Chapter 2

"Cancel the contract?"

In the break room, Wang Brother squinted at Shen Tang, his tone inquiring: "Tang Tang, tell me the truth, have you found a new backer?"

"No, I'm just tired and want to retire from the industry and go home." Shen Tang blinked her sincere big eyes.

Wang Brother was stunned for a moment. "Retire? Have you made enough money to retire?"

Shen Tang felt like she had been stabbed in the chest.

"Tang Tang, are you trying to leave because of what happened before? You should know, bad publicity is still publicity. Many people don't even get the chance to walk down this path.

In this entertainment industry, it's not scary if people slander you, it's scary if you can't even make a splash and no one knows who you are.

Didn't you say you wanted to make big money to buy a house before? And improve your siblings' living environment? Have you forgotten?"

Shen Tang laughed coldly in her heart. Her original self had been brainwashed by Wang Brother's lectures like this over and over again.

"To be honest, I got married. My husband doesn't really like me being in the public eye..." As she spoke, Shen Tang even showed a shy expression.

"Married? When did this happen?" Wang Brother's brows furrowed, displeased. "Why didn't you discuss such a big matter with the company first?"

Wang Brother looked at her like he was staring at a disobedient junior, making Shen Tang feel somewhat nauseous.

Shen Tang took a deep breath, "One of my brothers got sick recently and needs a large sum for surgery. When I asked to borrow money from you, you said you didn't have any..."

This brother was not her real brother, but a child from the same orphanage as Shen Tang. He was only eight years old this year and had somehow contracted leukemia.

The orphanage didn't have much money to begin with. Over the years, Shen Tang had slowly poured all her savings to help. Other than the money her contractual husband had just given her, she was basically penniless.

The reason why the original Shen Tang had wanted to make it big and earn money was partly for herself, and partly for the children at the orphanage.

Only children without disabilities could be adopted. The ones left behind all had some kind of disability.

Perhaps influenced by the original Shen Tang's emotions, tears instantly welled up in Shen Tang's eyes as her heart ached.

Wang Brother looked somewhat awkward. "I, I just bought a house recently, I don't have extra money on hand either."

Shen Tang rolled her eyes mentally. As if he didn't have money - he just didn't want to lend any. Over the years, he had made quite a bit from her and others like her.

Of course, borrowing money wasn't her goal anyway.

Shen Tang sniffed, "I'm not blaming you, it's just my brother's condition is very serious. I happened to have a wealthy suitor who said as long as I married him, his money would be my money. Can you blame me for not refusing?"

Wang Brother was flabbergasted. "You have a suitor?"

Shen Tang: "..."

Is that the point here? No way, what do you mean?

Wang Brother also realized his faux pas and smiled awkwardly. "Don't overthink, I didn't mean anything else. I just never heard you mention anyone before."

"We didn't know each other long. He's a bit older and has a stiff, stern personality. I don't like him that much, so I didn't talk about him."

She was only 22 now. Gu Huai'an was almost 30. There's a saying that every 3 years marks a generation gap, so there was a whole two generation gap between them.

But to Wang Brother, it sounded like Shen Tang had married a rich quadragenarian or quinquagenarian for money.

He felt pained over it.

Although Shen Tang didn't have a good reputation, she was admirably beautiful - curvy figure, ample frontal and posterior assets. Several higher ups at the company were fond of her too. If Wang Brother had known she would marry someone over this, he would have lent her the money back then!

Now a good hand had slipped away just like that.

"Keep the marriage a secret for now. You're still young. You need to know your career should be the priority. After all, you can't rely on men..." Wang Brother's tone was meaningful.

Shen Tang nodded obediently. She looked extremely well-behaved.

Of course, that was just how she looked on the surface.

The woman standing outside who had been about to knock, covered her mouth in surprise, then revealed a smile. Shen Tang, didn't expect you to have a day like this!

She quietly turned and left without anyone noticing.

After Wang Brother left, Shen Tang instantly switched expressions, sitting on the sofa with a small pout.

As expected of the notorious old madam of the entertainment industry. Smooth talker.

She picked up the apple on the table, wiped it clean, and took a bite. Hm, not as tasty as the ones at home.

