(52) Joining Apple Entertainment

When Si Yue returned home, he was greeted with a huge riot in the living room. Wenwen was having a tantrum, howling with all his might on the floor. His chubby hands and feet were flailing around frantically like a chubby upturned tortoise. The child’s high voice seemed to have a magical negative effect and penetrated straight into Si Yue’s eardrums.

Fu Yunruo held her aching forehead, wondering where her son had learned this tantrum skill. She really didn’t know whether to laugh or to get angry.

Wenwen howled incessantly. From time to time, he couldn’t help taking a quick glance at his mother and letting out two lines of crocodile tears from the corner of his eyes.

Why hadn’t Mom agreed yet? Rolling on the floor was very tiring, ah!

Si Yue watched the chubby little guy rolling around the floor, howling and squeaking like a little pig. He then squatted on the side and began to poke at the boy’s short legs with a mischievous grin, “Turn over, little fat pig!”

Wenwen: “…” Feeling offended, he suddenly became angry, “You are fat!”

“It’s baby fat! It will be gone once I grow up!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Si Yue nodded perfunctorily and kept poking at the bouncy chubby legs.

Wenwen hummed. His small nostrils flared. Having been interrupted by Si Yue, he could no longer continue his tantrum. Wenwen jumped up from the floor and ran to Fu Yunruo, purposefully stepping on Si Yue’s foot as he passed by. Once he was at his mother’s side, the boy hugged her thighs and complained, “Mom, Uncle Yue bullied me!”

Si Yue raised an eyebrow. The foot stepped by Wenwen was not hurt at all, no more than a mere tickle. However, the little guy recently seemed to be more and more naughty towards him.

Si Yue said with a flat tone: “Little snitcher.”

Wenwen snorted, “Humph!”

Si Yue: “…” Really like a pig.

Fu Yunruo squatted down and began to pat Wenwen’s clothes, which had turned dirty after he rolled on the floor.

Wenwen looked at his mother puzzledly. Why didn’t this method work? He saw what his friends usually did when they pestered their parents to buy candies or toys: by throwing themselves on the ground and howling like a spoiled children.

Since one method failed. Wenwen changed tactic by acting coquettishly: “Mom, say yes, okay~” The cute tender voice seemed to be sprinkled with extra doses of sugar — so sweet that Fu Yunruo felt her heart melt.

However, she must be firm, “No.”

“Mom~ baby loves you the most~.”

Fu Yunruo enjoyed her son’s cute pleading, but she still refused to budge an inch, “No way.”

Si Yue looked at the mother and son in confusion. He had just been out for a while — what did he miss?

Si Yue finally asked, “Wenwen is asking for what?”

Fu Yunruo briefly explained how Director Peng came with an offer to join the show. She then said helplessly, “He overheard our conversation and suddenly wants to participate in the show.”

“…” Si Yue stared at the little guy who was still hugging his mother’s thighs. The child was looking expectantly at him, sending a message through his eyes: We are good friends, right? Please speak for me!

“Filming a show is not the same as playing.”

Wenwen angrily retorted: “I’m not going to play. I want to make money!” Uncle Yue was too tactless. Not only did he refuse to do this small favor, he even slandered him as a child who only knew to play!

He, Fu Wen, was a man who wanted to make a lot of money! As a friend, Si Yue didn’t even understand him. He no longer wants to be friends with him!

Wenwen stared at Si Yue condemningly.

Si Yue had no choice but to admit his mistake, “I misunderstood you.”

Wenwen retracted his gaze with satisfaction, then looked up at Fu Yunruo again, “Mom, promise me, okay~?”

“Wenwen.” Fu Yunruo patiently reasoned with the child, “If you participate in the show, many strangers you don’t know will see you on the TV. Some people may not like you and say bad words against you. Mom will be very sad and heartbroken when such a thing happens.”

