She yearned for the entertainment industry, but was it really worth giving up everything?
Everyone around was watching Yuan Yanan, their smiles unwavering, seemingly accustomed to Nie Hongchen's ways.
"Yuan Yanan, it's a rare opportunity, don't be ungrateful."
"Yuan Yanan, think about your future. Young Master Nie is one of the most charming men on Xiang Island. There are thousands of beauties who wish to date him. Young Master is giving you face, don't be ignorant of the situation!"
Yuan Yanan was in a state of turmoil, unable to make a decision at the moment.
In times of panic, people subconsciously seek help from someone familiar.
And beside Yuan Yanan, the most familiar person was Lu Zhengxu.
However, when Yuan Yanan looked at Lu Zhengxu, she saw him on the outermost edge of the crowd, holding a drink, with a grin on his face, exchanging business cards like a lapdog.
This young master, who appeared successful and suave to outsiders, seemed like nothing but a dog at this moment.
"I'm sorry, Young Master Nie. My friends and I are just here on Xiang Island for a visit, not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry."
In a moment of crisis, Yuan Yanan suddenly found clarity in her heart.
She was willing to put in effort and time, but to sell her dignity, even her soul, was not an option.
If Nie Hongchen were pursuing her or considered her a talent worth nurturing and invited her to learning workshops, she wouldn't bat an eye regardless of the hard work required.
The entertainment industry is like this — only the top can stand out.
She could prepare for fair competition with other women, but she could not tolerate becoming a man's plaything.
All her life, she had never been able to control her own destiny!
She had fought all her life and couldn't give up now.
"Little girl, are you misunderstanding something? Young Master Nie's invitation is a demand. Do you think you have the right to refuse?"
A mogul from the entertainment industry coldly said.
He was the one who proactively offered Yuan Yanan his business card, speaking warmly like a benevolent elder.
Yet now, in the blink of an eye, he had turned into an ugly villain.
Yuan Yanan coldly stared at this person, and for a moment, suddenly realized who he was.
Although it was her first time seeing him, she knew of his reputation.
There are many villains and infamously notorious big shots in the entertainment industry.
This person was one of them, known as Evil Ghost Wolf.
If he set his sights on a beautiful woman, he would stop at nothing to force her.
A few years back, a Western star came to Xiang Island for a concert and was targeted by him, resulting in rumors spread by him.
In the end, the woman nearly lost her reputation and, although she managed to salvage her career, it came at a great cost.
According to insiders, the woman hadn't actually escaped Evil Ghost Wolf's entanglements.
He retreated only because the woman received help from another big shot.
Ironically, while Evil Ghost Wolf didn't succeed, another man took advantage.
Similar incidents have occurred countless times over the past 20 years.
It is said that over 300 innocent people have been ruined by Evil Ghost Wolf.
"Little girl, I advise you to think carefully. You're a college student. If people find out you're playing the field, life won't be easy at school,"
Evil Ghost Wolf said with a smile, showing his fangs.
If Yuan Yanan hadn't revealed her identity, it would have taken more effort on his part.
But with Yuan Yanan already having exposed herself, what was there to fear?
She was just a schoolgirl. Not to mention himself, even a few small-time thugs could deliver a fatal blow to her.
"Little student, think carefully. Whether you choose long-term pain or short-term pain, smart people know what to choose."
Zhao Yilian said enticingly, gently slapping Evil Ghost Wolf.
Evil Ghost Wolf chuckled, looking intoxicated.
Yuan Yanan's body trembled violently, staring at Zhao Yilian in disbelief.
As a major figure in the film industry, Zhao Yilian was almost universally known.
How could Yuan Yanan not recognize Zhao Yilian?
But she never expected that this woman, once seen as an idol, would know Evil Ghost Wolf.
The halo of the idol was crumbling, and the darkness of the entertainment industry seemed to seep into Yuan Yanan's soul.
Yuan Yanan's pretty face gradually turned pale.
A trace of sympathy flashed in Zhao Yilian's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.
Even though she and Yuan Yanan were both women, it didn't mean she would empathize or be soft-hearted.
On the contrary.
Because she was a woman, she understood Yuan Yanan's mindset better.
At this moment, Yuan Yanan was likely at her breaking point.
With just a little more pressure, Yuan Yanan would collapse immediately.
"Little student, you're actually not some great talent. Girls like you are everywhere. At ten plus, you're young and beautiful; in your twenties, you barely retain some charm; but once you're over thirty, you turn into an old hag."
"Youth is an asset. The sooner you realize this, the more beneficial it will be for your future life. You could consider it an investment, couldn't you?"
Zhao Yilian tempted.
At those words, laughter erupted around her.
Everyone looked at Yuan Yanan, their gazes filled with ridicule.
Regardless of whether Yuan Yanan agreed or not, she had no choice.
It was just a matter of whether it was voluntary or involuntary.
From the beginning, they hadn't planned on letting Yuan Yanan leave.
Not stepping into their circle was fine.
Once she approached voluntarily and they noticed, it was as if she was caught in a Black Hole, unable to escape no matter what method she tried.
Yuan Yanan thought this was just an interview, not realizing it was a trap that would melt even her bones.
Facing the increasingly terrifying atmosphere, fear filled Yuan Yanan's heart.
If she didn't agree, she might die, but if she did, while she might lose something, at least she would still be alive.
Seeing that Yuan Yanan was about to reach her limit, Nie Hongchen finally spoke.
"You said you have a few friends. Why not bring them over as well?"
"Don't let them come."
Yuan Yanan reflexively resisted.
It was fine for her to fall into the trap, but it was merely a case of reaping what she had sown personally. How could she drag her friends into this?
However, none of the people present took her seriously.
Lu Zhengxu immediately came forward, ingratiatingly speaking like a dog:
"Young Master Nie, she has two beauties with her, both over there."
Following Lu Zhengxu's hand, everyone's eyes lit up.
Yu Mengjie and Yan Fuya were indeed considered beauties, but what shocked them the most was Luo Meixiang.
Luo Meixiang was among these people as well.
Why was Luo Meixiang chatting with a group of students?
And it seemed Luo Meixiang was the one taking the initiative, while the man speaking to Luo Meixiang was merely responding casually, not showing much initiative.
Nie Hongchen immediately frowned.
"Aren't you students? How do you know Luo Meixiang?"
Nie Hongchen said coldly.
Luo Meixiang also hailed from the mainland, but was unlike ordinary mainland people.
The importance of the mainland had far surpassed that of Xiang Island.
In recent years, the Xiang Island capitalists, outwardly still looking glamorous, knew the truth within.
Xiang Island had no special importance anymore; it was merely holding on for valuation.
Others might think that way, but as an important member of the entertainment circle, Nie Hongchen couldn't think like that.
The entertainment industry is deeply intertwined with economic status.
If a place is no longer special and lacks economic progress, no matter how good the entertainment content, its uniqueness is lost.
Over the past ten years, Nie Hongchen's family's assets had shrunk considerably, nearly halved due to the decreasing value of entertainment resources.
Luo Meixiang was invited here because he wanted to use the banquet to showcase his strengths and offer Luo Meixiang a deal.
Many thoughts flashed through Nie Hongchen's mind, eventually returning to one question.
Why was Luo Meixiang mingling with this group of students?
Who was the man Luo Meixiang was speaking to?