Idol Chapter 113 Part 2

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The next day, the tie was removed, and the two sat far apart at the dining table.

One was expressionlessly drinking a milkshake, while the other, so pleased that even peeling a grapefruit was done humming a tune.

After observing the two for a while, Huo Ren tentatively asked: “What’s the situation with you two now?”

“We broke up.” Bo Jue didn’t even lift his head: “He’s dead to me.”

Long Jia, spoon in mouth, squinted and smiled: “Yeah, that’s right.”

Huo Ren decided to stay out of it for the time being.

As one of the major shareholders, he needed to attend today’s headquarters meeting to understand the trends in annual big data.

Six or seven years ago, when he went to the administrative building, he was just a follower behind Uncle Jiang. Now, he has his own designated seat and the right to be listened to by everyone.

This year’s meeting, chaired by Director Su, mainly discussed the strategic upgrade of traditional models.

Five or six years ago, entertainment companies had a monopoly on music production.

Now, with technological advancement, anyone with a computer, or even just a smartphone, can become an internet singer, attracting traffic and even reaching the popularity of second or third-tier stars.

Not only are there more amateur singers, but the number of singers and groups in various music circles has also surged, with a plethora of releases almost every day.

Niche audiences are completely encapsulated in their comfort zones by the internet, hip-hop, traditional, electronic – you can dive into whatever you want and indulge in consumption, with decreasing interest in exploring unfamiliar new styles—

The cost for entertainment companies to promote talent will continue to rise, and new songs breaking out of their circles will become increasingly difficult.

With the full popularization of the 4G era, all industries are facing challenges.

“If we continue to promote artists with traditional thinking—note, by traditional, I mean the old models of the last three or four years, the old mindset we’ve just changed,” Director Su frowned: “We will definitely be gradually phased out.”

Everything is changing too quickly.

After the meeting, Huo Ren was packing up when Old Chen came over with a folder, smiling as he greeted him and Jiang Shu.

“Long time no see.”

As a top agent in the industry, she has always had a high regard for Huo Ren, greatly appreciating his professionalism and dedication.

“By the way, the trainee you recommended to me, indeed has good potential and works diligently, a great prospect,” Sister Chen ran her hand through her hair, contentedly said: “SPF has taken in too many trainees before, it’s rare to see someone this diligent—apart from being a bit quiet and reserved, everything else about him is reassuring.”

Huo Ren took a few seconds to recall who she was talking about.

“Fu Mingnian?”

He was the boy he protected backstage at Qingxi Road from being bullied.

“He got three As in the annual assessment, I was planning to debut him this year, but Xiao Nian hopes to train a bit longer, which is fine, anyway—Oh!”

Sister Chen, preoccupied with their conversation, didn’t secure the thick stack of files in her arms, and they scattered on the floor.

“This isn’t like your usual style.” Jiang Shu bent down to help her pick things up, still finding time to joke: “Feels good to be a talent scout, doesn’t it?”

“Absolutely—” Chen sister sighed while picking up: “Dealing with blockheads is so annoying.”

While helping out, Huo Ren’s gaze paused, picking up a copy of a proposal with a corner missing and said, “This variety show… How come I’ve never heard of it?”

《ONLY DEADLINE》.

“Ultimate Deadline”, a large-scale variety show for amateurs in a rush to meet deadlines and a creative competition.

“Oh, this?” Sister Chen leaned over to take a look, then laughed dismissively: “This project is too low-tier, the guests are all amateurs, not even suitable for promoting trainees—I should’ve shredded this a long time ago.”

Huo Ren took a closer look, tilting his head seriously, “May I take a look at this proposal?”

“Eh? Take it.”

Indeed, this program isn’t suited for promoting fameless trainees, Sister Chen wasn’t wrong in her judgment.

But Huo Ren intuitively felt this was the key he was looking for.

Isolated environment, high concentration points, zero distance feeling, compatible with multiple fields, and extremely conducive to indirectly promoting works.

