Chapter 49: Liu Ruyun Pays a Visit
If the release of "Wait a Minute" had not yet made the four entertainment giants feel any pressure, then the debut of "May I" made them fully aware of the Postman's dominance over online music. "Wait a Minute" harvested male fans, while "May I" captured the hearts of the female audience.
At Red Queen Entertainment, in the management division, Chen Feng's father, Chen Guangzong, personally came to the company and found the department manager, Zhao Youcai. "We must sign the Postman, no matter the cost. His dominance over the online music scene is simply terrifying!"
As an executive and shareholder at Red Queen Entertainment, Chen Guangzong had been immersed in the entertainment industry for over thirty years, his foresight unmatched. With the advancement of technology, the online sector had become one of the most powerful stages for showcasing talent.
Just look at Zhou Wan for reference. The queen of love songs herself had emerged from the online scene, rising to fame in just three or four years to become the reigning queen of ballads.
Thus, Chen Guangzong predicted that not only could the Postman reach the pinnacle of online music, he might even nurture a few kings and queens of song along the way.
"The Postman is terrifying—he can master so many different styles. Whether it's internet hits or sentimental ballads, he handles them with ease, and every song is a sensation!" Chen Guangzong said, shooting a glance at Chen Feng. "You used to be so arrogant, always thinking you were more talented and capable than anyone else. Now, compared to the Postman, how do you feel?"
Chen Feng's face flushed. "I'm only twenty-five. The Postman is probably much older. Give me a few more years to hone my craft, and I'll get there too!"
Chen Guangzong stared at Chen Feng, his gaze full of mockery. "To write hits like 'Wait a Minute' and 'May I,' and to dominate the online music scene, do you think the Postman is that old? I can say with absolute certainty—he's definitely not older than twenty-six!"
Chen Feng felt a deep sense of defeat and helplessness.
Standing nearby, Liu Ruyun did not dare to say a word.
Chen Guangzong glanced at Liu Ruyun as well, his eyes cold and piercing. He didn't mind Chen Feng spending time with her—it was all just a game, a mutual exchange of needs.
But if Chen Feng wanted to marry Liu Ruyun and bring her into the Chen family, that was absolutely out of the question.
"Find the Postman as quickly as possible. With him, Red Queen Entertainment can surpass the other three companies!" Chen Guangzong ordered.
At present, there were four possible avenues to contact the Postman.
The first was to go to Douyin's headquarters and obtain the Postman's personal information. But Douyin's protection of its creators' information was notorious—absolutely confidential, and no one dared leak it. This option was out.
The second was to approach Zhou Wan. Everyone knew by now that Zhou Wan and the Postman were personally acquainted; the Postman had written songs for her, and during a live stream, Zhou Wan had mentioned knowing him for three or four years. But Zhou Wan was a diva, notoriously aloof and difficult to approach.
The third was to send direct messages to the Postman on the Original Music Base or short video platforms. However, he never replied—messages were always marked as read, but he never responded. He used to answer calls, but now he didn't even pick up.
The fourth was to find Shen Xian.
Everyone knew that Shen Xian had bought quite a few songs in bulk from the Postman, and according to their profit-sharing agreement, he had to send the Postman regular payments.
"I'll go find Shen Xian," Liu Ruyun said through gritted teeth.
Chen Feng said nothing, tacitly agreeing.
At No. 1 Nanzhou Garden, a month had passed since Liu Ruyun last visited. Today, she was as exquisitely dressed as ever, in a form-fitting purple dress that hugged her curves, her hair elegantly pinned up, her legs long and ivory white—her very presence exuded desire.
To be fair, Liu Ruyun's looks and figure were impeccable; she was alluring, with a naturally languid charm.
This was the style Shen Xian had once loved most.
It was eight in the morning, and Shen Xian, still groggy from just waking up, had just finished washing up when the doorbell rang.
Who could it be so early?
With a frown, Shen Xian opened the door and found Liu Ruyun standing outside. He paused, looked her up and down, and promptly shut the door with a click.
"Shen Xian, let's talk," Liu Ruyun called as she knocked again. "If you don't open up, I'll keep knocking."
Shen Xian opened the door again. This time, Liu Ruyun stepped inside, her eyes scanning the familiar layout.
Nothing had changed; it was just as she had left it a month before.
A faint nostalgia flickered in her gaze.
To be honest, her years with Shen Xian had been comfortable and happy. He was attentive, gentle, emotionally intelligent—he took care of her in every way.
She had no skills for independent living, but Shen Xian did it all: laundry, cooking, keeping the home in perfect order. No matter how late she returned, there was always hot, nutritious soup waiting.
When her period came, there was always a cup of brown sugar water by the bed. When she was sick, he stayed by her side without complaint.
And then there was Chen Feng—utterly chauvinistic, even less capable of living independently than she was, a giant baby in all but name.
Arrogant and conceited to boot.
"We once loved each other; there's no need to look at me like that," Liu Ruyun said softly, seeing Shen Xian's daily scowl. She motioned to the sofa like a hostess. "Sit. Let’s talk."
Shen Xian rolled his eyes. "Just say what you came to say. I have things to do."
"Help me contact the Postman. Name your price," Liu Ruyun said.
She recalled how, when she broke up with Shen Xian, he had confidently told her to wait and see, promising that in three days he’d have a good song. Looking back, Shen Xian must have had a close relationship with the Postman at that time.
She had even wondered if Shen Xian was the Postman himself, but the thought seemed ridiculous. If he were, how could he have failed to write a decent song for three years and endured such humiliation? No normal person would do that.
So her only conclusion was that Shen Xian and the Postman shared an extraordinary bond; it was the only explanation that made sense.
Shen Xian said, "Just be upfront. No need to pretend."
Liu Ruyun stood and spoke softly, "I haven’t had a decent song in three years. I’ve been stuck at this level for three years. Please, help me get in touch with the Postman?"
Her gaze was sincere as she looked at Shen Xian. "I still have feelings for you. You’re more gentle and considerate than any man I’ve ever met. I only broke up with you because I had no other choice. I hope you can understand."
Unbelievable. This gold digger dares to speak of love?
"Miss Liu, I think you’re mistaken. I have no feelings for you anymore," Shen Xian replied.
"I truly loved you," Liu Ruyun said. "There shouldn’t be hatred between us, should there?"
Shen Xian rolled his eyes again. "Give it a rest. The moment you went on that interview and accused me of stealing songs, any affection I had for you was gone."
Tears welled up in Liu Ruyun’s eyes. "What else could I do, Shen Xian? Tell me—if you were in my shoes, what choice did I have? I don’t expect you to forgive me. I have only one request: help me connect with the Postman. Can you?"