Chapter 39.2
Open menu
This site requires javascript to function.

Snow-Kissed Rose (GL) Chapter 39.2

After everyone had left, Song Yingshi turned to gently comfort and "apologize" to Huai Xu's waist while carefully glancing at Huai Xu's indifferent expression. Then, she tentatively said, "Um… Neither of the two companies is suitable for you. If you must sign with a different company, I can review the details with you."

As Song Yingshi said so, her hand brushed gently against Huai Xu's waist like a feather. Unable to bear the stimulation, Huai Xu grabbed Song Yingshi's wrist and forcibly pried her hand away.

"You're hurting me," Song Yingshi complained as she looked at Huai Xu with watery eyes.

Huai Xu promptly released Song Yingshi's hand.

Just as Huai Xu was about to apologize, Song Yingshi suddenly said in a confident tone, "See? You dislike me."

Huai Xu: ?

Huai Xu silently stared at Song Yingshi for a moment before reaching for a nearby cap and putting it on Song Yingshi's head. Then, she said in a low and threatening voice, "Song Little Shi, are you looking for trouble?"

Song Yingshi behaved as if a formidable enemy had arrived ever since entertainment companies started looking for Huai Xu. She followed Huai Xu around like a shadow, keeping her ears perked up to catch every detail. She scrutinized Huai Xu's attitude, occasionally implying that Huai Xu had turned traitorous. She would also become incredibly dramatic and troublemaking at times.

Nevertheless, Huai Xu still wasn't willing to put her foot down and do something about Song Yingshi's behavior.

While fiddling with the edges of the cap, Song Yingshi thoughtfully said, "Song Little Shi...sounds pretty good."

Huai Xu: "..."

Holding onto Huai Xu, who was about to get up and leave, Song Yingshi stopped teasing and returned to the main topic:

"I wasn't joking; the companies that came today are all small ones. I'm not sure about their treatment, but their resources are average. Let's wait; there are better options."

When Song Yingshi saw Huai Xu getting up to leave, she quickly stopped messing around and returned to the main topic, saying, "I wasn't joking. The companies that came today are small ones. I can't say anything about the benefits they offer, but I'm certain their resources won't be anything special. So, let's wait. Better companies will come."

Their conversation yesterday ended without results, and Huai Xu didn't agree to entrust her career to Song Yingshi. Although Song Yingshi found it a shame, she could understand Huai Xu's decision—

With the current nature of their relationship, it was understandable for Huai Xu to be cautious.

However, due to her reluctance to let Huai Xu sign with another company, Song Yingshi became much more critical when accessing the companies looking to sign Huai Xu.

Resources (a.k.a. work), treatment, agents, revenue sharing...

The companies that showed up today couldn't even ensure stable and meaningful work for Huai Xu, let alone the other aspects. As someone who had once been at the top of the entertainment industry, Best Actress Song refused to acknowledge any of these companies.

Worried that Huai Xu might misunderstand, Song Yingshi explained, "I'm not trying to ruin things for you. It's just that these companies aren't worth your time."

Huai Xu turned around, her gaze deepening.

Huai Xu could tell that Song Yingshi was serious. However, it was precisely this reason she had difficulty getting used to this behavior.

When Huai Xu refused Song Yingshi's offer yesterday, she initially thought Song Yingshi would use their contract to pressure her. But Song Yingshi didn't. On the contrary, Song Yingshi gave her serious advice.

Moreover, even if Song Yingshi hadn't spoken, Huai Xu wouldn't have signed with the two companies that had requested to meet with her today. She knew about the circumstances of the two companies, which was why she went along with Song Yingshi's decision.

As the absurdity in her heart deepened, Huai Xu laughed softly and asked, "Then, what kind of company do you think would suit me?"

"Mm?" Song Yingshi didn't expect Huai Xu's question.