“I’m not afraid…” Wenwen was about to cry, “Mom…”

He had spent a whole life receiving ridicule, abusive words, and scolding. The worst was just repeating the same experience he had in his previous life. He could bear it, but likewise, he couldn’t bear seeing his mother being pointed to by people’s malice.

Wenwen was determined to do well in the show and gained the audience’s favor. Once people liked him, they would surely also like his mother.

This time, he would take good care of his reputation and prevent it from being tainted, so that others wouldn’t have the opportunity to throw dirty water on him.

Si Yue picked up Wenwen, who was about to cry, and said to Fu Yunruo, “Wenwen is my… friend, so it won’t be a problem to let him join the entertainment industry.” He added solemnly, “Don’t worry, I will definitely protect him.”

Wenwen looked at his mother expectantly.

Fu Yunruo hesitated.

Si Yue assured: “With me, Wenwen can do whatever he likes. Whether it is to play in TV dramas, movies, or participating in variety shows… it’s no problem. I won’t let him be harmed in the slightest. You have my guarantee.”

“Thank you, Uncle Yue!” Wenwen’s eyes narrowed in joy. He hugged Si Yue’s neck and rubbed his face on his shoulders. Si Yue was truly a loyal friend — he didn’t misread him!

Fu Yunruo suddenly remembered Wenwen in the original book, who joined the entertainment industry early in his teens. Did her Wenwen also love acting? If so, would it be wrong for her to stop him?

“Wenwen, do you like acting?” Fu Yunruo’s expression was a little complicated. The villain in the original book could become a top-ranking star without anyone’s backer. This time, Wenwen had Si Yue protecting him, so his journey should be smooth sailing, right?

Even Fu Yunruo knew about Si Yue’s status in the entertainment world. In the original book, he was the only star still remembered fondly as a legendary figure more than twenty years after he retired. With Si Yue’s protection, Wenwen surely would have it easier.

And she could also do something for her son. The livestreaming and entertainment were two separate industries, but their circles had some intersections. If she worked hard, she surely could gain more connections to help Wenwen.

This child would never go to the same end as the plot dictated.

Wenwen was stunned for a moment by his mother’s sudden question. He was hesitant to answer and suddenly fell into contemplation.

The Chi Wen in his previous life had never stopped to think about whether he liked acting or not, because in his mind, acting was just a way of making a living.

Did he like acting?

He remembered the long nights he spent thinking about a role, just to be the best.

He also remembered when he had just started as extras, where he had to lie on the ground for three or four hours under the scorching sun. Even if he was not guaranteed a single frame, he still worked hard to finish his role.

There were also the countless hours he used to hone his acting skills…

Wenwen’s eyes were very bright at this moment, “I like acting!”

Yes, he liked acting — he liked playing different roles, performing different people, and he also enjoyed being in the spotlight and watched by many.

Fu Yunruo was swayed, “I’ll think about it again…”

Should she agree? But Wenwen was still so young…

Si Yue put Wenwen down and patted his head, “Go play with your friends.”

Wenwen looked up at Si Yue, then Fu Yunruo, “Mom, should I go?”

“Yes. Be careful.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Wenwen throttled away.

...

Once the little figure disappeared from sight, Si Yue turned to Fu Yunruo, “I understand your concerns, but you can rest assured. With me, Wenwen will never meet with unpleasant experiences.”

Fu Yunruo said hesitantly, “Mr. Yue, I know you are good to Wenwen and have always tolerated Wenwen’s willfulness, but we have already troubled you enough. We can’t trouble you anymore.”

“Not trouble. Really, neither you nor Wenwen has ever troubled me.” Si Yue’s lips curled up, “Wenwen is lively and charming. If he wants to join the entertainment industry, he can sign a contract with Apple Entertainment, who have the ability to protect their stars.”

In order to increase his credibility, Si Yue continued: “I am one of Apple Entertainment’s shareholders, and the company also has Yuan Xin and Chi Weicheng. You trust these two, don’t you?”

