“Hello everyone, my English name while studying abroad was Francis. I posted many improvised music clips on personal Twitter.
All songs I created have been uploaded to the national copyright website for copyright protection registration. Rumors about my plagiarism have been screenshot and recorded by lawyers as evidence. Please don’t believe or spread rumors. Thank you everyone ^^”
He posted two screenshots.
The first was Francis’s personal homepage, with the latest tweet saying: “My Chinese name is Fang Yinnian, thank you for your attention ^^”
The second was his song registration list on the national copyright website.
These songs were all created during his two years abroad, totaling an astonishing thirty-three songs.
Bystanders were dumbfounded.
The music producer Francis accused of plagiarism was actually Fang Yinnian’s alternate account?
Plagiarizing himself? This accusation was too ridiculous!
The original blogger was soon cursed to death by netizens.
“Francis is Fang Yinnian himself, hilarious”
“Thanks blogger for exposing Fang Yinnian’s foreign account alias hahaha!”
“Blogger, didn’t you check clearly before accusing? Plagiarizing himself?”
“You’re utterly embarrassing”
“Fang Yinnian can sue you, blogger take care”
Realizing something was wrong, the blogger quickly posted an apology, saying they were Francis’s fan and never expected this overseas producer to actually be Fang Yinnian himself.
Fans were excitedly commenting under Fang Yinnian’s Weibo.
“Key point—I counted the songs with copyright protection in the second image, exactly 33!”
“How many?? 33 songs??”
“Wow, Yinnian secretly wrote so many songs—quickly release them for us to hear!”
“So you’ve been in seclusion writing songs these two years?”
“So many songs—pick some good ones and release an album quickly~”
“Ahhh fully satisfied—Yinnian quickly sing them out, I’ll definitely buy an album!”
Fang Yinnian replied to fans urging him to release an album: “Personal album is in preparation—everyone can look forward to it~”
Fans: “!!”
Good news kept coming these days.
Fang Yinnian really returned and planned to release a personal album—they felt like dreaming.
The plagiarism accusation storm quickly passed. The blogger failed to smear Fang Yinnian but instead exposed his foreign alias, helping publicize that he’d written dozens of songs with copyright protection registration.
Netizens were all surprised—singers with creative ability were rare in domestic entertainment. Who expected Fang Yinnian’s disappearance years to involve creative explosion, writing so many songs?
Graduating early from Lausanne Academy in two years was already impressive—having energy to write so many songs amid busy studies? He was too amazing!
Many netizens had “strength-worshipping” psychology. People like Fang Yinnian with outstanding appearance, beautiful singing, and creative talent especially attracted strength-worshipping fans.
Since his high-profile comeback on CCTV’s “Chinese Good Songs,” his dormant Weibo suddenly became active again. Daily new followers reached 200,000, topping Weibo’s daily follower gain rankings.
During his initial departure, he’d lost hundreds of thousands of followers, and his disappearance years saw stagnant follower counts—he currently had the fewest followers among FTM’s five.
But with his official comeback return, his popularity began rapidly catching up with former teammates.
***
July 10th, Fang Yinnian’s registered “Sound Wave Entertainment Co., Ltd.” was officially established. He chose the company address in a downtown Jiangzhou office building.
The office building was spacious and bright. Fang Yinnian rented an entire floor for renovation, having Xu Baichuan prepare to recruit talent. Management companies needed talent for many positions: managers, assistants, finance, legal affairs, promotion teams, fan operations, etc.
Operating a management company wasn’t easy. Fortunately, Xu Baichuan was experienced with industry connections, finding acquaintances to help get this small management company quickly operational.
Sound Wave Entertainment currently had only Fang Yinnian as a signed artist.
The industry soon learned of Fang Yinnian’s company establishment. Artists opening companies was common—with Fang Yinnian having long left Sheng Yao, starting his own company after returning was reasonable. The industry didn’t think much of it.
But Sheng Yao’s boss Zhou Haoran keenly sensed something wrong.
He’d privately contacted several local TV stations, agreeing not to let Fang Yinnian appear on any programs. Yet Fang Yinnian found another path, directly going to CCTV.
Damn! The Fang Yinnian blacklisting strategy wouldn’t work. As long as he successfully returned on CCTV, other local TV stations would quickly open their arms to welcome him—the entertainment industry had the most opportunistic producers.
No, this couldn’t continue.
Zhou Haoran immediately called Tan Junwen back from the production set to discuss contract renewal.
Tan Junwen said: “President Zhou, my contract doesn’t officially expire until August 18th. I’m busy filming recently—can we discuss renewal terms in August?”
President Zhou smiled kindly: “Junwen, the company is already giving you first-tier artist conditions—endorsement and film/TV fee splits changed to 60-40, with you taking 60%. I have plenty of commercial resources here. I can get you luxury brand endorsements, a first-tier magazine cover interview in the second half, and an S+ period drama male lead role. As long as you renew, the company will absolutely push you hard and make you a top-tier star.”
