Chapter 159 - Partnership

"He's here!" Tina screeched when the doorbell rang. Pamela and Raven were quick to get on their feet to receive the guest. After such a huge scandal, the reporters were crowding around the front of the apartment building, hoping to get a word of update from Scarlet herself.

Fortunately for them, the building security personnel were very capable. None of the reporters or media crew got past the door. While Scarlet wasn't able to leave her apartment, that didn't mean other people couldn't come to visit.

"Good afternoon, Miss Wilde. It's quite a scene at the front door. The security had to let me in from the back door."

The singer smiled politely and offered CEO Zhu a seat. Tina quickly prepared tea while Pamela eyed the two involved parties of the scandal nervously. While it wasn't their first time meeting, the manager didn't sense any awkwardness between them. Could it be that the rumours were true? Was this a forbidden romance she was looking at? Pamela felt her soul leaving her body when Scarlet and Ming Yang's hands lingered a little too long after the handshake. How was she going to explain this to her father?

"It's good to see you again, CEO Zhu. I wonder why you were able to escape the media so easily."

Instead of rising to the bait, CEO Zhu merely laughed and accepted the tea from Tina. "You caught me there. I actually didn't come from my home. I was at a business hotel when I saw the news this morning. I thought that you might be in a predicament so I decided to pay you a visit. As expected, the media really didn't let you go."

Raven was weary of the CEO. Firstly, CEO Zhu didn't look anything like the weak and bullied man at the private gathering. Secondly, CEO Zhu had an air around him that screamed predator and dangerous, completely different from their mistress. Lastly, CEO Zhu didn't seem fazed by his presence as Scarlet's bodyguard. He waltzed in here alone without a shred of shame or apology for what he had implicated Scarlet with.

On the other hand, Scarlet was also acting rather calm. They engaged in some small talk before Pamela broke the atmosphere and delved straight into the topic.

"Sorry for spoiling the mood, CEO Zhu. I am Pamela Ong, Scarlet's manager. Can I have a word with you about the current scandal? Your company's PR representative told us that we should have a meeting to coordinate statements. I didn't expect the CEO himself to turn up at our doorstep."

CEO Zhu only smiled in reply. "Oh, that's right. My father must have told my personal assistant to relay the message. Unfortunately, they didn't know that I would be coming over personally. I assume that they would request for a formal meeting to coordinate statements with Jupiter Records in a few days."

"…" Pamela was speechless as the CEO laughed in a carefree manner and continued sipping tea.

Scarlet sighed. If Ming Yang was running away again, she assumed that he would be staying for quite a while. "Tina, please start preparing lunch and include CEO Zhu's portion. I'm afraid we have a lot to discuss today."

Tina didn't question Scarlet even though she did look uneasily at the CEO who smiled and waved at her. Raven was requested to accompany the caretaker to get the ingredients she needed while Pamela and the two involved parties of the scandal held their serious discussions. The caretaker didn't make a fuss. She knew that it was a discussion that needed privacy so she left quickly. Raven didn't feel easy leaving the CEO alone with Scarlet but with Pamela's assurance, he left, not before informing Claire about it. Someone from the HQ should still keep an eye on them just in case so that the agents living in the apartment beside Scarlet's can jump in when needed.

Once the caretaker and bodyguard were gone, CEO Zhu let his amicable façade drop. Pamela shuddered at the change and Scarlet put the cup down.

"Let's get to business," she told Ming Yang who nodded. Without his usual smile, one could easily mistake him as a murderer.

"Miss Ong," he greeted. "I understand that Jupiter Records and the Pineapple Group want to coordinate statements regarding the rumour. However, I have a request. I would like Jupiter Records to help spread a certain rumour before the official statements happen."

Pamela swallowed. "W-what kind of rumours are we talking about? You might not be as affected by the scandal but Scarlet's career is heavily affected even after she agreed to escort you at a private event. As her manager, I'm rather disappointed that you didn't protect Scarlet's reputation even after she has agreed to help you. We have rejected your request many times and if it wasn't for Scarlet's convincing, we would have never let her attend it!"

