Chapter 20: I Already Have a Girlfriend!

After the premiere ended, the main cast members of the television drama each accepted interviews. Yida had arranged an interview for Galen as well. The originally scheduled media were all outlets hired by Yida, who wanted to use the opportunity of the drama's theme song to formally announce Galen's signing. It could also be seen as Galen's official debut press conference.

However, the rescue incident that had just occurred during the premiere instantly created a buzz around Galen. Now, the media present were no longer just those originally invited by Yida; even some reporters from the social news desk had caught wind of the story and arrived, hoping to secure some valuable headlines.

This was Galen's first time attending a formal press conference, and he was especially nervous. Unlike the established stars, Galen's interview was very brief. The person in charge of the conference, Wu Chaoyang, opened by directly announcing the EP release plan following Galen's signing, emphasizing that most of Yida’s future film and television productions would feature Galen's music.

After Wu Chaoyang spoke, a reporter immediately asked, "Mr. Wu, does signing Galen mean your company intends to enter the music industry?"

He chuckled, "We do have that idea, but at present, our main focus is solving the problem of sourcing songs for our film and television projects. Although the music market is sluggish right now, music copyright is becoming increasingly valued. Signing Galen is largely for this reason."

The Q&A was prepared in advance; in truth, signing Galen was secondary—Yida's chief aim was to break into the music industry. The answer was meant to send a clear signal to the outside world.

Then, another reporter turned to Galen, asking, "Galen, during the premiere, you used a song to persuade someone against giving up on life. Did you consider any possible consequences at the time?"

"No," Galen shook his head, "I was only thinking about saving someone."

The press conference was mostly for appearances, and questions directed at Galen were few. Most were answered by Wu Chaoyang, and even those posed by the late-arriving social news reporters were gentle.

When the conference ended, the crowd moved en masse to the celebration banquet—the cast, investors, production staff, and all the journalists invited for the day gathered together.

Galen was essentially there for the meal, fully aware of his status. Unlike other newly debuted artists who flitted from table to table, currying favor with everyone, he simply kept his head down and ate. Whether the food tasted good was irrelevant; from morning till now, he'd only had a few glasses of water—it was high time to appease his hunger.

After his fill, Galen burped and said to Wu Chaoyang, who was quietly checking his phone beside him, "Wu, we've had dinner—shall we head home early?"

Wu Chaoyang looked up, "Sure! Anyway, there are things to deal with back home."

"What kind of things?" Galen asked offhandedly.

Wu Chaoyang showed him his phone, "I've hired online marketers to stir things up for you. This rescue incident is a golden opportunity—if we play it right, you could easily win a Good Citizen Award. With a little maneuvering, your fame will definitely grow!"

"Whoa! Wu, you're really slick, even handling the online hype!"

Galen was surprised and couldn't help but give Wu Chaoyang a thumbs-up.

Wu Chaoyang waved it off with a smile, "This is child's play. Back in the days before online media, I created news for the Four Heavenly Kings by spreading rumors through minor newspapers. It's so much easier now—with professional marketing firms, everything's more convenient."

Galen smiled and was about to speak when a woman's voice suddenly rang out, "Hey, Wu!"

Hearing the voice, Galen assumed some small-time starlet was approaching, but when he turned around, he was startled—it was none other than the leading actress, Zhang Peiyu.

Zhang Peiyu wasn’t from the mainland but from the island, and she’d been a child star, acting in countless films and TV series since she was young. She was a seasoned veteran. After graduating from university, she moved to the mainland to act and ultimately won the Best Actress award three years in a row; now she was one of the hottest stars.

Seeing her approach, Wu Chaoyang laughed, "Peiyu! Come, sit here!"

From his tone, it seemed the two were old acquaintances, but given Zhang Peiyu’s experience, their familiarity was hardly surprising.

"Wu, it's been years since we've met!" Zhang Peiyu sat down beside Wu Chaoyang, "Last time I saw you was back on the island, when I’d just started my sophomore year."

"Haha, I’m getting old, and you’re all grown up!" Wu Chaoyang smiled, "You’ve done well these past few years—made it to the top tier!"

