Chapter 108: Star Dream

They arranged to meet at the cafeteria instead of H University's most famous restaurant, as it was always crowded with people. Leon found a corner seat where no one noticed him.

While waiting for Lily Lin, Leon thought about how he should respond to her. Given that he was only her nominal boyfriend, he knew he couldn't outright reject anything. He decided to see what Lily thought first.

His phone rang, and Leon smiled when he saw who was calling.

It was his sister.

"Hey, big brother, how's it going at Huada?" a playful female voice said.

"I'm doing fine. What's up? Suddenly concerned about your big brother?" Leon chuckled, hearing his sister's cheerful tone.

"Ugh, I always care about you, you ungrateful brother."

Leon laughed heartily.

"Have you found Eternal Snow at H University?" his sister asked with excitement.

"Nope," Leon replied, somewhat disappointed.

"Really? H University is the most prestigious university in China. I thought Eternal Snow would definitely go there."

Leon felt a bit helpless. Finding someone in a huge country like China wasn't easy. She could have gone abroad, too. He remembered how remarkable she was back then; she would be even more dazzling now. This made Leon think of the legend of Tang Palace's Hua Fei.

The Exceptional Beauty Moonlight… Maybe he should try looking for her next time.

After chatting for a while, his sister suddenly laughed mischievously. "Big brother, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Have you noticed any special changes recently?"

Leon, who had been relaxed, suddenly tensed. "Why do you ask?"

"Just tell me…"

Hearing his sister's coquettish tone, Leon felt speechless. This question was tough to answer. Changes? They were earth-shattering. But even to his closest sister, Leon wasn't ready to reveal the truth—it was too outlandish. Who knows how she would react?

After a moment's thought, Leon replied, "You know my personality. How could I change?"

"Really?" His sister sounded skeptical.

Leon was even more puzzled. She seemed to know something. "Why do you ask? Tell me the truth, or else…"

"No changes, huh? Maybe it's just me…"

"???"

"By the way, it's my birthday next month. Don't forget to come home and celebrate with me."

"I'll ask you again when I get home." Leon sighed, realizing he couldn't win against her.

His sister giggled, and they talked about family matters for over ten minutes before hanging up.

Leon shook his head, still unsure of what his sister was hinting at.

"Leon, who were you chatting with? You seemed happy." A gentle voice came from behind.

Lily Lin and Serena Su approached.

"My sister called. Her birthday is next month, and she wants me to come home for it," Leon said with a wry smile.

"You have a sister, Leon?" Serena's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Don't get me started on her. She's a troublemaker." Leon glanced at Lily and greeted her.

Lily, blushing as usual, shyly said hello.

Leon didn't mind. He noticed Serena seating Lily beside him and sitting herself across the table. "You two have a good talk."

"Serena, stay. I want to hear your opinion too," Lily quickly said.

Leon nodded in agreement.

Serena sat across from them.

"Are you planning to sign the contract?" Leon asked directly.

"I want to hear what you think, Leon…" Lily's soft voice sent a shiver down his spine.

"My thoughts?" Leon organized his thoughts and recounted what he learned about Angelina Dream last night. Thanks to her, his negative impressions of the entertainment industry had diminished. However, he was most concerned about whether Lily would be bullied, given her delicate nature and fear of men.

"Actually, Lily isn't very willing to go…" Serena said slowly.

Leon wasn't surprised.

"But I think this is a good opportunity to improve her character," Serena said seriously.

Improve her character?

Leon raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, I told Serena about my fear of men," Lily apologized.

"Don't blame her. I'm just observant," Serena quickly said.

Leon laughed, "Do I look like a typical bad guy? Nothing to apologize for." He knew Serena and Lily were close friends; it was only a matter of time before she found out.

Since that was out in the open, Leon felt more relaxed and asked Serena how she planned to improve Lily's character.

The answer was simple. If Lily stepped into the spotlight, she would have to face many people. It would be a significant test for her. Serena believed Lily's introversion and shyness stemmed from a lack of social interaction, especially with men, having attended an all-girls school.

This wasn't good for her future.

Courage is a strange thing. Sometimes, responsibility, pressure, and having no way out force people to overcome their fears.

Lily lacked this kind of courage, and this job could be the tool she needed. Of course, it wouldn't be an overnight change, but at least it might reduce her shyness. With Angelina Dream as an example, Serena believed Lily wouldn't neglect her studies. Whether she became famous or not was another matter. It was more about Lily giving it a try.

Serena's comprehensive analysis surprised Leon. He looked at his normally quiet classmate, realizing for the first time that there was a sharp mind behind her serene demeanor.

Leon nodded and turned to Lily. "It's your choice. Serena made a good point. But if you face any trouble, let me know. The entertainment industry can be tough."

Lily nodded, murmuring, "I'll give it a try then."

…

The meeting with the agent was scheduled for Saturday at a teahouse in Xijing.

The company interested in signing Lily was called "Star Dream." Leon had done some research and found it to be reputable. The fact that Angelina Dream was under their wing reassured him.

Since Angelina Dream's rapid rise to fame, many entertainment companies had set their sights on H University's resources. However, H University was different from other universities. Even if students signed contracts, the student council would vet the company to protect the students' interests. Too many young girls had been deceived by the "star dream."

After a while, the representative from Star Dream arrived.

The representative was Mrs. Bai, a well-maintained woman with gold-rimmed glasses and a beauty mark near her red lips. Her professional attire gave her a slightly stern appearance, but her demeanor was gentle.

Mrs. Bai was surprised to see Leon. When she learned he was the one who had sung with Lily during their childhood, she was even more amazed. She immediately invited Leon to join as well.

Lily's hesitant eyes were filled with hope. Leon understood her wish to have a familiar person by her side, but he had no interest in stepping onto the stage. He firmly declined.

Despite her disappointment, Mrs. Bai left her business card with him.

The meeting focused on Lily. Mrs. Bai asked for her opinion.

Lily nodded, and Serena outlined their conditions: no publicity stunts, no gossip, just focusing on music.

Mrs. Bai readily agreed. Lily's pure and innocent image was something the company planned to capitalize on, similar to Angelina Dream. The more mysterious, the more appealing.

They then discussed future plans, management, and contract details.

Leon, watching Mrs. Bai's meticulous approach, was tempted to use his mind-reading ability to see if her intentions were genuine or if she had hidden motives. In the end, he resisted.

After finalizing the details, it was already evening. They had dinner together, and Serena suggested going to a karaoke place.

Leon remembered Serena's killer performance at the KTV and felt a bit embarrassed.

But to celebrate Lily's future career and give her a taste of performing, Leon reluctantly agreed.

Watching Serena seriously teach Lily how to handle the stage was quite professional. Leon joked, "Serena, did your family run an entertainment company?"

"No," Serena said calmly while instructing Lily. "I interned at some of these companies, so I know a bit."

"No wonder. Well, I'll leave Lily in your capable hands then," Leon said.

"You made the right choice," Serena smiled mysteriously, winking.

Leon felt a strange flutter.

Looking at Lily's flushed face, Leon smiled. If this could help Lily become more confident, it was a good thing.

Leon's phone suddenly rang. He stepped outside to answer it, hearing Michael Fang's excited voice before he could speak. "Big news! The last mysterious beauty of H University, the Exceptional Beauty Moonlight, has appeared!!!"