Chapter 41: Official Signing!

No Escape had gained massive success amid the heated online discussions, something that caught the entire Lu Family, including Lu Jin, completely off guard.

He had originally only wanted to use this variety show to pursue Ou Yu.

Now, a program that started as mere entertainment had received unprecedented attention. Issues like the imbalance of abilities between the criminal guests and vice squad officers in the first episode, along with various other oversights, began to draw serious scrutiny. The group’s head office even dispatched a professional team to provide guidance, reforming the show’s rules and audition processes.

Amid this buzz, during an interview, Song Hui “accidentally” let slip that Xiao Fen had not yet signed on for the second episode recording of No Escape, instantly sparking an uproar online.

Lu Family Villa.

“Look at what you’ve done!”

Lu Jin had just entered the living room and hadn’t even had a chance to greet the person seated in the center when his calf took a solid whack from a cane.

Old Master Lu, Lu Congxin.

Fifty years ago, he had started from nothing and built the Lu Family entertainment empire. Now nearing his eighties, he remained spry and as imposing as ever.

The middle-aged noblewoman beside him hurriedly stood up to support Lu Jin, saying with heartache, “Dad, let’s talk this out nicely. Jin finally agreed to take over the company. What if you scare him off and he refuses to manage it anymore?”

“Then hire a professional! That would still be better than this spendthrift wastrel!” Lu Congxin fumed.

Lu Jin collapsed bonelessly onto the sofa nearby and pulled out his phone to tap open a game, ignoring everything.

“Look at him, no proper posture at all. You spoiled him rotten!”

The angrier Lu Congxin got, the worse it seemed. He had dominated the business world for decades without a single setback, yet his grandson was such a disappointment.

Madam Lu chuckled awkwardly from the side as she walked over to Lu Jin’s sofa. “Son, what happened with the company lately? Tell Mom and Grandpa about it.”

“Just negotiating a program renewal with some third-rate little celebrity,” Lu Jin said. His fingers flew across the screen without even lifting his eyes.

“That ‘third-rate’ celebrity now has real drawing power and buzz. Everyone online is pressuring the Lu Family to sign him.” Lu Congxin said urgently.

“Which celebrity is this badass?” Madam Lu picked up a fine bone china teacup from the coffee table and blew on the steam.

Lu Jin ignored her question, a confident smirk tugging at his lips. “Don’t worry, he’ll sign. But first, I’ll grind down some of his edge.” He needed to vent this frustration somehow.

“Don’t play too hard to get,” Lu Congxin cautioned. “Get it done when it’s about right. At the end of the day, these celebrities are just money-making tools for us. As long as they stay in line and don’t climb over our heads, it’s fine. Use both carrot and stick to manage people properly.”

Lu Jin’s finger paused mid-air over the game screen, a flicker of daze in his eyes.

Celebrities were just money-making tools for them.

This was Old Master Lu’s golden rule. Every glamorous star out there was, to the Lu Family, nothing more than exquisite merchandise.

This mindset had passed from Lu Congxin to his father, and now it was being drilled into Lu Jin.

“Got it,” he replied lazily.

“Don’t drag it out too long.” Lu Congxin saw his grandson’s indifferent expression while gaming and felt another surge of anger. “Call his agent right now. No—schedule a meeting for tomorrow. Actually, today. Get the follow-up contract sorted.”

Lu Jin grew impatient. “Can’t you see I’m busy? You call, and I’ll talk.”

Madam Lu saw her father-in-law about to erupt again and quickly brought over a fresh teacup to let him sip some tea and cool down.

Lu Congxin waved it off and beckoned his assistant to make the call.

The assistant quickly got Song Hui’s number and dialed. Less than a minute later, he returned deferentially. “The agent says they’re unavailable today. Xiao Fen has already gone to the Publicity Department.”

“What!”

With a “clang,” the teacup slipped from Madam Lu’s hand and shattered into pieces on the floor, brown tea spilling everywhere.

She hurriedly went out to call the maids herself.

“Why did he go to the Publicity Department?” Connecting it to Bureau Chief Wu’s previous visit and attitude, Lu Congxin already had a vague guess.

“The agent said it’s to sign on as the official spokesperson for preventing gambling addiction,” the assistant replied.

“Look at what you’ve done!” Lu Congxin grew so furious he felt dizzy.

Lu Jin froze in place.

His game character got one-shot, and the screen went dark.

————

Xiao Fen rarely wore a proper suit, which felt a bit uncomfortable. He tugged at his sleeves and saw Song Hui smugly hanging up the phone.

“Lu Jin?”

“Nah, close though. It was an assistant from Chairman Lu’s side, saying they wanted to discuss the follow-up contract.” Song Hui clutched his phone excitedly. “You have no idea what a snob that assistant usually is. His voice was all humble and gentle just now—I thought it was someone else.”

“I haven’t signed yet. You didn’t piss him off, did you?”

“Of course not. I’m not one of those snobs who judge people by their status.”

No sooner had Song Hui spoken than a balding, middle-aged “Beauty Blender” came out beaming, hand extended before he even got close.

A swarm of official media reporters followed.

“This must be Xiao Fen. So young and accomplished already. I’m…” He introduced himself, then briefly explained what the Publicity Department did.