Huai Xu stepped back, creating physical and emotional distance between her and Song Yingshi. Then, spreading her arms and putting herself on display, she asked, "I'm just a trainee who's only performed once. I haven't even released my single yet, and my future is uncertain. Song Yingshi, what kind of company would fit me?"

Huai Xu finished her words quickly and pursed her lips, her eyes expressing indifference and a faint hint of unease.

Unless someone had undergone the same experiences as Huai Xu, they wouldn't truly understand her situation.

Huai Xu was only 18 this year, yet her life had already undergone a massive upheaval.

Firstly, Huai Xu became Song Yingshi's lover. Although this identity existed in name only, and Huai Xu sometimes wondered what Song Yingshi was aiming to accomplish, it didn't change the fact that this identity stuck to her like a shadow.

Later, Huai Xu inherited memories related to Zheng Qiyi and music. Through these memories, she got to see another version of herself.

This other version of herself was older, stronger, and unbeatable. But at the same time, this other version was dark and indifferent. Despite being able to stir the hearts of thousands with just a flick of her fingers, she viewed the world with lack of interest.

As Huai Xu looked at this other version of herself, she felt like a young sapling looking up at a towering tree. Although she received many gifts from this tree, she also became trapped within its shadow.

Despite having inherited skills that transcended her own, Huai Xu found it difficult to become the person she saw in the memories. After all, she had only received a fragment of her other self's memories. She lacked the state of mind to become the Huai Xu who was capable of bending the world to her will.

Hence, the current Huai Xu was like a child holding a treasure. Although she knew this treasure was an opportunity of immeasurable value, she lacked the know-how to capitalize on this opportunity. This, in turn, made her uneasy.

Huai Xu had never felt this way before. When facing her future self and Song Yingshi, she, for the first time, realized she was only 18 this year.

"I don't know what kind of company would fit you, and I don't know what kind of company you will ultimately choose," Song Yingshi said in a calm but powerful voice. "However, whichever company you choose, I am certain all of them will be open to negotiations.

Song Yingshi's words were like warm sunlight flowing. They soothed Huai Xu's tense mind and body while making her eyes swell slightly.

Huai Xu lifted her gaze to look at Song Yingshi.

Before Huai Xu could speak, Song Yingshi's gaze met hers.

"That's because you are worth it, Huai Xu," Song Yingshi added.

Subsequently, the air grew still.

Song Yingshi held her breath as she looked at Huai Xu, her eyes filled with solemn sincerity.

Initially, Song Yingshi also wanted to say, "Don't be afraid of the future, Huai Xu." However, these words lingered on her lips before she eventually swallowed them.

Due to her innate awareness of subtle details and acting experience, Song Yingshi would sometimes become too empathetic. Although this trait allowed her to sense other people's emotions in a timely manner, like now, when she noticed Huai Xu's agitation, she also had to be careful not to overstep her boundaries.

After letting silence reign in the room for some time, Song Yingshi opened her mouth again and said, "Hey, are you feeling anxious because I'm not letting you meet with those companies? We can meet them now if you want. You'll understand how good I am to you after seeing them and what they have to offer."

Huai Xu didn't say anything.

Feigning anger, Song Yingshi demanded, "Why aren't you speaking? Don't you trust me?"

In response, Huai Xu gave a faint, almost imperceptible "mhm." Then, before Song Yingshi could erupt into anger, she smiled and thoughtfully said, "I was just thinking, since I'm qualified for every company, why would I sign with your studio?"

Song Yingshi: ?

Song Yingshi was taken aback for a moment. After all the effort she had put into comforting Huai Xu, Huai Xu was now questioning the qualifications of her small studio.

How can you stab me in the back like this?

You might as well be pointing at my face and telling me, "You're not worthy."

Have some human decency!

Song Yingshi immediately exploded into anger, "Whatever those companies offer you, I'll double it! Whatever they refuse to give, I'll give it to you!"

At 4 PM, in the meeting room frequently used by the production crew…

A talent agent from Timestamp Entertainment arranged to meet Huai Xu here through Rong Yi, one of the company's artists.

