Chapter 304 - The Chronos Squad's Endorsement Of Shoe Brand (4)

On their way to the office, Sofia looked straight ahead of her as she maintained a good posture. Her eyes glimmered in translucence ambiance as she blinked slowly and took in the atmosphere of the Jones Studio. The movements of her legs were very sophisticated, just like how Manager Lan's manner of walking. 

"Sofia, there is something that I am really curious about... how did you find out about my connection to this studio? Not many of the citizens know my connections..." Manager Lan spoke calmly. The alternating clacking sound of her black 3-inch heels followed to resonate around the place.

Sofia offered a smile and glance at her. "Manager Lan, that information is public," she replied.

The moment Sofia had her inkling suspicion about the business connection of the shoe company and the Jones Studio, she quickly searched the business owners' information on the internet through her phone.

All she had to do was type the names of the business and the results came flooding on her screen.

And with Sofia's past awareness about misleading information, it was too easy for her to know which site contained credible profiles of known businesses. 

It was indeed available for anyone who wants to know the details of the companies. Such information was always available to browse. When she read a few internet articles from reliable sources, she was certain that the two were indeed affiliated. Her suspicion was true.

"P-Public? What do you mean?" Manager Lan subconsciously rubbed her chin and pondered what Sofia was talking about. There was never a media coverage that would imply the connection of her business. 

"Your shoe company and Jones Studio profiles are available on the internet. I've searched for it earlier... If only my group could afford the entrance fee, I won't trouble you, manager Lan. It's just that... our budget is tight for now," Sofia casually expressed.

"The internet... I see," Manager Lan muttered in understanding after hearing Sofia's answer to her query. But a deep frown suddenly appeared on her forehead when she reflected a few things about Sofia's casual response. Even if the information was published on the internet, the two profiles were on separate websites! "Sofia, even if you searched the business profile of this studio, you can only read its information on a separate website," she directly pointed out.

"That's true. But, your business strategy is too obvious," Sofia whispered near manager Lan's ear.

The manager abruptly stopped walking and stared at Sofia. But, the young teen only moved ahead of her. 'Hah! Is it obvious? Since when did teenagers have curiosity about affiliated groups and business strategies?'

She could not help but remember that when Sofia sent her a text message, the content was direct. 

It says, 

[ Manager Lan, since we have no prior discussion about the entrance fee in Jones Studio, my squad did not prepare or bring money for it. I have shown the confirmation of our appointment today. But, the guard refused to let my group in. Your employee also said that we must pay. I'm troubled... Fortunately, the heavens favored us and guide us to come to this location early. We can still discuss the arrangement before the schedule. Shall we continue this endorsement? If no one will pick my group here in five minutes, I'll take it as we won't be in cooperation anymore. ]

Something about how Sofia had told manager Lan that she did not bring or prepare their money made her immediately meet them at the entrance door. 

Such keywords in Sofia's text message sparked a new level of interest in knowing the teen more! It was not about having no money for the entrance fee. It was just that they did not prepare the payment. It was very rare to encounter such a way of reasoning and decisiveness.

On the other hand, Sofia never thought that this manager Lan was in the same building when she texted her! It was because, as she browsed the internet, it revealed the site of the shoe company. The establishment was located in the uptown area of district 7. Naturally, she assumed that she would be present at that site.

"Ehem!" Manager Lan picked her pace and laughed blandly. "I'm not sure if my strategy is really obvious? But, to clear things up, the entrance fee was not because of extortion. It was implemented out of convenience. Because there were many people flocking in our building for audition opportunities, they would mostly disrupt our artists shooting. We thought of this strategy to minimize people coming here," Manager Lan explained.

Sofia nodded her head and secretly praised the manager for her cleverness. Now, she finally understood the attitude and expressions that she had witnessed on her employees outside. There was no doubt, those employees she had met were probably anticipating a show once they approached the entrance. Perhaps, seeing an argument there became their daily amusements?

"Disruptive visitors are indeed hard to deal with," Sofia spoke in a low tone. She could not relate to manager Lan's situation since her past life as CEO was pretty much peaceful. 

But, she was aware that the business in the entertainment world and corporate world have obvious distinctions.

Those people who prefer to gamble in the corporate world, with proper skills, anyone could earn huge finances without having to chase fame and glory. It was even most common to see wealthy people staying low-key. Most individuals who play behind the scenes were in fact the wealthiest.

However, in the entertainment world, not only skills but fame and glory are also required to guarantee huge money. Being surrounded by a large crowd is what makes someone strive to maintain their profit. Thus, most of them were required to show off their advantageous assets to the public.

Then, there is a much more complex business that Sofia had just discovered in her present life... the gaming world. If it was her in the past and someone would tell her that there is real money to earn just by playing on mobile phones, she would probably laugh and felt that it was ridiculous.

Sofia shook her head and cleared her thoughts.

"Eh, you mentioned about tight budget...? As far as I know, your salary for this endorsement is actually high. How come your group will be on a tight budget?" Manager Lan inquired.

"It's... Hmmn... Matter of financial responsibilities," Sofia simply replied.

"And what could teenagers such as your group own... to be able to acquire serious financial responsibilities? I don't think there is," Manager Lan continued.

"Manager Lan, the answer is simple... we teenagers have future plans. The five of us require seriously huge funds," Sofia chuckled and let the lady take the lead as they turned to the right corner.

Just in the entrance lobby of Jones Studio, after turning to the right corner, the beautiful and handsome faces of the studio's artists were all framed on the wall. Then, there was an organizational chart of their productions. 

But this kind of arrangement did not catch Sofia's interest. However, Claire and Joey could not help but stare at the framed photos on the walls.

"Bro, are you choosing a girlfriend?" Stephen whispered at Joey after noticing that he had been staring in most pictures as if scrutinizing every face there.

Hearing Stephen's teasing tone, Joey rolled his eyes and shrugged. "If I can attract one of them, it would be a miracle! These girls are very famous! A student like me is not worthy,"

"Ohh? I did not know that there would be a day when your self-esteem is so low and would reach rock-bottom! You don't believe that your appearance could snatch one of the beauties on the wall, Joey?" Clark joined in. In his mind, Joey had actually the perfect image to attract girls.

Joey pouted and childishly pointed at Claire. "You have time to tease me too, Clark? Hehe... Look at your girlfriend, she is choosing a new one! Sooner, she might replace you while you are busy making fun of my delicate ego!"

Upon hearing Joey's words, Claire quickly smacked his shoulder. "I'm not looking for a boyfriend. He is already beside me. What  nonsense are you talking!"

"Hahaha, I'm just joking, Claire!" Joey sneered while grinning from ear to ear.

While Manager Lan and Sofia continued to walk, these four had fallen from behind. They were about five steps away under the direction of manager Lan. Only Sofia had maintained a close distance from the lady but her friends were all far!

Minutes have gone by and Sofia sensed that there was no one walking behind her anymore. She turned around and raised an eyebrow at them. The group quickly sprinted.

"It's good that your group is preparing for all your future. What are the courses that you would take in college?" Manager Lan spoke once more.

Before her companions could rejoin them, Sofia casually replied, "Right now, the five of us are just saving money. The courses to study in college are not yet finalized."

"I know that Seventh District University requires students to undergo on-the-job training before graduating senior high school. In fact, we have few students applying here. If you like, you can OJT in this company too," Manager Lan offered.

On the side, her two employees could not help but secretly look at each other. Cathy and Chel exchanged a surprised expression in synchrony.. This had never happened in their company before! It was known that their manager would accept applicants that had no job experience. Even though many students had applied in their company for school compliance, no one was ever accepted!