Recalling how he had worked eagerly with him before, Li Chu felt an indescribable mix of emotions in his heart.

At this moment, no matter what he said, it felt like intentional defamation. So, he chose to keep quiet, sneaking a glance at Su Ning’s expression. Judging by the look of it, Su Ning hadn’t overthought the matter, including the issue with the ring.

Su Ning casually mentioned to Li Chu that the ruby ring Shen Mingzheng gave him was too valuable for everyday wear. Worried about damaging it, he had taken it off that very night and locked it in the bedside drawer of the guest room.

Still, a marriage couldn’t go without a symbolic gesture. To reciprocate, Su Ning ordered matching rings from a certain brand. The rings, which had their initials engraved inside, had just been delivered to the door that morning after a few days’ wait.

Although the new rings were far less valuable than the ruby one, Young Master Shen seemed overjoyed, as if he had received a priceless treasure. He even insisted that Su Ning put it on him personally.

Su Ning, who had collaborated with many people in business, found someone as in sync as Shen Mingzheng quite rare. He also deeply valued this hard-won partnership, and so, he carefully slid the ring onto Shen Mingzheng’s finger.

When Su Ning left the house, he saw Shen Mingzheng still sitting there, staring at the simple, understated band on his ring finger with an uncontrollable smile. The two had only exchanged rings that morning. Though their marriage didn’t follow the typical formalities, at least for this business alliance, the process was complete.

Li Chu, upon hearing this, was at a loss for words.

For some reason, hearing Su Ning describe it like that left him with a complicated feeling.

However, Young Master Shen, now feeling fully legitimate thanks to the rings, couldn’t resist reminding Su Ning before he left: “Be careful.”

“Today is the official handover from Orange Video for managing the group. I’m worried someone might cause trouble. If anything happens, come to me right away.”

Shen Mingzheng was busy overseeing the album production at the company today, leaving Su Ning to manage the group—a challenging task considering the seven individuals weren’t easy to handle. Moreover, someone was bound to be watching and waiting to make a move.

Sure enough, as soon as Su Ning met Li Chu, things were already quite tricky.

Li Chu sat beside Su Ning, knowing the decision was already set in stone. He felt a bit sulky but mumbled quietly, “You even got him a ring. What’s there to complain about? Hardly mistreating him, is it?”

To be fair, Shen Mingzheng was undoubtedly better than Shen Huai.

But thinking back, Li Chu felt this Young Master Shen had planned things all along. He had likely envisioned it while dealing with Jiang Chenfeng and Shen Huai—no, perhaps even earlier.

Su Ning, however, didn’t quite understand what had him upset.

Seeing the kid looking downcast, Su Ning instinctively reached out to pat his head in comfort. But then he realized Li Chu had styled his hair and hesitated, stopping just before touching it.

Li Chu noticed, tilted his head toward Su Ning’s palm, and rubbed against it. “It’s okay. You can mess it up. I’ve already finished filming my parts, so it doesn’t matter.”

He added firmly, “If Shen Mingzheng ever mistreats you, just tell me. I’ll deal with him for you.”

Su Ning couldn’t help but laugh. “He won’t. Just focus on doing well in this group; that’s already more than enough.”

Speaking of the group, Li Chu remembered the online drama that morning. Su Ning asked if he felt upset, and he pouted. “A little. I don’t want the fans to get angry, and I don’t like how those people talk about you.”

Su Ning is such an amazing person!

Even though many things had already been clarified, outsiders still didn’t believe and were easily swayed by malicious rumors.

But by now, Li Chu understood that impulsively posting something in frustration would only make things harder for his fans and Su Ning.

Though much of the controversy surrounding Su Ning had faded, fully rebuilding a positive public image in the industry wasn’t easy.

This issue even affected Su Ning’s search for Ji Xue.

When Su Ning brought up this girl, asking if Li Chu remembered her, he thought for a moment and then shook his head.

He hadn’t been with the company for long and had never heard of her. Judging by Su Ning’s tone, he seemed very keen on finding her. Li Chu made a small “hmm” sound, lowered his head, and fiddled with his fingers. “Is the company bringing in new people?”

“Not so soon,” Su Ning replied. “We’ll take it slow.”

They had found a teacher from the Hai Cheng Drama Academy who had taught Ji Xue’s cohort, but he refused to say much. After repeated inquiries from Director Yao, he finally admitted:

“Your Young Master Su? I don’t trust him.”

“Even Old Master Su couldn’t handle this matter. What makes him capable? With his current reputation, don’t even try. I don’t want that child back in the entertainment industry.”

Given Ji Xue’s past experiences and how several years had passed before anyone revisited her, her distrust was understandable. Moreover, during that time, Li Chu himself had been highly guarded, and she would likely be even more so.

Coupled with the negative impact of Su Ning’s online reputation—despite its baselessness—it still posed a significant hurdle.

While Su Ning and Li Chu chatted, the other members had mostly finished filming and began trickling in.