He pulled Uncle Jiang into another meeting room and carefully reviewed the proposal.

Uncle Jiang was puzzled, “Why would you play with amateurs? I’ve seen this proposal, comic artists, fashion designers, online writers, these are all unrelated to the entertainment industry.”

“It’s precisely because other idols don’t play with amateurs,” Huo Ren seriously said, “that I want to go.”

Not just to go, but also to invest in this program to ensure its timely production.

“Uncle Jiang, Chi Chi has been away playing for half a month, Yun-ge is learning African drums, Jue-ge is practicing piano, you can totally arrange for Long-ge and Yao Yao to do things they enjoy,” Huo Ren had already made up his mind, calmly saying, “Trust me on this one.”

Uncle Jiang massaged his forehead, “When have I not trusted you?”

“Ultimate Deadline” is a creative program currently being prepared by Honglu Channel, ready for everything except investment and a gimmick.

When Huo Ren personally called, the editor almost screamed, “You—are you really Huo Ren?!”

“It’s me.”

“Hello, hello, hello, hello,” the editor tried to suppress her fangirl soul, “Are you looking for Director Zhuang for something?”

“I want to participate in your program as a creator, and also invest and sponsor.”

A violent gasp came from the other end of the phone.

“Please wait, I’ll convey the message immediately,” the young editor quickly said, then turned to shout at the other two sisters in the office: “Where’s Director Zhuang—We have a VIP!!!”

They quickly arranged a meeting, both sides overly excited.

As the name implies, “ONLY DEADLINE” is a pure deadline-chasing creative program.

Six guests must live together in a large villa, maintaining at least eight hours of work time per day, reporting creative results every five days within twenty days, and being eliminated one by one based on scores.

And need to be completely off the internet.

All reference materials, brush tools, etc., need to be backed up in advance, with an internal database on the computer, prohibiting internet access for any reason.

The works themselves will be anonymously rated by experts and amateurs, ranked by comprehensive scores.

Only commercial and academic works have DEADLINES, so the main basis for the program’s scoring is—’how much you want to spend on this work’.

Honglu Channel has been lukewarm in recent years, constantly overshadowed by Baichuan Channel, with generally mediocre responses to their variety shows.

They never expected a top-tier influencer like Huo Ren to come to their modest program to seclude himself and write songs, feeling nervous during the negotiation.

“Indeed, the scoring during the show is entirely anonymous,” the producer worried about him flipping out in the show, carefully toning his warning, “If you’re writing songs, you might encounter very picky professionals.”

“No need for any backdoors,” Huo Ren laughed, “Winning is winning, losing is losing.”

He got to where he is today always relying on himself.

With the investment in place, the yet-to-be-confirmed guests were all upgraded, replaced with well-known elites and ‘king of pigeons’ from the industry.

Seasonally updating comic artists, genius writers who break frequently, outstanding fashion designers who have popularized several old styles, independent folk musicians…

As the program was set, the news gradually leaked out, causing long-awaited netizens to be utterly shocked.

“What kind of genius deadline-chasing program is this??? Please introduce a battle royale mode, will you???”

“What’s the point of recording! If you dare, livestream it! I’ll watch every line he updates!!”

“Is a mysterious idol really joining? Wait, didn’t the production team get it wrong? What’s an idol doing in this death march show??”

Meanwhile, Jiang Shu was busy picking resources for the big and small lions in the group, and street photos of Jiang Jue and Chi Ji were also gradually being released, clear and pure like the air after rain.

Chi Ji, after a long hiatus, began to have his assistant upload photos on his behalf again, and many photos and videos taken by passersby were continuously flooding the internet, unexpectedly gaining popularity.

They were indeed on vacation, having a great time.

One moment, they were walking down the street holding an ice cream cone stacked with six scoops, their slim waists and long legs making them look like a pair of models, dressed in American style, with carefree and relaxed smiles.

Another moment, they were hugging plush toys for a photo in Disneyland, wearing Mickey Mouse hats, looking like refreshingly happy young men.

