Chapter 4 Actually, we're not that familiar with each other.
Qi Qiu's muttering stopped abruptly. He was shocked. He never expected that Fang Xingu's first words after waking up from a deep sleep would be this: "Jing Yitong has been here."
Qi Qiu looked around the ward and stared blankly at Fang Xingu: "How did you suddenly think of Jing Yitong in this empty ward... You two are on the same wavelength?"
Fang Xingu was also stunned: "Is it really him?"
Actually, he was just confused and blurted it out without thinking. After all, Jing Yitong should still be filming in Yan Province, so how could he possibly be in Shen City? Moreover, Qi Qiu didn't know about his relationship with Jing Yitong.
But judging from Qi Qiu's reaction now, could it be that Jing Yitong really came?
Qi Qiu noticed Fang Xin's gaze was fixed on the bedside table, so he followed his gaze and saw the ointment on the bedside table. He couldn't believe it: "Just this?"
"I guessed," Fang Xingu coughed a few times, covering his mouth, "He just likes to squeeze out ointment like this."
The tube of Temis had clearly been used up; the user had rolled up the end of the packaging to squeeze out the remaining ointment, a technique Jing Yitong often used.
Qi Qiu: "This works? You guys are really... really..."
Qi Qiu stammered for a long time but didn't say anything constructive.
After a moment of silence in the ward, Fang Xingu continued, "Did he go back to the film crew?"
"He said he had to catch an early morning flight, so he left after a while," Qi Qiu replied, then realized something was off. "You found out again?"
"Just a guess."
"You're a fortune teller!"
Fang Xingu thought that if Jing Yitong hadn't had an urgent matter, he definitely wouldn't have left in such a hurry; he would have at least waited until Jing Yitong woke up before leaving.
But how did Jing Yitong end up in Shanghai yesterday, and how did he know he was hospitalized?
As Fang Xingu was thinking, Qi Qiu stretched out his leg, hooked a chair over, and sat down by the hospital bed: "Why haven't I heard you mention anything about Jing Yitong before?"
“…What could possibly happen between us?” Fang Xingu replied carefully. “Actually, we’re not that close.”
"Not familiar with him? What nonsense!" Qi Qiu thought Fang Xingu was trying to fool him. "'Not familiar'? You know Jing Yitong so well? 'Not familiar'? Jing Yitong says he's your brother? 'Not familiar'? Your mother says your two families are old friends and you two grew up together? Don't try to fool me, I have a lot of information now!"
Qi Qiu's three consecutive questions left Fang Xingu feeling like he had a fishbone stuck in his throat. If possible, he would not want to use "unfamiliar" to describe his relationship with Jing Yitong, but the fact was that he and Jing Yitong had not been in contact for a long time, and the word "unfamiliar" was indeed fitting.
"...They were just childhood playmates, not blood brothers. It's normal for them to have grown distant after all these years."
Fang Xingu spoke earnestly, it was unclear whether he was speaking to Qi Qiu or to himself.
Qi Qiu felt that something was wrong, but after thinking about it carefully, he felt that it made a lot of sense.
Qi Qiu gave in: "Alright, I'll believe you this time."
If the two weren't as close as he imagined, then given Fang Xin's personality, he certainly wouldn't deliberately bring up his relationship with Jing Yitong.
Fang Xin dragged his ailing body to his feet, preparing to take a shower: "Has the matter of the stereo been investigated?"
"It's still under investigation, but it's very likely deliberate."
There are hardly so many coincidences in this world. Fang Xingu actually knew in his heart: "A tall tree catches the wind."
Qi Qiu nodded: "It seems that even if Nebula disbands, things won't be peaceful from now on."
This time, Fang Xingu didn't respond, and Qi Qiu didn't pay any attention. He sat on the bench, leisurely shaking his leg, listening to the sound of the shower running in the bathroom, when he suddenly realized that he had forgotten something important—
The premise of "the future will not be peaceful" is that there is a future. Does he still have a future now?
Fang Xin hasn't agreed to renew his contract yet!
Qi Qiu slapped his thigh. He knew that Fang Xingu had never been interested in the entertainment industry. Even his initial decision to participate in "Star Journey" was just to repay a favor to the program's producer.
The day before the recording of "Star Journey" was scheduled, several foreign trainees suddenly ran away. The producers couldn't find anyone to fill in, so they had to ask Fang Xingu, an acquaintance, for help to fill in the gaps. Fang Xingu didn't take it too seriously. It was summer vacation at the time, and he just wanted to sing a few songs and get eliminated quickly so as not to delay his school start.
