Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Benefits everyone?

Samantha had a sarcastic look and remarked unceremoniously, “It’ll only benefit you guys!”

Walter’s smile disappeared bit by bit when he heard that and was gradually replaced by a cold and frosty expression.

He straightened his posture, poured a cup of tea for himself, then drank it slowly before speaking again, “If you’re unwilling to accept our proposal, then you can follow your own heart and clarify it yourself.”

‘Clarify it yourself.’

Those three words clearly indicated Lychee TV’s stance on the issue.

In other words, if she did not accept their proposal, Lychee TV would not come forward to make any clarifications for her and she would have to do so herself.

It seemed that Walter was finally resorting to force after failing in his attempt at amicability.

Samantha’s expression remained unchanged and her tone remained faint. “You’re telling me to clarify things myself, but no one will believe me, will they?”

Walter kept quiet, but his expression said it all.

Samantha continued, “Everything happened inside a closed studio that day. All the video equipment inside was turned off at the request of the madman. And the video that’s now making its rounds was taken from outside the window, which explained why it’s so blurry.

“The only people in the studio at that time were me, the madman, and the kid. The madman was killed on the spot, and as far as the kid is concerned, I heard that he’s in such a bad condition that he still hasn’t spoken up until now due to fright. Neither of them can testify for me.

“As for the people who saw me go in at the time, there were TV station employees and police officers. The TV station employees have been told not to say a word, while the police officers who were on duty at the time were facing a very chaotic situation before them. They didn’t really see Harmony that well, but they also can’t serve as a credible witness for me.

“Oh, there’s also the child’s parents. Although, they only cared about their kid when they came in and didn’t see who I was at all. Isn’t that right?”

Walter nodded in admiration when hearing Samantha’s analysis. “I said it before, Sammy. You’re a very smart girl. I’ve always thought highly about you, and so do the senior figures at the station. We can’t bear to let a talent like you stay buried.”

He took another sip of tea before continuing, “Of course, as Mrs. Barker, you’re able to whisper sweet nothings to your husband and have him come forward for you. I think even our general manager can’t afford to offend your husband. When it comes to that, the general manager will come forth to clarify everything and rightfully return the first place to you.

“But… we’ll also be truthful to the public and tell them that we did it because we didn’t have a choice. By then public opinion will train their guns at the Barker Group and Mr. Barker.”

Samantha could only sneer.

Lychee TV was brave enough to send Walter over because they had already calculated everything.

Walter immediately softened his voice again. He took out two contracts from his briefcase and placed them in front of Samantha. “Sammy, we’re really being sincere here. I even brought along the contract for your employment.

“Have a look. There are two contracts here. One is a non-disclosure agreement, and the other is for employment. As long as you’re willing to sign these two contracts, you can go through the entry procedures tomorrow and become one of us!”

Samantha looked down at the two contracts and wanted to speak, but in the end, she curled her lips in a rather indecipherable little smile.

Walter looked at her expression and felt that there was still a chance. He continued further and said, “How about this, Sammy… You’ve always looked up to Victoria Goldman as an idol, haven’t you? If you agree to these contracts, I’ll relay this to the station and let Ms. Goldman personally take you in. She isn’t the kind of person who accepts proteges on a whim.”

Being Victoria’s apprentice really was a huge temptation.

Samantha’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

Walter smiled slowly when he saw that. Victoria was his trump card. He had done his homework on Samantha before and figured out what she wanted most, giving him the confidence to win the negotiation.

It was his first time being solely responsible for hosting the competition, and it had already shone the spotlight on him. The path to further his future career was bright, and the general manager had already hinted he would be given more important projects to handle. He was adamant that nothing and no one would be allowed to hinder his path forward!

Samantha was silent for a while and her voice became gentler too. “But Ms. Goldman has her own principles in accepting a protege. Can you really persuade her to let her personally take me in?”

Walter’s bet came through in the end…

He raised his head a little higher and gave a brief nod. “Don’t worry. Ms. Goldman and I have been friends for many years. She won’t object if I make a strong case to recommend you.”

Walter’s words are half-true and half-false.

He did know Victoria for a long time, but they were not on close terms with each other. Victoria was the kind of woman who did things her own way and had a weird temperament. Anyone who did not have the mental fortitude would not be able to work with her.

During the times he worked with Victoria, she lashed out at him countless times and it pissed him off greatly.

In any case, Samantha did not know about that and Walter had no qualms lying to her.

If she had signed the contract and Victoria was unwilling to take her in, there was nothing else Samantha could do either.

Samantha’s eyes lit up after hearing his assurance. “It has always been my dream to study with Ms. Goldman. I would be willing to compromise if I have that opportunity. Okay then, I will go ahead and sign the two contracts.”

“Wonderful!” Walter smiled all of a sudden, “I’ve always said that you’re a smart woman, Sammy. Only the wise can make the most out of a situation. A little compromise makes everybody happy.”

He took out his pen, unscrewed the lid, and handed it to her. “Alright, you can sign them now.”

“Sure.”

Samantha picked up the pen and signed her name on the non-disclosure agreement before doing the same on the employment contract.

She then put down the pen and smiled at Walter, “I will be in your capable hands now, Mr. Schuck.”

“No problem, no problem.”

Walter smiled and put away the two documents. “When do you plan on clocking in? I’ll let the staff know.”

Samantha thought for a while and said, “I’m a little tired after the competition just ended. Maybe in a few more days.”

After a pause, she said again, “Won’t there be an award ceremony for the competition in another two days? I can wait to clock in together with Harmony. We’re on good terms, so it’d be good for us to be companions when we work together.”

“You’re very thoughtful.” Walter expressed his admiration. “It’s settled then.”

He raised his hand and patted Samantha on the shoulder, “I need to go back to the station and explain it to the higher-ups. Enjoy your meal. It’s on me.”

Samantha had no objections. “Okay. Take care.”

When she sent Walter out of the room, Samantha returned to her seat and picked up her cutlery, but when she looked at the table full of food, she did not have any appetite and even felt like throwing up.

They were all such big bullies….