Chapter 5

Many businessmen who invested in real-life idol stars regret that over the years, virtual idols have never left the entertainment industry. Even though they no longer have the influence they once had, and the "metabolism" of virtual idol stars is faster than that of real stars, they still firmly occupy half of the entertainment world.

Inside the car, a lively melody began to play, drawing Fang Zhao's attention back. It was a classic piece by a legendary musician from long ago, an instrumental performance on stage with no lyrics.

Fang Zhao closed his eyes, feeling the music of the instrumental performance.

This piece was often used by bus drivers to stay alert. Not only did it stimulate the drivers, but it also affected the passengers' moods. Some people joked that this music had become a "morning miracle," making them feel more energetic for work.

The music conveyed a fiery passion and excitement. People sitting in their seats tapped their feet to the beat, and those who were drowsy in the afternoon began to perk up, their leg-tapping in sync with the rhythm.

Listening to the music, the passengers on the bus resonated with each other.

How long had it been since they felt this way?

Fang Zhao felt his blood begin to boil again, excited to the point of wanting to roar out loud.

He liked this world!

The train he was on was a loop line, circling only a small part of the city, mainly the suburban areas rather than the bustling center. However, Fang Zhao had already gained a deep impression, and the memories in his mind had almost fully integrated.

When he returned to his station, Fang Zhao got off the train with a different mindset. He needed to quickly adapt to this world and then enjoy it.

The fare was calculated based on the distance traveled. The charge started from the moment Fang Zhao scanned to board the train. However, public transportation was relatively affordable. This trip cost him fifty yuan, which was slightly cheaper compared to other modes of transportation. For Fang Zhao, who had limited money, it was a bit of a luxury, but he thought it was worth it.

Back in Black Street, Fang Zhao first went to the pharmacy to pick up the dog. The dog, which was dirty and matted all over, looked even thinner after being shaved, with its bones clearly visible under the skin.

Compared to the dog, which seemed uneasy after being shaved, the pharmacy owner looked pale.

"Your dog almost broke my machine," the pharmacy owner complained to Fang Zhao. "But since I said I'd only charge fifty, I won't add any more."

How could dog hair be so hard? Fang Zhao was puzzled. Previously, because the dog's fur was severely matted and dirty, he couldn't tell. Now, the pharmacy owner's complaint made him wonder if the dog's fur had become harder after the apocalypse.

However, the pharmacy owner's words weren't entirely true, perhaps exaggerated a bit.

"Alright, take your dog and go. I need to catch up on my sleep," the pharmacy owner waved him off. Business on Black Street was best at night, so he needed to sleep more during the day.

Fang Zhao didn't say anything more and left with the shaved dog.

After Fang Zhao left, the pharmacy owner found that the hair trimmer was no longer working when he was cleaning it. He swore he was just exaggerating!

"Just trimming a dog's hair, and it's really broken?" The pharmacy owner was confused, checking the machine carefully and confirming it was indeed unusable.

"Fortunately, it was a cheap one. I won't trim dog hair anymore..." the pharmacy owner muttered.

On his way back, Fang Zhao passed by Yue Qing's store and bought some food to take home.

When he returned to the small apartment on the second floor, it was already dark. Only the residents above the 80th floor could still enjoy some sunlight. The lower floors, especially the second floor where Fang Zhao lived, were completely dark. The room was even darker than when he first woke up, and he had to turn on the lights.

After tidying up the room, Fang Zhao glanced at the display on his wristband, which showed that he had blocked seventeen calls.

Of the seventeen calls, three were from the agent responsible for the interns at the company, four were from Wan Yue, and ten were from Zeng Huang.

Wan Yue and Zeng Huang were the original owner's other two childhood friends. Unlike Fang Sheng, these two, although they didn't spend as much time with the original owner, were genuinely close to him. However, the original owner, influenced by Fang Sheng, gradually distanced himself from them after college and had even less contact after starting his internship at Silver Wings.

After turning off the block, Zeng Huang called almost immediately.

Fang Zhao pressed the call button on his wristband, and a holographic screen appeared, showing a worried Zeng Huang.

"Are you okay, Big Zhao?" Zeng Huang sighed in relief when he saw Fang Zhao, noticing that he seemed calm. He wanted to say something but hesitated, carefully observing Fang Zhao's expression. "I was worried you might do something foolish."

I've already done something foolish, Fang Zhao thought.

Seeing the genuine concern on Zeng Huang's face, Fang Zhao replied, "I'm fine."

"That's good. It's good that you've thought it through. Xiao Hong..." Zeng Huang wanted to mention Xi Hong but thought it might be inappropriate to bring up his ex-girlfriend right after a breakup. He then angrily said, "Fang Sheng is so smug now! Big Zhao, do you want to sue him? Those three songs, others might not know, but we do. They're clearly your work! Fang Sheng couldn't have created them!"

