Chapter 53: The One-Day Misfortune Card

“What happened?” Chen Fang’s tone was a little harsh.

Ji Mei knew that this small man was worried about her.

She lay in Chen Fang’s arms and spoke softly, “Actually, it doesn’t have much to do with the show itself. After the preliminary selection, I was planning to take a break anyway.”

On hearing this, Chen Fang paused for a moment.

Despite having spent so many days together, he realized he didn’t really know much about Ji Mei’s past.

Ji Mei fed him as she explained with a smile, “I’ve been the director of preliminary selections for five or six years now. I’ve never had the chance to become the chief director of the main program. I’ve always been stuck directing the selection rounds.”

“To be honest, I’m a little tired of it.”

There was no hope in sight.

All those years of effort were simply to climb higher.

People long to ascend; Ji Mei was no exception.

After years as the director of preliminary competitions, she hadn’t received any opportunities for promotion. Such a life had grown tedious.

Originally, Chen Fang’s arrival had given Ji Mei hope.

If Chen Fang could make a splash in the preliminary competition and bring the show much-needed popularity, she could benefit from it as well.

But unfortunately, during the last meeting at headquarters, the producers made it clear that the main show had little to do with her. Internally, they decided to have a young woman, barely past twenty, serve as the chief director for the main program.

Ji Mei knew that young woman—very attractive, early twenties, rumored to be the “kept bird” of some big shot.

Sometimes, you have to admit a truth: sleeping your way up is the quickest path to promotion.

Ji Mei herself was not unattractive; her figure was outstanding. Many influential figures in the industry had shown interest in her, even made explicit offers. Yet Ji Mei never chose that path—not because she considered herself pure, but because she felt relying on physical relationships was hollow.

If someday a girl prettier and with a better figure appeared, her position would no longer be secure.

Better to rely on oneself.

With that belief, Ji Mei worked as the director of preliminary competitions for many years.

But the reality was harsh.

No matter how well she performed, she couldn’t compete with a young woman willing to sleep with a sponsor.

So Ji Mei decided to let it go.

She would leave altogether.

Strictly speaking, Ji Mei was no longer the director of the third round of “Starlight Road.” She simply wanted to see Chen Fang perform, so she asked a backstage colleague for a ticket to the audience seating.

“All these years, I haven’t really taken a proper break.”

“I’m giving myself a holiday.”

Ji Mei said this with a smile.

After hearing the whole story, Chen Fang’s eyes reflected a trace of tenderness. “Take a break. Let the past go and forget about it.”

“Mm.” Ji Mei curled up in his arms like a kitten.

Although Ji Mei acted calm and cheerful, Chen Fang could sense the dissatisfaction simmering deep inside her.

His displeasure became more pronounced.

To be honest, after signing with Future Stardom, Chen Fang could have withdrawn from “Starlight Road” at any time.

His goal in participating was simply to boost his reputation and attract a powerful entertainment company for a contract.

Both objectives had been achieved.

But Chen Fang hadn’t withdrawn.

Because of Ji Mei.

Chen Fang didn’t want to disappoint her expectations.

He knew very well: the better he performed, the more benefits Ji Mei, as the director, would receive.

But now Ji Mei had quit.

Chen Fang’s motivation to participate in “Starlight Road” was gone.

Besides, the show’s ratings weren’t particularly high.

After signing with Future Stardom, the three variety programs that Xi Yuanyuan found for him all had higher ratings than “Starlight Road.”

Professionally, Chen Fang had better options.

Personally, there was no need for him to continue.

“How about I just quit now?” Chen Fang suddenly said.

Ji Mei looked up at him. She knew this small man wanted to stand up for her.

The current buzz around “Starlight Road” was entirely thanks to Chen Fang—a newcomer who used his own original works in every round.

If Chen Fang announced his withdrawal, it would deal a huge blow to the show.

Moreover, they couldn’t hold him accountable.

According to the rules, contestants were free to withdraw before the main program began.

Ultimately, it was a matter of contracts.

“Starlight Road” had never seen a contestant advance and then withdraw before signing the official contract.

So, the production team usually waited until a day or two before the main show to ask contestants to sign the official agreement.

Chen Fang hadn’t yet signed with “Starlight Road.”

He could leave at any time.

Ji Mei was moved, but she still shook her head. “You must participate. And you must win first place.”

“Why?” Chen Fang was puzzled.

Ji Mei patiently explained, “Because you need popularity, you need to appear frequently in front of the public, and you need more people to see your talent. This will help you when you compete for awards at the year-end gala.”

The year-end gala considered many factors: song quality, popularity, artist status, fan base, public affection, and so on.

Aside from song quality, all the other factors depended on fans.

The more fans, the easier it was to win awards.

To put it plainly, the greatest significance of awards isn’t to show you deserve them, but to prove how much money you can earn from fans, and help you earn even more in the new year.

For a star—especially one aspiring to be a superstar—fans are vital.

Ji Mei understood this well.

Chen Fang wasn’t lacking in talent.

In the current music scene, stagnant and lifeless, his talent was like a stone breaking the surface of the water.

But talent alone wasn’t enough.

Even the best wine fears obscurity.

For that reason, Chen Fang’s most important task was to keep appearing, to reinforce his presence in the public mind, to build up his fan base.

“Starlight Road” was a perfect opportunity to boost his visibility.

Chen Fang pondered for a moment.

Ji Mei was right.

His fan base was still too weak.

Though Future Stardom would surely help him with marketing and crafting a persona to attract fans, if he didn’t work hard himself, the company would eventually lose momentum.

“Alright. I’ll do as you say.”

Chen Fang did not insist further.

He was, after all, someone who listened to reason.

Yet, he was still unhappy inside.

No one was allowed to bully Ji Mei.

She was his woman.

As he contemplated how to teach “Starlight Road” a lesson, he suddenly remembered something in his system inventory.

“System.”

“Open inventory.”

The next moment, a virtual screen appeared before his eyes, visible only to him.

The inventory was nearly empty.

Only the first slot contained a card-shaped item.

[One-Day Misfortune Card]!

He had never used this item before.