Chapter Eleven: Main Quest—Make Money!

There is a kind of romance in this world, known as Jay Chou’s romance.

To be honest, Chen Fang remembered many songs. But most of them were sweet, romantic love songs—songs that young girls liked to listen to. Of course, some mature women enjoyed them as well. All Chen Fang had to do was pick the right love song for the right occasion, and he would become the center of attention. Just like now.

At this moment, Ji Mei’s gaze towards Chen Fang was soft and lingering, almost tangible in its affection.

Inside the restaurant, couples whispered to each other in awe.

“That was beautiful! I’ve never heard this song before. Is that handsome guy an artist from an entertainment company?”

“It’s a pity we don’t know the song’s name.”

“Hurry up and record it.”

“Baby, once I’ve learned it, I’ll sing it for you.”

These murmurs of amazement didn’t last long. Soon, the restaurant returned to quiet.

“To create a romantic date,
Not afraid to mess everything up,
Having you means having the whole world.”

That line—having you means having the whole world—struck straight at a young woman’s heart. Sometimes, the most direct approach is the best. And women really do fall for it. At least, back when Chen Fang was on Earth, this straightforward tactic worked eight out of ten times.

There was even one time Chen Fang directly asked a female artist if she wanted to get a room; she agreed without hesitation and left with him. Of course, this only works under certain crucial conditions: you’re either very handsome or very rich. If you’re neither, the night might not end with passion in a bed, but rather with you in a police holding cell, waiting for bail.

And one more thing—you have to know how to act! Especially with your eyes, which is key. Ji Mei gazed at Chen Fang with eyes full of gentle affection, while Chen Fang returned a look just as deep and enchanting. The difference was that Ji Mei’s feelings were genuine, while Chen Fang was performing.

A true scoundrel can put on that look for anyone, even a stray dog on the street. In this regard, Chen Fang had reached the level of a grandmaster.

“My dear, since the day I fell in love with you,
Everything has been so sweet and easy.

Don’t be willful, darling, your eyes
Are saying you’re willing.”

This song had an R&B flavor, mixed with a touch of simple rap, but Chen Fang made some changes. With only a piano as accompaniment, he softened the rhythm to better suit his singing. As he reached the chorus, everyone in the restaurant couldn’t help but sway their phones in time with the music. This chorus was perfect for building atmosphere at a concert—the youthful restlessness of the R&B intro giving way to the rhythmic, melodic climax that symbolized the sweet, innocent journey of first love.

Gone was the hoarse, decadent tone Chen Fang had used at the preliminary audition; now he was vibrant, radiant, and passionate.

Gradually, Ji Mei was utterly entranced. This young man was simply too charming. Tonight… she didn’t want him to go home!

His song drifted through the air, and this radiant man continued to exude his charm.

Soon, the song reached its end. As Chen Fang pressed the last key on the piano, the entire restaurant erupted in enthusiastic applause—even the staff joined in.

“The [Master of All Instruments] skill is just too useful,” Chen Fang thought with relief. No matter the instrument, the moment he touched it, his hands moved with perfect familiarity and ease.

Just then, a slender figure in black rushed over and nestled into his arms.

Ji Mei hugged Chen Fang tightly, as if she wanted to merge him into her very being.

“Take me home,” she whispered.

Chen Fang paused, then looked over at the nearby waiter. “Could I have the bill, please?”

“Sir, your performance was met with applause from everyone here,” the waiter replied respectfully. “So tonight’s meal is on the house.”

What a pleasant surprise! If he’d known, Chen Fang would have come to play piano for a free meal every day.

Lifting Ji Mei into his arms, Chen Fang made his way out of the restaurant. The men in the couples looked at him with envy, while the women envied Ji Mei.

Ji Mei’s charm wasn’t just in her looks—her figure and personality amplified her allure endlessly. Any man who got close would want a taste.

Once outside, Chen Fang realized something awkward: he had no idea where Ji Mei lived.

At this point, she was clearly tipsy. Apart from that moment when she’d clung to him, she had already drifted into a stupor.

With no other choice, Chen Fang took her to a hotel and booked a room.

Don’t ask why Chen Fang carried his ID everywhere—he was always ready to go online.

“Director Ji?” Chen Fang called as he settled her onto the bed.

But she was truly asleep.

He’d thought she might be pretending; after all, there had been plenty of female artists who faked drunkenness, only to suddenly sober up after being taken to a hotel room—like Yu Hui, that night before he traveled through time.

Chen Fang was already preparing to undress for battle, but Ji Mei was genuinely out cold.

“Forget it, I’ll just wash up and leave,” Chen Fang decided as he headed to the bathroom.

When it came to matters between men and women, it was always better if both parties were awake and willing.

After a simple wash, Chen Fang took off Ji Mei’s clothes until only her underwear remained. Heaven knows, he was not lusting after her body—he simply thought she’d sleep more comfortably without her clothes.

“So big.”

“So fair.”

Shaking his head at himself in disapproval, he tucked Ji Mei in.

After a moment’s thought, Chen Fang picked up a pen and left her a note by the bedside, then quietly left the hotel and returned to his rented apartment.

By ten o’clock that night, Chen Fang was home.

The living room lights were off.

“Fatty?” he called out. No answer.

It was late, and Pang Tong wasn’t home, but Chen Fang didn’t think much of it. They were both adults; it was normal to have a bit of nightlife.

“First, find a studio and record a song. Register a personal music account and take care of the copyright. Then prepare a new song for the second round of auditions and start practicing. After the auditions, some entertainment companies should reach out. At that point, I can consider signing with a bigger company.”

Step by step—Chen Fang had it all planned out.

As for singing on the street, it was not only exhausting but also troublesome. He needed to find a way to earn money quickly so he wouldn’t have to busk anymore.

While Chen Fang was laying out his plans, Pang Tong came back, smelling faintly of barbecue. This hopeless fatty, who’d sworn off food in the morning, had clearly feasted at night.

Seeing Chen Fang, Pang Tong looked embarrassed and quickly wiped the grease from his mouth.

“I thought you weren’t coming home tonight,” he said with a nervous laugh.

Chen Fang flipped him the finger. Eating barbecue was one thing, but not bringing any back was a betrayal of revolutionary friendship.

Just as Chen Fang was about to go to his room, Pang Tong excitedly grabbed him, pulled out his phone, and opened a short video app remarkably similar to TikTok.

“Chen Fang, did you know you’re famous now? Look—this video of your performance at the audition has over half a million likes already!”

In an instant, Chen Fang’s eyes lit up.

It was as if someone had handed him a pillow just as he was about to fall asleep!

Now, the path to making money was right in front of him!