“This cool demon lord character will have many attractive costumes and makeup. You can promote CP with the female lead later. Another hit drama and you’ll officially enter A-list traffic ranks, never worrying about finding roles again.”
Mo Xun: “…”
After all that talk, the key was just “double the salary,” right? Sheng Yao could take commissions from his film/TV fees, naturally preferring him to take higher-paying roles.
Fantasy romance had big investments, naturally offering higher fees. This genre was nearly overplayed—heavenly war gods, demon lords, fox spirits, stabbing each other while love-hate melodrama chaos.
Mo Xun really didn’t want to act in such shows. Coolly handsome demon lords striking poses with gorgeous post-production effects, destroying heaven and earth with one move.
He could certainly act such roles well, but he preferred joining Director Qi’s team where he could learn much. Their previous “Rising Winds of Chang’an” collaboration was pleasant, and Director Qi had actively invited him.
For a nobody like him to gain a major director’s favor was such a rare opportunity!
But the company wouldn’t care about that. In President Zhou’s eyes, fantasy romance offered more commissions, was easier to market, and required promoting CP with the female lead—thinking about it was annoying.
Mo Xun took a deep breath, saying seriously: “I want to join Director Qi’s team and act in the detective drama.”
President Zhou’s mouth twitched: “Mo Xun, don’t be impulsive. Popular fantasy genre second male lead pays 8 million; niche detective drama second male lead only pays 4 million. Anyone knows how to choose, right? That’s double the difference.”
Mo Xun was firm in his attitude: “I’m not short of money right now. Besides, after deducting the company’s commission, what I receive won’t differ that much. I like Director Qi—let me join his team.”
President Zhou frowned in displeasure.
Mo Xun continued: “That cold demon lord character has very high repetition with the two bodyguards I played before. I’m tired of playing cold, emotionless roles—I want to challenge other character types.”
President Zhou squinted: “Mo Xun, you’re an artist under our company. Would I harm you? The scripts we select for you are definitely the best available after comprehensive evaluation.”
Mo Xun remained silent.
President Zhou spoke earnestly: “For idol transformation, testing the waters with period romance is the safest approach. Don’t be superstitious about so-called big directors. ‘Rising Winds of Chang’an’ became popular thanks to Qin Luo’s traffic. Director Qi has plenty of flop dramas too, especially niche detective themes.”
“Listen to me—go back and think it over carefully. Sign this ‘Immortal Demon Tribulation.’ Filming starts next month, airing summer vacation slot next year—definitely will be popular.”
Mo Xun took a deep breath, stubbornly saying: “Can you let me see the script Director Qi gave me? I’ll go back and consider it.”
President Zhou was silent for a moment, then handed him the printed first few episodes: “Go ahead. I believe you’ll make a rational decision.”
Mo Xun returned to the dorm with a heavy heart.
Fang Yinnian could tell from his expression that the conversation hadn’t gone smoothly, couldn’t help but care: “How was it? Did you get Director Qi’s script?”
Mo Xun placed both scripts on the table, rubbing his temples: “Got it. The company hid it from me because they want me to join another fantasy drama—they’ve already signed a letter of intent.”
Fang Yinnian asked worriedly: “Then what? President Zhou insists on you acting in this drama?”
Mo Xun frowned: “As long as I don’t sign, he can’t tie me up and force me to the production set.”
However, Mo Xun underestimated the company’s methods.
The next morning, a hashtag #Rumored Mo Xun Starring in Immortal Demon Tribulation# suddenly air-dropped onto trending searches. A so-called “industry insider” revealed that Mo Xun would soon play the second male lead demon lord in major fantasy drama “Immortal Demon Tribulation.” Fans were all stunned.
“Holy crap, what’s happening?”
“Ahhh really? My Brother Mo is playing a domineering demon lord?”
“Already playing second male lead—ascending very quickly.”
