21: Chapter 21: Should a Simp Act or Not?

At 2:00 PM on September 1st, Ruan Xingyu's new album, "Similar to Love," went on sale across all platforms.

Digital albums were 28 each, and physical albums were 128 each.

In addition to the Weibo trending topics, it soon appeared on the charts of major music platforms.

"Similar to Love" was prominently occupying the number one spot.

It's steady, it's steady, the treasure chest is steady.

While most fans were still dazed and then ecstatic upon seeing the new album, a certain idol surnamed Lin had already posted the autographed physical album he had just received on his Weibo alt account:

"Who still hasn't bought Teacher Ruan's new album?"

Most of the people following this Lin Mo account were fans of Ruan Xingyu. After seeing this post immediately, their biggest focus was actually the signature.

"Xingxing's signature is so unique... She didn't even write her full name?"

"Has Xingxing ever signed like this? I don't recall that."

"To the person above, every one I have at home is signed with her full name; I've never seen anything like this."

"If it weren't posted by the great Lin Mo, I would have definitely thought it was a fake signature..."

"Wait, why is there a little heart at the end?"

Is there so much nuance to Ruan Xingyu's signature? I don't get it.

Lin Chuyan found a comment asking him to sell the autographed album and replied: "You can find anything in your dreams."

Our talented songwriter is just like this; he says whatever he wants. If you can understand, you understand; if you can't, forget it.

In short, he never passes up an opportunity to get scolded.

Of course, many people were still focused on the songs themselves.

"Just finished listening to 'Similar to Love.' I beg the great one to write more for our Xingxing! It sounds so good!"

"Just finished listening. The lyrics, composition, and arrangement are all by the great Lin Mo. Did I read that right?"

When Tianxing originally posted on Weibo tagging Lin Mo, it did indeed state he was a songwriter, but because Ruan Xingyu wrote a line of lyrics when thanking Lin Mo, everyone took it for granted that he was just a lyricist. They didn't expect him to drop a bombshell.

People in the Songwriting circles were also spreading the news in industry groups.

"There are only a few people in the industry with this level of musical literacy. Is this person really a newcomer?"

"He Xi, didn't you add him as a friend last time? Haven't you talked to him?"

"I added him, but he didn't accept it..."

"Hahaha, that's so amazing."

"This guy doesn't play by the rules. Does no one have him as a friend?"

"No."

"No +1"

"+10086"

Lin Chuyan didn't act annoying again. He was very supportive, replying to several more of Ruan Xingyu's fans, and even saying that Ruan Xingyu had put in a lot of effort to get the new album released as soon as possible, heaping praise upon her.

This made the fans feel very uncomfortable, as Lin Mo's usual persona was very aloof, with basically zero interaction.

Lin Chuyan didn't care what they thought. He returned to his main account and posted a screenshot of purchasing the digital album, with the caption:

"'Similar to Love' is so good. It truly deserves to be the lead single. Highly recommended!"

It took a long time before people trickled in to leave comments.

Surprisingly, the fans actually started to make their voices heard.

"Bro, are you also a fan of Xingxing? A double-fan's delight."

"Bro, when are you filming your next project? Let's have a TV series, I beg you."

"Bro, post more selfies. It's been a while since you posted one. I'm a fan of your face, bro."

Of course, there were more haters.

"Can a wild boar appreciate fine bran?"

"He's not even popular, but he loves to leach off others."

Mosquito Hits Cannon: "Considering you supported Xingxing, I don't want to scold you this time."

Seeing this ID, Lin Chuyan suddenly remembered something.

He remembered that a long time ago, when he had just joined the crew, this person had said something to the effect that if he could act well, they would perform a headstand while washing their hair.

Thinking of this, Lin Chuyan specifically went back to check his previous Weibo posts, and he actually found that one. He figured this kid must have forgotten about it.

He immediately took a screenshot.

He replied with the image: "When are you performing? Do I need to buy a ticket? Sounds good, I'd love to watch."

Some passersby saw Lin Chuyan jumping into the fray to roast someone and went into "enjoying the drama" mode.

"Who else besides Lin Chuyan would remember a fan's comment? And even screenshot and save it as a memento? He's really something, I'm crying!"

