Chapter 23 Chapter 23 (Revised)

Meng Yuansheng only learned what had happened after the livestream ended.

He was dancing when the barrage was at its most chaotic. By the time his dance finished, the matter had been swiftly and decisively resolved. Although there were still a few scattered questions, they were suppressed by the fans.

Meng Yuansheng was stunned after reading the Weibo post from the "Gossip System 10086" account.

When he was initially rescued, although he was dizzy and disoriented from swallowing water, he vaguely felt that the hand that grabbed him in the water wasn't very large.

But after he woke up in the hospital, Jiang Mo was the one watching over him. The nurses also said that Jiang Mo had stayed with him throughout the emergency treatment and had taken care of him until he regained consciousness.

So he believed Jiang Mo's claim that he was the one who saved him.

Later, with Jiang Mo's meticulous care, he gradually forgot that slight incongruity.

Only today, upon seeing this Weibo post, did he realize that he had been mistaken about his savior all along.

Cheng Xin immediately noticed Meng Yuansheng's troubled mood and quickly patted him: "Are you okay?"

Meng Yuansheng pursed his lips: "I'm fine..."

At this time, Gu Xing Shi walked in, and upon seeing Meng Yuansheng's expression, he guessed what had happened.

Meng Yuansheng was a man of strong sentiment, as evidenced by all he had done for Jiang Mo.

If he knew he had mistaken his savior, the combined weight of gratitude and guilt might overwhelm him.

Therefore, Gu Xing Shi had originally planned to tell him about this after finding his real savior.

However, because of Ji Yiwei's actions, he had to reveal it earlier than planned.

He comforted him: "After the competition, we'll go back and definitely help you find him!"

Meng Yuansheng felt their concern.

He smiled: "I'm really fine."

Having gone through so much, he was no longer the same person he once was.

Instead of indulging in negative emotions, he had become even more resolute.

When Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin returned to the dormitory, they happened to run into Ji Yiwei hurrying away.

Ji Yiwei had completely lost his former arrogance, looking dejected and disheveled. As he passed by, he glared fiercely at Meng Yuansheng, but when Meng Yuansheng looked back, he was startled, then scurried away like a mouse encountering a cat.

Yuan Ye told them that the rumor mill was churning, claiming that Ji Yiwei was jealous of Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin, so he hired people to smear them. However, this angered the "10086 Boss."

The Boss didn't act lightly, but when he did, it was earth-shattering; he directly took down Ji Yiwei's biggest backer.

"As expected of the 10086 Boss, never plays low-level games!"

After Yuan Ye's exclamation, he added with schadenfreude: "I heard that Ji Yiwei might withdraw from the competition. Those who were constantly criticizing you behind your backs are much quieter now, fearing that the 10086 Boss might teach them a lesson too..."

Meng and Cheng: "..."

"Speaking of which," Yuan Ye remembered something and complained, "It's all because of the bad influence you two brought!"

Meng and Cheng were puzzled: "What bad influence?"

"Before, it was intense training, intense creation, intense body management, and now, even the fans are intense!" Yuan Ye was full of resentment. "My fans are now looking down on me, asking me to learn from you two, about which direction to pray to have such amazing fans like 10086. They don't want to work hard anymore; they want to win without effort!"

Meng and Cheng: "…………"

After much persuasion, emphasizing that they didn't even know the "10086 Boss," they finally managed to get rid of Yuan Ye.

Cheng Xin let out a sigh of relief: "Yuan Ye, with such thick eyebrows and big eyes, how can he be so gossipy!"

But Meng Yuansheng was lost in thought.

He was more curious than anyone about the identity of the "10086 Boss." He still couldn't forget that at the beginning of the livestream, he and Cheng Xin's livestream room only had a handful of viewers.

Normally, they would have been marginalized and eliminated before they could showcase their abilities.

However, the "Gossip System 10086" account was like a god descending from heaven.

Millions of views directly overturned the script, leading to their current success.

That feeling of being saved from despair was so similar! So similar!

Moreover, to be honest, Mr. Gu was both mysterious and omnipotent in his mind.

Even if he was really the "Gossip System 10086," it didn't seem impossible.

With this thought in mind, they returned to the dormitory, where Gu Xing Shi was already waiting with snacks.

