Chapter Eight: Whether a Mule or a Horse, It Must Be Taken Out for a Run!

Chapter Eight: Time to Show Your True Colors

Even though Tang Zhong had mentally prepared himself, he couldn't help but feel nervous when Bai Su told him there was a commercial event to attend the next day.

“Why so soon?” Tang Zhong frowned.

“Because it's part of a previously signed collaboration contract. The other party requires all three members of Butterfly to be present—if you’re absent, we’ll be in breach of contract,” Bai Su explained. “If I had a choice, I wouldn’t want to send you out in front of your fans so quickly either. Making this decision puts a lot of pressure on me as well.”

“I’ve just joined, I know nothing about Butterfly, I don’t understand anything—how can I take part in an event?”

Bai Su had expected this reaction from Tang Zhong. If he didn’t complain, he wouldn’t be the “never loses out” Tang Zhong she knew.

“What do you want to know?” Bai Su asked with a leisurely smile, eyes fixed on him.

“I don’t even know how to be a celebrity,” Tang Zhong said.

“Celebrities are people too. The reason they're stars is because a lot of people adore them,” Bai Su explained. “You don’t need to do anything in particular. Whatever you do, they’ll scream for you.”

“That easy?” Tang Zhong was skeptical.

“You’ll see for yourself soon enough,” Bai Su said. “Many stars start from scratch, climbing their way up. Because their journey is tough, they know exactly what to say or not say, what to do or avoid. You, however, are being catapulted straight to the top—from an ordinary person—”

“I’m not ordinary,” Tang Zhong interrupted. “I was pretty famous in prison.”

“All right. Prison Prince. I’ve heard of you,” Bai Su nodded. “You’re going from Prison Prince to a superstar under the spotlight. It sounds absurd. You have no foundation, nothing beneath your feet, so of course you’re nervous—but it’s only temporary. Attend just one event, and you’ll see what it means to be a celebrity.”

“What if someone asks me a question?”

“Don’t answer. Just say your throat’s not well. I’ll inform the organizers in advance,” Bai Su replied.

“Not a single word?”

“Wave. Smile. If something needs to be said, Benben will speak for you—remember, Benben, tomorrow you’re Butterfly’s spokesperson. Don’t say anything out of line.”

Hepburn rolled her eyes. “Aunt Bai, you’re so annoying. When have I ever said anything inappropriate?”

“Every time.”

“------”

“Huiyin, you have more experience. Take care of them. If there’s anything important, quietly remind Tang Zhong,” Bai Su instructed, turning to Lin Huiyin.

“Understood.”

“So it’s settled and can’t be changed?” Tang Zhong sighed quietly.

What was the saying? Whether it’s a mule or a horse, it has to be taken out for a walk.

Tomorrow, it would be his turn to be led out for a spin.

“Yes,” Bai Su replied firmly. “Tang Zhong, I believe you can do this. For Tang Xin’s sake, you must.”

“I’m going to rest,” Tang Zhong said, rising from the sofa.

“Xin Xin—” A-Ken waved enthusiastically at him. When Tang Zhong shot him a menacing glare, he quickly changed his tone, saying sweetly, “Tang Zhong, wake up at seven tomorrow for makeup. Remember to get up early, I’ll be waiting for you.”

“I’ll be waiting for you,” Tang Zhong replied, striding back to his room.

“So manly,” A-Ken watched Tang Zhong’s retreating back with adoration.

“------”

The three women shivered and each found an excuse to go upstairs.

A-Ken lingered in the living room, playing the lovesick fool for a while before suddenly exclaiming, “Oh dear, everyone’s gone to bed. What about me? Where am I supposed to sleep? Can someone arrange a place for me to rest?”

---------

Tang Zhong got up at six to exercise, an hour later than the previous day.

But the commotion he caused was just the same.

Bang—

Someone threw a pillow from the window.

Crash—

A cup followed.

Slap—

A woman’s slipper this time.

“Who is it? Seriously, have some decency! Don’t you let people sleep?” A-Ken, clad in zebra-striped pajamas, shouted from the window.

