C6 An Old Actor

"I'm sorry, I'm not looking to sign any contracts at the moment."

Hwa Feng, having assessed the situation, offered a polite smile and firmly declined their offer.

What a laugh! I'm still trying to figure out how to get by. Getting past these elder sisters of mine is no easy feat.

Besides, wouldn't signing with my own family's company be the smarter move?

"Mr. Hwa Feng, our company is one of the biggest players in the domestic entertainment industry, collaborating with top directors and producers.

Sign with us, and we guarantee to make you one of the hottest actors in the country in just two or three years!"

The Hwa family's agent persisted, still hoping to persuade him.

"Hehe."

Hwa Feng chuckled, about to respond, when a stretch Lincoln pulled up to the edge of the crowd. Two burly men in black suits parted the onlookers and approached Hwa Feng.

"Young Master, the Second Miss has sent us to escort you home. She's waiting for you in the car."

Hwa Feng's face soured; he knew the inevitable was bound to happen, but it arrived all too swiftly.

He shrugged apologetically at the somewhat dazed agents and made his way to the gleaming stretch Lincoln.

The agents watched Hwa Feng's grand exit, their expressions frozen. It was becoming clear that Hwa Feng might just be the scion of a top-tier conglomerate, out to sample life's experiences.

Well, time to call it a night.

Inside the car, Hwa Feng was greeted by the steady gaze of Hwa Jiajia.

Dressed in a light yellow frock, her slender legs and sparkling eyes exuded a mix of joy and irritation, barely concealing her fatigue.

Hwa Feng beamed at her.

"Second Sister, what brings you here? Aren't you busy shooting in Hengdian?"

Hwa Jiajia gave Hwa Feng a playful glare.

"Do I have a choice? Our little Feng is becoming quite the sensation, even making it on TV. If I hadn't come, who knows, you might have ended up on the Spring Festival Gala."

Hwa Feng let out a sheepish laugh and took a seat next to Hwa Jiajia.

"That's not it. I just got lucky, and since they picked me, I showed up."

Hwa Jiajia replied with a touch of annoyance,

"Even if you had to come, you should've at least told your sisters. It's your first time traveling so far alone. We've been so worried."

"As soon as Fifth Sister told me, I rushed right over. What if something had happened? What would we have done?"

Her voice began to break, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Hwa Feng quickly wrapped his arms around Hwa Jiajia, gently patting her back.

"See, I'm okay, Second Sister. Don't be upset. I promise I won't keep secrets from you all next time! I'll share everything, alright?"

Hwa Jiajia's eyes, rimmed with red, met Hwa Feng's gaze.

"Really? You'll tell us everything? And take our advice?"

"Absolutely!"

With Hwa Feng's firm assurance, Hwa Jiajia's face broke into a smile.

"So, can we stop putting ourselves out there? No more talent shows, okay? Just listen to us!"

"You're setting me up!"

Hwa Feng was at a loss for words. Second Sister truly was a seasoned actress; her acting chops were top-notch.

"I refuse!"

Hwa Feng's response was emphatic.

He had to see this main quest through. 'Idol Producer' was his first step toward stardom.

He couldn't just give up, not this time.

Hwa Jiajia, who had been smiling moments before, teared up again at Hwa Feng's steadfast reply.

"My little brother's all grown up, not listening to his big sister anymore. It breaks my heart..."

Hwa Feng exhaled a weary sigh.

"Second Sister, that's enough. You're laying it on a bit thick..."

Hwa Jiajia quickly composed herself.

"Okay, I'll tone it down next time."

"But Feng, we really don't want you out there in the spotlight."

"I'm tired of the hassle, Second Sister. Every time I want to go shopping with the girls, I have to cover up from head to toe. It's such a pain."

"Plus, you're just a kid. You have no idea how messy show business can be. What if you get swindled—your money, your heart, everything?"

Hwa Feng remained resolute.

"I'm aware, but I'm ready for it. I'm not that little boy anymore. You can relax, Sister."

Watching Hwa Feng's defiant look, Hwa Jiajia let out a sigh and slumped into the chair.

"Alright, I see there's no changing your mind. You're set on your course until you hit a brick wall. I'll stop trying to convince you."

Hwa Feng's playful grin quickly returned as he clambered onto Hwa Jiajia's shoulders.

"I knew it, Second Sister, you're the best! You must be exhausted. Here, let me give you a proper massage."

Hwa Jiajia snuggled into Hwa Feng's arms, settling into a comfortable position, and whispered,

"This round wasn't too tough for me. Let's talk more when we're back home. The challenges facing the other six won't be as easy, so think it over carefully."

"But the song you sang today, I really liked it. No, I loved it! For the rest of our days..."

Mid-sentence, Hwa Jiajia drifted off to sleep.

As Hwa Feng continued to massage her gently, he observed the weariness and slight furrow of her brow, feeling a pang of sympathy for her.