That afternoon, in Lin Shu's personal studio, the air conditioning was turned up high.
Su Qianqian stood before Lin Shu's desk, head slightly bowed, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.
Lin Shu lounged lazily in her chair, her gaze critically sweeping over Su Qianqian, lingering for a moment on her slender neck and pale arms as if searching for some trace.
"Not a shadow of you for days. I thought some investor had tucked you away somewhere, having too much fun to even think of coming back." Lin Shu's red lips curved, her tone laced with clear sarcasm and probing.
Su Qianqian's shoulders gave a slight tremble, her head bowing even lower. Her voice was faint, tinged with a sob.
"I'm sorry, Sister Shu. That night... I wasn't feeling well, so I... I went home first."
"I've been unwell since, resting at home..."
She didn't specify what was wrong, but the panic and grievance in her tone were perfectly calculated to be misleading.
Looking at her meek and timid demeanor, Lin Shu felt a surge of condescending satisfaction.
It seemed that old lecher General Manager Liu had succeeded that night, roughing up this little thing so badly she was too scared to show her face for days.
Just as well. A lowly little assistant like her was only fit to be defiled by that kind of greasy old man. It saved her from hovering around all the time, a sight for sore eyes.
And ever since that night, General Manager Liu hadn't pestered her again. So, the girl had done one good thing, at least.
"Alright, alright."
Lin Shu waved a dismissive hand, her tone patronizing. "A few days off won't get you fired. Scared stiff over such a small thing, how pathetic."
"Since you're back, get to work properly."
"Thank you, Sister Shu." Su Qianqian replied softly, still keeping her head down, her long eyelashes hiding the coldness in her eyes.
In a good mood, Lin Shu, for once, didn't give her a hard time. She picked up a schedule and flipped through it casually, as if Su Qianqian weren't there.
Su Qianqian stood quietly for a moment, her fingertips secretly digging into her palms. Then, she mustered her courage. "Sister Shu, I have an idea..."
"Hmm?" Lin Shu didn't look up, just grunted.
"I'd like to try signing as an artist..." Su Qianqian secretly observed Lin Shu's reaction.
If Lin Shu felt she still had use, or didn't want to let her go and become uncontrollable, she wouldn't refuse. She'd have to grit her teeth and sign her.
Lin Shu looked up as if she'd heard a joke, giving Su Qianqian another once-over.
This face was indeed top-tier. Even without makeup, it was clean, lively, and strikingly eye-catching.
She certainly had the capital, no wonder she'd grown ambitious.
But sign her? Give her resources? What for?
Yet, on second thought, now wasn't the time for a falling out. She was still useful. Signing her might be better.
Holding her contract, she could do whatever she wanted with her, couldn't she?
A minor artist with no background, tied to an exorbitant contract, would be even easier to control than a little assistant.
Next time there was an occasion like the one with General Manager Liu, wouldn't it be more justifiable to have her go and entertain?
A flash of malicious pleasure crossed Lin Shu's eyes, but a gentle smile appeared on her face. "Want to enter the entertainment industry? Quite the ambition."
She leaned forward, elbows on the desk, staring at Su Qianqian. "Considering you've been with me for a while and know your place, signing you... isn't entirely out of the question."
A look of hope appeared on Su Qianqian's face. "Really?"
"Don't celebrate too soon," Lin Shu's smile faded.
Her tone carried implication and warning. "Once you sign, you'll be part of the Shen Group."
"You'll have to be obedient from then on. You do what I tell you to do, just like this time. Understand?"
She emphasized "this time," the insinuation clear.
A wave of nausea churned inside Su Qianqian, but her face remained a picture of innocent compliance. "Sister Shu, I'll listen to you."
"Good." Satisfied, Lin Shu leaned back in her chair and waved a hand. "Get out. I'll have Sister Li prepare the contract."
"Thank you, Sister Shu." Su Qianqian thanked her again, turned obediently, and left.
She walked out of the office, gently closing the door behind her.
The moment the door shut, the fragile, submissive expression melted from her face, replaced by detached indifference.
She had personally invited the wolf into the house. In the future, she was probably going to be furious.