"Not yet," Fang Zhao said.

"If you're worried about money, Wan Yue and I have some savings."

"Really, it's not necessary. I don't have time to argue with him now. The rookie competition has already started, and I need to focus."

Zeng Huang was surprised. He didn't expect Fang Zhao to still have the spirit to fight. The rookie competition for this season had already been going on for two months, with only one month left. Entering in June was possible, but Fang Zhao didn't have any standout works.

Although Zeng Huang wasn't optimistic, he didn't want to discourage Fang Zhao. As long as he could get through this tough period, it would be fine.

"Then... work hard. If you need anything, let us know. Do you still have money?"

After asking, Zeng Huang worried he might hurt Fang Zhao's pride, as Fang Zhao usually disliked talking about his financial struggles.

But before Zeng Huang could explain, Fang Zhao said, "I still have some money. I can last another month."

"Ah... okay, that's good. If you encounter any difficulties, let us know."

"Sure, I'm going to go into seclusion today."

"Seclusion" was a slang term used by many creators, meaning they would focus on their work and avoid outside distractions.

Zeng Huang understood that Fang Zhao was preparing to create new songs and didn't want to be disturbed unless it was something urgent. In the past, when Fang Zhao said this, he had a clear sense of rejection, but now, he was just informing them.

After Fang Sheng's betrayal, Fang Zhao didn't become more distant but rather more approachable, which made Zeng Huang very happy. They had grown up together and shared hardships. Zeng Huang, being the oldest, felt responsible for taking care of the younger ones after their families had issues. Unfortunately, as they grew older, their relationships gradually became distant.

However, when something happened, Zeng Huang was still very worried. Unfortunately, Fang Zhao wasn't at school and hadn't told them his address, so they couldn't find him, and his phone was unreachable. Now that he knew Fang Zhao was doing well, Zeng Huang felt relieved.

After ending the call with Zeng Huang, Fang Zhao dialed his agent, Du Ang.

As soon as the call connected, Du Ang, with a furious face, shouted, "Fang Zhao, what's going on?! Do you still want to turn professional?! You've given up on the rookie competition?! Look at the time, it's already June! Do you know what June means? This season's rookie competition is already in the intense phase. Out of ten interns at the company, six have already entered, and of the remaining four, three have submitted their works. The company has already arranged for them to be recorded and will enter tomorrow. Only you! Fang Zhao, what about you?!"

"Not finished yet," Fang Zhao replied. At this moment, saying anything more to the volcanic Du Ang would be pointless. Any excuse would be just that—an excuse. Du Ang wanted results, and nothing else mattered, including whether Fang Zhao's work had been stolen.

Du Ang, eyes wide in disbelief, took a deep breath, his bulging eyes on the holographic screen staring at Fang Zhao, ready to explode.

In the end, Du Ang held back, not because he didn't want to scold, but because he didn't want to waste time.

Du Ang emphasized, almost word by word, "Ten days! In ten days, if you have a work, we'll immediately arrange for you to enter. We'll save a spot for you in the rookie competition! If not, you're out!!" Without waiting for Fang Zhao to respond, he ended the call.

Fang Zhao didn't feel any resentment towards Du Ang's attitude. Du Ang was angry because he hadn't seen Fang Zhao's work for a long time and couldn't reach him, but as an agent, he couldn't ignore the situation. Now that he could finally contact Fang Zhao, and there was still no work, Du Ang naturally couldn't be in a good mood.

However, despite Du Ang's harsh words, Fang Zhao knew from his memories that Du Ang was actually helping him. The ten days were the last chance Du Ang had managed to secure for him. If it were another agent, they might not even give him five days, and might have already kicked him out.

The rookie competition Du Ang mentioned referred to the "New Talent Chart," the most important chart for new artists in the music industry.

Not everyone could release songs on this chart. To be listed, one had to be a formally signed artist with the right to release songs. Most were students about to graduate or who had just graduated, and some were exceptional talents who had signed early.

Many companies that hadn't signed new artists also kept an eye on this chart, hoping to find potential new talent or poach from other companies.

Mentioning the New Talent Chart, it's worth noting that the rise of virtual idols was a boon for creators.

Singers? Virtual idol companies could edit their voices, turning even a frog's croak into a heavenly melody. Therefore, companies that primarily promoted virtual idols placed more emphasis on behind-the-scenes technicians and creative talent, focusing more attention on composers on the New Talent Chart.

This was the first major opportunity for all new composers entering the music industry!

This was a battle for new talent, and a competition between companies!

Fang Zhao checked the internet on his wristband, as Du Ang had said. Of the composition interns who signed with Silver Wings at the same time as him, six had already entered the competition and made it into the top fifty. With continued promotion from the company, their popularity would rise, and by the end of the season, their rankings would be even better.