September 1st, President Zhou finally couldn’t withstand pressure from all sides. To compensate for Sheng Yao’s quarterly financial deficit, he actively called Mo Xun, saying FTM song copyright issues could be renegotiated, lowering the price from 100 million to 50 million.
Mo Xun said with a half-smile: “President Zhou, we’ve discussed carefully. Even 30 million seems high—how about 20 million? Look, Xie Shiqi paid 100 million for 50 songs, equivalent to 2 million each. We only have 12 songs and aren’t as popular as Xie Shiqi. Adding FTM group name usage rights, I think 20 million is about right.”
President Zhou nearly spat blood.
Kicking when down and demanding life—negotiating now, Mo Xun was truly cunning!
Hearing Mo Xun haggle with President Zhou, directly cutting one-third, Fang Yinnian couldn’t help chuckling—President Zhou must be itching with anger. However, buying copyrights used Sound Wave Entertainment’s company funds, everyone’s hard-earned savings pooled together. Saving was good.
Mo Xun continued: “We’re ready for name change comeback. Yinnian already wrote songs and we’re recording albums these days. Sheng Yao’s annual financial report should look terrible, right? President Zhou, sure you don’t want this income?”
Zhou Haoran hung up.
Next day, President Zhou apparently thought it through, having his secretary contact them to handle copyright transfer procedures, demanding payment within three days.
Fang Yinnian took Sound Wave Entertainment’s company seal and legal advisor to personally sign contracts.
Sound Wave Entertainment’s lawyer was professional, carefully checking every clause to avoid any unclear contract disputes. Sheng Yao’s lawyer could only cooperate in revising ambiguous wording.
Only then did Fang Yinnian sign and seal. FTM’s group name usage rights and previous 12 song copyrights were completely transferred from Sheng Yao Media to Sound Wave Entertainment.
Finance transferred payment same day, contracts took effect immediately.
Leaving Sheng Yao, Fang Yinnian stood at the company entrance, looking back at the huge “Sheng Yao Media” sign—brilliant sunlight shone on the golden sign, gleaming brightly.
He recalled first coming to this company at 18, holding musical dreams, extremely excited when discovered by talent scouts, full of expectations for future music industry ventures.
His teenage self never imagined entertainment industry complexity, so many profit entanglements and scheming. He simply wanted to be a singer.
Later, the company hastily formed groups to grab boy band market shares, making him lead vocalist. Considering fastest debut speed, Fang Yinnian followed Xu Baichuan’s suggestion to join FTM.
—That was his most correct choice ever.
He met four wonderful teammates and encountered someone he truly liked.
These five years, they’d experienced glory and fallen to valleys. Finally everything settled—complete severance from original company, reclaiming FTM’s name and songs.
In the future, no one could control them anymore.
Fang Yinnian’s lips curved slightly. Taking one last look at the company sign, he strode away from Sheng Yao.
***
Sound Wave Entertainment headquarters conference room.
Xu Baichuan smiled broadly: “Excellent! The brand new FTM is officially established starting today!”
Everyone applauded together.
Xu Baichuan said: “Next, we must rush to release a new album. Songs reclaimed from Sheng Yao total only 12—completely insufficient for concerts.”
Fang Yinnian suggested: “My solo album is completed. How about I first release a solo ballad album? We’ll need the next two months for closed training—practicing harmonies, group dances, filming MVs. In November, we’ll officially launch FTM’s new album. What do you think?”
Mo Xun said: “I’m fine with that.” He looked at the other three. “You’ve all cancelled September and October work, right? Can you free time for group activities?”
Tan Junwen said: “I have some endorsements not yet expired—might need few days off for brand events. But I won’t take new dramas, focusing on recording with you first.”
Xiao Fei said: “I have one variety show guest appearance on October 17th that was signed long ago and can’t be cancelled. I’m free all other times.”
Tang Che said: “No problem for me. The new band isn’t formed yet—I’m quite free recently.”
