Chapter 140: The Way of the World is Hard, Harder Than Climbing to the Blue Sky; Having a Low Threshold for Laughter is Also an Advantage, Pay More! (Large Chapter 2/3)

The next day dawned bright and clear.

A flight was making its way from Galaxy City to Mango City.

Four men, wearing face masks and baseball caps, were stealthily eating their inflight meals. They acted as though they were terrified of being recognized by anyone.

Zhang Hua'an felt somewhat speechless. He glanced over at the four of them and said, "What on earth are you doing? If you're going to eat, just eat properly. What kind of look is this, all covered up? Didn't you guys used not to mind outsiders taking pictures of you?"

Zhao Feng replied, "Boss Zhang, back then we always flew first class, so of course it wasn't a problem."

Sun Han added, "Now that we're in economy, it's better to keep a low profile."

Li Hang chimed in, "Exactly. This is like the difference between French perfume and Dabao SOD honey."

Zhou Yang pouted, "Fans love high-end French brands. If you suddenly switch to a regular facial cleanser, even if it smells nice, it's just not that same old fragrance anymore~."

Zhang Hua'an's hand trembled.

His airline meal box almost dropped to the floor.

It was hard to tell if it was due to air turbulence or if he had genuinely suffered a cerebral thrombosis.

Anyway, Zhang Hua'an always gave off a rather shaky, trembling vibe these days.

Counting it all up, it had been more than half a year since he left Starlight Media.

Ever since breaking away from the agency, the four men's resources had essentially plummeted into the abyss.

The television programs and promotional appearances they had previously lined up were all reassigned by Qin Yufang to a newly signed duo, Zero-One and Zero-Two.

Consequently, up until now, every single gig Zhang Hua'an managed to secure for them was scraps and leftovers.

They originally had the chance to join a quite decent variety show. But at the very last minute, due to the organizers' demands, they were replaced by other celebrities.

It was from that exact moment onward that he truly felt how difficult and resistant it was to fight alone in the entertainment industry.

If you wanted to continue in showbiz—especially as a boy band—moving forward without financial backing was practically impossible.

Without the backing of a company, they were absolute nobodies.

People who once treated you with utmost courtesy were no longer polite.

The collaborations that had already been negotiated fell through.

Even when attending events, you might not even have a proper seat.

Perhaps this was the price of freedom.

Yet Zhang Hua'an felt no regret.

If given the chance to choose again, he would probably still choose to bring the four of them out to take a shot at it.

At least, whether they succeeded or failed, they had tried.

That was far better than rotting away in the company until they were completely frozen out.

During this period, their highest-paying appearance fee was less than two hundred thousand, and that was already considered a major business deal.

If NNQT still didn't have a tiny handful of appearance-driven fans and a shred of online traffic, they probably would have starved to death by now.

Still, Zhang Hua'an had managed to secure a good opportunity this time.

He had pulled all sorts of strings and begged everyone he knew.

Finally, he secured a spot on a variety show for Mango TV.

The appearance fee was decent: forty thousand for all four of them to record two episodes.

However, Zhang Hua'an knew very well that relying solely on variety show appearances would never allow them to climb higher.

NNQT still needed works of their own.

Only, the current album market was in bad shape; many people simply watched music videos online and refused to spend a single cent.

Those with real capability held concert tours.

At worst, they participated in major singing and performance programs, or released original music, earning a living off VIP download copyrights.

Meanwhile, all of NNQT's previous song copyrights remained firmly in the hands of Starlight Media.

Their contract tied them up for more than another decade, so those songs had nothing to do with them for the time being.

As for producing new songs, leaving aside whether these guys could even write them, simply making music videos for a few casual tracks nowadays required a massive amount of money.

Zhang Hua'an couldn't afford that kind of expense, which was why he had been hesitating over whether to do it.

The probability of losing money was extraordinarily high.

That was simply how the market operated.

Lately, though, Zhang Hua'an had been entertaining other thoughts.

