IBKAWB Chapter 36

**Chapter 36: Changing Manager**

Translated by: Namizaki

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In the afternoon, Chi Zhongqiao met his young co-star, Shen Xue, a jade-like, adorable girl with remarkable acting talent.

Though only eight years old, Shen Xue was already considered a seasoned veteran. She had played the childhood versions of female leads in five television dramas, earning widespread acclaim among her peers for her exceptional acting skills.

Shen Xue was brought to the set by her Mother, Shen Ting, who held her hand as they arrived. The girl showed no shyness around the unfamiliar crew, greeting everyone with confident warmth.

Chi Zhongqiao was rehearsing scenes with Yan Qingbo and Ge Fangyu when Shen Xue arrived. The three actors immediately put down their scripts.

After all, who could resist such a beautiful and endearing little girl?

Fu Jingshen introduced Shen Xue to each of them individually, finally pointing to Chi Zhongqiao and saying, “This handsome Brother Chi will be your partner from now on.”

Chi Zhongqiao crouched down to meet Shen Xue’s gaze. “Hello, I’m Chi Zhongqiao. It’s a pleasure to work with you.”

Shen Xue replied confidently, “Hello, Brother Chi! You can call me Xuexue.”

“Xuexue is usually very obedient and well-behaved,” Shen Ting said. “If there’s anything she needs to improve on during filming, Director Fu and Brother Qiao can just tell her, and she’ll definitely pay attention.”

She paused, then turned to Chi Zhongqiao. “But Xuexue is still young and can be a bit mischievous sometimes. If she does anything wrong, please let me know immediately. I’ll definitely discipline her when I get back.”

Despite Ge Fangyu and Yan Qingbo being older, Shen Ting was most worried about the young Chi Zhongqiao.

After all, over the next month, Chi Zhongqiao would be spending the most time with Shen Xue on set. And Chi Zhongqiao looked so young; she remembered reading online that he had just turned twenty-one this year.

Could a young man barely out of his teens have the patience to look after a child?

Chi Zhongqiao smiled at Shen Ting. “Sister Shen, let’s add each other as friends. You won’t be able to be with Xuexue every moment on set, so we’ll keep a close eye on her and give you daily updates.”

This was incredibly thoughtful.

Shen Ting nodded repeatedly.

The two added each other as friends. Shen Ting kissed Shen Xue. “If you’re not good, Brother Chi will tell me.”

Shen Xue: “I’m always good!”

The adults chuckled at the child’s innocent words. Though reluctant to leave, Shen Ting hurried off to work. After all, Fu Jingshen was a renowned Director, and they had collaborated before, so she felt relatively at ease. If it were anyone else, she would have taken the day off to stay with her Daughter.

Unafraid of strangers, Shen Xue grabbed her script and scampered off to rehearse with Chi Zhongqiao.

The sight of the tall man and the little girl sitting on tiny stools, practicing their lines, melted everyone’s hearts.

Yan Qingbo watched with longing.

Throughout her illustrious career, the Film Empress Yan Qingbo had only one regret: Her inability to conceive. Despite years of trying, her healthy body and her husband’s prime age, she remained childless, a lingering ache in her heart.

Having finished her scene, she strolled over to join the pair.

Shen Xue’s eyes widened. “Sister Yan!”

The little girl was irresistibly sweet, calling everyone “Brother” or “Sister” in her soft, milky voice, melting hearts with every word.

Chi Zhongqiao put down his script. “Sister Qing.”

Yan Qingbo smiled. “Is the rehearsal going well?”

Shen Xue chirped in her childlike voice, “It went smoothly! Brother Qiaoqiao is so amazing!”

Chi Zhongqiao ruffled the little girl’s hair, returning the compliment, “Xuexue is fantastic too! You memorized your lines so quickly and accurately.”

Shen Xue blushed at the praise.

Yan Qingbo wanted to chat with Shen Xue a bit longer, but Fu Jingshen was already calling from the camera position, “Qingbo, Zhongqiao, next scene’s ready to shoot!”

Yan Qingbo quickly poured Shen Xue a cup of warm water, cautioning her, “Be careful not to burn yourself. Xiao Xu, please keep an eye on her while I go film.”

Xiao Xu, the Assistant, nodded and sat down next to Shen Xue.

Only then did Yan Qingbo and Chi Zhongqiao head toward the set.

Chi Zhongqiao remarked, “Sister Qing really adores Xuexue, doesn’t she?”

Yan Qingbo sighed, “I’ve dreamed of having a daughter like her.”

Chi Zhongqiao understood. Yan Qingbo had been married for five years without children, a fact known to anyone who followed her career. However, Chi Zhongqiao hadn’t realized how deeply she longed for a child.

Chi Zhongqiao offered comfort, “If it’s meant to be, it will happen. With such an adorable girl like Xuexue around, maybe Sister Qing will be pregnant by the end of this shoot.”

Yan Qingbo sighed again, “I’ll take your good wishes.”

The filming of <Invisible Crimes> was progressing even more smoothly than Fu Jingshen had anticipated. The three lead actors were exceptionally talented, and during intense scenes, they could even complete an entire day without a single NG.

