AITAMITB Chapter 62

Her premonition turned real an hour later when the Nightwalker’s exclusive courier arrived at her door, carrying a box.

Zhao Xiaokui presented her ID and took the list. After a quick scan revealed no omissions, she nodded at the courier who had the Nightwalker mark visible on his clothes.

Looking at the nearly half-person-high box, Shen Zhifei hesitated and asked, “What did you buy?”

Seeing Zhao Xiaokui use her mermaid nails to cut the tape, Shen Zhifei raised an eyebrow. She sat in a chair and watched as Zhao Xiaokui unpacked her purchases.

Items like a high-voltage discharge device disguised as a ring, a necklace that could to some extent shield mental powers, and a long-handled umbrella that served both as an attack and defense…

Zhao Xiaokui glanced at Shen Zhifei.

She slowly pulled out the last box from inside and opened it in front of Shen Zhifei.

Inside was a black lingerie set.

“What’s its purpose?” Shen Zhifei asked, trying to remain composed.

Perhaps the effect would have been better if her ears weren’t so red.

A hint of amusement flashed in Zhao Xiaokui’s eyes.

Still introducing it to Shen Zhifei as if it were any other item, she said, “It’s made of a special material, using a metal with extraordinary properties. It can help protect vital areas like your chest and lungs.”

She unwrapped the packaging, running her fingers over it. Moisture circulated within, quickly cleaning it.

“For your safety, my advice is… you better put it on right away.”

Shen Zhifei: “…”

She stood up and walked towards the rest area, leaving Zhao Xiaokui still standing there. As she undid two buttons at the chest, she turned her head and said, “Didn’t you say to put it on?”

Her attitude was so straightforward that Zhao Xiaokui hadn’t reacted for a moment.

When she came to her senses, she suddenly realized she had been flirted with.

Who was flirting with whom was still uncertain.

Seeing Shen Zhifei push open the door to the rest area, she piled the things on the table into the box and cheerfully followed.

No one lets go of a good deal.

Perhaps one of Shen Zhifei’s biggest mistakes was underestimating the thickness of a mermaid’s skin.

In front of her crush, Zhao Xiaokui’s sense of shame was quite thin.

Just changing clothes and putting on a few accessories, the two of them wasted twenty minutes in the rest area.

If it weren’t for the secretary knocking on the door, it might have continued.

“Come in.”

The secretary walked in, her gaze subtly sweeping over Shen Zhifei. Shen Zhifei’s lips were still red, and there was a hint of desire in her eyes. Anyone with a bit of experience could guess what had just happened. In the secretary’s mind, she screamed, “My ship is sailing for real,” while maintaining a poker face, she said, “Boss, Ms. Luo is here.”

Zhao Xiaokui stood up, “I’ll go to the rest area.”

Shen Zhifei shook his head, “No need. Today, I’m preparing to introduce you to her. She’s the agent I chose for you. She handled the negotiations with V House before.”

Finally, today, Zhao Xiaokui remembered that she was still an artist. “…”

It was clear that Luo Ziwei had been informed in advance about the meeting with Zhao Xiaokui today.

Seeing Zhao Xiaokui sitting in the reception area, Luo Ziwei wasn’t surprised. After discreetly assessing the young girl in front of her, she politely said, “Hello, Miss Zhao. I am Luo Ziwei.”

She was probably in her early forties, dressed in professional attire. Every move she made exuded a sense of authority, making it clear that she was a formidable person.

Having encountered many strong-willed women in the Nightwalker’s base, Zhao Xiaokui wasn’t intimidated by this aura. She nodded casually, showing both politeness and a sense of distance, “Hello, Sister Luo.”

Zhao Xiaokui’s demeanor caught Luo Ziwei’s attention.

The young girl sat there with an upright posture, a straight spine, and broad shoulders. She resembled a slender bamboo, yet also carried the pride of a swan.

Having seen many beauties, few were as captivating as Zhao Xiaokui. From her face to every part of her body, there wasn’t a single flaw.

Luo Ziwei had seen Zhao Zijin before, even if it was just a brief glimpse at a live event. However, she vividly remembered that, at that time, the girl’s temperament was mediocre, not enough to stand out in the entertainment industry. Yet, the Zhao Xiaokui sitting before her now seemed like an entirely different person. Even though her face and figure remained the same, the overall aura emanating from her was completely different.

She dared to guarantee that if Zhao Xiaokui was thrown into the crowd of artists, everyone would notice her first.

Luo Ziwei had come to inquire about Zhao Xiaokui’s career development plan.

Did she want to simply sing, or did she desire money, fame, or something else? The two hadn’t had a chance to meet before, so when Luo Ziwei heard that Zhao Xiaokui was at the company that day, she immediately booked a meeting with Shen Zhifei’s secretary to clarify matters.

When asked about these things, Zhao Xiaokui felt completely confused.

Many people were like this, and Luo Ziwei didn’t feel disappointed.

She asked Zhao Xiaokui what she wanted most.

Glancing at Shen Zhifei, Zhao Xiaokui suddenly remembered that she hadn’t mentioned her transformation into a mermaid.

She recalled holding a guitar in her bedroom, strumming it sentence by sentence. At that time, her mind wasn’t as sharp, and she often dreamed of a melody at night, only to forget it completely during the day. Sometimes, while cleaning, a handful of hair could be swept off the floor.

She didn’t like studying, often treating classes and exams with indifference. However, if asked to listen to the sounds of cicadas and birds, she could sit for an entire afternoon without moving a muscle.

But back then, she was truly happy.

What made her stop writing songs and composing?

Zhao Xiaokui thought it was when she returned and discovered that all the works she had created were attributed to the name Zhao Zijin.

Clearly her own creations, yet tarnished by someone else. She lost interest in everything.