“Mo Xun’s acting is decent—looking forward to his demon lord~”
“Don’t believe rumors when eating melons—believing rumors makes you a fool”
“Don’t fool my Brother Mo—his last drama just wrapped!”
…
This hashtag’s popularity remained high while FTM’s official studio didn’t refute it. Forums began spreading various gossip. Mysteriously, a bunch of so-called industry insiders appeared, revealing production team details and male/female leads, becoming increasingly convincing.
Another gossip account revealed: “Company has signed letter of intent—barring accidents, filming starts in March. The project passed meetings and is Cool Cat’s key period romance this year. Big boss specifically named mx to act.”
Fans didn’t know the truth. Seeing so many insiders revealing information, they began anticipating, with massive online support for Mo Xun acting in this drama.
Seeing these posts, Mo Xun felt chills down his spine—they could do this? Buy trending topics, manipulate public opinion, forcing him to join productions by pressing his head down?
A letter of intent wasn’t an official contract.
As long as the actor didn’t sign, he could keep dragging without joining production.
But how long could he resist?
After seeing this news, Fang Yinnian also felt very uncomfortable. He wanted to protect Mo Xun, wanted Mo Xun to film what he liked… but several nobodies without backing or resources could only be led by the nose by companies—most domestic entertainment artists were like this.
When could he sing freely and Mo Xun accept roles freely?
Fang Yinnian wished time could fly by quickly so their Sheng Yao contracts would expire and they could go solo.
But there were still two and a half years left.
In two and a half years, Mo Xun could film at least 4 dramas, maybe even 6 if hardworking.
News of Mo Xun’s upcoming participation in “Immortal Demon Tribulation” spread throughout the industry. Sheng Yao’s approach was equivalent to announcing—Mo Xun’s first half schedule was arranged.
This pre-locked the actor’s schedule. Other production teams planning to start filming in the first half definitely wouldn’t send Mo Xun scripts anymore.
Fang Yinnian was very anxious. Dragging like this wasn’t a solution—Director Qi’s drama was also starting soon and couldn’t wait for Mo Xun forever. What should they do? Was there any way he could help Mo Xun?
While Fang Yinnian was anxious and restless, President Zhou suddenly called him to the company to sign an agreement.
When he arrived at the office, Xu Baichuan was also there. Fang Yinnian felt much more at ease, greeting them: “President Zhou, Brother Xu, long time no see.”
Xu Baichuan handed him a contract: “Sounds of Nature Season 6 regular guest. The production team is very sincere—doubled the fee. Yinnian, see if you want to take it.”
Fang Yinnian was surprised: “Sounds of Nature? Didn’t we already serve as regulars in Season 5?”
Xu Baichuan explained: “Precisely because your regular performance last season was so effective, the production team wants to invite you to continue filming next season. But FTM currently can’t reunite, so the producer wants you to go as a solo guest.”
Fang Yinnian didn’t reject “Sounds of Nature”—he could meet many singers and collaborative performances were interesting. He hesitantly took the contract: “Let me think about it.”
***
On the way back to the dorm, Fang Yinnian suddenly received a message from friend Chen Mian: “Yinnian, there’s something I don’t know if I should say.”
Fang Yinnian was puzzled: “What’s wrong, Brother Mian?”
Chen Mian sent him a link: “Tao Yizhou’s album released today. I listened and one song sounds very similar to what you played for me backstage at Sounds of Nature.”
Chen Mian sent an uneasy emoji: “Is it coincidence?”
Fang Yinnian was stunned, quickly clicking the shared song.
A smooth melody played in his ears.
Every note was so familiar—the song he’d spent much time carefully revising and creating last year. How could it appear in Tao Yizhou’s album?
The lyrics were changed beyond recognition, but the melody…
This melody was completely plagiarized!
The song’s opening displayed bright red text “Lyrics/Composition/Arrangement – Tao Yizhou,” those words mockingly clawing at him.
Fang Yinnian felt the world spinning, his head struck hard by an iron hammer, ears buzzing.
