Chapter 24: The First Female Fan to Ask for a Hug

At this point, the online community was completely in uproar.

“Damn, is this some kind of extreme tug-of-war?”

“Back and forth, again and again, it just won't end!”

“Are they using every trick from the Art of War?”

“They’ve got us all confused now, we don’t know whose word to believe anymore!”

“Is this a battle between capital power and grassroots?”

Su Bai had no time to pay attention to these online comments.

Because Zhou Yang had arrived.

Even if he had seen them, there was nothing he could do about it just then.

“Brother Bai, why did you call me over so urgently?”

“That thing you mentioned, honestly, I really don’t know anything about it.”

Then Zhou Yang glanced around casually and exclaimed in surprise, “Hey, isn’t that Director Song, the one who made the video for you?”

“Director Song, hello, it’s an honor to meet you!”

“Thank you for stepping forward to clarify things for Brother Bai!”

“Otherwise, I’d be in hot water with no way to clear my name!”

As he spoke, Zhou Yang stood up and grasped Song Liang’s hands warmly.

Zhou Yang was genuinely grateful for Song Liang’s actions.

He sincerely hoped Su Bai would be well.

Song Liang smiled, “From now on, I’m no longer Director Song.”

“You’re straightforward, my friend. Please, have a seat.”

Su Bai showed Zhou Yang the video that had just gone viral online.

After watching, Zhou Yang finally understood why Song Liang said he’d no longer be Director Song—he’d been dismissed because of the video he posted.

Su Bai explained directly, “I’m planning to start a media company with Brother Song!”

“You’re familiar with this field too. I want you to handle the upcoming work!”

Zhou Yang stared at Su Bai in disbelief.

The word “media” triggered a reflexive anger in Zhou Yang.

When they worked together in gaming, things were going great; they were thriving and making good money.

But Su Bai insisted on starting a media company to help his own sister, Yang Mengke.

The result was catastrophic—the entire company, including the parent firm, went bankrupt.

In the end, everyone was left homeless!

Now Su Bai wanted to start a media company again—

Zhou Yang couldn’t help but lose his temper!

“Brother Bai, you’ve already experienced how deep the waters run in the entertainment industry.”

“And now you want to wade in again?”

“Has your wound healed so well that you’ve forgotten the pain?”

“If you said you wanted to restructure the gaming company—whether it’s online games, browser games, competitive, or mobile games—no matter if I understand them or not, I’d follow you and start over!”

“But a media company? Sorry, I’m out!”

Su Bai smiled and patted Zhou Yang’s shoulder.

“Yang, haven’t you always said? When you fall, you get back up from the same place. What’s wrong, are you scared?”

Zhou Yang slammed the table and shot to his feet.

“Scared? When have I ever been scared? Hell, if you hadn’t stopped me back then, I’d have taken down that bastard!”

“Just because he’s rich and powerful, he thinks he can do whatever he wants.”

“The grudge for little sister Ke, I’ll settle it sooner or later!”

Because of Zhou Yang’s outburst, everyone’s gaze immediately shifted toward them.

Su Bai had to forcibly pull Zhou Yang back into his seat.

Su Bai knew Zhou Yang’s temperament best—he simply couldn’t be provoked.

If something stirred him up, he’d definitely take the bait!

Of course, it depended who was provoking.

Zhou Yang always knew about Yang Mengke’s affair; he just chose what to say when interviewed.

Su Bai patiently explained, “This time is different from last time!”

“Previously, we had no cards to play, so when we fought, we lacked confidence!”

“But now, things have changed!”

“Think about it—using the popularity of my two songs, ‘Lonely Brave’ and ‘Dragon’s Scale of Heaven and Earth,’ to package our company in reverse.”

“Wouldn’t the next battle be much easier?”

“Besides, Brother Song is experienced in this field, a veteran of the industry. He knows the ins and outs.”

“With him, we can avoid many detours!”

After hearing Su Bai’s words, Zhou Yang fell silent.

He knew Su Bai was speaking the truth.

If they’d had even one song like that as leverage last time,

they wouldn’t have been crushed so mercilessly, unable to fight back at all.

And their gaming company wouldn’t have been dragged down into bankruptcy.

“Um, excuse me, are you Su Bai?”

Su Bai looked up to see a ponytailed girl, fifteen or sixteen years old, standing there nervously and uneasily.

At the moment Su Bai lifted his gaze, the girl’s eyes widened in amazement.

Then, with disbelief written all over her face, she said, “Wow, wow, you really are Su Bai!”

“I... I’m a huge fan of yours. Can I have a hug?”

Su Bai was caught off guard by this sudden approach.

Seeing his hesitation, Liu Ruotong’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she awkwardly asked, “I’m sorry, I was too forward.”

“I really love your song ‘Lonely Brave.’ Would you mind signing something for me?”

As she spoke, Liu Ruotong took a book from her bag and handed it to Su Bai for his autograph.

Liu Ruotong looked at Su Bai with hope shining in her eyes.

Su Bai paused for a moment, then took the pen and signed his name in her book.

“Thank you, thank you so much. Sorry to bother you!”

Watching the nervous Liu Ruotong, Su Bai couldn’t help but recall how Yang Mengke looked at that age.

She was very similar to Liu Ruotong before him.

Thinking of this, Su Bai smiled gently at Liu Ruotong. “It’s alright, I was just a bit surprised.”

“I didn’t expect someone would approach me so boldly—I’m not used to it yet, haha…”

Seeing Su Bai’s smile, Liu Ruotong felt her heart pounding uncontrollably. As for what he said, she didn’t hear a single word.

Perhaps, only those who have chased their idols can understand that feeling when they finally meet them.

“Um, Su Bai, I want to ask, when will your album for ‘Lonely Brave’ be released? I’ll definitely support it when it comes out!”

Su Bai looked at the girl in surprise. “Really? Thank you! When it’s released, I’ll announce it on my Douyin account!”

After getting her autograph, Liu Ruotong reluctantly glanced at Su Bai.

Then she prepared to leave.

“Wait!”

Hm? Liu Ruotong turned back in confusion, not knowing why her idol had stopped her.

She watched as Su Bai stood up and opened his arms toward her.

“Come here, let’s have a hug. You’re the first fan who’s met me in real life and asked for my autograph!”

Liu Ruotong covered her mouth in exaggerated astonishment.

She couldn’t believe this was real.

He actually agreed.

The feeling of being embraced by her idol—was wonderful!

In an instant, Liu Ruotong’s cheeks were flushed crimson.

Her heartbeat seemed to come to a halt in that moment.