Chapter 33: A Lack of Realism

Sui Lingfang couldn't help but freeze for a moment; it was the first time she had ever heard such words from an entertainer's mouth.

The entertainment industry was rife with conflicts of interest. While there were good friends, it was all too common for someone to be a best friend one moment and a whistleblower to the entertainment press the next.

As a senior who had already enjoyed a round of fame, Jin Li was already doing quite well by not suppressing or snatching opportunities from her juniors.

Sui Lingfang had heard of those "living Bodhisattvas" in the industry—seniors who actually cared for their juniors and asked if they were facing any difficulties in their recent developments. She knew such people existed.

But those people were already in high positions, with their reputations and status firmly established, which allowed them to help others with sincerity and without reservation.

But Jin Li was different.

Jin Li had only just regained her popularity, and her fame was still only at a mid-tier level.

Although she was currently completely overwhelming He Yixuan in terms of resources, in terms of her actual standing in the entertainment industry, this mid-tier status still didn't quite match He Yixuan's.

This was exactly why Sui Lingfang had told her before that while some offers looked good, the attitude of those approaching her was insincere.

Even though the offers were good, they were delusional in thinking they could sign Jin Li as a spokesperson at a mid-tier price.

There are many things that sound good in theory, but in practice, they are impossible to achieve.

Just like Jin Li now: despite her mid-tier status, it was impossible for her to actually take on mid-tier jobs.

Sui Lingfang hadn't driven today; she had specifically brought an assistant to sit in the back row with Jin Li.

She studied Jin Li intently, and once she was certain that Jin Li was being sincere, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

"You... sigh, forget it. You sincerely consider others, but others might not treat you with the same sincerity. Be more careful next time."

Jin Li laughed. "Sister Fang, I'm not just handing out kindness blindly. First of all, you were the one who personally mentored He Yixuan, so you know her character. If she weren't a good person, you wouldn't have kept mentoring her. I believe you, so I believe in her. Secondly, it has to do with my health. I know that after my popularity exploded, many offers came knocking, but I can't actually strive like a normal person. There are many jobs I simply cannot take on."

A flash of cunning crossed her eyes as she said quite vibrantly, "Isn't this just keeping the 'fat water' within the family? Rather than letting opportunities go to artists from other companies, it's better to benefit those in the same company. When the CEO signed me with such a high profit-sharing ratio, wasn't it because he wanted to turn me into a living billboard to attract high-quality trainees to our company and create a positive cycle? I think distributing the jobs I can't take is actually a good thing."

Sui Lingfang gave her an exasperated look. "What, is your popularity already being put to work on how to generate revenue for the company before it's even fully established? Do I need to issue you a 'Model Worker' award to praise you?"

Jin Li cheerfully played along.

"Don't even joke about it. I wouldn't dare claim to be a 'Model Worker,' but if you dare issue a 'Most Concerned Employee' award, I'll gladly take it. It's just that my health is poor. If I were healthier, I'd work part-time as a manager and distribute all the jobs that come my way but that I can't take to the artists under my wing. I'd guarantee they'd never lack work!"

Sui Lingfang rolled her eyes. "You're dreaming. Even if you recommend them, the advertisers might not necessarily want them!"

After a bit of banter, the atmosphere relaxed. Jin Li took a stack of exam papers from her bag, intending to continue doing practice problems.

Although she had visited Mazu this morning and her physical condition was quite good now, who knew if the afternoon shoot would be difficult?

Just in case, she would practice her problems first to try and extend this state of well-being.

Half an hour later, Jin Li arrived at the branch of Dimi Cosmetics.

Dimi's headquarters was in East City, but they also had a branch in South City. Considering Jin Li's health, Dimi didn't make her travel all the way to East City.

The photographers from their headquarters had personally led a team to South City, showing great sincerity.

Jin Li didn't say much after sitting down; primarily, Sui Lingfang was speaking with the person in charge opposite them to communicate the details.

It took half an hour of discussion before everything was settled.

The South City manager then looked at Jin Li and asked somewhat shyly, "Um, Jin Li, could I get an autograph and a photo with you later?"

The manager was a middle-aged man. His sudden display of "shyness" left Jin Li stunned for a moment before she nodded repeatedly. "Sure, of course, no problem."

The manager spoke volubly, "Oh, four years ago, I was a fan of Pink Girls! Back then, my favorite was Ji Qinglian. I was working at Dimi at the time, thinking to myself, 'If only Dimi could hire you guys as spokespersons, I'd be satisfied just seeing you from afar.' Who knew you would disband after only one year of debut? Back then, I used to run to blog plazas with others to spam posts, accusing the unscrupulous company of being inhumane!"

Recalling the past, the manager felt as if he had become a few years younger.

Since the photography team was still preparing and the shoot wouldn't start immediately, Jin Li listened patiently.

What was this feeling...

It was a bit strange, yet also a bit of a pleasant surprise.

This wasn't a fan shouting support through a screen on the internet; this was a real person standing right in front of her, at a very reachable distance.

As she listened to him talk about his days of chasing idols, Jin Li's thoughts drifted. The person he was talking about wasn't her, but someone else.

The original Jin Li had that many fans...

The manager didn't reminisce for long; after only ten minutes of chatting, his assistant called him away to handle other matters.

The photography team was still doing preparatory work and wouldn't be ready to shoot until the afternoon, so the two of them returned to the car.

Sui Lingfang said, "It'll be stifling staying in the car. How about I book a short-stay room for you at a nearby hotel so you can go and rest?"

Jin Li nodded. "Okay."

She wasn't the type to live a life of extreme austerity; as long as she could be comfortable, she didn't mind spending a little money.

She couldn't take worldly wealth with her anyway; to put it simply, it lacked a sense of reality.

However, after working in the celebrity industry for a long time, she had basically lost all sense of reality regarding money.

Money flowed in like water, and it flowed out just as easily.

Sui Lingfang booked the hotel and led Jin Li up.

Once they entered the room, Sister Fang saw that she was lost in thought and hadn't started her exam papers immediately, so she couldn't help but ask, "Do you hate that manager? You've been in this state ever since he started talking."

Jin Li snapped back to reality, shook her head, and sighed. "It's not hate, I just feel like it's a bit unreal. To think that the old me really had so many fans! I don't know if I've been away for too long, but it feels a bit incredible."

Sui Lingfang smiled. "Then get used to it. There will be more and more in the future."