Closer to Revealing My True Self-Chapter 82 - 77 I believe in you! (Subscribe and vote for monthly tickets)_1

Chapter 82: Chapter 77 I believe in you! (Subscribe and vote for monthly tickets)_1

The moment he arrived at the venue, Feng Yi knew by the smell that Lu Yue hadn’t lied to him!

Qianli Group indeed had a generous spirit!

The ingredients and dishes were well considered; although they weren’t exactly luxurious, and those accustomed to a higher standard of living might turn up their noses, they were still presentable.

Sniffing these aromas, Feng Yi felt even hungrier. He hadn’t eaten much that morning, having only breakfasted at the hotel’s restaurant before coming straight here.

He couldn’t eat much at the hotel restaurant, and he hadn’t stopped for food on his way out, thinking of checking the venue first.

If there was plenty to eat here, then he would indulge; if not, he would leave early to find a meal. He couldn’t risk his brain becoming undernourished!

After pinpointing the dining area, Feng Yi quickly devised a grazing route in his mind, doing his best to avoid cameras and the security staff at the venue.

Eat from two plates, then switch to another spot.

After completing one round, start another.

Not eating excessively at any one place, he wouldn’t draw too much attention. Also, walking from one dining area to another at a leisurely pace gave Feng Yi time to digest some of the food.

His stomach had been working hard lately and was highly efficient.

So even though he ate a lot, it didn’t show.

"Feng Yi?"

Someone called him, with a voice that sounded somewhat familiar.

Feng Yi looked over.

Oh, he remembered now, an actor he had worked with on a web series.

The other person was two years younger than Feng Yi. Before starring in that web series, he too was as obscure as Feng Yi, with hardly any fame.

What was his name? Ning something?

Feng Yi couldn’t remember.

After leaving the industry, Feng Yi had lost interest in the entertainment circle, and with so much occupying his brain, he didn’t bother to remember other things.

Ning Zhixiao looked at Feng Yi with astonishment in his eyes.

He hadn’t expected to see Feng Yi here.

Last year, like Feng Yi, he had also been an unknown, quietly making his way in the entertainment industry.

But after that web series became popular, opportunities for him increased. With Feng Yi giving up the entertainment track, the resources that might have been snapped up by Feng Yi were now divided among others like him.

Strictly speaking, Ning Zhixiao had benefitted from Feng Yi’s departure from the industry.

Ning Zhixiao took off his mask and sat opposite Feng Yi.

Seeing Feng Yi here, he felt quite nervous.

In that web series, besides the leads, Feng Yi was the most popular.

Among the supporting cast, even if Feng Yi’s parts were fewer than his, Feng Yi was still the most popular.

But such was the entertainment industry for those without a solid foundation: they would rise quickly and fade just as fast; they were only momentarily internet-famous.

Now, Feng Yi had been sitting here half the day, and no one recognized him.

He had become a nobody, Ning Zhixiao thought.

But looking at Feng Yi’s face, although it was a bit darker than before, why did it seem more threatening than during the days of shooting the web series?

It didn’t seem like he had had plastic surgery.

"I didn’t expect to see you here," Ning Zhixiao said.

"A friend gave me an invitation, and I’m just here to eat," replied Feng Yi.

"I haven’t heard from you in a long time. Are you still in the industry?"

"Not anymore."

Feng Yi picked up a cup and took a sip of water, slowly digesting the food in his stomach. He was in a good mood, and his tone was light.

After a careful look at Feng Yi, Ning Zhixiao’s smile became more genuine. With no more competition in the industry, there were no conflicts of interest.

"So what are you doing now? I heard there was some trouble with your studio, but it got resolved later?"

"Yeah, it got resolved," Feng Yi didn’t elaborate.

Ning Zhixiao, however, started talking about his own experiences.

After the web series became a hit, he signed with an agency and participated in two variety shows. The shows laid a foundation for some public recognition.

