Chapter 80: Unyielding Amid Universal Reproach

“There’s no such thing as fairness in this world anymore! A twenty-year-old dares to openly, brazenly suppress another top-tier celebrity. And judging by his arrogance, even the superstars mean nothing to him. Such a person—at best, a scoundrel; at worst, a traitor and a rebel!”

“I can hardly see a future for the entertainment industry if people like Ren Qian can run rampant.”

“He’s a disgrace, a rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel!”

“The music world has been thrown into utter chaos lately, all thanks to that troublemaker. You’ve got to hand it to him—he really knows how to stir the pot!”

These were the opinions of certain influential bloggers on Weibo.

Ren Qian was baffled. He had never crossed paths with these people or interfered with their interests, yet human malice ran deep. Whether or not there was enmity, if they envied the sight of him, they would pounce at the first opportunity to tear him apart. And he couldn’t even bite back, for these dogs were filthy and reeked of stench.

Let them be. It didn’t affect his interests in the slightest. The show’s quality was excellent, drawing a vast audience—what did the boycott of a tiny minority matter?

Watch if you like. If not, get lost.

As far as he was concerned, he wouldn’t lose much.

It was like the Spring Festival Gala: no matter how much the public criticized it, it still aired with great fanfare every year.

“Brother Qian, what’s going on over there? Weibo is exploding. Ever since you entered the entertainment industry, the war of words has never ceased. What a tragedy. I’m lowering the flag to half-mast for you in mourning.”

This message came from Yan Yu, sounding concerned, though there was an unmistakable trace of schadenfreude beneath his words.

“Maybe I should lower the flag for you instead. Did your wife throw herself into your arms after hearing the ‘legend of the lamb kidney,’ all sweet and clinging?”

“Don’t even mention it! She’s taken me to settle down at the slaughterhouse. Every day she forces me to eat lamb kidneys until my stomach churns and I foam at the mouth! At first, I thought a bit of variety in cooking methods was a blessing. But after eating so many, my lower abdomen is always simmering, and I start having wild thoughts even at the sight of a cow. Please come save me, Brother Qian [crying face]. I was wrong. I’ll never dare sell your phone number again...”

Ren Qian suddenly understood.

So it was you behind this mischief:

A few days ago, Ren Qian had been bombarded with calls from strangers. From their tone, it was obvious they wanted to buy songs from him at high prices—to use as the title tracks for their company’s star singers’ new albums, hoping to boost their fame and open new avenues for profit.

People driven by greed buzzed around like flies, relentless and noisy. Even if Ren Qian hung up, they would keep calling, one after another, assaulting him with a barrage of phone calls.

In the end, he had no choice but to cancel his number and get a new one after returning home that day.

Looks like Yan Yu got what he deserved. Stay at your slaughterhouse, burning with desire every day, pining after cows.

Ren Qian ignored Yan Yu’s plea for help.

He stepped out of the taxi with his head held high, limbering up a bit.

Ever since he’d gotten busy with the “I Am a Singer” program, he rarely found time to exercise, and his health was never robust to begin with—he once coughed up blood after staying up for three months straight.

That said enough about his physical condition.

He planned to learn some martial arts at a gym. Not only could he strengthen his body, but he could also spar with the nurse girl—a new excuse to get close to her in the future.

There were plenty of martial arts gyms in Jiangnan City. For example, the Taiji Palace in the university district—the name alone sounded grand and imposing. Worth checking out.

“Hey, isn’t that Ren Qian? Wow, Ren Qian is here at the front plaza of Rolling Verse Entertainment. Everyone, come see!”

“Ren Qian! The future heir of Rolling Verse Entertainment, the one who was on ‘Day Day Up’ and dominated the Golden Song Chart! Quick, go block him! Maybe luck will turn, and if he takes a liking to you, you could warm his bed just once and live in luxury for the rest of your life!”

“Exactly! I’m so beautiful; maybe I’ll get a secret deal out of it.”

“Shame on you shameless actresses. We men would never stoop so low! We succeed on pure talent alone.”

“Ah... God Qian, do you fancy men? I use milk to moisturize my skin every other day—my butt is perky and feels great...”

As soon as the man spoke, a flamboyant youth dashed out, rushing toward Ren Qian as if ready to throw himself into his arms.

“Sigh, God gave you a gun, and you insist on using it as a stick to stir the pot...”

Ren Qian was stunned. That shrill, effeminate voice was grating; if this guy managed to pounce on him, he’d be disgusted for ages.

With that thought, he hurried his pace.

A group of security guards ran out from the entrance to shield him, quickly separating him from the crowd.

Standing on the company terrace, Ren Qian watched the noisy throng below with lingering unease.

These people were not fans, but jobless drifters willing to do anything for fame.

Years of frustration had left them with plenty of resentment.

Who knew if someone might be hiding a brick in their pants, ready to pull it out and bash him over the head? By then, regret would be too late.

“Brother Qian, over here...”

Ren Qian turned and saw the nurse girl smiling sweetly at him from behind.

“From the look of you, it seems online gossip hasn’t affected you at all~”

“Of course not. How could a pure, handsome gentleman like me be swayed by vulgar chatter? This is called, ‘When the world condemns me, I do not change; when it praises me, I do not strive; unmoved by fortune or misfortune.’ Ah, this is a profound state of mind; you wouldn’t understand even if I explained further...”

Ren Qian lifted his head in mock melancholy, as though the loneliness of life weighed upon him like a snowy expanse.

The nurse girl pressed her lips together, smiling sweetly. “You’re absolutely right! I couldn’t agree more! I almost feel compelled to offer myself to you now.”

Hmm?

Ren Qian was taken aback, unused to this sudden change in tone.

“What’s gotten into you today? Usually, you’d be rolling your eyes at me. Come on, let me see you roll your eyes.”

The nurse girl stepped back two paces, dodging his playful advance.

“I read something in the library today. It suits you perfectly.”

“What was it?”

Oh? Just because you’ve read a few self-help books, you think you can show off in front of the old master? Don’t you know I used to be the king of motivational quotes?

Ren Qian kept up the banter. After all, it was rare to have time to tease this gentle girl—he couldn’t miss the chance. Even if he couldn’t get his hands on her, a little verbal advantage was still something.

As the saying goes, ‘A silver tongue is mightier than a million troops.’ Perhaps he could persuade her to surrender.

The nurse girl cleared her throat.

With the utmost seriousness, she patted him on the shoulder and declared, “What should you do when you meet an idiot in life? The solution: support all his views and let him become an even bigger idiot!”

Ren Qian: “...”

Who taught her that? What a devious move!