Unexpectedly, the show became an unstoppable phenomenon after it aired.
Fang Xingu's appearance is already outstanding enough, but he is not just a pretty face. His amazing singing skills have won him countless fans.
In the end, Fang Xin, a complete novice, actually debuted as the center of the group thanks to the votes of his fans.
Perhaps some people are born to stand on the stage.
Fang Xin Gu really lacks ambition. In the few years since his debut, he has refused all invitations for solo activities, whether it's variety show performances or commercial advertisements. He simply refuses them all, as if he's trying to prevent himself from becoming famous.
However, it cannot be said that he is slacking off, because Fang Xin never misses any of Nebula's group activities, and even wrote several songs for the group.
In recent years, Fang Xin has been active solely for Nebula. After Nebula disbands, will he continue to stay in the entertainment industry?
Even Qi Qiu wasn't sure about this, since, as Ye Wenlian said, he was just a sidekick agent.
Nebula has a dedicated management team that handles all group activities, while Fang Xingu has refused all solo activities. This means that Qi Qiu has never played any role—no, not entirely. Apart from coordinating work, he has at least acted as a punching bag for Fang Xingu's fans.
For idol stars who debut through talent shows, there are always various conflicts among their fans. Whenever Fang Xingu is ridiculed for having poor resources, his fans turn around and criticize Qi Qiu, his manager, for not making good use of Fang Xingu's popularity.
Qi Qiu could only rage helplessly. He had been bewitched back then to agree to such a lenient contract with Fang Xin Gu, which resulted in Fang Xin Gu having no binding force whatsoever now.
Qi Qiu spent countless late nights looking at the private messages bombarded by fans, wanting to strangle Fang Xingu, but considering his physique, he figured he'd only get beaten up if they really fought, so he had to give up.
After recalling the humble years of the past few years, Qi Qiu sighed deeply, his mournful eyes almost tangible, nearly scorching Fang Xingu, who had just come out of the shower.
Fang Xingu was baffled: "What?"
Qi Qiu stared at him: "We only have three months left on our contract. Are you going to renew it or not?"
Fang Xingu subconsciously avoided Qi Qiu's gaze. Actually, he originally didn't want to renew his contract. His entry into the industry was just an accident, and now he had fulfilled his promise to the fans back then, accompanying Nebula to the end, but...
Fang Xingu's mind was suddenly filled with many images, from the nervousness and anticipation he felt when he first stepped onto the stage, to the burning heartbeat he felt when he embraced his teammates on stage for the last time.
Ultimately, the image captured him standing on stage, watching countless fans cheering for him.
It was a very shocking scene. Although I couldn't see the faces of the audience, I could clearly feel the eyes of tens of thousands of people focused on me at the same time.
Those eyes were full of expectation, bursting with sincere and pure love, so intense it could melt away all the hardest ice.
Fang Xingu was also curious about where the fans' affection came from, and how long this love, which was destined not to receive an equal response, could last.
And what about himself?
Does he genuinely dislike being on stage, or is he just pretending not to care?
Fang Xin recalled his feelings each time he went on stage over the past four years.
Thump, thump.
He could hear his own heartbeat, clearly still carrying the excitement and exhilaration of yesterday's concert. How could he not like it?
He may have already unknowingly fallen in love with the feeling of standing on the stage.
If you like it, why not give it a try?
In just a few minutes, Fang Xin had considered many things, but when he looked up again, he had clearly made a decision.
"Continue, you can take on business and events as you see fit."
"You really can't... huh?" Qi Qiu took a moment to realize what Fang Xingu was talking about, and he jumped up from his chair. "You agreed?!"
Fang Xin Gu: "Yeah, but don't take on too many jobs. I want to develop into a singer in the future, so you have to give me some time to make an album."
It took Qi Qiu a while to come to his senses. He was so moved that he almost cried. Fang Xingu not only agreed to renew the contract, but also revealed his career plans to him.
His role as an agent has finally come in handy!
Once back in his professional field, Qi Qiu was full of energy. He felt that the future was bright and he could ride a wide road ahead: "I understand! Nebula has just disbanded, so it's the perfect time to strike while the iron is hot. My plan is for you to go on a variety show first to ensure your exposure."
Fang Xingu immediately deflated upon hearing this, staring blankly at Qi Qiu: "Does it have to be on a variety show?"
