Chapter 136: Chapter 135: Status (2/10)
"President Gu, I saw a post online featuring a clip of you singing ’Love of a Lifetime’ at school. Why not get on stage and sing a song? It would fill the time and, given your current fame, you’re no less popular than these veterans."
Initially, all the stars had agreed to Gu Bai’s request, but suddenly Mao Buyi spoke up.
As Gu Bai’s identity gradually became public, gossip about him also increased online. A video of him singing during freshmen training went viral, and Mao Buyi happened across it and casually mentioned it.
However, as soon as he spoke, the entire scene went cold.
Deng Qi, Zhang Jie, and Li Ronghao all looked at Mao Buyi with differing expressions.
Only Xue Ziqian realized things might go wrong and quickly said, "President Gu, Buyi is just joking, don’t worry about it."
Online, Xue Ziqian is often credited as Mao Buyi’s talent scout. Xue Ziqian himself sees great potential in this newcomer, sharing a kind of mentor-friend relationship.
Hearing Xue Ziqian’s explanation, cold sweat trickled down Mao Buyi’s face.
Mao Buyi was new to the industry, having been an ordinary person a few months ago. He wasn’t familiar with the intricacies of the entertainment circle yet. He felt Gu Bai seemed unassuming and about the same age, so he brought it up without thinking. It wasn’t until he processed what he’d done that he realized his mistake.
Getting someone like Gu Bai, a bigwig, to perform on stage with them?
Anyone with sense wouldn’t suggest such a thing.
They are artists; performing on stage is normal for them. But who are they compared to Gu Bai?
In that moment, Mao Buyi sweated profusely and dared not utter another word. If Gu Bai were the type to take things seriously, this simple joke might have already offended him.
The atmosphere in the room turned somewhat awkward.
Gu Bai didn’t think much of it initially, but after noticing the shift in the atmosphere, he quickly understood the situation. He couldn’t help but reflect that, while he’d heard the entertainment industry was hierarchical, he was now experiencing it firsthand.
A star who skyrocketed to fame was so apprehensive over a simple joke in front of him. No wonder so many yearn for money and power; this feeling is indeed intoxicating.
"Old Gu, you can sing?"
Principal Wang, uninhibited, laughed and teased after hearing Mao Buyi’s comment.
Before Gu Bai could respond, Li Zhun added, "Really? If you have this skill, get on stage and show it off! I’ll have the company’s marketing department push it to trending. The heartfelt performance of a billionaire would surely elevate the prestige of our influencer festival!"
Hearing this, Gu Bai rolled his eyes at them.
"Why don’t you two get up and sing?"
"Nonsense, with our level, one note and the whole gala would collapse!"
Even though he knew they were joking, Gu Bai was somewhat tempted.
Singing in front of 18,000 people sounded thrilling. Plus, if it were marketed properly, wouldn’t the progress on his reputation task shoot up? In this lifetime, he had no interest in becoming a star or director, but experiencing it once might be interesting. After all, didn’t Wang Shoufu and Ma Ba Ba perform on stage? What’s embarrassing about this?
"Honestly, I’m a bit tempted."
Hearing this, the two exchanged a glance and immediately egged him on: "Do it! If anything goes wrong, we’ll cover for you!"
After hesitating for a few seconds, Gu Bai agreed, deciding to sing.
Then he turned to Yan Xiaobo: "Inform the backstage program planner to add a segment for me."
"President Gu, are you really going to sing?"
Gu Bai shot him a glare.
"Do you think I’d lip-sync?"
Yan Xiaobo held back a laugh as he prepared to inform the stage director.
"Wait."
Yan Xiaobo looked back at Gu Bai, puzzled.
"Old Gu, you’re not chickening out, are you?"
"Get lost."
Gu Bai first scolded the teasing Li Zhun, then continued to Yan Xiaobo: "Arrange my performance to be with Mao Buyi’s. He’s singing ’Worries Away’ and ’People Like Me,’ and I know both. I’ll do a duet with Mao Buyi on ’People Like Me.’"
After saying this, he looked at Mao Buyi.
"Does this work for you?"
Since it was a sudden addition to the lineup, it couldn’t disrupt the main performer’s flow.
"No problem!"
Mao Buyi initially thought he’d offended Gu Bai but was relieved when Gu Bai not only wasn’t angry but wanted to duet with him.
Seeing this, Gu Bai slightly nodded.
Patting his shoulder: "Do your best. I’ll have President Long align more resources for you."
Mao Buyi nodded excitedly.
Gu Bai publicly saying such words was effectively endorsing him. As a newcomer, having a bigwig’s protection in the circle meant that reaching the top tier was just a matter of time. With a bit more effort, surpassing the top tier wasn’t out of the question.
The gala was about to begin, and with matters settled, Gu Bai had no reason to stay. He turned to Xue Ziqian, who had defended Mao Buyi, and said, "Take care of Mao Buyi in the circle. If you have any issues, feel free to come to Black Swan Capital."
Xue Ziqian, recently embroiled in scandalous rumors and barely holding it together, reacted briefly to Gu Bai’s words before responding with a smiling affirmation.
Gu Bai said no more, bid farewell to the stars, and then left with Principal Wang and Li Zhun.
After Gu Bai departed, the top-tier stars all stared enviously at Mao Buyi.
No wonder they were envious; each had struggled for years before getting their breakthrough. The trials Zhang Jie and Li Ronghao faced before debuting didn’t need mentioning.
Even Deng Qi, who had smoother sailing, waited many years in Xiangjiang before gaining fame through the show ’Singer.’
And now, Mao Buyi, who debuted through ’Future Son’ and already has millions of Weibo followers, is the embodiment of a breakout star, and he’s caught Gu Bai’s eye.
They’re aware that now Mao Buyi reverently calls them ’teacher,’ but soon, he may stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
But jealousy is pointless; better to cement ties early. Everyone knows investing in potential is sound, especially these savvy stars. Gaining Gu Bai’s favor through Mao Buyi would be an unexpected bonus.
Gu Bai had taken his seat in the best-prepared area with Principal Wang and Li Zhun, unaware of the stars’ thoughts. Even if he knew, he’d probably just laugh it off.
To those who raise peacocks, it only matters if the performance is beautiful, not the thoughts of the peacocks.