Perfect Superstar.

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"Mr. Lu Chen, are you available tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.?" 

The voice on the other end of the phone was polite, pleasant, and even had a hint of charm that could capture one's imagination. 

Lu Chen didn't think too much about it. His first thought was about the production of his upcoming album. He quickly replied, "Yes, I'm available. Miss Ni, may I ask what this is about?" 

He hadn't expected the representative from ''Tian Lai (Heavenly Sound) Music Studio'' to call him directly. Over the past few days, he had been thinking about the album production, and although Tian Lai was still his first choice, it wasn't the only one. 

Since they were contacting him now, perhaps there was some good news? 

Lu Chen wasn't quite sure. After all, he was still a newcomer in the industry, and the more he hoped, the greater the potential for disappointment. 

Miss Ni chuckled softly, "It's a surprise. One of the directors of Tian Lai Studio would like to meet with you in person. The meeting is set for tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the cafe on the second floor of the Delong Tower. Just mention my name when you arrive, okay?" 

Lu Chen replied, "Sure, no problem!" 

"A surprise? How big a surprise? 

A director of Tian Lai Studio, that sounded important. 

Lu Chen didn't want to get his hopes up too high. The answer would be revealed tomorrow. 

---

That night, he slept soundly without any dreams. 

The next morning, he followed his usual routine: wake up early, train, eat breakfast, and return home to shower and change clothes. 

At 9:50 a.m., Lu Chen arrived at ''Delong Tower'' early. 

Delong Tower was an ordinary commercial office building. There was a coffee shop and a buffet restaurant on the second floor. Upon arriving, he gave Miss Ni's name and was led by a waiter to a small private room by the window. 

Miss Ni was already there. 

There were two other people in the room with her. One was a young man in a tailored suit with a buzz cut, while the other was a middle-aged man in his fifties with a square face, dressed casually but exuding an air of authority. 

Lu Chen quickly noticed the expensive ''Vacheron Constantin'' watch on the middle-aged man's wrist - a brand favored by the business elite. He had a rough idea of the man's status. 

When Lu Chen entered, both Miss Ni and the young man stood up at the same time. 

Lu Chen apologized politely, "Sorry to keep you waiting. 

Miss Ni smiled, "Not at all. We arrived early. You're right on time. Let me introduce you." 

"This is Mr. Jin Hongwei, a director of Tian Lai Studio and the general manager of ''Juxing Entertainment Agency.'' 

''Juxing Entertainment Agency? Jin Hongwei?'' 

Lu Chen's heart skipped a beat. He immediately extended his hand and said, "Chief Jin, it's an honor to meet you!" 

He wasn't just being polite - he really knew Chief Jin's reputation. 

Juxing Entertainment was a renowned agency in the entertainment industry, and Jin Hongwei, its founder, was a heavyweight. He had discovered and nurtured numerous top-tier stars. 

For example, one of Lu Chen's favorite artists, Tan Hong, was discovered and developed by Jin Hongwei. 

Another example was Chen Fei'er, a queen of the music industry, who had also started her career under Juxing Entertainment. 

Lu Chen's impression of Jin Hongwei came from various online gossip and entertainment news, both good and bad. However, in the talent management industry, Jin Hongwei was universally recognized as a top figure. 

Lu Chen hadn't expected that it would be ''Jin Hongwei'' who wanted to meet him today - and that he was also a director at Tian Lai Studio. 

This was indeed a ''pleasant surprise''! 

Lu Chen couldn't help but feel a bit flattered. 

Jin Hongwei was known for his keen eye and talent for discovering new talent. To be noticed by him was a dream come true for many newcomers hoping to break into the entertainment industry. 

It wasn't until Lu Chen extended his hand that Jin Hongwei slowly stood up, shook his hand, and said, "Hmm, Lu Chen. I heard about you half a month ago. You are a talented young man." 

Lu Chen smiled. "Thank you, Chief Jin, for the compliment." 

"It's not a compliment. It's a fact." 

Jin Hongwei released his grip and said, 

"I listened to the three songs you wrote for the 'Wandering' band. They're excellent. With your talent and creativity, you shouldn't be in the position you're in now. You should be standing on a real stage." 

"To become a superstar admired by millions. I think you have what it takes!" 

His words weren't passionate or exaggerated, but they carried a calm conviction, laced with an almost hypnotic allure. 

Lu Chen could only smile. 

Jin Hongwei's praise was so high that Lu Chen didn't even know how to respond. 

"I have high expectations for you." 

