This group of people was already quite curious. Among the seven, only Li Chu pursed his lips. His expression suggested that he knew something about the situation, and with a little nudge here and there, he implied they should share some gossip right away.

Li Chu, feeling somewhat annoyed, murmured a few words. He thought the matter was simple—just a business marriage, with no emotional foundation. Who knew, a few years down the line, they might even get a divorce.

However, the others listened attentively, their expressions thoughtful.

Then, Su Ning hung up the phone.

It seemed like the person on the other end hadn’t planned on ending the call, but Su Ning wasn’t concerned. Glancing at the time, he prepared to get out of the car and leave.

Shen Mingzheng had dropped him off earlier that day, and he would also be coming to pick him up later tonight. He was about to arrive soon.

The rest of the management team and the crew from the variety show had already left, leaving only Su Ning and the seven of them. Su Ning motioned for them to go inside and rest, but Zhou Heng stayed by the gate.

“Mr. Su, can I wait a bit before leaving?” he asked. “I’d like to have a word with you.”

As soon as he spoke, the others who were about to head in stopped and looked at each other. It was clear that Zhou Heng wasn’t the only one who had questions.

Su Ning took a step forward. “Go ahead, ask.”

As the general manager, he did indeed have the duty to answer questions from the artists.

“I just overheard the phone call,” Zhou Heng hesitated, “Mr. Su, what if someone from our company tries to poach again?”

Su Ning smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m not without money to hire bodyguards.”

Don’t underestimate the people he hired. They were on a different level compared to the ones from Pinnacle. These were the people Su Hongda had brought in.

These were people who knew how to handle things in the world of coal mining, where chaos was rampant in the early days. Forget about just stealing things; there were even armed conflicts. The kind of people Su Hongda could bring in to watch over a place were not the same as those working for average bodyguard companies.

Su Hongda was not without capability. On the contrary, when placed in the right position, he could be generous and extremely useful. He could do things that Su Ning himself couldn’t do, but it required someone to uncover his potential.

Zhou Heng, hearing this, relaxed a little.

He had just heard from Li Chu about the supposed marriage alliance between Su Ning and the Shen family, and he instinctively felt that this involved some sort of power struggle between the big families. They were just small idols, and even the wealthiest among them, Ji Mowei, wasn’t considered to have much of a background in the entertainment industry.

A wise bird chooses a tree to perch on. If they had to pick sides, between Pinnacle and Su Ning, he wanted to pick Su Ning.

Just looking at the business resources and the first steps of planning, the gap between the two became apparent.

He wanted to show his loyalty, but despite his efforts to hide it, Su Ning could still tell what he was thinking.

Except for Zhou Heng, it seemed that the others on the team shared the same thoughts—they were trying to pick sides.

Well, except for Li Chu.

Li Chu had already firmly chosen his side, with no room to express loyalty.

But to Zhou Heng’s surprise, Su Ning shook his head.

“Zhou Heng, you’ve misunderstood what I meant,” he said. “My plans for all of you aren’t like that.”

These small idols standing in front of him, who had stood out in big programs like Idol Star Map, had already been tested by the market and were mature trainees.

However, the transition from a trainee to a real artist was completely different, like going from being a student to entering the workforce. Relying on a more powerful force was a completely normal choice.

But idols absolutely couldn’t be like that.

Liang Xiaoliang choosing sides was for Qilin Entertainment’s business, but people were different from companies. Idols weren’t commodities.

“You’re all living, breathing people. I didn’t come here to limit your freedom or control your thoughts completely. I’m just here to protect your safety and, to a certain extent, provide you with professional advice and assistance.”

“For example, today, if none of you wanted to leave with me, I wouldn’t have come in and forcibly shoved you into a car. You came here from Pinnacle; you didn’t change masters.”

It was a terrible thing if idols didn’t have their own personalities or thoughts—they would become puppets.

Su Ning didn’t like that.

“The living spaces and resources I’ve prepared for you are part of my responsibilities as your general manager for the past year and a half. There’s no need to thank me. You don’t need to think I’m doing something great. It’s simply my job.”