Riding bikes chasing pigeons in Central Park, making heart signs with fans in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, watching a new play at Radio City Music Hall, then flying to Los Angeles to share a seaside dinner with Director Bai.

The fans of good looks were all raising their heads—

These two brothers are just too! Pleasing to the eye!!

Jiang Jue’s fans had seen interviews before, knowing that this senior brother had taken good care of their own brother, so they were especially friendly towards Chi Ji.

Sunny sister fans had been worried about Chi Ji for a long time, fighting against the noxious tides of negativity while inquiring everywhere if the brother was doing well recently.

Now, both groups of fans stumbled upon the dazzlingly beautiful travel photos, all sinking into contented tranquility.

This is what you call “unretouched beats retouched”!

This is what you call “inherent quality and a breath of fresh air”!!

This is what you call “pure and sweet brotherly love”!!

Jiang Jue is cultured and calm, Chi Ji is bright and lively, the two continued their crazy fun after dropping dozens of travel photos, not caring about what’s being said online.

Only leaving fans wiping away tears as they obsess over the photos, every fan, from the fans of the individuals to the shippers, filling their phone storage to the brim.

This collarbone, this waist, these long legs, is it still possible for me to apply to be a free driver now, let me sit on the roller coaster with the brothers!!!

Mei Shengyao, seeing the photos, was grumpily rolling on the sofa: “It should have been me taking Brother Chi out! I’m jealous!”

Xie Lianyun, meanwhile, was looking at another tie that had newly appeared at someone’s bedroom door: “Tsk…”

At the same time, the Long-Jue CP fans, after watching the Valentine’s Day special, rapidly increased in number, completely bewildered by their archaeological dig.

They had no idea that Long and Jue had already broken up, now barely speaking each day, seemingly complete strangers to each other.

What they actually saw was, Long Jia and Bo Jue in the show synchronizing perfectly, their tacit understanding in answering questions was more real than the script, and the past they could dig up was not just a corner but a mountain of sweetness—

Long and Jue had couple bracelets, although the other four cuties also had the same model, only their pendants were the sun and the moon.

Every time Long and Jue were on a show, they would steal glances at each other, even tenderly smiling when gazing.

Not to mention the horseback riding incident that trended on social media, the hand-kissing during concerts, the undercurrents during interviews, and the shared love songs with responses and questions…

[43L]: Damn, I really got it this time, they must definitely be in love, right? If they’re not in love, I’ll give you Xie Lianyun’s head!

[78L]: At first, I thought it was too staged, but now I suddenly realize something’s off—there’s no need for Long-ge to hype up given his status and family background. He’s so rich that whether he’s active or not doesn’t matter; being an idol is just for fun. If he says it’s love, could it be false???

[222L]: Microscope sisters have already found… The lip shape of what Long Jia said to Xie Lianyun in “The Crown Hunt” was ‘let him play a little longer’. Don’t talk to me; I’m going to obsess over this today [screaming][screaming][screaming]

[311L]: Weren’t Long and Jue real from the start!!! It’s totally genuine!!! They might have already gotten married abroad!!!! If not, waiting three more years to get married in the country is also fine!!!!

Before leaving to record the show, Huo Ren had one last interview with the other four teammates.

And sure enough, a reporter tried to dig into something related to Jiang, Chi, Long, and Jue.

Huo Ren thought that Jiang Jue having a boyfriend and the latter two being ex-boyfriends made this a deadly question to answer in any way.

Mei Shengyao preempted with a smile: “Brother Chi and Brother Jiang are good friends, don’t overthink it.”

“Then…” the reporter’s gaze shifted to another pair of focus.

Bo Jue looked away, refusing to discuss, as if they hadn’t hung another tie and argued again last night.

Long Jia nodded with a smile: “It’s love.”

The reporter was once again deeply confused.

This… It’s completely unclear what’s real and what’s not anymore!

Huo Ren was utterly shocked by the magical operations of his big brother and third brother.

He temporarily didn’t understand why ex-boyfriends could end up in bed together, trying to shift the focus back.