For instance, following the path of Qian Jida and Su Mu by jumping straight into the film and television industry.

Even if they started by taking on a few low-budget web series, that would still count as having body of work and allow them to maintain continuous visibility on screen.

It wouldn't matter much if their acting skills were a bit lacking.

Getting chewed out by the audience was better than being completely forgotten in a year or two.

The only problem was that the web drama they acted in previously—the one about the 'Four Scholars'—had been utterly atrocious, destroying their reputation entirely.

Unless they accepted cabbage-patch wages for web series, many directors simply refused to touch them.

"Sigh..."

Zhang Hua'an let out a heavy sigh.

He felt that old fox Qian Jida genuinely had a much harder skull of luck than he did.

Both of them had led artists away from the company, yet the other side had skyrocketed, growing larger and stronger.

As for his own side, it constantly felt like walking a tightrope; who knew when the line would snap and send them plunging straight down.

Zhao Feng said, "Boss Zhang, don't sigh like that, it's not good for you."

Sun Han chimed in, "That's right, the internet says sighing ruins your skin."

Li Hang added, "We know you're having a hard time right now, but as long as you hold on, there's still a chance!"

Zhou Yang suggested, "That's right, let me lend you an eye-mask patch. Stick it on and you'll become lucky!"

Zhang Hua'an was speechless. "Have a hard time my ass? You four are the ones having a hard time, alright? Let me tell you, you better behave yourselves during this upcoming gig and get some good exposure, because I'm currently trying to hook you up with a new drama."

Zhao Feng gasped, "A new drama? We can act in dramas again? That's amazing."

Sun Han exclaimed, "Finally, we can measure up to Brother Su Mu."

Li Hang scoffed, "Humph, that Lin Haoming was talking big the other day, completely unaware of his own standing. With skin like his, does he even deserve to compare box office numbers with Brother Su Mu?"

Zhou Yang fawned, "Please~, Brother Su Mu was naturally blessed with good looks. That kind of skin is a gift from the heavens, there's just no competing with that~."

Zhang Hua'an's quick-acting heart-relief pills were already gripped tightly in his palm, ready for use at any moment.

"Can you guys focus on the main point? Is that a matter of skin? Their dispute is about box office returns! Su Mu has to break five hundred million at the box office to win. Can you predict that with skincare? I really give up on you guys. We're supposed to be a boy band, do me a favor and be professional."

Zhao Feng replied, "Boss Zhang, I beg to differ."

Sun Han agreed, "Exactly, the quality of one's skin determines whether your face is dark or fair."

Li Hang analyzed, "How could a dark face ever defeat a fair one? That's basic skincare common sense."

Zhou Yang concluded, "So Brother Su Mu is bound to win. But speaking of which, Boss Zhang, if you don't start doing skincare, your face is going to turn dark too~, haha."

What the actual fuck...

If they hadn't been trapped on an airplane, Zhang Hua'an would have thrown all four of them right out the exit.

Fortunately, he had exercised foresight.

He shoved a handful of heart-relief pills into his mouth, stubbornly surviving this wave of true damage.

Yet inside, he felt like weeping without tears.

He genuinely had run out of ideas.

O Heavens.

What kind of work could possibly make these four absolute blockheads famous?

Tell me, I'm begging you.

As long as it exists...

I, Zhang Hua'an, will gladly do a handstand and scrub Qian Jida's back, I swear it!

Does it even exist?!

Tears began to flow profusely.

Zhao Feng urged, "Oh dear, Boss Zhang, don't cry!"

Sun Han consoled, "Having a dark face isn't a terminal illness; it can be treated."

Li Hang promised, "Skincare with us, we guarantee you'll be hydrated and radiant."

Zhou Yang added, "Though Boss Zhang, internal conditioning is important too. Take your vitamins A, B, and C regularly~."

Zhang Hua'an: "(╥﹏╥)"

...

Beijing City.

