Chapter 249: The reason
As female artists working under a particular entertainment company, they had a harsher time, being exploited, compared to their male counterparts generally.
There were indeed differences in treatment across the genders and naturally the obligations each party must undertake were different.
The pay gap had been the most argued topic in the modern world. However, the treatment was based on the fan values each artist possessed.
The requirements for the male artist were stringent and highly demanding; so, their incomes appeared higher.
However, the main problem was in a situation the female artist completed everything the same as demanded by the male artist, would their salary and treatment be equal?
In the end, they were still exploited by the capitalists who would try any means necessary to raise their cash inflow and lower the cost, which included the artists' salaries.
The females were mostly targeted because they were prone to enduring grievance and tolerating, and never really fought for their rights. In fact, the number one reason could be that most easily accepted the situation.
Not to mention, the women in the entertainment industry were easier prey for the men in power. Most women, deep in their genes, desired popularity and the feeling of being worshiped. It was as if branded like an instinct.
Very rarely, women remained calm in the face of the possibility of becoming famous. It didn't mean the rational ones never existed but the numbers were rare.
How many flocked to curry favor from others or even sold themselves to pursue their dreams? Willingly or unwillingly, they found out hard to extract themselves out of the quicksand later on.
The capitalists benefited from the situation and treated them as toys. Of course, some rich women played with male artists but the proportion was in a lower margin. Therefore, the capitalists never respected artists, no matter how high their popularity was.
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That was the reason why ordinary parents were reluctant to let their kids enter the entertainment because they saw through the bridges full of dangers and malice.
Fan Xi, who was highly praised by Yang Qingyue, for her actions and deeds, amazed Ling Qingyu, listening to her sister's narration.
After all, Ling Yunxiang knew more about the gossip than others and her news seemed reliable. Besides, Ling Qingyu could fact-checked later with Athena's support.
Based on their words, Fan Xi was also an incredible woman, brilliant at navigating through the stormy seas and reaching the end of the road. Ling Qingyu admired this actress, even without having met with her.
Fan Xi's age limited her path and the fame had become to cool down. Ling Qingyu sighed at the short-lived success and learned a crucial lesson.
When the destiny gave one an opportunity to earn vast wealth, try everything to achieve success and ensure the wealth one sought lasted for a generation to spend. Don't be a wage earner and look toward a pension. Otherwise, Fan Xi's situation would become a reality.
Naturally, Ling Qingyu was in distinct circumstances. Her position was already on the upper echelon. Her wealth couldn't even be squandered for a lifetime so long as she made no mistake.
Hearing the noises made by men, Ling Qingyu chuckled. As expected of them, like wolves when they heard the opportunity to get close to the goddess, no one liked to give up.
Similar to the women's competition for the pearl jewelry Ling Qingyu won, the price sprung up dramatically.
This time, Yang Qingyue and Ling Yunxiang no longer urged Ling Qingyu after learning the past lessons. They remained calm and composed, fully trusting Ling Qingyu would live up to their expectation.
On the other side, Fan Xi, who was now the protagonist, felt helpless and relieved. Satisfied yet worried. Every contradictory emotion flooded her mind, whether her judgment was right or wrong.
It wasn't wrong to say Fan Xi was coerced to auction her inner clothing. For the women in the nations still in conservative mindsets, selling one's underwear was embarrassing, to say the least.
In order to drain the last value, Fan Xi had, the company she sighed led her to come up with the fascinating idea. She and the management in the company had clashes big and small in the past years.
Both knew each party would go in a separate direction soon. Many of the company's act was ruining her career and it was Fan Xi's remaining influence which had mitigated the predicaments created by their actions.
Fan Xi desired to leave, more than 5 years ago. But the clever management had maintained a tight grip on the contract and tricked Fan Xi into signing the overlord clause during her naive youth.
The fines required to pay the breach of contract had troubled Fan Xi from quitting the company completely, when she realized their actions. She attempted many times, consulting legal experts and her network but was to no avail.
Tonight's auction caused Fan Xi to come up with an ingenious plan, cooperating with her agent who had been like a sister to her, despite the company's stance—selling her belongings and a certain proportion of the income goes toward the company while she retained the other half, which was to be donated like in the announcement.
The company agreed after discussions and Fan Xi moved forward to her freedom. She had had enough of the restraint and causes applied from the top. She wanted to leave and enjoy her life, while also working as an artist without any external pressure.
The Shen family understanding the situation quickly came up with an idea to exploit further. To raise the preciousness, they announced the winner could meet with her in private, without her consultation.
Although the public announcement was a donation, how much to be handed over to the donation remained in their hands.
Fan Xi's head bowed powerlessly. Against the Shen family, her prestige, fame, and influence meant nothing. Even pursuing legal action to sanction their prior behavior, Fan Xi saw no possibility.
Perhaps, her company and Shen family already cooperated and planned together, trying to drain out her value.
Fan Xi's method of avoiding unspoken rules might have offended several parties. They thought through tonight's scene, that those who attempted to seek her body in the past would be pleased and no longer pressure the company.
Thinking of the reasons, Fan Xi rubbed her almost watery eyes. She had to present her strong side and practiced deep breathing to calm down. Oh! How she wished for a prince charming to rescue her from the evil's grasp, like a little girl in a dream?
Fan Xi shook her head in dismay. Now, she must come up with a countermeasure to protect herself against the winner.
"300 million!"
People had given up due to the high stakes and were afraid of offending the large bidder. Although unwillingly, life and their wealth were more important compared to attaining beauty in their arms.
Fan Xi glanced at the person who bid and saw it was Young Master Xia. The second rich generation and an heir to the Xia family, equal to the Shen family. She had heard about his frivolous history, changing girlfriends like clothes and fancied capturing the hearts of female artists.
As for whether he acted gentlemanly or savagely, Fan Xi had no idea but both were possible. No news didn't mean, it never happened. And Fan Xi wasn't ignorant to believe, the boy abided by law.
"350 million!"
Another man captured Fan Xi's attention. Who dared to compete with Xia family? She turned her head and found the bidder from behind.
His seat was inconspicuous, near the last back row. Those who went against Xia family knowingly was either an idiot or confident man.
Her eyes were drawn to a handsome man, whose hand wrapped around another woman's waist. Compared to Young Master Xia, he seemed more masculine and trustworthy. The confidence exuded from his gestures intrigued Fan Xi.
But the presence of another woman threw away her prior thought. Another frivolous young man, similar to the Xia family.