Chapter Twenty-Seven: Composing a Song for the Empress of Pop

The city air was dry and stifling.

Chen Fang sat in the car, feeling drowsy.

He didn’t quite know why.

When he drove himself, he was always clear-headed. But whenever he was a passenger in someone else’s car, at times sleepiness would overwhelm him.

In a daze, Chen Fang drifted into sleep.

This quirk had followed him even back on Earth, and now, having crossed into this world, it seemed the habit had come along too.

Xi Yuanyuan, using the lull at a red light, had just wanted to say a few words to Chen Fang. But when she turned her head, she found him sleeping deeply. What she meant to say caught in her throat.

“He does look better when he’s not talking,” she thought, her gaze lingering on his profile, lost in thought.

Gradually, Xi Yuanyuan found herself entranced.

Chen Fang seemed even more handsome than the first time she’d seen him at the intersection.

Almost unconsciously, Xi Yuanyuan lifted her right hand, wanting to caress his cheek. But the next moment, a car horn blared from behind.

The light had turned green.

In an instant, she snapped back to reality, her cheeks flushing.

“Am I crazy?”

“I can’t believe I actually wanted to touch Chen Fang!”

She took a deep breath, patted her own face, and started the car.

Chen Fang remained fast asleep.

He didn’t wake until they arrived at the press conference venue. After parking, Xi Yuanyuan shook him lightly a few times to wake him. “We’re here. Time to get out.”

Chen Fang frowned, reluctant to open his eyes, but soon composed his expression.

The two of them got out and walked slowly toward the hall.

The press conference had already begun.

At the main table, the chairman of Future Star Path was delivering a rousing speech, envisioning the company’s future. In truth, the journalists below hardly paid attention.

Everyone knew the real highlight today was the announcement of Chen Fang’s signing.

A staff member approached President Qian and whispered something in his ear. President Qian nodded, finally moving on to the main event. “The purpose of today’s press conference is to announce one important thing.”

It was time!

All the reporters stirred in anticipation.

“We have successfully signed Mr. Chen Fang. He is now officially a member of Future Star Path. We look forward to growing and progressing together.”

“Now, please welcome Mr. Chen Fang to the stage.”

The chairman led the applause.

In an instant, the whole venue erupted in enthusiastic clapping.

All the cameras turned to Chen Fang as he walked up to the stage.

He wore a black suit.

Straight-backed and poised.

Other than the suit being a touch ill-fitting, he looked as if he’d stepped right out of a comic book as the leading man.

The entire room gasped in admiration!

Xi Yuanyuan accompanied Chen Fang.

The two of them looked remarkably well-matched.

Wearing high heels, Xi Yuanyuan was only half a head shorter than Chen Fang.

In a shadowed corner of the room, a man with delicate, almost effeminate features stared at Chen Fang with jealous eyes. But when his gaze shifted to Xi Yuanyuan, the coldness was replaced by longing and obsession.

“Yuanyuan is so beautiful.”

“The one standing next to her should have been me!”

This man was Kang Zikai.

On stage, Chen Fang sensed a malicious gaze and casually scanned the room, spotting Kang Zikai. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of surprise.

Who is this guy?

Such an effeminate air.

Doesn’t he know the fate of Southern Liang was to be conquered by the Northern Dynasty?

A shiver went through Chen Fang. He always felt uncomfortable around effeminate men, and this one was looking at him with such a resentful, wounded expression—it was even more off-putting.

Nearby, Xi Yuanyuan asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Chen Fang shook his head and resumed his natural smile.

Next came the reporters’ questions.

Xi Yuanyuan had worried that Chen Fang might be nervous in front of the crowd, but he performed admirably—answering smoothly, even throwing out a witty remark or two.

“I underestimated him,” Xi Yuanyuan thought to herself.

But it was undeniable—articulate, humorous, and confident, Chen Fang was utterly charming.

Even Xi Yuanyuan felt her heart flutter.

