A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

Chapter 1294: Jin Ling’er’s Decision

Another person-in-charge of a smaller-scale training camp said, “It’s rare that a rich girl is so considerate and has no airs at all, what a pity that she’s already in Imperial.”

The person beside him said, “Exactly. But it’s weird, Xia Yingluo is Li Lei’s daughter, why did she come over to Imperial’s training camp when she could’ve stayed in Skyart?” Her father’s entertainment firm was in no way inferior to Imperial Entertainment, it made perfect sense if she’d joined the other instead.

They were all rather stumped, and no one would’ve guessed that back then, the naive Miss Xia Yingluo had come over to Imperial just because of Zhao Yixuan’s words. What could’ve been a beautiful love story was no longer existent, but the decisions back then were still “effective”. Onstage, Xia Yingluo’s performance wowed everyone, and the applause was thunderous as the curtains closed.

She led the group of trainees down the stage to take their bows. The elegant and presentable movement brought about another round of applause.

The performance was a major success. Under Xia Yingluo’s lead, this batch of trainees received great reviews and comments from the various firms’ representatives.

After the show was over, everybody was busy removing their makeup backstage when Jiang Bilian smiled and said, “Yingluo, you did really well today, everyone on the floor had their eyes on you. Thanks for looking out for me during the meteor shower scene, otherwise I wouldn’t have caught up.”

Xia Yingluo smiled. Although she knew that Jiang Bilian was just fawning over her, her kind words were welcomed anyway.

While removing her makeup, she said, “I saw Chu Chen in the crowd just now, and representatives from major firms. They all looked pretty impressed. I guess we’ll all have a rather good career ahead.” They weren’t the only cohort involved in the performance, there were seniors too, just like the male lead who was about to make his debut. His performance this time around should be good enough for him to land a few offers.

As for those who weren’t due for their debut yet, leaving a good impression on the firms’ representatives was beneficial for their future too.

Jiang Bilian said, “I wish I could just make my debut already.”

She was already 17, and she’d be 18 the following year. Time wasn’t on her side.

Imperial Entertainment did not impose a strict timeline with regards to trainees making their debut. Some of them debuted within a year of joining the training camp, while others might go back with nothing even after three to four years of training. But this cohort of trainees was outstanding. With more effort, some might even make their debut earlier.

Zhu Zhu, who was right beside Jiang Bilian, said, “Me too. Once we make our debuts, we wouldn’t have to train so hard to build our foundations anymore. It’s so tiring.”

“It’s going to be even more competitive after your debut.” A guy teased. “You’re so lazy, it’s best you remain in the training camp.”

The room was full of joyful laughter and humorous exchanges when all of a sudden, somebody knocked on their door. The door wasn’t actually closed, but the person did not enter so as not to appear rude. They turned around and saw a tall man in a neat suit.

Xia Yingluo and Jin Ling’er both recognized this man. Jin Ling’er greeted him first. “Manager Du?”

The man was Du Zheng, the renowned Director of the Du Family Organization. He nodded to Xia Yingluo as a form of greeting before turning to Jin Ling’er. “Do you have some time? I need to talk to you.”

Jin Ling’er was a little stunned and she glanced at Xia Yingluo intuitively.

Xia Yingluo said, “Go on.”

Only then did Jin Ling’er follow Du Zheng out.

Once they’d left, the whole dressing room exploded with questions and excitement. They asked Xia Yingluo, “Yingluo, who’s that? He’s so handsome.”

Xia Yingluo told them about Du Zheng and added, “The Dus’ entertainment firm is a pretty good choice. Their family and mine are long-time family friends. Also, Brother Du Zheng’s character is trustworthy. He wouldn’t ill-treat the artistes under his wing.”

“Haha. Yingluo, I really wonder why you didn’t stay in Skyart, and instead came all the way to Imperial indeed. That gives the rest of us less of a chance.” Someone teased. “Our principal really has a huge heart to accept you.”

Xia Yingluo laughed as well. “Pfft, I’m genuinely here to train well and improve.”

Jiang Bilian was busy thinking about something. “Yingluo, what do you think Director Du is here for? Could he be offering her an exclusive debut contract?” Upon hearing this possibility, everybody quietened down and looked towards Xia Yingluo.

Xia Yingluo only just thought of this possibility with their reminder.

“Seriously?” She mumbled subconsciously.

To be fairly honest, Jin Ling’er was above average in the training camp, but she was nowhere near outstanding. Even if someone was to be picked to make an earlier debut, she shouldn’t be considered a top choice. “Maybe, it’s something else they’re discussing?” Xia Yingluo said with uncertainty. After all, Du Zheng and Jin Ling’er had known each other before this.

But the other trainees didn’t think like her. They guessed that Jin Ling’er was lucky enough to make her debut soon.

The rest of them went about their own business.

When Xia Yingluo returned to the dorm, Jin Ling’er wasn’t back yet.

She took a shower first and saw Jin Ling’er return as she was combing her hair.

“What was Du Zheng here for?” Xia Yingluo asked. “You seem so happy, did he really ask for you to debut early?”

“You got that right.” Jin Ling’er was overjoyed and couldn’t stop herself from giving Xia Yingluo a tight hug. “Yingluo, congratulate me! Director Du wants me to sign a contract with their firm. He’s off to settle the paperwork, and I’ll be making my debut in no time!”

Xia Yingluo wasn’t as upbeat about it as she was. Rather, she found it a little strange. “Why’d he pick you?”

Jin Ling’er didn’t mind that she was being direct, since she knew full well that her performance among this cohort of trainees wasn’t especially good. “I asked Director Du that too.” Jin Ling’er said, “It’s a coincidence, actually. Director Du said that his firm is shooting a movie and they’re short of a suitable character. They felt that I’d be a good fit for it, so they’re planning to sign a contract with me.”

Was that the case?

The explanation sounded reasonable, but Xia Yingluo still found it odd.

Putting this explanation aside, she looked at Jin Ling’er seriously. “Ling’er, you really want to debut right now? Your foundation isn’t that strong yet, I’d suggest you stay on for another year before making your debut. It’ll be better this way.”

Jin Ling’er sighed. “It’s true that my foundation isn’t very strong. I know that, too. But Director Du has come with an olive branch. If I miss it this time, I might never get another chance like this.” There was one more thing she omitted—her friend over here was so outstanding and came from a good and powerful family, how could she compare? Only by making an earlier debut in the entertainment circle and making a name for herself could she avoid others’ spreading rumors that Xia Yingluo helped her achieve success.