Headquarters of Jinglan Leji Entertainment Group Co., Ltd.

Dressed with boss-like confidence, Nangong Yao had come today strictly for business. Accompanying him were Nangong Ruihui and his secretary—just three people total.

Nangong Yao hadn’t risen to lead Jinglan City’s top clan by relying on showy entourages. He brought his secretary purely for convenience—to handle formalities so he wouldn’t need to explain every detail himself.

Five minutes earlier—

“Ruihui, we’ll be at the Xia Clan’s company soon. Nervous?” In this moment, Nangong Yao sounded like a genuine father.

“Not really. But Dad… this is the first time you’ve brought me to discuss such a big deal. Never happened before.”

“Haha,” Nangong Yao laughed heartily. “Wrong. I’m not here to talk—you are.”

“Me? Talk to them? No way…”

“Relax. And once we’re inside, don’t call me ‘Dad.’ Call me ‘Chairman.’”

“Got it.”

Nangong Yao had his own plan. This meeting wasn’t highly formal; he and Leji Entertainment’s president had only drafted a preliminary contract online. Major deals rarely closed in one go—too many factors to weigh. Perfect chance for Nangong Ruihui to gain experience and see if his daughter had the knack.

...

After greetings, the other side felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it. Seeing someone so young represent the Nangong Clan in negotiations was rare. The other party was merely Leji Entertainment’s president. Nangong Ruihui felt she could handle it. Her father showing up personally was already beneath his dignity—but it wasn’t the Xia Clan’s fault; they’d arrived abruptly.

“President Zhou, you know why we’re here, right?” Nangong Ruihui offered a professional smile and got straight to the point.

“Yes. Regarding the acquisition of your headquarters.”

At that, nearby employees peeked toward the curtain partition, wondering which bold tycoon dared propose buying Leji Entertainment. When had a listed company ever been such a bargain?

“I’ve checked with higher-ups,” President Zhou’s female secretary said respectfully, handing Nangong Ruihui a document. “They agree the Nangong Clan may invest—a win-win. Maximum stake offered: 8%.”

“8%? You’ve misunderstood. We’re here for a full acquisition.”

Nangong Ruihui slammed the document on the table, voice steady and firm.

If the earlier comment was a small bullet, this was an intercontinental missile. Even President Zhou, with over a decade of experience, nearly lost his composure. Truly, the Nangong Clan’s boldness was unmatched.

All key points had been settled online. This meeting was only to confirm intent—no compromises. Full acquisition. Total control.

“Sir, please calm down,” President Zhou said politely, despite Nangong Ruihui’s youthful look. “Do you know what 1% of our shares sold for three years ago?”

“Seven million. Now fifteen million.”

“Heh~ Seems Sir knows our company well,” President Zhou replied with a cold chuckle.

Nangong Ruihui had done her homework. Nangong Yao had given her every detail. Public share prices were always inflated—he didn’t mind a slight markup. Speed mattered most.

“President Zhou, no beating around the bush. We wouldn’t be here if we couldn’t afford it. Are you looking down on the Nangong Clan?” Her tone sharpened.

“In USD.”

Those three words stunned everyone. Even Nangong Yao frowned. The Nangong Clan’s total assets barely reached tens of billions. Acquiring Leji Entertainment would be a massive drain. At this transparency level, deception was impossible. Few companies in Jinglan City could rival Leji Entertainment. The entertainment industry’s scale was terrifying. Fortunately, the Xia Clan’s other ventures were just small fry—another Leji would’ve threatened the Nangong Clan’s top status.

“Stakes under 8% are acceptable. Full sale isn’t on the table. You’re welcome to visit again~” President Zhou smoothly eased the tension.

“Ruihui, Xiao Wang—let’s go.”

Nangong Yao’s pride was truly wounded. Leji’s valuation far exceeded estimates. Proceeding would be an unprecedented gamble. Likely the Xia Clan’s quiet refusal.

As they left, Nangong Ruihui’s eyes caught a promotional poster. The artist looked strikingly like Mu Yao. She paused.

Outside the building, she stopped. “Dad… are we still acquiring?”

“No. Too costly. Building our own is smarter. Great artists plus solid promotion? Success is just a matter of time.”

Nangong Yao had made up his mind. Advertising dollars beat reckless buys. The acquisition plan was scrapped.

“I agree,” Nangong Ruihui nodded.

“Once the new company launches, you’ll be its legal representative. Let’s see what you can do.”

He trusted her again. She had business sense—just needed the stage. This was her chance.

“Dad… I’m still in school! And I’m not even eighteen!”

Legal age for a company representative was eighteen. He was rushing things. Education still mattered…

“By eighteen, the company should be stable. Also—how’s the search for a partner going? Don’t tell me you ignored that too,” Nangong Yao pressed.

“I… I found someone…”

“Really?!” Dejection flipped to delight. “Bring them home next time. I’ll vet them. From your academy?”

“Mm~”

Suddenly, Nangong Ruihui linked Mu Yao to that poster artist. The resemblance was uncanny. The “partner” claim was pure nonsense—she’d blurted it to dodge pressure. Mu Yao? Impossible. If Dad found out she liked girls… he’d punish her severely.

Spotting Xiao Wang snickering nearby, Nangong Yao turned the heat on him. “Xiao Wang, once Ruihui officially takes over, you’ll leave my side.”

“Huh?! What did I do wrong, Chairman?”

“Nothing. You’ll be her secretary.”