Chapter 334: Here Comes the Face-Slap

Chapter 334: Chapter 334: Here Comes the Face-Slap

Lynch was wronged. Lynch was frustrated. Lynch simply refused to believe it. He had done background checks on everyone beforehand this time—how could he still get backstabbed?

Holding in his anger, Zane Lynch stormed into the company’s Artist Department with his two sisters.

At this time of day, most of the artists who were even moderately famous and able to land jobs weren’t at the company. Those left behind were mostly new recruits who had just signed and needed training before they could work, as well as some veterans who, despite having been around for years, still lacked professional skill. They gradually stopped receiving job offers and could only idle at the company, collecting a base salary while waiting for their contracts to end.

This was not Arabella Donovan’s first visit to the department. The last time she was here, she had casually singled out Samuel Fulton.

A minor artist, originally left to languish and collect dust at the bottom of the company, had skyrocketed to fame on her word alone. He didn’t just jump multiple levels to land the leading male role in an S-class xianxia drama alongside the industry legend, Best Actor Donovan; he also caught fire early thanks to some behind-the-scenes footage, leading to a flood of offers and his new status as a top-priority artist for the company.

This event had since become a company legend. Countless people secretly cursed Samuel Foster’s good luck with seething jealousy, all while fantasizing that they could replicate his path to success—that a heaven-sent benefactor would appear and, with a few simple words, make them the next person on the fast track to fame.

With a track record like that, the moment the trio including Arabella Donovan stepped through the doors of the Artist Department, all eyes immediately locked onto them.

When they realized who was with Zane Lynch and his sister, the entire department was abuzz. All the artists were itching to get closer to Arabella Donovan, wracking their brains and striking their best poses, trying desperately to draw her gaze.

Some rookie artists, recently signed and unaware of the situation, couldn’t help but ask a veteran artist nearby, "What’s going on? Who are those people? Why is everyone so excited?"

Unfortunately, everyone in the room, regardless of age or gender, was a rival. One more person knowing the truth meant one more competitor, so no one was willing to fill them in.

Only one older guy, whose contract was up in half a month and who was already planning to go home, give up the hustle, and become a farmer, quietly clued them in. "You don’t even know them? Then why did you join this company? See the man in the lead? That’s our boss, Lynch. The one on his left is his sister, the young lady of the Lynch Family and one of the company’s nominal board members."

"The boss and the young lady?" The few rookies were taken aback. "They’re so young? No wonder everyone’s so tense and excited. When the boss comes for an inspection, you’ve got to give it 120 percent."

"That’s where you’re wrong. The reason everyone’s so excited is because of the girl on the boss’s right."

"Is that the boss’s other sister?"

"No, she’s not the boss’s sister. But she is the boss’s Goddess of Wealth—and ours, too."

The crowd: "?!?"

"You all just joined the company, but you must have heard of a guy named Samuel Fulton, right?"

"The new rising star who suddenly blew up recently?"

"That’s the one. He used to be a completely unknown artist at the company, but he won the favor of Master Donovan. Her four words, ’Hidden Dragon in the Abyss,’ sent him directly to the boss. And you’ve all seen what happened next. He’s now the one the company is putting all its resources into promoting."

A collective gasp went through the group.

All the young people around them sucked in a sharp breath. No wonder the others were so agitated and unwilling to share the truth. This was a genuine benefactor, someone who could turn stone into gold. Who wouldn’t want that?

The few people Zane Lynch had just signed from the reality show were also in the crowd. Hearing this, they all had different reactions: some were excited, some pensive, some unconcerned, and some brimming with ambition.

Just then, the trio at the center of the discussion took a file from a woman in office attire and started walking toward their group.

"Hey, why are they coming this way? Don’t tell me Master Donovan noticed one of us?"

"Come on, stop daydreaming. Even if she did see someone she liked, it wouldn’t be you or me." The male artist who spoke finished his sour, sarcastic remark with a pointed glance at the five newcomers not far away. The implication was clear.

Suddenly the focus of all eyes, the complexions of the five newcomers changed. They were both nervous and excited.

A moment later, Arabella Donovan and the others were standing before them.

Zane Lynch handed the files to Arabella one by one. "This is Herman Lewis. Nineteen years old, just got into the Imperia Academy of Arts. He’s a freshman."

Arabella Donovan glanced at the file in her hand and nodded.

’This one is decent. Clean background, no bad habits. Who knows if he’ll change after entering the big, messy world of showbiz, but for now, he’s a blank slate. We can try training him.’

Hearing this, Zane Lynch’s posture straightened. He knew it! He’d put a ton of effort into the background checks on these new artists. They wouldn’t have a public meltdown like that last batch of ghouls and goblins!

"The Imperia Academy of Arts is pretty far from the company. Can you handle the commute?"

Herman Lewis never thought that Master Donovan, the one person everyone was dying to exchange a few words with, would ask him such a down-to-earth, practical question. He was pleasantly surprised and a little overwhelmed.

"I’ve already discussed it with the school. They’ve given me permission to sit in on the same courses offered to other majors or upperclassmen, so I can schedule all my required classes from Monday to Wednesday. The rest of the week, I’m free to come to the company for training. This will greatly reduce the time and energy spent commuting and allow me to learn as much as I can."

"Your school is quite accommodating. In that case, make your studies the priority. And when you’re successful one day, don’t forget the support your alma mater gave you."

As soon as Arabella Donovan said this, the onlookers couldn’t stop themselves from shooting him looks of envy, jealousy, and hate.

Her single sentence, "when you’re successful one day," was practically a confirmation. As long as he didn’t screw up, even if he didn’t get the company’s full, all-out support like Samuel Fulton, he at least wouldn’t be left on the sidelines.

For more than ninety percent of artists, that was already considered exceptionally good treatment.

Herman Lewis clearly understood this as well. He nodded excitedly and said, "Thank you, Master Donovan! I’ll work hard and live up to the faith both the school and the company have placed in me."

The second candidate was similar to Herman Lewis. His looks were a little lacking, but he made up for it with a great personality. He was cheerful and had high emotional intelligence—smooth but not jaded, making him a good fit for the industry. If cultivated properly, he would be a good asset.

Arabella Donovan offered him a few words of encouragement as before, then flipped open the third file. Her fingers froze.

’Wait, this Joel Thorne...’

The moment that familiar tone emerged, the hearts of the Lynch siblings gave a little tremor.

And just as they expected, the next second, they heard Arabella Donovan let out a long sigh.

’I knew I couldn’t escape it. Here comes the part where I eat my words, right on cue.’

Zane Lynch: "..."

Melody Lynch: ’But still... why do I suddenly feel the urge to laugh? What’s wrong with me?!’