She laughed, "It was a long slog, but if you’d taken me under your wing back then, I’d have been a top star much sooner!"

Her flattery was deft and practiced—a veteran, indeed, whose words left no room for error.

After a few exchanges about their current lives, Wu Chaoyang pointed at Galen, "Now I’m managing this kid. He’s got real potential—not inferior to the Four Heavenly Kings back in the day!"

"Of course! Wu’s judgment has never failed," Zhang Peiyu giggled, then suddenly extended her hand toward Galen. "Hi, Galen, nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you!" Galen was flattered and quickly reached out, feeling the warmth and softness of her hand, instantly treading carefully, letting go after just a moment.

Zhang Peiyu smiled sweetly, "You were so brave today—at such a critical moment, you resolved things with just a song. Truly remarkable!"

Her speech carried a slight island accent, but it wasn’t pronounced.

"You flatter me! I was just trying my luck," Galen replied shyly.

"Your song was powerful and moving. Did you write it yourself?"

"Yes," Galen nodded.

"Wow! You’re really talented!" Although Zhang Peiyu was an actress, her praise was clearly genuine. "I heard all the songs in the drama were written by you—is that true?"

"Yes, they’re all my own compositions."

"That’s perfect!" Zhang Peiyu said with a smile, "I plan to release my first solo album at the end of the year and I’d like to include your song, 'Those Flowers.' If you agree, I’ll have my agent discuss the details with your company."

Galen only knew Zhang Peiyu as an actress; he hadn’t expected she’d also be entering the music industry. It seemed that although the record market was languishing, the musical side was a battleground no star was willing to abandon.

"Your first solo album?"

Wu Chaoyang was surprised, "Your company’s planning to release an album for you?"

"Yes! The company had this plan since last year, but I’m not a professional musician, so it’s been a rocky road," Zhang Peiyu said wistfully. "Every field has its own experts—though it’s my first album, it’ll probably also be my last."

"Well..." Galen glanced at Wu Chaoyang, then pointed at him and said to Zhang Peiyu, "Wu is my manager, so you’ll have to ask him."

Wu Chaoyang immediately waved his hand, "That’s your decision. If you agree, I’ll wait for Peiyu’s people to come negotiate; if not, there’s nothing I can do."

Galen was quick to catch on. From Wu Chaoyang’s words, he knew his manager hoped to make it happen. Perhaps they’d already discussed it, and he couldn’t deny Wu Chaoyang this favor.

Besides, letting Zhang Peiyu use the song would hardly affect him; it might even boost his own reputation thanks to her fame. And with her status, the copyright fee would certainly be substantial.

So he agreed directly, "I’m fine with it. Wu, I’ll leave the rest to you."

Wu Chaoyang smiled, "Alright! Since you trust me, I’ll make sure you don’t lose out!"

Zhang Peiyu immediately extended her hand joyfully, "Then it’s settled. I’ll have my company discuss the details soon. Here’s to a successful collaboration!"

"To a successful collaboration!" Wu Chaoyang was about to reach out, only to see Galen beat him to it, shaking hands with Zhang Peiyu. He paused for a moment, then smiled wryly.

After Zhang Peiyu left, Wu Chaoyang couldn’t help but ask, "Did you agree so readily because you think Peiyu’s attractive?"

"No way!" Galen hadn’t thought about that, but hearing Wu Chaoyang’s teasing, his cheeks flushed deeper. To cover his embarrassment, he stood up, "So, Wu, didn’t you say there’s something to do? Let’s head out!"

"Haha!" Wu Chaoyang laughed like a mischievous old child, "Let’s go, let’s go! We’ll talk in the car. Honestly, Peiyu’s not bad—just a bit older than you."

"What? I already have a girlfriend!" Galen hung his head, his neck red, walking faster and faster.

"Really? You have a girlfriend? When did that happen? Tell me all about it!" Wu Chaoyang stopped in his tracks, shocked. He’d never heard Galen mention this before. As his manager, joking was fine, but if there was an actual romance, he needed to know the details.

He hurried after Galen, slinging an arm around him and questioning him as they walked, not at all like a mature middle-aged man.