The agent had initially planned to meet with two trainees on this visit. However, Song Yingshi showed no interest in signing with a company, refusing his request even after Rong Yi, on his behalf, hinted at favorable terms and potential negotiations. Hence, he only got to meet with Huai Xu and was determined to secure her for Timestamp Entertainment.

Huai Xu arrived as scheduled.

Immediately, the agent began sizing Huai Xu up as he stood up to greet her.

To the agent's surprise, Huai Xu's characteristics were even better than he had imagined!

Huai Xu seemed to have just finished training, so she wasn't wearing any makeup, and her natural beauty was apparent at first glance. This led the agent to conclude that Peach Tree Media never used any filters to enhance Huai Xu's beauty on camera.

Comparing Huai Xu to Timestamp's female artists and current trending idols known for their beauty, the agent realized she could undoubtedly rival them. In fact, with her youth and superior bone structure, she might even surpass them. This alone satisfied his and Timestamp's requirements for signing an artist.

Furthermore, based on Huai Xu's capabilities, which he had heard from acquaintances, as long as she was assigned a competent team and given sufficient investments, she would likely become a top-tier celebrity within the next two years.

After taking a sip of water, the agent got to the main topic and discussed what Timestamp Entertainment could offer Huai Xu. A few sentences later, he gestured and said, "...Timestamp Entertainment is very optimistic about your future, so the company is prepared to offer you a revenue split exceeding even Rong Yi's. Moreover, including future support, the company can guarantee you enough votes to debut in the current survival show."

The agent paused momentarily, then smiled and added, "While your overall strength is great, debuting involves many factors. Timestamp can negotiate these factors for you since it has a strong working relationship with Peach Tree Media."

However, despite the agent's best efforts to persuade, Huai Xu wasn't very interested in this topic. After offering a perfunctory response, she asked, "Will the company decide my future direction, or can I decide for myself?"

"The company will arrange acting roles for you. The film and television industry still holds good prospects in the country, so engaging with it will benefit you in terms of both income and popularity," the agent readily answered.

"I don't know how to act," Huai Xu stated.

"The company will hire acting instructors for you," the agent replied.

"I don't want to act. Does the company have a strict rule about it?" Huai Xu asked, changing her approach.

The agent's expression subtly shifted at Huai Xu's question. Then, he tactfully asked, "Do you want to focus on songwriting? But given the country's music industry... I suggest you follow the company's development path."

Timestamp was a top-tier company in the entertainment industry, so it wasn't reliant on its artists acting to make a living and was open to negotiations in this regard. However, this usually wasn't an option given to trainees.

Although the agent recognized Huai Xu's potential, he wouldn't offer all the best conditions to a trainee so new to the entertainment industry as Huai Xu. Otherwise, she would grow spoiled and become difficult to manage.

At this point, the agent realized that he might leave empty-handed today.

Sure enough, Huai Xu stood up a moment later and said, "I think I understand now. Thank you for taking the time to meet me."

The agent felt a little regretful and reluctant as he watched Huai Xu turn around to leave. In an attempt to salvage the situation, he asked, "Do you want to leave your contact info? If you miss out on Timestamp, you won't have many better options."

Timestamp was one of the top three companies in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, Timestamp had invested the most in the variety show genre out of these three companies.

"I also doubt you'll find another company that'll offer you better conditions than Timestamp," the agent stated confidently.

Turning around, Huai Xu smiled and said, "Thank you, but I already have a company I want to join."

"Can you tell me which company it is? Is it Virtue Entertainment?" the agent asked.

Huai Xu pondered for a moment before she answered, "I'm not sure what it's called yet."

Agent: ?

You must be joking with me.

Cautiously, the agent asked, "May I ask what revenue split they are offering you? Or is it because they aren't forcing you to act?"

At the agent's question, Huai Xu suddenly thought of something as her eyes curved into smiles, and the cold aura around her softened. Then, she said, "My employer is very easy to talk to, so…I can probably get whatever I want."