More than half a month passed quickly in the blink of an eye, bringing them to the end of April.

During this period, Su Mu was exceptionally busy.

On one hand, he had to help Zhang Huaimou set up the crew and handle various contractual matters.

On the other hand, he had to assist Xu Jiang with the promotional campaign for *Candle in the Tomb*, which was about to launch and premiere in full.

Fortunately, Qian Jida took over the tedious paperwork and contract details.

This allowed Su Mu to carve out a bit of time to wrack his brains and grind proficiency points.

Ever since discovering Little Orange's unique talent, Su Mu had been taking her everywhere he went lately.

After all, having a laughing threshold that low was not something just anyone possessed.

Take Qian Jida for instance; he was utterly ruthless, and his laughing threshold seemed nonexistent. Not a single joke could make him crack a smile.

With no other choice, Su Mu could only temporarily target Little Orange alone for teasing.

However, in a few days, Master Zhu and Sun Liaojun would be arriving as well.

By then, he should be able to spread the wealth evenly.

He wasn't quite sure about little Junjun, but Little Li and Little Zhang probably didn't have high laughing thresholds either.

As for Master Zhu...

Su Mu trusted him completely.

Originally, he hadn't planned on calling them over, but Qian Jida had too much business to handle, leaving no choice but to have them come join him.

Besides, whenever Su Mu went out nowadays, he had to borrow Zhang Huaimou's commercial van, which wasn't very convenient.

...

Beijing Zijin Hotel.

Inside a private dining suite.

Currently, the three giants of the video streaming platforms were gathered together.

Zheng Quan, Yu Hong, and Zhao Zhouming sat facing one another.

The atmosphere carried a distinct hint of murderous intent.

Su Mu and Zhang Huaimou sat across from them, exchanging glances and communicating through eye contact.

*Are they going to start fighting?*

*They're all people of status, surely they won't.*

*Hard to say. When competitors meet, is there ever a time without bloodshed?*

*What should we do then? Why don't you say a few words?*

Su Mu thought for a moment, then raised his glass and began, "It is truly a rare opportunity today for the three esteemed leaders to attend together. Since we are all gathered here, let me say a few brief words...

Our gathering is certainly no coincidence... yet even if it were a coincidence, it might not necessarily lead to a gathering...

Our meeting is naturally a matter of fate... but having fate doesn't necessarily mean we are all together..."

[Speech Proficiency +1]

[Skill Point +0.01...]

Su Mu concluded, "Come! Finally, let's have a toast to this once-in-a-century grand cooperation of yours!"

Zheng Quan: "..."

Yu Hong: "..."

Zhao Zhouming: "..."

Go on, keep fooling us!

The three streaming giants were speechless.

Wasn't this cooperation instigated by you, Su Mu?

How did it suddenly become a grand cooperation among the three of us?

The reason they came this time was, naturally, to invest in Su Mu's New Year's film.

The investment ratios followed what they had previously promised Su Mu.

Youku contributed twice the base share, iQiyi three times, and Tencent four times.

Meanwhile, Zhang Huaimou had offered a rock-bottom budget, not daring to report any inflated numbers.

He only quoted a production cost of ten million for this film, *Goodbye Mr. Loser*.

In the end, Youku put up twenty million, iQiyi thirty million, and Tencent forty million.

The three platforms would split 50% of the net box office revenues, distributed among themselves according to their investment proportions.

As for the remaining fifty percent, that was the arrangement between Su Mu and Huayi.

If the box office exceeded one billion, the two parties would split it evenly at 25% each.

After three rounds of drinks.

The atmosphere finally began to liven up.

Holding their wine glasses, everyone had run out of things to say.

Instead, they paired up into twos and threes.

Speaking in low voices, nodding in agreement from time to time, and sighing over the bitterness of life.

Once they finished discussing everything they needed to say, they would rotate seats and continue sighing with someone new.

It was almost as if they were long-lost brothers who had been separated for years.