This month, he would join another variety show, attend various training courses, and run around for events. He was brought here today by his agent, just to broaden his horizons and network for more opportunities.

Compared to many newcomers, Ning Zhixiao wasn’t a big name, but he certainly had more opportunities than others still struggling to make it.

"What about you?" Ning Zhixiao looked towards Feng Yi.

"I’m doing okay. No worries about food or drink," Feng Yi said with a smile.

Ning Zhixiao was silent. He didn’t believe Feng Yi’s words; even if food and drink weren’t worries, the quality of life couldn’t be high.

Many of the foods at the Qianli Group’s anniversary celebration’s outdoor dining area seemed quite ordinary to him now, but Feng Yi seemed to really enjoy them just now, even cherishing every single grain of rice, as if he hadn’t eaten well in ages.

Still, if one considered the food from an ordinary person’s perspective, it was indeed okay.

Having been trained well, Ning Zhixiao didn’t let his thoughts show. He smiled and chatted with Feng Yi for a few more moments before standing up and saying, "My agent’s looking for me, I’ll leave first. Let’s catch up when we have the chance."

"Catch up soon."

Feng Yi also needed to move on to the next dining area.

Packing up his utensils and putting on his mask, he stood up and walked away.

Ning Zhixiao’s agent had brought three artists here, all new faces, with Ning Zhixiao among them.

"Who were you talking to just now?" Ning Zhixiao’s agent asked.

"Feng Yi."

"Who?"

Ning Zhixiao briefly recounted Feng Yi’s story.

His agent remembered, "No wonder he looked familiar. The company had planned to sign him at that time. I heard he established his own studio, was swindled by his partner to the point of coughing up blood, and had no choice but to leave the industry?"

Many people knew about Feng Yi’s matter, but couldn’t match the name to the face. Sometimes, when the company signed new talents, they would mention Feng Yi’s situation without naming names. They would refer to a potential new star who could have made it big but ended up being swindled by their own studio and was forced out of the industry by creditors.

Ning Zhixiao said, "Yes. But just now, I also heard that his studio closed, but he’s settled his debts and doesn’t plan to continue in the industry."

His agent remarked casually, "He doesn’t look like he’s struggling in life, or as if he’s been bled dry by being swindled. It’s a pity for someone with such good looks not to be in show business."

"Alright, let’s talk business! I’ve already told you the purpose of bringing you here. Listen and observe more, deal with fans or reporters as you see fit. Let’s see how much you’ve retained from those training sessions. This is also a test for you. Even if you don’t gain much, getting your face out there is good. You might have more opportunities to compete for endorsements under Qianli Group’s brands in the future..."

While they were discussing, they saw Feng Yi walking quickly towards the exit of the venue. Shortly after, a man dressed in business attire approached him, courteously said something to Feng Yi, and then walked away with him.

Ning Zhixiao’s agent watched them for a moment, then said, "You guys go ahead and mingle for a while. I’ll step away for a bit."

Ning Zhixiao’s agent followed behind Feng Yi and the others.

He recognized the man from before; that was Lu Yue’s assistant.

He had also done his homework. For the Qianli Group, he remembered several key figures, as well as their assistants and secretaries.

On the other side.

Feng Yi was originally planning to dine at the next dining area, but halfway there, he received a call from Lu Yue asking if he had arrived at the venue. Knowing that Feng Yi was already there, Lu Yue asked him to come over and appraise a batch of goods first.

Lu Yue had a tight schedule that day. If they could appraise the goods earlier, the backstage work could be immediately arranged.

Feng Yi had already eaten one meal; although he wasn’t full, he wasn’t hungry either. He could go and appraise now since he was quick at it.

There weren’t many people on a small path outside the venue where Lu Yue was waiting.

"Have you eaten? Otherwise, shall we grab something to eat before we go?" Lu Yue asked.

"No need, I just had something in the dining area. It was quite tasty," Feng Yi replied.

