Chapter 284: Travel-worn and Weary

Xia Ling summarized all the reasons that Feng Kun had told her when he was convincing her about him.

Lin Yunan said, "So you want to work with me because I'm openly money-minded and not a hypocrite?"

Xia Ling nodded.

"Considering that your previous manager was Sister Mai Na, your request is really shocking." Lin Yunan astutely pointed out. "Are you saying that she's not as sincere to you as she appears to be?" Even though Lin Yunan had already left the entertainment circle, his passion for the industry made him take notice of the entertainment news. He was especially interested in Ye Xingling given that she resembled Diva Xia Ling so much. Hence, he was aware of many details of her career thus far.

Xia Ling felt that she had said too much and was caught so off-guard by his question that she did not know how to respond.

She was quiet for a moment before responding. "No, Sister Mai Na is a wonderful manager. However, not all managers in the industry are like her. Rather than risk working with someone that I'm unable to read, it would be much safer to work with someone like you who's all business. It just makes things easier."

"If I wasn't aware of your road to stardom, I would think that you've been betrayed by some manager before." Lin Yunan gave a cynical smile. "Okay, now I know why you've picked me. Then, why should I choose to help you? I've already been working in this bar for seven years. What makes you think I would return to the entertainment circle for you?"

"Someone said that you want to create a Diva with your own hands. I believe that you will not find another person in this generation that has that kind of potential."

"What an arrogant response." The cynicism in Lin Yunan's tone was even more apparent.

Xia Ling did not care. "Then, when are you returning to Dongyue Culture and Entertainment? When are you going to sign a contract with me?"

"I haven't agreed yet, miss."

"I don't have time to waste." Xia Ling did not know any negotiation tactics and liked to be exceedingly blunt and direct. What's more, she used to be a top star and Diva, so naturally, there was a tinge of oppression in her voice. "If you don't agree, I'll immediately pick someone else that is more interested. In other words, it's not like you're my only option." Feng Kun did recommend Lin Yunan to her, but she was still spoiled for choices. It was not the end of the world for her if he did not agree to her request.

Lin Yunan narrowed his eyes at her statement, but the cynicism in his expression did not fade away. "Do you know what a Diva is? It isn't just a game for little kids and isn't something that you can just get to be if you want to. What have you done in this debut year? Four songs? At the rate you are going, you won't have enough songs for a concert even after three years! You want to be a Diva? What a joke!"

"That's why I said I don't have time to waste." Xia Ling admitted that he was right. However, her current situation was not without reason. She had gotten injured when she followed Li Lei back to the Li family headquarters, and it took her close to half a year to recuperate. Many of her plans had to be delayed as a result. "I'm going to become much busier in the days to come. Do you or do you not want to be my manager?"

Lin Yunan looked at her closely.

He did want to create a Diva himself, and that was why he had put in so much effort to sell Li Er. Yet, Li Er was weak and did not have the mental tenacity required of a Diva. The big fire was that last straw that unwound her, and she completely lost it before taking her own life. How about this Ye Xingling in front of him right now? She looked as young as Li Er when she started out, and her singing abilities were astounding — no, her talent was way better than Li Er's. Ye Xingling had much better techniques and control over her emotions, almost able to rival that of the Diva Xia Ling... no, she might even have surpassed Xia Ling.

This was also another reason that he had taken notice of her.

A new singer with better talent than Xia Ling... her future in the industry was bright.

If there was going to be a Diva in this generation, then she was the only one that would make the cut.

The reason he had been dwelling in the doldrums of the bar was not that he was disinterested in being a manager altogether. He had just never found another person like Li Er that was worth his time. Yet, even Li Er could not hold a candle to Ye Xingling.

He said, "Okay, come look for me at Dongyue Culture and Entertainment tomorrow."

He agreed.

Xia Ling's lips curled into a small smile of victory, while also feeling a tinge of relief. In all honesty, even though she would be able to find someone else if Lin Yunan had rejected her, this was not something that she was good at or looking forward to. It was not like she could keep going to Feng Kun for help. Thus, she was happy to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

"Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow." Xia Ling said.

She returned to her apartment in a good mood and called Feng Kun to inform him that she had succeeded in getting Lin Yunan to return to the entertainment scene. Feng Kun congratulated her and reminded her to look for him in the future if she needed any help making decisions.

Feng Kun was worried about Xia Ling as she was so heavily protected by Imperial Entertainment in her past life, and was similarly very protected by Skyart Entertainment in this life. Now, she could only rely on herself, and it was difficult to say how her future would pan out.

Xia Ling laughed. "Don't worry, I'll take care of myself." She reassured Feng Kun before hanging up.

Luo Luo was busy with work these few days and was currently filming in the city outskirts. She was not likely to return tonight. Xia Ling turned and tossed in bed unable to sleep. While she had settled the matter of finding a manager, she suddenly felt an emptiness in her heart and at a loss.

Perhaps, people were always more used to places that they had been at for a long time.

Now that she had left Skyart, there were many things that she had to get used to... and many things that she was sad to have left behind.

Li Lei's handsome face appeared in her mind, with his signature lazy smile and warm gaze. She wondered what he was doing at that moment? Xia Ling turned and reached to the shelf at her bedhead to retrieve her mobile and rang Li Lei's number.

"Xiao Ling?" At the other end of the line, the surrounding was extremely noisy with the rough voices of men shouting out in a foreign language.

Xia Ling recalled that he had been very busy for a while, and was clearly overseas for whatever reason right now. The last time they had video-called, he had looked travel-worn and weary. She did not know if it was a good time to have a casual conversation with him. "Are you busy? I don't have anything important to tell you and just called you randomly. If you're busy, we can speak another time."

"Nope, I'm not busy." Li Lei's voice was cheerful as he glanced over at the group of mercenaries that were discussing the battle plan animatedly just a short distance away. He walked towards a quieter corner of the room. "How are you? I'm coming back to the country in a few days. Do you want any gifts? I'll bring some back for you."

"I'll be happy to see you back." Hearing his lazy voice, Xia Ling felt more peaceful and rolled around in bed until she settled into a more comfortable position. "Right, I wanted to tell you that I've found a new manager already..."

She told Li Lei all about Lin Yunan.

On the other end of the line, Li Lei did not express any objection to this and praised Xia Ling for being so competent. He added that he would treat her to a big meal when he got back to celebrate her success. They spoke a little while longer before reluctantly ending the call.

Li Lei looked at the phone with glazed eyes as he fell into deep thought.