Shen Xue’s acting was consistently solid. Her character, Shang Lin, was a naive and innocent girl, so Shen Xue was essentially playing herself. With guidance from the three seasoned actors—Yan Qingbo and the others—the performance came effortlessly.

This proved that when skilled actors collaborate, a remarkable chemistry emerges.

However, good times never last forever.

Fu Jingshen sighed. “The other actors are joining the set soon. I really hope we can maintain this momentum.”

For Chi Zhongqiao, the coming days wouldn’t be easy either—Zhou Yunmo was scheduled to join the set in a few days.

Zhou Yunmo’s presence wouldn’t have been a problem in itself, but Chi Zhongqiao had recently changed his Manager.

Lu Yuzhou had promised to replace Chi Zhongqiao’s Manager within a week, and he delivered exactly on that timeline. The replacement was none other than Du Yusheng, a renowned gold-tier Manager in the industry.

Du Yusheng had recently parted ways with his previous clients and agency. While searching for a new home, Lu Yuzhou poached him for Zhaohui, even bringing along several of Du Yusheng’s apprentices who had trained under him for years.

Lu Yuzhou offered generous terms, with only one condition: Du Yusheng had to take Chi Zhongqiao under his wing.

Du Yusheng had heard of Chi Zhongqiao, the rising star, and rumors about his “connections.” Now, sitting across from this “connection,” he raised an eyebrow and asked, “I can only take him?”

If Chi Zhongqiao were an actor of Ge Fangyu’s caliber, Du Yusheng wouldn’t even need to ask; he’d know he could only take Chi Zhongqiao. But Chi Zhongqiao was just a newcomer who had only starred in one drama. If Lu Yuzhou insisted on this condition, Du Yusheng would have to reconsider joining Zhaohui.

Lu Yuzhou glanced at the framed photo on the desk. The crystal ball Chi Zhongqiao had given him sat beside it, a warm touch amidst the stacks of documents.

Du Yusheng watched as President Lu, who had maintained a stoic expression since their meeting, stared in one direction for a few seconds. When Lu Yuzhou turned back, even his voice had softened slightly.

“I’m not insisting you only take Brother Qiao. There is also an artist named Yan Yiyun. I think she’s a promising talent, and Brother Qiao agrees she has a natural spark. If you’re willing, you can try working with her. If you’re not satisfied, you can choose someone else.”

Lu Yuzhou paused. “I recommend you take Yan Yiyun. Brother Qiao has praised her several times. He has a keen eye; anyone he approves of must be exceptional.”

Only Lu Yuzhou himself knew how much jealousy was simmering beneath that last sentence.

Du Yusheng, a man so straight he could bend steel, picked up on the sour note but remained oblivious to its true meaning. He simply marveled inwardly at the strong bond between the two brothers Lu Yuzhou and Chi Zhongqiao.

After his moment of admiration, he asked, “If I may ask, I recall Chi Zhongqiao having a Manager before. Why the change?”

Lu Yuzhou replied, “The previous Manager, Zhuang Fu, couldn’t professionally support Brother Qiao effectively. More importantly, he couldn’t maintain impartiality. That’s the cardinal sin for a Manager, wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Du?”

Du Yusheng was startled.

Lu Yuzhou continued, “Since he couldn’t balance the bowl¹having an unequal treatment of artist under him, I had no choice but to let him scrape the bottom.”

Zhou Yunmo was that bottom, while Yan Yiyun filled most of the bowl. But Brother Qiao himself was already a full bowl of water. Trying to add more would only cause it to overflow.

Du Yusheng nodded solemnly. “I understand completely.”

Lu Yuzhou nodded. “Brother Qiao has a good temper. I’ll need you to handle some things for him.”

Du Yusheng agreed outwardly, but inwardly dismissed the notion of Chi Zhongqiao having a “good temper.” If he really had such a mild disposition, how would President Lu have known about his previous Manager’s favoritism and bias?

That day, Chi Zhongqiao had just finished filming his scenes, and Shen Xue’s scenes for the day were also complete. Chi Zhongqiao called Shen Ting, and learned that the other party happened to be working across from Zhaohui. After getting her consent, he took Shen Xue with him when he left the set.

After dropping off Shen Xue, Chi Zhongqiao took the elevator up to the company.

His new Manager, Du Yusheng, was waiting for him upstairs.

Approaching forty, Du Yusheng was a standard Northern Chinese man with sharp, handsome features and a towering height of nearly 1.9 meters. He looked less like a Manager and more like a fitness coach or male model.

“Hello, I’m Du Yusheng. I’ll be your Manager from now on.” Du Yusheng said, extending his hand first.

His voice was warm and deep, a surprising contrast to his imposing physique. The moment he spoke, the intimidating aura of his stature softened considerably.

“Chi Zhongqiao,” Chi Zhongqiao replied, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Du Yusheng sat down and said gently, “I’ve reviewed your profile. You’re currently filming <Invisible Crimes>, right?”

Chi Zhongqiao nodded. “Yes, at the current pace, we should wrap up filming in about a month and a half.”

