Li Qianqian paused, the pen in her hand hovering for a moment before she set it down on the desk. She picked up her phone and made a call.
"One of the artists kicked in my door. Come up and handle it."
Upon hearing this, Li Baichi couldn't keep his seat. After Li Qianqian hung up, he snapped, "Who did you call? Li Qianqian, what is the meaning of this? Is your door made of gold? What’s the big deal about one kick! Do you really think I won't quit?"
"Suit yourself. You’re an artist with zero value—what leverage do you think you have to be acting so arrogant?"
Li Qianqian didn't even glance at him again; she picked up her black fountain pen and went back to work.
Li Baichi was beside himself, but before he could speak, security guards flooded into the room. Yu Shushu, who had been summoned by a phone call as well, followed behind them. She was furious, unable to fathom how someone as old as Li Baichi could be so foolish.
"Qianqian, I’m so sorry. Baichi… he didn't mean it. He’s just been in a bad headspace lately. I’m sorry for the trouble."
"Yu Shushu, this is the last time. If there is a next time and he still can’t manage his most basic emotions, then he should just go home and farm. As for you, signing an artist who doesn't even understand basic manners makes me question your professional competence."
Yu Shushu’s face paled, and she keenly sensed that Li Qianqian was no longer willing to coddle Li Baichi.
Li Baichi’s explosive temper could not tolerate Li Qianqian insulting the woman he liked. He shoved the coffee table over, sending it crashing to the floor with a cacophony of shattering glass.
"Li Qianqian, who the hell do you think you are? What makes you so superior? Is Shushu someone you’re allowed to bully?"
"Baichi…" Yu Shushu looked at the scene, her heart racing with fear.
"What are you all standing around for? Are you here to watch a show?" Li Qianqian asked in a cold voice, looking at the stunned security guards.
The guards had no choice but to step forward and restrain Li Baichi. Because he had always enjoyed Ms. Li’s favoritism, they were at a loss for how to act.
The head of security stood his ground under immense pressure. "Sister Qianqian, how should we handle him?"
"Treat him just as you would anyone else—no exceptions. Send him the bill for the damages."
When Li Qianqian spoke these words, everyone realized she was no longer protecting Li Baichi.
"Fine! You actually dare to make me pay?" Li Baichi was beside himself with rage.
No matter how unwilling he was, he was forcibly escorted downstairs by the security guards, shouting insults the entire way.
"Li Qianqian, sooner or later, you bastard, you’ll regret this! You’ll be on your knees begging for my forgiveness!"
Yu Shushu felt exhausted listening to him. "Baichi, this is the office. Watch your image."
"What are you afraid of? It’s going to be my company eventually anyway. Let’s see who dares to gossip about this!"
Li Baichi couldn't have cared less. Once they were downstairs, the guards let him go.
Yu Shushu didn't know how to reason with him; all his confidence was predicated on Li Qianqian’s willingness to protect him.
Most people had seen the drama clearly. A few of his sycophants asked cautiously, "Brother Baichi, is the party tonight still happening?"
"Of course! What are you all staring at? Haven't you ever seen siblings fight? We’re blood, she’s not actually going to cut ties with me!"
Li Baichi thought viciously that he would spend a fortune tonight—revenge spending just to spite Li Qianqian.
As Yu Shushu walked him toward her office, she asked in a low voice, "Baichi, you two fought so hard—did she mention the second male lead for *Epiphyllum*?"
"Don't worry. She said she’d give it to me. Today’s argument was just a small thing; she was mad because I kicked the door. That’s just a habit of mine—I can't just change it like that. She’s not like you."
Li Baichi knew that Shushu cared deeply about the role, so he said what he could to put her mind at ease. It would be his in the end, regardless.
Yu Shushu was visibly relieved. His last remark sparked a special feeling in her; Baichi truly respected her, and he only ever treated her with such courtesy.
"The Fu Group has a branch opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. They need a few artists for piano and performances. Did she mention anything about that to you?"
"No, but don't worry, Sister Shushu. I’ll make her give it to you."
Li Baichi agreed without a second thought. Even though he was advocating for someone else, they were all artists under Sister Shushu, so the commissions would go to her anyway. Besides, Li Qianqian wasn't short on money, and she certainly wouldn't care about a few minor resources. As for those pathetic nobodies under Li Qianqian’s management—they didn't even know how to curry favor. They were an eyesore; he’d rather see them buried in obscurity for the rest of their lives.
"Is that really okay…?" Yu Shushu asked, pretending to be hesitant.
"It’s fine. My sister doesn't have an eye for these minor resources anyway. It’s all for your career. She doesn't have the ambition for it; letting her hold onto those resources is just a waste."
Li Baichi looked down on everyone Li Qianqian had signed.
***
At seven in the evening, most of the company’s artists gathered at the largest restaurant in Jing City.
Only the five artists under Li Qianqian were not on the guest list. Some people wanted to curry favor with Li Baichi by mocking them, but none of them were there.
Gu Shinian had narrowly avoided the mockery by mere minutes; he had left the office just before that group came looking for him.
"Sister Qianqian, where are we going?"
"Yunhexuan."
"Li Baichi didn't invite me." Gu Shinian was well aware of the extravagant feast that everyone in the company had been gossiping about all day. He had been understated; it wasn't just that Li Baichi hadn't invited him—he had explicitly barred him from attending.
"We aren't going to his banquet. I’m taking you to meet someone. You play the piano very well, and the Fu Group’s ribbon-cutting ceremony happens to have a need. Whether or not you get selected depends on you."
Li Qianqian’s words left Gu Shinian momentarily dazed. It felt surreal. Still, he nodded. "Thank you, Sister Qianqian. I will do my best."
At Yunhexuan, Li Qianqian had specifically booked a private room and had the restaurant prepare a piano. Since the establishment featured musical performances, it wasn't difficult.
When they arrived, they happened to run into Li Baichi and his group.
Someone whispered, "Baichi, your sister is here too. Did she come to apologize to you?"
"Probably. And she brought someone else who’s an eyesore. Nobody is allowed to talk to her!"
Li Baichi was arrogant, feeling a surge of triumph. *So, she couldn't take it anymore and came to bow her head? Too late!*
"That might not be a good idea, Brother Baichi, after all…"
"Whoever dares to disobey me can get out," Li Baichi threatened.
No one dared to argue. Offending Li Qianqian usually resulted in nothing, but offending Li Baichi meant having no future in the company. Everyone pretended not to see Li Qianqian and kept quiet.
Li Baichi walked up to the front desk and spoke loudly on purpose: "I’ve booked the third floor. I don't want those two entering. You’re such a large restaurant, try to be thorough! I don't want to see eyesores!"
With that, he turned and headed upstairs without glancing at Li Qianqian.
"Brother Baichi, you were so imposing just now! But now that your sister has swallowed her pride, are you really not going to give her any face at all?"
"If she just leaves, won't it be someone else's gain? Has the contract for *Epiphyllum*’s second male lead been signed?"
"It was signed ages ago. It’s mine by right. You guys are all just overreacting. As if she’d dare to leave!"
Li Baichi basked in the flattery, his ego perfectly satisfied.