Everyone present became excited upon hearing this. They wondered who the lucky one would be, to receive such preferential treatment. It was like an immediate ascent to the heavens! A sense of anticipation filled the air.
"That person is Li Ziling!"
As Wu Sijun uttered these words, disbelief spread across the faces of the crowd. They all turned to look at Li Ziling. Li Ziling herself was also taken aback.
Wu Sijun smiled at Li Ziling and said, "Miss Li, I officially invite you to develop your career with our company. I promise that once you join us, we will cultivate you as our most important star!"
"I've brought the contract! The terms are clearly stated within and there are no hidden catches. Our company will provide you with every opportunity. What do you say?" With that, Wu Sijun took out a document from her briefcase and handed it to Li Ziling.
Li Ziling looked at the document with mixed emotions. In the past, this was exactly what she dreamed of. But now, knowing her own identity, her mindset had shifted. While she still desired to become a successful actress, the yearning was no longer as intense. Moreover, the company was targeting Chen Jie's company? With this thought, she tore the document in half.
"I'm sorry, I refuse."
The crowd was once again astonished. How could she refuse such a fantastic opportunity? If they had been offered this chance, they would have eagerly accepted.
Wu Sijun's face stiffened, and she quickly asked, "Miss Li, what do you mean?"
"I mean what I say. Just because you can reject others, doesn't mean others can't reject you, right?" Li Ziling said, glancing at Chen Jie.
Wu Sijun's expression turned unpleasant. She couldn't help but ask, "May I ask why you are refusing us? Do you have other prospects?"
"No!"
"Is it because of him?" Wu Sijun looked at Chen Jie.
"You're right, I am refusing you because of Teacher Chen!"
The crowd was surprised by Li Ziling's straightforward admission. While they were shocked that she would give up such a great future for Chen Jie, they also felt a sense of pity for her.
Wu Sijun's face was a mixture of emotions. She had come today partly to pressure Chen Jie, but her primary objective was to sign Li Ziling. Their boss had given strict orders: nothing else mattered as much as Li Ziling. She was of utmost importance and had to be signed, no matter what. Although Wu Sijun didn't understand the boss's orders, she knew she had to succeed or face consequences.
With this thought, a smile appeared on her face, and she spoke politely to Li Ziling, "Miss Li, my attitude was inappropriate earlier. If you agree to sign with our company, I can cease targeting Chen Jie. And if you're not satisfied with the contract terms, we can discuss them further!"
The onlookers were once again amazed. It was as if the sun had risen in the west, for someone to humble themselves so much just to sign Li Ziling! Ji Afei's expression also darkened upon hearing this, but he remained silent.
Wu Sijun didn't believe Li Ziling had any reason to refuse, but she was disappointed once again. Li Ziling coldly stated, "It's too late. Since you've targeted Teacher Chen, regardless of your attitude, I will have no further contact with you!" Her stance was clear: she was defending Chen Jie. This went beyond a normal relationship. Lin Shuang looked at Chen Jie with amusement.
Wu Sijun had no choice but to speak again, "Miss Li, without our Aolong Entertainment Company, other entertainment companies might not accept you! We are the leading company in the provincial capital!"
"You don't need to worry about that!" Li Ziling replied coolly.
Wu Sijun turned to Chen Jie and said, "She defends you so fiercely, your relationship must be extraordinary, right? I advise you to persuade her properly and not ruin her future! As a man, don't destroy someone's life for your own selfish gain!"
Chen Jie said calmly, "I respect Li Ziling's choice."
"You..." Wu Sijun was becoming angry.
"Fine, since Miss Li refuses, then don't blame us! From this moment on, Aolong Entertainment Company terminates all cooperation with the Celebrity Training Center!"
"Teacher Wu, this..." Cai Ni panicked. She called out, but Wu Sijun waved her hand, "You don't need to say anything more, unless you can make Li Ziling agree to join our company."
"Li Ziling..." Cai Ni, unaware of Li Ziling's true identity, tried to persuade her further. But Li Ziling coldly replied, "I'm sorry, Principal Cai, I can't help you! If you're not satisfied with me, you can fire me now."
Cai Ni let out a wry smile. Ultimately, she did not choose to fire Li Ziling.
"Is there anything else?" Chen Jie asked.
"Yes! Of course there is!" Ji Afei suddenly stood up. "Do you think I called you here just for this minor matter?"
Ji Afei's tone annoyed everyone. When it came to Wei Xiang and the others' future, how could he dismiss it as a minor issue?
"Chen Jie, I summoned you here to make you leave the school!" Ji Afei pointed at Chen Jie and sneered.
Wu Sijun also watched with cold eyes. She hadn't left yet; she wanted to witness Chen Jie being expelled from the school to complete half of her mission.
"Director Ji, what are you doing?" Cai Ni asked, displeased.
"What am I doing? Isn't it obvious?" Ji Afei sneered.
"But our big boss said not to fire Chen Jie, right?" Cai Ni asked.
"Of course I know! But I'm not firing Chen Jie, I'm making him get out himself!" Ji Afei harbored deep resentment towards Chen Jie and, unable to act directly, seized this opportunity.
"Seven days ago, Chen Jie made a promise to me. He said if he couldn't bring a cooperating company to our school within a week, he would resign voluntarily and leave the school!"
"Chen Jie, is this true?" Ji Afei demanded.
"Yes, that's true," Chen Jie replied.
"Then will you keep your promise?"
"Naturally."
"In that case, why aren't you leaving?" Ji Afei sneered.
"Ji Afei, I think it's you who should be leaving," Chen Jie retorted.
"What did you say? Don't forget I have a recording of your promise! You haven't brought any cooperation to the school, so why should I leave instead of you?" Ji Afei said incredulously.
"Who said I haven't brought any cooperation to the school?" Chen Jie countered.
"Impossible! No entertainment company would dare to cooperate with our Celebrity School now! Not only do you lack the ability, but even if you did, it's impossible to achieve!" Ji Afei sneered.
"Nothing is impossible. With me, everything is possible. Coincidentally, a major boss will be arriving soon! She will represent me in discussing cooperation matters with your school."