Du Yusheng pondered for a moment. “Your schedule for the second half of the year is completely open… I think it’s time to start planning your work for then. How about taking on another drama or film? There are also some endorsement opportunities… I don’t think endorsements or variety shows are urgent. Once your status rises, those will come naturally.”

Chi Zhongqiao nodded. “That makes sense. But please check the quality of the scripts carefully, Brother Du.”

He’s surprisingly easy to work with, Du Yusheng thought, pleased. “Don’t worry about that. The final decision on scripts rests with you. I’ll offer suggestions, but I won’t interfere.” After all, Chi Zhongqiao’s “connections” were pressuring him from above, granting him more privileges than other artists of his level.

Still, Du Yusheng trusted that a good actor would have the discernment to choose quality scripts and avoid projects that could damage his reputation.

After chatting for a while, the two gained a basic understanding of each other’s personalities and professional capabilities, concluding they were a good fit.

Having resolved the major issue of finding a manager, Chi Zhongqiao left the office feeling lighthearted and relaxed. Since he finished work early today, he planned to go bother his family’s Young Master Lu.

Du Yusheng’s office was located in the same area on the same floor as the other Managers’ offices. As Chi Zhongqiao took only a few steps, he bumped into Zhuang Fu, who had just stepped out of the elevator.

Their eyes met, and Chi Zhongqiao blinked.

Zhuang Fu must have already received the notification that Chi Zhongqiao and Yan Yiyun had been transferred to Du Yusheng’s management. When he saw Chi Zhongqiao, his lips twitched twice before he forced out a very awkward smile.

This is so embarrassing, Chi Zhongqiao must have just come from Du Yusheng’s office. Zhuang Fu thought.

Chi Zhongqiao nodded to Zhuang Fu. “Brother Zhuang.”

He didn’t feel awkward at all. While Zhuang Fu had his shortcomings as a Manager, he had genuinely taken care of Chi Zhongqiao, and they had never had any serious conflicts. Even with a new Manager, there was no need to act like they were now lifelong enemies.

The more composed Chi Zhongqiao acted, the more ashamed Zhuang Fu felt.

Zhuang Fu nodded hurriedly to Chi Zhongqiao and quickened his pace, brushing past him.

However, Zhou Yunmo, who was following behind Zhuang Fu, remained rooted to the spot.

Chi Zhongqiao pretended not to notice Zhou Yunmo’s dark expression and walked straight past him.

Zhou Yunmo reached out and grabbed Chi Zhongqiao’s arm.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Chi Zhongqiao demanded.

Zhou Yunmo gritted his teeth. “I should be asking you that! What’s wrong with Brother Zhuang that you’re replacing him? And even if you’re replacing him, why transfer Yan Yiyun to Du Yusheng? You can’t possibly be unaware that an agent’s income is tied to their artists’ earnings, right? This is too much! Brother Zhuang at least managed you for a while. Don’t forget your roots, Chi Zhongqiao!”

Chi Zhongqiao gripped Zhou Yunmo’s hand and forcibly pushed him away.

Zhou Yunmo, likely enraged beyond reason, exerted tremendous force. Even after Chi Zhongqiao broke free, his forearm throbbed faintly.

Unwilling to argue in public, Chi Zhongqiao stepped closer and said softly, “I know Brother Zhuang’s income will be affected…”

Zhou Yunmo suddenly raised his fist.

Chi Zhongqiao seized it and pinned it down. “Yan Yiyun was assigned to Brother Zhuang the moment she joined the company. Yet he didn’t guide her through her first audition, her first role, or even her first variety show appearance. Tell me, what was he doing then?”

The veins on the back of Zhou Yunmo’s hand bulged. At these words, he froze—Zhuang Fu had been accompanying him to auditions at that time.

Chi Zhongqiao continued, “As a Manager, to neglect a newcomer under his care to this extent—do you think he’s qualified?”

Zhou Yunmo replied, “I know it’s a bit unfair…”

“There’s no such thing as absolute fairness,” Chi Zhongqiao interrupted. “Managers handle artists at different levels, making perfect equality impossible. But they must prioritize—knowing when to focus on whom, understanding their responsibilities. He’s been a Manager for nearly ten years, and if he still doesn’t grasp this basic principle, how can he possibly handle multiple artists simultaneously?”

Zhou Yunmo retreated two steps, awkwardly defending, “But Brother Zhuang is human too. He makes mistakes sometimes. I think you should be more understanding…”

Chi Zhongqiao’s expression turned icy. “You find him forgivable because you’re the one who benefited. As the one who gained from his negligence, do you have the right to forgive him on Yan Yiyun’s behalf?”

Zhou Yunmo insisted, “Brother Zhuang must regret it by now. I think you should give him a chance to make amends.”

Chi Zhongqiao suppressed his anger, his voice soft but firm. “First, I’ve given him countless chances already. Second, he doesn’t need to apologize; he simply needs to face the consequences. Third, this isn’t the only instance of his incompetence; there are others. Since you insist on asking, please convey this to him: Respecting one’s job includes respecting one’s boss.”

“That final point is one of the key reasons I’m replacing him.”

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  having an unequal treatment of artist under him