Before overwhelming darkness struck, he felt himself falling into a slightly cold embrace, hearing Tang Che’s nervous voice: “Yinnian, what’s wrong?”
Using remaining consciousness, Fang Yinnian struggled to reach into his pocket: “I have low blood sugar… dizzy…”
Tang Che quickly found chocolate in his pocket, unwrapped it and fed it to him: “Quick, eat chocolate. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Timely sugar supplementation made Fang Yinnian feel better. He swallowed the chocolate, struggling to open his eyes and grabbing Tang Che’s hand: “No hospital—take me back to the dorm.”
Tang Che frowned: “Are you sure you’re okay like this?”
Fang Yinnian forced a smile: “It’s fine. I’ve had low blood sugar since childhood—I get dizzy when emotional. Just need some sugar.”
Tang Che asked doubtfully: “Really okay?”
Fang Yinnian’s complexion was abnormally pale, making Tang Che somewhat heartbroken.
Without another word, he hailed a taxi and forcibly pushed Fang Yinnian into the back seat: “Let’s go to the hospital for a checkup.”
Fang Yinnian smiled bitterly: “Taking me to the hospital like this—if we’re photographed, we’ll need PR explanations again.”
Tang Che raised an eyebrow: “So what? Stars get sick too and need hospital treatment. Dizziness isn’t trivial—needs proper examination.”
He paused: “Even if I ignore you, they’ll drag you to the hospital when we get back. Should I call Mo Xun to convince you?”
Fang Yinnian quickly refused: “Don’t tell them yet—avoid unnecessary worry… Fine, I’ll listen to you and get examined.”
Tang Che brought Fang Yinnian to nearby emergency services for detailed examination.
The doctor’s diagnosis was indeed low blood sugar. Head CT scans showed no problems, making Tang Che slightly relieved.
Today was a weekday morning. Their sudden hospital visit didn’t encounter paparazzi, and wearing hats and masks while walking normally, no passersby bothered taking photos to post online.
After leaving the hospital, Fang Yinnian’s emotions gradually calmed. He took a deep breath, telling Tang Che: “Let me buy you coffee. There are some things I want to discuss.”
Tang Che nodded, going with him to a nearby coffee shop where they got a quiet private room and ordered food.
“Your emotions were wrong today—what happened?” Tang Che asked with concern.
“Tang Che, I remember your brother-in-law is a lawyer who should know many legal friends. Are there any who specialize in copyright lawsuits?” Fang Yinnian asked as calmly as possible.
“Copyright lawsuits?” Confusion appeared in Tang Che’s eyes. “Are you asking for someone else, or did you encounter copyright troubles yourself?”
“Tao Yizhou plagiarized my song.” Fang Yinnian spoke directly. “He took a song I wrote for his new album, changed a few lyrics, and put his own name on it.”
“What?!” Tang Che’s eyebrows shot up. “How shameless! So this is how ‘creative singer’ Tao Yizhou ‘creates’? I actually thought he had real talent—bah! Fake hypocrite—not only lip-syncing, but even his songs are fake!”
“Come on, I’ll go with you to the company to demand justice.” Tang Che was obviously furious, rarely speaking so much at once, then standing up.
Fang Yinnian immediately grabbed Tang Che’s wrist, his fingers trembling slightly as he kept his voice calm: “Don’t be impulsive—let’s consult professional lawyers first.”
Tang Che was silent briefly, slowly calming down and sitting back across from Fang Yinnian: “Find professional lawyers—you want to sue Tao Yizhou?”
Fang Yinnian shook his head: “Not necessarily sue. Perhaps this matter can become leverage for negotiating with the company.”
He looked up at Tang Che, speaking word by word: “Tang Che, I want to leave Sheng Yao.”
**
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
![After losing all his wealth, the ancestor rose from his coffin [BL]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Your-paragraph-text-1.png "After losing all his wealth, the ancestor rose from his coffin [BL]")