One was a well-recognized number one agent who treated Wenwen fondly like his own nephew, and the other was an ace agent who had a close relationship with the mother and son and was also Teacher Guo’s student. With them, Fu Yunruo’s worry was indeed lessened.

With these connections, Wenwen would surely be treated favorably at Apple Entertainment. Moreover, Fu Yunruo also had a very good impression of Apple Entertainment for their support of Si Yue during the recent trouble with Fang Xueruo. At the very least, she was very assured about Apple Entertainment’s willingness to protect their artists.

Oh, it turned out that Si Yue had shares in the company. Fu Yunruo was surprised for a moment, but after a second thought, it was actually very normal. As the company’s number one star, there was nothing strange for Si Yue to own shares in his company. No wonder he didn’t go solo to open his own studio.

In the beginning, Brother Chi also persuaded her to join Apple Entertainment. Although she didn’t end up joining, she couldn’t help but think that she was destined with this company.

“You can first sign a contract with Apple Entertainment. Of course, Wenwen will not be forced to work. He can choose his own job when he likes and does nothing when he doesn’t want to. If he wants to quit the entertainment industry entirely, he can also quit at any time. Just…”

“You can choose between Yuan Xin or Chi Weicheng to be Wenwen’s agent. I personally recommend Yuan Xin. Chi Weicheng still has three first and second line artists in his hands, but I am the only artist under Yuan Xin.”

“I can guarantee that Wenwen’s private life will never be disturbed. He will live a carefree life like an ordinary child…”

The last sentence touched on the point that Fu Yunruo was most concerned about. The reason why she hesitated was Wenwen’s young age. She was worried that he would not be able to live a carefree and happy life like an ordinary child after becoming a child star and worried that he would be exposed to the complicated world of adults too early…

If Si Yue really could guarantee these things, then she would no longer refuse — Fu Yunruo thought. Maybe after filming this variety show, Wenwen would lose his interest? Therefore, she didn’t need to be too entangled. With her and Brother Chi, they could at least protect the child…

Fu Yunruo thought for a good while and finally gave her approval with gritted teeth, “Okay.”

Si Yue smiled, “Then I’ll call the company to draw up the contract.”

Now that she was no longer entangled, Fu Yunruo felt refreshed. “Okay, but I have a condition: for any job Wenwen does, I have to be there to look after him.” No matter what, she had to be with the child personally to be at ease.

“Of course.”

Si Yue called Yuan Xin and began to discuss the details of the contract in front of Fu Yunruo. Listening to the clauses that were heavily preferential for Wenwen, Fu Yunruo was stunned. On the one hand, she felt embarrassed, thinking that she was taking advantage of Si Yue. But on the other hand, she had to harden herself and cheekily accept this kindness for Wenwen’s sake.

Wenwen played absent-mindedly, wondering if Uncle Yue could persuade his mother. In the end, he couldn’t stand it anymore and ran home alone after refusing the invitation to play with his friends.

When Wenwen got home, he saw his mother and Uncle Yue chatting harmoniously, but the content of their conversation was not about him.

“…Really? It’s been quite a while since I last returned to Beijing. It must have changed so much. To be honest, I don’t remember much.”

“After you return to Beijing, I will take you to see it. You won’t be disappointed.”

“Once your face is exposed, you will immediately be surrounded by people. Are you sure you can take me there?”

“Of course, my disguise skill is excellent. You can see it yourself later.”

“I cannot wait to.”

Wenwen tilted his head slightly. For some reason, he felt redundant here, as if he was breaking into someone’s private moment.

“Mom!” Wenwen shouted. He rushed to his mother and threw himself into her arms like a small cannonball, declaring his strong sense of existence.

Fu Yunruo picked up the little guy and let him sit on his lap, “Why did you return so early?”

“I miss you!”

