Chapter 136: Huo Yuanjia Really Existed!

That night, at midnight, "Until the End of the World" was simultaneously premiered across seventeen music radio stations nationwide.

In addition to terrestrial music broadcasting channels, it included major online music radio stations such as Cola FM, Spot Bean FM, Five-Star Music Radio, and E-Ting FM.

Furthermore, Hong Kong’s Wireless Music Channel, Taiwan’s Channel [V] Mandarin Music Television, and TVBS Music Channel also broadcasted the premiere at midnight that same night.

Moreover, during the broadcast, all three music stations paired the song with a music video edited from clips of the anime "Basketball Soul." Orfee Animation enjoyed a high volume of business in Hong Kong and Taiwan, having cultivated a deep and extensive network and market there that was practically no less than the mainland market.

Although Jiang Lun's songs had long entered Hong Kong and Taiwan through various channels, they had never even cracked the top fifty of the weekly charts in either region.

One reason was that Rainy Music had not yet expanded its operations into those two regions.

The other reason was that both regions possessed their own independent music circles, forming a tripartite balance with the mainland music circle. For a mainland song to squeeze into their charts, it first had to squeeze into those two circles.

However, with Orfee's backing, the path to squeezing into both circles had already been paved.

The next afternoon, "Until the End of the World" dropped directly into the number one spot on the Taiwan TVBS Chinese Music Weekly Chart.

In the chart announced that same day by the Music Express program on Channel [V] Music Television, it occupied the third position.

Because the Music Express chart encompassed all Mandarin music across the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and served as the sampling basis for the annual Global Chinese Music Awards, it was an authoritative and highly credible ranking. Even so, Jiang Lun managed to secure the third spot on its very first day—a truly commendable achievement.

As for Hong Kong, although it generated some buzz, the local music circle was dominated entirely by homegrown Hongkongers, especially Cantonese songs. While Jiang Lun's new song achieved decent dissemination speed, getting onto their charts was simply out of the question.

On the third morning, major video websites released the music video for "Until the End of the World."

Although the music video was produced using animation and served as a promotional clip, by music video standards, it was fully realized with exquisite visuals, drawing widespread attention.

The music videos previously released in Hong Kong and Taiwan were older versions.

However, in the version released on the mainland, an extra line of dialogue was added to the very end of the song—the exact line Jiang Lun had later revised: "Coach, I want to play basketball!"

When the audio had been released earlier, netizens spontaneously began hyping the song.

With the release of the music video, it sparked an even greater wave of discussion.

"I happened to hear this song just when I was feeling lost and decadent, and suddenly it felt like a surge of strength possessed me."

"The musical style leans toward rock, but it belongs to pop music. It's very catchy!"

"Did Jiang Lun change his singing style? Why does this song sound somewhat languid and decadent?"

"Not at all? I clearly feel it's full of impact. It feels like he's singing with his heart; listening to it makes even a gloomy heart burn with passion!"

"..."

Jiang Lun was browsing Weibo to read the online discussions when suddenly Wu Chaoyang called.

"Hello, Brother Wu!"

"Are you still at the hotel?"

"Yeah!" Jiang Lun said. "Waiting for the fan meeting at the stadium tonight!"

"Don't go out. I've arrived in Guangzhou. Just got off the plane and heading straight to your place!"

"Huh?" Jiang Lun felt baffled.

Nowadays, Wu Chaoyang basically handed all matters over to Mai Le, only responsible for the overall scheduling of Jiang Lun's agency work. What was this play today? He actually flew to Guangzhou in person.

After waiting for nearly half an hour, a knock sounded on the hotel room door.

Mai Le got up and opened it. "Brother Wu, why are you here?"

"Where's Ah Lun?"

Wu Chaoyang walked in, looked around, and seeing Jiang Lun basking in the sun on the balcony drinking watermelon juice, immediately sat down in the chair opposite him. "I have an old friend named Huo Dongfang, who runs a martial arts academy. His headquarters is right in Guangzhou, and now he has over seventy branch schools worldwide. Hearing that you came to Guangzhou this time, he wants to meet you and discuss some cooperation!"

"Discuss cooperation?" Jiang Lun asked quizzically. "He runs a martial arts academy; what cooperation could he possibly have with me? We're worlds apart."

"I asked, but he said we'd discuss the details in person. They're already on their way. Get ready and come downstairs for a meal together!"

"Is he really your old friend?"

"Really, a bond of many years!" Seeing Jiang Lun's incredulous expression, Wu Chaoyang added, "When my company went bankrupt back then, he also gave me a hand. You could say he's a benefactor!"

"A benefactor?"

Jiang Lun smiled. "Oh, you don't think he's planning to change careers and sell some kind of vital-energy pills or health supplements, and wants me as his spokesperson?"

"That I don't know!" Wu Chaoyang joked, then turned serious. "Stop overthinking it. If it were really like that, I wouldn't agree in the first place!"