“The main reason I’m doing all of this is because the company pays me.”

Su Ning spoke plainly, then continued to explain patiently.

“The more you earn, the more I earn. Naturally, no one wants you to develop well more than I do. As for the rumors outside that I might be biased toward Li Chu in terms of resources or hold a grudge because of my absence, that’s not true. There’s no need for it.”

“I can guarantee that during our team operations, I will do my best to provide the best resources for all of you, better than what Pinnacle or Yaoguang can offer. Over this year and a half, I hope I won’t disappoint you or the fans.”

“But as your manager, I can’t decide your idol careers; I can only influence them. Similarly, fans or certain companies can’t either.”

“Your fate is in your own hands. The decisions you make, you need to think them through. When making decisions, first, be true to yourself.”

After Su Ning’s speech, Zhou Heng and the others fell silent.

The scene was quiet for a long while. Each of them had their own thoughts.

It hadn’t been long since the competition ended, and their numbers were still looking good, especially after the magazine shoot today. They understood that their popularity was the reason they could make the cover of a major magazine. But they also feared that this good moment wouldn’t last.

One couldn’t only look at the present; one had to think about the future. Fan enthusiasm wasn’t everlasting; this was something everyone in the industry knew.

Generally, after a variety show ended, 90% of the fans attracted by the show would disappear.

Their best case scenario was that Idol Star Map had made an impact beyond the variety show’s effect, with an iconic stage performance. That was equivalent to having works. But staying popular forever wasn’t that simple.

They were currently a hot commodity, but it was still difficult not to be controlled. They subconsciously wanted to rely on someone more reliable, but that reliable person told them, “You are free. You need to learn to take responsibility for yourselves.”

“What are you afraid of? Stop thinking so much,” Li Chu said, fixing his hair. He looked completely unbothered. “I think I’ll always be popular.”

He tilted his chin slightly, not a hint of anxiety on his face.

Having been through the harshness of society, Li Chu was already very clear about what he wanted. Behind his unquestioning trust in Su Ning was a stable core of confidence.

But when Lin Zhi heard this, he couldn’t help but fidget with his hands and ask, “But, I don’t know much beyond performing on stage.”

He had thought that once he entered the industry, he would simply perform on bigger stages, but his early career had taken an unexpected turn that shocked him.

“It’s okay,” Su Ning said. “If you need anything, I’ll teach you step by step.”

It was normal for them to have shortcomings or things they didn’t understand right now. They still had plenty of time and opportunities to learn from their mistakes. But a star who stood in the spotlight, drawing thousands of fans who went crazy for them, could never be a hollow shell who just listened to others.

The most important thing was to always think for themselves.

This was something Su Ning couldn’t replace.

He stood there speaking these words, and the streetlights illuminated him, making it feel as if there was a warm, saintly glow around him.

At that moment, when Shen Mingzheng arrived, he had almost heard the entire conversation.

Su Ning saw him too, and there was no need to avoid him. He waved him over.

Shen Mingzheng knew that Su Ning wasn’t speaking to him, but he still felt as if something had struck him deeply.

In his past life, countless people had wanted him to be a puppet of a company or someone else, just as long as he followed orders. It seemed like losing himself would make it easier to succeed in the industry without too much pain and failure. But he refused to bend, and in the end, never found the answer.

But now, someone was sitting here, openly saying that having your own thoughts was natural, even something to be encouraged.

He suddenly exhaled, as if the heavy weight on his chest had lightened.

He realized that, for the first time in a long time, he had been living in peace. He had spent much of his time working on music, revising songs he had written in his past life that had become popular but still felt incomplete. Now he wanted to improve them further.

He had always wanted to do these things; he just never had such a pure environment before.

With Su Ning around, at least for now, he didn’t have to worry about all the other things.

Soon after, Shen Mingzheng stepped forward and added a few more words in front of the still-dazed group of people. “Let’s head inside first. If you have any questions about the arrangements, I’ll represent Shen Film Industry and have something to say to all of you.”

The seven of them followed him inside, sat on the couch, and then found out what Shen Mingzheng wanted to discuss—it was about the progress of their first album production.

