Wings of Youth

Chapter 1: Homecoming

The vast, empty airport was filled with the distant hum of an approaching airplane. The Boeing 747 descended slowly, its engines roaring as it touched down and taxied along the runway with a gradual deceleration.

The cabin door opened.

After a long, exhausting flight, passengers spilled out like fish gasping for air, eager to breathe in the fresh, natural atmosphere. Among them, a young woman, standing at about 5'3", with straight hair and large brown sunglasses, stepped off the plane with a confident stride. She glanced around, puzzled by the absence of the familiar faces she had been expecting. After being away for so long, she had imagined that the moment she exited the plane, she would be greeted by Sophie Snow’s excited jumps and Michael Shao’s calm smile, followed by a big, welcoming hug.

But where were they? Had their twenty years of friendship meant so little?

"Catherine Lin, over here, over here!" Catherine turned to see a curly-haired girl, around 5'5", with a ladylike demeanor and a dress adorned with lace. This person... Catherine was certain she had seen her before, many times in fact.

“What’s wrong? Why are you standing there? Don’t you recognize us?” said a gentleman standing beside the girl, in a teasing tone. He appeared to be around 5'11", with a composed, steady presence.

Catherine walked towards them.

As she got closer, their faces became clear. The girl, though ladylike and cute, had a shrewd look in her eyes. The man was indeed gentlemanly, standing tall and straight, but there was something about him that felt a little like an old man.

“Oh my God, that look in your eyes... You’ve definitely forgotten us,” the girl said with a hint of reproach, her face filled with mock displeasure, almost like a child throwing a tantrum.

“Haha, that expression is so uniquely Sophie Snow,” Catherine thought with a smile. But she decided to play along a bit longer. She was particularly curious to see what Michael Shao would look like when he was angry. A 5'11" guy getting mad... would he look like an angry gorilla?

“Roar... Roar...” In her mind, Catherine imagined a gorilla pounding its chest in fury.

She deliberately kept a distance of about a foot from them, standing there, looking at them with a puzzled expression.

“Oh dear, she really doesn’t remember us...” Sophie Snow pouted, looking genuinely upset. Michael Shao remained silent, but it was clear he was slightly annoyed, though he tried to hide it. His puffed-up cheeks were quite amusing.

Catherine finally couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. Sophie Snow and Michael Shao quickly realized they were being pranked. “You little rascal, still as mischievous as ever!” Michael Shao finally let his composure slip. He usually kept his emotions well under control, but with these two, he was often left at a loss.

“Haha, do you really think I’m that heartless? I’ve been looking at the photos you sent in your emails every day. How could I not recognize you? Seriously, you both underestimate your place in my heart!”

“I knew it, Catherine Lin must be messing with us,” Sophie Snow replied with a hint of innocence in her voice.

“But, Robert Deng should have shown you around the company by now, right? Otherwise, why do you look so much like a businesswoman? Tell me, are you a cunning business shark now? No mercy when it comes to payments!” Sophie Snow, who had grown up over the years, was still Catherine’s closest friend, and she was delighted by that.

“I heard you were sick? Are you going to the old house to recuperate? What happened, is it serious? I’ve been so worried...” Catherine’s face was filled with concern, remembering the email Sophie had sent a few days ago.

“I’m fine now, really. I’ve just been cooped up at home for too long and thought I’d stay at the old house for a while.” Sophie didn’t say much more, and seeing that she seemed energetic enough, Catherine didn’t press further.

“Ahem, you’ve been praising Sophie Snow for so long, but haven’t you noticed me?” Michael Shao, rarely one to show a need for attention, couldn’t help but speak up. After all, they were childhood friends; why should Sophie get all the attention?

“Michael Shao, you’ve done well! A big boss now, huh? If I deposit money in your bank, will you give me a 50% interest rate?” Catherine teased playfully.

“Sure, as long as you promote our bank for a year, free of charge!” Michael’s eyes gleamed with a sharp intelligence.

“Honestly, Michael Shao, you’re two years older than Sophie and me. It’s been a few years, and you’ve gotten even more mature—no, should I say old? Like a little old man! When I saw you standing there from afar, I could hardly believe it. Do you have to act more mature at the office to command respect?” Catherine couldn’t help but worry. Michael had always been less outgoing, and the only people he truly opened up to were Sophie and herself. But could they really be there for him forever?

“But, Michael Shao, you’ve grown even more handsome! Honestly, are you making the female employees at your company fall for you again?” Catherine added with a playful tone.

“Well, it’s not my fault I’m handsome.” What a narcissist! But he only ever showed this side of himself around them. Catherine felt a twinge of concern.