The singer eyed her manager. It was obvious that Pamela was afraid. Pineapple Group was very wealthy and influential. Pulling strings to bankrupt Jupiter Records wouldn't be difficult for them. Yet, the lady tried to stand up for her and the gesture made Scarlet very touched. It was as if she now had an older sister and Scarlet made a mental note to bring up Pamela's good deed to her mother once the scandal matter is resolved.

Ming Yang wasn't affected by the accusation. After all, none of what Pamela said was false. Instead, he apologised.

"Yes, it was my fault that this scandal happened. However, don't you think this is a good opportunity? It is very difficult for celebrities to remain in the limelight for a long time. They have to work very hard to create drama for others in order to remain in public view. However, Scarlet doesn't have to put in any effort in order to be famous. Other than Scarlet's identity as a singer and an actress, don't you think Scarlet's last identity can become a very powerful playing card for situations like this?"

Pamela paused and thought for a bit. Scarlet's other identity? The singer didn't have to think too much and smiled. Of course, both of them had agreed earlier that they would try to convince Pamela and Jupiter Records to spread rumours that will turn the tide of this scandal for them. In fact, now that she thought about it, the scandal might have been planned by CEO Zhu as well.

Scarlet didn't mind. Either way, if this can help them to get the old CEO Zhu and Anastasia's attention, they were killing two birds with one stone. The partnership started a few days after the dinner meeting. While CEO Zhu was indeed fond of Scarlet as a singer and an actress, he didn't approach her by chance. Ever since the announcement at the Sweet Sixteen gala, Ming Yang had never stopped trying to get close to Scarlet. It only sweetened the deal when he found out that he didn't have to sell a sob story to the young girl for her to cooperate with him. Knowing that they had a common enemy made this partnership a lot easier to work with.

Pamela listened to the idea that Ming Yang proposed and had mixed feelings. Over the years with Scarlet under her care, the manager had grown rather close with the Wilde's and was in frequent contact with Jenna, their butler. Ming Yang wanted to use Scarlet's identity as the second heiress of the Wilde family to turn the tides of this disaster and while it was a good move, she didn't know if Orita would agree to such a thing.

"I understand what you mean," Pamela told Ming Yang with a deep frown. "However, I cannot make this decision alone. Scarlet may be the young miss of the Wilde family but the business is run by her father. I'm only in contact with her mother so we would have to wait for a rather long time to get a reply from them."

Ming Yang was slightly disappointed. He knew that it wouldn't be easy but to have to go through so many gates, they wouldn't make it on time before Pineapple Group sent someone to talk to Jupiter Records. The manager saw the disheartened look and glanced over to Scarlet. Then, she had an idea.

"While I cannot speak on behalf of the Wilde family, I can speak on behalf of Scarlet as her manager. Pineapple Group might be looking for a good business venture and I while not many people know this, I think it's time we started advertising for Golden Frost."

Ming Yang raised a brow. "Golden Frost? Isn't that the luxurious brand that all the young a.d.u.l.ts and teens are going crazy after? The fashion brand that sells everything from make-up to shoes that is affordable to people of all income classes? That company that refuses to reveal who the designers are?"

Scarlet beamed. "Pamela, you're a genius!"

The manager laughed. "No, Scarlet. You are. I merely offered an alternative solution as a manager should. So? What do you think?"

Scarlet nodded furiously. "No need to think about it any further. If it is Golden Frost, Alex will definitely agree to it. As the second owner of Golden Frost, you already have 50% of the approval. Pineapple Group's CEO is meeting up with Liu Xiu Wen because she's the second founder of Golden Frost. If this news gets out, it won't just save our reputation but also increase it!"

Ming Yang's jaw fell. Scarlet was the second founder of Golden Frost?! Wait a minute, he heard that Alex was also involved. Could it be that the sisters started a business of their own without even their parents knowing? Was this why Pamela was so secretive about Scarlet's public schedule? Now that he knew, he couldn't help but be curious. What other things was Scarlet hiding? Suddenly, the partnership became something worth investing more into.