Meng Yuansheng's mind stirred. While Gu Xing Shi was busy serving them snacks, he casually asked: "Mr. Gu, do you know the 'Gossip System 10086' account?"

Gu Xing Shi nodded: "I do."

Meng Yuansheng continued to probe: "Thanks to them today, otherwise, I'd be done for..."

Cheng Xin added: "Yeah, they knew so much gossip, it's amazing!"

"Right! I think it's amazing too!" Gu Xing Shi's eyes lit up. "Did you see the posts! So few words, but not a single wasted word! It's a perfect post!"

Meng Yuansheng: "……?"

Watching Gu Xing Shi wholeheartedly praise the "Gossip System 10086" account from every angle, Meng Yuansheng was completely baffled.

His attitude was too natural.

Normal people wouldn't praise themselves like this, would they?

So, it probably wasn't him.

Meng Yuansheng sighed inwardly.

He wasn't sure if he was disappointed or relieved.

Unaware of Meng Yuansheng's probing, Gu Xing Shi was mentally cueing the system: 【System, my post is good, right?】

System: 【……Yes.】

What else can you do with your own host but spoil them?

Gu Xing Shi happily received the praise but didn't forget the main matter: "Lately, haven't a lot of people been asking you to sign autographs or do advertisements?"

Both nodded.

After several performances, their performance and popularity had gained public recognition. Many advertisers seized this opportunity to sign them early.

This happened in previous talent shows, and there were even incidents of trainees endorsing unscrupulous products, resulting in negative publicity.

Therefore, Gu Xing Shi was cautious and investigated all the advertisers who approached them. Without exception, they all had some gossip associated with them. It was worth noting that many of these were internationally renowned brands.

One brand was incredulous when he questioned them, as other artists would have gladly accepted the offer.

Gu Xing Shi didn't care about these.

But he worried that most trainees in the top rankings already had one or two endorsements, while Meng and Cheng were still empty-handed. If their mentality became unbalanced and they were tricked by brands into signing agreements, what would happen?

Unexpectedly, after hearing his concerns, Meng Yuansheng smiled: "Don't worry, we won't sign anything without your consent."

Gu Xing Shi was startled.

Cheng Xin also said casually: "Me too, I know that following Mr. Gu means having a good life!"

Seeing their trusting eyes, Gu Xing Shi's heart was deeply touched.

Honestly, he had always been aiming to survive the year and then sell the house and company before leaving. So he didn't have much planning for their career and future.

But watching them practice day and night, seeing their hopes and aspirations for the stage, and even seeing so many audiences cheering and proud of them shining on stage...

He seemed to have gradually changed his mind.

He seemed to suddenly have a heavy responsibility.

He felt that he had to do something to deserve their pure trust.

Thinking of this, the decision that had been lingering in Gu Xing Shi's heart finally settled.

He looked at them: "I need to go back to Beijing."

-

Back in Beijing again, touching his even emptier wallet, Gu Xing Shi sighed deeply.

He came back to secure resources for his artists.

Although he appeared confident in front of his artists, this was his first time doing this, and he was still very insecure.

But his insecurity didn't affect his drive.

This time, he was mainly focusing on the song "Angry Sea."

First, of course, was to make money, because the company was almost out of funds.

Second, it was for Meng Yuansheng's musical dreams; he wanted to let more people hear his music through an OST.

Before returning, he had already identified several companies to approach.

However, it was far more difficult than he had imagined.

As soon as the companies heard that it was a song written by a trainee, they rejected it without even listening.

Repeated failures, even for someone as optimistic as Gu Xing Shi, couldn't help but feel discouraged.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and crossed another company off his little notebook.

Almost all the companies on the entire page were crossed out, leaving only the last one, the one he thought was the least likely.

But Gu Xing Shi was never one to give up without trying.

After a brief moment of dejection, he lifted his head, straightened his back, and entered Shanqing Film Studio.

Based on information he had gleaned from various pieces of gossip, Shanqing Film Studio was currently searching for a promotional song for their film "Over Mountains and Rivers," but without success.

As Gu Xing Shi had said, in the meeting room upstairs at Shanqing Film Studio, several key members were holding a meeting.

