Chapter 123: Letting It Slide

Before heading to the commercial performance, Fang Ping gave them an additional lesson.

“In any circle involving interests, the waters run deep. You must learn to speak and act with caution,” Fang Ping warned.

They were silent, having seen countless news stories of people tearing each other apart over利益—over利益.

“That Zhuang Tonghe, though just a third-tier domestic celebrity, has a temper even worse than some top-tier stars. It’s said no newcomer who’s worked with him hasn’t been mentally crushed by his cold sarcasm,” Fang Ping shared, having researched extensively about Zhuang Tonghe.

“Isn’t that just part of this line of work? You have to adapt,” Ming Han said helplessly.

Fang Ping nodded approvingly. “It’s good you understand that. Such incidents may not happen all the time, but they certainly won’t be rare.”

On the road to dreams, there is no smooth sailing!

“Unless one day you stand at the very pinnacle, then all these petty troubles at the bottom won’t fall on your shoulders.”

Those who succeed hold the passport to this world.

“Fang Jie hopes you’ll take steady steps, and one day become leaders in this industry. When that time comes, Fang Jie will shine with pride, strutting out confidently.”

Fang Ping’s words made them chuckle softly, while secretly steeling their resolve.

The night before the event, they drove into the city to check in. After settling in, Fang Ping took the two to meet tomorrow’s star—Mr. Zhuang Tonghe.

“This celebrity has quite a decent reputation!” Yu Hang remarked.

Zhuang Tonghe’s room was the finest suite in the city’s hotel, costing nearly two thousand yuan a night.

In this industry, such things matter a great deal. An artist’s standing dictates the level of accommodation! Though Zhuang was only known provincially, his status for tomorrow’s event was the highest, so naturally he stayed in the best hotel.

Fang Ping gently knocked on the door. “Teacher Zhuang, may I come in?”

Ming Han nearly fainted hearing her refer to the star as “Teacher.” The guy inside couldn’t be older than twenty-one!

Alas, when did “teacher” become such a broad term? How sad...

After a while, sounds came from inside.

A burly man with a thick beard opened the door, impatience etched on his face. “What do you want?”

Fang Ping smiled apologetically. “I brought these two youngsters to visit Teacher Zhuang. They’re the basketball players participating in tomorrow’s event.”

The bearded man glanced at Ming Han and the others, then opened the door wider. “Come in.”

Entering, Ming Han finally understood why the room was so expensive—luxuriously decorated and nearly 100 square meters in size.

Zhuang Tonghe sat on the sofa, playing on his phone with no intention of looking up.

Fang Ping smiled awkwardly, bowing slightly. “Hello, I’m the manager of the Morning Star duo. These are members Ming Han and Yu Hang.”

Only after hearing her voice did Zhuang lift his head slightly, casting a cursory glance. “Hmm.”

Ming Han silently thought: Such an attitude, really overbearing.

“I hope Teacher Zhuang can look out for these two tomorrow,” Fang Ping added without concern.

Years in this industry had made her accustomed to scenes like this.

Finally, Zhuang leisurely stood up, stretching. “So tired!”

Tired from playing on the phone?

“Not bad-looking little brothers! Are you here to play basketball or to cheat on girls?” Zhuang grinned lecherously.

Fang Ping whispered, “They’re still young!”

“Not young! When I was their age, I was a butterfly among flowers, untouched by any leaf! Ha ha...”

Looking at Zhuang’s leering face, Ming Han suddenly wanted to punch him.

Suddenly, Zhuang gave the bearded man a meaningful look.

The bearded man immediately understood. Turning to Fang Ping, he said, “My master wants to discuss tomorrow’s showdown with the boys. Miss Fang, please rest for now.”

With that, the hint to leave was clear. Fang Ping felt awkward but left, casting a worried glance at the two.

Ming Han gave her an “OK” sign.

Fang Ping nodded. Though young, these two had quite a bit of experience; she could trust them.

After Fang Ping left, Zhuang took two cans of Coke from the fridge. “Don’t be shy. Treat me like your big brother.”

Yu Hang replied politely, “Thank you.”

Zhuang was pleased by their humility; he liked being treated as the big brother.

“How long have you two been playing? How’s your skill?”

Ming Han smiled. “I’m average, but my teammate here is a true expert—recognized as the best point guard in the entire county’s middle school division.”

Zhuang gave Yu Hang a meaningful look. “Impressive, little brother!”

Yu Hang waved his hand modestly. “Not at all!”

Zhuang then said amiably, “I’ve been traveling a lot lately and haven’t practiced in a while, so my skills are rusty. I hope you two will go easy on me tomorrow and not embarrass me in front of the reporters.”

“Of course, Brother Tonghe. Please go easy on us,” Yu Hang said, clearly missing the point.

Zhuang gave the bearded man another look. “Brother Liu, please see the two little brothers out.”

Ming Han and Yu Hang stood to leave.

As soon as they stepped outside, the bearded man’s face darkened. “Do you understand what Brother Zhuang meant?”

Yu Hang bowed and smiled. “Don’t worry, we’ll give our all and put on a great match.”

The bearded man frowned. “What nonsense! Are you pigs? Brother Zhuang means you’re to hold back tomorrow, so if he wins, you’ll get some benefits.”

With that, he slammed the door shut.

Ming Han sighed. “I thought he was a pro, but it turns out he’s just a shady star.”

Yu Hang’s face grew serious. “We have to tell Fang Jie about this and let her decide.”

Ming Han shouted, “Yu Hang, are you crazy? If he were a rookie, I’d beat him to a pulp!”

“Ming Han, this is a business event!”

Ming Han sighed. Taking money means you have to play the submissive role.

Back in their room, Yu Hang took out his phone and reported the situation to Fang Ping.

It was clear Fang Ping took it seriously. That night she immediately called the soundly sleeping Dong Zhijun.

This involved many complexities.

Though Zhuang Tonghe was a signed artist under Wu You Studio, he had many collaborations with Tianqi Entertainment, the parent company of Qianyang Club.

Moreover, the two newcomers had shown no respect to their company seniors—this could harm their future development.

No matter what, the outcome of this match wasn’t especially important for the Morning Star duo.

In the end, Dong Zhijun made a decision.