CHAPTER 75: REFUSING THE INVITATION

Joshua looked down the path before him — the light was dim, shimmering faintly against the walls. Ahead hung a curtain that blocked everything from view. Perhaps beyond it, the investors were waiting?

He pushed the curtain aside, only to find no one there — just a desk with a computer. On the screen flickered the image of a familiar character.

Aria — the beautiful elf Justin liked so much. Except this time, it wasn’t the seductive version, but a cute chibi one.

Joshua glanced around the room before sitting down in front of the computer.

[Hello, dear trainee. Let’s begin with a short survey to find the company that best suits you!]

The words bounced across the screen playfully, as if trying to grab the attention of whoever was watching.

Joshua pressed Enter, and the first question popped up.

[Do you have a lover?]

Below were two options: Yes or No.

Joshua: "..."

Nine: [There’s no way any trainee would be stupid enough to answer ’yes,’ even if they actually do. These investors are so naïve if they think they’ll get honest answers.]

Joshua lifted his gaze toward the small red light blinking on the camera above the screen and said quietly, "Maybe they’re just watching the trainees’ expressions while answering."

Then he clicked No.

What followed was a series of increasingly strange situational questions. By the time the final one appeared, Joshua couldn’t hide the doubt on his face anymore.

[If your superior were to confess their feelings for you, would you accept?]

"Are the others getting questions like this, too? Or is my computer broken?" Joshua muttered.

Nine was speechless. Joshua selected No again.

The computer screen flashed — a heart appeared, then shattered into fragments before fading away. At the same time, a new pop-up appeared.

[We’ve found the perfect match for you. We hope this partnership leads to an excellent outcome!]

Nine: [This thing sounds like a dating simulator.]

Hearing that, Joshua couldn’t help but laugh — though, on second thought, Nine wasn’t entirely wrong.

Just then, the door at the room’s far end opened, and Joshua immediately stood up and walked inside.

The room was relatively small — only a single table with two chairs facing each other at the center.

Joshua sat quietly, waiting for the investor who had chosen him.

Click.

The sound of the door opening echoed. Joshua looked up — and couldn’t help but widen his eyes in surprise.

Arthur stood in the doorway, his face adorned with a gentle smile. Clearly, he wasn’t at all surprised to see Joshua there. "What a coincidence," he said warmly, "we meet again, Joshua."

"Meet again?" Joshua murmured.

Arthur took a seat across from him, smiling lightly. "We just saw each other at Hapsah Bakery the other day. You’ve already forgotten?"

Joshua blinked in astonishment. "You... recognized me that day?"

Arthur tilted his head, his expression puzzled. "Was it that hard to recognize you?" He paused briefly, then added, "Just one glance at that figure, and I knew it was you."

Joshua pressed his lips together, his face flushing slightly in embarrassment.

[Hey! What are you blushing for?! You’re not allowed to like him!] Nine shouted in his head.

Joshua really wanted to smack Nine. "I’m just surprised he recognized me, that’s all."

He gave Arthur a small, sheepish smile. "About that day... thank you very much."

Then, his expression brightened a little as he looked at Arthur. "But that pastry was really delicious. Next time, I’ll treat you to another one, okay?"

Arthur met Joshua’s sparkling gaze, his eyes softening as he lowered them and smiled. "Of course. Being invited for pastries by Joshua — I’m sure many fans would be jealous."

Joshua looked slightly embarrassed, but something seemed to click in his mind. "Wait... you’re the investor?"

Arthur nodded. "That’s right. Atius is my family name."

Joshua’s eyes widened as he covered his mouth in shock, blinking rapidly at him.

Even Nine was taken aback. [Joshua, don’t you dare get swayed by wealth and power!]

Joshua: "..."

Joshua ignored Nine and looked at Arthur. Even though he knew no one else was in the room, he still lowered his voice and asked softly, "So... you’re the heir?"

Arthur couldn’t help but laugh at Joshua’s secretive tone. "More accurately," he said with a smile, "I’m already in charge."

Joshua: "WoW."

"You’re amazing!" Joshua exclaimed, his voice rising in awe. How old was Arthur, anyway? And he was already leading such a massive corporation? Just how much had he studied? How intelligent must he be? Not to mention how gentle he was — his demeanor was flawless and impeccable. Were all capable people this perfect now?! Either way, Arthur was practically perfect.

The admiration, astonishment, and awe in Joshua’s eyes were so vivid that for a moment, Arthur could not focus on anything but those bright eyes. He said softly, "Well then, Joshua — would you like to come with this talented man?"

"Are you seriously praising yourself right now?" Joshua couldn’t help but laugh.

Arthur chuckled a little, somewhat embarrassed, waiting for Joshua’s response.

"But Atius also fund Shining Path. Would it really make a difference whether I stay with Shining Path or go with you?" Joshua asked, puzzled.

Arthur nodded. "At Shining Path, you’ll work under the CM Broadcasting System. Atius Group is the only major stakeholder with influence. But if you come with me, you’ll work directly under my entertainment company."

He paused momentarily, then added, as if to strengthen his offer, "Of course, I won’t mistreat you. An A-class contract is already waiting for you — all you have to do is come with me."

Arthur’s gentle gaze seemed to urge Joshua to agree quietly. Say yes. I’ll be your boss, but we’ll be ’friends,’ Joshua. Can’t you see how much this benefits you?

But in the end, Joshua shook his head and said, "Thank you for your offer, but I still want to stay with Shining Path."

He didn’t even hesitate. A flicker of surprise crossed Arthur’s face for the first time since their meeting began. "May I know the reason?"

Joshua replied softly, "I already told them I’d debut with Shining Path."

Of course, the real reason ran deeper — Joshua felt that his journey up to this point had been for the sake of debuting there. He didn’t want all the fans’ support and effort to go to waste.

Arthur didn’t know who they were — and he didn’t ask. When Joshua left the room, his voice echoed faintly in Arthur’s mind.

Arthur lowered his eyes, the same gentle smile still on his lips — though his gaze had turned oddly empty.

"You said you’d treat me to pastries," he murmured, "but you didn’t even leave your contact info, Joshua."

He stood up with a soft sigh. "What a shame. You’re all over at CM — how am I supposed to make a move then, Joshua?"

Clearly, Joshua wasn’t impressed by the power Arthur wielded. But how naïve he was... Just wait until you debut, Joshua — you’ll see how vital power is in the entertainment world. The things you believe are beautiful will all turn ugly.

Arthur told himself the hollow feeling inside was nothing more than frustration at an unexpected rejection. With that thought, he turned and walked out of the room.