Xu Baichuan decisively made the decision: “That’s settled then. Yinnian’s album is already recorded—we’ll find a suitable day to release it first. Everyone will go into seclusion to practice songs and dances in September and October. Just let me know if you need time off. In November, we’ll officially release our new album and appear before the public as FTM again.”
Xu Baichuan paused, then continued: “With 10 songs from our first album, 10 from our second, plus Yinnian’s solo songs and OSTs from Junwen and Mo Xun’s dramas, we can start preparing for our concert next year.”
The five looked at each other, all feeling quite emotional.
This group had been hastily formed and hastily disbanded—who would have thought there’d be a reunion day?
At root, it was because they all had a regret in their hearts.
—The regret of never holding a concert that belonged to FTM.
During the group’s early formation, Tan Junwen had even designed concert light sticks—microphone-shaped with three-dimensional musical note designs inside, using amber and flowing gold gradient lighting effects.
When the entire venue lit up with amber flowing gold light sticks, that golden sea would definitely be magnificent.
That was their most passionate and purest musical dream in their youth.
Unfortunately, this dream was never realized.
Now everyone was finally together again—they could make up for their youthful regrets.
Tan Junwen asked: “Brother Xu, are we holding concerts in the first half of next year?”
Xu Baichuan said: “Yes, preliminary plan is like that. We’ll start preparing after New Year, probably beginning nationwide tours during February winter break. After concerts end, you can move freely!”
Fu Fei was stunned: “Move freely?”
Fang Yinnian smiled: “Mo Xun, Brother Xu, and I discussed it. The best development model after FTM reunites is—solo careers without disbanding.”
Solo without disbanding?! All three showed surprised expressions.
Fang Yinnian looked at Tang Che: “Tang Che, rock music isn’t my expertise—I can’t write rock albums for you. However, during my Good Songs competition, I met an excellent rock producer named Qiao Lu who’s agreed to sign with our Sound Wave Entertainment.”
Tang Che had some impression of this person: “Qiao Lu? The girl who competed against you during Mentor Luo Hua’s team 7-to-4 internal battle?”
Fang Yinnian said: “Exactly. I won our internal battle not because her songs weren’t good enough, but because her singing wasn’t good enough. Though not a professional singer, she’s a very professional producer. So I signed her to our company to write albums for you in the future.”
Tang Che was very moved—unexpectedly, despite being so busy, Yinnian still remembered his love for rock music and found an excellent rock producer for him.
Fang Yinnian said: “Sound Wave Entertainment will sign several more talented producers. Songs are singers’ foundation—we need excellent producer teams to help create more music albums for individuals and the group.”
“In the future, Tang Che can release solo rock albums, Xiao Fei can release dance-pop albums, and if Junwen wants to be a singer, he can also produce rap albums.”
Fang Yinnian summarized: “Solo without disbanding means everyone can do what they love, but we can also gather anytime for group activities and group concerts.”
Mo Xun curved his lips: “What do you all think of this arrangement?”
Everyone said in unison: “Excellent!”
Solo without disbanding—respecting each member’s individual development.
Tang Che could form rock bands, Tan Junwen could continue acting or become a rapper, Xiao Fei’s lively personality suited variety shows and dance-pop singing; Mo Xun had successfully transitioned to acting and might become a movie king someday; Fang Yinnian would naturally continue his musical path.
Each had different preferences and personalities.
While developing individually, the team would be their strongest support. Solo work individually, group activities as FTM when reunited.
A boy group that was “solo without disbanding” would absolutely be the first case in domestic entertainment history, possibly becoming an entertainment industry legend.
Only now did everyone realize Fang Yinnian and Mo Xun’s foresight.
From the moment Fang Yinnian insisted on leaving the company two years ago, they’d begun long-term planning for the future—if Fang Yinnian hadn’t decisively left then, copyrights to the 33 songs created these two years would belong to Sheng Yao, making contract expiration departures even more difficult.
Fang Yinnian had timely severed ties with Sheng Yao, keeping song copyrights in his own hands, making a beautiful comeback through authoritative programs like “Chinese Good Songs.”