Director Xu Cheng frowned: "The style of these songs is all wrong; they don't have the kind of struggle and anger I want..."

The producer covered his face: "Director Xu, we're about to start the promotion; let's not dwell on these minor details. Let's just choose a song so we can create the promotional plan!"

"What do you mean minor details!" Xu Cheng angrily slammed the table. "The promotional song directly relates to the style of the trailer. It's the first time the film faces the audience. If the feeling is wrong, it will directly affect the audience's perception of the film, which I absolutely cannot accept!"

"Director Xu, that's not what I meant." The producer was about to cry, hurriedly seeking help from the supervisor, Yuan Qingqing. "Sister Qing, please help me explain to Director Xu."

Yuan Qingqing also found it difficult.

She had chosen Xu Cheng to direct this film because of his meticulous nature.

The filming results were indeed excellent. Because of this, Xu Cheng became even more perfectionistic. Regarding the promotional song, it had been more than half a month, and they still hadn't decided.

If they dragged it out any longer, it would really affect the promotion.

But Xu Cheng was someone who cared about face. If she sided with the producer, with his personality, he probably wouldn't cooperate with her again.

Just as she was hesitating, the assistant walked in and whispered in her ear: "Sister Qing, a manager named Gu Xing Shi is here."

Yuan Qingqing found the name a bit familiar but couldn't remember it. She wondered: "A manager, what does he want?"

Assistant: "He said he's here for the promotional song for 'Over Mountains and Rivers.'"

Yuan Qingqing was stunned.

Only the few key members knew that the promotional song for "Over Mountains and Rivers" had not been decided yet. Where did this manager find out?

But then she thought, maybe it was Xu Cheng or the producer who contacted him.

Seeing Xu Cheng and the producer about to argue again, she didn't bother to verify with them and directly told the assistant: "Okay, bring him up."

After a while, the assistant brought in a young, handsome man.

Xu Cheng, still angry from the previous argument, didn't want to pay attention to him and just kept drinking tea.

The producer, however, asked: "Sister Qing, is this a new artist signed by your studio? He's quite good-looking."

Yuan Qingqing didn't expect him to be so handsome, casually saying: "No, he's a manager."

The producer's eyes widened.

Even Xu Cheng, who was drinking tea, looked up.

As a director, he had a keen eye and immediately saw that the young man before him had a clear temperament and was the type with great audience appeal.

This kind of person becoming a manager?

Both looked at Yuan Qingqing with a look of wastefulness.

Yuan Qingqing: "???

Before she could explain, Gu Xing Shi had already introduced himself.

After hearing his purpose, the two didn't care whether it was wasteful or not.

"You said your artist created a song that's suitable for 'Over Mountains and Rivers'?" the producer asked. "What's his name, and does he have any previous works?"

Gu Xing Shi: "His name is Meng Yuansheng, and he hasn't released any works before."

Yuan Qingqing was stunned when she heard the name Meng Yuansheng.

Of course, she remembered this name.

That night, if it weren't for the Weibo post from the "Gossip System 10086" account, she might not have seen her daughter again.

She was incredibly grateful to this account, but after that night, the account never responded to her private messages, showing no intention of accepting her gratitude or repayment.

She sent people to investigate but couldn't find any information about the account.

The only clue left was the livestream room.

The owners of the livestream room were two trainees named Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin. One had been bullied by a scumbag and worked as an assistant for many years, while the other worked odd jobs to make ends meet. Their agency, Le Shi Entertainment, was a small company on the verge of bankruptcy.

They didn't seem like the "Gossip System 10086" account.

Therefore, Yuan Qingqing could only adopt the most common guess: the "Gossip System 10086" account was their fan and a highly skilled hacker.

Given the account's concern for them, since she couldn't repay the account itself, she would repay their idols instead.

According to Yuan Qingqing's plan, as long as the song wasn't too bad, giving it a chance wasn't impossible.

However, the director was the stubborn Xu Cheng. If it didn't meet his requirements, he wouldn't sell face to anyone.

But before Xu Cheng could speak, the producer frowned: "Sorry, we need more mature works. We're not considering newcomers for now."

Yuan Qingqing immediately retorted: "What's wrong with newcomers? Everyone starts as a newcomer. Besides, newcomers are unrestricted in their creation, and there might be surprises!"

