Chapter 28: Six Questions

The host produced the piece of paper Chen Feng had given and asked, “Mr. Wang Tianqi, may I ask how you or Mr. Shen Xian came into possession of the Postman’s new song?”

Ever since the Postman composed "Wait a Minute," everyone knew he was a prodigy—every song he wrote became a hit. His talent left Shen Xian, three years ago, far behind in the dust.

"Wait a Minute" had only been licensed to the music platform owned by Doyin, which alone had caused the platform’s daily active users to surge by several million. Other music apps were scrambling to secure the song, but messages to the Postman always went unanswered. He was shrouded in mystery.

Up to now, it was certain that only Zhou Wan could reach the Postman. But now there was another—Wang Tianqi or Shen Xian.

Wang Tianqi replied, “Because the Postman sells his songs on the Original Music Base for three thousand per song. Shen Xian happened to see it and bought it.”

This revelation left everyone dumbfounded.

What?

The Postman was selling his songs on the Original Music Base? A songwriter of his stature, selling his work there? And at such a bargain price?

Who were they kidding?

Not only Chen Feng, but even Ning Cai didn’t believe it.

“It’s true. If you don’t believe me, search for the Postman on the Original Music Base,” Wang Tianqi said.

Many in the audience pulled out their phones and began searching. Sure enough, they found the Postman had posted quite a few times.

Notably, he sold the songs with full rights. But even so, it was a steal—three thousand per song was practically giving them away!

“I saw that post a few days ago and thought it was a scam—I even lashed out at the poster. I could kick myself!”

“I saw it too and replied, never expecting it was real!”

“Damn, why didn’t I notice that post?”

Many in the crowd were beside themselves with regret, especially the agents desperate to find songs for their artists—they were close to bruising their thighs from slapping them in frustration.

“Now, for my second question: Can you get in touch with the Postman?” the host asked.

At once, all ears strained to hear Wang Tianqi’s answer.

Wang Tianqi said, “I can’t, but my boss, Mr. Shen Xian, can.”

Shen Xian looked distinctly helpless. Why throw that question at me? From today on, peace would be a luxury.

Chen Feng and Liu Ruyun turned their gazes to Shen Xian. Many others did as well, even Ning Cai squinted her eyes and looked his way.

“Third question: How many songs did the Postman prepare for you?” the host asked.

Wang Tianqi was honest: “I don’t know. President Shen handled the negotiations. I’m not clear on the number, but I think every song the Postman sold on the Original Music Base was bought by Shen Xian.”

The host forced a smile. If Shen Xian really managed to buy all the Postman’s songs for three thousand apiece, he’d stumbled into incredible luck.

“Very well, that concludes the live audience questions. Now for a few from the livestream audience,” the host said. “Mr. Wang Tianqi, do you have a personal account?”

Wang Tianqi replied, “I do. I’m on Doyin and Slowhand as ‘Idle Cloud Wang Tianqi.’ You can look me up.”

“Second question: Will you be releasing music?” the host continued.

Wang Tianqi nodded, “I’ll be uploading both a studio and a live version of today’s song later. If you like it, please follow me.”

Many in the audience immediately took out their phones, searched for Wang Tianqi, and followed him. His follower count began to soar at an astonishing rate.

But the Postman’s following was growing even faster.

“For the last question,” the host said, glancing at his phone, where the comment feed was overflowing with questions. He picked one that seemed entertaining: “Is your girlfriend here today?”

Wang Tianqi answered, “She didn’t come—she had something to attend to. However, in the future, I’ll introduce her on my personal short video accounts.”

For a rising artist like Wang Tianqi, being in a relationship could be disastrous. Many celebrities, whether dating or married, kept their relationships hidden.

Yet Wang Tianqi answered without hesitation, gaining another wave of fans.

“I’m a fan now—I love his attitude.”

“I have a feeling Wang Tianqi is about to explode in popularity!”

“Of course. His song ‘You Are My Eyes’ alone—who in the industry can compete right now?”

“No one!” someone replied.

Host Wang Ling announced, “That’s the end of today’s program. See you tomorrow.”

The livestream ended, and the audience began to leave. Many singers looked at Wang Tianqi with complicated expressions.

They felt the chill of being outmatched—yet not by Wang Tianqi’s ability, but by the Postman.

What was the Postman’s track record so far?

He wrote “Reluctant to Leave” for Zhou Wan, currently in the top ten of the Hot Songs Chart. His own original songs, “After I Leave” and “Fallen,” occupied the top three spots on his platform’s Hot Songs Chart. “Wait a Minute” was number one on the Hot Songs, Soaring, Mandarin, New Songs, and Weekly Charts—it looked set to be the monthly top hit as well.

These achievements were terrifying.

“Don’t panic. I don’t believe the Postman can make every song a smash. ‘You Are My Eyes’ became a hit partly because of Wang Tianqi’s backstory,” Chen Feng said to Liu Ruyun.

Liu Ruyun nodded. Even hall-of-fame musicians couldn’t guarantee every song was a hit.

“There’s no need to worry. Haven’t you noticed the Postman is only good at writing catchy tunes?” someone said.

“That’s right. These songs are enjoyable and popular, but lack depth. They’re just internet songs, so there’s nothing to worry about,” Wu Fan added.

“Now that I think about it, you’re right. Only ‘You Are My Eyes’ is passable—the rest are mediocre. He’s just an internet musician,” remarked a senior executive from Yulong Entertainment.

Once the label of internet singer or musician is attached, it’s hard to shake off. Take Zhou Wan, for example—she debuted on livestreams and was called an online celebrity. Even after three years, countless resources, and full support from hall-of-fame master Lin Dao’an, she still carried the label.

“This time, Wang Tianqi just got lucky. Tomorrow he may not be so fortunate. I doubt the Postman can write another hit for him!” Chen Feng snorted.

Liu Ruyun nodded. “Let’s go.”

Just as Shen Xian went to meet Wang Tianqi, someone blocked his path.