Luxury endorsements, male lead roles, magazine interviews—the renewal conditions the company offered were indeed tempting. Tan Junwen looked moved, saying to President Zhou: “Really, President Zhou? That’s great! Then I… let me go back and seriously consider it.”
President Zhou’s mouth twitched: “How long exactly do you need to consider!”
Tan Junwen smiled: “This is a big decision—of course I need to think carefully. I really want to renew with Sheng Yao, but I need to look at the specific terms more carefully.”
President Zhou was helpless—he couldn’t force him to sign by pressing his head down, so he could only wave dismissively: “I hope you can think rationally and clearly. You should understand the principle of ‘leaning against a big tree for good shade,’ right?”
Tan Junwen nodded: “I understand, I understand.”
Mo Xun’s production team was filming in remote mountains and forests, claiming he couldn’t take leave to return—they’d discuss after wrapping.
After Tang Che was called back to headquarters, President Zhou also painted him a rosy picture: “Tang Che, you’re currently the most popular rock band lead vocalist domestically. As long as you renew, I’ll arrange a national tour for you in the second half and find the best producers to make you a rock album.”
Tang Che said flatly: “We’ll see—I haven’t decided yet.”
President Zhou probed: “You know about Fang Yinnian’s return, right?”
Tang Che raised an eyebrow: “I know. He didn’t contact me when he returned. Participating in shows as an independent singer—he probably wants to develop solo.” He paused: “President Zhou, if there’s nothing else, I’ll leave first. I need to prepare for the next performance.”
He turned and left with a cold expression.
Xiao Fei was all smiles and cheerful: “Of course I want to renew, President Zhou! But it’s not expired yet, right? Signing when it expires would be the same. I’m too busy recently—let me have lawyers carefully review the renewal contract terms you gave me to see what details need modification.”
Zhou Haoran: “…”
He felt something was wrong somewhere.
These people’s reactions were strange—why did they insist on waiting until near expiration to negotiate? Most artists renewed several months in advance.
Could it be… they planned to collectively flee after contract expiration?!
Otherwise, why would they remain unmoved like they’d agreed upon it, despite two and a half years of his various threats and inducements offering extremely generous renewal terms?
Zhou Haoran’s heart chilled. He immediately picked up his desk phone to call his secretary, saying with a dark face: “Help me investigate Fang Yinnian’s company situation specifically.”
Investigation materials were soon delivered to the president’s office.
Sound Wave Entertainment, legal representative Fang Yinnian, current shareholders Fang Yinnian and Xu Baichuan—no other shareholder investments. Xu Baichuan had left Sheng Yao two years ago. Since Fang Yinnian was someone he’d cultivated personally, it was normal for him to become his manager after returning.
But… something still felt wrong?
Was this really just a company opened by Fang Yinnian and Xu Baichuan?
As contract expiration approached, President Zhou’s unease intensified. He frowned, thinking carefully—what other methods could force these four money trees to renew?
***
CCTV’s “Chinese Good Songs” competition rules: four mentors selected talented students to join their teams in episodes 1-6, with each team capped at 10 people.
Starting from episode 7, internal team battles began—two rounds of elimination reducing 10 to 7, then 7 to 4. Finally, each mentor brought four students to the finals.
Finals involved inter-team 1v1 elimination battles until determining the champion—competition was quite fierce.
The program emphasized originality—contestants had to sing original songs each round. Those with only one good song from “flash of inspiration” would be disadvantaged in this format. Only truly talented producers with many good songs could reach the end.
July 14th, episode 7: internal battles for Mentor Luo Hua and Mentor Ji Ying’s teams, 10 to 7.
July 21st, episode 8: internal battles for the other two mentors’ teams.
Since Fang Yinnian had Mentor Luo Hua’s green pass ticket, he advanced directly without competing in the first round. So these two weeks he didn’t need to fly to Beijing for recording, staying in Jiangzhou to prepare his first personal album.
An album required 10 carefully recorded songs, with the title track needing MV filming—requiring enormous time and energy. He was especially busy recently, but this busy life felt fulfilling.
Sound Wave Entertainment had also gotten on track under Xu Baichuan’s management.
Fang Yinnian’s fan club was reorganized with dedicated fans and a capable new president, with company fan operations staff liaising with the fan club.
July 27th, Fang Yinnian flew to Beijing again to participate in “Chinese Good Songs” recording.
Many fans came to pick him up, organized by the fan club.
As soon as Fang Yinnian exited the airport, he heard girls’ deafening screams.
“Ahhh Yinnian is so handsome!”
“Yinnian, we’ll always support you!”
“Fighting, fighting—you’ll definitely advance!”
Seeing young girls lined up on both sides of the corridor holding “Fang Yinnian Global Fan Club” signs, Fang Yinnian removed his sunglasses and smiled at them: “Thank you everyone, I’ll work hard.”
