ABOES 2: Yunxing Entertainment

Ye Xinian had just left his apartment when he received a call from Xie Yi.

The background noise on the other end of the line was loud and chaotic. Xie Yi sounded somewhat anxious and didn’t explain the reason for the call, she simply said she wanted to meet and talk.

Ye Xinian didn’t press for details and agreed without hesitation.

The truth is he didn’t need to ask. This had happened in his previous life as well—Ye Xinian could never forget it.

Xie Yi was reaching out to him because she wanted to sign him.

After putting his clothes and documents away in his dorm, Ye Xinian took a taxi to the café they had agreed on.

He arrived early, but surprisingly, Xie Yi was already there.

The moment he walked into the café, he spotted her sitting by the window.

Xie Yi wore the same business dress he remembered from before—down to the very laptop in front of her. She was engrossed in her work and didn’t notice Ye Xinian’s arrival at all.

The scene before him felt both unfamiliar and incredibly familiar. A sudden wave of emotion welled up in Ye Xinian’s chest.

“Xie Yi Jie.”¹Sister Xie Yi After adjusting his emotions, Ye Xinian was the first to speak.

Only then did Xie Yi look up and smile at him. “Xinian, you’re finally here. Have a seat!”

She waved a server over and ordered an iced latte for him.

Ye Xinian swallowed slightly and thanked her.

Xie Yi lowered her gaze slightly and took a sip of her coffee. She organized her thoughts, and finally said, “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

What followed was exactly what Ye Xinian had heard in his past life.

Yunxing Entertainment, the agency Xie Yi worked for, was one of the top companies in the industry. It had produced many well-known celebrities— even the currently popular film emperor, Duan Zhiyan, was one of its artists.

The bigger the agency, the more resources they had to offer, though that also meant fiercer competition.

Within the company, it wasn’t just the artists competing for resources, even the agents fought over promising talents.

Although Xie Yi didn’t have a strong background, she had been lucky. The artist under her wing, Xiang Che, had debuted in the center position during his first year of a talent competition and was now one of the top-tier idols.

With her contract with Xiang Che nearing its end, Xie Yi proactively talked with him, making it clear that if he had a new agency lined up, she wouldn’t try to stop him.

She knew her resources weren’t top-tier and it was understandable that Xiang Che might want to move on.

What she didn’t expect was that while Xiang Che was assuring her of his loyalty and delaying the renewal, he was secretly negotiating with a rival agency. She only found out about it through someone else’s mouth after everything was finalized.

Furious, Xie Yi confronted Xiang Che, only for him to feign innocence and deny everything.

However, Xie Yi had already obtained solid evidence from a friend, there was no way she didn’t know what Xiang Che was scheming.

He had planned to switch agencies all along but wanted to secure a few of Xie Yi’s key resources first. Only after getting them would he cut ties.

When Xie Yi confronted him with the evidence and Xiang Che dropped the act. He laid out his terms; if she gave him the resources, he would write a new song personally for Chu Wen.

How could Xie Yi possibly agree?

She declared on the spot that she would rather hand those resources over to a rival than let him have them. Xiang Che’s face turned green and he was furious.

They parted on bad terms that day.

While Xie Yi felt somewhat vindicated, she was now left with a new problem—how to deal with those resources.

The magazine shoots weren’t a big issue. Chu Wen, whom she was currently managing, had gained some fame and the magazines wouldn’t refuse. The real problem was the regular guest spot on the show Let’s Go Travel.

Variety shows had high standards for their cast—not just in looks and talent but also in emotional and social intelligence. This particular show was streamed live initially, then edited for broadcast, which made the risks even higher.

Xie Yi looked through all the artists under her and couldn’t find a suitable candidate.

That’s when she thought of Ye Xinian.

Xie Yi was straightforward and didn’t beat around the bush. Even when speaking about her bad experience, she kept her tone neutral and her words objective.

She then broke down the pros and cons of signing with Yunxing Entertainment for Ye Xinian and told him to take his time. There was no rush—he could contact her whenever he made a decision.

Ye Xinian couldn’t help but smile faintly at that.

Even the closing line was exactly the same as before.

And what had Ye Xinian done the last time?

Back then, when he had no idea what to do, he had sought advice from Song Jing, who was already signed with a management company.

Despite thriving in the industry, Song Jing had told him that the entertainment world was toxic and that Xie Yi had ulterior motives. He warned Ye Xinian not to sign with her.

Ye Xinian, naive and trusting, believed him—and let the opportunity slip through his fingers.

Not long after, Song Jing joined a variety show. If Ye Xinian remembered correctly, it was Let’s Go Travel.

Xie Yi watched the silent Ye Xinian quietly. She had to admit that he was undeniably good-looking.

With his lips lightly pressed together and long eyelashes casting shadows over his eyes, the young man had an effortless and striking presence.

Even with all her experience, Xie Yi couldn’t deny—Ye Xinian was one of the most stunning faces she’d ever seen.

He was born for the big screen.

“Xie Yi Jie, I have a question,” Ye Xinian suddenly said.

Xie Yi was startled for half a second, then quickly responded, “Hmm?”

“What’s the fastest way to bring someone down from great heights?” he asked.

Xie Yi replied without thinking, “Overhyping.”

Ye Xinian’s lips curled slightly.

In his past life, he had neither chased fame nor profit—and still met a terrible end.

This time, Ye Xinian would hold his fate in his own hands. No one else would ever hurt him again.

Xie Yi frowned slightly, puzzled by the change in Ye Xinian. She only noticed now how different he seemed from her memories.

