When Qian Ming saw that James was ready to throw around some cash, a smile broke across his face. "It's true; getting targeted in the entertainment industry is normal. It's not the insults that matter; it's the lack of attention that's the real concern. If she dares to let her artists smear our Avril, it could actually work to our advantage."
James raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
Qian Ming grinned wider. "That would definitely create a buzzâhopefully inciting a little fan fight on both sides. We could hire a bunch of trolls to make it blow up even more."
"If we're willing to spend money, we can turn some of their fans into our supporters. You know how money talks; fan group leaders are easy to persuade."
"The more money we throw at this, the more supporters we gain. When that happens, we can say whatever we want and even bite back."
James noticed he was quite familiar with this strategy, prompting curiosity. "You can handle all that?"
Qian Ming puffed up with pride. "Of course! In our line of work, we deal with trolls all the time. A regular comment costs a dime, ten likes are thirty cents, and if we get over a hundred likes, it's only three bucks. You can create two dozen troll accounts with just one popular post..."
James interrupted, losing interest in the insider gossip. "Alright, if I need anything, I'll call you."
"Sure thing, King! I won't keep you any longer," Qian Ming said, sensing James's lack of enthusiasm as he readied to leave the car.
Just then, James had a thought and called out, "Wait a minute."
Qian Ming lowered his window, waiting for further instructions.
"Since you're helping me, can you dig up some dirt on that woman, the one surnamed Hua?"
"Absolutely, King. Although she's just an agent, the dirt might not bite her as much as you think."
"Then look into whether she's involved in any illegal activities. I've heard agents in this industry pull shady contracts or engage in tax evasion."
"Uh... that's trickier for us as paparazzi. Those kinds of scandals are hard to come by," Qian Ming hesitated before adding, "We could get our hands on something, but it usually involves spending a lot of money to bribe a lot of people."
James casually asked, "How much would that take?"
Qian Ming braced himself and quoted, "About a million."
Without a second thought, James nodded in agreement. "Alright, send me your account number."
Qian Ming practically beamed with excitement. "Boss, you're so generous. Don't worry; I'll handle everything perfectly."
It was a hefty sum to throw around for a stranger he'd only met twice. This kind of confidence was rare, even among the wealthy elite. Qian Ming felt fortunate for his choice, realizing that being associated with a powerful figure like James certainly came with its perks.
James seemed to have read his thoughts and added with a chuckle, "If you pull this off well, you could come work for my company at a million a year."
"Thank you for your recognition, King. I'll definitely get this done within a week!" Qian Ming said eagerly.
James transferred the funds, noticing Qian Ming's eagerness to jump out of the car and see him off, he waved him off. "Go handle your business. No need to fuss over me."
Having seen how little support he had, with Ms. Morgan busy and unfamiliar with this world, James wanted to test out this middle-aged man who seemed well-connected.
That agent, Sister Hua, seemed formidable, and her secrets were likely well-guarded. If he could handle her, it would show he had real talent.
Once Qian Ming's car drove away, Avril, who had been quietly observing from the side, couldn't contain herself any longer. She grabbed James's hand and shook it playfully, her eyes sparkling with desire. "Uncle~"
"What is it?" James smiled back.
"You're so rich!" Avril's voice was sweet enough to make someone swoon.
"Did you just realize that?"
"I knew you had money, but I didn't expect you to have this much!"
Her eyes lit up, as if she wanted to devour him. Throwing around a million just to vent her frustrations... how could anyone not like a man like that?
Thinking about the three billion he promised for the TV show, it seemed like a sure thing.
In her excitement, she wrapped her arms around him and planted a quick peck on his cheek. "Uncle, why don't you give me a million to spend?"
Having not worn a mask after her meal, a sheen of gloss or gloss shimmered on her lips under the streetlights. Her bright face was filled with sweetness.
Her dazzling eyes sparkled with longing, as if she wanted to lure him in completely. James felt slightly dazzledâthis girl knew how to turn on the charm, and it was hard to resist.
"What do you want to buy? I'll get it for you," he offered.
"I want to buy girl stuff; you wouldn't understand."
Her statement triggered an unsettling thought in James, making him regain his composure. "No way."
"Why not? Others can give, so why can't you?"
"They're getting paid to do their job, and you're using money for what?"
"I just want to buy candy!"
"I can buy you candy."
Avril became agitated, waving her arms back and forth, stomping her feet in frustration, ready to throw a fit. "No! You have to give me the money; I want to buy it myself!"
James couldn't handle her adorableness any longer.
Noticing her assistant nearby, he sighed, "I'll put the money over here quietly, and if you want to buy something for girls, have her do it for you."
"That little accountant? There's no way she'll let me buy what I like."
"Well, we can't help it; you can't buy those inappropriate things anyway."
Annoyed, Avril stamped her foot in anger and turned to walk away.
What she wanted to buy were very much inappropriate thingsâlike spending money on games, purchasing outfits, and earning cool gear, among other indulgences.
She also wanted to tip those borderline cute boys in live streams. Not that she wanted to date them, but just to hear them say, "Princess, please have a seat." in front of other girls.
But saying any of this out loud would likely earn her a smack.
Seething with frustration, Avril walked into the community, quickly hit the elevator button, and waited for James.
When she saw him appear, she immediately pressed the close-door button, locking both of them out of the elevator.
This childish stunt kind of left James shaking his head, a mix of amusement and disbelief.
Arriving at the eighteenth floor, he exited the elevator exactly at the same time as her.
Avril was clearly displeased, letting out a pout, lifting her chin in defiance, and heading back to her unit.
James hesitated to comfort her, but deciding against it since they weren't that familiar yet, he opted not to crash into her room uninvited.
As he opened his own door and stepped inside, he was met by the cold, desolate silence of his apartment, a stark contrast to the vibrant banter that had filled the place just hours earlier.
Earlier, the girl had brought life into his home with her endless chatter and antics, and he realized he liked how carefree she was, living in the moment.
He took out his phone and opened WhatsApp but ignored the four or five unread notifications.
Instead, he looked up the information Qian Ming had gathered on Avril.
Afterward, he opened her chat again and typed, "Do you want to come over and discuss your allowance?"
NOTE: Writer:""If you like this book, please help by clicking 'voted.' Thank you!""