“So, please look forward to Yao Yao and Jia-ge’s friendship cameo in ‘Fairy Painting’, as well as my new variety show ‘ONLY DEADLINE’.” He said with a sincere smile: “It will be super—spectacular.”

This personal variety show required him to go to Honglu City for more than half a month of closed filming. Huo Ren meticulously hugged everyone goodbye before leaving.

Long Jia and Mei Shengyao were also packing, preparing to arrive at the film crew early to get familiar with green screen shooting.

Whether it’s recording a solo variety show or making a cameo, the ultimate goal is to promote Corona from multiple dimensions, leading the supergroup to break through the bottleneck and achieve a higher and deeper popularity.

They were clear about what they were doing.

Only Xie Lianyun and Bo Jue were left at home, remembering to stuff them with steam eye masks and scented candles when parting.

Xie Lianyun bought a big bag of fresh five-spice duck tongues, also remembering to include wet wipes for hand cleaning.

“You must pay attention to safety outside…” Bo Jue gave the other two a big box of steam eye masks. Seeing Long Jia, he paused for a few seconds, and at the same moment of the other’s questioning eyebrow raise, he darkly also stuffed a box of grapefruit scented candles: “Pay attention to your diet and keep warm, Xie Xie and I will wait for you to come back.”

Long Jia hugged the big stack in his arms, looking at Bo Jue and just laughed.

The latter exploded in a second.

“Even if we broke up, we’re still good teammates, shut up, don’t ask anymore!”

Huo Ren felt like he was going off to college, reluctantly acting spoiled before leaving: “I’m going to miss you guys so much…”

“Just half a month, buddy, relax,” Xie Lianyun said with a lollipop in his mouth: “With you guys gone, I can finally relax and let loose, not wearing pants is truly liberating.”

Bo Jue had given up struggling: “You can even take a leash for a walk, I don’t care anymore.”

“I usually wrap it around my waist,” Xie Lianyun said seriously: “Teacher Bo, you need to be a serious person.”

As he got into the nanny car, another person was waiting in the underground parking lot, tapping the car window with her knuckles.

It was Director Su, dressed sharply.

“Captain,” she also came to see him off: “Uncle Jiang is on a business trip, so I came to send you off.”

Su Rong was always decisive and direct, almost exploded earlier this year after being sabotaged by Han Qu.

“Huo Ren,” she lowered her voice: “The incident with Little Chi was due to the company’s oversight, not thoroughly investigating the background of Baichuan Channel’s new team.”

“…That matter, we’ll soon pay back threefold.”

“Rest assured and continue moving forward, SPF will always be your solid support.”

Huo Ren nodded in agreement and shook hands with Su Rong to say goodbye.

“Enjoy the war.” His eyes gleamed with fire: “The year has only just begun.”

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The author has something to say:

[Announcement]

1. Today just happens to mark 600,000 words, and there will be no anguish in at least the next 100,000 words, so please enjoy with peace of mind.

Every story may have regrets and twists. Please do not inquire too much about anguish and related matters in the comments section, as it may affect the experience of other readers. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

[Also, please do not cue any celebrities or real-life CPs in the comments section, many thanks, bowing to everyone.]

2. Huo Ren was indeed initially considered to be named Huo Ran, but due to a name clash, it was decided to be Huo Ren, all because of the author’s inability to name… Do not over-speculate.

There is no strange setting that he will change his name later…

3. The Crown is likely to have two group variety shows this year, and there will be concerts too, but Boss Pei will be a background board for a while, burp.

However, after the mid-term, he will have a lot of scenes… The first half is indeed more of a supporting role x

4. Fu Mingnian is a character in this book, not an Easter egg, and will have his part in the later stage.

His personality is… gloomy yet sharp, a complex existence, somewhat like a great white shark skilled in camouflage.

And… quite cute?

5. Starting from the next chapter, it’s all high-energy x

Welcome to watch the genius Huo Ren’s deadline-chasing daily life