Chapter 106: Poor Discipline [First Update]

The interview venue for Evermemory Entertainment was festively decorated, awash in vibrant Chinese red. Banners bore the slogan "Hear the Celestial Sound," prominently displayed alongside the bold lettering of "Evermemory Music."

Ren Qian, dressed in a white suit, exchanged greetings and handshakes with the host before taking his seat. This interview was a must.

On one hand, Ren Qian had recently been the subject of excessive hype, and he needed to clarify things, conveying to the public that his sole desire was to compose music earnestly, urging the media to stop exploiting him for attention. On the other hand, the interview aimed to introduce him to a wider audience and deepen appreciation for his music.

Evermemory Music was now one of the leading forces in the industry. Its special interviews were prominently featured on the platform’s homepage, their promotional impact undeniable.

“Please prepare, host! Three, two, one… Begin the interview!”

The female host wore a neat office uniform with a V-shaped neckline.

“Mr. Ren Qian, welcome to Evermemory Music’s special interview.”

“Hello, host, and hello to all the viewers. I’m singer Ren Qian,” he replied with a smile, subtly adjusting his seat on the sofa to sit comfortably—he disliked sitting right on the edge.

“You are likely no stranger to our audience. A recently risen prodigious singer-songwriter, founder of the popular meme expressions… but as the saying goes, fame can be a burden.

“Have you been troubled by the excessive hype surrounding you lately?”

Ren Qian sighed. “It’s quite frustrating. I believe that as a singer, people should focus on one’s musical achievements, not gossip or scandals. Sensational stories like fake car crash rumors or mistreating workers add no value.”

He genuinely despised such media coverage. If the press only praised him, he would accept it without hesitation. But media rarely showed such kindness.

“Mr. Ren, you seem quite different from other celebrities who crave constant attention and scandals. You, on the other hand, seem to wish people would forget you.”

“That’s not exactly true. I don’t want to be forgotten; I just don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons. Hype is the lowest strategy. Only my work can leave a lasting impression. I want to focus on my music while I’m still young.”

The host felt a surge of admiration. Such was true mastery.

No wonder he had achieved in his youth what many could not in a lifetime.

“I wish you all the best on your musical journey.”

“Thank you for your kind wishes.”

…

“Some say that because you invented meme expressions, online chats have become vulgar, and then you created those absurd videos… Do you think these criticisms are fair?”

“I never claimed that meme expressions or those videos were sophisticated. But that doesn’t mean I’m vulgar. I can be refined, I can be popular, and sometimes I blend both in a way that appeals to all.”

“What about your recent efforts to support vulnerable groups and campaign for migrant workers’ wages? What are your thoughts?”

“I believe our netizens have kind hearts but have been lost in the busyness of life. I hope to collaborate more with them in charitable endeavors. As citizens, we must love our country and contribute to it.”

The conversation then shifted to lighter, more personal topics, like how Ren Qian relaxed in his spare time.

With his quick wit, the two engaged in a lively chat, leaving the Evermemory team thoroughly pleased.

“Notify HR to renew Ren Qian’s contract. If we don’t act soon to secure him, we’ll lose a treasure trove,” said the female secretary standing nearby, pushing up her glasses.

“What kind of contract?”

“Tell them this: the bigger the profit they want, the better the perks they must give Ren Qian.”

After the interview wrapped, the host draped her shawl around her shoulders and invited Ren Qian to stroll around the company. He considered going home to continue designing in his studio, with his nurse sister having gone back to her family, so he agreed.

But then he wondered, what was there to walk around for at Evermemory?

The company was only three or four years old, initially terribly short on funds, unable to secure large office space, so it was confined to the sixth floor of a commercial building in Wangfujing.

“How about a walk, then a cup of coffee? Or we could go to White Dove Square,” she suggested.

“Sounds good.”

Just as Ren Qian agreed, a sultry-voiced secretary entered.

“Mr. Ren, our manager would like to discuss contract amendments with you. Please come with me…”

…

On April 2nd, Ren Qian received yet another call from the provincial administrative office to schedule a meeting. Luckily his nurse sister wasn’t home; otherwise, she’d be annoyed by these officials—this was the sixth time they had come to his house, fishing for political points.

These government agencies sure knew how to spin a story!

Ren Qian had to admit that.

A small incident involving migrant workers’ wage disputes had been blown up into something grandiose.

They even shouted slogans like “Build a culturally strong province, establish a culturally powerful nation, and make Jiangnan City the global entertainment capital.”

This time, provincial leaders came to see Ren Qian to continue discussions from a few days prior. The previous meeting had merely sketched a framework for building the entertainment capital; now they wanted to add bricks and mortar, inflate the hype, develop style and standards.

They hoped to boast in newspapers again, securing political achievements for the future.

There was no way out.

Ren Qian put aside his work to accompany a group of officials on an inspection tour at Jiangnan Television Station. Along the way, the governor chatted with him about national affairs.

From strengthening the nation through technology to focusing on agriculture, he spoke eloquently, leaving Ren Qian to respond with strained smiles.

He had no desire to engage in such talk. A mere performer daring to discuss state matters—he felt life was becoming unbearable.

At the Jiangnan TV building, the station director greeted them with renowned hosts from “Everyday Upward,” the “Happy Camp” team, top director Hong Tao, and other prominent figures lined up to welcome them.

Ren Qian walked to the governor’s left, his distinct aura sharply contrasting the corpulent officials around him. His prominent position drew attention, and as he entered on the red carpet with the entourage, admiration turned to awe.

“Amazing! I knew someone so young couldn’t have achieved such success without a strong background…”

“Walking side by side with the governor, chatting away… a model for performers!”

“I misjudged him…”

The station director had initially thought Ren Qian was just a well-educated young man. Little did he know he was the offspring of an influential official.

Moreover, it seemed Ren Qian was a direct relative of the governor. Even the ostentatious director of the Cultural Department, He Chang, showed no airs around him, instead smiling warmly.

No one knew what to make of it.

The Cultural Department director wielded immense power—all programs at Jiangnan TV had to pass his review.

If Ren Qian could leverage his connections to secure government sponsorship and policy support, Jiangnan TV would soar again. The director’s heart swelled with excitement; success at a local station could mean a promotion to the national broadcaster, with better pay and status.

…

As the day drew to a close, the inspection’s final event was held in the “I Am a Singer” studio, offering a free musical extravaganza.

Though these portly officials understood little, it did not stop them from feigning sophistication.

Ren Qian endured the ordeal with a weary expression.

Why so formal and serious for no reason? They ended up watching all day.

If these were officials from the Celestial Empire, they’d have slipped away to pursue starlets long ago. It was a miserable facade of dignity—many had already dozed off.

What made Ren Qian speechless was when Governor Wang, before leaving, discreetly tugged his hand and said solemnly:

“Why do some of those people at the back pull inward while others push outward? It’s not orderly, their discipline is poor! You should criticize them!”

Ren Qian: “…”