Accidentally Sold Myself (Rebirth) - Chapter 25

25: Dare to Bet?

Yesterday, that strange phone call was abruptly hung up amidst Luo Ningshuang’s faint scolding. Gu Xi, however, found the child who spoke haltingly rather adorable. She nearly shot back, “Come at me if you dare!” but thankfully held her tongue. Somehow, she had a feeling that if she had said it, the other party might actually show up.

Shaking her head with a wry smile, Gu Xi reflected on yesterday’s mistakes. After much thought, she concluded that although the web drama would become a hit in the future and the actors’ fame would rise, there were no top-tier stars like Best Actors or Actresses. To sustain a film and television company, such A-listers were indispensable.

Recalling the last time Luo Ningshuang asked her to choose endorsers—Lu Wanrou and Zheng Qianyu—Gu Xi noted that neither was signed with AC Entertainment. Moreover, Lu Wanrou’s contract was about to expire. She quickly picked up her phone and sent a message.

Gu Xi: Do you remember the two endorsers I chose?
Luo Ningshuang (instant reply): Thought you missed me.
Gu Xi: Cut the nonsense. Have you signed the endorsement deals?
Luo Ningshuang: Not that fast.
Gu Xi: Alright then. Revise the endorsement contracts. Lu Wanrou’s contract is expiring soon, so sign her first. As for Zheng Qianyu, sign him too. I know there’ll be a penalty for breaking his current contract, but I also know you’re not short on cash.
Luo Ningshuang: Alright. Now can you tell me, do you miss me?

Seeing that straightforward “Alright,” Gu Xi felt a rush of being utterly spoiled. After all, who else would throw money at signing someone without asking a single question?

But the follow-up message instantly shattered that feeling. Gu Xi huffed, “Trying to flirt with me again? This lady’s not falling for it!”

“What are you talking about?” Lan Qingxue asked, stepping into Gu Xi’s room and catching her fuming as she furiously tapped on her phone.

“Nothing. Let’s go.” Gu Xi had initially typed “Miss your sister,” but deleted it and changed it to “Miss your big sister” before sending. She then followed Lan Qingxue out of the hotel.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Luo Ningshuang, who received the message, cast a cold glance at Luo Lingxi beside her.

Sensing her gaze, Luo Lingxi asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”

Luo Ningshuang’s voice was icy. “When are you leaving?”

Luo Lingxi: “…” She had just arrived, and now her beloved little sister was already trying to kick her out. Heartbreaking!

“Sister Qingxue, the people I’ve chosen this time should be fine.” Gu Xi said with a sly grin as she sat in the car.

“That’s good!”

Ding~ The system chimed: Author Ji, the person you chose, Guo Pingqian, has been signed by AC Entertainment. 2 luck points deducted.
Current luck points: 10/100

“What?!” Gu Xi nearly exclaimed but managed to hold it back just in time.

Gu Xi: System, explain yourself! What’s going on?

Ding~ Jinjiang System prompt: No luck points are deducted for unsuccessful signings. However, since AC Entertainment is currently an obstacle to Author Ji’s rise to fame, if someone required for a task is poached by AC, it reduces Author Ji’s chances of success, hence the deduction of luck points.

Gu Xi’s heart ached. Earning 2 points was no easy feat! She couldn’t understand how AC Entertainment knew they were targeting Guo Pingqian.

Turning to Lan Qingxue, she said, “Sister Qingxue, do you think AC Entertainment might be secretly intercepting our targets?”

Lan Qingxue pondered for a moment before addressing the taxi driver. “Driver, pull over here. We’ll get out.”

“Alright.”

After they got out, Lan Qingxue said, “You’re right. Knowing Xiao Feng’s character, he wouldn’t just sit idly by. Here’s the plan: we split up. Xiao Feng will definitely have people watching me. You handle the negotiations, and I’ll draw their attention.”

Gu Xi’s eyes welled up. “But I don’t know how!”

Ding~ Jinjiang System prompt: You have this system.

Before Lan Qingxue could respond, Gu Xi’s expression shifted to one of brimming confidence. “Something this simple? How could it stump me? Leave it to me!”

Lan Qingxue: “…” So dramatic. She felt a pang of sympathy for Luo Ningshuang.

“Alright. I’ll keep in contact with Guo Pingqian. You head to the drama academy to scout. Remember, even though their focus will be on me, there’s still a chance someone’s watching you.” Lan Qingxue handed her a file folder.

Gu Xi took it, then shook her head. “Forget Guo Pingqian. Come here, let me tell you…”

“Got it. Be careful of yourself.” Lan Qingxue said, slightly surprised but nodding after Gu Xi whispered her plan.

“Don’t worry!”

After watching Lan Qingxue leave in another taxi, Gu Xi slapped her forehead. “I don’t have any money! Sis, come back!”

She meant to call Lan Qingxue but, for some reason, thought of Luo Ningshuang instead. After a moment’s thought, she sent a text.

Gu Xi: Send me some money.
Luo Ningshuang: ? Didn’t I give you a black card?
Gu Xi: That card has money?
Luo Ningshuang: …Yes, it has money.
Gu Xi: Alright, never mind then. Carry on!
Luo Ningshuang: Use it and toss me aside?
Luo Ningshuang: Ignoring me?

