Chapter Forty-One: Tong Qin's Invitation

Driven by curiosity, Chen Fang inquired about the price of several legendary songs he remembered. Without exception, they all started at a billion. The least expensive legendary song cost a billion. A billion wasn’t the upper limit—it was the floor. There was no ceiling! Theoretically, there could be a legendary song worth ten billion. But Chen Fang couldn’t imagine which song would be worth that much.

“The price of legendary songs isn’t fixed; it may be adjusted upward,” the system reminded him.

Chen Fang was stunned. What did that mean? Was there going to be a price hike in the future? “How much will it increase?” he asked, frowning.

The system replied candidly, “Unable to provide an exact answer, but the more you earn, the more I’ll decide to raise the price accordingly.”

Damn!

Chen Fang couldn’t hold back. Was this system a dog? Why did it act like one!

He unleashed a torrent of colorful curses, listing every ancestral insult he could think of. The system stayed silent. Chen Fang called out several times, but the system remained quiet, apparently entering standby mode again.

Chen Fang exhaled deeply. Fortunately, this damned system wasn’t a person; otherwise, he would have pinned it to the ground and given it a beating.

The evening arrived quickly.

Ji Mei, who had slept through the entire day, finally woke up. The first thing she did was call Chen Fang to act coy, her voice making his second brother stir restlessly. Just thinking of Ji Mei’s tenderness sent tingles throughout his body.

But Chen Fang knew he couldn’t torment Ji Mei any further tonight. With two bottles of strength-boosting tonic, his body was formidable, while Ji Mei was just an ordinary person. Besides, Ji Mei had been exhausted lately; her body could hardly withstand more of his ravaging.

After a round of affectionate sweet talk, Chen Fang reluctantly ended the call, while Pang Tong beside him looked on with envy, his eyes reddening.

Seeing this, Chen Fang comforted him, “Once you lose weight, you’ll have your chance too.”

This remark acted like a shot of adrenaline, immediately invigorating Pang Tong, who even skipped dinner.

Chen Fang, naturally, didn’t join him in dieting. He was famished—the exertion from last night left him hungry all day. Even by evening, his appetite was strong; he ordered a mountain of takeout and ate with gusto while watching variety shows, making Pang Tong drool beside him.

On television, the show “Let’s Fall in Love Together” was airing.

Truth be told, Chen Fang wasn’t fond of dating shows.

They felt so fake! Celebrity couples would act sweet on camera to boost their popularity, but in reality, genuine intimacy was rare. Most of the time, it was close-ups of male stars gazing passionately, and teary-eyed women feigning emotion. These shows were the dullest of all.

Chen Fang wanted to change the channel, but Pang Tong was engrossed.

“Fatty, you like this?” Chen Fang asked.

Pang Tong nodded, eyes glued to the female stars on screen. In his gaze, Chen Fang saw the same adoration he’d seen in the company’s receptionist—little hearts in his eyes.

It’s dangerous when women have hearts in their eyes. When men do, it’s even more so.

“I want to fall in love too,” Pang Tong said bluntly.

Chen Fang was taken aback. Why the sudden urge for romance? Had he grown tired of his right hand?

He didn’t ask further. After all, men with hearts in their eyes should avoid certain triggers; otherwise, long-term deprivation might push them toward other directions.

An hour passed.

The show ended.

He had to admit, the director of this dating show had a knack for casting. The participants’ acting was superb, so convincing it seemed real. No wonder people say actors’ eyes can speak—it was true.

Chen Fang was about to switch channels when the preview for the next episode appeared.

An Tinghan’s features were flawless.

Chen Fang was surprised. An Tinghan was actually going on a variety show like this? She must be desperate, taking any gig that came her way.

But then, Cheng Jie’s face appeared on screen.

Chen Fang understood.

Of course! If An Tinghan could fancy someone like Cheng Jie, what problem could she have with appearing on a dating show? None at all.

An Tinghan and Cheng Jie were the next episode’s couple. Unlike other dating shows, “Let’s Fall in Love Together” paired up couples in advance and documented their entire interaction.

Normally, Cheng Jie wasn’t qualified. His status was too low. An Tinghan was a superstar; if they wanted to create a couple, she should be paired with a top-tier male celebrity.

But for some reason, the show paired her with Cheng Jie.

“Cheng Jie is really ugly,” Pang Tong said with contempt.

Chen Fang nodded in agreement.

“If they swapped him for you, I’d barely accept it,” Pang Tong remarked, looking at Chen Fang.

Chen Fang was taken aback, then chuckled and shook his head, “I’d never participate in such a dull show in my life.”

Speaking of which, he wondered how Xi Yuanyuan’s search was progressing. He was looking forward to joining a variety show later this month, preferably something interesting and fun.

The two of them watched TV to pass the time.

Soon, it was ten o’clock.

Chen Fang quickly washed up and went to his room to rest. Pang Tong, not sleepy, chose to stay up late.

The next day.

Unboxing.

Junk.

Dismissed.

After working out together, Chen Fang headed alone to the company and made straight for the recording studio.

Initially, he wanted to invite Xi Yuanyuan, but the receptionist told him she hadn’t come to work—apparently something had come up at home.

So, Chen Fang could only practice singing by himself.

The company was full of trainees, though most were unknown. Upon hearing Chen Fang was in the building, many waited outside the recording studio, hoping to win his favor and receive a new song from him.

Chen Fang paid them no mind.

He wasn’t joking—a song was worth a fortune. Unless he met a singer who truly left a lasting impression, he wouldn’t hand out songs lightly.

All morning, Chen Fang practiced in the studio, only stepping out occasionally for water.

At noon, he stretched lazily. Though he now had the complete lyrics and melody for “Blue and White Porcelain,” it didn’t mean he could skip practice. The more he rehearsed, the more proficient he’d become.

“Time for lunch,” Chen Fang said, leaving the studio.

Just as he was about to exit the company in search of food, a familiar voice called out, “Mr. Chen.”

Tong Qin had come to Future Stardom.

An Tinghan was absent.

Tong Qin hurried over, smiling gently.

Chen Fang paused, then said, “I haven’t found inspiration for the other two songs yet. When I do, I’ll contact you.”

In truth, it wasn’t a lack of inspiration—he simply hadn’t bothered to think about it. But he played the part.

Tong Qin took a vinyl record from her bag. “I’m here for two things. First, the album of An Tinghan’s rendition of ‘As You Wish’ is now available for pre-sale. You’re the songwriter, so you deserve a copy.”

Chen Fang hesitated. He wanted to say he didn’t own a record player, but that seemed a bit undignified.

“The second matter,” she continued, “I’d like to invite you to participate in a variety show.”