Rebirth: I Am the Wealthy Family (GL) - Chapter 5

Chen Qianyǔ heard everything Zhāng Xī said to mock her today. She endured it at the time, but when she thought about what her sister had said before—that the entertainment industry was easy to navigate—her heart felt even more unpleasant.

“What Zhāng Xī said, that’s nothing. Your sister has heard things much worse than that before. The entertainment industry is all about looking down on the low and flattering the high, you have to get used to it. What Zhāng Xī did today is a minor issue, just lip service. Don’t take it to heart. Now, focus on how to deal with Director Gu. I haven’t had any contact with her before, and I don’t know her personality.”

Ā Hé spoke while checking his laptop. The information he found online about Gu Míngzhū showed that she graduated from Harvard Business School eight years ago, a woman of both beauty and intelligence. She was in a car accident five years ago and had been in a coma, only waking up three months ago. After waking up, she became the Executive Director of Míngzhū Group, acting decisively and ruthlessly.

“Ā Hé, I always feel that Gu Míngzhū is very familiar. Was she very close to my sister before?”

Chen Qianyǔ had been suspicious since Gu Míngzhū helped her at “The Queen’s New Clothes” last time, as her outfit sold for an unexpected sky-high price.

“Not very close. As far as I know, your sister only met her a few times. Míngzhū Group had sponsored a TV series your sister starred in before, and there was no contact after that. Why are you overthinking it? Didn’t Director Gu say that she’s a fan of Chen Qianyǔ? I’ve got this, don’t be afraid.”

They soon arrived at Jiǔ Chóng Tiān (Nine Heavens). Ā Hé and Chen Qianyǔ arrived first, and Ā Hé went to reserve a private room. The cost at Jiǔ Chóng Tiān was substantial, with private rooms starting at twenty thousand for a meal, not including drinks. Ā Hé had to do this; given Gu Míngzhū’s status, her simply gracing them with her presence for a meal was an honor, and he dared not invite her to a less upscale place.

About an hour later, Gu Míngzhū arrived fashionably late. She had changed her clothes and cut her long hair. With a sharp, short haircut, dressed in a white top and black pants. She was already tall, and this outfit could only be described as handsome. Yes, handsome. Chen Qianyǔ had never seen such a handsome woman.

“I apologize for keeping you two waiting. I was delayed by some company matters that needed handling. Have you ordered yet?”

A waiter stood beside Gu Míngzhū, holding a menu.

“No, not yet. Director Gu, please order. We’re easygoing.”

“Since we’re at Jiǔ Chóng Tiān, we must have French cuisine. Let’s have the Tomato and Thyme Cod, Mayonnaise-dressed Lettuce, Aspic of Shrimp and Wild Rice Stems, Stuffed Chicken Galantine, Warm Foie Gras Salad, and oh, let’s also have a Bouillabaisse and Crêpes Suzette.” Gu Míngzhū finished ordering and handed a black and gold card to the waiter. Upon seeing the black and gold card, the waiter couldn’t help but look up at Gu Míngzhū. The Swiss Bank Black Card, a global limited issue, held by no more than fifty people, and allowing unlimited overdrafts—he actually saw one today.

“You may leave now!”

Gu Míngzhū spoke softly, but her tone carried an air that brooked no refusal. The waiter then withdrew. Gu Míngzhū had been very discreet when handing over the card, and neither Ā Hé nor Chen Qianyǔ noticed.

“Director Gu, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. I’ll toast you first!” Ā Hé raised his glass.

“Cheers. The Golden Manager is indeed different. Actually, I came today with a purpose. Qianyǔ, I heard your management contract is about to expire. Have you considered our Míngzhū Group? We will officially enter the entertainment industry in the second half of the year. I would like you to consider it. This is my business card.”

Gu Míngzhū handed a hot-stamped business card to Chen Qianyǔ, with her contact information on it.

“I, I…”

Chen Qianyǔ instinctively looked at Ā Hé.

“Well, Director Gu, I am Qianyǔ’s manager. If there are matters in this regard, you can contact me directly. Qianyǔ’s contract is indeed nearing its expiration, and several companies are currently in talks with me. We are considering all options…” The implication was that Ā Hé wanted to know the terms Gu Míngzhū was offering.

“I am confident I can make Qianyǔ the top star in the entertainment industry!”

Gu Míngzhū leaned back in the leather chair, smiling wickedly at Chen Qianyǔ. Coupled with her seductive beauty, she gave off a feeling of an enchantress: “Qianyǔ, you have been working hard on your own for so many years, always lukewarm. What you need is someone like me. And I happen to need an actress like you. Come with me! I will promote you!”

Her voice was resounding. Chen Qianyǔ was moved. She looked up and met Gu Míngzhū’s gaze, their eyes locking: “Why? Why me of all people?” There were so many women in the entertainment industry; some acted better than her, some were more beautiful than her, and some were more versatile than her. Why her, Chen Qianyǔ?

“Haha. Because I like it! As long as I, Gu Míngzhū, like someone, I will give them the best. Chen Qianyǔ, have you forgotten that I am your fan? Do you think I’m going to subject you to casting couch demands?”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant, I just feel…”

Ā Hé coughed a few times: “Director Gu, I need to go back and discuss this thoroughly with Qianyǔ. As for the specifics, I will call you, or you can give me your secretary’s number, and I can call her to notify you!”

“No need, just call me directly. Not many people have my number, you can count them on your fingers, and you, Chen Qianyǔ, are one of them.”

Just as the words fell, the waiter brought out all the dishes Gu Míngzhū had ordered.

“The French cuisine at Jiǔ Chóng Tiān is excellent; they employ Michelin three-star chefs. Let’s eat.”

Gu Míngzhū began to eat with great elegance, and Chen Qianyǔ stared at her. She had never seen anyone eat with such grace. In contrast, although she had studied in the UK, she had never eaten French cuisine in such a high-class restaurant. She seemed a little uneasy, clumsy with her hands and feet, especially not knowing where to put her hands.

“Qianyǔ, what’s wrong? Is the food not to your taste? We can switch to other dishes if you like.”

“No, Qianyǔ recently injured her hand while practicing calligraphy. I’ll cut it for you!”

Ā Hé had also eaten such a fancy meal with the real Chen Qianyǔ before, at a client’s request. Back then, to avoid losing face in front of the client, Chen Qianyǔ practiced French dining etiquette alone at home for a month. After that month, no one could tell that she had never eaten French cuisine before. At the time, Chen Qianyǔ ate with the same elegance as Gu Míngzhū. Not like this current awkwardness. She was indeed the sister who was well-protected by the older one.

“Oh, calligraphy, is it? I didn’t expect you, Qianyǔ, to enjoy practicing calligraphy. There are really too few actors in the entertainment industry who cultivate their character like you. I heard you used to have a twin sister, Qianyǔ?”

When Chen Qianyǔ heard her question, she immediately looked up, and the knife and fork in her hand dropped to the floor with a loud, clear clang.