Little Shen played them a demo, which of course couldn’t be shared outside, but they were able to hear it first here.

As soon as the music started, everyone could tell from the opening that it was a catchy and pleasing song. Even though it wasn’t finished yet, it immediately lifted their spirits, and everyone’s eyes showed more determination.

Su Ning listened, quickly recognizing Shen Mingzheng’s style. A mature musician always has their own special touch, and an experienced producer can hear it.

No words were needed. Su Ning glanced at Shen Mingzheng, and the two of them silently understood each other’s meaning.

Li Chu sat on the side, watching them exchange knowing smiles, then moved his lips but didn’t say anything.

He could tell that Su Ning and Shen Mingzheng had a tacit understanding, as if they knew exactly what the other was thinking without speaking.

No wonder Young Master Su said they were the same kind of people.

Tch.

They talked more about the management plans for the group, and before leaving, Su Ning called Li Chu over and said, “If you need anything, you can always find me. I’m also afraid they might not get it. And one more thing, I need to talk to you privately.”

“After Jiang Chenfeng went in, his studio shut down. Chunqing cleaned up the mess, and now she says she doesn’t want to be an artist anymore. She wants to work behind the scenes like me,” Su Ning said. “She’s good at makeup, so I plan to officially sign her and have her try doing makeup for your group. If she does well, I’ll promote her and give her a raise.”

“I’m more at ease knowing she’s with you.”

The group’s makeup artists were obviously not just one person, and Zhou Chunqing was essentially starting over, something Li Chu already knew.

Li Chu’s family debts were being paid by him, so Zhou Chunqing didn’t need to worry about that anymore. Li Chu was happy to continue supporting her, but beyond money, everyone sought their own value. Being an artist wasn’t the only way in the industry. She didn’t want to keep doing nothing, relying solely on her younger brother.

Li Chu softly said, “Thank you.”

If it weren’t for Su Ning, neither he nor his sister would have had today.

“Don’t mention it,” Su Ning smiled. “Go on, get some rest. Don’t stay up late. Next time I come over, I’ll bring you something tasty. If you want anything else, just tell me.”

“Then promise you’ll come see me often,” Li Chu said with a slight smirk, feeling that Young Master Su was a little biased, “Also, don’t worry. I’ll take care of them.”

“They’re older than you.” Su Ning reminded him, ruffling his hair, “Just take care of yourself.”

He seemed to have everything under control, looking completely at ease. On the way back, Su Ning finally showed a bit of worry in front of Shen Mingzheng, leaning over to ask, “Should I send more people to keep an eye on them? After all, they’re still young.”

When starting out, it was inevitable to trip up.

“No need, give them some time. They’re all adults, not idiots. If something comes up, we’ll handle it then,” Shen Mingzheng looked at him. “And I thought those words of yours were to make them realize they need to think for themselves.”

Su Ning: …

Well, that’s pretty much what I meant.

Rough words, but reasonable.

After they left, the young idols, still processing everything, seemed to have taken a step forward, stepping out of their ignorance. They hadn’t left the couch yet, and especially after Li Chu returned, someone raised their hand to ask.

“Xiao Chu.”

“What’s up?”

“Are they really in a business marriage?” Bai Ruoyi asked seriously. “It doesn’t seem like it to me.”

He had clearly seen Shen Mingzheng hold Su Ning’s hand behind the scenes. Especially the way Young Master Shen looked at Su Ning, it didn’t seem like some business alliance at all.

Li Chu: …

“Go to sleep!”

That wasn’t an answer, was it?

Bai Ruoyi, who had sharp eyes, immediately went to bed.

…

Everyone had different thoughts in their heads as the group’s schedule continued to progress. It wasn’t long before V Magazine released behind-the-scenes footage and some group shots from the shoot, and it was clear from the reaction of the Simo brand that the photos were well received.

—Because, on the same day the photos and footage were released, Simo officially announced that the new fragrance series would be endorsed by the group’s Glory brand.

Fans, no matter how much they had argued before, were now extremely excited.

They had thought it was just a cover, but now they had a high-end brand endorsement too!