Producer: "???

What's going on!?

Everyone's criticizing me today; did I not check the calendar before going out?

Xu Cheng was moved by Yuan Qingqing's words and looked at Gu Xing Shi: "Okay, tell me why this song is suitable for 'Over Mountains and Rivers'?"

At this moment, Yuan Qingqing couldn't help but could only nervously watch Gu Xing Shi.

But Gu Xing Shi remained calm: "Director Xu, I heard that you decided to take on the film 'Over Mountains and Rivers' because of your near-drowning experience swimming in the sea as a child, right?"

Yuan Qingqing and the producer were stunned, both looking at Xu Cheng. They didn't know that Xu Cheng had this past.

Xu Cheng was also stunned.

He didn't expect Gu Xing Shi to even find this out. He must have done a lot of research!

His expression softened, he nodded: "Yes, the despair and fear of being submerged by seawater that day left a deep impression on me. For many years, I wanted to make a film with that atmosphere. I took on 'Over Mountains and Rivers' because its atmosphere fits that feeling."

Gu Xing Shi continued: "This song is called 'Angry Sea'."

Xu Cheng hadn't heard this song, but the producer had. He even knew it was a song improvised on a talent show and was recently popular on Douyin.

But they were making a movie!

Choosing such a song as a promotional song wouldn't that lower their standards?

So he interrupted Gu Xing Shi immediately.

After listening to his words, Xu Cheng hesitated.

In the entertainment industry's hierarchy, the film industry has always been at the top.

Going from the film industry to other circles is considered descending, but entering the film industry from other circles is almost impossible.

Moreover, "Over Mountains and Rivers" is a film with a strong artistic atmosphere.

It's completely incompatible with a Douyin hit song!

Gu Xing Shi remained calm, first addressing Xu Cheng, explaining the background of Meng Yuansheng's creation of the song, and then analyzing the core emotions of the song. Every point perfectly hit Xu Cheng's sweet spot, making him feel as refreshed as drinking ice water on a hot day, wishing he could consider Gu Xing Shi a confidant.

Then, facing the producer: "Being a Douyin hit means the song has wide reach. Using this song to promote the film isn't that the most suitable? As for the atmosphere, a prince is still a prince no matter what he wears. The promotional song is just to attract the audience. It's the film itself that makes the audience go to the cinema, isn't it?"

The producer was almost persuaded.

It was his own rhetoric, but from Gu Xing Shi's mouth, it sounded inexplicably more credible.

Fortunately, he retained a bit of sanity: "Let's hear the song. No matter how eloquently you speak, if the song doesn't fit Director Xu's desired feeling, we still won't use it."

Gu Xing Shi naturally didn't refuse.

He took out the USB drive from his bag, and Yuan Qingqing's assistant had already wisely brought over a computer.

As he pressed play.

The sound system first played the sound of waves hitting rocks, and then the instruments began to join in.

The suppressed and low music was like a deep, bottomless sea dragging people down.

Until a clear voice, like a light breaking through the seabed.

This version was Meng Yuansheng's rerecorded version, with Shen Yu's help, this version was much more complete, and the arrangement was even more icing on the cake. The addition of instruments made the song's emotions even richer and more moving.

When Xu Cheng heard half of it, he couldn't help himself, clenching his fists tightly, his eyes teary.

After the song finished, he slammed the table again, his face flushed: "Let's use this song!"

Xu Cheng was an impatient person; once he found something suitable, he naturally wanted to decide immediately.

With Yuan Qingqing's help, both parties quickly signed the copyright contract.

Gu Xing Shi's anxious heart finally settled.

Although he had great confidence in Meng Yuansheng, it wasn't until this moment that he truly breathed a sigh of relief. It was worth the trip.

He was planning to return to Dunhai City after finishing his business, but Yuan Qingqing invited him to dinner with a smile.

"Little Gu, if it weren't for you, we wouldn't know how much longer we would have struggled with this song. You solved a big problem for us. Let's have this meal as thanks for saving us all that hair-pulling."

Since Yuan Qingqing said so, Gu Xing Shi naturally accepted.

The group went to a restaurant Yuan Qingqing frequently visited for dinner.