“Catherine Lin, don’t say that. A handsome guy like Michael Shao doesn’t even need to speak; if he just nods, the line of people waiting would be as long as a marathon. He’s a diamond bachelor now!”

“Yeah, exactly. Hey, Michael Shao, be careful. There are some people out there who only care about money,” Catherine cautioned with genuine concern.

“Haha, I’m not worried. If this handsome guy can’t find anyone, I’ll just pick from the two of you!”

“What?!” Sophie Snow and Catherine Lin exclaimed in unison, their expressions almost comically distorted.

“Haha, you’re still so easy to fool, just like before.”

“Ugh, you’re so annoying!” Sophie Snow and Catherine Lin turned and walked away, pretending to ignore him.

“By the way, Catherine, you were supposed to graduate with your PhD next year. Why are you back so soon?” Sophie knew that Catherine was a brilliant student. She had completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years and then started her PhD, but it hadn’t even been two years yet.

Catherine’s expression grew serious. “Sophie, let’s find a place to sit down, and I’ll explain everything.”

Michael Shao frowned slightly.

“What? Aren’t you studying management? What were you doing at Harvard?” Sophie was shocked. Uncle Richard wasn’t one to take things lightly. If he found out Catherine didn’t follow his plans to study management, who knew what would happen.

“Catherine, you’re too impulsive. Why didn’t you discuss it with us first? How could you be so rash...” Michael scolded her like an older brother.

“Personal interests aren’t something you can decide for someone else. It’s probably in my genes! My dad works in media, and I love the industry too! I don’t like management. Although I know my dad wants me to take over the company, I can’t force myself to do something I dislike, especially for the rest of my life!” Catherine’s argument was sound, and Sophie could relate. It was just like her father secretly arranging her engagement to that guy from the Bing family.

“I suppose you’ve already figured out your next step,” Michael Shao said, having remained silent since hearing the news. He had always been the steady one. Catherine always approached things with a well-thought-out plan, much more reliable than Sophie Snow.

“Actually, I’ve only figured out the first step. Beyond that, I really don’t know. I’m just taking it one step at a time,” Catherine admitted helplessly.

“Where will you stay? Do you want to stay with me?” Sophie knew that Catherine couldn’t go back home, and given how she’d rushed back, there were probably financial issues too. After all, during her studies abroad, Catherine’s father had never given her any living expenses, forcing her to learn to be self-sufficient. She had managed through scholarships and part-time jobs and seemed to be doing quite well.

“Sophie, think about it. That’s impossible. Robert Deng and Uncle Richard are close. If she stays with you, the secret will be out in no time.” Michael’s mind raced, wondering if Catherine had a solid plan for staying in the city.

“I came back today for a job interview. Do you know Starlight Media? I’m here to interview for an agent position! The company has arranged a suite for me, and the salary is pretty good—$50,000 a year!” Catherine said excitedly.

“What?! How does that compare to your family? Starlight Media isn’t even the top company! You could easily get a much better position at home...” Sophie complained. She couldn’t bear the thought of Catherine struggling. Being an agent meant working day and night with celebrities, acting as both a nanny and a manager. And if the celebrity had a baby, she’d have to take care of that too!

“Catherine, I support you! I believe you’ll do great. You’ve always been a determined girl with strong ideas. Overcoming small challenges will only make you stronger.” Michael placed a firm hand on Catherine’s shoulder, his

gaze intense.

“Catherine, although it makes me sad, go after your dreams!” Sophie gave her a supportive hug.

“We’re the best of friends. Whatever difficulties you face, just tell us, and we’ll help you all the way!” Michael said, joining in a group hug with the girls.

“Alright, I’m off to report to the company now. I don’t even know what position they’ll assign me or which celebrity I’ll be working with. But I’m not afraid—I have you guys!”

The three parted ways at a café. The sun hung low in the clear blue sky, illuminating the entire city of Di Jing.

Chapter 2: The Challenge of Starlight Media

As Catherine Lin arrived at Starlight Media, she looked up at the building’s glass facade, which reflected the glaring sunlight. The entire structure seemed to shimmer, the company’s name "Starlight Media" prominently displayed. The company wasn’t exactly small, boasting twenty floors, but compared to her father’s company, it was somewhat modest. After all, Lin Global Media was the leading giant in Asia, whereas Starlight Media was just a well-established domestic media company. It still had decades to go before it could hope to reach Lin Global Media's level. Fortunately, the two companies had different focuses—Starlight Media profited from making stars famous, while Lin Global Media was primarily an investment powerhouse. This difference meant that Catherine didn't have to worry about her work conflicting with her father's business.

"Hello, I’m here for an interview. I’ve already spoken with Samuel Zhou." Cather