Chapter 89: Jealousy in the Air

Hearing that Yi Nengjing had not yet signed an official contract with a record company, Yan Xu’s eyes lit up.

Moreover, her yearly salary of ten thousand New Taiwan dollars, which amounted to only two thousand five hundred Hong Kong dollars, was equivalent to the monthly wage of an average office worker in Hong Kong. Clearly, Flying Eagle Records did not pay her much attention, treating her as just another backup singer, which created an opportunity for Yan Xu.

“I think you sing very well. Would you like to develop your career in Hong Kong?” Yan Xu looked at Yi Nengjing as he spoke. Though he intended to recruit her, her agreement was necessary.

“To Hong Kong?” Yi Nengjing gazed at Yan Xu in astonishment, clearly taken aback by his offer.

“Yes!” Yan Xu nodded. “I own Dragon Records in Hong Kong, with assets of about twelve million New Taiwan dollars. While the company isn't especially large, it has a certain reputation in the industry. We have a complete set-up, including creative, production, and distribution departments, as well as our own recording studio. Artists like A Min and the hugely popular Tai Chi Band are both under my label.”

“In addition, our company is deeply invested in developing new talent. Soon, we’ll be launching two more bands—Blue Warriors and Beyond. A Min’s new album is also in preparation.” Yan Xu explained his company in detail. “I also have an artist management agency under my name, with a dedicated team to shape and manage our artists. For contracted artists, we offer a basic salary in addition to various work-related commissions. While not extravagant, it’s certainly higher than an average office worker’s wage.”

“You mean you want to sign me to Dragon Records?” Yi Nengjing looked at Yan Xu in a daze, almost unable to believe her ears.

Though Flying Eagle Records was founded by the current pop star Liu Wenzhen, the company was still in its infancy, both in terms of scale and reputation. It had yet to nurture a single successful singer or release an album, and couldn't compare to an established label like Yan Xu’s. His offer was like a golden opportunity falling into her lap.

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Yan Xu was in quite a good mood that day. Although Liu Wenzhen had shown appreciation for Yi Nengjing’s talent and she had only said she would consider his offer, Yan Xu could see the spark of interest in her eyes and expression.

The terms he offered were far superior to those from Flying Eagle Records, and he also promised to buy out her contract or pay any penalty fees, which would dispel her concerns entirely.

Yan Xu was confident that before leaving Taiwan, he would receive a call from Yi Nengjing.

Unlike Yan Xu’s cheerful mood, Zhou Huimin was clearly less enthusiastic than she had been when they first went out.

On the way back to the hotel, she didn’t say a word. Even Yan Xu, who could be slow on the uptake, sensed something was off, though he couldn’t quite figure out why.

“Why the long face?” As he walked Zhou Huimin to her room, Yan Xu couldn’t help but ask.

“It’s nothing. I’m just tired, you should head back.” Zhou Huimin opened her door but blocked the entrance with her arm, not allowing Yan Xu inside.

This time, Yan Xu truly noticed her odd behavior. He braced his hand against the door, preventing her from closing it.

Seeing she couldn’t keep him out, Zhou Huimin simply turned and walked into the room. Yan Xu followed and closed the door behind him.

“Who upset our precious A Min? You seemed fine just a moment ago.” Seeing her sit silently on the bed, Yan Xu circled her, trying to coax a reaction.

“Why are you still following me? Go find your little sweetheart.” Zhou Huimin was both annoyed and amused by Yan Xu’s cluelessness.

“My little sweetheart?” Yan Xu pondered her words, then realization dawned—she was jealous because of his enthusiasm toward Yi Nengjing.

“So, my little darling is jealous,” he teased, the tension in his heart melting away.

“Who’s your little darling?” Zhou Huimin twisted out of his embrace, pouting.

“You said yourself, she’s just a little girl, still wet behind the ears. What could I possibly see in her?” Yan Xu took her small hand, coaxing gently.

“How would I know what you see in her? You two were chatting so happily, and you even want to take her to Hong Kong.”

“Heaven knows I have no ulterior motives. I just think she has a good voice and image, with great potential. Besides, our company needs a lot of new talent.” Yan Xu hurried to explain. Although he did harbor some mischievous thoughts about recruiting beautiful stars, in this crucial moment, he brushed them aside.

“Hmph!” Zhou Huimin ignored him. She knew she was being a bit unreasonable, but a man should allow a woman her little moments of caprice.

“Alright, don’t be upset. As the company grows, there will only be more female singers. You can’t get jealous of every single one.” Yan Xu pulled her into his arms.

“You really have no other intentions?” Zhou Huimin gazed at him earnestly.

“Of course not!” Yan Xu shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum. “My heart is already full—with you. There’s no room for anyone else.”

“Really?” A faint sorrow faded from Zhou Huimin’s face.

“Absolutely!” Yan Xu nodded emphatically, bringing his lips close to her ear.

“From now on, I’ll cherish only you. I’ll spoil you, never deceive you. Every promise I make, I’ll keep. Every word I say to you will be true. I won’t bully or scold you. I’ll always trust you. If anyone ever wrongs you, I’ll be the first to stand by your side. When you’re happy, I’ll share in your joy. When you’re sad, I’ll do all I can to cheer you up. I’ll always think you’re the most beautiful, even in my dreams I want to see you. In my heart, there’s only you.”

Though these lines from “The Lion Roars in the East” may become commonplace in the future, even overused, at this moment they were the sweetest words, sure to touch a woman’s heart. Even many seasoned women would be moved, let alone Zhou Huimin, who was just blossoming into adulthood.

Yan Xu’s whisper made Zhou Huimin’s entire body melt; as if unable to control her feelings, she leaned into his arms and even offered him her lips.

After a lingering kiss, the two were nearly inseparable.

“No more unreasonable tantrums in the future,” Yan Xu teased, playing with her slender fingers, brushing the tip of her nose with his other hand.

“I’m sorry.” Zhou Huimin pressed her pretty face against his chest, her breath heavy, obviously trying to catch her breath after their passionate kiss.

“Is a simple sorry enough? Shouldn’t there be some gesture of apology?” Yan Xu joked, then whispered in her ear, “Tonight, I don’t want to leave.”

“Mmm.” The soft sound from her nose made Yan Xu pause in surprise; that barely audible hum echoed in his mind. Seeing Zhou Huimin lower her head, not daring to look at him, he could hardly believe his ears.

He had only meant to tease her, though in truth he wanted to stay. After nearly a year in this world, he hadn’t tasted intimacy even once. But knowing Zhou Huimin’s shy nature, he had planned to take things slow. He never expected that a casual question would yield such a response, sending his adrenaline surging.