His taciturn personality—not wanting to talk to strangers and too lazy to talk to acquaintances—makes it seem like going on variety shows would be a disaster.
"Don't worry, I have faith in you," Qi Qiu clicked his tongue. "Besides, you're originally from talent shows, what's there to be afraid of in participating in another variety show? Can it be as tough or as tiring as a talent show?"
Looking at Qi Qiu, who was ready to make a big splash, Fang Xingu felt that he had indeed limited Qi Qiu's potential in the past, and agreed with a touch of guilt: "Alright."
“Then it’s settled,” Qi Qiu pondered. “You’ll be on variety shows, and you can’t miss out on commercial endorsements. But as an artist, you still have to let your work speak for itself. So the most important thing is your first album. Do you want to release a full-length album directly or release an EP first to test the waters? That way I can arrange the time.”
"Let's release a full-length album. I've already written a few songs, and I'll organize them soon. The rest can proceed according to your plan."
Qi Qiu nodded: "Okay, but the production cycle for a regular album is quite long. We can insert some OSTs in between, depending on the situation... Never mind that for now. I have a lot of variety show invitations here, they're all in the car. I'll go get my computer and bring them up for you to see."
After saying that, Qi Qiu rushed out.
Fang Xin, feeling unwell, lay back down on his hospital bed. He picked up his phone and discovered that topics related to Nebula were trending. He randomly clicked on a real-time comment on a trending topic about "Nebula concert"—
"Last night's 'Star Journey' was amazing! I suggest NB release a pure enjoyment version to save my ears."
"Forget about it, NB has disbanded, who's going to record for you?"
"We're about to disband, and you guys still have a surprise I don't know about!"
"It really is beautiful. Especially when Fang Xingu's voice came out, my mind cleared instantly, as if I was listening to celestial music and my ears were suddenly enlightened!"
"To be objective, when the accompaniment stopped last night, I thought it was going to be a train wreck, but I didn't expect you guys to actually have some talent. It sounds better than the muted version."
"But the way the other six people all looked at Fang Xin Gu when the accompaniment went silent was really funny, hahaha."
"The scene where the seven of them hugged together made me cry. My little Nb, sob sob, who keeps spreading rumors that they don't get along?"
"I'm the only one worried that Fang Xingu won't retire from the entertainment industry after Nb disbands, since he hasn't renewed his contract with Chengfeng Entertainment yet..."
"We need a tonic, a celestial star to descend upon our jar of medicine!"
"I'm dying of laughter! Gu Si is still dreaming about the Purple Star? The lead singer's fans are dreaming every day, but actually, no one cares about your family anymore [winking face]"
"dyj's red-eye is acting up again. If it weren't for fxg saving the day yesterday, you'd be in for a blunder. [eye roll]"
"Stop arguing! I only care about Fang Xin's fainting backstage yesterday!"
Fang Xin was already immune to all kinds of arguments, until he saw this comment and realized that his fainting backstage yesterday had also become a trending topic.
He clicked on the related topic and found that although Qi Qiu had clarified last night that he was fine, fans were still very worried. There were endless comments online saying that he was being oppressed by the company, and everyone was speculating whether he was preparing to retire from the entertainment industry.
Fang Xin quickly posted a message on Weibo to let everyone know he was safe, and then opened WeChat to greet his parents and teammates.
He slept for most of the day, and his phone had accumulated a lot of unread messages, including a message of condolence from Xu Subo.
Xu Subo: Why did you suddenly faint? Could it be because Jing Yitong is getting married and you were too shocked to pass out?
Hsu Su-po: I deserve to die, why did I have to say all this to you during your concert? [crying]
Fang Xingu's temples were throbbing. He replied: "You only read half of the message? Didn't you see that my agent said I fainted because I had a high fever for several days?"
Despite the twelve-hour time difference, Xu Subo replied instantly: "Are you kidding me? What idiot would have a fever for so many days and not go to the hospital for injections and IV drips?"
Fang Xin Gu: ...
It does sound silly, but every time his fever subsides, he is always accompanied by severe nasal congestion and sore throat, which greatly affects his performance at the concert. Otherwise, why would he endure it for so many days?
But Xu Subo just wouldn't believe it, so Fang Xin could only open the chat window with Ying Zhen, find the photo of the medical record he had just sent to Ying Zhen, and prepare to forward it to Xu Subo to prove his innocence.