At the end of the press conference, the image of Chen Fang and the Future Star Path chairman shaking hands and smiling was frozen in a single, perfect moment.

“Chen Fang, welcome to Future Star Path.”

President Qian smiled warmly.

The reporters departed, leaving only the company’s internal staff.

Chen Fang finally exhaled in relief. “It’s my honor to join Future Star Path.”

He knew how to say all the right polite things.

President Qian didn’t think much of it.

There was still a celebratory banquet tonight.

Chen Fang chatted easily with President Qian; there was no sense of hierarchy between them at all.

Just then, Kang Zikai approached. He offered Chen Fang a false and cursory congratulations, then immediately turned to Xi Yuanyuan, face filled with deep feeling. “Yuanyuan, I wrote a song just for you.”

Chen Fang’s expression immediately turned mocking.

So this effeminate guy liked Xi Yuanyuan.

To be honest, Chen Fang thought they made quite a pair.

Xi Yuanyuan was passionate and straightforward, while Kang Zikai was the ultimate softie. Imagining Kang Zikai snuggling up to Xi Yuanyuan like a little bird made Chen Fang find the mental image oddly entertaining.

For some reason, Xi Yuanyuan glanced at Chen Fang.

Seeing that he didn’t react, she finally spoke. “Kang Zikai, I’m not your manager anymore. You don’t need to report to me about songwriting.”

“But I wrote it especially for you.”

“I’d like to sing it for you sometime—”

Before he could finish, Xi Yuanyuan cut him off coldly. “I’m not interested.”

With that, she pulled Chen Fang away.

Chen Fang shook his head.

Brother, that’s not how you win a woman’s heart.

You can’t just cater to her every whim—if you’re already effeminate and then add in the clingy puppy act, you’ll never catch up to Xi Yuanyuan in this lifetime.

Behind them, Kang Zikai glared at Chen Fang’s back with venomous eyes.

“It’s all because of you!”

Chen Fang was an innocent bystander.

Just as he was about to leave the venue, a graceful, elegant middle-aged woman blocked his path. Seeing Chen Fang up close, her eyes flashed with undisguised amazement.

Chen Fang’s eyes brightened.

A mature woman!

And a wealthy one at that!

From her clothing and aura, Chen Fang could tell this woman had deep pockets.

“Mr. Chen Fang, nice to meet you.”

The woman extended her right hand.

Time seemed to have left little trace on her; her palm was still fair and smooth, yet she exuded a rich, mature allure.

Xi Yuanyuan found her vaguely familiar, but couldn’t place her at first. President Qian, however, studied her for a few seconds, his expression shifting to surprise. “Are you... Ms. Tong Qin?”

Tong Qin?

Chen Fang looked bewildered.

Xi Yuanyuan suddenly realized and exclaimed, “Tong Qin? The gold-standard agent!”

If An Tinghan was the pinnacle for entertainers, then Tong Qin was the ultimate goal for agents.

Of course, the more important point was that Tong Qin was An Tinghan’s agent.

“I am Tong Qin,” she replied with a smile, her gaze returning to Chen Fang.

What a shame!

With looks alone, this young man could carve out a place in the entertainment world. And Chen Fang had not just looks, but talent too.

Future Star Path had really struck gold this time.

President Qian’s expression darkened.

Xi Yuanyuan also snapped out of her surprise.

Was she really going to poach talent right in front of their eyes?

The next moment, Tong Qin spoke softly. “I’m An Tinghan’s agent. Both An and I deeply admire your creative ability, and we hope there’s a chance to collaborate on a new song. Would you be interested, Mr. Chen?”

Write a song for An Tinghan?

Chen Fang instinctively wanted to refuse.

He didn’t even know who An Tinghan was—why should he write a song for her?!

“I...”

Before he could say another word, Xi Yuanyuan clapped a hand over his mouth. She knew all too well what this rascal was about to say, and stopped him just in time.

Chen Fang’s eyes went wide.

Why does your hand taste salty!

Did you forget to wash up after the restroom?!