Xiao Fen shook his hand politely. He didn’t catch the title or exact role—just that he was some director.

“We were very impressed with your performance on the show. As a celebrity, you not only led by example but delved into the darkness, uncovered the truth, busted stubborn dens, and promoted the dangers of gambling. You set a great example. When the episode aired, we ran a public opinion survey. Thanks to your influence, national gambling rates plummeted, reports of gambling venues surged, and arrests of criminals…”

The director rattled off stats effortlessly, holding forth at length. Xiao Fen listened attentively, nodding along occasionally.

“Our previous anti-gambling campaigns were too stiff and outdated. How to make the message hit home with young people and sound the alarm in their hearts—that’s what we’ve been working on.”

After touring their various past efforts against gambling, the Beauty Blender director sighed. “Every brand has spokespeople these days, so we thought: why not hand this promotion to a star young people love? Let him set a positive example. It’s an innovative approach.”

“Xiao Fen, will you be our first spokesperson?”

Xiao Fen shook his hand again. “It’s my honor.”

Under the reporters’ cameras, both sides solemnly signed the anti-gambling addiction promotion contract.

At the same time, #Xiao Fen Becomes Official Spokesperson Against Gambling Crimes# topped Weibo.

【What’s going on? How did the 18th-Tier Celeb become an official figure?】

【Hahahaha, congrats Fen Treasure! Baby’s getting more and more promising. You’ve made us all proud.】

【Fen Treasure is mighty! Those black fans saying Brother Fen would get banned for going to the casino—better hide now and not show your faces.】

【Now even the officials are backing Brother Fen. Lu Family, if you don’t make a move, I really won’t watch your show anymore.】

【Wherever Brother Fen is, that’s where we are. Your crime variety show is the only one right now, but it won’t be forever.】

【He might’ve been a no-name 18th-Tier before, but from now on, he’s the only powerhouse star I truly respect and admire!】

【So lucky to witness Fen Treasure’s growth step by step.】

After signing, Xiao Fen left the building with the Beauty Blender director seeing him off.

Song Hui looked around beaming. He whispered, “I never even dreamed I’d set foot in a place like this someday.”

“You wanna stay a few days?” Xiao Fen said speechlessly. He shifted uncomfortably in his collar and undid a shirt button when footsteps in leather shoes approached from behind.

Song Hui quickly pulled him aside.

They looked up. Leading the group was Fang Si Ting and a refined middle-aged man, followed by over a dozen balding or beer-bellied types.

“Why do they look kinda familiar?”

“You watch the 7 PM news?”

“You think I’d watch that stuff?” Xiao Fen laughed wryly.

“Then where’s the familiarity from?”

“I mean, Inspector Fang and the guy next to him kinda look alike.”

Xiao Fen sneakily glanced around.

The Publicity Department shared the office building with other departments. The Beauty Blender director had just seen them out, and now they stood by a row of green plants at the base of the dozens of steps leading to the entrance—not easy to spot. The area was open and wide, perfect for a getaway.

Wait, he wasn’t a real criminal. Why run?

Fang Si Ting and the group came down the stairs and headed straight for the entrance.

His peripheral vision caught a familiar figure. He turned, but saw only rustling plants.

“What’re you looking at?” the middle-aged man beside him asked.

Fang Si Ting shook his head. “Saw wrong.”

Why would Xiao Fen be here?

“I heard a celebrity came to the Publicity Department today to sign a endorsement,” the middle-aged man said.

“Xiao Fen. From now on, he’ll post a weekly video exposing casino scams and cheating techniques, educating the public on quitting gambling,” someone behind him added.

“I’ve heard the name. My wife’s been hooked on that variety show lately.” The middle-aged man turned to Fang Si Ting. “You were on it too, right?”

“Yeah.” Fang Si Ting nodded. “He’s a very outstanding person.”

“Oh? You admire him that much?” The middle-aged man grew intrigued.

“I’ve eaten a few losses at his hands.” Fang Si Ting said sincerely. “He’s a strong, respectable opponent.”

“Rare to hear you say that.” He smiled mildly.

Fang Si Ting glanced that way again. “I’ll win against him.”

————

Three days later, Xiao Fen arrived at Lu Jin’s office again.

As he pushed open the door, Lu Jin immediately stopped chatting with his secretary and stood up.

“Boss Lu personally standing to greet me—a lowly third-rate star like me is truly honored.”

Ignoring the sarcasm, Lu Jin placed the contract on the opposite side.

Xiao Fen flipped through it. The terms matched those for a third-tier celebrity.

“Very tempting offer from Boss Lu.”

“And plenty sincere.” Lu Jin said. “With your dogshit acting and singing, you desperately need this show to boost and stabilize your popularity.”

“Boss Lu’s company management skills are impressive too.” Xiao Fen set the contract back down. “I want the same treatment as Ou Yu.”

Lu Jin’s lips twitched as if he wanted to snap something, but he held back and waved at his secretary.

Soon, Charlie brought over a fresh contract with top-tier celebrity terms and placed it before Xiao Fen.

Xiao Fen checked it twice carefully, confirmed no issues, and was about to sign when a distinct-knuckled hand blocked the pen tip.

“Boss Lu changing his mind again?”

Lu Jin stared at him gravely. “You’re not Xiao Fen.”