You'll find out soon, don't ask too much about society.

Contract signed.

A brief meeting.

The year-long team performances had come to an end. Throughout the past year, whether it was concerts or endorsements, everything was done as a team.

The money earned was shared equally among everyone.

But with the new contract, team activities would decrease significantly. Whether endorsements or anything else, the profits would now be split between the individual and the company.

Whoever earns more, whoever earns less, it all depends on personal popularity and effort.

In other words,

Starting today, the nine girls’ team activities would almost disappear, unless it was a large-scale stage event or some special product endorsement that required the whole team.

For everything else—movies, TV dramas, variety shows, or songs—the more you do, the more you earn.

Hearing this, the nine girls’ expressions turned serious.

The senior manager said, “From now on, I’m still your general manager, but I won’t be managing any of you individually. Each of you will have your own manager and your own team.”

The senior manager went on at length.

The meeting ended quickly.

Before leaving, Sister Li added, “Go back to the dorm and get ready. A car will come to pick you up for dinner, then we’re heading to the Eco Park.”

After saying that, she left.

No one noticed the flash of envy in Sister Li’s eyes.

These girls were in the prime of their youth.

Top-tier popularity.

Beautiful faces.

Perfect figures.

And each of them was already a mini-wealthy woman.

In just a short year, they had crossed a small social threshold. No matter what, their futures would be very different.

Especially with the company backing them, they were spared many troublesome issues.

Miracle Media, whether in terms of resources or endorsements, never had to beg anyone.

What they needed to do was simply improve their own abilities, maintain their fan base, and showcase their charm. That was all.

Most importantly,

Places like the Eco Park were rare for Sister Li to visit, let alone her.

But this group of girls had already been living inside the Eco Park.

It was quite possible that Boss Cao had taken a liking to one or several of them.

If he really took a liking,

Even without any official certificate or status, they would definitely not suffer any losses.

As women,

Sister Li admitted she couldn’t help but feel envious. Unfortunately, she was older and didn’t have the same conditions. Sigh… what a pity.

...

After Sister Li left, Yang Laoliu was puzzled: “What does Sister Li mean? What’s this about a car coming to pick us up for dinner and then going to the Eco Park? Is it an event?”

Ye Lan stood up with a faint smile: “Let’s go back to the dorm first.”

The other girls also stood up one after another.

Yang Laoliu was the only one following along cluelessly, asking Fifth Brother as they walked, “What does this mean?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. It’s best not to ask too much about social matters.”

“???”

The more she was told not to ask, the more curious Yang Laoliu became.

The scariest part was that these eight others seemed to know exactly what it meant, but she was the only one completely in the dark.

What was this Eco Park?

It wasn’t surprising that Yang Laoliu didn’t know. She had joined the company late and had been clueless about many things before, paying little attention to such matters.

She definitely didn’t know the status the Eco Park held within Miracle Group.

...

Leaving the company, they soon returned to a nearby apartment building.

This was their dormitory.

Security was tight, and the entire building had strict access control.

The elevator required a password to reach specific floors.

The nine of them lived on the same floor, three people sharing a large apartment each.

Coming home, they didn’t even need to close the door; the rooms connected to each other, essentially forming one big flat.

After all nine had returned,

they first tidied up their luggage.

They had just gotten back to Zhonghai, and many things hadn’t been unpacked yet.

So they took a moment to organize a bit.

Everyone picked out an outfit they liked.

Some of the girls went straight to take a shower or wash their hair.

Then they started putting on makeup.

Light makeup!

Just enough to freshen up their complexion.

But this serious look on their faces left Yang Laoliu utterly confused.

Laoba was holding up a long dress made of white lace with hollow patterns: “Laoliu, what do you think of this one?”

“...” Yang Laoliu was stunned for a moment, then turned to look out the window.

No way.

It was the dead of winter.

Although it hadn’t reached the coldest point yet, there was no need to be this reckless.

Such a thin dress.

With hollow lace details.

Wasn’t she afraid of freezing to death outside?

Yang Laoliu was surprised: “It’s under ten degrees outside. Are you sure you can go out in that?”

Laoba glanced out the window, then shook her head: “It’s fine, not too cold. I’ll just wear a few extra layers of thermal underwear underneath.”

“Ha!!” Yang Laoliu burst out laughing, “Then what’s the point?”

Laoba rolled her eyes at her: “Mind your own business. Just tell me, does this dress look good or not?”

“It’s pretty, especially the color. It’s not pure white, but...”

Before Yang Laoliu could finish, Laoba nodded and turned away: “Pretty is pretty. This one it is.”

“...”

Yang Laoliu’s mouth twitched.

She felt like her roommate Laoba had lost her mind today.

But what surprised Yang Laoliu even more was that when Laoba left her room, she saw The Fourth in another small room also picking out clothes.

The bed was covered with various outfits.

Although there were some long sleeves and pants, most were dresses.

Without thinking, Yang Laoliu walked over: “You’re planning to wear a dress too?”

“Yeah.” The Fourth looked back and nodded: “Just in time. You can help me decide which one looks better.”

“??” Yang Laoliu tilted her head.

Another one gone crazy.

But...

Yang Laoliu suddenly had a thought. Could it be because of that Ecological Park?

What was so special about the Ecological Park?

Did it really call for such formality?

No matter if it was freezing cold outside, or summer or autumn.

For the sake of looking good, you’re willing to risk your life?

Yang Laoliu felt their sudden change must be related to the Ecological Park.

After all, the eight of them before loved to look good too, but never to this extent.

Sometimes they were even too lazy to put on makeup before going out.

Though their bare faces were naturally stunning, makeup was a must for women before stepping outside.

“The Fourth... be honest, what exactly is this Ecological Park?”

The Fourth glanced at her: “You really don’t know?”

“Obviously not.” Yang Laoliu sighed, “If I knew, would I keep pestering you all about it?”

The Fourth looked toward the door: “The Ecological Park is where the headquarters of the Miracle Group is located — at least the registered headquarters. But generally, mid-level managers can’t enter the Ecological Park unless personally invited by the big boss.”

“The big boss...” Yang Laoliu was stunned, then suddenly realized: “Boss Cao?”

The Fourth nodded, “Exactly. Who else could be the big boss? Before we made our debut, we used to live in the eco-park. The environment there was really nice. Now, we can only stay in the dormitory.”

“...”

Yang Laoliu finally understood completely.

As the saying goes: A woman dresses up for the one she loves.

Before meeting the big boss, everyone definitely needs to freshen up properly.

Without saying another word, Yang Laoliu turned and walked away.

The Fourth asked, “Where are you going?”

“To take a shower, put on makeup, and change clothes!” Yang Laoliu called back without looking.

“Don’t rush,” The Fourth sighed, “Help me pick which outfit looks better first.”

“They all look good.” Though the person was already out of sight, a half-hearted voice came back.

“...”