But when he saw it was Tang Zhong working out in the yard, his angry little face instantly blossomed into a sweet smile. “Oh, it’s Xin Xin—up so early to exercise—”

Tang Zhong stopped his jogging in place, picked up the slipper and pillow, and hurled them back at A-Ken’s window.

He wanted to grab the shattered glass too, but A-Ken had already vanished.

“I’ve told you many times—don’t call me Xin Xin.”

--------

After an hour of exercise, a shower, breakfast, then another shower, A-Ken helped with his styling.

By nine o’clock, all three members of Butterfly were dolled up. Led by Bai Su and accompanied by A-Ken, the five of them boarded a black Mercedes van.

Bai Su wore a black professional suit, a white high-collared shirt, her long hair pinned in an elegant bun—intelligent and capable. Holding a folder, she was earnestly briefing the group on the day’s event and schedule.

“Today is the MIFU women’s fashion launch. Butterfly is very popular with young fans, which matches the demographic for MIFU’s trendy sportswear, so we’ve been invited to be their summer brand ambassadors.”

“The event starts at ten-thirty. Butterfly will perform a song live. We’ll say Tang Zhong has a sore throat so Lin Huiyin will solo. Afterward, there will be a fan meet-and-greet, twenty minutes of media interviews. After that, there’s a celebration party and lunch, but to keep Tang Zhong from being exposed too long, I’ll get you out of the party and lunch.”

Bai Su glanced uneasily at the silent Tang Zhong. “Tang Zhong, remember, no matter what anyone asks, do NOT speak. You can cover up everything else, but not the voice.”

“Don’t worry,” Tang Zhong replied. “I won’t say a word.”

Bai Su nodded, though her heart was still uneasy.

Tang Zhong was like a wild horse—no ordinary person could rein him in.

“What kind of woman could ever tame him?” The thought popped into Bai Su’s mind for no reason.

The event was held at Mingzhu Plaza in the city center. The Butterfly group’s van arrived at 10:10. The MIFU Group president Liu Mingwei was already waiting with a large entourage of executives.

When Bai Su stepped out, Liu Mingwei was the first to greet her.

“Assistant Bai, it’s been a while. You’re as radiant as ever,” Liu Mingwei greeted her graciously, shaking hands.

“President Liu, you’re the one who’s thriving. Your business keeps growing—I hope we can count on your support in the future,” Bai Su replied politely.

Liu Mingwei then approached the three Butterfly members. Shaking Lin Huiyin’s hand, he said, “Ms. Huiyin, it’s a great honor to have Butterfly as MIFU’s ambassadors.”

“You’re too kind,” Lin Huiyin replied coolly.

Liu Mingwei had heard that Lin Huiyin, responsible for Butterfly’s high notes, was known for her chilly demeanor, so he wasn’t bothered.

He then shook hands with Zhang Hepburn, whose sweet smile lit up the mood. “Miss Hepburn, you’re looking more beautiful every time I see you.”

“President Liu, you’re getting more handsome too. I used to think you were a dashing uncle, now you’re a dashing big brother,” she said innocently, blinking her large eyes. From anyone else, it would sound like flattery, but from Zhang Hepburn it seemed sincere.

Childish candor—Zhang Hepburn always gave the impression of a grown-up child.

Liu Mingwei was even more delighted, chatting with her for several moments before reluctantly letting go.

Finally, he turned to Tang Zhong, the last to step out of the van. As he approached, Liu Mingwei suddenly stopped, staring at Tang Zhong in shock.

Everyone tensed at once.

Had Liu Mingwei realized Tang Zhong was an impostor? Had Tang Zhong slipped up somewhere?

Hepburn, the most delicate, went pale.

Bai Su forced herself to stay composed, stepping forward with a smile. “President Liu, don’t you recognize our Tang Xin?”

(P.S. Yesterday we got over twenty thousand red votes. Today it’s dropped to ten thousand. Tomorrow—will it be only five thousand? No, please no! We’re aiming for the top of the New Book Rankings. We want first place! Charge!)