CEO's Sweetheart is a Super Idol-Chapter 33 - 31: Forming a Family

Shenghai

Private room in a Hanoi nightclub

Amid the deafening DJ music, a group of potbellied men was partying with some heavily made-up, alluring young women.

"President Lu, if you can add another role to your film, I’ll invest an additional 5 million," Chairman Mu said with a grin to a middle-aged man sitting beside him.

"Haha, my apologies. The funding for this film has already been completed, and no further equity changes can be made, so we can’t accept your investment," President Lu responded apologetically with a smile.

Chairman Mu thought for a moment, still unwilling to give up. It surprised him when this film reached out to their Galaxy Company, considering the production team was fairly decent.

Since Galaxy Company’s first-generation center position left, they hadn’t received such good film resources; usually, their self-produced dramas attracted only a small fanbase.

"President Lu, then regarding the casting for this film, could we replace the actors with others from our side?"

"...Chairman Mu, what are you thinking? They specifically requested Xia Jin. Getting them to agree to one of your people is already a stretch."

Upon hearing President Lu’s words, Chairman Mu said nothing more. After all, his company was considered a small workshop in this industry.

"Chairman Mu, take good care of your preparations. Director Zhou will be choosing actors in a few days,"

Seeing Chairman Mu’s somewhat gloomy expression, President Lu chuckled, "Don’t be so downcast. I have a friend who’s filming a movie, and I can recommend your team to sing the theme song."

Hearing this, Chairman Mu couldn’t help but beam with joy. President Lu held some weight in this circle; if he said that, the chances were pretty high.

"President Lu, thank you, thank you! I truly don’t know how to repay you,"

"Haha!" President Lu laughed and clinked glasses with him.

In truth, he didn’t think highly of this colleague, despite his prestigious education and overseas experience.

To President Lu, this guy was merely scamming money from those "desperate folks" with a bunch of girls.

Making an annual profit of 20 to 30 million was already considered decent.

The reason Xia Jin from Galaxy was chosen as the lead for this drama was entirely due to his boss’s directive.

Of course, bringing along one other person was also his boss’s order, though he was told to keep it confidential.

This made President Lu think that Galaxy Company might have some potential development, which was why he decided to do them this favor.

The little idols of Galaxy Company remained unaware of what their boss was orchestrating.

They continued living according to their usual routines.

"Manting, why did you cut your hair?" When the sun rose and everyone met up in the dance practice room, Ye Yuwei exclaimed in astonishment.

"Why, don’t you think it looks good?" Yu Manting lightly teased her short hair, her bright eyes gleaming like frost, full of vigor.

Manting’s face wasn’t the conventional beauty norm—it had a hint of edge to it. But with her short haircut, her look was perfectly suited, a balance of softness with a touch of resilience.

Adding her pristine white training outfit to the equation, she altogether resembled an outstanding young noble riding into Chang’an, exuding a remarkable youthful aura.

Yu Manting’s stunning appearance froze the entire group of young Hanoi idols in awe.

Which youthful girl doesn’t hold a soft spot for a "charming young lad"?

"Manting, you’re so captivating today. How come I never noticed before?" Among the admiring gazes, Xu Mengchen was the first to step forward.

Immediately, countless jealous glares turned into metaphorical daggers, seemingly wishing to shred her into pieces.

Yu Manting smiled faintly, "Because your eyes can only see twinkling ’stars.’"

"Haha! Manting, you’re also one of the sixteen stars among us!" Xu Mengchen grinned, her signature pear-drop dimples blooming instantly.

Nearby, Li Jiaqi fixed a hostile gaze on Yu Manting. Her womanly intuition warned her that something bad was bound to happen.

"Good morning, everyone!" Lu Bingbing entered warmly, smiling.

"Manting, you’re quite extraordinary today." Lu Bingbing’s eyes sparkled with appreciation.

"Good morning, Captain!" Everyone greeted in unison.

"As you all know, our early rankings report is coming soon, followed by the general election, so everyone needs to work hard at pulling votes for yourselves," Lu Bingbing spoke with the authority of a corporate CEO.

The moment "general election" was mentioned, all the girls fell silent. Those two words were a love-hate spell for them.

"Which means, in our upcoming performances, we need to show the fans something fresh and different."

Just as someone was about to ask a question, Lu Bingbing continued, "This year, Yuwei has shown the best upward momentum. Perhaps she’ll secure a spot in this year’s God Seven in the rankings report."

Everyone’s attention immediately focused on Ye Yuwei, making her feel like needles were pricking her back.

"So after discussing with Mr. Shen and the others, we decided that Yuwei, Manting, and Jiaqi should interact more on stage, forming a ’small family unit.’ This setup draws fans more effectively than single CP pairings."

Li Jiaqi listened to Lu Bingbing’s words, her heart filled with grievances and resentment.

Previously, nobody sought to create a "small family" when Ye Yuwei wasn’t popular. Now that her career was gaining traction, they assigned people to leech off her success.

Still, matters of stage performances weren’t for her to argue over. Decision-making power lay with the few TOP members, ultimately under Lu Bingbing’s control.

Ye Yuwei glanced briefly at Yu Manting, who responded with a radiant smile like sunshine.

This only added to Ye Yuwei’s pressure.

Manting counted as an ally, but Yuwei knew Jiaqi harbored a grudge against Manting and always feared she’d be "snatched away."

If they truly built a supposed family-themed unit on stage, her relationship with Jiaqi might suffer serious strain.

But given the captain and Mr. Shen’s decisions, she had no choice but to comply. On the outside, they were seen as little idols, but inside the company, they were all Galaxy’s artists, its employees.

"Yuwei, Jiaqi, Manting, do any of you have thoughts?" Lu Bingbing asked routinely.

"I’ve got no problem, I’ll follow the company’s arrangement," Ye Yuwei smiled.

"Haha, then we’ll need to carefully study the script for the MC part," Manting said cheerfully with a smile.

Li Jiaqi didn’t say a word and kept her face completely neutral, but it was clear to everyone she was displeased.

Just as the group was about to start rehearsals, Mr. Shen suddenly walked in.

"Everyone, get ready. A director will be here in an hour to scout for actors."

Mr. Shen’s words instantly ignited excitement among them.

"Listen up, this time the director will personally select the actors. Everyone has a chance to be chosen, so make sure to show your best."

Now, the hearts of the group of girls pounded even harder.

According to company rules, resources were allocated based on rankings, but this only applied to projects Galaxy secured independently. When opportunities came from external requests, it all depended on their luck.

"Yuwei, do you think this film will be another of those low-budget web dramas?" Li Jiaqi quietly asked.

"Hard to say, but from how serious Mr. Shen seems, it ought to be decent,"

"Mr. Shen is always like this—never giving much information,"

"Perhaps the production team requested confidentiality!"

Ye Yuwei was equally nervous but wasn’t sure what exactly to prepare.

"Yuwei, are you nervous?" At that moment, Yu Manting walked over.

"Sort of," Ye Yuwei replied with a friendly smile, while Li Jiaqi stood to the side with a sour expression.

"I wonder what the director will be like. Hopefully not one of those bald-headed guys with a big beard."

"Haha! Manting, you’re so funny."

Seeing the two chatting and laughing, Li Jiaqi’s heart felt like it was drenched in a torrential downpour of jealousy.