While most eyes were on Jiang Cheng, a middle-aged woman sitting to the side looked distracted.
She kept glancing at her watch, a hint of anxiety on her face.
Finally, as though she'd made up her mind, she stood and strode quickly toward the exit.
Before she reached the door, however, she saw Yang Mi leading Reba in hurriedly from outside.
"Oh, thank goodness you two are here!"
Yang Mi caught her breath and said, "We just came from a show; the moment it ended we rushed straight over."
"Good, good. While you were away a few small companies have already landed script investments. Our Company productions never lack backers, but keeping friendly ties with these investors still matters."
Without pausing, the woman turned to Reba and added, "Stay with Yang Mi later—carry yourself with poise."
"Got it, don't worry—I won't slip up!"
Today's event was a modest investors' mixer jointly hosted by Company and several other film-and-TV firms.
As one of Company's shareholders, Yang Mi's stake wasn't large, yet the title often proved useful.
For instance, when facing these financiers she could afford to be less deferential.
With practiced grace she lifted two champagne flutes and handed one to Reba.
Then, smiling, she swayed gently from group to group, greeting the investors.
When she reached Jiang Cheng's vicinity she saw him deep in animated talk with Li Songbo, Wang Congcong and several others.
The two women stopped in silent accord, waiting at a polite distance.
Li Songbo was enthusiastically introducing the man beside him: "This is President Chen, Chen Bin, CEO of Penguin Pictures…"
After the introductions he noticed some still didn't know Jiang Cheng.
So he presented Jiang Cheng once more, with emphasis.
"Gentlemen, this is President Jiang Cheng of Xingchen Investment—he just led the Series D for TikTok. You've heard the figure, right? Over a billion US dollars, all from Chairman Jiang alone."
Gasps rippled through the circle.
Jiang Cheng's youth seemed wildly out of sync with such spending power.
Yang Mi and Reba exchanged a telling glance.
Both instantly recognized Su Wan standing beside Jiang Cheng; they were all too familiar with the competition.
In fact, they quietly vied for the same spotlight.
Su Wan was a fast-rising starlet who had burst into public view via a low-budget web drama.
Xingchen Entertainment Company had since poured massive resources into promoting her, pushing her online buzz ever higher.
Though her fame still lagged behind Yang Mi or Reba, her upward curve was steep.
Barely months after her last contract change, Su Wan had already booked several major leading roles.
All were still shooting; none had aired yet.
Once post-production and censorship cleared, those shows could detonate her popularity.
Yang Mi tugged Reba aside; Reba whispered, "Sister Mi, what's up? Aren't we toasting the others?"
Yang Mi patted her hand. "Wait until they finish. Never cut in on business talk."
Reba nodded obediently.
Just then Yang Mi spotted a backless-gown starlet heading their way.
She shot Reba a look and tried to steer them away.
Too late—the woman reached them first.
Smiling brightly she asked, "Mimi, you're here. Since your firm co-hosts tonight, who's that handsome man over there?"
Everyone sensed Jiang Cheng was no ordinary guest, yet no one knew his real story.
Yang Mi, irked, still halted politely.
Seeing the woman's flirtatious air, Yang Mi curved a half-smile. "Why, Sister Liu Yan, I didn't know you liked fresh meat?"
Liu Yan wasn't rattled; she knew the jab referred to her habit of courting older tycoons—standard practice here.
Yet she looked puzzled: "He's… an actor? He doesn't seem the type."
"Hardly. He's president of Xingchen Entertainment Company," Yang Mi replied lightly.
Realization dawned on Liu Yan; excitement sparkled in her eyes.
"So that's him! Do you know him? Could you introduce me—maybe land me some investment?"
Yang Mi's expression cooled. "We're not acquainted. But I heard Lin Ru's fall was on his order, all because of Su Wan. And tonight he brought Su Wan here—get the picture?"
At those words Liu Yan's eagerness evaporated.
She gave a wry smile. "Thanks for the heads-up, sis."
Once Liu Yan left, Reba whispered, "Sister Mi, is he really that powerful?"
Yang Mi frowned. "He erased the once-red-hot Lin Ru overnight—what do you think?"
Reba nodded, stunned.
"I've told you: in this circle our choices are limited. We may be stars, but many of our chances come from these investors—they can give or take them at will."
Reba nodded again, chastened.