Chapter 9: A Worthwhile Deal

After the two of them sat down, there was no wine list. The server simply asked what they would like to drink. Lin Zhiwei’s eyes flickered as she realized how things were done here, and she answered with poised ease, “Let’s have some red wine. It suits the mood for business discussions.”

Ling Ziheng nodded, and the server immediately went to make the arrangements.

“I must say, from the grand decor to the tiniest teacup, everything here is remarkable,” Lin Zhiwei blinked, unable to resist offering praise.

Ling Ziheng didn’t seem surprised. She had already deduced in a heartbeat that this bar belonged to him. Gazing out the window, he remarked softly, “But business isn’t good.”

“There are two ways to go about it,” Lin Zhiwei said in a mellow tone. “First, treat it purely as a personal hobby, not for profit, and attract like-minded friends. Perhaps one day, it could become a club for business negotiations. Second, adapt to the changing times and market the place, though the atmosphere would suffer, and you’d have to cater to customer demands. The benefit, of course, is making money.”

Ling Ziheng looked at her with a smile, his eyes lowering, long lashes trembling delicately. Lin Zhiwei was momentarily entranced by the sight, but quickly looked away. “Is there an issue?” she asked.

He shook his head. “You seem quite versed in management.”

“I’m willing to try managing people or business. What do you think—did I pass the test?” Lin Zhiwei propped her chin on her hand, thinking to herself that he was a cautious sort.

“And people?” Ling Ziheng’s dark eyes shone, reflecting the dazzling lights outside, making him look almost otherworldly.

“I’ll be bold and continue, then. On the way here, I was trying to figure out who you are. I hadn’t heard of the name Ling Ziheng before, but on closer inspection, it’s clear you’ve disguised yourself a little today,” Lin Zhiwei analyzed seriously.

“I’m a third-year student at Fushii University, majoring in Entertainment and Culture Management. Of course, I may not look the part. But there’s one name that rings out everywhere: Ling Ruoyu,” she added, daring to guess.

Just then, the red wine arrived. Ling Ziheng took a sip and replied, “That’s me.”

Seeing him admit it so honestly, Lin Zhiwei grew excited. “The youngest Best Actor in China, and the only son of the Ling family. I think I’ve finally pieced together the connections.”

“But as for you—I’ve done my homework,” Ling Ziheng said, gesturing for her to try the wine.

Lin Zhiwei took a sip. It was excellent—sweet but not cloying, truly top-shelf.

“Me? Then you’ve got your work cut out for you. The person I am today isn’t who I was yesterday, and the one I was yesterday wasn’t who I was the day before,” Lin Zhiwei said, shaking her head languidly.

“Perhaps I should congratulate you in advance, future Lady of the Domain,” Ling Ziheng toasted.

Lin Zhiwei sighed and clinked glasses with him. “Ah, that’s hard to say. First, I need to reclaim…” She caught herself, realizing she couldn’t mention reclaiming her beauty. “First, I need to get back what’s mine and take things one step at a time. When Lin Qiongjiu eventually has a child, there’ll be someone to inherit. For now, I’m just helping manage things.”

Ling Ziheng shook his head, silently impressed. The Domain Lord’s judgment was indeed sharp; in this nameless realm, there was probably no one else as clear-sighted as the woman before him.

“There aren’t many who dare address the Domain Lord by name,” Ling Ziheng reminded her kindly.

Lin Zhiwei winced inwardly—she’d been too impulsive. In private, she always called her that, and in her excitement, it slipped out. She made a mental note to be more careful, but outwardly remained composed. “With my sister-in-law backing me, I can get away with it. Now, let’s talk business.”

Ling Ziheng straightened. “It’s simple: help me, and the Ling family will naturally offer everything in due time. You already have the Zhao family’s support; secure one more clan, and your position will be unshakable.”

“Hmm, I think the Shen family will soon be within reach. After what happened today, I can use that to my advantage. That means entertainment, business, and industry are all covered,” Lin Zhiwei calculated. What a day—such great fortune!

“It’s a good deal. What do you need in return?”

“The Chinese entertainment industry,” Ling Ziheng answered coolly.

“That’s all? So simple?” Lin Zhiwei was genuinely shocked.

She had expected him to make wild demands. The entertainment industry? Wasn’t he already a superstar? What more did he want—to reach the heavens?

“For now, the Ling family isn’t under my control.”

“Oh, I see. So, you want to develop your career in China because you don’t want to be controlled by your family here in the nameless realm. Why didn’t I think of that back then?” Lin Zhiwei slapped the table in admiration. Then again, with Lin Qiongjiu around, where could she have run?

“Without the Ling family’s support, the Chinese entertainment industry is a tough nut to crack.”

“That’s true. These days, you need more than talent and good looks to get to the top,” Lin Zhiwei considered. “You probably don’t want to bundle yourself with the family or compromise your principles, so without backing, it’s hard to stand alone.”

“Exactly,” Ling Ziheng agreed.

“Then it’s really a good deal,” Lin Zhiwei smiled lightly. “Not only can I find you powerful allies, but I can help you stand firm in the Chinese entertainment industry as well.”

“And the terms?”

“They’re not harsh. Just hire me as your strategist,” Lin Zhiwei eagerly recommended herself. Good heavens, she needed the money. Her cards had all been confiscated by her family…

Ling Ziheng narrowed his eyes, as if trying to figure out what she was up to.

“Don’t worry,” Lin Zhiwei said with a wry smile. “I’m just short on cash for now. Money makes the world go round, and my cards are all under lock and key at home.”

“That’s easy, then. No problem. Deal,” Ling Ziheng replied, his handsome face breaking into a smile. Lin Zhiwei felt as if a spring breeze had warmed her. She wondered how stunning he must be without his disguise.

“All right, with me accompanying you to China, the Ling family shouldn’t object much. You’ll avoid a lot of trouble,” Lin Zhiwei analyzed. “However, at least here in the nameless realm, you might have to accept being bundled with me for now—even if it’s not to your liking.”

“No problem.”

Ling Ziheng’s answer was so quick that Lin Zhiwei’s heart skipped a beat. She had thought he would reject such an arrangement—after all these years, no one had ever been willing to be tied to her.