Agent: ??

The agent was certain now that Huai Xu was joking and didn't press further. Instead, he went with some small talk, saying, "That's good; your employer sounds wonderful. Looks like you won't be having any trouble with your popularity vote, haha."

"My employer... probably doesn't remember this," Huai Xu said.

Agent: ???

At Huai Xu's serious response, the agent couldn't help but imagine this joke as a real company...

Impossible. If they were talking about a real company, there was no way he could continue this conversation without getting angry.

What kind of lousy company would waste a quality talent like Huai Xu?!

How stingy must this company be to not even support its talent's voting campaign?!

Most importantly, how could a company like this snatch away the artist he was interested in?!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got!

After the meeting, Huai Xu returned to the dormitory.

Song Yingshi, who would typically be at the gym around this time, sat on the living room sofa with a cushion in her arms. When Huai Xu entered, she promptly cleared her throat in an exaggerated manner.

Huai Xu looked over.

Without looking at Huai Xu, Song Yingshi leisurely said, "Back?"

"Mhm." Huai Xu nodded.

"How did it go?" Song Yingshi asked.

"It was fine," Huai Xu answered.

"Did you accept the offer?" Song Yingshi asked.

"No." Huai Xu shook her head.

Song Yingshi instantly felt relieved at Huai Xu's answer, her lips curling upward. However, she quickly suppressed her smile and sighed reproachingly, "See? I told you I've spoiled you. If even Timestamp's conditions can't persuade you, what other company can afford to sign you?" Therefore, my little studio is your only option!

Although Song Yingshi had promised she would double any offer Huai Xu received, she doubted Timestamp Entertainment would give Huai Xu any ridiculous offers given Huai Xu's current worth. Hence, signing Huai Xu would most certainly be a profitable deal.

Even if the deal ended up losing her money, Song Yingshi would be satisfied so long as she could keep Huai Xu by her side.

Money? It was merely a worldly possession. Not to mention, she had plenty of it in this life.

As Song Yingshi quietly observed Huai Xu through the corner of her eyes, she noticed Huai Xu moving closer and sitting down on the sofa chair nearby.

In her secretive observation, Song Yingshi accidentally met Huai Xu's gaze and instinctively avoided it. However, when she realized she had no reason to avert her gaze, she boldly resumed staring at Huai Xu.

Huai Xu's pupils were beautiful, with a quiet, tranquil depth like a dark spring. When Song Yingshi stared into them, she felt as if they could suck her soul in.

Amidst her daze, Song Yingshi saw Huai Xu's rosy lips moving and asked, "What kind of benefits is President Song prepared to offer me?"

Song Yingshi: !

Song Yingshi immediately grew spirited upon hearing this. Without hesitation, she got out of her seat and pulled Huai Xu along, saying, "Let's go."

"Where to?" Huai Xu asked.

"I'll get my phone back from the logistics team and contact my assistant. I'll get you anything you want," Song Yingshi said, dragging Huai Xu out of the dormitory in a hurry as if afraid Huai Xu would change her mind.

However, just as they were about to exit the living room, Song Yingshi was stopped in her tracks.

"We're not done talking yet," Huai Xu said, reining Song Yingshi in.

Raising an eyebrow at Huai Xu, Song Yingshi revealed a lively and carefree smile as she said, "Go ahead. Whatever you want, I'll keep my word."

Song Yingshi's bright smile dazzled Huai Xu. It also solidified a certain vague thought in her mind.

After a short silence, Huai Xu said, "I am fine with your studio offering me industry-standard terms. My only request is…"

Looking at Song Yingshi's stunning features, Huai Xu said each of her following words carefully,

"The termination of our previous contract."

Novel Notes

Other novels I translate on Hosted Novel:
Miss Cousin is Always Busy (MCAB)(Yuri/GL, Quick Transmigration)
Give Me Another Smile (GMAS)(Yuri/GL, Reincarnation)