Lai Yi looked at Xu Nuan who was looking at her in confusion and smirks, " This contract….I am not signing it."

" If you want to leave the company, that's your choice. We can't force you. However, not signing this contract...it's my freedom."

" WHAT?" Pan Lan exclaimed in shock.

Just like Pan Lan, everyone was shocked by her sudden decision. If she decides to follow Xu Nuan, then there will be no meaning to The Knights. Their group will crumble into pieces if even one member leaves the group.

Xu Nuan frowned. " Lai Yi, don't be stupid. If you don't renew the contract, you won't be able to work as a member of The Knights anymore."

" Don't make hasty decisions because of me. I think you should take some time to decide. There is no hurry. You can-

" I said I am not renewing the contract." Lai Yi repeated firmly. " When we were in the dumps, you extended your hands to us. How can you take it back now and leave us hanging like this?"

Everyone nodded as they felt the same. Xu Nuan is not just a manager for them, she is their friend, younger sister, and mentor. If not for her, they can't even imagine doing music now.

Xu Nuan sighed helplessly, feeling guilty for bombing them with this sudden news. She just...doesn't want them to do anything that can put their careers at stake.

" If you can't stay in this company, I will go where you're going. If you're planning to set up a new company, I will join you there. Simple!"

" Lai Yi, it's not that simple. I haven't even registered my company yet. I don't have anything at hand at the moment, you won't get an air-conditioned practice room, you might not get designer clothes, expensive cars to escort."

" You guys might have to experience all of the things that we did while preparing for your debut track. Do you think you can handle all that? And there is also a possibility that we might not succeed there."

Lai Yi smiled and nodded. " Thanks for explaining the risks. But I have made my decision. I am not renewing my contract with shining bright and now it's your decision. Either take me with you or throw me to the side to rot like a rotten apple. Your choice!" She said coolly.

"What are you going to do now? Don't tell me you're considering throwing me aside? " She asked while putting her hands in the baggy trouser pockets.

Everyone was surprised to hear Lai Yi's firm declaration. The meek, unconfident Lai Yi was oozing confidence and personality at the moment.

Even Xu Nuan was caught off guard to see this side of hers. However, she wasn't shocked like others. Lai Yi's personality has always been dynamic, she just hasn't displayed all cards on the table.

" Do you want to join me that much? Do you trust me?" Xu Nuan asked.

Lai Yi smiled, " Don't worry. I don't trust you, but my observation."

Xu Nuan smiled. Her words were giving her the feeling of nostalgia. A year ago, she said this same thing and now she is saying the same thing to her.

" Moreover, I know that you're capable of turning the tables in your favor. And I am sure...you're aware of this fact as well. Aren't you?" Lai Yi added.

Xu Nuan nodded in response. She was already drawing a bigger picture in her mind, leaving shining bright is the best decision she can make at the moment. The Knights are doing well and thanks to them, she was getting much recognition as an artist manager too.

The companies and producers are showing interest in her and her managing skills as well. This is the right time to use this rising popularity and strike when the iron is hot.

" Okay. I accept you. How can I leave a talent like you behind?"

" I am coming with you guys too. I don't like this company anyway. I liked it here because of Xu Nuan, but if she won't be here, then it's no fun." Song Ai said with a bright smile.

Xu Nuan sighed seeing them acting on impulse. She was glad that they trust her this much but she doesn't want them to regret their decisions later. It won't be easy to leave the company after all, especially when all the attention is on The Knights these days.

She glanced at Pan Lan and Sun Ya who were standing away from them and was frowning at them. Pan Lan scoffed seeing Lai Yi and Song Ai both betraying the group and leaving them like this.

" If you want to go with her, then you go. I am not leaving the company for a betrayer." Pan Lan scoffed and left the practice room.

Sun Ya also nodded and followed Pan Lan. She stopped in front of Xu Nuan and said, " Xu Nuan, the least you could've done is to discuss your decision with us. We wouldn't have stopped you from chasing your ambitions."

" However….bombing us with this news at the last minute like this, you've disappointed us. We used to think of you like our little sister, but it seems you never treated us the same way as we used to think of you." After saying this, she also left the room, leaving them behind.

Song Ai patted Xu Nuan's shoulder and comforted her, " They're just angry. Don't take it to heart. I am sure they will understand your point after their temper cools down."

" I am just worried that my decision might break this group." Xu Nuan sighed.

" It won't. We four are not that easy to break. I am sure of that." Lai Yi smiled.

Pan Lan is short-tempered but she knows that she just needs some time to digest this sudden news and changes. She was sure that they wouldn't be able to handle their angry faces for long.

Xu Nuan nodded, hoping that things will go as Lai Yi and Song Ai believed.

_

After dinner, Xu Nuan sat on the couch and switched on the TV. However, there was nothing fun to watch. Annoyed, she turned it off and threw the remote control on the table mercilessly.

Han Zihao, who was bringing hot choco milk for her, was surprised to see her releasing her anger on the remote control. He sat beside her on the sofa and handed her the drink, " Woah, seems like someone is in a bad mood."

" What happened? Who made you grumpy like this?" He asked while pinching her nose.

She glared at him, making him retract his hand immediately. She took a sip of her hot choco and sighed loudly before turning to him to ramble about the whole situation.

_

" So….they found out the truth before you could tell them and now they're angry with you?" He asked cautiously.

She nodded. " Song Ai and Lai Yi want to follow me but Pan Lan and Sun Ya are angry at me. I am happy to have Song Ai and Lai Yi by my side but I don't want Pan Lan and Sun Ya to be angry with two of them."

" And you're worried that if the situation continues, their group will crumble, just like-" He didn't complete his words but her eyes explained everything. She was afraid that she might ruin the perfect group that can make history in the music industry, just like The Queens.

Seeing her complicated emotions, Han Zihao put his hand around her shoulder and pulled her in his embrace. He rubbed her shoulder gently and said, " What happened to your group, it's in the past. There is no guarantee that the same will happen to The Knights as well."

He pinched her chin and pulled her face closer to his, " More than that, I believe in you. When you can make a nobody rookie group to a top-ranking girl group in just a few months, you can do anything. Why are you so doubtful of yourself?"

She smiled upon hearing his comforting words. His every word is like a reminder for her to treat herself better.

" But...if they all come with me, what about your company? Isn't Shining bright in your company? Are you okay with that?"

He laughed when he heard her question, " Well, it will be a huge loss for a company to lose such a talented group to you, but...if we think strategically, won't it become mine in the end?" he thought about it.

" And how will that happen?" she asked,

" When we get married, the money you will get from the group will eventually come to the same home. More than being disappointed at the current loss, I will consider it as a future investment."

She raised her brows at him, " Future investment in what? In my company?"

He shook his head. He leaned in her and kissed her on her lips, " I am investing in you. I like this kind of investment more." He said and started roaming his hands around her body.

She squealed in surprise and slapped his hand away, " STOP!! If you continue like this, I will spill my choco milk."

He frowned at the cup that she was holding. I shouldn't have brought her this one. He sighed.

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