"Alright then!"

Jiang Lun stood up. "Brother Wu, I'm doing this purely to give you face, going to this meeting somewhat reluctantly. Endorsements are fine as long as the price is reasonable, it doesn't break the law, and it's not for some health supplement or medicine."

"Hey! Consider I owe you a favor!"

Wu Chaoyang laughed. "Go change your clothes!"

It was just a casual meal, so Jiang Lun didn't need much preparation. He changed his outfit and left the room with Wu Chaoyang and Mai Le.

Heading downstairs to the restaurant, they entered a private dining room where only two men were sitting.

"Old Huo! What's so urgent that you even dragged me all the way from Beijing?"

Wu Chaoyang seemed to be a genuine long-time friend of his, complaining the moment he stepped through the door. "Spit it out if you have something to say! I've got plenty of things to take care of!"

Both men stood up. The leader had short hair and sword-like eyebrows, with a sharp gleam in his eyes. He was in his forties and stepped forward with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting toward Wu Chaoyang and speaking with a Guangzhou accent. "Long time no see, Old Wu. What could you possibly be busy with?"

"Plenty, but it's just idle busyness. How could I compare to you? Your company even went public. Why haven't you retired yet?" Wu Chaoyang chuckled.

"Sigh, the kid doesn't live up to expectations, so I have to support him for a few more years!"

Huo Dongfang waved his hand, then noticed Jiang Lun behind him and smiled. "Mr. Jiang truly is a young and brilliant talent! Nowadays, wherever you go, you can hear Mr. Jiang's name and songs. It's even more explosive than the Four Heavenly Kings back in the day!"

"You're too kind!" Jiang Lun smiled.

"Come on, sit down! Let's talk while seated!"

Huo Dongfang made a gesture. "I brought some top-quality Dahongpao tea; this is my personal collection!"

Once everyone was seated, Huo Dongfang poured the tea himself. His technique was skillful and practiced, executing every step with effortless fluidity.

"Forget the tea, talk business first!"

Despite Wu Chaoyang's words, his eyes remained fixed on the tea water, making it clear he genuinely wanted a drink.

"Hah, it's nothing major. It's just that I heard a piece of music by Mr. Jiang online and wanted to discuss some cooperative matters with Mr. Jiang. Coincidentally, I learned you are his manager, so I figured I'd rely on you to bridge the gap and make conversation easier!"

With that, Huo Dongfang said to the young man beside him, "Xiaogang, play that piece of music for your Uncle Wu and Mr. Jiang!"

"Okay!" The man nodded, took out his phone, and began searching.

"Is this your son? Huo Gang?"

Wu Chaoyang pointed at the man and asked Huo Dongfang, "He's gotten this big?"

"Yeah, the last time you saw him he was just a little rascal, and now he's just returned from abroad, helping me manage the company business by my side," Huo Dongfang smiled.

"That's fantastic! Your martial arts academy is an established time-honored brand after all! Xiaogang, your dad put in painstaking effort to turn it into a corporate entity and took it public. The future depends entirely on you!" Wu Chaoyang remarked.

Yet Huo Dongfang sighed, "Indeed it depends on him. The path is difficult nowadays, and many martial arts schools have closed down. However, Xiaogang came up with a suggestion and wants Mr. Jiang to do an endorsement!"

Wu Chaoyang and Jiang Lun exchanged glances. Although neither spoke, mutual understanding passed between them.

After searching on his phone for a moment, Huo Gang finally found the music. "Mr. Jiang, I heard a piece of your music online the day before yesterday and had some ideas of my own, which is why I hoped to collaborate with you through my dad!"

As he spoke, he played the piece of music.

Jiang Lun listened, and to his surprise, the piece of music being played was none other than his own "Huo Yuanjia"!

"This is just a demo!"

Jiang Lun said, "What kind of cooperation do you have in mind?"

"It's like this!" Huo Gang smiled. "Actually, running a martial arts school like this makes it hard to progress without adapting. This is the internet era, and everyone is playing the fan economy game. If we want to reach the next level and attract more people to learn martial arts, we have to change our methods."

Huo Dongfang took over the conversation. "My son's idea is to invite Mr. Jiang to endorse our martial arts school, combining this idol culture with the martial arts industry for a trial run! You know, simply because of Mr. Jiang's song 'Nunchucks', quite a few students came to our academy specifically asking to learn that. But after all, we mainly teach fist techniques, so switching to teaching nunchucks isn't entirely appropriate."

"That's no problem. Endorsing a martial arts academy can also be considered contributing to the promotion and dissemination of Chinese martial arts!" Wu Chaoyang immediately laughed.

Both he and Jiang Lun breathed a sigh of relief. Earlier, they had both overthought things; the Huo family weren't planning to change careers to sell vital-energy pills or health supplements after all.

"I wonder what Mr. Jiang's endorsement fee is?" Huo Dongfang inquired proactively.

