Lin Qiqi froze for a moment. "Da Fei? You're Da Fei?"
The director's comment made everyone realize it at once. It really was him!
No one had noticed until it was pointed out, but now that they had, he really did look like the person on TV!
"Da Fei, what are you doing here?"
Everyone eagerly crowded around. Lin Chudong smiled and said, "I'm just here to make a cameo. I'm a fan of Lin Qiqi's and wanted to get her autograph." He could lie without even having to think about it.
Lin Qiqi beamed. "Brother Da Fei is actually a fan of mine? And he even personally taught me how to play piano and sing. I'm so honored!"
"I was wondering how Qiqi learned so quickly. It turns out she had a master to guide her! She learned a song in ten minutes. A professional singer really is a professional!"
Li Bo said, "Da Fei, no problem writing a theme song for my next movie, right?"
"No problem, Brother Bo!"
Lin Chudong certainly didn't take that kind of polite talk seriously.
The director came over and said, "We'd heard that Da Fei left the band. We won't pry into who was right or wrong."
"Is this song of Da Fei's one of the band's songs?"
The director was just being polite. What he really wanted to know was whether the song was copyrighted.
If the copyright belonged to the Da Fei Band, they couldn't air the song. They'd have to cut it from the show, and might even need to reshoot the scene with a different amateur in Lin Chudong's place. That would be a huge hassle, and the show wouldn't be nearly as entertaining.
Lin Chudong said, "The song's called 'Chengdu.' The copyright belongs to me. It was the last song I wrote for the band, but I left before we had the chance to sign the contract."
The director let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. Whatever the outcome, we wish Da Fei all the best."
"Let me emphasize once again: this reality show has absolutely no script. Running into Da Fei was pure coincidence."
"To wrap up the show, let's all sing Da Fei's new song, 'Chengdu,' together."
"Super Challenge—That's Life! See you next time!"
With the melodious music playing, the shoot came to an end.
As soon as the cameras were off, everyone looked exhausted. The cheerful atmosphere vanished, replaced by silence.
"Let's grab a drink later. Brother Bo's paying. Da Fei, why don't you come too?"
Lin Chudong shook his head. "I'll pass, thanks."
"Sure, then."
The invitation to Da Fei had just been a courtesy. Since he'd left the Da Fei Band, he wasn't even a third-rate singer anymore. No one wanted to associate with him.
That was how the entertainment industry worked. When you were famous, everyone around you treated you warmly.
But once your popularity faded, the people around you made sure you felt the difference.
Lin Chudong was about to get on his electric scooter and leave when Lin Qiqi suddenly ran over.
"Brother Da Fei, I asked the director to give you a red packet. Don't be disappointed if it's not much. Think of it as a little good-luck gift."
Normally, with Lin Chudong's profile, he would have received a hefty appearance fee for joining a variety show.
Even if it was only a guest appearance in one episode, the fee would still have been substantial.
But Lin Chudong was no longer with Dafei Studio, and the director had no intention of paying him.
It was kind of Lin Qiqi to ask for a red packet for him. The big envelope contained what looked like ten thousand yuan.
Holding the ten thousand yuan, Lin Chudong felt a warmth in his heart.
"Thanks. If you ever need a song written, come to me."
A gesture of kindness in a time of need meant a lot. The ten thousand yuan was no small favor.
Lin Qiqi giggled. "Okay! I'll trouble you then, Brother Da Fei. Let's add each other on WeChat!"
They exchanged contact details, and Lin Chudong rode his little scooter back to the Piano Shop.
Lin Chudong finally breathed a long sigh of relief. The show would probably air in a few days, by which time the song should be released. If the production team didn't cut all his scenes, it ought to have a decent effect.
He had the Lucky Card to thank for all this. It had really come in handy!
When he got back to the Piano Shop, Jia Lu had already gone home. After Liang Yin pressed him for details, Lin Chudong told her what had happened along the way.
She and Wang Zhi listened, stunned.
"Seriously? Your Nine-Turned Intestines took first place? You beat out a Special Grade Chef? Make one for me. I want to try it!"
Lin Chudong said, "You're getting carried away. Don't think you can order me around just because you're the owner. I'll perform, but I won't sell myself!"
"Hmph! Then I'll go on a hunger strike and starve myself to death. That'll leave you unemployed!"
"..."
What a bizarre train of thought!
There was no denying Liang Yin was a genius!
For the sake of her ample chest—cough! For the sake of her being the boss's wife, Lin Chudong cooked her a few dishes. She ate until her mouth was greasy, giving him a thumbs-up over and over. Wang Zhi was so moved he nearly cried. At last, he wouldn't have to eat takeout anymore.
"Alright, you two eat up. I'm going to get some rest. Oh, and tell Jia Lu to come early tomorrow. I found her a teacher."
"Got it!"
Back in his room, Lin Chudong could finally open the treasure chest. He'd realized by now that musical talent alone wasn't enough to become a top musician.
In this age, capital reigned supreme. Trying to beat it with talent alone was far too difficult.
Luckily, he had these incredible treasure chests. They were his only hope.
Treasure Chest, open!
[Purple Treasure Chest x1] [Pet Training (Advanced)]
Lin Chudong: ???
There were plenty of practical skills, but this was ridiculous, wasn't it?
What use did he have for a skill that trained pets?
Cooking at least satisfied his appetite. But pet training? Was he supposed to become an animal trainer?
It seemed the treasure chest contained all sorts of things. But it didn't matter. There was no such thing as knowing too many skills.
Lin Chudong immediately learned the skill, and information about pet training flooded into his mind.
To his disappointment, this was still a Purple Treasure Chest.
Open.
[64:59:59]
It was still a Purple Treasure Chest, but the countdown had gotten longer. This time it was a full sixty-five hours!
If the time between treasure chests kept getting longer, the items would come too slowly.
Could it be because he hadn't used up the Lucky Card last time, so the system thought he still had an item and had slowed things down?
The system hadn't even given him a proper explanation. Was he supposed to figure it all out by himself?
But he couldn't just use up his two Lucky Cards over such a vague guess, could he?
They were incredibly useful. He'd better save them. If the treasure chests took longer to open, so be it. He could wait.
That evening, Su Yulin replied to the WeChat message he'd sent earlier.
"I just finished rehearsing. Should I come see you at nine tomorrow?"
"Yeah, come for breakfast."
"Should I bring something?"
"No need. I'll make it."
Su Yulin: You'll make it???
"Good night!"
Early the next morning, Wang Zhi was roused from a groggy sleep by the delicious aroma.
"Brother Fei, are you making a Manchu Han Imperial Feast first thing in the morning? How much is the boss's wife paying you?"
Lin Chudong said, "Cut the nonsense. Su Yulin's coming over soon. Hurry up and unlock the door."
Wang Zhi's eyes went wide with excitement. "What! Goddess Su is coming? I'd better go wash up!"
Lin Chudong: ...
Could he have some dignity?
So what if she was a goddess? She wasn't interested in him.
Before you continue