Just then, Qi Qiu returned, and the ward door was opened with a bang. Fang Xingu, who was selecting the recipient of the message, was so startled that his hand trembled and he accidentally pressed the chat box of Jing Yitong, which was located above Xu Subo's chat box and was pinned to the top.
"Send to: 'Brother' - Cancel/Send".
Fang Xingu sat up abruptly, accidentally choosing Jing Yitong!
Fortunately, there was still a way to salvage the situation. Fang Xin hurriedly tried to cancel, but Qi Qiu returned with a computer full of data and excitedly slapped him on the arm.
Fang Xin's frail, sickly body was slapped so hard that he swayed to one side, and his fingertip unfortunately brushed against the "send" button.
A message popped up on the screen: "√ Sent".
Fang Xin gasped, "Ah!!!"
A note from the author:
----------------------
Fang Xin Gu: Unpin this post! Right now! [Kitten covering head and screaming.gif]
Jing Yitong, who lost her top spot: ...
——
I'm itching to write something in forum style!
[I will occasionally post some forum-style comments in the author's notes that won't affect the plot. If you're not interested, you can skip them.]
Title: Do you have connections and know what's really going on with FXG?
1L Original Poster
What's the current situation with fxg?
4L
Anyway, I haven't renewed my contract with the company yet.
13L Original Poster
Reply to 4L: ...Who asked you that? [smile]
19L
Reply to 13L: ? What did you ask?
25L
Ahhh, I'm dying of laughter! Even the name of a fan is fate! The original poster is asking about fxg fainting after yesterday's concert!
32L
Tu 1f is having a run of bad luck. First, rumors of her retirement from the entertainment industry were rampant and unresolved, and then she fainted after a concert.
37L
Didn't the agent say yesterday that fxg was fine?
45L
I can't completely believe what the balloon says...
51L
Balloon is the agent, and if you don't even believe him, I don't know who you can trust...
59L
Please understand, after all, steaming and boiling might be retiring from the scene [laughing emoji].
63L
[Video Link] Here it is! A close-up of FXG fainting backstage at his concert last night. Fans, you're welcome!
67L
Holy crap, they even have direct shots? This angle is way too close! Is commenter #63 a staff member or a fan?
79L
This looks serious; he's completely lost consciousness.
86L
Reply to 67L: It's a staff member... Fang Xin has indeed had a high fever for the past few days, but he hasn't had a fever-reducing injection in order to maintain his condition. Sigh, I can only say he's really going all out to end the show.
87L
...
93L
...
94L
FXG has really sacrificed so much for NB.
103L
This Nb really can't do without fxg as its backbone.
115L
I really think fxg will retire from the entertainment industry this time... Back when he was on "Star Journey," he didn't seem very keen on debuting.
118L
You're trying to have your cake and eat it too. If you don't want to debut, just withdraw from the competition. There are so many other people who want to debut.
125L
dyj is at it again. The fans spent real money to vote for the center position, why can't they debut? fxg and the fans have always cherished this opportunity, never done anything to let Nb down, and have always cooperated with the group's activities. What more do we want?
139L
To be honest, it's true that FXG wanted to withdraw from the competition back then, and it's also true that he's risked his life for NB now. But judging by actions, not intentions, without FXG there wouldn't be the NB we know today.
186L
Honestly, if the kid wants to retire from the entertainment industry, then let him retire. He's visibly exhausted these past few years, and he's lost a lot of weight compared to four years ago. Taking a break and resting would be good for him.
195L
He must have been physically and mentally exhausted. Back then, being constantly harassed and harassed by SS almost led to his expulsion from school. I would have been exhausted too if I were in his shoes.
206L
They've made a lot of money, unlike us lowly laborers...
214L
I understand that GuGu wants to retire from the entertainment industry, but I really think he's suited for the stage, and it's not like he has no passion for it...sigh.
229L
Why does everyone assume fxg is retiring from the entertainment industry? No way! As long as fxg doesn't retire, I'll accept anything—dating, marriage, having kids—it's all possible! [crying]
230L
Holy crap, is the person upstairs being too hard on themselves?
246L
His vocals and songwriting are both excellent; it would be a huge loss for him to retire from the music industry...
247L
I need a tutorial on how to make FXG stay in the fandom and do whatever he wants!
255L
I need a tutorial on how to make FXG stay in the fandom and do whatever he wants!
261L
I need a tutorial on how to make FXG stay in the fandom and do whatever he wants!
272L Original Poster
Alright, the original poster has already gone to the most efficacious temple in this IP address to burn incense and pray. [Hands clasped together]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com