Gu Xi was thrilled and too busy to respond. She didn’t carry a purse, only a wallet. Pulling out the black card and examining it, she grew happier the longer she looked.

“System, can you check if there’s a bank nearby?”

Ding~ The system can only scan within a 100-meter radius. Author Ji, please use your phone to check and stop relying on the system.

Gu Xi: “…” Silently, she checked her phone. The nearest bank was about 300 meters away.

When she arrived, the ATMs were crowded, and the bank was packed. “So many people. How long will this take?”

“Hello, please come this way to get a queue number,” a staff member said politely.

What could she do? Broke and helpless, Gu Xi had to wait. As she was about to slip the black card back into her wallet, the staff member noticed it and immediately apologized. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you’re a VIP. Please follow me to handle your transaction.”

VIP? Gu Xi glanced at the black card, amazed at how high-end Luo Ningshuang’s card was.

At the VIP counter, Gu Xi withdrew 5,000 yuan. She wanted more, but her wallet couldn’t hold it. “Next time, I’m getting a bag just for carrying cash.”

“System, keep an eye out for anyone watching me nearby.”

Ding~ Without specific appearance or name, the Jinjiang System cannot scan.

“Then check for suspicious people nearby. That should work, right?” Gu Xi said, slightly annoyed.

Ding~ Possible, but such scans may include uncertainties, requiring Author Ji to make judgments. Also, please mind your tone.

“Yes, my perfect system.”

When Gu Xi reached her destination, she wandered aimlessly, unsure where her target was and relying on the system to guide her.

“University life looks so nice! Why didn’t I get reborn as a kid? I could’ve been a top student, become a CEO, and made tons of money.”

Ding~ With Author Ji’s questionable intellect, even ten rebirths wouldn’t get you into college.

Gu Xi rolled her eyes. “Have you found them yet?”

Ding~ Author Ji, look at the 9 o’clock direction.

Gu Xi turned and immediately spotted her target—tall and striking, with long black hair flowing in the breeze, a handsome face, and a roguish smile.

Clutching her chest, Gu Xi gasped, “So hot!” She hadn’t expected the young Huai Suyi to be so vibrant and youthful.

Passersby, especially girls, couldn’t help but steal glances, some practically bouncing with excitement.

Ding~ Author Ji, stop swooning. They’re about to leave.

Snapping out of it, Gu Xi jogged forward and blocked Huai Suyi’s path. “Wait! I need to talk to you.”

Onlookers began to whisper.

“Another beauty confessing?”

“Wow, I’m a hot guy, and I can’t even compete with a woman!”

Seeing Gu Xi’s slightly flushed ears, Huai Suyi flashed a devilish grin. “Here to confess?”

Gu Xi: “…??”

She shook her head, about to speak, when Huai Suyi continued, “Oh, I get it. You want an autograph?”

Gu Xi: “…” She hadn’t expected the young Huai Suyi to be so narcissistic and arrogant—completely different from the composed figure she’d become years later.

Nodding, Gu Xi said, “Yeah, I’m here for an autograph.”

Huai Suyi, with a smug “as expected” look, pulled a pen from her collar. “Alright, where do I sign?”

Gu Xi’s lips twitched. The cool, charming image of this “big sister” shattered like a mirror hitting the floor—smashed to pieces!

Opening her file folder, she pulled out a contract, flipped to the signature page, and pointed. “Sign here.”

Huai Suyi: “…” This wasn’t what she expected.

“Suyi.”

Gu Xi turned to see a gentle woman with a poised, appropriate smile. Her heart skipped a beat—this was Zi Ling, the future renowned host with the best reputation and fame.

“Who’s this?” Zi Ling asked, looking at Gu Xi curiously.

“She’s…”

Before Huai Suyi could finish, Gu Xi jumped in. “Hi, I’m from LS Agency. I’m here to discuss whether she’s interested in joining our company.”

“Right, right!” Huai Suyi said awkwardly.

Zi Ling nodded, glancing at Huai Suyi with a slightly downcast expression but forcing a smile. “LS, huh? It’s just starting out, but if it overcomes its challenges, its future is limitless. Not bad.”

“You sure?” Huai Suyi’s tone was uncertain, clearly seeking Zi Ling’s reassurance.

“LS Agency is currently a shell, so they must be offering great terms to sign actors. Joining now might seem like a loss, but who knows what the future holds? Helping someone in need is rare.” Zi Ling said softly, her words enlightening.

Gu Xi’s gaze darted between them. One looked dejected, the other oblivious. Was Zi Ling secretly in love with her?

“You’ll probably be really busy from now on.” Zi Ling said, her tone tinged with sadness as she looked at the clueless Huai Suyi.

Gu Xi seized the moment. “Would you, dear sister, like to join our company too?”

Zi Ling shook her head. “I’m not an actor. I studied broadcasting.”

Gu Xi didn’t miss a beat. “No problem! Our company is preparing a variety show and needs a host. I just don’t know if you’re bold enough to take the stage and bet on yourself—bet that you can rise to fame in one shot!”

Her bold, spirited words struck a chord in Zi Ling’s heart.

“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Zi Ling replied with newfound confidence.