Netizen A: "Hey, handsome! (My Bentley key just fell under the seat of my Ferrari. I fished around for ages, and ended up knocking several diamonds off my Cartier watch. So I had to go back to Tomson Supreme to get my Dyson cordless vacuum and suck them out.) So, what should we talk about now?"
Netizen B: "If things go well, we'll get married, watch fireworks together, watch the sunrise and sunset, eat barbecue skewers, roast duck, chicken frames, and hot pot. We'll have a wonderful life together. If things don't go well, I'll just go comment on your next video."
Netizen C: "The river flowers at sunrise are redder than fire. I hope big brother likes me [licks screen]."
Netizen D: "Ever since I heard your song and followed you, I've stopped looking after the kids, stopped cooking, and even gotten divorced. Now I just sit around with my phone, waiting for you to post something new [tears]. When is this treasure of a creator going to post the full version?"
Netizen E: "Oh my god, this song is so good! This is my first time hearing it. Is this the original singer? The guy singing it is so handsome, too. I think I'm in love."
Netizen F: "He's exactly my type! (Screaming) (Twisting) (Crawling around in the shadows) (Screaming) (Twisting) (Crawling around in the shadows) (Screaming) (Twisting) (Crawling around in the shadows) (Screaming) (Twisting) (Crawling around in the shadows) (Screaming) (Twisting) (Crawling around in the shadows) (Screaming) (Twisting) (Crawling around in the shadows)"
Netizen G: "I really don't understand how such a young man could go down this road. Where are his morals? Where is his dignity? Where's his home address? And where can I contact him?"
Netizen H: "Why are all of you praising him? Once you're done praising him, what am I supposed to praise?? [angry]"
Netizen I: "Is this the debut single from a new artist signed by some company? I've never heard it before. It's so good. I feel so loved."
Netizen J: "Everyone above, snap out of it. Put those long legs away, pick up your underwear, and stop blocking the screen. The creator might be a married man. This song is obviously for his child, so you don't stand a chance."
Netizen K: "Stay out of a young lady's business. If you swing your hoe well, no corner is too hard to dig up. Since ancient times, deep affection has never held anyone back; only a good scheme wins someone's heart. Even if I can't have him, getting him to release the full song—or a new one—would still be worth it."
"..."
Looks like it worked pretty well.
Ye Chen watched the view count and little hearts steadily climb. The response was about what he'd expected, and he was pretty satisfied.
If he released a few more songs later, the reaction would probably be even more astonishing.
Just then, Ye Chen's phone rang. It was Cheng Tong.
Ye Chen answered.
Cheng Tong said excitedly, "Chen, your account's blown up! Is the song you sang in your video an original?"
"Yeah. I suddenly got inspired, so I played and sang it, then recorded it," Ye Chen replied.
"That's incredible. I'm not impressed by anyone else, just you. I always knew you were destined for great things. You've even had time to write and sing songs while taking care of your wife? It's only a snippet, but it's so good. I think these two songs could really take off. Do you have the full versions? Have you applied for copyright?"
"I do. Don't worry, I've already applied."
"Good. When you make it big, don't forget about your old pal in the trenches."
"Of course I won't. When I really make it big, I'll bring you along."
"Sounds good. Am I imagining it, or has your singing gotten better, too? Did becoming a dad unlock your meridians?"
"Probably. I think so too," Ye Chen replied with a laugh.
Cheng Tong said casually, "We're such good friends. You should write a song about our friendship, too."
"I actually did write a song about friendship. I'll record a video when I get back."
"Holy crap! You really wrote one? Are you cheating or something? You're bursting with inspiration!"
Cheng Tong was stunned on the other end of the call.
Seeing Ye Chen like this made Cheng Tong want to find a wife, have a kid, and change his fate, too.
"I have a wife and kids to support, so I've got more pressure on me. I have to work hard and hustle, don't I?" Ye Chen replied with a laugh.
"True. Don't sell those two songs cheap. Keep them for yourself. With the way you're doing now, if you can write a few more good songs and sign with a good company, you can definitely establish yourself in the music industry and make money. Don't doubt yourself. You're great, and you're more than good enough for Su Ningwei."
"Of course I am," Ye Chen replied with a laugh.
Ye Chen could tell Cheng Tong was trying to encourage him.
But with the system at his side, Ye Chen had no reason to doubt himself.
Cheng Tong continued, "By the way, why'd you pay me back all the money? Aren't you short on cash right now? And what's going on with that stock? Is it insider information? Is it safe?"
"It's safe. You can buy it. I spent some time studying this stuff, and now I've figured it out and made a decent amount. That's why I paid you back," Ye Chen replied.
"You're that good? Ever since you got a wife and kid, even your luck's been through the roof. How much did you make?"
"A decent amount. Go ahead and buy as much as you want."
"Damn! Are you going to be the next stock market genius? I've got to get rich with you, then."
"I don't know if I'm a stock market genius, but I can definitely help us climb out of poverty and get rich," Ye Chen replied with a laugh.
"Okay, I trust you. I'll bet my entire savings for a future wife on it and see if I can turn a motorcycle into a BMW."
Cheng Tong was getting fired up, too.
After all these years of knowing each other, Cheng Tong understood Ye Chen well.
Ye Chen wouldn't make a big promise unless he was sure he could keep it.
Just then, several more calls came through to Ye Chen's phone.
Ye Yao, Zhu Peng, Zhou Tao... They were all calling him.
"Definitely. A few calls are coming in, so I'd better answer them," Ye Chen said to Cheng Tong.
Cheng Tong replied, "Sure, I'll hang up. Let me know as soon as you upload a video with a new song."
"Okay." Ye Chen hung up and answered Ye Yao's call.
Ye Yao sounded excited as she asked, "Brother, I saw the songs you posted. They're really good. Did you write them yourself?"
"Yeah," Ye Chen replied.
"But is one of the songs about a child? Everyone in the comments says you're married and have a kid. Aren't you going to clear things up?"
"No need to clear anything up. I really am a dad now."
"What?! You really became a dad? How many did you have?"
Ye Yao was completely shocked on the other end of the phone.
"Three. One boy and two girls."
"Oh my god! Triplets? Why didn't you tell me about something this big sooner? Can you manage on your own? Do you need me to come help?"
"We can manage. Focus on your studies. It's a long story, so don't tell Mom and Dad yet. Dad isn't in good health, and I don't want them making the trip back and forth. Once your sister-in-law is out of her postpartum confinement, I'll come home and we'll discuss the wedding," Ye Chen replied.