Chapter Sixty: Without Dreams, How Are We Any Different from a Lifeless Fish?

“Ahem, Luo Chen, are you planning to sneak off for a secret rendezvous?”

On this rare weekend, Luo Chen had gotten up early, intending to meet the manager of the Stardust platform at a restaurant. Unexpectedly, he was intercepted by Luo Tianyi, who had also risen early.

“Call me ‘brother’. And this time, it’s official business.”

Noticing the dangerous look from the girl behind him, Luo Chen could only turn around and remind her helplessly.

To be honest, Luo Chen longed to hear his little sister sweetly call him ‘brother’ again, but aside from that one time when they’d first crossed over, he hadn’t heard it since.

He suddenly grew nostalgic for the days when the siblings leaned on each other for support. Though there had been debts and constant trouble, at least he still felt like a real brother back then.

“No way. Since it’s not a secret rendezvous, I’ll go with you.”

Looking at Luo Tianyi’s face full of suspicion, Luo Chen sighed. Was his credibility as a brother really this low?

He had no idea that last time, when he met with Zhang Shuihan, his sister had caught him red-handed, which led to this predicament.

“All right, let’s go together then.”

Knowing he couldn’t stop her, Luo Chen thought it over and nodded in agreement. Rather than having her follow him secretly, it was better to bring her openly. If they were going to turn down a contract, having both of them present was best.

Recently, he had been so busy that he rarely spent time with Luo Tianyi. Perhaps that was why she was unhappy about him going out ‘on dates.’

He’d have to pay more attention to this in the future.

Along the way, Luo Chen looked dotingly at Luo Tianyi, who seemed in high spirits, holding his arm and humming a tune. The sound of her soft singing moved him.

“Tianyi, besides the ‘Millennium Recipe Ode,’ have you uploaded any new songs lately?”

“Hm? Songs? No, I haven’t. I haven’t even finished spending the tips from last time, so there’s no need to rush, right?” Luo Tianyi’s face lit up with a rare, broad smile at the mention of her accomplishments. How could she not know her brother had been quietly helping to promote her?

Luo Chen glanced at the girl practically leaning into him with laughter, feeling slightly overwhelmed. The frequent contact and friction between their bodies was new to him; he had never been this close to a girl before, and his thoughts began to wander.

She’s your real sister, your real sister, your real sister!

He forced himself to clear his mind and gently admonished the absent-minded foodie.

“It’s been over a week since you posted a new video, right? As a content creator, if you don’t update for too long, you’ll lose followers.”

“Really? But I haven’t thought of my next song yet.” With no pressure, Luo Tianyi hadn’t bothered to plan her next work and now realized she was running out of time.

Seeing her troubled face, Luo Chen chuckled. He had plenty of suitable songs in his mind—should he give one to his little sister? This was a perfect chance to boost his family’s prestige.

Qingshui City, inside the restaurant.

By noon, the spacious restaurant housed only a dozen or so people chatting and eating together. Typically, business peaked in the evenings or when fans held events; it was normal for the place to be quiet otherwise.

“Aren’t you going in, Luo Chen?” Outside the restaurant, Luo Tianyi turned and asked Luo Chen, who hesitated at the door.

“Let’s go in together.”

After carefully confirming that everything was in order, Luo Chen led Luo Tianyi inside, still wondering why there were no traps or anything suspicious.

Had he been overthinking?

He relaxed a bit. Perhaps last night had run too late for a certain scheming woman to prepare her “gift.”

Table 27.

Turning his head, Luo Chen saw a capable-looking woman already waiting at the table. After checking his watch and seeing they still had time, he approached with Luo Tianyi.

“Hello, you must be ‘Innocent Little Angel.’ I’m Han Yinglan, manager of the Bizarre section at Stardust Platform.”

Before Luo Chen and his sister could greet her, Han Yinglan stood up to welcome them. She didn’t want any trivial matters to affect the efficiency of signing the contract; this time, she was determined to succeed.

“Hello, I am ‘Innocent Little Angel.’ I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

Han Yinglan’s enthusiasm made Luo Chen feel awkward. He’d planned to politely refuse no matter what she said, but now—

Luo Tianyi sized Han Yinglan up and down, finally nodding with satisfaction. It seemed Luo Chen hadn’t lied to her this time.

Han Yinglan, still smiling warmly, noticed the gaze from the side and felt a twinge of annoyance, though she didn’t let it show.

“And this is?”

After everyone sat down and exchanged pleasantries, Han Yinglan turned to Luo Chen. Did this young man have to bring his girlfriend to sign a contract?

“Oh, this is Luo Shui Tianyi, my sister.”

Even if Han Yinglan hadn’t asked, Luo Chen would have mentioned it, hoping to resolve everything at once and avoid a repeat visit.

Han Yinglan’s smile froze momentarily. No wonder they couldn’t reach this rising music star on the platform—turns out it’s a family affair.

But that was just as well; she could settle all the issues at once.

“So, are you both here to sign the contract? I’ll have my colleagues prepare another copy.”

“No, you misunderstand. We’re here to decline the offer.”

Luo Chen and Luo Tianyi exchanged a glance. Seeing that his sister had no objections, Luo Chen spoke calmly.

“Decline?”

Han Yinglan’s smile stiffened. She stood up, unable to believe her ears.

“Yes, we decline.”

Luo Chen met Han Yinglan’s astonished gaze and answered serenely. He appreciated the goodwill from Stardust Platform, but that didn’t mean he would abandon his dreams.

Without dreams, what’s the difference between a person and a salted fish?

“You may not understand. I don’t know how other platforms have tried to win you over, but the terms they offer can’t possibly be better than Stardust’s platinum contract.”

“Don’t let those scammers fool you.”

Upon hearing Luo Chen’s refusal, Han Yinglan immediately thought of rival platforms like Black Flag and Yate trying to poach them and hurried to persuade him otherwise.

Thanks to the readers Big Foodie Youyouzi, Lonely With You, and Dragon’s Phantom for the 100 Qidian coins. Flowers to you all.