Chapter 2: Establishing Authority from Above

The next day, Lin Xi and Miya arrived at the country’s top-ranked, most prestigious management company—Stellar Media. Stellar had been established early on, reigning supreme among all major management firms and becoming an industry giant. The company had its own territory in film, television, music, and variety shows, and many of its artists were already big names in the entertainment world.

Just as they stepped into the lobby, a smartly dressed woman approached with a professional smile. “Miss Lin, I presume? I’m your agent, Zhou Xin. Please follow me.”

Lin Xi walked with her, overhearing the murmurs around them.

“Who’s that? A new artist? She has such a great aura!”

“No idea, never heard of her! Is she just parachuting in?”

“Oh my god, Zhou is her agent! She’s the company’s top gold-medal manager!”

Listening to the discussions, Lin Xi knew her third brother had arranged the best resources for her. Yet she accepted them with a clear conscience. What was hers, she could bear.

Once they were seated in the meeting room, Zhou Xin finally spoke, “Miss Lin, hello! President Gu instructed me. I’ve reviewed your profile—you graduated from the prestigious Gris Performing Arts Academy in Country Y. With credentials like that, I have no concerns about your professionalism. Would you prefer to use your real name or a stage name?”

Lin Xi smiled gently. “I’ll use a stage name—Lin Xi. Thank you for your confidence, Zhou.”

She hadn’t used her real name since losing her memory; her brother feared she’d recall something painful.

Zhou Xin nodded. “Very well. I currently have several major IP drama scripts on hand. Take a look and pick one. In a few days, you’ll audition and meet the director. Also, we’ll need to work on your public persona...”

“Zhou, I don’t want an artificial persona. If I join variety shows, any discrepancy will be obvious. I don’t want to deceive the audience. I hope to present my truest self to them.” Lin Xi’s tone was gentle, but her gaze was resolute.

Zhou Xin was visibly taken aback, as if she hadn’t expected such candor. “That has its advantages too,” she smiled, clearly liking Lin Xi’s honesty.

She had thought the president was pushing a difficult case onto her, but Lin Xi turned out to be thoughtful and self-assured. Zhou judged people well—Miss Lin was destined for stardom.

After assigning work to Miya, Zhou let Lin Xi familiarize herself with the company. Lin Xi wandered the lobby, taking stock, nodding in appreciation—her third brother truly managed the company well.

She snapped photos on her phone and sent them to tease Gu Jue, laughing gleefully.

Suddenly, a shrill voice interrupted her. “Oh my, who is this? Like Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Gardens, snapping pictures everywhere.”

Lin Xi turned to see a woman in an ostentatious neon yellow dress, gazing at her with open derision.

A small crowd gathered, pointing and whispering:

“Isn’t that the new artist who just signed? What’s she doing here alone?”

“Yeah, looks like she’s never seen the world. I heard she got in through connections.”

“My god! Our company actually has someone like this! No wonder she’s so...”

Lin Xi was amused—she hadn’t expected to be mocked like this. Calmly, she asked the woman, “Are you an artist here?”

“Of course!” the woman scoffed, eyeing her dismissively.

She was certain Lin Xi was a country bumpkin, dressed plainly with not a single designer label, wandering around taking photos. The woman had just signed with the company herself and was eager to assert dominance, thinking Lin Xi was an easy target.

What she didn’t know was that Lin Xi’s attire was all custom-made, understated yet luxurious, with no visible brands.

Hearing the murmurs, Lin Xi instantly understood the woman’s intent—she wanted to make an example of her. But she had chosen the wrong person.

“When did Stellar lower its standards enough to let just anyone in?” Lin Xi remarked coolly.

“You!” The woman’s face contorted with rage as she jabbed a finger at Lin Xi. “Who do you think you are? How dare you wander around here—someone fetch security and throw this arrogant woman out!”

“Throw me out?” Lin Xi was genuinely amused, raising her eyebrows and pointing at herself. “You’re welcome to try.”

She lifted her chin, exuding such presence that the woman was stunned into silence.

Someone hurried off to fetch security when, suddenly, a deep voice rang out behind them.