Now, when asked by Luo Ziwei, she repeatedly questioned her own heart. In the end, she lifted her head and gave Luo Ziwei a faint smile, “What I want most is still to sing.”

“I want others to listen to my songs. I want to create music that is unparalleled in the world.”

“I want… to make the name Zhao Xiaokui shine in the music world.”

When she mentioned her dreams, her eyes were shining.

Luo Ziwei was momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t seen such bright eyes in many years.

It was as if she saw herself when she first entered the entertainment industry, carrying dreams and striving in the entertainment world.

That young girl also dreamt of becoming the most formidable talent manager, personally lifting the brightest stars.

Unfortunately, as she aged and gained more experience, the stars that once shone brightly in her hands gradually dimmed, tainted by dust, no longer the idealized images she yearned for.

She chuckled, and the wrinkles on her face softened, “Then you must work hard.”

This time, Luo Ziwei came not only for a face-to-face exchange with her artist but also brought several scripts, variety shows, and brand invitations.

Zhao Xiaokui decisively turned down the scripts and told Luo Ziwei, “Sister Luo, I haven’t learned acting, and I don’t plan to become an actress. My positioning is clear—I am a singer. What I want to do is sing. So, no need to look out for scripts for me. However, if there are good scripts that need theme songs or inserts, you can contact me. Good stories can help inspire my creativity.”

Looking at the variety shows, Zhao Xiaokui skipped several highly popular ones and picked a variety show called “Little Ox Charges Forward.” Her eyes sparkled as she asked, “Can I participate in this one?”

Seeing what she had chosen, Luo Ziwei sighed, “This variety show was popular a few years ago, but it’s not doing well now. Originally, it was open to ordinary people, for the general public, and anyone could freely sign up. Now, they are inviting celebrities to ride on their popularity, trying to extend its lifespan. You can go if you want, but this show demands a high physical fitness level. If your physical condition isn’t good, you won’t be able to pass even a single stage, and you might face public ridicule easily.”

Zhao Xiaokui asserted, “I can do it!”

Luo Ziwei looked skeptical.

Clearing her throat, Shen Zhifei helped her girlfriend explain, “Xiaokui’s physical condition is indeed excellent. I’ve watched a couple of episodes of ‘Little Ox Charges Forward,’ and it’ll be no problem for her.”

Luo Ziwei: “…”

She awkwardly changed the topic, “What about the others? Won’t you consider them?”

Zhao Xiaokui picked out each variety show one by one, “Detective show, testing intelligence, too brainy, not going; Comedy, involves conflicts, not going…”

She dismissed them all and then shrugged helplessly at Luo Ziwei, “There’s none that I want to participate in.”

“What about this singing talent show?” Luo Ziwei picked up a notebook and asked.

Thinking about her fear of being dominated by popular music today, Zhao Xiaokui quickly shook her head.

Let her off… She could barely stand the voices of professional singers, let alone subject herself to the uneven tones of those aspiring contestants. She didn’t have an everlasting hatred with her ears.

Seeing her lack of interest, Luo Ziwei took away the variety show invitations and brought out several brand invitations she had recently received.

After endorsing V House, many people noticed Zhao Xiaokui’s commercial value. On Luo Ziwei’s end, she received invitations from a couple of brands, carefully selecting a few that seemed promising.

She singled out one particular brand and said, “I think you should take a look at this one.”

“Why would they send me an invitation?” Zhao Xiaokui’s eyebrows furrowed tightly as soon as she saw the brand’s name.

G House is an old-school European aristocratic brand. It wasn’t very popular in China, but within Europe, it was highly esteemed by the aristocracy.

When no one knew about it before, they always kept a low profile. It was only in recent years, with the development of the internet, that people dug up G House’s background.

However, G House has always been discreet, and its activities are limited to a few European royal families. It’s quite strange that they sent an invitation to Zhao Xiaokui.

Luo Ziwei said, “I heard that the chief designers of G House and V House have a good relationship. They likely recommended you. If you can endorse G House, it will have a positive impact on your popularity internationally, especially in Europe.”

“No, we won’t take this one.”

Zhao Xiaokui decisively shook her head.

What a joke! She was asked to go to Europe for a shoot. She offended a dark god and now she’s wandering around the Dark Council’s territory. Does she think life isn’t beautiful enough and wants to have some fun?

And where do you think she learned about G House? From the Night Walker’s database!

This brand is either related to the Dark Council’s pawns or the League of Gods. Is she out of her mind to get involved? 

At this moment, Zhao Xiaokui remembered an important thing she hadn’t told Luo Ziwei, “By the way, I can’t go abroad. Any event that requires me to go abroad can be postponed.”

Although she is an external member, she also holds a Night Watcher license in a formal capacity. If she goes abroad in unofficial operations, the reports would pile up as high as her height. These things can’t be handed over to others to write; she has to handle them personally. It would be foolish to create trouble for herself in the future. It’s better to clarify everything in advance.

This request seemed strange to Luo Ziwei, but as a conscientious manager, she nodded in agreement.

Zhao Xiaokui, who resolved all the matters in one breath, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After Zhao Xiaokui and Luo Ziwei followed each other on Weibo. When Zhao Xiaokui introduced her manager to the public, the fans were ecstatic. They thought it was an emotional and touching moment for China.

“I finally see Xiaokui’s manager!”

“Does this mean Xiaokui will be online more often? Please, even if you just post a selfie from your chin up, I’ll be happy!”

“New song! Is a new song coming?! If there’s no new song, appearing on a variety show is fine too!”

A few days later.

Zhao Xiaokui retweeted the official account of “Little Ox Charges Forward.”

Fans: “…”

The variety show she picked up after starting her business seems quite intriguing.

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