Yao Ziyu breathed a sigh of relief and said sincerely to Li Ze, "Thank you."

Her voice was melodious and clear, like a gentle breeze. Li Ze did not respond, but instead walked straight to the stall and picked up the pancake the previous customer had left behind. He took a bite, chewed for a few seconds, and then swallowed, his eyebrows furrowing. "It's really quite bad."

Yao Ziyu looked a bit at a loss. No customer had ever said her pancakes were bad before; on the contrary, they always praised their taste highly. Li Ze chuckled, glanced around, and said, "Don't you get it? They come to buy your pancakes not because they taste good, but because you look good."

Hearing this, the people in line showed embarrassed expressions, their eyes avoiding his gaze. Seeing this, Li Ze shrugged. "See? So, pack up the stall. You're not cut out for this."

Yao Ziyu bit her lip tightly. Without this income, how would she make money to pay for her father's medical treatment? A shadow passed through her eyes. Clearly at an age where she should be carefree and full of youth, Yao Ziyu bore heavy burdens that made it hard for her to breathe. Lost and helpless, she felt her future was dark and chaotic.

"Don't set up the stall anymore; this isn't suitable for you." Li Ze repeated, then continued, "I have a better option for you, a better place for you to go."

Hearing this, Yao Ziyu looked up blankly. A better option? For her? She didn't know what else she could do. But the young man standing in front of her was so confident. He chuckled softly, "Let me introduce myself again. I'm Li Ze, the only son of the chairman of the Li Group."

"I can now offer you an opportunity to change your fate."

At a High-End Café Near Xuri University

Li Ze and Yao Ziyu sat across from each other. Yao Ziyu looked somewhat uneasy, nervously glancing around. Such a place was entirely unfamiliar to her. Normally, she was very frugal, always carefully calculating her expenses. As a young woman, she rarely allowed herself to buy new clothes, let alone spend money at a high-end café.

Moreover...

Yao Ziyu glanced at Li Ze sitting across from her, her nervousness intensifying. The eldest son of the Li Group? Someone of his status should have been as unattainable and dazzling as the sun high in the sky. Yet now, he sat nearby, with a relaxed expression, drinking coffee with her.

Yao Ziyu's mind was in a whirl. "Why is he helping me? What does he want from me?"

Li Ze noticed Yao Ziyu's unease. After taking a sip of his coffee, he smiled gently. "Miss Yao, there's no need to be nervous. I have no ill intentions. I genuinely want to help you."

"I can cover all the expenses for your adoptive father's medical treatment. He will receive the best medical equipment, the finest specialist doctors, the most attentive care, and even the most compatible kidney donor."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Yao Ziyu's eyes lit up, her excitement making her body tremble slightly, but she tried to remain composed. "So, what's the condition?"

She knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. Li Ze had no reason to provide so much for her without something in return.

"Think of it as mutually beneficial."

Li Ze took out a contract from his bag and pushed it across the table to her. "All you need to do is withdraw from Xuri University and join the entertainment company under the Li Group. You'll begin training in singing and stage performance. Given your potential, we are confident we can make you a star."

"As for the earnings, we will split them according to the terms in the contract. However, you must agree not to leave the company for any reason for the next ten years. How does that sound?"

Li Ze crossed his hands and smiled, "I can cure your father, and all you need to give is ten years of your time."

Just that?

Yao Ziyu was taken aback, feeling a bit surprised. She had expected Li Ze to propose something excessive, but this condition seemed surprisingly reasonable. She carefully examined the contract. Not only was there no hidden trap, but the terms were also exceedingly generous!

Her profit share was an impressive 30%! Considering she currently had nothing and knew nothing about the industry, the Li Group would have to invest a lot of resources to teach, promote, and package her into a star.

And she wouldn't have to contribute anything upfront, simply waiting to reap the benefits from the Li Group. Wasn't Li Ze afraid of losing money?

Yao Ziyu doubted herself. Was she really worth this much?

She pinched the hem of her skirt and hesitated, "Mr. Li, aren't the terms in the contract a bit too favorable for me?"

Li Ze couldn't help but laugh. If it were anyone else, they would have signed immediately, fearing that this golden opportunity might slip away. But Yao Ziyu was actually worried she was taking too much, feeling guilty? Given her background and her need for money, it was remarkable that she could say such a thing.

Li Ze said, "Miss Yao, are you doubting my judgment?"

Yao Ziyu was taken aback. She sensed a change in Li Ze's demeanor. The warmth from earlier was now replaced by a sharp and arrogant edge.

"When I say you're worth this price, you are worth this price. I never make unprofitable deals," Li Ze stated calmly. "Miss Yao, take your time to consider. There's no rush to decide now."

After a few seconds of silence, Yao Ziyu took a deep breath and said, "No need to think it over. I agree."

The terms Li Ze offered were already generous, and she was in no position to negotiate. Initially, Yao Ziyu had worried that Li Ze might have ulterior motives, but she quickly realized that someone of his status could have any woman he wanted. A mere rumor would have many celebrities eager to be with him. Why would he go through such trouble to find her?

"Besides..." Yao Ziyu bit her lip. Her adoptive father's condition had recently worsened, and the doctors proposed several new treatment plans that she simply couldn't afford. She desperately needed the money.

Without hesitation, Yao Ziyu signed her name on the contract.

A flicker of joy crossed Li Ze's face. It was a done deal!

Yao Ziyu pushed the signed contract back to Li Ze. "Mr. Li, the contract is signed."

Li Ze picked up the contract and glanced over it casually, a slight smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

Securing a 30% profit share from Yao Ziyu, who would become the youngest and most celebrated "Queen of Song" across the country, was a shrewd move on his part. He had indeed been quite calculating. Promising to cure her adoptive father's illness and binding her with a ten-year contract effectively severed any potential ties between Yao Ziyu and Ye Tian.

Beep. Ye Tian's harem -1!