Having participated in this show previously, Su Ning didn’t need introductions; he recognized everyone.

Qi Mowei, the original number one who was now bumped to second by Li Chu, seemed unbothered by his demotion and maintained a good relationship with Li Chu. He plopped down beside him, casually draping an arm over his shoulder, only to be swatted away with a laugh.

The third-place finisher, a young rapper named Rui Song from a small company but endorsed by Orange Video, had previously appeared on their rap show.

Fourth-place Qu Shoubai needed no introduction. In today’s special live broadcast by Orange Video, the mature and reliable Qu Shoubai had been voted team captain with high approval. He sat in the center of the trio.

The fifth and sixth members—Zhou Heng and Wang Ruoyi—were vocalists from Pinnacle Agency. Zhou Heng was exceptionally skilled, while Wang Ruoyi had a lively personality. Although his singing and dancing were weaker, his charisma in variety shows made him a fan favorite.

The last member, Lin Zhi, was from a small company called Distant Light, nicknamed “Yaoguang Studio” in the industry. Quiet and shy, his standout feature was his striking, delicate appearance. In the initial visual rankings of Idol Star Map Season 4, Su Ning ranked first, with Lin Zhi second.

Even without the last three present, the lineup for Glory’s debut team was incredibly promising. From Su Ning’s perspective, such a well-rounded seven-member group was rare, with no weak links in performance or appearance.

“I’m here to discuss the follow-up management plans with everyone. From now on, my team will be in charge of you officially,” Su Ning began, glancing at the time before breaking the ice. “We’ve worked together on the variety show before, but now, I’m your general manager. It’s a rare fate.”

The three, excluding Li Chu, nodded and said, “We’ll be in your care from now on, President Su.” However, whether they truly trusted Su Ning was uncertain. For now, there was a noticeable distance.

Su Ning didn’t elaborate and let the silence settle, waiting for everyone to arrive. Yet, despite the wait, the last three never showed up.

An assistant sensed something was off and, at Su Ning’s cue, went to check. When they returned, their face was pale.

“President Su, it’s bad news.”

“The other three were just taken away by their original companies,” the assistant stammered, visibly anxious. “The idols didn’t even seem to know what was happening. They were dragged out before we could stop them. We chased them downstairs, but still couldn’t catch up.”

This unforeseen situation left everyone stunned.

Su Ning frowned but said nothing, while the group’s other members quickly reacted. Rui Song shot to his feet. “We still have an interview this afternoon. How could they just leave now?”

Su Ning gestured for him to sit down before walking aside to carefully piece together the situation. He then called the person in charge at Pinnacle Agency, who answered quickly.

“President Su, I’m sorry. We just wanted to have a word with our artists. It won’t take long, I assure you. We’ll send them back soon.”

“Just a brief conversation, no work will be delayed. You can’t restrict their personal freedom, can you?”

The other party spoke flawlessly, leaving no room for Su Ning to protest or even record evidence.

Su Ning said flatly, “Let me talk to the artists.”

“They’re busy, but I can relay anything to them,” came the reply. “President Su, we all want the best for the artists. Would I harm them?”

“Taking them away from the team is harming them,” Su Ning replied. “If they won’t answer the phone, it’s clear they’re unwilling.”

The person on the other end chuckled.

“The fans don’t seem to think so. They listen to the fans, whether they’re willing or not. President Su, you’re still young—you’ve got a long road ahead.”

With that, the call ended.

Su Ning stood there for a moment before dialing Lin Zhi’s studio. But they too deflected, clearly following Pinnacle’s lead.

By the time Su Ning finally reached Allen, he had pieced together the situation. This wasn’t just about three idols disappearing—it was their companies using them to challenge him.

The morning’s online drama only made it clearer.

Glory’s debut had fans at their most passionate. If Su Ning failed to shift public perception, today’s online squabble would only be the beginning.

This wasn’t instigated by the trainees or a few fans. Pinnacle wasn’t even solely targeting Su Ning. From Allen’s perspective, these debuting idols were highly profitable assets that needed to stay under their control to generate revenue.

Su Ning didn’t call Allen—Allen called him first.

“President Su,” Allen’s playful voice came through. “I’ve been waiting for your call.”

“I’m curious. What did you say to Liang Xiaoliang and the old man to make them flip so quickly? Just one meeting and a few words. I still can’t figure out how you’ll persuade me.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Su Ning was silent for a long moment. Allen assumed he was angry—anyone would be in this situation. But in the end, all he got was a calm response: “Why would I bother persuading you?”

Then Su Ning hung up.

His assistant, standing nearby, was sweating bullets. Then they heard Su Ning mutter softly, “What a fake foreigner.”

No wonder Liang Xiaoliang had cursed him.

What was once a complete and well-organized team was now down to just four members. With missing members, the mission to “reverse public perception” became even harder. From day one, this group seemed doomed to face challenges.

