Chapter 14: Mission Accomplished, Rewards in Hand (Please Follow)

If you want to do anything well, there’s really no such thing as “easy.” Even with Su Mu’s proficiency-boosting template, he still battled for twenty hours straight before he finally sang the song to a passable level. Of course, this so-called “pass line” wasn’t a specific score; it was simply the standard set by Liu Yadong, a true musician. Su Mu could only polish every line and every segment according to his demands, and after the final tuning and adjustment, the song “Listen” was complete.

When the three of them finally walked out of the recording studio, it was already the next morning. However, everything was ready except for the final push—one last thing remained to wrap up the task: find three influential people to help him repost the song.

Three people, all of whom needed to be well-known and have some clout in the industry… There were plenty of such people, but not many willing to help him. In any world, the entertainment industry is a deep pool—the surface may seem loving and harmonious, but beneath it lie countless networks and alliances.

The key is that most of the time, celebrities’ official social media accounts aren’t just for posting daily updates at will. Most are managed by teams. Sometimes, even the celebrities themselves don’t have the final say; only if the company allows it can they post what they want.

Su Mu thought seriously for a moment, then turned to Liu Yadong. “Teacher, I really appreciate your help last night—otherwise, I don’t know when I would’ve finished recording this song. We kept at it all night and seriously disrupted your rest. How about this: after you’ve rested today, let me treat you to a meal as thanks?”

Liu Yadong chuckled. “I’ll definitely let you treat me to a big one. Since Qian Jida, that penny-pincher, wouldn’t let you sign with my record label, he’ll have to cough up a bit.”

Qian Jida: “…”

Su Mu: “Teacher, can I trouble you for one more favor? Can you help me repost and promote my new song?”

Liu Yadong replied, “Of course, since I helped produce this single, naturally I’ll help you repost it when you release it.”

Su Mu nodded. “Thank you so much, Teacher! Then would you mind posting it now?”

Liu Yadong was taken aback. “Now? Isn’t that a bit rushed? Don’t you want to build some hype first?”

Su Mu smiled. “No need. I’m an impatient person.”

Liu Yadong agreed readily. “Alright, no problem!”

…

After leaving the record company, Su Mu and Qian Jida went straight back to the hotel. After an all-nighter, they were completely exhausted. The assistant, Little Ju, had prepared breakfast, but neither of them had any appetite.

Su Mu said, “President Qian, don’t go to sleep just yet—there’s one more thing.”

Qian Jida felt like dying. “Su Mu, did I commit some great sin in a past life to owe you so much in this one? What now?”

Su Mu asked, “Can you help me find one more person to repost my single?”

Qian Jida replied, “Didn’t Liu Yadong just help you?”

Su Mu said, “One isn’t enough. I need another—I want a double.”

Qian Jida hesitated. “Honestly… using favors for this feels like a waste.”

Su Mu grinned. “What about someone from our own company? That new guy we’re developing is getting pretty popular lately, right? If he helps repost, I’ll give him an exclusive interview opportunity.”

Qian Jida’s eyes flickered, a trace of helplessness in his heart. He knew exactly who Su Mu was talking about—Li Xinjie, the newcomer the company intended to promote next. What Su Mu didn’t know was that Li Xinjie’s career template was modeled exactly on Su Mu’s past three years. In other words, if the company’s resources shifted toward Li Xinjie, they’d have to cut back on Su Mu’s side, since Li Xinjie was meant to be Su Mu’s replacement.

Su Mu’s contract had two years left. Renewal would be a challenge, and his popularity was about to plateau—a common fate for good-looking, traffic-driven stars. Li Xinjie, being younger, was the perfect successor. The most lucrative phase for a rookie is those first two years; after that, if they truly establish themselves, more troubles follow. Many media companies now operate with a model of sustainable star-making.

But Su Mu knew nothing about this, which was why Qian Jida felt so helpless. The company was grooming someone to take his place, and here he was, naively handing over resources. Even though that interview wasn’t of much value.

Qian Jida asked, “Is this single really that important? Don’t forget the main reason we’re here—the audition with Director Zhang is the top priority!”

Su Mu nodded. “I know, don’t worry, I’ve got it under control. Just help me this once, and I promise I’ll repay you with a springtime of opportunities!”

Qian Jida: “…”

Little Ju: “…”

[Speech Proficiency +1]
[Skill Point +0.01]

…

After seeing off Qian Jida and Little Ju, Su Mu lay on the sofa, scrolling through his WeChat contacts. The task required three people; he’d secured two, and only needed one more to complete it. For a moment, he didn’t know who else to approach. He’d debuted so quickly—over the past three years, his sole focus had been making money, and his connections within the industry were only superficial. They’d worked together on shows or films, but contact ended there. Truth be told, they were barely acquaintances.

Perhaps he should just post to his Moments feed and hope that some celebrity friends who’d added him might be kind enough to help.

Su Mu posted his single to Moments:

“My new song! Calling on the almighty industry dads to help me repost on Weibo! So pitiful~”

Just one minute after he posted, a message popped up on WeChat—it was from Ning Yuyan. The two had only just added each other a few days ago.

Ning Yuyan: Su Mu, you’re in Capital City?
Su Mu: Hello, Teacher Ning, yes, I just arrived. I was planning to treat you to a meal after the audition.
Ning Yuyan: Haha, I thought you’d forgotten. No rush—let’s wait until you pass the audition. I’ll let you in on something: Director Zhang has already started screening actors.
Su Mu: You’ve already joined Director Zhang’s crew?
Ning Yuyan: That’s right, so good luck to you. Oh, and I saw your Moments—are you about to release a single? Need me to help repost?
Su Mu: Wow, really? Thank you so much! How could I ever thank you?
Ning Yuyan: Just owe me a favor.
Su Mu: Fair enough.
Ning Yuyan: See you on set, then.
Su Mu: Sure.

Su Mu exchanged a few brief words with Ning Yuyan. They hadn’t known each other long, so there wasn’t much to say. Still, her offer to help was an unexpected bonus. He couldn’t quite figure out why this leading lady of Beijing Media seemed to take such an interest in him. Could sharing the same brand endorsement really bring them closer? Or… did she actually like him?

After puzzling over it for a while, Su Mu decided to let it go. Whatever the reason, at least his task was done.

Half an hour later, just as Su Mu was drifting off to sleep, the system panel suddenly refreshed.

[Blind Box Task Complete!]
[Task: Within twenty-four hours, release the theme song “Listen” from your previous life’s hit drama “Surge” and secure three celebrity reposts. (Completed)
Completion Rewards: [Talent Blind Box *1] [Item Blind Box *1] [Skill Points +2.0]
Rewards issued!]