Future Pet Shop

"Oh my, I really can’t eat another bite, Director. I don’t think I can stay here any longer. If I do, I’ll definitely get fat, and my agent will kill me," Murong Li said, holding a grilled fish in one hand and rubbing her stomach with the other. Of course, she didn’t really want to leave. Right now, the most important thing for her was to get on good terms with Director Kong and Shen Yibin to lock down a role in the *Panda Hero* sequel. Everything else could be tossed aside. Her words were also a roundabout compliment to Shen Yibin.

"I’m at my limit, too," Director Kong said, pressing a hand to his forehead. "I’m getting old. A little wine is all it takes to make my head spin. Bin, do you have a place to rest around here?"

"I have a lounge at my place. Why don’t we all go over and get some rest?" Wen Yuan said quickly, leading Director Kong, Murong Li, and the others to his own villa. Shen Yibin, however, was perfectly fine. After a short break, he resumed his training with Hah’Er and the others, with Sun Qian jogging alongside him.

"So? Have you decided which company you’re going to sign with?" As *Panda Hero* became a hit, the theme song Sun Qian performed spread across the globe. It was safe to say that Sun Qian had become China’s most internationally influential singer. The competition among music companies to sign her grew increasingly fierce. Everyone wanted to seize this opportunity to get her under contract and release her debut album. One thing was certain: that album would be a massive hit.

"They’re willing to agree to just about any condition now," Sun Qian chuckled. "But honestly, that makes me want to sign with them even less. I’m thinking of starting my own studio. That way, I’ll have more freedom."

"But what about distribution and promotion channels? You can’t handle all that by yourself, can you?" Making music was no problem for Sun Qian, but selling records wasn’t just about creating a good track.

"I can partner with the music companies for that on a temporary basis. As long as I keep the production rights, it’ll be fine." Sun Qian already had a plan. "I’ve already told them my terms. They’re still hesitant, but a few companies have already started discussing contracts with me."

"Starting a studio must cost a lot of money, right? Do you need any help?" Shen Yibin asked, concerned. ’If Sun Qian was short on funds, someone would surely take advantage and hold her by the throat, which would be disastrous for the studio’s independence.’

"Thanks, but not for now. I earned a fair amount from past performances and from singing the *Panda Hero* theme song. Oh, and I also get a cut from the *Panda Hero* original soundtrack. It should be enough to start a studio. I’ll come find you when I’ve spent it all," Sun Qian said with a smile. If she ever really ran into financial trouble in the future, she would definitely ask Shen Yibin for help. This was the trust they had built over their long friendship.

"That’s great. Remember to let me know when the studio opens, I’ll come and congratulate you. By the way, where are you planning on setting it up? Shanghai or Capital City?" ’It seemed only those two cities in the entire country were worthy of a rising international superstar like Sun Qian.’

"I’ll just open it here in Yunzhong City. That way, when I get a craving, I can come scrounge a meal off you. I wonder if Boss Shen would welcome that?" Sun Qian turned back to look at Shen Yibin, her eyes holding an unreadable expression.

"Of course I’d welcome you! Hah’Er will be able to see Cheeky more often!" Shen Yibin then grew a little concerned. "But if you’re in Yunzhong City, won’t it be hard to network with others in your industry? And handling business matters might be inconvenient too, don’t you think?"

"None of that matters. I’m not a fan of all that grubby business anyway. I want to be a true musician, not a celebrity." For Sun Qian, music was what mattered most—which was the main reason Cheeky had chosen her as its master. As for the business side of things, companies were begging to work with her now. So what if they had to take a few extra flights?

"That’s true. Have you picked out a place yet? If not, why don’t you stay at my villa for now? There’s more than enough room. Setting up a music room and a recording studio for you would be no problem at all. Besides, looking at the beautiful scenery of the Yunshui River every day might give you some more inspiration, don’t you think?" Shen Yibin extended the invitation again.

"Okay! I’ll be troubling you again, then." This time, Sun Qian didn’t refuse, accepting his offer decisively. "When I’m rich someday, I’ll find a plot of land around here and build my own estate."

"Mayor Wang might not agree to that for just anyone, but once you’re an international superstar, he’ll definitely be happy to make it happen. You’ll be a new icon for Yunzhong City!" ’Director Kong, an outsider, managed to get special approval from the government. It would be even easier for Sun Qian, who was a native from a county right here in Yunzhong. A homegrown star from Yunzhong was a completely different story than a celebrity from out of town.’

"I’ll hold you to those auspicious words, then. You help me pick out the rooms, and I’ll start decorating. Once it’s ready, I can focus on preparing my first album!" The matter was settled. Sun Qian quickened her pace, pulling ahead of Shen Yibin. Not one to be outdone, Shen Yibin wove past her in a few strides and took the lead again.

"HUFF! HUFF!" Poor Hah’Er, left far behind, grunted in frustration. It dropped pitifully onto all fours and sped up to catch them. On its head, Maphario quickly grabbed a handful of fur, terrified of being thrown off.

"Fatty, faster, faster! If you can’t catch Bin, we’re leaving you behind!" Cheeky jeered from the sky, gloating. In the adjacent river, Scarf and Bald Qiang popped their heads out of the water before dipping back under to chase after Shen Yibin. The Yunshui Riverfront was filled with a lively, joyous energy.

"I can’t... I can’t go on! I have to sit down and rest for a minute!" Sun Qian’s stamina was no match for Shen Yibin’s, who had been through Shi Gaofei’s torturous training. She couldn’t even make it halfway through his usual route before giving out.

"Don’t sit down right away. Let me help you walk it off a bit. You can sit once your breathing is back to normal." Shen Yibin quickly took Sun Qian’s arm and helped her walk slowly along the riverbank. ’For some reason, even after walking for a while, there was still no sign of Hah’Er, Cheeky, and the others.’

Once her breathing returned to normal, they sat down by the river. Shen Yibin took a bottle of mineral water from his bag and handed it to her. Sun Qian gulped down half of it, feeling much better.

They lay down on the grassy bank, limbs spread out as they completely relaxed. They admired the beautiful riverside scenery and made idle small talk. Sun Qian’s voice grew quieter and quieter, and soon, she had fallen asleep.

Shen Yibin quickly took off his jacket and draped it over her, worried she might catch a cold. But then another problem arose: her head looked uncomfortable resting on the grass. ’What should I do?’