Chapter 79: Concern from the Boss

Of course, Ji Ya hoped that Lin Yu would take some time to rest before making any decisions. Nowadays, after work, people spend their time watching movies and variety shows for entertainment, and with the growing demand, these programs have sprung up like bamboo shoots after the rain—there’s no need to worry about having no invitations to shows a month later.

Health comes first.

A simple reminder was already the greatest show of concern Ji Ya could give.

Xiao Lin, however, didn’t quite agree with her boss’s opinion. She hinted to Lin Yu that he should seize the opportunity while the momentum was hot; otherwise, once the heat around “Lu Bu the Peerless” faded, as a newcomer, he might not have so many options to choose from.

Lin Yu was conflicted.

In his previous life, he had discovered he was being cheated on, and it happened right in his own home—he had witnessed his girlfriend and another man engaging in a rather in-depth “discussion” about the bodies of men and women.

At that moment, he had hesitated, unsure whether to go in or walk away.

His feelings now were much the same—uneasy and restless.

As for his health, that was the least of his worries. When he participated in the talent show, there was a dedicated medical team on standby at all times. As long as he was careful, it would be fine.

The real issue was his boss’s opinion. Ji Ya had just made it clear that she wanted him to rest and reconsider in a month, but Lin Yu knew he couldn't afford to wait.

Not even for a moment.

“Boss, can I think it over by myself?”

Seeing his attitude, Ji Ya realized he was unwilling to miss this opportunity. After a brief consideration, she decided she would arrange for the Ji family’s medical team to accompany him when the time came, to ensure his safety at all times.

“This episode of ‘Masked Singer’ has a fairytale theme, and most of the invited guests are top singers. I wouldn’t suggest participating in a show with such fierce competition and limited screen time,” she said.

“‘Talent Show,’ on the other hand, is worth a try. But you can’t sing ‘Dignity’ again—you’ll need a new song. Original music is a major highlight of the show. Can you manage that?”

Writing a new song was no problem for Lin Yu. In the four years after his past life, there were plenty of great songs, none of which had been released yet! He could pick any future hit and it would be enough to make him shine on “Talent Show.”

“‘Talent Show’ isn’t just one competition, but you can perform your original work to try and secure a spot. After that, you’ll be able to do covers.”

Xiao Lin added, “The championship rewards are generous—not only will you have a chance to sign with a mentor, but after accumulating a certain number of fans, you’ll attract the attention and support of industry heavyweights.”

“The champions from the last few seasons have already gained quite a bit of fame online.”

“Is there… a cash prize?”

Fame and traffic aside, Lin Yu needed money most of all. In his past life, he’d worked himself to the bone delivering food just to make ends meet. Money meant everything to him.

Now that there was a chance to make money in the industry, he wasn’t about to miss it.

“Prize money from the show? No.” Xiao Lin shook her head, then added, “But the company will give you a million as a reward—of course, only if you participate and don’t betray Ji Fei by signing with another company.”

“Three million in total, as a reward for winning first place in the talent show.”

Lin Yu’s eyes widened, practically sparkling.

Three million!

That was more than he could have earned in several lifetimes before! No doubt, the entertainment industry was truly a gold mine!

Lin Yu agreed without hesitation.

Seeing how eager he was, the two women couldn’t help but laugh.

“There’s nothing shameful about making money, especially when I’m earning it with my own abilities,” Lin Yu said proudly.

Xiao Lin stifled a giggle, while Ji Ya looked at him wordlessly.

He wasn’t wrong.

After all, who in this industry wasn’t chasing power, money, or influence?

Ji Ya hadn’t been back to the company for a few days, but as soon as she returned, she jumped right into work with her manager, while Lin Yu went back to his own office.

On his second day after signing, Ji Ya had already arranged for his private office, with a recording studio and dance room next door—the greatest benefits a newcomer could wish for.

Seated by the office window, watching the flow of people fifteen stories below, he felt as if he were looking down on ants from above, in complete control—a heady sensation.

Xiao Lin knocked and came in, carrying an envelope containing a keycard and a handwritten address.

“The boss asked me to give you the keys to the company dorm. You won’t have to live in a rental anymore—it’s just a two-minute walk to work.”

Two minutes?

Lin Yu glanced at the apartment building next door. The two buildings were separated by only a street—the closest location possible, practically a step from the company entrance.

He grinned. “Wow, the boss is really generous, renting such an expensive place for the employee dorms.”

The apartment building was downtown and luxuriously decorated, nothing like the run-down complexes most people imagined. Hotel rentals and nightclub workers were strictly forbidden; only elite professionals and even some company owners lived there. There was twenty-four-hour concierge service, and chauffeured rides for those traveling out of town.

In short, only the wealthy or powerful could live there. The rent was rumored to be fifty thousand a month, not to mention the exorbitant utilities. Lin Yu glanced at the address and—huh?

Qiushan Villas?

That was a luxury villa district in the city’s suburbs, far more prestigious than the downtown apartments. Only those able to buy a multimillion-dollar villa outright lived there.

This company dorm… was practically a paradise!

“The boss had planned to renovate the unused villa for the occasional weekend, but for now, it’s yours. There’s a private car service, and look closely—you missed a word. It’s a twenty-minute drive to the company.”

“If you need anything, just contact the dedicated housekeeper.”

Lin Yu was speechless.

The boss was truly generous! A whole villa as a dorm!

Happily accepting the keycard, Lin Yu had no intention of refusing.

His own rental was practically in the next city over—the only advantage was the low price. Commuting by bus took him three hours a day, and just thinking about it made him tired.

Now that he had a better life ahead, how could he possibly resist?

Still, why did it feel… a bit like he was being kept? A rich woman giving him a villa?

“Sister Xiao Lin, please tell the boss when you get back—I sell my skills, not my body!”

Xiao Lin, one foot already out the door, was so amused by his serious expression that she burst out laughing.

After a small cough to clear her throat, she reminded him, “What are you thinking? The boss believes you have unlimited potential and can create more value for the Ji family in the future. That’s why you’re getting this special treatment.”

“Don’t go dreaming about ugly ducklings turning into swans overnight—that only happens in novels. Work hard. Someone like the boss, a true heiress, is destined to be with a powerful industry leader who matches her status.”

An industry leader? Was she hinting that only if he reached the top could he be her equal?

Lin Yu scratched his head, momentarily unsure what Ji Ya was planning.