Unexpected Opportunity

Shen Tong stood at the door of Xia Zixuan's office. Despite her composed facade, she couldn't suppress the fear bubbling inside her. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door to Xia Zixuan's office.

"Explain to me what's going on with those reporters outside," Xia Zixuan's tone was unsettlingly calm.

Chen Xiaoyong nervously answered, "Because... because my photo with Chen Jianle was accidentally discovered by the media last night..."

Xia Zixuan fixed his piercing gaze on Shen Tong, "Is this how you manage an artist?"

"I understand that protecting an artist's privacy is one of the most crucial aspects of being a manager," Shen Tong knew that apologizing now would only infuriate Xia Zixuan further. It was better to directly acknowledge her mistake.

Xia Zixuan fiddled with the coffee cup on his desk, "How could you make such a rookie mistake?"

"Actually, it was me who deliberately let the media find the photo of Chen Jianle and Chen Xiaoyong!" Shen Tong decided that making up an excuse would be futile, so she might as well tell the truth.

Xia Zixuan didn't seem surprised, "Hmm. Chen Xiaoyong, step outside for a moment."

"What? I..." Chen Xiaoyong was shocked. She was the protagonist of this incident; why would Xia Zixuan ask her to leave first?

Xia Zixuan coldly asked, "Do you have something more to say?"

"No... I'll go then!" Chen Xiaoyong felt as if staying any longer would make her disappear from the universe the next second.

After Chen Xiaoyong left, Xia Zixuan gestured for Shen Tong to sit on the chair opposite him.

Shen Tong had prepared herself to be scolded, even contemplating what to do if she were fired. But Xia Zixuan's current demeanor made her even more anxious.

"I knew you gave the photo to the media," Xia Zixuan said calmly, taking a sip of his coffee.

Shen Tong was astonished, "You knew all along?"

"Yes," Xia Zixuan nodded, "I don't think you're a brainless woman."

To her surprise, Shen Tong received a compliment. She couldn't figure out Xia Zixuan's intentions.

Xia Zixuan continued, "If you were brainless, how could you boost Chen Xiaoyong's popularity so quickly? I trust my choice in people."

Shen Tong had never heard Xia Zixuan speak so softly to anyone. Was this the calm before the storm?

"I have let you down. This time, I made an irreparable mistake. If you fire me, I won't complain," Shen Tong, tired of the suspense, chose to face the consequences bravely.

Xia Zixuan smirked, "When did I say I was going to fire you?"

"What?" Shen Tong couldn't believe it, "You're not planning to fire me?"

Xia Zixuan nodded and took another sip of coffee.

Shen Tong lowered her head and whispered, "But I caused a big mess this time... The reporters outside haven't left yet..."

Xia Zixuan was unperturbed, "Is this what you call a big mess? You underestimate my and Fengxing Entertainment's capabilities."

Shen Tong looked at Xia Zixuan, "So this incident poses no threat to the company?"

"Those who know how to handle it can turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones," Xia Zixuan said confidently.

Shen Tong knew that Xia Zixuan could undoubtedly manage the situation. Her fears and anxieties dissipated. Judging by Xia Zixuan's attitude, her chances of getting fired seemed slim.

"You're smart, using such a tactic to boost Chen Xiaoyong's fame," Xia Zixuan said, "Since you've worked hard to make her popular, we shouldn't waste the opportunity. Chen Xiaoyong will star in the company's new idol drama. Let's use this incident to promote the show."

Shen Tong was suddenly enlightened. Indeed, she had done something beneficial! This wasn't causing trouble for the company; it was saving on Chen Xiaoyong's promotional expenses.

Xia Zixuan continued, "For this drama, we'll even add some scenes for the second female lead, making Chen Jianle her final partner."

Shen Tong couldn't help but admire Xia Zixuan's adaptability.

"I mainly wanted to discuss another matter with you," Xia Zixuan said, moving closer to Shen Tong.

"Another matter? What is it?" Shen Tong asked.

"Fengxing Entertainment plans to fund an album for the company's most promising female artist. The most suitable candidates are the consistently popular Xie Sangyan and the newly popular Chen Xiaoyong," Xia Zixuan explained, returning to his seat.

Shen Tong excitedly asked, "So Chen Xiaoyong has a chance to release an album?"

"Yes, but it's only a fifty percent chance. The other fifty percent depends on Xie Sangyan. It's up to you to secure it," Xia Zixuan said, indicating that Shen Tong could leave.

Shen Tong nodded and walked out of the office, pondering how to seize this opportunity from Xie Sangyan.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw Liang Xiaoyuan waiting at the door.

Liang Xiaoyuan approached her, concerned, "Shen Tong, are you okay? I heard from Chen Xiaoyong that General Manager Xia called you to his office."

Seeing Liang Xiaoyuan so worried about her, Shen Tong felt guilty about competing for the album opportunity. Most of her progress was due to Liang Xiaoyuan's help.

"Don't be silent! I don't know what to do if you don't say anything!" Liang Xiaoyuan said, heading towards Xia Zixuan's office, "I'll talk to him."

Shen Tong quickly grabbed Liang Xiaoyuan, "No need. I'm fine."

"Really?" Liang Xiaoyuan found it hard to believe that Xia Zixuan would let Shen Tong off so easily.

"It's true!" Shen Tong saw Liang Xiaoyuan's skepticism and reassured him firmly, "General Manager Xia has already figured out how to handle the situation! Besides, he personally assigned me to be Chen Xiaoyong's manager. If he fires me now, wouldn't he be shooting himself in the foot?"

Liang Xiaoyuan nodded, "True! For Xia Zixuan, this wouldn't be a big threat."

"It's just..." Shen Tong hesitated.

Liang Xiaoyuan asked with concern, "Just what? Did he punish you? Cut your salary?"

Shen Tong felt that hiding the album opportunity from Liang Xiaoyuan would be a greater betrayal. Deciding to come clean, she said, "General Manager Xia told me that both Chen Xiaoyong and Xie Sangyan have a chance to release an album. But there's only one spot, and it depends on our efforts. In other words, we're now competitors."