Who Needs a CEO? I Choose Stardom

Outside the large, first-floor French windows, brilliant golden sunlight streamed in, bathing the already cozy living room in an even softer glow.

By mid-September, the mornings and evenings in Beijing had grown cool, with temperatures in the teens. The sun was setting, and it didn’t feel hot inside, but Ni Bingyan still asked if she should turn on the air conditioning.

Wei Shuojie waved her hand dismissively, set down her handbag, and sat in the guest’s seat. Her legs were pressed together and slightly angled, her hands resting naturally on her knees, exuding the air of a well-bred lady.

Ni Bingyan, not one to be impolite, immediately found a tea caddy as soon as Wei Shuojie sat down and said warmly:

”It’s been such a hot day, you must be thirsty. What would you like to drink? I have tea, but no coffee at the moment.”

She didn’t like coffee, and since she rarely had guests, she figured it would expire before long if she bought any, so she didn’t keep it on hand.

Spotting a large pitcher of cool water on the dining table, with fresh green mint leaves floating inside, Wei Shuojie’s throat moved unconsciously. She said, a bit sheepishly, ”Just a glass of mint water would be fine.”

She had left the house when the sun was at its most scorching. Even though her car had air conditioning, she still felt a little thirsty.

Ni Bingyan poured her a glass, brought out a plate of mung bean cakes she had made that morning, and then sat down opposite Wei Shuojie.

”These are some mung bean cakes I made. I used very little sugar. Would you like to try one?”

’As soon as I walk in, she’s offering me food and drinks—homemade beverages, homemade pastries—without even mentioning the reason for my visit.’

’She’s clever, diligent, and knows how to treat people, yet she isn’t sycophantic. She’s beautiful, but doesn’t use her looks as her only asset...’

’There are half-read books and scripts everywhere. A pen, almost out of ink, is clipped to the side of a script. The door to an adjacent room is open, revealing conspicuous exercise equipment. On the wall in front of me, a projector screen is still pulled down...’

’She didn’t know I was coming, so this is all just her daily life.’

Wei Shuojie carefully studied her and her home, making judgments and comparing what she saw with the information she had gathered.

Having just suffered a major setback with Sun Lizhi—a Waterloo in her career—Wei Shuojie’s requirements for her next partner were much stricter.

The first rule: she had to be smart enough. No getting duped by some man and foolishly immolating herself, dragging her business partners down with her.

Ni Bingyan’s recent live-streaming sales incident had caused quite a stir, and that was when Wei Shuojie had started paying attention to her.

Ni Bingyan’s response during that incident had been incredibly clever, catching Wei Shuojie’s eye immediately. That was what led to this visit, after some careful investigation.

”Thank you for the pastries, but I’m here on business. If we can reach an agreement, there will be plenty of opportunities to eat your pastries in the future. For now, I’d like to talk business first.”

’They sell mung bean cakes all over the street. I didn’t come all this way just for a bite to eat.’

’Always puts work first, and is a little sharp-tongued.’

Ni Bingyan silently added a line to her mental profile of the woman.

”So, what brings you all the way out here?”

’You’re direct, so I’ll be direct. That’s a certain kind of fairness.’

’A small fry never takes a loss, not even a verbal one.’

Seeing that she wasn’t beating around the bush, Wei Shuojie didn’t mince words either. ”You need a manager. I happen to be a manager. What do you think I’m here for?”

Ni Bingyan raised an eyebrow. She didn’t immediately bow down in submission, but instead asked curiously, ”Regarding Sister Sun, did you know beforehand?”

’I may need a manager, but I’m not going to just pick anyone.’

’Your last client’s career imploded spectacularly. What gives you the right to act so high and mighty with me? I may not be famous right now, but at least I don’t have any indelible stains on my record. If you’re looking down on me, why should I let you be the one picking and choosing?’

’From the moment you showed up at my door, you’ve already shown your hand. My politeness and courtesy are a testament to my character, but that doesn’t mean I won’t push back no matter what you say.’

’You can be sharp-tongued, but you need to pick your moments.’

’I may be gentle, but I’m not a pushover.’

Wei Shuojie stared at her intently, her little finger twitching uncontrollably.

Ni Bingyan simply smiled, a slight arch in her brow. Her right hand rested naturally on her left arm, her snow-white skin making the apricot-colored qipao seem a few shades darker by comparison.

The question was truly ruthless.

If she knew but didn’t stop it, then she was a rather irresponsible manager.

And Ni Bingyan certainly didn’t want an irresponsible manager.

If she didn’t know, then she was even less worthy of a partnership.

Simply put, she’d be incompetent. What use would she be?

As for trying to stop it and failing?

The moment she tried to explain, she would lose her momentum, and the negotiation would be over.

”It’s the picky customer who’s the real buyer. I like your attitude. If you’re interested, we can have a proper talk about our ideas. As long as we see eye-to-eye, we can entrust our trust in each other and take on the entertainment industry together. If you’re not interested, it’s not too late for me to find someone else to manage. I’m a long way from retirement!”

’I know how the incident with Sun Lizhi has affected my career. If you weren’t tempted by my offer, you wouldn’t have brought her up.’

