Chapter 135: The Human-Faced Fox

The playful and alluring dance moves were executed with perfect synchronization, and coupled with Liao Yuan’s own solid dance foundation, the entire performance instantly became far more captivating.

All the viewers watching intently in front of their screens gasped repeatedly. Beyond the visual feast, the harmonious chorus of the girls singing “NONONO,” accompanied by the sole male’s backing vocals, made the entire presentation outstanding and flawless.

Compared to Zhang Hengge, Zhan Huo, Han Yu, and others, Liao Meiqi’s team displayed a stronger collective cohesion. Every girl’s movements revolved entirely around Liao Yuan, creating a scene that was both sweet and sensuous purely from the visuals alone.

After all, “Produce 101” was a large-scale variety show jointly produced by the three major video platforms, enjoying unprecedented popularity online. Offline, it was broadcast by Donghai Satellite TV domestically, and also aired on numerous TV stations across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and throughout Southeast Asia.

Although Liao Meiqi’s individual likes weren’t the highest overall, the collective work of “NONONO” clearly resonated more deeply with the audience.

Moreover, on the dedicated “Produce 101” page across the three major video platforms, the indoor version of “Heartbeat” performed by Liao Meiqi’s group also delighted fans immensely.

“Liao Meiqi is number one again?”

At New Origin Entertainment.

In the office, General Manager Chang Houjian smiled as he looked at the “Produce 101” likes leaderboard, where Liao Meiqi stood proudly at the top. “This kid is impressive, really impressive.”

“Yeah, who would’ve thought? She was just some randomly signed little artist back then, and now she’s achieved this level of fame,” said Deputy General Manager Tan Lin with a chuckle.

“Mr. Chang, it’s your keen eye for talent,” Tan Lin continued. “Everyone initially doubted Liao Meiqi, thinking she wouldn’t even pass the first round. But now, she’s in the top twenty-two, and ranked first at that. She’s just one step away from officially debuting in a group. Where did you find this kid? It’s a true case of silence before the storm—I’m utterly impressed.”

Actor Zhang Ziming sighed, “Honestly, our company’s influence in the industry isn’t that strong. Having a top-tier star like Liao Meiqi emerge is a sheer stroke of luck. But there’s an old saying: a small temple can’t house a giant Buddha. Staying with our company might actually limit her growth, and in the end, we could end up ruining her career—like drawing water with a bamboo basket, all in vain.”

Zhang Ziming exchanged a glance with Tan Lin before continuing, “Mr. Chang, I know many companies have been contacting you, eager to buy out Liao Meiqi’s contract. What are your thoughts on this now?”

Tan Lin added, “Mr. Chang, the appetite is whetted. ‘Produce 101’ is about to enter its grand finale. Liao Meiqi’s debut is all but guaranteed, but whether she’ll debut as center position remains uncertain. Lemon Entertainment isn’t to be underestimated—they have abundant resources. Although Xie Yuxian is currently behind, that doesn’t mean she’ll stay there forever. A late surge to claim center debut is entirely possible. If we wait too long to negotiate, Liao Meiqi’s price will only go up.”

Chang Houjian smiled slightly. “Whether she’s willing to be transferred depends on Liao Meiqi herself. We can’t force her decision.”

“Mr. Chang, since we hold her contract, how she’s traded is our business,” Tan Lin argued. “Why worry about her feelings?”

Chang Houjian shook his head. “Liao Meiqi’s rise has happened almost entirely on her own, with New Origin Entertainment offering little support…”

Tan Lin quickly interjected, “But she did sign the contract! Regardless of our relationship with her, once the contract is signed, certain matters are beyond her control. Besides, we’re acting in her best interest, aiming to secure her a larger development platform!”

“Mr. Chang, Lemon Entertainment’s offer is one hundred million yuan. It’s the highest bid from any company so far,” Tan Lin pressed on. “One hundred million in a buyout fee—that’s enough to fund two big films. Haven’t you always talked about venturing into film production? This is the perfect opportunity.”

Though tempted, Chang Houjian waved off the idea irritably. “Enough. I’m not the one who makes that decision.”

“You’re not?” Tan Lin and Zhang Ziming were taken aback.

Sighing, Chang Houjian explained, “I only hold less than 20% of New Origin Entertainment’s shares. The largest shareholder controls 45%. According to the board’s regulations, they have direct authority to appoint or dismiss executives. Don’t be fooled by my title as general manager—if I sign off on this deal tomorrow, I’ll be out the door the next day. Besides, while I personally signed Liao Meiqi, it was under the directive of this major shareholder. Do you think I don’t want to sell? One hundred million! Plus, other offers are even better! But can I just agree to it?”

The more he spoke, the more frustrated he seemed.

Tan Lin and Zhang Ziming were speechless. Though aware of several major shareholders, they had never considered the extent of their control in such a small company.

What surprised them even more was that the largest shareholder had direct authority to appoint and remove executives.

“Who is this major shareholder?” Zhang Ziming asked.

Chang Houjian replied, “I’ve never met him. All I know is his name: Dong Qiusheng.”

...

“Dong Qiusheng?”

At Lemon Entertainment, Mo Jingming studied the information he had gathered on Dong Qiusheng, lost in thought.

Dong Qiusheng graduated from the Business School of the world-renowned Benifa University. At thirty-seven years old, he had previously worked at Goldman Sachs and UBS as a securities broker, successfully raising and nurturing several promising companies for public listing.

In 2018, he resigned from his position as investment banking manager at Goldman Sachs Hong Kong to establish Hesheng Private Equity Fund. The fund went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange earlier this year and has since been aggressively expanding throughout Southeast Asia. It’s a private equity fund with considerable potential and a strong reputation in the industry.

Dong Qiusheng serves as the fund’s executive director and secretary-general.

Mo Jingming never expected that behind the modest New Origin Entertainment hid such a wealthy backer.

Though only thirty-seven, Dong Qiusheng’s dozens of private equity investments over the past three years have yielded massive returns. His net worth skyrocketed from tens of millions to over a billion in just three years, earning him the nickname “Fox-faced Cunning” among private equity circles.

True to his name, he was as sly as a fox, never engaging in losing deals.

“This is Dong Qiusheng’s contact information,” the assistant handed Mo Jingming a business card.

Mo Jingming stared at the card, fingers tapping the desk as he pondered deeply. After a long moment, he finally dialed the number.