Not wanting to waste food, she still crunched up the whole thing in a few bites.

With a "biu", the core landed right in the trash can.

Soon, a knock sounded as a baby-faced girl poked her head in. It was Shen Tang's junior assistant, fittingly named Yuan Yuan.

"Sis Tang Tang, Wang Brother asked me to call you to the conference room."

"Oh." The decision must have come out.

Shen Tang felt apprehensive. Having read the novel, she understood Wang Brother's personality. He wouldn't give up squeezing every last bit of use out of someone.

In the book, her storyline was being sold to an old man. She died falling from the high floors of a hotel in her struggles.

When Shen Tang entered the conference room, Wang Brother wasn't there. Only a high-level executive was lazily reclining in the seat at the center, legs crossed.

He looked to be in his mid-thirties, wearing rimless glasses and an azure blue suit. Not bad looking, just somewhat oily.

Shen Tang politely greeted, "Director Zhou."

Director Zhou brazenly looked Shen Tang up and down. His naked gaze felt almost tangible.

Shen Tang endured the goosebumps rising on her arm, as well as the urge to punch him, and asked, "Did you ask me here for something?"

"I heard you got married?" And to an old man at that.

One could clearly hear the regret in his tone.

Shen Tang pressed her lips together without answering. Clearly the other side didn't actually want to hear her response either. He pushed over a contract and said, "You've been with the company for a while and always obedient. Marrying so rashly this time was foolish. You should have discussed with the company first."

His tone then shifted as he continued, "I heard from your agent you want to retire? Penalty for breaking your contract early would be around 8 million. Are you certain about retiring?"

Shen Tang's eyes widened in shock. "How much?!"

"8 million. Not a small sum. If you're set on retiring, you can prepare the money first. I'll help you smooth things over with the company..."

Director Zhou sneered inwardly. Shen Tang was an orphan without any backers or resources, and even had a freeloader little brother. No way could she get that much money!

Sure enough, Shen Tang's expression darkened after hearing him.

She wouldn't just hand over 8 million to the damn company. Her contract expiration wasn't far off either, she could endure a bit longer!

She also didn't plan to participate in the dating reality show anymore.

Shen Tang gave an awkward laugh. "Then I won't retire for now. But I did get married, so participating in a dating show wouldn't be suitable right?"

"Don't worry, I picked an even better show for you. I'm still optimistic about your potential. Don't let me down, Tang Tang..."

As Director Zhou spoke, he placed his hand on Shen Tang's shoulder. Unexpectedly, his wrist was suddenly twisted and his whole body uncontrollably collapsed onto the table. Then pain shot through.

"Ah-"

Shen Tang quickly let go, "Sorry, reflex..."

"Ow-" Director Zhou cradled his aching wrist, inhaling sharply twice.

"What do they feed you to make you so strong?!"

Shen Tang became anxious. "I often did labor work since I was little so I'm a bit stronger. Do you need me to take you to the hospital?"

Inside, she was sneering. Touch me again, I'll break your wrist!

"No need. Just sign the contract first." Director Zhou left wearing a pained grimace.

Shen Tang opened the contract and took a look. It wasn't for a dating show, but a deserted island survival reality show.

The full name of the survival show was "13 Days on the Island". No scripts or behind-the-scenes interference, everything would be broadcasted live. The production team would not provide any assistance.

She vaguely recalled this show seemed to blow up later on in the book.

Looking closely, there weren't any hidden unfair clauses. So she signed her name.

On her way back to the break room, Shen Tang sensitively noticed people's gazes toward her seemed a bit off.

When she looked over, they either avoided her sight or pretended not to see her. Upon returning to her office, she learned from Yuan Yuan that someone had spread news of her being kept by an old man.

Yuan Yuan was both indignant and worried. "No idea which blabbermouth started rumors. Sis Tang Tang, should we clarify?"

Shen Tang thought for a moment and said indifferently, "Forget it, just let them talk. It's pretty much the same anyway."

Yuan Yuan opened her mouth wide in surprise.

Shen Tang closed her jaw. "Put away your wild imagination."

Yuan Yuan: "Oh."

Moreover, even if there was clarification, they still wouldn't believe it.

People only choose to believe what they want to believe.