It took some effort for the women to finally console Liu Xue out of her tears. At that moment, Yi Xiaorou, Cheng Susu, and the others, learning that I planned to have lunch with everyone, rushed home mid-meal. Zhang Xiaoya suggested the Galaxy International Hotel, but Liu Xue was afraid that if she went there, she wouldn't be able to leave once Ah Long and the two female assistants saw her. Thus, everyone ended up going to Cai Bao'er’s family's Haitian Hotel for lunch.

When we drove up, we saw Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er already waiting cheerfully at the entrance. They were huge fans of Liu Xue. Hearing that the star was coming to dine with them, they showed up proactively without waiting for my permission, as if afraid I might try to stop them.

The two clapped their hands foolishly, exclaiming, "Welcome, welcome, a warm welcome! It truly brings radiance to our humble abode that Superstar Liu graces the Haitian Hotel with her presence."

Liu Xue assumed they were just admiring fans and was about to bypass them when Zhao Fang pointed at Zhu Da and said to Liu Xue, "Sister Liu, we told you that you don't need to worry about anything. The Yamaguchi-gumi, the Qinglian Gang—are they really stronger than the Brotherhood Alliance?"

Liu Xue couldn't help but scrutinize Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er. She was surprised, saying, "Fangfang, could this be Boss Zhu, the fatty from the Brotherhood Alliance? I heard he and Prince Cai Bao'er of the Hualong Society are always inseparable. They really do look alike."

Zhu Da puffed out his chest proudly, "It sure is! I am Zhu Da, and this is 'Vegetable Bun' [Cai Baozi]. I never thought my reputation had even reached the ears of a superstar. A pleasure, a pleasure."

Cai Bao'er chimed in, "Don't mention the Hualong Society or 'Prince.' I am just Cai Bao'er, unrelated to anyone else. It's a pity we're too heavy-set; you ultimately didn't choose us as your personal bodyguards."

Liu Xue suddenly understood, "Your resumes were in the file Red Dragon sent me. My apologies to you both, esteemed sirs. If I had known your true identities, I would have chosen you first."

Liu Xue’s Mandarin carried a distinct Hong Kong lilt, making her voice sound sweet and charming, nearly melting the bones of Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er. "It's nothing, nothing at all. Your choice of Commander Zhao over us is no different; we are all good brothers."

At this moment, Liu Xue's confidence in resisting the Yamaguchi-gumi, the Qinglian Gang, and the Silver Wing Assassins organization grew immensely. Although some of the girls around her, like Fang Yanmeng, hadn't revealed their full backgrounds, her years of life experience told her that every single one was highly capable. Now, with the Brotherhood Alliance emerging, coupled with the Red Dragon organization she had hired, she believed she could even withstand the pursuit of the Silver Wing.

During the meal, Xiao Yudi immediately stated her intentions. She always preferred straightforward dealings. "Liu Xue, to be frank, after hearing about your situation the past couple of days, I want you to transfer to the entertainment company under the Pan-American Media Group. For one, the future prospects there are much better than at Feng Hua Xue Yue Company, and second, your personal safety will be guaranteed."

Su Xue added, "Yes, Liu Xue, agree quickly! You are our idol; Sister Xiaoyudi wouldn't harm you."

Liu Xue had enough surprises for one day. She asked, "May I know the relationship between Pan-American Media and everyone here? Since it was mysteriously acquired, its rise has far surpassed general expectations, expanding its business from the Americas to every corner of the globe. I'm certainly happy to join such a massive company, but I need to know who exactly I'll be working for."

Xiao Yudi replied, "Broadly speaking, you'll be working for me. However, since everyone likes you so much..." Here, Xiao Yudi deliberately observed my expression. I knew it wouldn't be difficult for her to discern what was going on in my mind, "...there’s no such thing as just 'working.' You can do what you enjoy; no one will pressure you in the slightest. You set your salary; I believe none of us here will quibble over the monetary amount."

Liu Xue was momentarily incredulous. Although she was already an international superstar, she couldn't escape the shackles of Feng Hua Xue Yue. Even if she wanted to break the contract, she had to consider the dark forces behind the company. Now, the chance to start anew was right in front of her, and naturally, she was ecstatic. With the strength of everyone present, she believed they wouldn't fear the triads of Hong Kong and Japan. She had earned countless profits for Feng Hua Xue Yue, yet they had kept her suppressed, even forcing her onto a sexualized path she detested. If this continued, the outcome might be nude pictorials and adult films. Other actresses achieved fame after stripping down; did Liu Xue have to end up achieving fame first only to strip later?

"You... you are telling the truth? Is this Xiao Yudi really the mysterious acquirer of Pan-American Media?" Although Xiao Yudi and Xiaohui's takeover of Pan-American Media had been approved by the US government, very few outsiders knew the specifics about the two of them.

Fang Yanmeng pointed at Zhang Xiaoya, Ouyang Qian, and Xu Jing, "You know the identities of these few, right?"

Liu Xue nodded. Fang Yanmeng continued, "The few of us can guarantee that everything we just said is true. You can rest assured now."

Liu Xue repeatedly said, "I'm assured, I'm assured! If I agree right now, can I become a full-time employee of Pan-American Media, completely ignoring everything about my previous company?"

Logically, things shouldn't be this simple; at the very least, the original company needed some kind of resolution. But Xiao Yudi had already heard about the malpractices of Feng Hua Xue Yue. In her mind, a company like that didn't deserve any reasonable discussion. Therefore, as soon as Liu Xue finished speaking, she nodded in agreement: "Yes. From this moment on, you don't need to worry about your past matters. After the Chinese New Year, you can pick any of Pan-American's music or film companies, and you can decide your future career trajectory yourself."

Xiao Chuchu negotiated with Liu Xue, "Could you please continue with your performance for the Spring Festival Gala? Otherwise, the national television station won't be able to explain it to hundreds of millions of viewers. That is my father's event, after all; please don't make things too difficult for him out of consideration for me."

Liu Xue responded excitedly, "That little thing is no problem. Performing on the Spring Festival Gala every year is fine. Since that's settled, I’ll stick with you all. Wherever you go, I go. Otherwise, I’ll be hacked to death by assassins—I have several groups chasing my life right now."

The women chorused, "No problem! We also want to see how a real superstar lives."

Liu Xue laughed dryly, "Is there anything special about it? I’m just an ordinary girl, only 21 this year."

The women insisted, "But you've been in so many movies and TV shows, and sung so many songs. You are always different from us; we really look forward to that kind of life you have."

However, for Liu Xue, what she craved now was an ordinary life, even one like these girls had, which at least offered a safe, private space. Outside of performing, she seemed to have nothing else to do with her life. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so keen on flying; it was better than having nothing to do, serving as one of her forms of recreation.

Since they had successfully persuaded Liu Xue to betray Feng Hua Xue Yue Company, there was no need to shoot those trashy advertisements, and those dozen or so bodyguards could worry about themselves. Liu Xue had no intention of returning to the hotel that afternoon; she went shopping casually with the women at various specialty stores. The security for the group was naturally extremely tight. With them around Liu Xue, I didn't need to worry about her safety, so I might as well go home and sleep. I had stayed up half the night, I was truly exhausted.