Chapter Sixty-Seven: Using "Silence" as a Publicity Tool—Worth It!

The two of them chatted for a while.

Yuan Xiong’s expression grew complicated as he looked at Wang Mo. “I never expected you’d actually make such a stir in the world of composing.”

Wang Mo smiled. “It’s not that I caused a stir; it’s just that composers have always had too little status. I only wanted to restore the respect and position everyone deserves.”

Yuan Xiong spoke earnestly. “I don’t know much about the composing world. But I do know a few things:

First: The bigger the tree, the more it catches the wind.

Second: What you’re doing could very likely infringe on some singers’ interests.

In today’s society, we shouldn’t harm others, but we must always be on guard. So you have to be careful, don’t let your identity as ‘Silent Words’ leak out. Otherwise, if you run into malicious people, even with the company backing you, trouble is inevitable.”

Wang Mo nodded. “I understand.”

Yuan Xiong continued, “Of course, you don’t need to worry too much. Your identity as ‘Silent Words’ is now strictly guarded—the company has ordered the Vocal Department repeatedly not to reveal anything, and they’ve also thrown out some smokescreens. So even if outsiders speculate about who ‘Silent Words’ really is, it’s unlikely they’ll guess it’s you.”

He paused.

“By the way, there’s some good news. I applied to the company and managed to drop all other tasks. I’m coming back as your agent.”

After Wang Mo’s scandal, Yuan Xiong had been reassigned by the company. These past months, although Yuan Xiong helped Wang Mo behind the scenes, it was all personal. Only because Yuan Xiong held a high position in the company did no one question it.

Now that Wang Mo has achieved some success in both the composing and livestreaming worlds, Yuan Xiong finally managed to return as his agent.

Wang Mo’s eyes lit up. “That really is good news.”

Yuan Xiong said, “But this time, I need to fully understand you before I arrange anything. Tell me honestly—aside from your talent in composing and some skill in literature, what other abilities do you have?”

Wang Mo replied, “Long legs. Does that count?”

Yuan Xiong gave him a deep look. “Which leg?”

Wang Mo retreated in defeat.

Indeed, age brings wisdom.

He answered honestly, “I’m not really sure what else I can do. I guess I know a little of everything?”

He thought to himself: With the system, there’s probably nothing I can’t learn.

Yuan Xiong frowned. “A little of everything? That’s as good as saying nothing. Never mind—since I’m your agent now, I’ll watch your every move. I don’t believe you can hide anything from me. Worst case, I’ll move in with you.”

“…”

Wang Mo was speechless.

Brother, can’t you have some sense of boundaries?

What sort of agent sleeps at their artist’s house?

…

After Yuan Xiong left, Wang Mo thought for a moment and dialed Hao Mingxing’s number. “Xing-ge, are you at the company?”

On the other end, Hao Mingxing’s surroundings were noisy. “Mo-ge, I’m not at the company. I’m at the recording site for ‘Singer’s Style’ these days, getting ready for the show.”

Wang Mo raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You’re joining ‘Singer’s Style’?”

Hao Mingxing’s voice was somewhat excited. “Yes, Mo-ge, you told me to participate, so I did. The lineup for this third season is huge—there are two top-tier singers and four mid-tier ones. I’m basically the lowest ranked among them. Without the new song you gave me, I’d probably be eliminated in the first round.”

Wang Mo chuckled. “With two songs now, how far do you think you can go?”

Hao Mingxing said, “I really love ‘Empty City.’ With that song, plus the company reworking one or two songs from other singers for me, I’m confident I’ll make it to the top eight at least. Beyond that, it’s up to fate.”

Wang Mo smiled broadly. “Top eight? This is your first time on a music variety show. Eight feels a bit lacking. At least top four…”

Hao Mingxing was stunned.

Before he could respond, Wang Mo continued, “Check your inbox later—I’ve sent you another new song. See if it suits you. If it does, use it as your third song for ‘Singer’s Style.’”

He hung up.

Hao Mingxing was left dazed.

As for Wang Mo, after ending the call, he considered phoning Su Xueyao.

In his view, it wouldn’t be impossible for Su Xueyao to sing “Promise of Peach Blossoms.” Yet after some hesitation, he decided against it.

Because even now, Su Xueyao still hasn’t fully digested the huge impact from “Invisible Wings,” and the Spring Festival Gala has already confirmed her participation for a performance.

So having Su Xueyao release a new song right now isn’t the best choice.

…

At the same time.

On the set of “Singer’s Style,”

The director’s team was reviewing the promotional poster for the show, which featured all the singers participating this season.

Two top-tier singers stood at the center.

Beside them were four mid-tier singers.

The second row featured the third-tier singers.

Further back were some popular singers who ranked below third tier.

The more famous the singer, the more prominent their spot on the poster.

Those less famous might not even appear on it.

As a newcomer in the music scene, Hao Mingxing was lucky to get his face shown on such a major variety show poster. Yet, at this moment, the graphic designer had placed him among the third-tier singers—and he was even at the center position.

His rank didn’t match the others at all.

A staff member pointed at the poster, “Director, are we really designing it this way? Won’t it cause controversy? After all, Hao Mingxing only became popular with ‘Whatever,’ but he’s still far from the other trending third-tier singers, let alone the center spot.”

The director smiled. “Controversy is exactly what we want!”

A variety show needs controversy for buzz.

The staff said, “But…”

The director replied, “I know what you’re worried about. You’re afraid people will say we’re pulling stunts, creating scandals, colluding with Yunhai Media to hype up Hao Mingxing, right?”

The staff nodded. “Yes, but…”

The director said, “Then you don’t need to worry at all. I put Hao Mingxing at center among the third-tier singers because he has the credentials to be there. Maybe not now, but after the show airs, he will.”

The staff was stunned. “Why?”

The director explained, “Because the song Hao Mingxing submitted to the program shows that Silent Words has written him another new song. Hao Mingxing plans to sing it on the show.”

“Silent Words? A new song?”

The staff’s expression changed, eyes wide in shock.

Silent Words actually wrote a second new song for Hao Mingxing?

Heavens!

Who doesn’t know that Silent Words is now at the peak of fame in the music world?

Especially with the recent debate about composers’ status, Silent Words has been trending constantly.

Some singers have even offered millions for a song from Silent Words, but have never received a response.

No one imagined that, while the rest of the world couldn’t reach Silent Words, he quietly wrote a new song for Hao Mingxing!

No wonder!

No wonder the director gave Hao Mingxing such a prominent spot—even center among the third-tier singers.

It wasn’t because of Hao Mingxing’s own rank, but because of the popularity of Silent Words!

When the poster goes public, it will surely spark huge controversy, with people saying Hao Mingxing doesn’t deserve that position.

Controversy brings buzz.

Once the buzz is strong enough, the show can reveal the hook: Hao Mingxing will sing the fourth new song from Silent Words!

Wow!

That hype will explode instantly.

Using the hot topic of “Silent Words” to promote the show is more than worth it.

“Director, you’re a genius!”

The staff flattered him eagerly.

The director smiled, about to say something clever, when his phone rang.

He listened for a few moments, his mouth opening in surprise.

He quickly hung up and shouted, “Design team? Where’s the designer? Pull back all the promotional materials and redo them! This time, put Hao Mingxing side by side with the mid-tier singers!”