196: Chapter 19 The Advantages of Men

Lin Yu was silent for a few seconds, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the armrest of the sofa.

"Why me?" She looked up. "Whether it's modeling or filming videos... there should be many people with better conditions than mine."

"Because you're high quality," Yu Heng answered naturally. "Otherwise, why do you think I approached you at school and asked you to be a Streamer? From the first glance, I felt you were cut out for this—your face, figure, and temperament are all exceptional."

Lin Yu pursed her lips. Was he praising her? But it sounded a bit strange.

"I feel," she paused, her voice lowering, "like you're taking revenge."

Yu Heng narrowed his eyes and looked at her. "How so?"

"Because I snapped at you before," Lin Yu remembered their encounter at school. "I said a woman doesn't need to rush to monetize just because she's good-looking."

"Haha," Yu Heng chuckled. "It's not exactly revenge. When I first approached you, it was because I saw potential in you and thought you could make money. And it's a fact that you need to monetize now. Lastly, as you said, there might be a bit of teasing and playfulness involved."

He paused, his gaze naturally sweeping downward.

"There's one more thing," Yu Heng's tone remained unchanged. "You might not know it yourself, or maybe you don't take it seriously, but such a perfect and beautiful Little Butterfly is very rare. Who wouldn't be moved? Of course, I'd want you too."

Lin Yu's breath hitched. When that word came from his mouth, there was no lewd teasing, just a very frank and serious tone.

Strangely, it diminished the feeling of being offended. Surprisingly, she wasn't angry either. Instead, she said playfully, "Then it's too late. I belong to someone else now."

"Not too late, not too late," Yu Heng pursed his lips. "Let's see who gets the first time?"

When a conversation reached such a blunt level, emotions like anger and shyness actually disappeared. Lin Yu gave a light snort. "In any case, it won't be yours."

"Don't be in a hurry," Yu Heng smiled with pursed lips. "The game has only just begun."

"Do you like stealing things from others that much?" She looked at him, her tone a bit sharp.

Yu Heng raised an eyebrow. "Are you a 'thing'?"

Lin Yu was speechless.

"Don't objectify yourself," Yu Heng smiled. "I'm saying that your final choice will be me."

"You're certainly confident." Lin Yu curled her lips. "You're far behind him."

"That depends on what we're comparing." Yu Heng shrugged nonchalantly. "Comparing who can make you more money? Who can solve your family's financial problems? Or who can make you..."

"Stop it," Lin Yu interrupted him. "I would never like someone because of things like that."

"Then what is it?" Yu Heng narrowed his eyes. "Because of so-called being good to you? Being considerate and caring? These are the basics for someone who loves you, not merits. You'd treat him the same if you loved him, wouldn't you?"

"Heh," Lin Yu chuckled. "Then what do you say a man's merits are?"

"It's the ability to solve problems," Yu Heng said, looking at her. "Being able to solve problems is a merit, not just saying 'what should we do' when something happens."

Hearing this, Lin Yu felt a stir in her heart, thinking he had a point.

But it only lasted for a moment before she snorted coldly. "You're quite a talker. He's a student; how do you expect him to solve problems?"

Yu Heng smiled and didn't respond to that.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he changed the subject. "However, I've noticed you're much more relaxed now."

Lin Yu was stunned by his words and looked down at herself.

Her posture was too casual, as if she were actually wearing clothes.

Her ears suddenly turned hot, and she quickly pressed her legs together. "If I'm nervous, you'll say I'm being unnatural again. This is just to finish the shoot quickly."

"The shoot is already over," Yu Heng leaned back. "And you weren't as bashful as before."

Lin Yu bit her lower lip, her voice cold. "Can you stop talking like that all the time?"

"Like what?"

"Teasing me on purpose."

"That might be difficult," Yu Heng curled his lip. "I have a bit of a wicked sense of humor."

Lin Yu rolled her eyes at him and turned her face away, remaining silent.

"So, what about my proposal from earlier?" Yu Heng asked, looking at her. "Do you want to do it?"

"I need to think about it," Lin Yu said without turning back, her voice a bit muffled. "Where's the contract?"

"I can send the digital version to your email. Just print it out and sign it," Yu Heng said. "No rush. You can take it back and read it slowly, or even consult a lawyer."

His generous words actually eased the suspicion in Lin Yu's heart a little.

She turned her head and met his gaze. "Do you really think I can become famous?"

"The probability is high." Yu Heng's tone was pragmatic. "Your physical attributes are right here; all you lack is exposure and content. The 'Soul Pawnshop' account model has already been proven. Replicating success is much easier than starting from scratch."

"What exactly do I need to do?" she asked.

"In the early stages, it's mainly training and getting used to the camera. You've seen the style of 'Soul Pawnshop' short videos; you need to practice that feeling of being poised and natural. You might also try livestreaming and interacting with the audience. I'll plan the specific content, and you'll execute it." Yu Heng checked the time. "Of course, your current modeling shoots will continue as usual. That's a separate paycheck; the two incomes don't conflict."

"Training... how? And where?" Lin Yu noticed the key point.

Spending more time together was part of the "game" he had mentioned.

"Right here, or at other venues I rent. The time will mostly be your spare time and weekends," Yu Heng continued. "Don't worry, these are all normal work arrangements. I'll give you a schedule."

Normal work arrangements, Lin Yu repeated the words in her mind.

He wrapped everything that could be ambiguous in the shell of work, making it hard for her to find a position to vehemently object.

Object to what? Object to the boss arranging work for the employee?

Thinking of this, Lin Yu felt like she was dancing on a knife's edge.

She knew exactly what he wanted to do, and he even said it openly, yet she wasn't that repulsed or resistant.

She felt that as long as she maintained a firm attitude and he kept his word, it would truly just be a simple partnership.

"The breach of contract fee starts at two hundred thousand; that's too high." She tried to secure some protection for herself.

"Only if it's high will both of us take this partnership seriously." Yu Heng was unmoved. "My investment will be real. If you become famous and run off to sign with another company, wouldn't I have worked for nothing? Of course, if you cooperate throughout, and the contract ends with a renewal or a friendly termination, this penalty will always just be a number on paper."

"I'll consider it," she finally said.

"Fine," Yu Heng began to pack up the camera and equipment on the coffee table. "Just give me an answer before the next shoot."

"That's about it for today." Yu Heng stood up. "Go get dressed."