"Externally, his rate is two million per year!" Wu Chaoyang chuckled. "Since we have this personal connection between us, how about five million for three years?"

"That's not much!" Huo Dongfang smiled. "If it can make Huo Family Fist spread even wider, this bit of money is nothing!"

Huh? Huo Family Fist?

Huo Dongfang? Huo Gang? The Huo family?

"Wait a minute!"

Jiang Lun suddenly called out. "You guys... Huo Family Fist? Do you all share the surname Huo?"

"...Yes?"

Huo Dongfang was momentarily stunned, failing to understand why Jiang Lun's reaction had suddenly turned so dramatic.

Wu Chaoyang was the same, frowning slightly. He had already told Jiang Lun his friend's name was Huo Dongfang upstairs in the hotel room; asking this now, what did it mean?

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute!"

Jiang Lun composed himself before asking cautiously, "Then, do you know about Huo Yuanjia?"

"Uh... this..."

Huo Dongfang stared dumbfoundedly at Jiang Lun, his expression even more exaggerated than Jiang Lun's had been a moment ago—a mixture of shock, confusion, and bewilderment all at once.

Seeing their reaction, Jiang Lun's eyes lit up. Could Huo Yuanjia have genuinely existed?

"I know..." Huo Dongfang recovered his senses. "I heard my grandfather talk about him when I was a child. He was my grandfather's fourth uncle! What, do you know my Fourth Great-Granduncle?"

"Oh, I just heard about him from the older generation!"

Jiang Lun fabricated a story. "Legend has it that there was a martial arts master in Shanghai back then named Huo Yuanjia, who also practiced Huo Family Fist, so I just wanted to ask if it's the same martial art as your Huo Family Fist!"

Huo Dongfang and Huo Gang looked at each other. Huo Gang clearly knew nothing and was waiting for his father's answer.

"My Fourth Great-Granduncle was indeed a martial artist, and he even founded the Jingwu Athletic Association in Shanghai. Unfortunately, he died in the prime of his life, and not long after, that Jingwu Association fell apart and dispersed!"

Huo Dongfang waved his hand. "As for other matters, I haven't heard my grandfather mention them. Besides, my family migrated to Guangzhou starting from my grandfather's generation and have settled here for nearly a hundred years. I have no idea if there are any remaining relatives back in our hometown!"

"I see..."

Jiang Lun thought for a moment and asked again, "Then is your Huo Family Fist passed down from your ancestors?"

"Of course!"

Huo Dongfang said with pride, "Our ancestor was Huo Qubing, and this set of Huo Family Fist was created by him. Originally called Mizong Fist, it was strictly taught internally and never externally. In the past, when my grandfather and father ran their martial arts schools, they only taught some fitness martial arts routines and didn't teach Huo Family Fist. Later, when it came down to my hands, watching the martial arts school decline day by day, I had no choice but to bring out this set of kung fu, which finally retained a group of disciples and developed to the scale we have today!"

Although he didn't get more news about Huo Yuanjia, knowing that such a person existed was enough. Jiang Lun immediately said, "Mr. Huo, I have an idea. If we can bring the story of your Fourth Great-Granduncle Huo Yuanjia onto the screen and use it to promote Huo Family Fist, it will definitely take your martial arts academy's business to the next level!"

"Bring it onto the screen?"

Huo Dongfang was taken aback. "You mean... shoot a TV series?"

"Not just a TV series, but also movies!" Jiang Lun said.

"But my Fourth Great-Granduncle doesn't really have any noteworthy stories to tell, does he?"

Huo Dongfang gave a wry smile. "I'm not very familiar with his deeds, and there aren't many stories left behind!"

"That's not a problem at all!"

Jiang Lun explained, "When telling a story, it can be fictionalized. This isn't a biographical documentary; it's simply adapting a background into a story and then shooting it as TV dramas and movies!"

"And then?" Huo Dongfang asked. "If we mess around blindly, I'm afraid of divine retribution from our ancestors!"

"Dad!" At this moment, Huo Gang spoke up. "I think Jiang Lun's suggestion is great. Aren't you currently worried that the business can't continue to grow? This is a fantastic opportunity. With so many martial arts and wuxia movies being made nowadays, many of them are based on historical figures, and nobody says they're afraid of ancestor retribution. What era are we living in?"

"Mr. Huo, furthermore, you can pass down the name of the Jingwu Athletic Association, revive the Jingwu spirit, and emphasize the Jingwu spirit!" Jiang Lun suggested.

"How do we do it?" Huo Dongfang asked.

"Change the name of your martial arts school to that!" Jiang Lun said. "Then use film and television dramas to assist with the promotion. What else would you have to worry about?"

Huo Dongfang took a deep breath, as if making a heavy decision. "Mr. Jiang, not only do I want to hire you as our spokesperson, but I also want to invite you to serve as our consultant. How about we tackle this project together?"