Chapter 36 Winnie: "Brother, have a drink."

"There is absolutely no need for that!"

Wang Yongchang was visibly alarmed, hastily interjecting again and again.

"There is no need to flip the table, but there is certainly no issue with opening up a new track for idols."

"Can, please don't mess around!"

The market is the way it is. Normal business competition is fine, but if you truly intend to smash everyone's livelihood, even Star Beauty Entertainment would likely be unable to withstand the furious backlash of the entire industry.

In the adult world, there are some things that you know are right, but you still cannot do them.

...But Li Can is eight years old; he is a minor.

"Regardless of whether we do it or not, this issue is unavoidable. The Korean-style idol track will eventually collapse. The national conditions are different, the society is different, and the roles are even more different. If we copy it mechanically, we will eventually be struck down by the clash of values, and it will surely die."

Li Can did not press the point hard, nor was he expecting Wang Yongchang to necessarily listen to him. He simply waved his hand dismissively and chuckled.

"Anyway, if we really follow the Korean-style path, the consequences will at most be astronomical fines, bans on idols, and a plummeting stock price."

"Can it really be that serious?!"

Wang Yongchang frowned and glanced at Li Can, somewhat astonished.

If you talk about grand principles, he might not understand. But if you talk about money, he understands perfectly.

"Maybe." Li Can spread his hands. "Who can say for sure?"

Wang Yongchang nodded thoughtfully.

Li Can... must have a profound intention behind this!

Believe first, question later.

"Then what do I need to have these trainees do?"

"Start by being human."

Li Can rubbed his chin and spoke slowly, amidst Wang Yongchang's puzzled expression.

"No matter how much they grind on professional skills, it's all much of a muchness. As long as their singing and dancing aren't too outrageous, that's fine. Being an idol isn't about the work itself; it's about the persona. Since we want to be grounded and more accessible to the public, we should start by being human."

"For the remaining time, I suggest adding some liberal arts and social practice. Most trainees are like birds in a cage; they lack common sense and the cognition of normal people. A scandal is inevitable."

Hearing this, Wang Yongchang seemed to understand a little.

Although it sounded absurd, he felt it might be worth a try.

Just consider it giving the trainees a break.

As long as this little ancestor in front of him gave up the explosive idea of flipping the table, everything was negotiable.

"Fine, I'll go make the arrangements."

Wang Yongchang nodded and immediately set to work.

...

Three o'clock in the afternoon.

Having finished her midday commercial performance and hurriedly grabbing a bite to eat, Chen Meijing finally returned to the company.

After putting down her luggage, she couldn't wait to come to the studio to greet everyone.

After the pleasantries, they began to discuss business.

The album was already finished.

Waiting for the heat from the first round of promotions for "Xianxia" to wind down, allowing Lin Feng and Han Jiayin to soak up some traffic, Chen Meijing would then be able to release her new album and roll out the announcements.

"Lin Feng and Han Jiayin need to appear on variety shows in a while. You are a senior; could you lead them and share some experience?"

"No problem, that's a small matter."

Chen Meijing readily agreed.

"It just so happens that you all need to practice singing. You can communicate more during this period."

As he spoke, Li Can called over Chen Gang and Zhao Ze.

"If you have any questions, go find these two."

"Understood."

Looking at the group, Chen Meijing felt a bit sentimental; the studio was becoming more and more complete.

Without dawdling, Chen Meijing quickly entered work mode.

Any concern or warmth was secondary. Chen Meijing clearly understood that the best way to repay Brother Can was to strive to become popular, to sing more and perform more, to help Brother Can increase his market value and make more money.

Having suffered, failed, and become numb, Chen Meijing was perfectly willing; she had not the slightest resistance to becoming a money-making tool.

Time passed by slowly.

By seven in the evening, everyone in the studio stretched and stood up.

"Let's go, off work! If there's anything left, we'll do it tomorrow. Our studio doesn't do overtime."

Li Can clapped his hands.

"What about you, Brother Can?"

"I'll be leaving in a bit, too. Just tidying up some files and finishing up."

"Alright, then we're off."

"Bye-bye."

Seeing Li Can say this, the others left the company one after another.

Only Winnie remained.

"Winnie? Aren't you leaving yet?"

"No rush, I need to process some files too."

Li Can didn't think much of it, nodded, and began his closing work.

He just didn't see that Winnie was constantly staring at her phone, looking somewhat restless.

Seeing that Li Can's work was almost finished, Winnie finally stood up.

She stood up, feigning relaxation, and stretched her body.

Then, she took a full bottle of vodka from the office's small refrigerator by the desk.

It was chilled.

She took out two glasses and handed one to Li Can.

Holding the 60-proof, 700ml bottle of vodka, she shook it playfully at Li Can.

"Senior, are you tired? How about a drink?"

"Sure."

Seeing Li Can nod, Winnie happily poured him a glass.

She reached into a drawer and took out a few bags of snacks to go with the drink.

"Winnie, are you getting used to work and life lately?"

Li Can took a sip of the vodka; it was cold and refreshing, truly relieving the fatigue.

"If you have any problems, don't keep them to yourself. Just tell me."

Speaking of this, Li Can recalled his days as an exchange student.

Not much time had passed, and the impressions were still very vivid.

"After being abroad for a while, I can feel that sentiment even more. It is truly difficult to study alone in a foreign land, whether it's culture, daily life, or social habits—the differences are huge. Without family around, there is indeed a feeling of not fitting in."

Hearing Li Can's words, Winnie shook her head.

"I don't have that feeling. I feel like my life in Xia is wonderful, even better than back home."

What a classic case of "being too happy to miss home."

Li Can looked at Winnie with some surprise, noticing that her gaze was very sincere—she really didn't seem to be just saying nice things—so he nodded in relief.

He ate a spicy bean, subconsciously took the vodka Winnie poured for him, and downed it in one gulp.

Vodka has to be chilled, and drinking a large gulp all at once is the only way to enjoy it.

"Come on, Brother Can, cheers!"

Winnie very sensibly refilled the glass and raised it. Li Can didn't think much of it and clinked glasses with her.

One swallow down, the initial chill turned into a warm glow—it felt great.

Before long, two-thirds of the 700ml bottle of vodka were gone.

...Winnie had drunk at least half of it.

The chilled liquor, combined with drinking it a bit too quickly.

Li Can really didn't have any strong sensations.

In the blink of an eye, the whole bottle was gone.

Li Can let out a long breath and sighed.

"It's been a long time since I've had such a satisfying drink; it really relieves stress."

He then stood up, walked to the other refrigerator, and took out three lemons.

He didn't waver at all.

In Winnie's somewhat dazed gaze, Li Can turned his head and asked her.

"Winnie, do you have any more vodka?"

"?"

Winnie tilted her head, unable to fathom the situation.

Why was his focus still on the liquor?

And... why was he such a bottomless pit!

"Yes."

"That's great!"