Fu Yunruo pinched the sweet boy’s tender face, “You are so sweet today. Did you drink honey or sugar?”

“Hehe!” Wenwen said cutely, “Mom, I love you the most~.”

Si Yue squinted his eyes slightly, watching the mother and son ignoring his existence and entering the world of two people. He glanced at the coquettish little guy and secretly thought: he shouldn’t have spoken for this little ingrate — look at his way of demolishing the bridge after crossing the river!

Out of the corner of his eye, Wenwen glanced at Si Yue and smiled smugly. Look, Mom belonged to him, and she would never leave him in the cold!

After amusing Fu Yunruo for a while, Wenwen finally gathered his courage and carefully asked, “Mom, how is it? Can I join the show?”

Seeing the hope in the boy’s eyes, Fu Yunruo no longer hesitated, “Well, I agree.”

Wenwen’s face lit up, and he quickly leaned over to give his mother a heart kiss, “Mom is the best! I love you the most!”

Fu Yunruo deliberately raised an eyebrow, “Don’t you love me if I don’t agree?”

“Love! I love you very, very, very much!” Wenwen responded, using his hand to express the size of his love.

Fu Yunruo was amused.

“Cough!” Unable to stand it anymore, Si Yue feigned a cough and looked meaningfully at Wenwen.

Shouldn’t he also thank the great hero who successfully persuaded Fu Yunruo after spending a lot of effort?

Wenwen turned to Si Yue, blinked innocently, and asked concernedly, “Uncle Yue, have you caught a cold? Remember to take medicine! Otherwise, the cold will get worse, and you will get a scary shot.”

Fu Yunruo couldn’t hold back her laughter, “Pfft!”

“…” Looking at Wenwen’s innocent and gullible face, Si Yue gritted his teeth secretly. Little brat!

Amidst the laughter, Yuan Xin arrived, sweating profusely. There was a briefcase in his hand, and his face flushed red with excitement. “Hello there, I will be Wenwen’s agent and manager from now on. Little Wenwen, let’s get along well!” Yuan Xin laughed heartily. Never had he thought that Si Yue would leave him with such a pleasant surprise before quitting the circle! For Si Yue to bring his son into the entertainment circle was good news for his agent Yuan Xin. They could continue to take advantage of Si Yue’s current popularity through Wenwen!

This surnamed Si was sometimes more annoying than a dog, but he at least still informed his agent of major decisions. For example, Si Yue had already revealed the idea of retiring from the entertainment industry before he started filming the last movie. Yuan Xin could understand his decision. After all, this ancestor came to become an actor purely out of a hobby, and there was a huge wealth and industry waiting for him to take care of at home.

In recent years, Si Yue had done only a small number of jobs, mainly because he had started to take over his family’s business. After two years of transition, Si Yue was now in charge of the entire industry, and he definitely wouldn’t have enough time to take a role in the movies anymore.

As a top-rank agent, Yuan Xin had taken care of several stars. Although all of them had made great achievements, all of them either retired or left the entertainment industry for various reasons. Yuan Xin was tired and had decided Si Yue to be his last artist; once Si Yue quit, he was going to transition into the rear line and stay there until his time to retire.

But now, he could continue! Yuan Xin’s eyes were burning when he looked at Wenwen. What a good, fascinating seedling! He must take good care of this boy!

He definitely would make Wenwen a top-notch child star and let the whole world look forward to his future!

Wenwen blinked in astonishment, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. Agent? Uncle Yuan? Yuan Xin? Did he mishear something?

What did the Mom discuss with Uncle Yue? Weren’t they talking about him joining the show? Why did an agent suddenly come out?

When Fu Yunruo heard Yuan Xin’s passionate introduction, she was at a loss. She didn’t seem to have decided on the matter of Wenwen’s agent…

Yuan Xin couldn’t wait anymore. He took out a stack of papers from his briefcase and spread them in front of Fu Yunruo, “Miss Fu, please look at this contract and sign it if there is no problem.”

