Eric Carter saw the WeChat messages, as well as the call logs showing that when the original owner tried calling others, no one answered or the calls were hung up. The original owner had tried to use his own connections to help himself, but unfortunately, most friends avoided him like the plague. There were a few true friends who genuinely wanted to help, but their abilities fell short.

There was a WeChat message pinned to the top by the original owner, from a contact nicknamed “Disciple of Big Cat,” who had sent many messages.

【Brother Jiu, I checked online and the so-called “rich woman” is just a director at a listed company. She doesn’t have the connections or money to support a top celebrity. As for the rumor about a secret marriage, I couldn’t find any related information, but I believe you’re being framed.】June 14

【Why didn’t the company come forward to clarify right away?】June 19

【There’s something wrong with the agency. Brother Jiu, if possible, it’s best for you to make a public appearance and explain. I know it takes a lot of courage, but if the negative news drags on, many people will start to believe it.】June 22

And so on. Disciple of Big Cat sent a message every three or four days, starting with rational analysis and suggestions, and later, when things were already set in stone, mostly offering comfort.

Eric Carter looked at the most recent message from Disciple of Big Cat: 【Brother Jiu, if you want, you can come visit my hometown. Shaxi Town doesn’t have many people, the scenery is nice, and you can relax.】

The original owner wasn’t in the mood to reply; the only reason for pinning the chat was to always remember that someone still believed in him.

From his memories, Eric Carter learned that his relationship with Disciple of Big Cat was just good friends, not especially close, but after being blacklisted by the whole internet, Disciple of Big Cat was the most concerned.

It’s in adversity that true feelings are revealed, Eric Carter muttered in his heart.

He organized the second step of his plan: “opportunities to appear in public,” which, given the current situation, seemed very difficult.

“There’s a trump card the original owner didn’t notice.” Eric Carter pulled up Ms. Grant’s number from the contacts.

No one answered the first time. After more than ten minutes with no sign of a call back, he dialed again. It rang for a dozen times, still no answer, and just as the automated message “The number you dialed is temporarily unavailable, please try again later” was about to play for the second time, the call connected—

“Sorry, I was in a meeting just now and couldn’t answer the phone.” Ms. Grant began by apologizing.

“I understand.” Eric Carter got straight to the point: “Ms. Grant, can the company arrange a schedule for me? Preferably something where I can sing.”

“...It’s not that Ms. Grant doesn’t want to help you, but with your current situation, how could you get on a show?” Ms. Grant sighed on the other end, then raised her voice: “We’ve already made it clear before, once things calm down, the company will definitely arrange something. There’s no point in pushing me.”

“I can voluntarily terminate my contract with the company, on the condition that the company arranges something for me.” Eric Carter said.

According to a standard contract, if an artist causes the company reputational or other financial losses for personal reasons, the company has the right to terminate the contract and even pursue liability.

But when Kangfei Entertainment signed with Eric Carter, it was at the peak of the original owner’s debut on “The Coming One.” To attract a top star, the contract terms had to be as favorable as possible, including a clause that as long as Eric Carter didn’t terminate the contract, Kangfei Entertainment had no right to do so.

Now, with Eric Carter being blacklisted across the internet, he was a hot potato for the company, and that contract was a burden. Using it as leverage to exchange for a chance to appear in public, his chances of success were high.

Hearing this, Ms. Grant was at a loss for words, wanting to say something but stopping herself, leaving only the sound of her breathing for a while.

“I’ll ask Mr. Bolton for you.” After a moment, Ms. Grant spoke.

Eric Carter said, “Thank you, Ms. Grant.”

After the call ended, Eric Carter opened the food delivery app.

There were also Meituan and Ele.me in this new world. Eric Carter ordered two bottles of red wine and some Zigong cuisine.

Zigong Yanbang cuisine is a branch of Sichuan cuisine, famous for its salty and spicy flavors. Beer hangovers cause headaches, but red wine is much easier, and hangovers plus spicy food could earn him some personality points.

Half an hour later, the food arrived. The company still hadn’t called back. Eric Carter felt a bit anxious, but quickly calmed down—negotiations and arrangements take time.

The delivery guy habitually left the food at the door. After being scolded online for two months, the original owner had become extremely withdrawn, never daring to meet people when picking up food, afraid even the delivery guy would curse him. He always left a note to leave it at the door, and only after making sure no one was around for a few minutes would he open the door to get it.

Before drinking, he had a glass of milk and some porridge to protect his stomach. Eric Carter started eating Zigong rabbit and spicy bullfrog, the fragrant and spicy flavors rushing straight to his brain.

Just as Eric Carter expected, Kangfei Entertainment held an emergency meeting. The company executives passionately discussed, loudly voicing their opinions.

“The sooner the contract ends, the better, so it doesn’t drag down the other artists in the company.” “Does the artist management department even have the ability to manage artists? A money tree has turned into a pile of dead grass.” “Artist management? What does this have to do with us? Isn’t the PR team just taking a salary for nothing? There’s no risk management plan for scandals.” Each voice was louder than the last, as if whoever shouted the loudest was right.

After an hour of arguing, the tea in the paper cups on the table had been refilled several times. Mr. Bolton made the final decision: “I was the one who pushed for signing him. We’ve made all the money we should these past two years, and he hasn’t caused the company any losses. I’ll terminate the contract myself, and as for resources, let’s see if there’s anything suitable for him.”

As soon as he said this, the executives in the meeting room stopped arguing. With someone taking responsibility, there was no need to pass the buck anymore.

Mr. Bolton’s face remained calm, but inside he was laughing—these old foxes just don’t want to make decisions.