducting personnel costs and promotional expenses, if he could retain even 10% of the profit, that would already be impressive.

But even then, it was better than having these dramas completely buried.

This was not the time for hesitation. No one else could save him but Mr. Qi. One wrong step now, and his company could fall into irreversible ruin.

Qi Shenzhi remained silent, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the sofa as if deep in thought. Jin Qiong dared not rush him.

On the other hand, Qin Zihe, who was sitting nearby, felt that Jin Qiong’s offer was quite decent.

If those dramas truly became hits as Jin Qiong claimed, then Old Qi would be the biggest winner—making a fortune without lifting a finger.

People, huh… Some things were just impossible to envy.

The rich grew richer just by sitting there, while the poor remained stuck in their struggles no matter how hard they worked.

Seeing Qi Shenzhi still unresponsive, Jin Qiong quickly signaled to a few people on the sofa.

“You guys, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and offer a toast to Mr. Qi and President Qin.”

A group of young trainees immediately stood up excitedly.

They all knew why they had been brought here tonight and were more than willing to participate.

At first, they had expected some greasy, middle-aged businessman. But to their surprise, the benefactors turned out to be young and handsome. After stealing glances for a while, their hearts were already fluttering.

The trainees stood tall, maintaining their best posture as they nervously raised their glasses.

“We offer a toast to you both. We’ll drink first, and you can do as you please.”

With that, they tilted their heads back and downed the strong liquor, then looked at the two men with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

The scene resembled a display of fresh, beautiful faces lined up like goods on a shelf, waiting to be chosen.

But before the two benefactors could respond, a commotion erupted outside.

A stunning woman walked in, her graceful figure drawing all eyes to her.

She removed her sunglasses as soon as she entered, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

Her voice was soft and seductive, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

The trainees’ expressions darkened with disappointment.

Tang Manni was here.

That meant they no longer stood a chance.

Jin Qiong’s face lit up with satisfaction when he saw her.

As expected of his star player—compared to these rookies, she was leagues ahead.

They were still too young. They had a lot to learn…

Jin Qiong stood up to introduce her.

“Mr. Qi, let me introduce you. This is Tang Manni, one of the hottest rising actresses right now. Coincidentally, she plays the female lead in one of the dramas that got shelved.”

Tang Manni winked seductively at Qi Shenzhi.

“Mr. Qi, I’ve heard so much about you.”

Qi Shenzhi glanced at her indifferently and said nothing.

But that slight action seemed to give both Jin Qiong and Tang Manni a different kind of signal.

Jin Qiong quickly buttered up, “Manni, how could you dare to be late on a night like this? Hurry up and offer Mr. Qi a toast to apologize.”

Tang Manni nodded and, under the envious gazes of the trainees, took small, deliberate steps forward. She carried just the right amount of shyness on her face.

Slowly, she knelt at Qi Shenzhi’s feet, adopting a completely submissive posture. She knew that this kind of act was the best way to pique a man’s interest.

“Mr. Qi, I offer you a toast.”

With that, she downed an entire glass of strong liquor in one go.

The alcohol took effect quickly, and by the time she looked up, her gaze was already laced with intoxication.

Qin Zihe, watching from the side, was completely stunned by her bold move. His instincts screamed that things were about to go south.

Someone was definitely in for a disaster tonight.

Sure enough, Qi Shenzhi’s eyes grew even colder.

But no one else in the room noticed. Jin Qiong even thought that things were finally going according to plan and eagerly continued pitching Tang Manni.

“Mr. Qi, rest assured, Manni is the most sensible girl in our company. You can ask her to do anything. And Manni, make sure you serve Mr. Qi well—otherwise, you’ll answer to me.”

Tang Manni shyly nodded.

Looking at Qi Shenzhi’s stunning profile up close, she felt an unexpected thrill in her heart.

Anyone who was part of B City’s high society knew of the Qi family’s head. He was an existence that could only be admired from afar—untouchable.

The power he wielded ran deep, his background rooted in true wealth and nobility. No one would dare show him the slightest disrespect.

If not for this opportunity, she would never have had the chance to even stand in front of this man in her lifetime.

She already considered this an invaluable chance, but what surprised her even more was how different he was from what she had imagined—so young, so devastatingly handsome.

If she could win him over, her future would be unimaginable. Even if it was just a fleeting night, it would still be worth it.

She spoke in a soft, honeyed voice, “I will do my best to serve Mr. Qi.”

Qi Shenzhi narrowed his eyes, his mood darkening further.

For so many years, no one had dared to play these kinds of tricks in front of him.

Jin Qiong was truly bold.

Holding a cigarette between his fingers, he lazily tapped it against the sofa and said, “Come and light it for me.”

Tang Manni’s heart leaped with joy, and she quickly moved forward on her knees, obediently lighting his cigarette.

Qi Shenzhi took a slow drag, exhaling a swirl of smoke before glancing at her indifferently.

“Give me your hand.”