In the end, Yang Chenglin left in a hurry after the meal. She needed to return to the company for discussions. Before leaving, she handed Gu Xingyi a room key card—she had already booked a hotel room for him right next to the restaurant.

“Wait for my message.”

That was the last thing she said before leaving.

She had been moved by Gu Xingyi’s confidence. Someone who radiated this kind of certainty couldn’t possibly be all talk—she just didn’t believe it.

After Gu Xingyi arrived at the hotel room, he washed up briefly and lay on the bed, deep in thought. If Yin Hai didn’t work out, he’d just approach another company.

There had to be someone willing, right?

And if none of them agreed, worst-case scenario, he’d just make more money himself, burn a little extra energy, and start his own company. He’d grow slowly but steadily, keeping Xia Xiyao by his side the whole way.

Unknowingly, his mindset had already changed. From initially wanting to live a laid-back, idle life, he was now actively working for Xia Xiyao’s sake.

In just a short time, he’d become more and more considerate toward them, unconsciously blending into this small family.

The call from Yang Chenglin came at 3 p.m. She was downstairs and asked Gu Xingyi to accompany her to the Yin Hai Entertainment building.

Without saying much, Gu Xingyi went downstairs to meet her.

Yin Hai Entertainment’s building stood in Modu’s most prosperous district. The entire skyscraper was owned by the company.

On the 18th floor of the Yin Hai building, in the reception room.

The company’s chairman, Yang Xian, the head of HR Zhang Chao, and a few other executives from Yin Hai Entertainment were present.

Zhang Chao’s face looked unpleasant as he spoke to Yang Xian.

“Chairman, I won’t question Vice Director Yang’s capabilities, but I think she’s giving this Gu Xingyi way too much attention! He used to be a nobody in the industry, and now he’s making outrageous demands!”

“Sure, those two songs on Douyin are good, but who knows where he got them from? I think we’re just wasting our time!”

In response to Zhang Chao’s complaints, Yang Xian merely waved his hand with a kind smile.

“We still need to give young people opportunities. Let’s first see his talent. If it doesn’t work out, I’m sure Xiaolin won’t insist.”

Seeing the chairman act so easygoing, Zhang Chao could only swallow his irritation. But internally, he was fuming.

Of course you’re biased—it’s your daughter we’re talking about!

Yang Xian chuckled again when he saw Zhang Chao’s sulky expression. As the chairman, he wasn’t about to approve something just because his daughter said so. Truth be told, he had listened to those two songs himself and found them nothing short of perfect.

He didn’t bother explaining anything to Zhang Chao. Whether those songs were really Gu Xingyi’s or not, they’d soon find out. Just let the results speak for themselves.

In fact, he was quite interested in Gu Xingyi. An unknown artist with the guts to make such bold demands—there had to be something real behind that confidence.

He and Yang Chenglin clearly thought alike. Like father, like daughter.

Just then, Yang Chenglin brought Gu Xingyi into the reception room. From the moment he walked in, Gu Xingyi saw many celebrities from this world—each one a top figure in their field.

No doubt about it—this was one of the industry’s Big Three. The luxury, the star-studded lineup—just being here made you feel elite.

Talk about prestige.

As soon as he entered the room, he felt everyone’s eyes land on him. Their gazes carried all kinds of emotions.

Doubt. Surprise. Disdain. Curiosity.

Gu Xingyi calmly took his seat across from everyone. Facing the crowd, he remained composed and poised.

Yang Xian couldn’t help but feel a hint of admiration.

So young, yet still able to maintain his composure under such pressure. First impression? Not bad at all.

“Alright, since the main guest is here, let’s get started.”

“Mr. Gu, is it? We’ve discussed your request internally. As for Xia Xiyao, we’re willing to sign her. We’ll even give her top-tier resources. But the contract cannot be unrestricted. That’s something we simply can’t allow. I’m sure you understand.”

Gu Xingyi nodded. Of course he understood. But negotiations existed for a reason—you had to talk things through. Only then could you find out where the real bottom line lay.

“I understand. So how long would the contract be?”

Yang Xian chuckled lightly and looked him in the eye.

“Five years. We’ll give her top-tier resources and won’t limit her on song releases or participation in activities. But the contract must be five years. That’s our standard for all top artists.”

Gu Xingyi furrowed his brow but held Yang Xian’s gaze, completely unflinching.

“Five years is too long. I believe in my ability. With your resources and my talent, she’ll be a top-tier idol within a year—maybe even less. So the most I can agree to is two years. That’s enough to bring your company significant returns.”

“For those two years, you won’t need to worry about her songs. I’ll write them—for free. But only a limited number.”

“Hah! Anyone can talk big! Top-tier in a year? Keep dreaming!”

Before Gu Xingyi even finished speaking, a bald man sitting beside Yang Chenglin let out a mocking snort, his eyes filled with contempt.

Gu Xingyi spared him a glance but didn’t bother responding. He kept his focus on Yang Xian.

People like that? Better to slap them with results than waste words.

Yang Xian narrowed his eyes slightly, his fingers tapping the table as his smile grew wider.

“It’s good for young people to be confident. Two years isn’t out of the question, but it all depends on your ability.”

“We invited you here for two reasons. One, to talk about this collaboration. And two, for a special event issued by HuaYin. They’re hosting a nationwide campaign, and every company is required to participate. But only one song will be chosen.”

“I want that song to be ours. Do you have what it takes?”

Gu Xingyi gave a slight nod.

“Wasn’t that the whole reason I came?”

Whoa—so bold. So gutsy. I like it!

“I’ll have Vice Director Yang go over the event details with you. I’ll be waiting for your good news. If your song is selected, we’ll sign the contract immediately.”

Yang Xian smiled as he delivered the final word.

With everything settled, Gu Xingyi relaxed a bit. He stood up, shook hands with Yang Xian, and then followed Yang Chenglin out of the reception room.

They took the elevator down two floors to the 16th floor, to Yang Chenglin’s office.

She looked a little stunned. She hadn’t expected her father to agree to such outrageous terms. But this campaign really was a big deal—an official event. The company whose song was chosen would earn tremendous favor from the authorities.

The benefits were obvious. Business was business, and her father never made losing bets.

Her gaze turned more complex as she looked at Gu Xingyi again. Deep down, she truly hoped he would stun everyone with his work.

If he succeeded, it would prove her judgment right—and silence all the internal gossip.

“Take a look. These are the details for the campaign. You only have three days to write the song. I hope everything goes well. I really do hope we can work together.”

Yang Chenglin pulled a folder from her drawer and placed it in front of Gu Xingyi.