Chapter 127: The Spoiled Heiress

The smile on Chu Li’s face vanished instantly. She stared at her in disbelief. "Shen Qingli, did you not understand what I just said?"

"My father is the head of the Chu Group. You should know that the Chu Group ranks second in the industry. If you collaborate with our family, you wouldn't have to worry about your company going under!"

"Don't be ungrateful. You better think this through. I was originally planning to go to Rong Qiaoyi; if I hadn't taken an interest in you, I wouldn't have bothered coming here!"

The young girl’s words were highly unpleasant. Dong Yang frowned and glanced at Shen Qingli, noticing that her president’s expression was dark and stormy with suppressed anger.

"Since Miss Chu has already gained the appreciation of Rong Qiaoyi, why bother with my humble establishment? You are so capable and powerful, while my temple is too small to accommodate a person of your stature. I suggest you look for other opportunities elsewhere."

Even while angry, Shen Qingli maintained her poise. She was merely a spoiled little princess; there was no need to engage further.

"You!"

Being rejected repeatedly naturally left Chu Li with no face. The group of people who had been fawning over her just moments ago retreated several steps, looking around aimlessly, with no intention of speaking up for her.

"You bunch of sycophants!" she sneered, before turning her gaze back to Shen Qingli. "Just wait. Once my father takes over the Xie Corporation, let’s see what qualifications you have to act so arrogant in front of me!"

This remark caught Shen Qingli's attention. She wondered if Xie Jingchuan had been so overwhelmed lately because the company was facing some trouble. She didn't stop Chu Li to ask for details, as it wasn't the appropriate time.

"Then I shall offer my apologies to Miss Chu when that time comes." Shen Qingli kept a faint smile on her face, which infuriated Chu Li even more. But as the saying goes, one does not strike a person who is smiling. After shooting Shen Qingli a vicious glare, Chu Li left arrogantly with her manager.

Shen Qingli sighed as she watched her go. The entertainment industry would eventually teach a young girl like that a lesson. After all, the industry was not lacking in powerful people. While the Chu family might be influential in Kyoto, they were likely insignificant elsewhere. Especially in the entertainment business, there were plenty of people who knew how to stab others in the back. If Chu Li truly intended to pursue this path, she was in for a difficult time.

Turning her attention back to the girls, Shen Qingli looked at the group before her.

None of them were older than twenty—they were in the prime of their youth. They stood straight, looking at Shen Qingli with anticipation, though many felt hopeless after witnessing the incident with Su He.

"Those who just joined in with Chu Li’s commotion may leave. I don't keep such people here; it’s bad for the company’s reputation. You might as well leave now."

The faces of those who had followed Chu Li turned pale. But seeing her firm, uncompromising expression—and having already seen Chu Li get rebuffed—they didn't dare to argue. They turned and left, heads hanging low, silently regretting their earlier actions. Unfortunately, there was no cure for regret.

Once they were gone, Shen Qingli looked at the remaining girls, her gaze naturally settling on the most outstanding one: Su He.

"You all have different strengths. Once you pass the assessment with Dong Yang, you may stay. As for you, come with me to the other studio. I have invited the international dance master, Sang Ji, to personally select a talent. Let her see if you have what it takes to stay."

Shen Qingli had contacted Sang Ji by chance. She hadn't expected to actually secure such a master, but it turned out Sang Ji was a fan of hers and had readily agreed to be a resident advisor at her company!

"Sang Ji?" The calm, indifferent expression on Su He’s face finally flickered, her eyes filled with adoration.

"Follow me." Shen Qingli smiled, surprised to see such a cute side to the girl, and led her to the dance studio next door.

Sang Ji was waiting for them. When she saw Shen Qingli, a smile bloomed on her face despite her being in her thirties. "Little Qingli, how are things? Did you find anyone good?"

Sang Ji looked at Shen Qingli like a big sister before her gaze fell on Su He. "Is this the promising talent you picked?"

Shen Qingli nodded and nudged Su He forward. "Why don't you have her dance? Take a good look, offer some pointers on what she lacks, and then decide if she’s worth training."

Sang Ji nodded, scanning Su He from head to toe. "Good physique, long limbs—clearly a gift from heaven. Go ahead, give us a routine."

In an instant, Sang Ji turned serious. She never took matters of dance lightly and valued pure ability, which was exactly why Shen Qingli wanted her at the company. She didn't need sycophants; she needed people who were truly dedicated. Sang Ji was exactly that.

"Okay."

In front of her idol, Su He was inevitably a bit nervous. Shen Qingli worried she might not perform as well as she had earlier. But as the music started, Su He became immersed in the rhythm, more focused than before.

Watching her, Sang Ji nodded repeatedly, a spark in her eyes—the look of a mentor who had finally found a true protégé.

"Little Qingli, I must say, you have a great eye. You managed to dig up such a gem. I’ll train her personally. However, the World Dance Competition is coming up soon..."

Shen Qingli nodded, feeling a bit anxious herself. "There are two months left. Is that enough?"

Turning a natural talent into a professional one in two months would sound like a pipe dream to anyone else, but Shen Qingli wanted to try. She needed to catapult the company’s reputation to the very top. Currently, her influence was still too small. Since she was doing this, she intended to grow it until she reached the summit.

"Let’s give it a try. Her foundation is already excellent; she just needs a bit of polishing. With enough hard work, who knows? She might even take home the championship."

Though they both knew it was ambitious, they were determined to create a miracle.

"Then stay at my company for these two months. You can teach the others as well, and I’ll pay you, of course." Shen Qingli chuckled, her business mind working fast.

Sang Ji laughed. "Fine. As long as the pay is good, I’ll stay as long as you want."

"Forget it, I can't afford to keep you for long yet."