Chapter 98: Her Journey in the Entertainment Industry Is Fraught with Hardship

Min’er Yu added the final stroke to her painting. She had spent the whole morning drawing fish, and this piece was her favorite.

“Grandfather, please take a look.”

“Hmm.” Old Master Qin rose from his leather chair, leaning on his cane as he walked over to Min’er’s side. On the easel was a pool of still water, where the fish swam with lifelike grace.

“Excellent! Min’er, your skills keep improving. The Qin family has a worthy successor.” Qin An was delighted, and even his usually pale lips had gained a hint of color.

Min’er Yu smiled and lowered her gaze. “Grandfather flatters me. I still have much to practice.”

Qin An stroked his beard. “Good, don’t grow arrogant or impatient. With such a mindset, you’ll go far down this path.”

“Yes, I’ll remember your teachings,” Min’er replied solemnly.

Qin An nodded, thoroughly satisfied with her. “Ziao returns today. You young people should spend some time together, balance work and rest—don’t stay cooped up in the studio all day.”

“All right.” Min’er smiled and supported Qin An as they descended the stairs together.

In the living room below, a few young men and women were gathered around a card game.

A man in a white shirt glanced up, catching sight of the girl coming down the stairs. Her fair face was free of makeup, radiating a pure and innocent beauty.

“Finished your painting?” Qin Ziao cast a quick look at Min’er and played a small trump card.

“Yes, cousin.” Min’er took a seat beside him.

Chen Lu, upon seeing Min’er, was momentarily stunned. He slapped Qin Ziao on the shoulder and laughed, “Damn! You’ve got such a beautiful cousin and never introduced her to us!”

The others, hearing this, joined in to tease Qin Ziao for his lack of hospitality.

Qin Ziao’s lips curled into a smile. “My cousin is precious—don’t you dare trouble her.”

Min’er Yu had long been chosen as the heir to the Old Master’s legacy; her status in the Qin family was far from ordinary. She glanced at Ziao with a smile, then addressed the others, “Hello, everyone. I’m Min’er Yu. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

Upon hearing her name, a girl suddenly remembered. “Wait, are you Min’er Yu from Starry Entertainment?”

Chen Lu didn’t follow entertainment news, but at the mention of Starry Entertainment, he pulled out his phone to search. There was plenty of information about Min’er Yu online.

“Yes, that’s me, but I’m not very famous. You know of me?” Min’er was a little surprised.

“Oh my God! I’ve been listening to your songs lately. I can’t believe I’m meeting you in real life—I almost didn’t recognize you!” Xu Yiyi exclaimed excitedly.

Qin Ziao raised an eyebrow at their reaction and played a bomb card.

“Damn it! Qin Ziao, you’re playing dirty!”

“Pay up, pay up,” Qin Ziao said, grinning as he extended his hand for money.

Chen Lu opened WeChat and sent him a red envelope, then turned to Min’er. “Cousin, want to join us for a round?”

“I don’t really know how to play,” Min’er replied with a smile.

“No worries, we’ll teach you.” Chen Lu got up and sat by her side. “Just draw the cards; I’ll help with the rest.”

Qin Ziao glanced over and said leisurely, “Play a few rounds—if you lose, make Chen Lu pay.”

“Oh, okay,” Min’er replied, her cheeks tinged with pink.

Chen Lu leaned over and chuckled, “Min’er, it’s your turn to draw.”

“Alright.”

Qin Ziao soon put down his cards and scrolled through his phone. A name caught his eye.

“Min’er, did Shen Qing sign with Spring and Autumn Entertainment?”

Min’er’s hand paused as she drew a card. She looked up at Qin Ziao. “I don’t know what she’s been up to.”

She had been in the capital for nearly a month now and knew little of what happened back in Fancheng. Since Shen Qing was no longer with the Yu family, she was even less informed about her.

“I see.” Qin Ziao returned his attention to his phone and clicked through several fan-posted photos—she was indeed beautiful.

“What about Shen Qing?” Min’er couldn’t help asking.

“Oh, Shen Qing filmed an MV that suddenly went viral. Looks like Spring and Autumn Entertainment is grooming her for a debut,” Xu Yiyi interjected, her interest piqued as girls often were in entertainment news.

Chen Lu nudged Min’er’s arm. “You know Shen Qing?”

Qin Ziao also looked up, curious to hear her answer.

Min’er lowered her gaze, a hint of worry in her voice. “If she’s trying to make it in the entertainment industry, well... it won’t be easy.”

Xu Yiyi’s curiosity was aroused. “Not easy? Does she have a lot of scandals?”

Hearing this, Min’er’s grip on her cards loosened, and one fell to the floor. She hurried to pick it up and forced a smile. “It’s nothing, really. Let’s keep playing.”