Chapter Thirty-Five: Saw the Resignation Letter

Jiang Yunzhou personally led the team to drive to the airport for the pick-up.

When Sang Bai emerged from the arrivals gate with her artists, she spotted Jiang Yunzhou from afar—a striking figure in a trench coat and high heels, her hair casually pinned up. Amidst the crowd, she was impossible to miss.

“Yunzhou!” Sang Bai raised her hand in greeting from a distance. “We’re here!”

Jiang Yunzhou turned, her smile radiant. “Sang Bai, over here!”

Trailing behind Sang Bai was a group of other artists. As they reached the cars, Jiang Yunzhou arranged for everyone else, leaving only Sang Bai and a young girl. Jiang Yunzhou remembered her name—Shao Shu, the sweet type. She’d had a promising role, but it was snatched away by Zhou Qingpei. Rumor had it Zhou Qingpei even bought some press releases specifically targeting Shao Shu.

“There’s no space in the other cars, so you two ride with me,” Jiang Yunzhou called them over, sliding into the driver’s seat herself. “I’ve already arranged your hotel—it's our family’s. You can stay until your career takes off, then rent your own place.”

Shao Shu got carsick, so Sang Bai let her take the front seat.

“Thank you!” Sang Bai blew Jiang Yunzhou a kiss. “You’re the best.”

“Buckle up.” Jiang Yunzhou started the engine. “You get a day to rest. The day after tomorrow, you’ll attend our company’s banquet.”

Sang Bai commented from the back, “You move fast.”

“We’re a new company; speed is crucial. Otherwise, in Country M, there’s no future for us,” Jiang Yunzhou replied.

At that moment, her phone began to vibrate. Unable to answer herself, she gave Shao Shu a look. Shao Shu picked it up, swiped to answer, and put it on speaker.

“Yunzhou,” came Shen Ruizhang’s low, magnetic voice, rough with a hint of gravel. “You resigned?”

“You saw the letter?” Jiang Yunzhou wasn’t surprised.

There was a brief silence before Shen Ruizhang spoke again. “Why did you resign?”

“Uncle, my parents are in Country M. They need me, so I want to shift my focus here.” Jiang Yunzhou’s tone was calm and composed. “Some artists under Shen Group have terminated their contracts and followed me. It isn’t entirely honorable, but since Shen Group refused to give them resources and opportunities, I can’t be blamed. An artist’s golden years are fleeting; if they miss them, they’ll spend their lives in mediocrity.”

Shen Ruizhang let out a self-deprecating laugh. “I thought…” He paused. “Never mind. You’re right.”

Jiang Yunzhou loosened her grip on the steering wheel, just a little.

“Did you find another agent job over there?” Shen Ruizhang asked.

“I started my own film company and signed the artists who came with me,” Jiang Yunzhou replied truthfully.

Another long silence from Shen Ruizhang. “If you need anything, ask me anytime.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Jiang Yunzhou’s tone was polite but distant.

To Shen Ruizhang, it felt inexplicably sharp—too courteous, almost painfully so.

Neither spoke further. Shao Shu, holding the phone, felt her arm grow tired. “Yunzhou, should I hang up?”

“Yes,” Jiang Yunzhou said calmly.

Shao Shu ended the call, pressed her lips together, and stole a glance at Jiang Yunzhou.

“If you have questions, ask directly,” Jiang Yunzhou said, catching her expression in the rearview mirror.

“You and President Shen seem close, but… why were you forced to resign and leave Shen Group?” Shao Shu asked cautiously.

Sang Bai snorted from the back seat. “Isn’t it obvious? Yunzhou and President Shen aren’t real relatives. No matter what, a man’s girlfriend will always come first.”

Jiang Yunzhou didn’t reply, just smiled faintly.

“That’s true.” Shao Shu lowered her gaze.

Sang Bai seemed a little annoyed, as if something occurred to her. “Yunzhou, you don’t know. After you left, Zhou Qingpei’s cheating scandal was suppressed from trending, but the questioning voices remain. Yet President Shen… he’s blind, utterly biased toward Zhou Qingpei.”

“People always favor those they like. It’s normal,” Jiang Yunzhou said, uninterested in the details.

Just then, the car arrived at the hotel. “We’re here. You can get out now.”

She opened the door and got out, walking shoulder to shoulder with Shao Shu and Sang Bai.

As they entered, the lobby was bustling with voices. Several staff members rushed out, visibly anxious.

“Is there someone important here?” Shao Shu asked in a low voice.

“Probably,” Sang Bai replied, unconcerned.

Jiang Yunzhou felt a twinge of curiosity but didn’t dwell on it, leading her group further inside. When Shao Shu twisted her ankle at the elevator, Jiang Yunzhou immediately helped her up. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Shao Shu blushed. “My eyes were dazzled—I didn’t expect you’d arrange such a nice hotel for us.”

Sister Yunzhou?

From afar, Shen Tingxiao glanced over at the two before looking away. So she was already trying things out?

Once everyone was settled, Jiang Yunzhou explained the banquet’s time and place, then prepared to leave.

She’d barely taken a few steps when Shao Shu chased after her.

“Sister Yunzhou,” Shao Shu said, holding a tiny plush toy crocheted from yarn. “This is for you—I made it myself. Thank you for everything.”

“I’ll accept it, but if you truly want to thank me, show me results.” Jiang Yunzhou tapped Shao Shu’s nose affectionately, her features softened with indulgence.

Sang Bai leaned against the doorframe, clicking her tongue in mock jealousy.

“Go rest now,” Jiang Yunzhou told Shao Shu, glancing at Sang Bai. “Rest well—you’ll need it for the banquet.”

Shao Shu and Sang Bai returned to their rooms.

Jiang Yunzhou entered the elevator.

Just as the doors were about to close, a long, well-defined hand shot in, forcing them open. The sensor detected the force and reopened.

Shen Tingxiao strode in, his posture upright, clad in a perfectly tailored black suit that lent him an imposing aura.

Jiang Yunzhou instinctively shifted to the side. The spacious elevator suddenly felt stifling with Shen Tingxiao’s presence.

He stood there, not sparing Jiang Yunzhou a single glance, his eyes fixed on the changing floor numbers.

The elevator descended slowly, the silence broken only by its soft mechanical hum. Jiang Yunzhou stole a furtive glance at Shen Tingxiao.

How many times had they crossed paths now? What a coincidence.

“Girlfriend?” Shen Tingxiao suddenly asked.

“What?” Jiang Yunzhou was momentarily stunned.

“The girl who chased after you—new girlfriend?” Shen Tingxiao seemed intrigued.

Jiang Yunzhou didn’t dare answer carelessly; if Shao Shu became famous later, her connections would be scrutinized, and rumors of favoritism could cause trouble.

“Why are you here, Mr. Shen?” Jiang Yunzhou deflected.

“Here for a team meeting,” Shen Tingxiao replied naturally. “And you?”