Naturally, there was a lot of conversation along the way. Gu Xing Shi had limited knowledge of the entertainment industry and often asked very naive questions.

Normally, Yuan Qingqing and others wouldn't bother with such an outsider, but looking at Gu Xing Shi's sincere eyes, they not only didn't feel annoyed but also enthusiastically answered his questions.

Especially the producer, looking at Gu Xing Shi with regret: "Little Gu, don't you want to try other professions, like producing or something?"

Gu Xing Shi firmly shook his head.

The producer sighed: "That's such a pity. Someone like you, with such an approachable appearance, sincere speech, and commanding presence, if you were to persuade people... no, attract investments, you'd definitely be a master! As for relationships within the crew, needless to say, even Director Xu can be persuaded by you like an old man buying health products. In this circle, what director can't you conquer?"

Director Xu: "?"

Gu Xing Shi: "??

Yuan Qingqing pulled the producer, calmly saying: "You've had too much to drink!"

The producer saw Director Xu's almost fiery eyes toward him, then quickly changed his demeanor to a gentle and soft tone toward Gu Xing Shi.

This differential treatment made him feel stabbed many times in his heart. He "ying"ed, shrinking under the table.

Yuan Qingqing was both angry and amused.

At this time, the door was knocked.

Thinking it was the waiter, she said "Come in," but the one who opened the door was Liang Wenjun.

She happened to be discussing business in this restaurant and, hearing Yuan Qingqing was also here, came to greet her.

Yuan Qingqing introduced Gu Xing Shi to her.

Seeing her friendly attitude towards Gu Xing Shi, like a junior, Liang Wenjun thought he was a relative. Considering his looks, he was clearly going to enter the entertainment industry.

She thought Yuan Qingqing was introducing him to her so she could manage him. She happened to owe Yuan Qingqing a favor, so she intended to agree.

But Yuan Qingqing's next words stunned her: "Manager??

She looked at Gu Xing Shi with a helpless smile: "Sister Qing, don't joke. I consider you my older sister, so I'm being honest with you. Being a manager is not an easy job. It's full of worries, socializing, and it's physically and mentally demanding. Someone with Little Gu's looks and temperament could do anything; why choose this profession?"

Moreover, it wasn't that she didn't have high hopes for Gu Xing Shi.

A good manager needs social skills, vision, EQ, etc. They need a thick skin, able to bend over and use means.

Gu Xing Shi was too young, and he had such an innocent face. If he entered this industry, he would be like a lamb entering a pack of wolves; wouldn't he be torn apart by those ruthless people!

She earnestly advised him.

But Gu Xing Shi was a bit distracted, because since Liang Wenjun entered, the system had been exploding with gossip.

【After the test results came out, Liang Wenjun immediately divorced Cao Guangli and sued him for attempted murder by poisoning. However, Cao Guangli was well-prepared, and Liang Wenjun didn't have much evidence, making it difficult to get him to confess.】

【But Liang Wenjun wasn't easy to deal with either. While undergoing treatment, she fought Cao Guangli for the company. Wasn't it mentioned before? The company was almost built on Liang Wenjun's connections and resources. Although Cao Guangli had secretly replaced many of his own people over the years, Liang Wenjun still held the majority of the shares.】

【The two sides are now fighting fiercely. Liang Wenjun hates the scumbag and is going all out, even if it means harming herself to hurt him. She has been operating in Beijing for so many years. In this matter, the scumbag is in the wrong, and many people support her. Cao Guangli is completely suppressed by her...】

Gu Xing Shi's eyes lit up: 【Awesome!】

System: 【But——】

Gu Xing Shi's heart immediately sank: 【But what?】

System: 【Cao Guangli knows Liang Wenjun well, knowing her strong abilities and intolerance of sand in her eyes. Once she learns the truth, she will definitely retaliate. Therefore, he prepared a countermeasure long ago. Liang Wenjun, though wary of him, investigated the accounts but not the company contracts.】

【Cao Guangli hid several shadow contracts, waiting for Liang Wenjun to take the blame. When he transfers his assets, flees overseas, and then reports her, even if Liang Wenjun has strong connections, she will have to swallow this bitter pill. She'll be severely punished.】

Gu Xing Shi: 【So insidious and despicable!!】

He looked at Liang Wenjun.