“What’s going on here? Who dares lay a hand on my precious little sister?” Gu Jue strode over, his expression dark as he stopped beside Lin Xi.

Seeing her third brother, Lin Xi relaxed, tilting her head in helpless amusement.

The woman was stunned at the sight of Gu Jue, her heart racing. She thought, This is President Gu! I’m so lucky—my first day and I run into him! If I attract his attention, I’ll never lack resources.

She quickly changed her demeanor, adopting a pitiful, aggrieved look. “Oh, President Gu, you’re here too. Please look—this woman is taking pictures everywhere. I just said a word to her, and she insulted me!”

Watching this performance, Lin Xi was speechless with admiration. Such characters she’d only seen in novels, never expecting to meet one in real life.

She clapped softly, her tone mocking. “Not giving you an Oscar would be a crime, with such effort.”

The woman pretended not to hear, dabbing at imaginary tears and sneaking flirtatious glances at Gu Jue.

Lin Xi stifled a laugh.

Gu Jue, however, had no patience for this farce. “Who let you in here? Whose artist are you?”

Sensing trouble, the woman hurriedly replied, “Oh, it’s all her fault—she even tried to have bodyguards throw me out. President Gu, please stand up for me!”

“Heh!” Gu Jue sneered, his words like thunder. “Whatever my sister says goes. Since that’s the case, security—throw her out.”

Stunned silence fell.

She was President Gu’s sister? Since when did he have a sister?

President Gu was always gracious and humble, no matter one’s rank. Yet today he’d erupted in anger for his sister’s sake.

Everyone was in shock, recalling what they’d just said. They’d accused the president’s sister of using connections, of being uncultured. They were doomed. (Although, strictly speaking, she did use connections.)

The woman’s legs gave out and she collapsed, voice trembling. “President Gu, I didn’t recognize your esteemed sister. Please don’t blame me...”

“Miss Gu, Young Lady, I’m sorry, so sorry!” She was incoherent with fear, shooting pleading looks at Lin Xi.

Lin Xi glanced at her coolly, unwilling to escalate the situation. “Third Brother, let’s drop it for today. No need to make a scene—it’s bad for the company’s image.”

Hearing his sister, Gu Jue calmed, returning to his usual gentle, refined manner. He nodded indulgently at Lin Xi. “Alright, as you wish.”

Stepping forward, Lin Xi bent to help the woman up, her tone neither warm nor cold. “Rather than seeking attention through drama and aggression, why not strive to be someone focused, unassuming, and true to themselves? Don’t let your thoughts run astray.”

The woman trembled as Lin Xi helped her up. “Thank you, thank you, Miss Gu.”

“This is my sister, Lin Xi. She may not bear the Gu name, but she’s still the young lady of the Gu family—remember that!” Gu Jue’s calm, firm voice rang in everyone’s ears.

It was a warning—Lin Xi was to be respected.

The woman quickly recovered, bowing gratefully. “Thank you, Miss Lin. Thank you, Young Lady.”

“We’re all in the same company. I hope there won’t be any rumors of discord among Stellar’s artists. Next time we meet, I hope to see some growth. Everyone, let’s work well together.” Lin Xi raised her voice, casting a lazy glance around to make sure everyone heard.

The others nodded quickly. They wouldn’t dare cross this young lady—who would presume to offer her advice?

As the crowd dispersed, Gu Jue and Lin Xi finally had a moment to catch up.

“You little rascal, coming back without telling us first—I only heard from Second Brother,” Gu Jue lightly tapped her forehead, a touch of rebuke in his voice.

“I wanted to surprise you all!” Lin Xi stuck out her tongue playfully. “Third Brother, where’s Third Sister-in-law? I miss her.”

She was a bit disappointed that her sister-in-law wasn’t at the company today.

Gu Jue feigned ignorance. “You just want her cookies, don’t you?”

“Hehe, I want both!” Lin Xi giggled.

“She’s gone to North City for a lawyer’s conference—she’ll be gone three days.” Gu Jue’s expression softened at the mention of his wife.

