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Astra Yao's performance did not end until dusk.
The audience gradually dispersed, yet another group of people soon gathered around her.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have any plans to sign with a film or entertainment company at the moment."
Astra Yao politely declined the man in a suit and sunglasses standing before her.
"Odeum HAE Group is a top-tier entertainment company under the TOPS Alliance. We've launched countless stars… I sincerely hope Miss Astra Yao won't miss this opportunity."
After leaving those words behind, the suited man turned and departed. From his perspective, having said as much, no one could truly refuse—she simply needed time to recognize reality.
"Haah~~!"
Watching the man leave, Astra Yao finally relaxed and let out a sigh.
Being popular was a good thing, but it also attracted overwhelming attention. Agents, film studios, and entertainment companies of all kinds were eager to sign her.
In truth, Astra Yao understood that achieving her dreams alone was impossible. Signing with a company was inevitable. Yet she loved freedom and hated restraints, so even if she was destined to sign a contract, she wanted to find one that truly suited her.
Unfortunately, among all the companies that approached her today, none of their offered terms satisfied her.
Maybe I should just sign with Odeum HAE.
The thought quietly took root in her heart.
It wasn't because Odeum HAE's conditions were especially good, but rather because they were backed by the TOPS Alliance—signing with them would mean far fewer troubles.
"Miss Astra Yao, your singing is truly beautiful."
At that moment, a male voice reached Astra Yao's ears.
"I can hear freedom and ideals within it. If such a voice were to be buried beneath money and benefits, I would find that terribly regrettable."
Arden knew nothing about music and certainly couldn't discern any so-called "freedom" or "ideals." He only said it to make himself sound less vulgar.
That said, there was one thing Arden readily admitted—Astra Yao's singing was indeed beautiful, her voice pleasant, and her appearance perfectly matched that of a star. Truly a case of beauty and sweetness combined.
"Thank you!"
Responding out of reflexive politeness, Astra Yao looked up toward the source of the voice and saw a man approaching slowly, wearing a dark blue Daoist robe and a gentle smile.
"May I ask… are you a daoist priest from Suibian Temple? Sorry for occupying the entrance—did we disturb you?"
Clearly, Astra Yao had misunderstood Arden's intentions, mistakenly assuming he was there to drive away "street vendors" like some sort of city enforcement officer.
"Hehe, Miss Astra Yao, you've misunderstood."
Hearing this, Arden waved his hand. "Suibian Temple—suibian really means whatever. The small plaza in front of the gate is public land, so of course it can be used freely."
"I am Arden Xu, a disciple of Yunkui Summit. I was drawn here by your singing and hoped to discuss a possible collaboration."
From inside the temple, Ju Fufu, Yiji, and Sweety peeked out, their three heads lined up as they watched from afar. If the conversation drifted into anything "inappropriate," those three would definitely jump out to interfere, so Arden decided to get straight to the point.
"Collaboration… what kind of collaboration?"
Astra Yao asked in return. She couldn't imagine what she could possibly collaborate on with a Daoist temple.
Don't tell me he wants to invite me to sing that reformed divine song from Suibian Temple, "New Creation"?
To be honest, Astra Yao quite liked that song—the melody was nice, and the lyrics carried meaningful substance.
If Arden invited her to sing it, she probably wouldn't refuse.
"I wonder if Miss Astra Yao would be interested in signing with our Suibian Film & Media Company as our exclusive artist?"
Arden made his proposal.
"….."
A flash of disappointment crossed Astra Yao's face.
What… so you're the same as those people after all. But…
"Suibian Film & Media Company?"
Astra Yao looked at Arden in confusion. With her knowledge of the entertainment industry, she had never heard of such a company—and the name itself sounded far too casual.
"That's right, Suibian Film & Media Company."
As he spoke, Arden pointed toward Suibian Temple nearby. "Founded on… tomorrow? Hmm…"
He paused to think. Tomorrow was a rest day, and the Bureau of Industry and Commerce wouldn't be working, so registering a new company would have to wait until the day after.
He immediately corrected himself. "Ahem! It should be founded the day after tomorrow!"
"Pfft… haha! That really is quite random."
Astra Yao couldn't help but laugh at Arden.
"Well~~ disciples follow their Shifu, after all. I hope Miss Astra Yao doesn't mind."
Arden unhesitatingly pushed the blame onto his master Yixuan. "How about~~ we go inside the temple and discuss this in detail?"
…..
Although "Suibian Film & Media Company" sounded unreliable no matter how one looked at it, Yunkui Summit's reputation was well known, and Suibian Temple was right next door. Taking a look wouldn't hurt.
It was already late, and the shops of Suibian Temple had closed. The few remaining worshippers were slowly making their way out.
"This way, please!"
Arden led Astra Yao into a small pavilion in the back garden.
"Even though Suibian Film & Media Company is called 'suibian,' I'm very serious about it. I intend to make it bigger and stronger. And Miss Astra Yao, as the company's first signed artist… ahem! I mean, if possible."
Having experienced the Version 1.6 storyline, Arden already had a good understanding of Astra Yao's ideals and hopes. During the negotiations, he deliberately offered extremely favorable terms.
For example, even after signing, Astra Yao would retain great freedom. The company would impose no hard restrictions on her, and if she ever felt dissatisfied, she could terminate the contract at any time without paying a breach fee.
Leveraging his advantage as a transmigrator, Arden even hummed a segment of a Cantonese song popular back in his original world.
"Daoist Arden, I didn't expect you to have such artistic sensibilities."
Though it was only a hum, Astra Yao could still hear the song's beauty and couldn't help but praise him.
"Hehe, not at all, not at all."
Arden scratched his head with an embarrassed smile.
This wasn't humility—he was merely "transporting" it from elsewhere. Artistic sensibilities? Artistic bacteria would be more accurate.
After that, Arden also promised that half of the company's profits would be devoted to public welfare in New Eridu, such as building orphanages and Ether corrosion treatment centers.
Building orphanages had long been part of Arden's plans. In his view, while Yixuan Shifu bringing orphans back to Yunkui Summit was fine, taking every single one in as a disciple regardless of talent was questionable.
After all, not everyone was suited to cultivation. Sometimes, living an ordinary life was far happier.
Sending orphans to orphanages first, then recruiting only the talented ones as disciples of Yunkui Summit—Arden believed this approach was far more reasonable, though it also required significantly more funding.
And kind-hearted Astra Yao was willing to contribute to public welfare.
Of course, aside from freedom, art, and charity, grand promises were indispensable.
"Singles, concerts, album releases…"
Arden spoke eloquently about future plans. "Eventually, the company will also enter film and television production. Miss Astra Yao, what kind of lead role do you enjoy playing?"
He believed that any woman who dreamed of stardom would find it impossible to refuse such a vision.
[TN:"Suibian (隨便)" generally means in English"whatever" or "random".]
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