Chapter Six: The Contest with a Script

“To be honest, the company is very interested in you. You’re young, good-looking, quick-witted, and have excellent acting skills. Participating in the Hundred Butterflies Rising project, you have a great chance of becoming a star, with comprehensive support from the Breaking Cocoon program. I can already see a new broadcasting star rising.”

Selina skillfully drew her out with conversation, and Lin Ke nodded repeatedly.

Who wouldn’t be dazzled by such a golden opportunity? While others came for an interview, she was here to become a star!

But then Selina suddenly shifted her tone: “What I just said was the standard opening line for the interview.”

“Huh?”

Lin Ke couldn’t help but look completely baffled.

The five other directors all turned their gaze to her, and Lin Ke’s wide eyes darted anxiously around, unable to think of anything to say.

What’s going on? What does the opening line mean?

Selina smiled and continued, “All twenty candidates in today’s interview have already been approved by the company. You’re actually competing for the identity of the ‘Butterfly King Seed.’”

Given the scale of the Breaking Cocoon program, it’s impossible for all newcomers to be interviewed by six directors together. If that were the case, the company might as well shut down.

Yet they had specifically reserved this day because the Hundred Butterflies Rising plan is the core focus of the entire group’s work for the next year.

“You’ve probably heard that all so-called reality shows have an initial script. From the very beginning, the ten Butterfly King Seeds were predetermined.

The company’s attention, support, and packaging for these seed contestants are unprecedented. Contracts will be signed before the competition even starts, and the twenty of you are the backups.”

Lin Ke had so many things she wanted to say but found herself at a loss for words.

This was nothing like the online interview tips she had read! Her fingers were itching to show some flair, but she could only force a stiff smile.

The big shots were suddenly revealing insider information?

Was this something she was supposed to hear for free?

Or did they want her to say something? To show some initiative?

Selina pushed over a tablet.

“The company favors you more in the social-emotional category. But since your experience is still limited, you will need to fully comply with the company’s arrangements. If you’re willing to sign the contract, the CEO will personally handle your packaging next Monday.”

The tablet displayed a thirty-page agent contract. Lin Ke quickly skimmed it—most of it was restrictions and requirements on the broadcaster’s conduct.

But the salary section was boldly highlighted in large, bold font: once signed as a full-time broadcaster, fulfilling your duties guarantees a monthly minimum salary of 5,000 yuan.

In addition, you’ll receive the same social insurance and welfare benefits as Breaking Cocoon employees, various holiday subsidies, and a 55% share of all income exceeding 5,000 yuan after deducting company operating costs.

No one could resist such an offer!

Qiqi had already told her that for newcomers like them without any foundation or backing, even a base salary of 800 yuan per month was a blessing! Full-time contracts usually only offered 2,800 yuan!

Finding a job elsewhere, no respectable industry would pay her 5,000 yuan!

And here she would also get a share of the profits!

She couldn’t even dare dream of this!

However, the many pages of obligations in the contract made Lin Ke wary. Signing meant becoming a puppet on strings; the company could make her do anything, and she couldn’t refuse.

Anything… at all…

“I can’t be a borderline broadcaster.”

Selina chuckled, “Don’t worry. Breaking Cocoon is a legitimate company, and your category is confirmed as social-emotional. Frankly, you wouldn’t rank in the borderline category anyway.

No need to rush your decision. You have the weekend to think it over. After all, the company is investing heavily in you. You should understand the caution behind the contract.

Since we share glory and disgrace, the company will be your biggest supporter. You won’t need to worry about any external dangers. Opportunities like this for rookies are truly rare.”

Lin Ke nodded. “I will seriously consider it.”

After the admin escorted Lin Ke out, Selina looked around. “Everyone, what are your thoughts?”

Michael, the agent director, was concise: “Naive, easy to deceive.”

Mia, the administrative director, thought it was fine: “Simple and obedient is a good thing. We already have packaging plans. All we need is a face. Everyone signs the same contract; no need to be harsh.”

Recruitment was usually handled by the administrative department, but this time it was led by operations. Mia clearly understood that the company wasn’t after employees but resources.

This interview was not really about how much they liked Lin Ke, but about giving every broadcaster equal hope.

Though the selection of the seeds was no deception—it was the core topic of their discussion.

Content director Julian was less pleased: “No original ideas, no experience, no creativity. Packaging her will be hard work.”

Selina smiled lightly, “I think she’s quite bold. Just outside, she even wanted to jump into the pond to retrieve her resume.”

Legal director Black rubbed his forehead: “It’s obvious she’s clueless. She has no legal knowledge, didn’t even look for breach of contract clauses, nor asked if she could take the contract with her. Probably needs AI to explain labor laws on the spot. On the bright side, legal risks are basically zero.”

“Snow, what’s your take?”

Cheng Guanzhi paused his pen. He had no interest in these matters, but somehow he thought of the girl’s ‘Dream Chaser’ video recorded in the café and recalled his own despicable behavior the night before.

“Why not give her a chance?”

...

Lin Ke left the Breaking Cocoon building, still feeling dazed.

A windfall is naturally good, but if it’s a falling gold brick, it could crush you.

Qiqi had already explained clearly yesterday that the MCN industry was treacherous. The phrase “comply with any company arrangement” was enough to make Lin Ke imagine countless unspeakable scenarios.

Her working hours and content would be completely out of her control; she would lose total control over herself.

They didn’t need her account content to be borderline, but what about outside the livestreams? Dinner parties? Drinking sessions? Could she remain unscathed?

The woman who looked like an HR officer had used all sorts of pressure and enticements. Lin Ke could tell she wasn’t truly admired for any special qualities. The treatment offered could have been given randomly to any other broadcaster.

So she was completely replaceable, totally at their mercy.

And what did it mean for the CEO to personally handle her packaging?

At Breaking Cocoon’s scale, the CEO had to be some big shot, right? Why would such a figure personally package a newly signed small broadcaster?

Was he trying to package his own account, or was he interested in her personally?

Lin Ke knew she looked quite good. When she had been a campus ambassador for another company, she had even been taken to company drinking parties.

If she had been willing to do those things, she would have had a stable job long ago!

But she had refused outright and stormed off then—how could she repeat that now?

Her head was a mess like porridge as she wandered the streets aimlessly. She couldn’t help but call her boyfriend, Dou Peng, again.

“What is your relationship with the phone’s owner, Dou Peng? He’s at the police station. If you’re family or a friend, please come over.”