"Does your family run an entertainment business?" Guo Xinyu didn't expect Fang Jueyu to extend such an invitation.
"Well... it's somewhat involved, I guess," Fang Jueyu replied without much confidence, as he didn't really own any entertainment or media companies at the moment.
"Aren't you afraid you'll lose money if you sign me?" Although she studied pop music, countless people were doing the same, and becoming famous was like crossing a single-log bridge amid a vast army.
"Why should I be afraid? If I lose money, I'll be even happier!" Fang Jueyu muttered under his breath. His personal assets had increased by nearly a billion US dollars today, and if this trend continued, his money would only grow, becoming practically inexhaustible.
"What? What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing. I meant that I believe in your talent. If you're willing, I can find professional teachers to give you structured training. Of course, you'll have to dedicate a lot of effort and energy yourself."
Hearing this, Guo Xinyu fell silent. It was indeed an excellent opportunity. Although she hadn't interacted with Fang Jueyu for long, she could tell that his offer was genuine.
In the past, while she was a streamer, many small media companies approached her, but during several interviews, they asked for outrageous demands because of her appearance, so nothing ever came of it.
The education she received since childhood didn't allow her to sell her body for fame, and her family's predicament wasn't dire enough to push her to that extent. She also had her own self-respect.
"Rest assured, if you're willing, I'll shield you from anything you don't want to do. You just need to focus on your music."
"Of course, what would I gain from lying to you?" Fang Jueyu countered.
True, besides her looks and presence, there was nothing much of value for Fang Jueyu to be fixated on. Given his status and wealth, even celebrities from the entertainment circle would line up to associate with him, so why deceive an unknown streamer who just gained a little popularity?
"I'll think about it and get back to you in a few days."
"Alright, I'll wait for your decision!" Fang Jueyu was confident that Guo Xinyu would agree to his offer.
"Fang Jueyu, can I ask you a question?" Guo Xinyu's face suddenly flushed, though Fang Jueyu, focused on driving, didn't notice her subtle change.
"What question? Go ahead!"
"Why do you want to help me? Are you trying to pursue me?"
"No, no, don't get the wrong idea," Fang Jueyu stammered a bit. Although he'd had several flings, he'd truly only dated Jiang Yuan for two years, and she was the one who initiated it. He was inexperienced in such matters.
"It's just that I think you're good at singing and playing, and it's such a waste for you to just be a streamer, so I wanted to help you." If someone had listened closely to Fang Jueyu's chest, they would have heard his strong and rapid heartbeat. Luckily, it was getting dark, or his face would have been even redder than Guo Xinyu's.
The air suddenly became still, making the atmosphere slightly awkward, but fortunately, they had already arrived at their destination.
This seafood restaurant, called Barrent Seafood Restaurant, was in the Baida Plaza owned by Wang Cong's family. Due to the tourism peak season and the holiday, the plaza was bustling with activity.
Finding a parking space was a challenge for everyone; Fang Jueyu had to circle around several times before finally finding a suitable spot. By the time they reached the entrance of Barrent Seafood Restaurant, the queue was almost as long as a battle in a survival game.
"Oh no, we missed our turn!" Guo Xinyu's number was 125, but because business was booming today and the table turnover rate was high, they had already called number 138.
"No worries, usually when you miss your turn, you can wait for three more tables, right?"
"I'll go ask!" Guo Xinyu didn't even realize she was holding Fang Jueyu's arm with both hands.
"I'm sorry, due to some special circumstances these recent days, those wanting to dine need to take a new number and queue at the back," the waiter said apologetically.
"I see." Guo Xinyu immediately felt a bit disappointed. She had finally managed to invite Fang Jueyu for a meal, and it had turned out this way. At this rate, they might have to wait for at least two or three hours for a table.
Looking at her expression, Fang Jueyu instinctively reached out and patted her head. It was only after making this gesture that he realized what he had done, causing his face to blush, while Guo Xinyu froze completely.
"Leave it to me. I'm determined to have dinner here tonight!"
Fang Jueyu approached the waiter, "Hello, could you call your manager for me?"
"Who are you?" The waitstaff, already exhausted, was somewhat irritable among all these customers. "Our manager is busy and doesn't have time to meet you. If you want to eat, take a number and wait in line!"
Fang Jueyu chuckled coldly. He could empathize with the waiter, but he felt unfairly reprimanded, which didn't sit well with him. "Let me say it again, call your manager, or whatever happens next, you'll have to bear the consequences!"
The waiter was taken aback by Fang Jueyu's intimidation. She looked up at him, and his stare made her feel an irrational fear.
"This is the reception desk. Please call the manager; someone is asking for him!" Ultimately, she did as Fang Jueyu instructed.
Not long after, a man, appearing to be in his early thirties and pleasant looking, came rushing out.
"Manager, these two are looking for you!" said the waiter, casting a sidelong glance at Fang Jueyu after speaking.
"Is there anything I can assist you with?" the manager asked courteously.
"My friend and I would like to dine here, but it's too crowded. Can you arrange a table for us quickly?" Fang Jueyu took out the black bank card given to him by Fang Huai.
Initially, the manager was about to say something, but when he saw the card, his pupils dilated, and he swallowed his words back.
As a store manager, he surely received some special training and briefings. During his training, he had learned to identify certain extraordinary individuals through specific experiences, not only focusing on attire and demeanor but also identifying special bank cards.
The card this particular black card Fang Jueyu was holding was listed as belonging to a group of people one should absolutely not provoke. In fact, during the training, the instructor had repeatedly stressed that if you didn't want to be thrown into the Huangpu River the next day, you must serve those with this card with utmost diligence, fulfilling all their requests!
"Esteemed guest, welcome!" the manager bowed at a 90-degree angle. "I'll arrange a table for you right away!"
"Thank you," Fang Jueyu nodded, pulling the astonished Guo Xinyu inside the restaurant.
"Did you do anything to offend these two guests?" the manager asked the shocked waiter.
"I..." Trembling all over, the waiter thought, if she hadn't understood what's happening by now, she must indeed be a fool. It seemed she had offended someone she couldn't afford to cross!