That once “naive” outer shell had fallen away. What remained was a calm, strategic version of him—shaped by time and experience.

A strange feeling crept up on Xie Yi. She couldn’t shake the sense that Ye Xinian was planning something.

Sure enough, the next second, he said, “I want to sign with Yunxing Entertainment but before we do, there’s something I need to tell you. You can decide afterward whether you still want to sign me.”

“What is it?” Xie Yi couldn’t help but ask.

Ye Xinian said while smiling, “I’m engaged to a man.”

…

After leaving the café, Xie Yi still felt a strange sense of unreality.

Ye Xinian was nothing like she had imagined. He had changed a lot.

She had to admit—this version of Ye Xinian, who had clear goals, was someone she admired even more.

That was enough.

…

They agreed to sign the contract the next day.

Ye Xinian headed to Yunxing Entertainment as soon as he finished his exams.

Even from a distance, he could see a large crowd of fans holding glowing signs, completely blocking the entrance.

One particular fan’s sign stood out—it read three bold characters: “Duan Zhiyan.”

Ye Xinian paused for a moment, just as a sleek black van slowly pulled up and stopped in front of the building.

The fans’ screams intensified. The sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air.

The car door opened, revealing a pair of expensive leather shoes and long powerful legs.

A staff member quickly opened a parasol to shield the man’s upper body from the sun. Duan Zhiyan tilted his head slightly and waved to the fans.

Their screams reached a fever pitch, almost deafening.

From his spot on the outskirts, Ye Xinian could only glimpse the sharp lines of the man’s profile through the crowd.

Just then, his phone rang—Xie Yi was calling.

He stepped aside and answered.

“I’m so sorry, Xinian. I didn’t know Duan Zhiyan would be here today. Come to the side entrance—I’ll meet you there,” Xie Yi said apologetically.

“Got it,” Ye Xinian replied.

After hanging up, he glanced in Duan Zhiyan’s direction once more before quickly leaving.

Xie Yi was already waiting for him downstairs and led him straight to the office.

Once inside and the door was closed, she apologized again, “There were a lot of people. You weren’t scared, were you?”

Ye Xinian smiled and shook his head. “Not at all. Actually, I thought it was great.”

Xie Yi was even more certain she hadn’t chosen the wrong person. Pleased, she said, “One day, you’ll have just as many fans waiting to pick you up.”

Ye Xinian looked at her with eyes burning bright. “I’m looking forward to that day.”

Xie Yi met his gaze with conviction. “Don’t worry. That day will come very soon.”

She believed in her judgment.

Ye Xinian nodded with a smile.

Xie Yi took out the prepared contract and handed it to him. “Take your time. Ask me if there’s anything you don’t understand.”

Ye Xinian scanned the salary and contract length. Once he confirmed everything was fine, he signed on the last page.

Xie Yi was a little surprised by how readily he signed. “You’re not going to read through it carefully?”

Smiling, Ye Xinian looked up at her. “I trust you, Xie Yi Jie.”

Her heart was moved and she was a bit sentimental.

After signing the company contract, there was still the variety show contract.

Xie Yi had her assistant bring it up, and Ye Xinian signed it just as straightforwardly.

Holding the two signed contracts, Xie Yi couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy.

A weight was lifted from Ye Xinian’s heart too. But he remembered something else. “By the way, Xie Yi Jie, I saw in the contract that I’m eligible for a company dorm?”

Xie Yi snapped out of her thoughts. “Yes, you can move in anytime. Oh right, isn’t Nanda almost on summer break? You could move in today. I’m free now—I’ll drive you.”

Ye Xinian didn’t decline. Now that the contract was signed, Xie Yi was his agent. He would need her help many more times in the future.

She stored the contracts and led Ye Xinian downstairs. On the way, she said, “Because this was all a bit rushed, I haven’t had time to assign you an assistant. But don’t worry, I’ll find someone suitable before the show starts filming.”

Ye Xinian had no objections.

…

Top Floor, Yunxing Entertainment.

The office door flew open without warning.

The man behind the desk didn’t even lift his head. He said irritably, “What the hell are you doing here? There’s so many fans downstairs.”

Duan Zhiyan casually sat on the sofa, shot his friend a glance, and said slowly, “I came to settle a score.”

Chi Xiwen laughed. “And how is this my fault?”

Duan Zhiyan didn’t respond.

Chi Xiwen didn’t bother arguing and went back to handling his work.

When he finally finished, the office lights flicked on.

The sudden brightness woke Duan Zhiyan, who had dozed off. He frowned and opened his eyes.

Chi Xiwen glanced at him and said, “Why don’t you just skip that dumb movie and go relax on a variety show? I happen to have one available. Try one episode—if you like it, join the full season.”

Duan Zhiyan’s fatigue was clear in his eyes. He didn’t move from the couch but eventually nodded. “Alright.”

“I’ll have my secretary send the details to your agent,” Chi Xiwen said, grabbing his coat. “I’m heading out—I need to go home.”

Duan Zhiyan raised a brow. “Not afraid of being pressured to get married?”

Chi Xiwen’s expression darkened. After a long silence, he said hoarsely, “Today’s Yunxing’s birthday. If I don’t go, Mom will be upset.”

Duan Zhiyan’s face also turned grim.

The top floor was quiet—so quiet that the city noise couldn’t reach them.

After a while, Duan Zhiyan murmured, “It’s been seventeen years.”

Chi Xiwen lowered his eyes and said nothing, quietly walking out the door.

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  Sister Xie Yi