Chapter Twenty-Eight: An Unexpected Turn of Events

“So what are your thoughts now?” Chen Nian retorted.

The owner of Star Entertainment was eager to protect Chen Nian. After becoming an overnight sensation, Chen Nian was now a money-making machine; as long as the quality of his songs could be assured, he would continue to shine brilliantly. Yet, to the entire music industry, Chen Nian had become a target for collective attack—a pariah everyone wanted to destroy.

With Star Entertainment’s strength, they were utterly incapable of standing against the entire music world. To keep Chen Nian safe under such circumstances was nothing short of wishful thinking.

“We at Star Entertainment, of course, want to keep you, but you’re not currently one of our artists. Given your present situation, it’s hard for us to help you.”

“As long as you’re willing to sign with us, I, Gong Yu, can guarantee that no matter what the outside world says, I’ll do my utmost to keep you safe and unharmed.”

Chen Nian smiled slightly upon hearing this, feigning noble resolve, but in the end, it was all just an attempt to take advantage of the situation and sign him up.

“Chen Nian, I promise you, if you sign with Star Entertainment, just three years—only three years—I will make you the next king of the music scene!” Mo Fan declared excitedly.

“If you refuse, I’m afraid we won’t be able to let you participate in the next episode of the show.”

He truly admired Chen Nian’s talent and genius, and couldn’t bear to see such a perfect gem buried. Yet, there was nothing he could do; without a legitimate reason, Star Entertainment really had no grounds to intervene and protect Chen Nian. Besides, it wasn’t just Heart Trace Entertainment keeping a close eye on Chen Nian—if they made a wrong move, they too could be ruined.

“Forget it.” Chen Nian smiled, shaking his head. “I never intended to debut. Joining the show was nothing more than a transaction with Zhou Lu.”

“If that’s all, I’ll take my leave.” What’s the point of being a music king? It wasn’t nearly as comfortable as loafing in his rented apartment, enjoying a carefree life.

“Chen Nian, you’re such an outstanding singer-songwriter—do you really have no ambition?” Seeing Chen Nian about to leave, Mo Fan called out unwillingly.

If Chen Nian was willing to sign with Star Entertainment, Mo Fan would risk his reputation, do whatever it took, to ensure Chen Nian emerged unscathed from this storm.

“Heh!” Chen Nian curled his lips in disdain. “What is ambition? Is becoming music king considered ambition?”

“I’m perfectly content basking in the sun, sipping tea, fishing, playing chess, and listening to opera. Aren’t all these far more enjoyable than being crowned music king?”

Mo Fan was momentarily stunned, then protested, “Once you become king, you can do all those things anytime you want! Take my advice—sign with Star Entertainment.”

Chen Nian widened his eyes, staring at Mo Fan as if looking at a fool. “Brother, are you serious? I can already do all those things now—why bother chasing after that so-called music king?”

Mo Fan was speechless, silenced by Chen Nian’s retort.

Indeed, all those things Chen Nian mentioned could be done at any moment; why go to such lengths to become a so-called king?

Mo Fan and the owner of Star Entertainment had nothing more to say, and could only watch helplessly as Chen Nian walked out of the office.

“Zhou Lu, why don’t you try persuading him again?” the owner of Star Entertainment said, unwilling to accept defeat.

He truly didn’t want to let such talent slip away.

“It’s useless. His mind is made up. No one can change it now.”

Someone who could casually give away masterpieces like “Undersea” and “Period”—works destined to be remembered for generations—would hardly care about honors or material rewards.

At least in Zhou Lu’s eyes, Chen Nian was not that kind of person.

“If he won’t sign with Star Entertainment, then let’s add fuel to the fire,” the owner said coldly, taking a drag from his cigarette.

Zhou Lu and Mo Fan both looked up at Gong Yu, their expressions complicated.

If Chen Nian could not be theirs, his talent and genius would remain a perpetual threat to Star Entertainment.

If that threat could not be eliminated at the root, the owner would never sleep easy.

“Are you sure you won’t reconsider? Not just anyone can participate in ‘New Voices.’ With your current popularity, it’s only a matter of time before you go viral.”

In the red Lamborghini, Luo Xiaoyi glanced regretfully at Chen Nian in the passenger seat.

“Xiaoyi, I’ve told you, everyone has their own way of living. Why should we care about others’ opinions?”

He was telling the truth—the so-called fame, status, and power meant nothing to him now.

As for material things, with his abilities, he could make money doing anything.

“Yes.” Luo Xiaoyi smiled gently, finally letting go.

Chen Nian was right—everyone chooses their own way of life, and she shouldn’t force her ideas onto him.

That wouldn’t be fair to Chen Nian.

Shortly after Chen Nian left Star Entertainment, the company immediately issued a statement.

They announced that Chen Nian was expelled from “New Voices,” and declared that everything he had done was his own decision, with no connection to Star Entertainment whatsoever.

They also expressed support for He Wei and the music industry, demanded that Chen Nian publicly apologize, voluntarily delete his works, and withdraw from the music scene.

“Boss, you wanted to see us?” At Heart Trace Entertainment, He Wei and Lin Xinrou entered Wang Tao’s office side by side.

“Was it you two who orchestrated the music industry’s boycott of Chen Nian?” Wang Tao put down his pen and looked up at them.

He Wei’s face broke into a triumphant smile.

“Yes, boss, it was our doing.”

“This Chen Nian has been getting too arrogant lately. If he keeps rising, he could become a latent threat to us.”

“So it really was your doing?” Wang Tao frowned, questioning them again.

“Yes, Wei was right.”

“If we don’t teach him a lesson, he’ll think his two lousy songs make him some kind of big shot,” Lin Xin added.

He Wei was briefly puzzled as he looked at Wang Tao. Wasn’t this done on Wang Tao’s direct orders? Why did he seem so unaware now?

Despite his confusion, He Wei nodded.

Smack!

Wang Tao suddenly stood up and slapped He Wei across the face.

“Who the hell told you to do this?!”

“Boss, wasn’t it your idea?” He Wei covered his swollen cheek, his eyes full of shock.

“Who?”

Smack!

Wang Tao slapped him again. “Say it again—who told you to do this?”

Faced with this sudden turn of events, He Wei and Lin Xinrou were completely bewildered.

“It was me, I did it myself.” He Wei, though unsure what had happened, spoke up immediately.

He was genuinely terrified of Wang Tao’s slaps.