’It’s not like you’re my only option! But me coming here today is a sign of my utmost sincerity. If you want to have a real conversation, then speak to me properly!’

In just a few sentences, sparks flew between them.

Wei Shuojie took a quiet, deep breath, finally composed herself, and broke into a smile.

She and Sun Lizhi had met when they were both nobodies, and one could say they had built each other’s careers. Even though Sun Lizhi had refused to listen to her and insisted on pursuing that damned relationship, making her suffer as well, Wei Shuojie was still unwilling to gossip about her private affairs behind her back.

If she were truly that heartless, she would have abandoned Sun Lizhi long ago, not stayed with her until the very end.

This was a two-way selection process between her and Ni Bingyan.

Her showing up for a surprise ”interview” was also a chance for Ni Bingyan to interview *her*. There was no need for things to be so confrontational, making her seem overly aggressive.

She had shown great sincerity, and Ni Bingyan wasn’t actually curious about other people’s private matters. After a long silence, during which she finished her entire glass of water, she finally spoke again, ”How did you choose me?”

Hearing this, Wei Shuojie smiled, a relaxed and easy smile this time.

”I picked you when you were live-streaming to sell goods for the underprivileged households in Wutong County. You’re clear-headed, have long-term vision, are hardworking enough, ambitious enough, and beautiful enough. Hmm, you have too many strengths, but the one I care about most is the first one.”

In her opinion, if someone was ugly, they could get plastic surgery. But if they were stupid, they were truly a lost cause.

Ni Bingyan smiled too and pushed the plate of mung bean cakes toward her again. ”Here, you can eat my pastries without any worries now. If you like them, I can make you something else next time.”

This was a sign that she was interested and ready to discuss the details of their collaboration with Wei Shuojie.

Wei Shuojie understood her meaning and brightened up.

”Then I’ll help myself.”

Taking a mung bean cake and biting into it, she glanced at the wall clock. ”It’s almost dinnertime. Let me treat you to a meal. We can talk while we eat.”

Unexpectedly, the two of them clicked on their very first meeting.

Ni Bingyan shook her head. ”You’ve seen my streams, so you should know my dad’s a chef. It’s been a hot day, and running around must be tiring. Why don’t I cook and treat you instead? I caught a fish in a nearby wild lake this morning. I can make a nice soup for you.”

Wei Shuojie was surprised. ”You know how to fish?”

”Yup, I love it. I can take you with me sometime when you’re free~”

’Spending half a day quietly by the water can calm a restless soul.’

’In my past life, there were too many times I was angry but didn’t dare to speak out. Thank goodness for this hobby that saves money and cultivates the mind.’

”That’s nice.”

’Compared to other starlets who go clubbing, dancing, and hooking up, this hobby is incredibly wholesome.’

Seeing Ni Bingyan get up, put on an apron, and head toward the back door, Wei Shuojie also stood up. ”Need any help?”

Ni Bingyan smiled and declined. ”No need, I’ll be done in a jiffy. Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

”Less ginger, if possible.”

Neither of them was the pretentious or hypocritical type. They said what they meant, which made getting along surprisingly easy.

By the time they finished the delicious meal, they had also gained a general understanding of each other’s boundaries, and the contract was basically a done deal.

Wei Shuojie had intended to leave, but Ni Bingyan’s cooking was so good that she couldn’t help eating too much. She had no choice but to take a walk around the residential complex to digest.

As they walked, they occasionally ran into an old man walking his dog or an old woman carrying a Tai Chi Sword. They were all very warm toward Ni Bingyan.

Seeing her walking with Wei Shuojie, they would ask, ”Xiao Ni, have a friend over?”

Ni Bingyan would always smile warmly, address them accurately as Uncle So-and-so or Auntie So-and-so, exchange a few pleasantries, and then continue on their walk.

”Didn’t you just move in?”

How did she get so friendly with all the old folks here already?

Wei Shuojie was completely astonished. She turned her head so fast that her delicate glasses slid down to the tip of her nose.

After Granny Sun’s fall, she, as a manager, was a classic case of ”once bitten by a snake, twice shy of a rope.”

She had been recovering for over a month before finally deciding to sign a new client.

Wei Shuojie had put in a lot of effort to sign her.

She had not only investigated her background and past but also specifically asked mutual friends about her performance on set. Only after all that did she finally decide to make this trip.

’I originally thought that with her looks, she would only attract ’boyfriend’ fans and superficial fans, but I never expected her to have such strong charisma that she could even win over the elderly.’

’Looks like her future career path can be broadened even more.’

Her comical appearance was a far cry from her earlier elite image, and Ni Bingyan couldn’t help but laugh.

”Because I’m a good person! These experienced uncles and aunties could tell at a glance!”

Wei Shuojie rolled her eyes. ”I’m leaving, I’m leaving. It’ll take me over an hour to get back. Remember to come to the company on time tomorrow to sign the contract.”

Ni Bingyan nodded obediently and packed up some mung bean cakes for her to take as she saw her to her car.

Wei Shuojie hit the gas and drove off without looking back, but the sound of lighthearted music drifted out from the car.

Leaning against the courtyard gate, Ni Bingyan smiled faintly, full of anticipation for the future.