The remaining four idols were visibly uneasy. Rui Song, who had been fuming since hearing the news, couldn’t hold back any longer. Watching Su Ning’s failed negotiation, he slammed the table. “Great! Now we’re missing people! President Su, I’m telling you, this ruins all the plans!”

Qu Shoubai shot him a warning glance. “Watch your tone. This isn’t President Su’s fault.”

“Qu-ge, does it matter whose fault it is?” Rui Song retorted. “They won’t be back before tonight’s interview. President Su, Su Ning, you—ugh, you’re too young. How are you supposed to keep them in line?”

Rui Song was straightforward and outspoken. As someone endorsed by Orange Video, he had some insight into the industry.

One of the biggest challenges for debut groups in domestic idol survival shows was keeping members together. Today’s situation wasn’t unprecedented.

Platforms lacked authority, meaning trainees who gained fame during the show were often called back by their original companies. According to their original contracts, the earnings from these temporary groups didn’t benefit the companies much.

Once called back, reuniting the group became nearly impossible.

Neighboring competitors had suffered this issue for years, so they began enforcing stricter contracts to ensure most members stayed active, allowing the group to make a name for itself.

Idol Star Map 4 had signed strict contracts, but Pinnacle, being a major company, still wrestled with the platform for control.

Su Ning had already adjusted his emotions, looking calm now. He gestured for Rui Song to sit down. “This is my oversight.”

The group was in the middle of transitioning management from Orange Video to Su Ning’s team, and Pinnacle had seized this moment to strike.

Though Su Ning had stationed staff to watch the members, the filming site required quiet. Only a few people could stay at the door, and in a blink, the idols were gone.

Even if Su Ning had stopped them today, there would have been another attempt tomorrow, and the day after, until they succeeded.

“This issue will be addressed,” Su Ning said. “I’ll have the management team renegotiate with their companies. A company that respects contracts should honor its commitments. I’ll get them back.”

Rui Song looked at him, his expression complicated, barely stopping himself from saying, Are you serious?

This wasn’t a problem a simple negotiation could solve.

Qu Shoubai and Qi Mowei exchanged glances. While they acknowledged Rui Song’s concerns, they didn’t dare voice them. Only Li Chu remained Su Ning’s loyal supporter.

“Mm-hmm! I trust Young Master Su!”

Su Ning’s team did follow up, but the results were minimal, as expected.

That night, during a pre-arranged web interview show by Orange Video, the three missing members were still nowhere to be seen.

The team repeatedly tried calling Pinnacle and Yaoguang, but no one answered. Eventually, the phones were turned off. The three idols’ phones had been unreachable since the beginning, likely confiscated.

Meanwhile, fans of the missing idols were excitedly exchanging news online about upcoming personal ad shoots.

The implications were obvious.

The web media team covering the interview was frustrated by the sudden absences. It was only thanks to Su Ning’s smooth-talking that the situation didn’t escalate. By the time the media left, they were even sympathizing with him. One journalist patted Su Ning on the shoulder and said, “President Su, I understand. It’s not easy for you.”

Su Ning smiled faintly but promised, “Once everyone is back, I’ll arrange an exclusive interview. Please bear with us for now.”

But once the media left, everyone’s mood soured.

Su Ning had handled the situation calmly, refraining from blaming anyone and pacifying the media. Yet, this didn’t solve the fundamental problem: the missing members.

“You’re being too soft!” Rui Song said, frustrated. “You can’t deal with Pinnacle like this! Where’s your old temper? You’re worse than before! Su Ning, being too easygoing won’t get you anywhere in this industry!”

To these trainees, the current Su Ning was a complete 180 from his past self. Whether this change was good or bad remained unclear.

In moments like this, he should show more force!

Even if Qu Shoubai and Qi Mowei kept silent, they likely shared Rui Song’s sentiment. Especially after learning about Su Ning’s efforts to arrange medical care for Li Chu during the show, and with Li Chu constantly singing his praises, the once domineering Su Ning seemed to have transformed. It was as if reality had humbled him, turning him into a kind, warm-hearted, even soft-spoken person.

In fact, Li Chu’s descriptions were even more exaggerated, painting Su Ning as a saintly figure, a beacon of warmth and light. While others had initially doubted him, they were starting to believe.

How could someone so accommodating exist in this industry?

Yet, despite the group’s dissatisfaction, Su Ning remained unruffled. He simply said, “After tonight’s interview, we’ll complete our remaining tasks with Orange Video. Then, according to the original plan, we’ll move to a new place.”

“Since we’re debuting as a group, everyone will live together for the next year and a half, as agreed. Any objections?”

Everyone: …

Li Chu quickly chimed in, “No objections!”

“Good,” Su Ning said, smiling at the only one to respond positively. “Let’s go check out your new living space. You’re all tired—it’s time to rest.”

As his words fell, the filming crew nearby switched on several cameras, clearly intending to document the moment.

Wait, what kind of place warranted such fanfare?