Since they were all veterans of the business world, it was difficult to tell whether their camaraderie was merely an act for the occasion.

Su Mu, however, didn't mind.

Instead, he seized the opportunity, pondering whether he could fleece some benefits out of them.

Of course, tricking the three of them into investing and getting them to personally show up in Beijing was already quite an achievement.

Trying to squeeze any more money out of their pockets was probably impossible.

Thus, Su Mu changed his strategy.

If he couldn't fleece their money, he would fleece something else instead.

At that moment, Zheng Quan, holding a wine glass and wrapping an arm around Su Mu's shoulders, spoke in a slightly drunken yet characteristically grand and heroic tone: "Su Mu! Just listen to your big brother here. iQiyi has plenty of money. I'll invest in you, and you just act! Forget about competition or rivals; happiness in life is what matters most. Ah... otherwise, it's just too exhausting."

Su Mu asked, "Judging by President Zheng's tone, are you unhappy?"

Zheng Quan curled his lips. "You don't understand our industry. Every time we open our eyes, it's fierce competition. Where is there any happiness? Oh, right, the happiest thing is probably watching the user metrics of the other two platforms drop—that might actually make me smile in my sleep."

Su Mu inquired, "Then I wonder if President Zheng has ever heard a story about the Bull Demon King being awesome?"

Zheng Quan blinked. "Huh?"

A few minutes later.

Zheng Quan burst out, "Hahaha... and then?"

[Laughing Threshold Proficiency +1]

[Skill Point +0.01]

Su Mu asked, "And then? What then?"

Zheng Quan pressed, "Did the Monkey King actually look or not?"

Su Mu replied, "Naturally, he didn't look."

Zheng Quan asked, "Why?"

Su Mu answered, "Because the Bull Demon King didn't have one at all."

Zheng Quan choked, "Pfft... hahaha..."

[Laughing Threshold Proficiency +1]

[Skill Point +0.01]

Zheng Quan's laughing threshold actually matched Little Orange's; his talent was truly astonishing.

Su Mu sighed inwardly.

Then he moved on to the next person.

Yu Hong held his wine glass and asked, "Su Mu, what were you and Zheng Quan laughing about so hard?"

Su Mu answered, "Oh, nothing much, just talking about the past couple of years..."

Yu Hong's gaze flickered. "What about the past couple of years?"

Su Mu explained, "Didn't I shoot four projects with you guys at Tencent first, and then collaborated with iQiyi on a web-movie? In the end, Youku was left running around busy for nothing, and then..."

Yu Hong burst into laughter: "Hahaha!"

[Laughing Threshold Proficiency +1]

[Skill Point +0.01]

Su Mu remarked, "Look at that, you're laughing the exact same way President Zheng did. I didn't think it was a big deal—isn't it just losing a few users? At most, it's just a few sleepless nights, right?"

Yu Hong laughed, "Far more than just a few? Hahaha..."

[Laughing Threshold +1]

[...]

Soon enough.

Su Mu walked over to Zhao Zhouming.

Zhao Zhouming looked at Su Mu curiously and asked, "What are those two laughing about so happily?"

Su Mu replied, "President Zhao, actually President Yu and President Zheng aren't laughing; they're crying."

Zhao Zhouming scoffed, "Them crying? Pfft, hahaha, that is hilarious!"

[Laughing Threshold Proficiency +1]

[Skill Point +0.01]

...

PS: Thank you all for your monthly ticket support! I write slowly, but I'll finish updating later tonight. I'll keep maintaining this output volume and gradually improve over time. I also hope everyone tries not to skip chapters.

A high update volume inevitably leads to some filler—that's just how it is. When the main plot moves too fast, many things fail to keep up, including thought processes. Without time to ruminate, pushing out updates means it's easy to miss the exact vibe I want. So I'll prioritize quality first, then increase quantity. This is the last day of the month, let's keep it up for the next month! Thank you all!

(End of Chapter)