Future Pet Shop

Chapter 252: I’ll Go Back With You

"It’s all been preliminary contact, nothing substantial has been discussed. But I get the feeling they’re very eager to sign me." A smile couldn’t help but touch the corners of Sun Qian’s lips. Anyone would be happy when their dream was about to come true, right?

"If you need my help, just say the word. I have some experience with negotiations." Sylvie was afraid that Sun Qian lacked experience and would sign a contract that was unfavorable to her.

"Okay, if it comes to signing a contract, I’ll definitely ask for your help. But these things can’t be settled in a day or two. You’ll probably be back in your own country by then, won’t you?" If they parted ways this time, there was no telling when they would see each other again. Sun Qian was really a bit reluctant to see her go.

"What are your main concerns right now?" Shen Yibin led Sun Qian to the terrace to sit down, poured her a cup of tea, and then asked. From her tone, it seemed she wasn’t quite satisfied with any of these companies.

"There are quite a few points of disagreement. First, they want to sign me and Cheeky as a package deal, requiring Cheeky to also participate in various performances and commercial events." Sun Qian found this a bit hard to accept. For one, she doted on Cheeky and didn’t want it to work so hard. For another, if that were the case, would the audience be coming for her or for Cheeky? As a musician, she didn’t want to ride on Cheeky’s coattails; she was more eager for her own music to gain recognition.

"Second, I looked at their contracts, and the terms are just too harsh. If I sign, I might make a lot of money, but I’ll have very little personal freedom left." This freedom referred to two things. On one hand, it was the freedom of her personal activities. After signing, she would naturally have to follow the company’s arrangements to participate in various variety shows, commercial events, and so on. They might even fabricate a few scandals for publicity, which Sun Qian disliked. On the other hand, it was creative freedom. For their own profit, these music companies would definitely interfere with her musical creations, and that was what she found most unacceptable.

"Don’t rush, take your time. You’ve already built a bit of a reputation. Right now, it’s not you begging the music companies, but them begging you. You can afford to wait. The one in a hurry definitely isn’t you. If you still can’t find a suitable company, I’ll call Director Kong and have him introduce a good one." Shen Yibin began to strategize for Sun Qian. Since he had more or less decided to accept Director Kong’s offer to shoot the film, helping Sun Qian with this shouldn’t be a problem.

"I’m not worried. I’ve waited this long, so I don’t lack a little patience. I’ll definitely stick to my demands," Sun Qian replied firmly. Money and fame weren’t what she was after; she just wanted to make the music she loved. It was precisely because of this quality that she had earned Cheeky’s approval.

"That’s good." Although Sun Qian looked gentle and delicate, Shen Yibin knew she was very strong-willed. Once she made up her mind, she would persevere without hesitation. So, he didn’t need to worry too much about the contract situation. He then changed the subject. "By the way, your performance is over now. What are your plans for the next stage?"

The Strawberry Music Festival was a two-day event, but Sun Qian only needed to perform once. Tomorrow, other singers and bands would take the stage, so she wasn’t needed.

"The organizers also invited me to perform at the next stop. I’ve already accepted. I’m going to Star City at the end of the month. The performance time and stage are the same as this time. Do you guys want to come?" Sun Qian asked, looking at Shen Yibin with a hint of anticipation.

Shen Yibin silently calculated his recent schedule and had to shake his head regretfully. "The new store will probably have just finished renovations then, so it’s definitely going to be busy. Plus, all the current employees are new. I’m afraid I won’t be able to get away."

"Have you set a date for the grand reopening? You have to let me know in advance! I’ll definitely send you a huge flower basket personally." Sun Qian wasn’t resentful that Shen Yibin couldn’t make it; instead, she showed concern for his new store’s opening.

In her heart, she was actually full of gratitude for Shen Yibin. If it weren’t for Shen Yibin, she wouldn’t have been able to get Cheeky. Without Cheeky, her musical talent wouldn’t have improved so quickly. And in the end, it was Shen Yibin who introduced her to Director Kong, giving her the opportunity to formally enter the music industry. Furthermore, her work at the pet shop had allowed her to save up a considerable sum of money, so at least for the near future, she didn’t have to worry about finances. This was why she could be so composed during her negotiations with the music companies.

"It depends on the renovation progress. If there are no surprises, we should be able to open before your concert in Star City." It’s not like Shen Yibin needed to consult an almanac for an auspicious date; of course he would open as soon as the renovations were done.

"Is that so?" Sun Qian’s eyes darted around, her mind clearly scheming something. Suddenly, she turned back to look at Shen Yibin. "Boss, seeing as I don’t have any plans for a while and nowhere to go, do you think you could take me in again for half a month?"

’Huh? What’s going on? Why do her words give me the chills?’ Shen Yibin subconsciously replied, "The bed you used to sleep in is now used by Gao Shu, and Sakai Kaori’s bed is used by Li Shiqing. It doesn’t seem like there’s any extra space in the shop."

Hearing this, Sylvie, who was standing to the side, couldn’t help but shake her head and sigh. ’Sigh, why is this kid so dense? I guess I’ll have to help him out.’ So, Sylvie interjected, "Did you forget that I’m leaving soon? We can hang out here for a day or two, then go back to Yunzhong City together. I’ll move into a hotel, and Sun can just sleep in my bed."

"Sylvie, have you set a date for your return trip? I can see you off at the airport. You came to see me off when I left last time, so I should do the same for you." Sun Qian immediately seized on Sylvie’s words, sealing the deal.

Before Shen Yibin, who was standing on the side, could say anything, the matter was settled. Sun Qian and Cheeky would return to Yunzhong City with them and stay until the new store opened.

The next day, Shen Yibin took Sun Qian, Sylvie, Hah’Er, and Cheeky to experience the delicious snacks of Sichuan. Everyone had a great time exploring, drawing countless astonished gazes. In the past, all eyes would have certainly been on Hah’Er, but this time, many people were also shouting Sun Qian’s name. It seemed yesterday’s music festival had made her famous.

After resting for a night, Shen Yibin and the group boarded a Blue Sky Airlines flight early on the third day. Sun Qian and Cheeky also returned with them to the pet shop in Yunzhong City.

As soon as they got back to the shop, Xia Shixuan stood up, her eyes shining as she looked at Sun Qian.