Fu Yunruo picked up the contract and carefully read it word by word.

Yuan Xin was sitting on pins and needles, wishing Fu Yunruo to sign the contract immediately. But he knew that he shouldn’t disturb her, so he forcefully calmed himself down.

Yuan Xin’s gaze then turned to Wenwen, smiling amiably at the child’s serious look. Wenwen seemed to be imitating his mother, looking at the contract seriously as if he could understand it.

Yuan Xin wiped his sweat and gave Si Yue a flattering look. Although Si Yue was stubborn, self-willed, very picky, a severe clean freak, and hard to serve… but he did a very good job this time!

Si Yue was willing to entrust his son to him, which showed how much trust Si Yue had in him! He, Yuan Xin, was very moved!

Facing Yuan Xin’s fervent eyes, Si Yue felt his hair stand up. In a hurry to avoid looking at his crazed agent, his eyes stopped at the mother and son. The two similar faces, which seemed to be carved out of the same mould, also had the same expressions at this moment.

Fu Yunruo very carefully read every clause listed in the contract in detail. The content was basically the same as Si Yue discussed previously, with no obvious traps or loopholes. This contract was totally made for Wenwen’s advantage.

No matter how she looked, Fu Yunruo felt that the company was taking a loss from this contract. Too embarrassed to take so much advantage, Fu Yunruo pointed to the profit distribution clause on the contract and asked, “This ratio…” Wasn’t this too much?

Si Yue took a glance, “Do you think that 30%:70% is too little? I also think so. Better to change it to 10%:90%.”

Yuan Xin also nodded in agreement. Anyway, Apple Entertainment was one of the subsidiaries of Si Yue’s family business. Wenwen was Si Yue’s son and might be the future heir of the Si family, so subsidiary companies like them had to treat him like an ancestor. Even if all the profit went to Wenwen, it was just proper.

Fu Yunruo: “…” She didn’t hear it wrong. 10% for Apple Entertainment and 90% for Wenwen.

“No, no.” Fu Yunruo waved her hands quickly, “30%:70% is okay!”

Fu Yunruo was afraid that these two men would really change the profit distribution to the extremely outrageous ratio of 10%:90%, so she hurriedly signed.

Yuan Xin quickly put the contract away: “Looking forward to our collaboration!”

“We are in your care.”

Seeing Yuan Xin enthusiastically propose himself to be Wenwen’s agent, Fu Yunruo had no opinion. It was good that she didn’t have to bother Chi Weicheng.

“I will send the contract back to the company to get it stamped. In two days, I will bring it back to you.”

Fu Yunruo was actually a little skeptical. Would Apple Entertainment be willing to accept such a one-sidedly generous contract? But thinking about Si Yue’s status as the company’s number one money maker, this doubt was instantly swept away.

Yuan Xin came quickly and went in a hurry. After knowing that Wenwen wanted to participate in ‘Different Lives,’ he went to see the show’s production team with great vigor.

...

Hours passed, and soon it was time for dinner, so Fu Yunruo went to the kitchen to cook.

Wenwen was sitting on Si Yue’s lap at this time. Even though he saw the contract with his own eyes and watched his mother sign it as his guardian, he still couldn’t believe this was real and felt like he was dreaming.

Even in his previous life, when he was at the top of his career, he would not have been able to sign such an advantageous contract. And at this time, he was still a four-year-old child who hadn’t made his debut…

The legendary agent Yuan Xin became his agent? And now he was an Apple Entertainment artist?

It’s Apple Entertainment, ah!

Why did it feel so unreal? Wenwen looked at the big hand in front of him and spontaneously took a hard bite on the thumb. He then looked up and asked stupidly, “Uncle Yue, does it hurt?”

“…” Si Yue looked at the circle of teeth marks at the base of his thumb and the wet saliva on it.

Whose son is this stupid kid?

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