Chapter 5 A Call from the Creditor

Afterward, Shen Xian browsed through the trending entertainment news for a while and felt satisfied with his performance today.

He realized that breaking through with online music was indeed a viable path.

But at the same time, he knew that, at least in the short term, he absolutely could not reveal his true identity.

Back then, after rejecting offers from the four major entertainment giants, they had held a grudge against him ever since.

Now, with the emergence and intervention of Chen Feng, they had found an excuse to target him.

If his identity were to be exposed now, even the route of online music might be closed to him.

Who knew whether those giants had already extended their reach into DouYin.

Fortunately, DouYin’s protection of creators’ information was quite good.

Even though he had completed real-name verification, they would not disclose his information.

He then checked his earnings for the day.

After this live stream, he’d received ten “Carnivals”—each worth three thousand yuan.

Along with various smaller gifts, today’s total earnings were around sixty thousand yuan.

The platform would take half, leaving him with thirty thousand.

Hiss…

He was still a long way from the eighty million penalty for breach of contract!

“Ding, one million yuan has been deposited to your Alipay account!”

Shen Xian was startled—who had transferred him money?

A notification sounded immediately after, and Zhou Wan’s voice message played: “Hello, Mr. Postman. I’ve just transferred the copyright fee for ‘Reluctant to Leave’ to you. Please check your account!”

Shen Xian quickly moved the funds to his studio’s corporate account and opened the personal income tax app to declare his taxes.

He was quite satisfied with the copyright fee for this song.

Although he had caused a sensation online today, he was, in essence, still a newcomer.

Even a high-quality song by a newcomer typically fetched no more than a hundred thousand.

On the Original Music Base, there were plenty whose songs sold for only a few thousand.

So what Zhou Wan offered was an astronomical price!

“Thank you, Diva Zhou, this is far too generous,” Shen Xian replied.

Zhou Wan responded, “Not at all! With your talent, Mr. Postman, your future songs will probably be worth millions each!”

There was a musical genius on earth who wrote “Blue and White Porcelain”—eight thousand per character, just for lyrics, not including composition, arrangement, mixing, or mastering.

So Shen Xian fell silent, acknowledging her words were true.

“Mr. Postman, if it’s convenient, could we find some time to meet?” Zhou Wan soon called, her voice bright and gentle.

Her voice was truly beautiful—ethereal, with a unique charm.

Shen Xian didn’t want to expose himself too soon. Although Zhou Wan’s company wasn’t one of the four giants, too many people knew her.

He hadn’t yet built up enough momentum to counter those powers.

Shen Xian laughed. “Let’s talk about it another time. You’re quite busy, and I’m just a behind-the-scenes worker. I don’t intend to appear in the public eye for now.”

Zhou Wan replied, “No problem, I’ll pick a quiet place, and I promise never to reveal your true information!”

She knew that some industry heavyweights had their peculiarities.

Shen Xian thought for a moment. “How about this—when I have time, I’ll reach out to you myself. How does that sound?”

Zhou Wan did not push further. “Alright, I’ll wait for your call.”

But Shen Xian’s words had piqued her curiosity.

So many people in the entertainment industry wanted to meet her and would do anything for the chance.

Even wealthy heirs would spend a fortune just to dine with her, only to be refused.

Yet this “Postman” had turned down her invitation.

“What a mysterious man,” Zhou Wan murmured to herself. “But his voice is really nice—polite, courteous, never arrogant about his talent, and never takes the initiative to message me. He doesn’t sound very old, either.”

Of course, Shen Xian had no idea what Zhou Wan was imagining.

He was busy worrying about that eighty million penalty when the last call he wanted to receive came in.

Caller ID: Ning Cai, Yu’an Media.

“Good evening, Director Ning. Have you had dinner yet?” Shen Xian’s tone was gentle and courteous.

A cold voice answered, “Come to the office at eight tomorrow morning.”

With that, the call ended—quick and to the point.

Shen Xian put his phone down quietly.

He really didn’t like dealing with Ning Cai, but there was nothing to be done—they paid well.

Over the past three years, they’d treated him fairly.

Even though he hadn’t produced a single work in all that time, Ning Cai hadn’t terminated his contract.

The dividends due to him were always paid in full.

Occasionally, they would send Liu Ruyun to a commercial performance or concert.

Ning Cai had even comforted Shen Xian multiple times, telling him that hardship would eventually pass.

Still, Shen Xian preferred to keep his distance.

Ning Cai was cold, sometimes seemingly unfeeling, never giving him a kind look.

The next morning, Shen Xian arrived at Yu’an Media’s building.

When he entered, the receptionist greeted him with polite enthusiasm.

They all knew Shen Xian.

Handsome, well-mannered, charming—adept at handling any situation.

“Shen Xian, long time no see,” the receptionist said brightly, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled.

Shen Xian handed her a cup of coffee. “Your favorite Americano, no sugar.”

The receptionist replied sweetly, “Thank you, Xian-ge, you’re always so thoughtful.”

Another young woman walked over, and Shen Xian pulled a milk tea from his bag. “Miss Chen, you’ve grown even more beautiful. Your favorite, classic milk tea.”

He went on to hand drinks to the six or seven staff members in the lobby.

Even the cleaning lady received two egg tarts.

“Where’s Director Ning?” Shen Xian asked.

“In her office,” the receptionist replied, sipping her coffee, her mood instantly lifted.

Shen Xian really was wonderful—gentle, attentive, always thoughtful, radiating emotional warmth.

What a pity about that car accident three years ago.

They had shipped Shen Xian and Liu Ruyun as a couple for so long.

Shen Xian nodded and headed for the elevator.

“Shen Xian’s a good man. If I had a daughter, I’d want to introduce her to him,” the cleaning lady said, enjoying her egg tart. Then, mumbling, “I rely on Liu Ruyun’s aunt.”

Yu’an Media was neither small nor large, occupying six floors in this building.

They had a music department, live streaming, animation, film and television, and a marketing division.

Though not as massive as the four giants, they were fully equipped.

Ning Cai, at only twenty-five, had built her studio to this scale—a testament to her ability.

Of course, Shen Xian suspected she might have a benefactor.

He reached Ning Cai’s office and knocked.

“Come in,” came the cold reply.

Shen Xian took a deep breath, then put on a warm smile and entered.

He immediately saw Ning Cai at her desk, head down, frowning as she worked.

Shen Xian approached, carrying a basket of soup dumplings, which he set on her desk and opened quickly. “Bought these this morning in the west of the city. Eat them while they’re hot.”

He had even added their favorite spicy sauce.

Ning Cai looked up and fixed her gaze on him. “Liu Ruyun has jumped ship. What about the engagements I agreed to?”

“Or you can pay me eighty million.”

With that, she tossed an itinerary in front of Shen Xian.

“Who’s the Singer PK”—Liu Ruyun representing Yu’an Media.

Longshu Mid-Autumn Gala Night, 8:30 p.m.—Liu Ruyun to perform three songs.

Wedding of Binzhou’s richest heir—Liu Ruyun to perform, appearance fee: eight hundred thousand.