This response triggered even more excited screaming from the crowd.
He was always fan-friendly without airs, waving and greeting fans as he walked through the airport. Seeing Fang Yinnian up close—tall with long legs, fair skin, refined features—he looked even better than on TV screens!
Fans screamed until their voices were nearly hoarse.
Fang Yinnian got into his van and headed directly to the network’s recording venue.
He came a day early to communicate with Mentor Luo Hua about song selection. Many students’ self-written songs needed mentor revision and improvement, but Fang Yinnian’s work was already excellent and could be performed directly without changes. Luo Hua was very moved—he’d definitely recruited the most worry-free academic achiever.
This round was team 7-to-4. Luo Hua gave his green pass ticket to another female contestant. So Fang Yinnian needed to compete against contestant Qiao Lu.
***
July 28th, “Chinese Good Songs” episode 9—the 7-to-4 internal battle for Mentor Luo Hua and Mentor Ji Ying’s teams finally began. Fang Yinnian was the last performer from Luo Hua’s team.
He held a guitar, sitting on stage and gently singing.
This original song was called “Grandma’s Bridge”—a folk-style piece with especially warm melody. Combined with Fang Yinnian’s gentle, clear voice, many audience members thought of their own relatives.
Some audience members below might have remembered deceased elders, uncontrollably shedding tears.
Fang Yinnian had a major singing advantage—sincerity.
Every word and phrase seemed to pass through people’s ears and into their hearts.
Compared to shouting and technical showing-off, this type of ballad singer was definitely a breath of fresh air in Chinese music.
After performing, Fang Yinnian stood and bowed to the audience.
The host said: “Thank you Yinnian for bringing us ‘Grandma’s Bridge’—a very beautiful song. Did you write this for your grandmother?”
Fang Yinnian smiled: “Yes, my parents were quite busy when I was young, so grandma took care of me most of the time. My grandma cooked delicious food and had skillful hands, often knitting sweaters and hats for me.”
Grandma watching TV was already in tears: “Our Nian-nian is so wonderful!”
His parents also had tears in their eyes—having such a son made them incredibly proud.
The host said: “Now please welcome Teacher Luo Hua to the stage to choose this round’s advancing contestant!”
Luo Hua walked on stage, grabbing Fang Yinnian’s wrist with his left hand and contestant Qiao Lu’s with his right. After hesitating briefly, he raised his left hand and announced loudly: “Fang Yinnian advances!”
Qiao Lu graciously hugged Fang Yinnian: “Congratulations, Yinnian.”
Fang Yinnian smiled: “Thank you, Sister Lu.”
The hashtag #Fang Yinnian Advances to Luo Hua Team Top Four# quickly rose to trending.
The trending topics also included #Tan Junwen’s New Drama Midsummer Premieres Today# right next to Fang Yinnian’s hashtag.
Simultaneously, there was #Mo Xun Stars in Movie Witness Wraps Today#.
All three appeared consecutively on trending.
FTM group fans suddenly stirred with excitement.
“Holy crap, does this count as reunion in another way~”
“Entertainment trending top three: Tan Junwen, Mo Xun, Fang Yinnian! Whose DNA is activated?”
“These three up and down on trending—this scene stunned me”
“Are the bros having team building on trending?”
“Still missing Xiao Fei and Tang Che—won’t you buy trending spots to gather with your brothers?”
“Hilarious—FTM can only reunite on trending, right?”
“Screenshot for memories—group fans feel bittersweet!”
“Everyone’s doing well separately now, which is good. Don’t dream about regrouping”
“Sigh, these trending topics really make me miss when FTM dominated trending”
“We’ll never see the group name FTM again, will we [sad]”
With each member developing so well, no one believed FTM could regroup—after all, boy groups were just “stepping stones” for many artists’ youth. Who would take the backward path after successful transformation?
Group fans just couldn’t help reminiscing about the trending domination years ago after seeing three members trending together.
***
After recording and returning to his hotel, Fang Yinnian received a message from Mo Xun.
“Yinnian, I wrapped filming. There’s still some material to shoot these days and some commercial activities were pre-arranged. After finishing in mid-August, I’ll immediately come to Beijing to find you.”
“Okay~” Fang Yinnian paused, then asked, “How did your negotiations with Sheng Yao go?”
“Don’t worry, four contract termination notices have been sent over. We officially leave when they expire on the 18th.”
“Excellent!” Fang Yinnian’s heart couldn’t help but rejoice.
As long as they smoothly left Sheng Yao, they could be free and do what they wanted.
He’d written an album for FTM and hoped to meet fans soon!
**
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
![President Huo Wants Me to Restore His Reputation [Entertainment Circle]](https://novels.space/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-cd6f642.jpg "President Huo Wants Me to Restore His Reputation [Entertainment Circle]")