She was currently chatting with Yuan Qingqing.

Having experienced her husband's betrayal and poisoning, yet unable to punish him, she had to see his terrifying face every day to fight for the company.

But Liang Wenjun didn't seem to have many shadows. She had managed to overcome these negative emotions and moved on.

Such an excellent, strong person should not be harmed by a scumbag.

Liang Wenjun happened to be talking to Yuan Qingqing about the things Cao Guangli had done.

Her attitude was calm.

Anyway, the matter had already spread wildly online; there was no need to hide it.

Gu Xing Shi, seeing this, took the initiative to join the conversation: "I remember something similar happened in my former city."

"Oh?"

Seeing Liang Wenjun and Yuan Qingqing drawn in, Gu Xing Shi began to make up a story: "It was also a couple fighting over a company. The husband lost and left the country with nothing. The wife thought she had won, but unexpectedly, she was arrested by the police after taking over the company."

Liang Wenjun seemed to realize something, her brows slightly furrowed.

Gu Xing Shi continued: "It turned out the husband had anticipated this day, so the contracts he signed were problematic. He had already transferred his money overseas, leaving only an empty company and a pile of problematic contracts, intending to make his wife take the fall..."

Liang Wenjun seemed to think of something, her face gradually becoming grim.

Yuan Qingqing looked at her worriedly: "Are you okay?"

Liang Wenjun shook her head.

No wonder she found it strange before. Cao Guangli had been in Guangyi for so many years; there was no reason for him to only have such few schemes. He was easily defeated by her.

But if he had prepared a countermeasure long ago, it made perfect sense.

She looked deeply at Gu Xing Shi: "Little Gu, thank you."

Gu Xing Shi curved his lips, acknowledging her gratitude.

Liang Wenjun turned around swiftly and left.

-

Cao Guangli lay on the sofa, comfortably enjoying Ji Yurou's massage.

Although he had made a big mistake before due to carelessness and failed to harm Liang Wenjun, fortunately, he was cautious and had erased all evidence. Even if something was discovered later, he had already fled overseas.

Speaking of which, he couldn't help but be glad he was foresighted, transferring assets early and shifting the blame to Liang Wenjun.

To outsiders, he was like a stray dog, but only he knew that everything was going according to his plan.

In a few days, he would be able to leave China and enjoy his life abroad.

Ji Yurou carefully observed his expression, softly saying: "It's been so long, don't be angry. Yiwei is your son after all; you can't keep holding a grudge against him."

Cao Guangli frowned, but didn't say anything.

Ji Yurou immediately motioned for Ji Yiwei to come over. Ji Yiwei brought over some fruit and called him "Dad" several times, finally improving Cao Guangli's mood.

Seeing his good mood, Ji Yiwei couldn't help but ask: "Dad, is the company really irretrievable? Giving it to Liang Wenjun is such a loss..."

Ji Yurou also stopped her massage, staring intently at him.

She had been with Cao Guangli for almost twenty years. Although she was the Cao wife and her son was the crown prince of Guangyi, because of Liang Wenjun's existence, they lived like mice, unable to return to China.

She thought Cao Guangli brought them mother and son back to give them status and even hand the company over to their son.

But unexpectedly, they didn't get the company, and they had to continue fleeing overseas.

How could Ji Yurou be reconciled?

Unexpectedly, when Cao Guangli heard his words, he jumped up angrily: "You still dare to speak! I told you countless times not to cause trouble! If it weren't for the mess you made, my plan would have succeeded long ago. With Liang Wenjun dead, the company, shares, and her connections would all be ours?!"

Ji Yiwei was scolded, but he still argued back: "She's just a manager. You're the boss of the company; why are you afraid of her..."

Cao Guangli felt his blood pressure rising again.

What kind of karma did he create to have such a stupid son!!

At this time, the doorbell rang.

Cao Guangli didn't bother to explain, opening the door and instructing: "Okay, don't worry about that. Don't go out lately. Once the visa is approved, we'll leave immediately..."

Before he finished speaking, he saw the police at the door showing their police badges and arrest warrants.

"Mr. Cao, we suspect you of committing a crime, please come with us."

"Unfortunately, you won't be able to go abroad for now."