Watching him, Lin Xi knew he missed her sister-in-law too. She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Ooh, someone’s lovesick!” she joked, hugging her arms.

Gu Jue just smiled helplessly.

“How did you convince Big Brother to let you come back? He must have been worried.” Gu Jue handed her a cup of hot milk tea, curious.

“Oh, I have my ways.” Lin Xi took it, tilting her head. “You all treat me like a child—I’m grown up now!”

She was a bit disgruntled by her brothers’ overprotectiveness.

“Alright, alright! Our Lin Xi has grown up and can stand on her own!” Gu Jue laughed, indulging her.

But Lin Xi could tell he didn’t really believe it. She pursed her lips—she would have to show them, gradually, that she could be trusted.

———

That evening, Gu Jue reserved a private dining room and invited Lin Tianyou and Zhou Xin.

They arrived at Lansi Hotel, the most luxurious and grand dining venue in Long City, owned by Ai You.

“President Lin, this way please.” As soon as they got out of the car, the hotel manager greeted them. Lin Tianyou nodded and led the way into the grand lobby.

No wonder it was the most lavish and expensive hotel—Lin Xi looked up to see an imposing golden lion statue. Anyone who could enter here was bound to be wealthy or noble.

She was amazed for a moment, then teased her brother with a grin. “Brother, you really built the golden lion I talked about as a child.”

Lin Tianyou smiled fondly, patting her head. “Of course. Whatever you want, I’ll make it happen.”

This scene did not go unnoticed by someone entering the lobby.

Lu Yuxiu hadn’t expected to run into her here today, of all places—he’d only come to meet his uncle, yet here she was, so close with President Lin.

His expression darkened, composure slipping away as he strode over.

“President Lin,” Lu Yuxiu called out.

Lin Tianyou paused and turned; Lin Xi looked on curiously, instantly recognizing him as the man from her car accident—the idol of Miya, Lu Yuxiu.

He was strikingly handsome, features chiseled as if sculpted, with brows like distant mountains and lips pressed in a thin line. His dark, gold-flecked eyes swept over with a distant, complex look.

He really was as good-looking as Miya had claimed, Lin Xi thought with quiet admiration.

Lu Yuxiu didn’t look at Lin Xi, only approached Lin Tianyou. “Didn’t expect to see you here, President Lin. It’s a pleasure.”

Lin Tianyou shook his hand. “Are you here for dinner as well, Mr. Lu?”

Lu Yuxiu nodded to Gu Jue in greeting. “Yes, meeting my uncle.” He glanced at Lin Xi. “And this is?”

Lin Tianyou placed an arm around Lin Xi’s shoulders—a move that made Lu Yuxiu’s expression icy.

“This is my little sister, Lin Xi, just returned from studying abroad.” Lin Tianyou’s tone softened as he mentioned her.

With that, Lu Yuxiu finally relaxed, a faint smile on his lips. So that was it—his little girl was the mysterious Lin heiress, Lin Tianmu. She’d never revealed her identity at school, making her impossible to find back then.

“Lu Yuxiu.” He extended his hand to Lin Xi. She smiled calmly and shook it.

The brief touch gave Lin Xi a strange feeling.

“Are you feeling better, Miss Lin?” Lu Yuxiu asked. She was surprised he remembered her. “Much better, thank you.”

Lin Tianyou added, “We haven’t properly thanked Mr. Lu yet.”

Lu Yuxiu nodded lightly. “No need to be so formal, President Lin. I’ll take my leave now.”

He gave Lin Xi a lingering look, to which she responded with a polite smile, unaware of any deeper meaning.

The group proceeded to their private room.

“Second Brother, that young President Lu is semi-retired. I’ve heard he’s slowly taking over the reins—it seems he’ll inherit Starlight soon,” Gu Jue remarked.

“Indeed. We may be working with Starlight in the future. Building a good relationship will only be beneficial,” Lin Tianyou replied.

Gu Jue pondered a moment, then added, “Chairman Ning has no sons and openly dotes on young President Zhu. Looks like he’s planning to retire.”