"I remember this Mosquito Hits Cannon. Every time, they get scolded to shreds by Lin Chuyan, and every time, they keep coming back persistently."

"Is this love?"

"One is willing to hit, the other is willing to suffer; it's truly a two-way street."

Having the joke he made previously dug up and paraded by the person himself, Zhuang Xiaowen felt a bit of scalp numbness looking at the comments on his phone.

Why would anyone remember such a joke made in the past? Why has Lin Chuyan's Acting improved so much?

At this moment, he really wanted to block Lin Chuyan and be done with it, but on second thought, he felt unwilling. Why? Haven't there been enough incidents where Lin Chuyan disgusted the audience?

No! Can't admit defeat!

Isn't it just a headstand while washing hair?

Let's see how long you can laugh! Just because the director coached you well, does that make you awesome? I don't believe you can act well in your next role!

I'm watching you!

Lin Chuyan wasn't expecting a reply, so he turned back to chatting with Ruan Xingyu.

Lin: "Is the new album selling well?"

Xingxing: "The company is quite satisfied, anyway."

Lin: "How is the reception for 'Similar to Love'?"

Xingxing: "The truth comes out; you only care about this."

Lin: "I care about everything, everything."

Xingxing: "Don't worry, maybe it's not that kind of super viral hit song, but the external reception for it is very good."

Ruan Xingyu herself has many songs with high popularity. At this stage, when the company selects songs, besides commercial value, they also need to consider artistic aesthetics and whether the style fits the overall concept of the new album.

Xingxing: "[Image] [Image] [Image]"

Ruan Xingyu had screenshotted all the things Lin Mo said praising her on Weibo.

Lin: "Why are you stalking my Weibo?"

Xingxing: "You praised me so much I'm a little embarrassed."

Lin: "It's the truth; you really are that good."

After sending this, there was suddenly no movement from Ruan Xingyu's side. It took a long while before she replied.

Xingxing: "Speaking of which, Brother Zheng Hai asked me to ask you today."

Lin: "Asking if I'm selling songs?"

Lin Chuyan's Aiyue.com account received countless private messages every day. Someone like him who could produce hits had long been targeted.

Once "lonely season" came out, people would definitely be lining up to ask him.

Xingxing: "Nods. This is his idea; you don't need to consider me, I'm on your side!"

Lin: "Not selling."

After thinking about it, he explained a little.

Lin: "It's mainly because it doesn't suit your voice; otherwise, I definitely would have given it to you."

Xingxing: "You're so good."

Lin: "Of course."

While chatting, a voice call suddenly came in; it was Director Zhang Qian.

"Xiao Yan, what are you busy with lately?"

"I'm at home reading and studying, enriching myself. Also, I've terminated my contract with the company."

"That's a good thing, congratulations. Did Jinghua give you a hard time?"

Come to think of it, Director Zhang Qian was indeed the only one who kept nagging him to change agencies quickly.

Hmm, he's a friend worth befriending deeply.

"No, my contract happened to expire, and it just so happened that Jinghua didn't want to renew it. Haha, so I just skedaddled."

"That's good. Jinghua really is blind. What are your plans after leaving?"

"Do you remember my manager, Wu Yue? We left together, so I'm relying on him to find me work."

"*Cough cough*..."

Lin Chuyan seemed to hear the sound of someone choking on water.

"You mean you two are going solo? Are you not planning to sign with any company?"

"What company would want me now? But I'm not in a rush. My reputation was bad before, so I'll just focus on working hard for now."

"That's good, that's good. Here's the thing: I have a buddy who is currently filming a web drama for B site. It's a low-budget, alternate history... well, to put it plainly, it's a period drama. It's a female-led drama, and there's a male lead number two role still looking for auditions. I mentioned you to him..."

On Blue Star, B site is a major capital player that can compete with iQIYI, Youku, and Tencent. Even though it's a small web drama, the attention will likely not be small.

Lin Chuyan agreed without even thinking: "No problem, Director Zhang. How about this, I'll treat you to dinner tonight? Let's have a good chat."

"Don't be so hasty. Let me give you the bottom line first: this male lead number two, his character setting has a bit of an issue."

"What kind of character setting?"

"Extremely devoted, the kind of devotion that defies logic—commonly known as a simp."