CEO's Sweetheart is a Super Idol-Chapter 371 - 363: Green Tea Tactics

Li Jiaqi felt a bit hot inside the house and adjusted the air conditioning to a lower setting.

Then, she thought for a moment before continuing to message Du Jinyu.

"Du Jinyu, I know you’re good to me, but I truly can’t break the rules."

"I understand."

"Us having private connections is already inappropriate, and I won’t accept expensive gifts."

"Then, Jiaqi, what do you want?"

"I don’t want anything. I just want all my fans to support me in my career."

Du Jinyu was momentarily confused about what supporting her career meant.

"Jiaqi, I’ve always supported your career."

"If you support my career, you shouldn’t be thinking about giving me cars or things like that."

"So what you’re saying is, I should give you ’dumplings.’"

"Yes, this year, I must secure the Big Three."

Li Jiaqi’s eyes were filled with ambition at this moment.

"Jiaqi, is the Big Three really that important? Haven’t you already ’left the village’ now?"

"That’s just an illusion. I was only lucky to get a few resources. If I want to advance, I must have the company’s support."

"Jiaqi, is Galaxy capable of doing that? I feel like it’s hindering your progress."

Like other fans, Du Jinyu was full of resentment towards Galaxy.

"Jinyu, I don’t have any backers in the entertainment circle. Right now, the best choice is to secure resources from the company. After going around for a while, I finally understand — having no company support doesn’t work."

"Why not switch to another company? With your current popularity, isn’t there another company interested in signing you?"

Du Jinyu’s words almost made Li Jiaqi laugh in frustration. This rich second-generation could be very clever at times, yet extremely naive at others.

"Jinyu, I currently have almost no reputation in the industry. How could other companies pay Galaxy’s breach-of-contract penalties to sign me? Those companies look at profits too!"

Li Jiaqi’s words brought Du Jinyu back to reality since he also ran a business. His father’s factory had practiced headhunting before, which was all about the benefits someone could bring.

"Jinyu, Galaxy is my best option right now. Although it’s a small company with average resources in film and television, the competition isn’t as fierce, which gives me more opportunities."

"If I secure the Big Three, the company will value me more, and I’ll feel more confident when claiming resources. People are already gossiping about me behind my back."

Du Jinyu felt that Li Jiaqi’s reply was quite reasonable.

"Jiaqi, you’re right. This year, I’ll definitely help you secure the Big Three."

"Jinyu, you also have to act within your means. The fan club has other people too; you all need to work together."

"Don’t worry, Jiaqi! I understand. It’s no use fighting alone now."

Li Jiaqi let out a long breath; she had been worried Du Jinyu would cause trouble.

As her fame grew, more and more fans gathered around her, including several big sponsors who were capable of securing votes.

Although there had been mentions of meeting up, she had refused them all.

Engaging in these private connections was risky; it was too easy for scandals to arise when multiple people were involved.

Keeping them at arm’s length ensures they remain helpful cash cows.

"Where’s Zhang Yuzhe? Why hasn’t he been around? He used to be so diligent!"

Li Jiaqi suddenly missed Zhang Yuzhe. It had been a long time since he’d contacted her or sent her gifts like chicken legs.

She actually cared more about Zhang Yuzhe than Du Jinyu because the former had landed her a resource once.

She had tested the waters by messaging him on WeChat, but his replies were vague.

"Jiaqi, have a good rest then! Will you be performing at the small theater soon?"

Li Jiaqi knew that he still hadn’t given up trying to meet her.

"Jinyu, do you have time tonight?"

"Jiaqi, are you coming to meet me? Or should you rest? I know you’re very tired."

"It’s fine. I feel like getting out for a bit."

"Alright, let’s meet at North Pole Coffee then."

After hanging up, Du Jinyu immediately called a familiar woman. Whenever he saw Li Jiaqi, he couldn’t help himself, so he needed to ease his nerves first.

He felt that he had to display impeccable gentlemanly behavior in front of Li Jiaqi.

Knock knock!

Li Jiaqi picked up her phone and saw that Ye Yuwei had replied.

She immediately perked up, eager to chat with her.

However, Ye Yuwei was very busy and only exchanged a couple of words.

"Sigh! Yezi, the gap between us is really becoming wider and wider."

"You’re already the proud daughter of the heavens, standing at the peak."

"I’m still a struggling small fry at the theater."

This left Li Jiaqi feeling frustrated. She wanted to call Yu Qingjia, but then remembered Lu Bingbing had returned and refrained.

She didn’t want Lu Bingbing and Yu Qingjia to clash.

Some things can be done when someone’s absent, but once they’ve returned, you must follow the rules.

To outsiders, her behavior during Lu Bingbing’s absence may seem inappropriate.

But in their circle, it was just the norm. With frequent events, people often leave for extended periods — it’s all part of being human.

Thinking this, she decided she should go visit Lu Bingbing.

Outside the small theater

Wang Yiran and Yu Qingjia were buying fruit at a small shop.

A group of fans were there, snapping photos nonstop with their cameras and phones.

There were even complaints about seat hogging.

Though they blocked the fruit shop’s door, the owner showed no dissatisfaction. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Originally, this shop had little traffic. But since Galaxy’s small theater opened nearby, business had picked up.

"Yiran, don’t you like cherries? Let’s buy some."

"Thanks, Sister Qingjia. You’re always spoiling me."

Wang Yiran smiled sweetly and picked up a large orange.

This action set the already agitated fans aflame.

It was their first time seeing idols casually interacting like this outside.

Still, they didn’t dare shout; the public setting wasn’t the theater.

Many were flushed, holding back their excitement and discomfort.

Yu Qingjia couldn’t help but feel embarrassed — Wang Yiran was being too bold.

But she kept up the act, saying, "Let’s get some apples too! Have one to quench your thirst later."

"Sure! After we’re done, let’s head over to North Lake. I want to see the swans."

"Alright, let me hail a cab," Yu Qingjia responded with a smile.

Wang Yiran nodded, casually paying for the fruit with her phone.

"I promised to treat you to fruit," Yu Qingjia said, smiling.

"Yours, mine — why divide so clearly? It’s just some fruit." Wang Yiran hooked her arm around Yu Qingjia’s, playfully acting spoiled.

"Why not? You’re not related to me or anything."

"Hmph!"

Their playful exchange left even the most seasoned fans reeling.

On the second floor of the small theater, Xu Mengchen watched everything with a pale face, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Mengchen, everyone has their own destiny. You and Third Sister aren’t suited for each other," Zhang Yu said, approaching with a sympathetic look.

"Is it because my ranking is low? Because I’ve just entered the circle?" Xu Mengchen bit her lip, already bleeding.

"Mengchen, Third Sister wouldn’t be that kind of person."

"I didn’t mean to, I just—"

"I understand. Mengchen, don’t dwell on it. Big Sister is already halfway out of the circle. Maybe she’ll help us when the time comes. We need to work hard ourselves and aim for the next chance at debut."

Xu Mengchen nodded. She knew self-pity wouldn’t help her.

"Zhang Yu, how’s the issue with that big fan of yours going?"

"It’s unsolvable. What she wants is too much. I can’t give her that."

Xu Mengchen fell silent; she knew what Zhang Yu meant.

"It’s alright. I refuse to believe I won’t make it into the Top 16 this year for the elections," Zhang Yu said, regaining her resolve.