Lu Yue laughed, "Hey, after ending two months of field research, everything tastes good! By the way, I forgot to ask last time, how many points do you get for participating in one of these field research activities?"

Actually, after returning from Feng Yi’s place last time, Lu Yue’s father asked about it, which prompted him to remember. He checked online and found that the research team had many rewards. Different teams, different years, different positions—the points varied, but overall, they were substantial!

"Just over a thousand," Feng Yi replied.

"Holy crap! That’s a lot!"

Lu Yue slapped Feng Yi’s shoulder, genuinely shocked by the number of points. If he had the skill to catch snakes like Feng Yi, he would have signed up too! Two months is nothing, the hardship is worth it for over a thousand points!

"Come on, let’s talk as we walk."

Lu Yue felt that someone like Feng Yi, who could accumulate points so easily, was worth getting to know better. Perhaps one day he might need Feng Yi’s help with those points.

Ning Zhixiao’s agent watched as they walked away.

He knew Lu Yue, one of the younger generation of key figures with real power in Qianli Group.

Seeing how Lu Yue talked to Feng Yi, it was almost like they were good buddies rather than having a business-like attitude.

After returning, Ning Zhixiao’s agent said to him, "You should try to connect with Feng Yi more in the future."

The other two artists, upon hearing this, were curious.

"Is there really... you know, that kind of deal?"

The agent looked at them annoyed, "What are you thinking about!"

He then asked Ning Zhixiao, "Does Feng Yi really have no background?"

Ning Zhixiao looked puzzled, "Seems like he doesn’t. It was pretty tough for him when he joined the crew. Why go through all that trouble if he had connections?"

The agent clicked his tongue lightly, "That proves he’s keeping a low profile! Also, don’t bring up his being forced out of the industry anymore. There might be misinformation in those rumors."

----

Feng Yi followed Lu Yue to the backstage of the indoor venue.

The clothing to be featured in the new product show was all there.

"To prevent reporters from sneaking in and taking pictures, we have stationed guards," Lu Yue explained.

Along the way, Feng Yi saw several guards in black suits.

Whether they were guarding against journalists or someone else, Feng Yi didn’t ask. He took Lu Yue’s word for it; there was no need to be overly curious about such matters.

"It’s just inside here."

Lu Yue pushed open the door, "There’s also someone inside responsible for guarding the new arrivals room."

Once inside, Lu Yue introduced the items to Feng Yi.

These were new products from various brands under Qianli Group, yet to hit the market. Some would be launched by the end of the year, while others would come out next year.

Among them, a few sets were too extravagant, obviously not meant for ordinary occasions or affordable to the average person.

A few other sets were unique and eye-catching. The rest, more or less, all had their special features.

"...These few sets are designed by top global masters. The material and tailoring are beyond reproach. Apart from a few people inside our group, nobody else has seen them," Lu Yue pointed out the centerpiece sets and said to Feng Yi.

The new products had been hyped up during the anniversary event without releasing any pictures, whetting the audience’s appetite, all in anticipation of their debut at today’s celebration. For this, Qianli Group had a whole set of promotional plans. Therefore, before they officially hit the runway, everything had to be kept confidential. If photos were leaked, it would greatly diminish the impact of the show.

Feng Yi was supposed to sign a confidentiality agreement, but Lu Yue changed his mind at the last minute.

"We’ve collaborated more than once, and I know your character. I haven’t prepared any of those confidentiality agreements," Lu Yue said, grabbing Feng Yi’s arm with a trustful look in his eyes as if entrusting his back to a comrade in battle, "I trust you!"

Feng Yi seemed moved by the trust and just smiled without saying anything.

Inwardly—

You trust my ass! Your assistant’s bag still has a stack of documents in it! Just now your assistant took out most of them, and after you spoke, he put them back in!

The smell of printing toner and paper, their changes detected, was accurately captured by Feng Yi’s olfactory system.

Although his eyes didn’t see it, his sense of smell "saw" everything!