AFVSIBS ### Chapter 158: The Pop Diva Isn’t Afraid of Rumors

Zhou Chen was surprised to see Yang Hanhang inviting him to swim again. Could she really be interested in him? But thinking about swimming as a great exercise, especially in the scorching weather, it not only offered summer coolness but also contributed to health. So, he replied to Yang Hanhang, saying it was no problem.

"Then it's settled. I'll pick you up after work tomorrow night, we'll have dinner, rest a bit, and then go swimming. Same place, where we won’t easily get spotted or photographed," Yang Hanhang responded enthusiastically.

"Yang Jie, no need to pick me up. Just send me the location, and I’ll take a taxi there myself," Zhou Chen replied.

This was naturally to avoid gossip. After all, both he and Yang Hanhang were trending figures in the entertainment industry. If she got photographed picking him up from Wanhe, it would instantly hit the headlines.

"What? Are you afraid the paparazzi will catch us and start rumors about us dating?" Yang Hanhang was quick to grasp Zhou Chen's intention.

"Sort of. But if you don't mind, I don't either. I’m just considering your situation," Zhou Chen explained.

"Pfft, why would I care? In the entertainment industry, which artist hasn't been rumored about? It's settled then. I'll pick you up after work tomorrow. Let them say what they want," Yang Hanhang replied defiantly.

"Okay."

Zhou Chen simply replied with one word and went back to reading his book. Yang Hanhang was somewhat speechless and frustrated but couldn't do anything about it.

"This Zhou Chen is getting stranger and stranger. Let's see what he says tomorrow," she muttered to herself, feeling both annoyed and amused.

Online, the debates about the song "Desert Camel" and Zhou Chen leaving the show early were still raging. But Zhou Chen didn't care about any of it. If it weren’t for responding to messages from Yang Hanhang and others, he wouldn’t even bother picking up his phone.

At 11 o'clock, he turned off his phone and went to bed, enjoying a good night’s sleep. The next morning, he turned on his phone to find a message from Wan Fangfang saying that "Desert Camel" had been released on the Penguin Music platform the previous night and had already surpassed ten million downloads.

Zhou Chen was not surprised by such figures. He had anticipated that "Desert Camel" would have a high download rate, so he wasn't particularly astonished. He simply replied with "Oh," then changed his clothes and went out for breakfast.

Wu Heng, however, was in a completely different state of mind. When he learned that "Desert Camel," like "Little Apple," had surpassed ten million downloads overnight, he was ecstatic.

"Fangfang Jie, does this mean I’m now considered a second-tier star?" He excitedly found Wan Fangfang at Wanhe and asked, brimming with pride.

"Pretty much. But your Weibo followers have now reached seven million. That’s more than many second-tier stars," Wan Fangfang nodded.

"Thank you, Fangfang Jie. Thank you so much," Wu Heng said gratefully.

"You don't need to thank me. If you need to thank anyone, it should be Zhou Chen," Wan Fangfang replied modestly. She knew that all of Wu Heng’s success came from the two hit songs Zhou Chen had written. Without those, even if Wu Heng sang for ten or twenty years, he would never have the number of Weibo followers he has now.

Besides Zhou Chen, the next person Wu Heng should thank the most would be Wang Wei and his wife, who were fired from Wanhe. Originally, they had paired Wu Heng, the worst trainee, with Zhou Chen to drag Zhou Chen down, but it ended up elevating Wu Heng instead.

"Of course, Zhou Chen deserves my thanks, but I can't forget the care you've given me, Fangfang Jie," Wu Heng said, displaying his understanding of proper social etiquette.

Wan Fangfang appreciated Wu Heng’s words and nodded approvingly. "Don't worry. Even after 'Our Music' ends, you'll still have plenty of opportunities. The company will make sure to arrange for you to appear on various shows."

"Thank you, Fangfang Jie. I’ll work hard to meet your and the company’s expectations," Wu Heng replied confidently, already envisioning himself as a top-tier star.

As they were talking, Zhou Chen arrived at the company after having breakfast.

"Zhou Chen, you’re finally here. Tonight, I’m treating us to a big dinner. You won’t refuse, right?" Wu Heng eagerly invited him.

"Thank you, but tonight’s really not possible."

"What? What’s up with you? Have you adjusted your schedule to 6 PM now? No time for dinner?" Wu Heng was shocked.

Wan Fangfang was also puzzled. What’s with Zhou Chen? Is he really rushing home to meditate or something?

"No, someone already invited me for dinner tonight. So, I can't make it. If you really want to treat, let’s do it tomorrow night," Zhou Chen explained.

"Ah, got it. That works. Tomorrow we have to go to the show to draw themes for the next episode anyway. After that, we can have a big dinner together."

"Okay," Zhou Chen agreed.

"Wu Heng, you should go handle your stuff. I need to discuss something with Zhou Chen."

Since their discussion involved Zhou Chen's choice of the next variety show to join, which was confidential, Wu Heng’s presence wasn’t appropriate.

Wu Heng understood this, and since Wan Fangfang wasn’t officially his manager, he nodded and left.

"Zhou Chen, here’s the latest list of variety show invitations. Take a good look and choose one, and I’ll respond to them."

With that, Wan Fangfang handed Zhou Chen a printed list of show invitations.

"Music 2023? I haven’t heard of this one before," Zhou Chen remarked, noticing it at the top of the list.

"It’s a brand-new show. If you join, you'll be one of the first guests. There's more information and an introduction to the show below. Take a look," Wan Fangfang explained.

"I’m not interested in the content. What I care about is the timing," Zhou Chen stated.

Wan Fangfang understood that Zhou Chen was referring to the show's start time. He didn't want to participate in late-night shows that would interfere with his early-to-bed routine. However, 'Music 2023' was scheduled for 9 PM, which conflicted with his principles.

Realizing this, Wan Fangfang already guessed the outcome for 'Music 2023.'


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