Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 40 A Woman's Heart

The warm water rippled gently in the bathtub. Fu Yibai's fingers, which were stroking Fan Binbin's wet hair, did not stop. His deep gaze, however, remained fixed on her flushed face as he calmly examined her.

"Terminating the contract is no small matter."

His voice sounded deep in the steam.

"Huayi will not easily let people go, especially when you are at the highest value."

Breach of contract penalties, resource swaps, and even relationships within the industry can all be very troublesome.

"I know."

Fan Binbin raised her face, her eyes unusually clear, her former charm and languor replaced by an almost sharp determination.

"I can afford the penalty for breach of contract right now, including my salary for 'Caught in the Web', the advance payment for the endorsements I've received these past few days, and my own savings."

As for resources…

She paused, a complex smile playing on her lips.

"I have a good relationship with Sister Hua. I can try to take some of her connections and projects with me."

Most importantly—

She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pressing her body even closer to him in the water, and spoke each word clearly.

I want to give myself to you.

My career, my future, I want to be tied to you.

I know that Chenxi is signing artists now, and I also know that Lin Wei is contacting new talents.

But I'm different from them, Yi Bai.

I can offer you more than just acting.

Her subtext was crystal clear.

Fan Binbin is an established star with huge popularity, commercial value, and status in the industry.

If she joins Chenxi, she can not only immediately enhance the reputation of the artist management department, but also use her influence to support company projects, attract resources, and even become a flagship of Chenxi Media in the entertainment industry.

At the same time, this also means that she will completely give up the top spot she could have obtained at Huayi and the existing resource network, and bet her future entirely on Fu Yibai and Chenxi Media.

This is an extreme form of trust, and also a high-stakes gamble.

Fu Yibai remained silent for a moment, and the water temperature in the bathtub seemed to be slowly decreasing.

He was certainly aware of Fan Binbin's value.

Signing her will instantly elevate Chenxi Media's artist portfolio, giving them a significant advantage in business negotiations.

Moreover, as she said, unlike those newcomers who need to be trained from scratch, she is a ready-made "ace".

But risks also exist.

The potential backlash from Huayi, the possible controversy surrounding their potential poaching within the industry, and the management complexity that might result from deeply tying such close personal relationships to the company's interests... all need to be weighed.

"Have you thought this through?"

Fu Yibai finally spoke, but his voice betrayed little emotion.

"Following me and signing an agency contract with me are two different things."

The latter means that at work, you must also accept the company's plans and constraints, follow Lin Wei's arrangements, and even, when necessary, make way for other projects or newcomers in the company.

The company also takes a cut from your personal business activities.

Romantic relationships cannot supersede company rules.

His words were calm, even somewhat cold, but Fan Binbin could hear the seriousness in them.

He wasn't rejecting her; rather, he was confirming whether she was ready to transform from a pampered girlfriend and celebrity into an artist under his management who needed to follow the rules and might even suffer some "grievances."

"I've thought it through."

Fan Binbin did not hesitate at all, his eyes burning with determination.

"When I was filming 'Caught in the Web' with you, I realized that under your guidance, I could get the best roles and unleash potential I never thought I had."

Rather than being a "top star" at Huayi, someone who gets manipulated and used to exchange for resources, I'd rather see how far I can go within the system you've created.

I understand the rules, and I will respect Lin Wei's wishes.

As for supporting newcomers... as long as it benefits the company as a whole and you, I'm willing.

She leaned closer, her nose almost touching his, her voice low and seductive.

"Besides, if you sign me, I'll be completely yours, inside and out, right?"

You can use it however you like...

The last sentence has a double meaning, and is infinitely beautiful.

Looking into her eyes, which held a mixture of ambition, admiration, and desperation, Fu Yibai felt the scales in his heart finally tip.

The risks are manageable, the benefits are huge, and besides, she's his woman.

He reached out, lifted her chin, and gently stroked her luscious lips with his thumb.

"it is good."

He gave an affirmative answer, his tone still calm, yet carrying a decisive force.

"I'll handle this."

Don't show any reaction yet. Just continue with your normal work and schedule.

Zhao Qi, Lin Wei, and I will develop a plan to minimize the cost of terminating the contract and strive for a peaceful transition.

If Huayi reacts strongly... I will handle it.

Upon hearing the words "I will handle it," Fan Binbin's last trace of anxiety vanished.

She knew that Fu Yibai would always keep his promises.

A tremendous sense of security and belonging overwhelmed her, and she nodded vigorously, a hint of tears welling up in her eyes.

"Okay! I'll do whatever you say!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, she kissed Fu Yibai again, more passionately and intensely than before, as if she wanted to entrust her entire determination and future to him through this kiss.

Fu Yibai responded to her, his hand sliding underwater and tracing its way across her smooth back.

The water rippled violently once again, this time with less probing and scheming, and more of a sense of indulgence and harmony after confirming ownership.

In the misty steam, two figures intertwined tightly, completely shutting out the noise of the victory celebration, leaving only their mingled breaths and the sound of water.

……

After an unknown amount of time, Fu Yibai wrapped Fan Binbin in a bath towel, carried her out of the bathroom, and placed her on the soft bed in the bedroom.

Fan Binbin was so tired that she could barely keep her eyes open, but a satisfied and relieved smile was on her lips, and her fingers were unconsciously gripping his arm.

Fu Yibai covered her with the blanket, then walked to the window and lit a cigarette.

As the city lights dimmed in the night, he calmly outlined the next steps.

Signing Fan Binbin is not just a business transaction, but also a strong signal.

This means that Morning Light Media has officially taken a strong stance in the competition for top artists, and it also means that its relationship with Huayi Brothers may change from a potential partner to a direct competitor.

"Huayi..."

Fu Yibai exhaled a puff of smoke, his eyes flickering uncertainly in the night.

The Wang Zhongjun brothers are not easy opponents, but they are not insurmountable either.

The key lies in the resources and timing.

Lin Wei also needs to be informed in advance.

The sudden appointment of a top-tier female star as an artist under the company is a test of her management skills and the company's resource allocation.

We must ensure smooth internal integration and avoid internal friction.