Double surprise!

“Debuting with a luxury brand endorsement! I’m asking, which rookie group has this kind of face? It’s our family!”

“Waaaaah, the little one really brought me honor.”

“Can’t deny, these shots are amazing. V Magazine’s aesthetic is top-notch in the industry.”

The photos were indeed stunning, and the promotional copy for the fragrance, which aligned perfectly with a popular beauty influencer, resulted in unexpected marketing success.

“This fragrance from Simo is different from the usual floral and fruity scents we often smell,” said the influencer.

“It has this cool, distinctive feel. I don’t want to just call it the ‘cold indifferent’ vibe. Wearing it with a coat during autumn and winter, walking through the urban streets, and catching a faint whiff from the collar, makes me feel like I’m a hitman on a mission. Walking through the dark side of the city, even the camera angle could turn into a black-and-white old movie.”

“I’m so different from the masses. They can’t catch my traces, but when I leave, they’ll only smell a faint fragrance. That’s the essence of this fragrance. It’s so cool.”

Other bloggers’ copy was simpler and more relatable.

“Unlike the usual sweet scents, wearing this fragrance to work really matches my current mental state.”

“If some idiot at work makes me mad, I’ll just twist his neck.”

The words alone didn’t convey the specialness of the fragrance, but with the fashion magazine’s pictures, it immediately painted a vivid image.

If this wasn’t enough to make a splash, Su Ning’s next release of the group variety show pushed things even further.

Some netizens were clear on what was happening. This was likely a battle for talents that was common in limited groups. Before, it was often a chaotic mess, with some small idols being held back, but at the time, netizens only sighed a few words. They couldn’t do much about it.

Now, watching the seven of them reunite and outsmart each other was a fresh experience.

Some of the segments, in particular, had real variety show charm. For example, Qu Shoubai wearing height-boosting shoes and pretending to be a 1.9m model while meeting Zhou Heng in the bathroom—both of them flustered and excited;

Or Li Chu and Ji Mowei trying to figure out how to get Lin Zhi out of a small window, only for Lin Zhi to slip out like a fish;

And then there was Wang Ruoyi and Rui Song running, thinking they were almost caught, only to discover it was just a mannequin.

“Well, this is your entertainment industry’s business war?”

“Hahaha, you can play like this too!”

“Damn, when Lin Zhi slid out, I thought he had soft bones, that was amazing.”

“Wait, the idea to leave a leaf at the scene was from Qu Shoubai! He ran out, even trying to get a person in black clothes to drop that leaf. I didn’t expect that, man, with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, you’re such a nerd.”

“Sigh, why do I even say anything.”

The variety fans, usually short-lived, seemed to still be enthusiastic about the group show.

And soon after, during a live broadcast with fans, the members officially responded to the situation.

“During this year and a half, the seven of us will still follow the group’s arrangement,” Zhou Heng said. “This is not only a contract requirement but also our own thoughts. This won’t diminish our individual light. We are a whole first, and we will work hard together to not disappoint anyone.”

His tone was humble and firm, reminding fans of the emotions and regrets when they first saw Idol Star Map.

Moreover, now that the seven were together again, joking around and getting along much better than when they first debuted.

With the main group doing well and the team effect improving, fans quickly forgot about the earlier discord and turned their attention outward.

“Fight? We didn’t fight.”

“Right, didn’t you see how well the main group was getting along? We were just misled before. Now we’ve got the V Magazine cover and Simo endorsement, our future looks bright. We’re too busy celebrating to be arguing.”

“Anyone still trying to stir things up is just a troll. They just can’t stand to see us do well!”

Although individual fanbases still had some conflicts, at least on the surface, everything seemed harmonious.

After this, even if Pinnacle tried to interfere, they couldn’t do much anymore because the so-called “big fan” accounts that had caused trouble were already reported by the little fans.

Naturally, the promotional ad set for the three was never filmed. Pinnacle tried to use the same tactics to snatch them back, but the bodyguards Su Hongda called in weren’t going to let that happen.

They blocked everything off.

Su Hongda was practically beaming with satisfaction.