Jin Hongwei gestured for Lu Chen to sit down, and Miss Ni personally poured him a cup of tea. 

After a few casual exchanges, Jin Hongwei extended his hand to the young man next to him. 

The young man, Jin's assistant, quickly pulled out a contract from his briefcase. 

Taking the document, Jin Hongwei said meaningfully, 

"Lu Chen, I know you've been thinking about releasing a personal album lately. Are you having financial difficulties?" 

"That's easy to solve. Our company can handle it for you, and we'll tailor the album to the highest standards. In addition..." 

He paused briefly before continuing, 

"In a few days, Xiangnan TV's 'The Strongest Singer' Season 2 will hold its auditions. Our company has a partnership with them. How about we recommend you to participate? I can guarantee you a place in the top three."

He placed the contract in front of Lu Chen and said, "All you have to do is sign it." 

Jin Hongwei's voice was full of confidence, as if he didn't even consider the possibility that Lu Chen would refuse. 

Miss Ni smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Mr. Lu Chen!" 

"A custom album of the highest standard, a guaranteed top three position on 'The Strongest Singer', and the full support of Juxing Entertainment. 

Not to mention the favor of a heavyweight in the entertainment industry. 

For every newcomer, this was a dream come true! 

Lu Chen looked at the contract in front of him. The fame and fortune he desired seemed almost within his grasp. 

But everything felt too fast. 

He wasn't mentally prepared for it. 

But at that moment, instead of being swept away, Lu Chen regained his composure. 

There is no such thing as a free lunch. 

Juxing Entertainment and Jin Hongwei were not charitable organizations. Whatever they invested, they would expect a tenfold return. Was this really the contract he wanted to sign? 

He couldn't help but recall the online rumors - stories about how Tan Hong and Chen Fei'er had eventually fallen out with Jin Hongwei, resulting in high-profile lawsuits. Both had publicly accused Juxing Entertainment of being oppressive and their contracts too harsh. 

While online gossip is not always reliable, where there's smoke, there's fire. Jin Hongwei's reputation in the industry wasn't perfect. 

The contract in front of him brought back some unpleasant memories. 

His momentary hesitation turned into a firm determination. 

"Chief Jin, thank you for your generous offer." Without even looking at the contract, Lu Chen looked up and said, "But I have no intention of signing with any company. I hope you understand." 

Lu Chen knew better than to think that he was stronger than Tan Hong or Chen Fei'er. If Jin Hongwei was offering such favorable terms, the contract was bound to be strict, possibly even a ''slave contract.'' 

In order to avoid any misunderstanding that he was playing hard to get or acting pretentious before he even became famous, Lu Chen decided to be direct and clear about his stance. 

For Jin Hongwei, Lu Chen's refusal was completely unexpected. 

''How could you refuse? How dare you refuse?'' 

The shock showed clearly on Jin's face, a rare loss of composure for someone as experienced as him. 

After spending 30 years in the industry, rising from a lowly assistant to a top executive, Jin Hongwei prided himself on one thing: whoever he wanted to sign, he could sign. He was almost unbeatable. 

Even the notoriously difficult Tan Hong had signed with him. 

Even the proud Chen Fei'er had finally put her name on his contract. 

And now, Lu Chen - a complete rookie who hadn't even officially debuted - had turned down his offer without even reading the contract. It was a direct slap in the face! 

Jin's assistant and Miss Ni were also stunned, their eyes filled with disbelief as they looked at Lu Chen. 

A golden path to stardom was laid out at his feet, and he refused to walk it. Was he crazy? Foolish? 

But Jin Hongwei was no ordinary man. After a moment of changing expressions, his face regained its calm. 

"Lu Chen, is there something holding you back? If so, you can tell me," he asked, his voice calm but probing. 

Unaware of Jin's thoughts, Lu Chen felt a bit embarrassed and explained, 

"Chief Jin, I'm really sorry. I just don't like being tied down. I've always planned to set up my own workshop, so..." 

"I see." 

Jin Hongwei nodded. "I understand. That's really a shame. I hope we'll have a chance to work together in the future." 

Lu Chen smiled. "Thank you!" 

Since he had already declined, it would be inappropriate to stay longer. He stood up and apologized. 

Jin Hongwei didn't try to stop him, but as Lu Chen was leaving, he said one last thing, 

"Lu Chen, your talent shouldn't be buried. Go participate in 'The Strongest Singer'. I have high hopes for you!" 

After Lu Chen left, the expression on the industry giant's face darkened. 

The temperature in the private room seemed to drop significantly. 

--- 

'(End of Chapter)'