Now they’d reclaimed FTM usage rights and could directly make FTM’s second album.
Fu Fei’s eyes reddened: “Thank you Brother Mo and Brother Nian for preparing so much privately! I don’t know what to say—I consider you lifelong good brothers!”
Tan Junwen smiled: “In ancient times, we could have sworn brotherhood with blood pacts. Modern times… forget it, cutting wrists hurts.”
Everyone: “…”
Tang Che raised an eyebrow: “We’ll all be Sound Wave Entertainment shareholders—grasshoppers on the same boat with nowhere to run.”
Xu Baichuan said with relief: “However, even close brothers need clear accounts. Personal and company assets must be clearly divided. New management contracts were carefully reviewed by our legal team—no one will be shortchanged.”
Fang Yinnian said: “We can help each other during solo periods too. Our small friend group should have the strongest cohesion.”
Mo Xun stood up, actively extending his hand: “Come on, brothers—we should shout an appropriate slogan now.”
Everyone quickly stacked hands together, shouting in unison: “FTM—Fighting!”
Meeting like-minded friends to work together in entertainment industry—how rare was this?
Though Sheng Yao Media had many disgusting practices, hastily forming their five-person group, pushing early debuts, forcing song and dance practice to build solid foundations…
Former CEO Zhao had done something good after all.
Otherwise they never would have met each other.
Now packed and ready to start fresh, they had more courage and confidence than before.
They were never fighting alone.
—Beside them were the world’s best teammates.
***
September 8th, Fang Yinnian’s debut solo album “Time” launched simultaneously on three major music platforms.
This album was recorded during spare time while participating in “Chinese Good Songs” in July and August. The album contained 10 songs, including 5 performed on the show: “Jiangnan Misty Rain,” “Grandma’s Bridge,” “Moon Harbor,” “When We Were Young,” and “Sky Mirror,” plus his solo single “Listening to Snow” released during his Sheng Yao period.
It also included 4 new songs, with title track “Time” written beautifully.
This album was freely downloadable and streamable across all platforms.
With 6 previously performed songs, Fang Yinnian felt embarrassed charging fees. Moreover, his first album was just to gain music industry recognition and let more listeners know him as a ballad singer.
Free albums spread wider, attracting more casual listeners to playlists.
Riding “Chinese Good Songs” champion popularity, Fang Yinnian’s solo album exploded online, with cross-platform collections rapidly exceeding 10 million, sweeping major platform “New Song” and “Rising” charts!
Many review-focused content creators highly praised this album.
Popular Bilibili creator “Good Song Recommendations” made a special recommendation video.
“Fang Yinnian’s debut album ‘Time’ really surprised me—definitely in my top three albums of the year! He’s the strongest vocalist with the best tone among idols, and his singer transformation is very successful.”
“This album includes songs he performed on Good Songs. Many should have heard his live versions, but live versions have audience applause and screaming with imperfect on-site recording.”
“Studio re-recorded versions have better sound quality.”
“I absolutely love title track ‘Time’ and ancient-style ‘Jiangnan Misty Rain,’ plus high-note showcase ‘Sky Mirror’… Fang Yinnian simply doesn’t write bad songs.”
“Every track is excellent. The album’s free across platforms anyway—welcome everyone to collect and stream. I’ve added it to playlists on repeat, purely organic recommendation.”
“Finally, having such a dark horse in Chinese music is a blessing for us listeners! Hope Fang Yinnian writes and sings more, saving our ears.”
This recommendation video quickly gained over 10,000 comments and was pushed to Bilibili’s homepage.
Many netizens also praised Fang Yinnian’s new album.
“Best album I’ve heard recently—every track truly is excellent quality.”
“His voice really suits these gentle ballads—very comfortable listening.”
“This album is so popular! Fang Yinnian was so generous making it free?”
“10 songs with 6 previously released—selling it would definitely get criticism and pricing would be difficult. Making it free actually expands recognition further!”
“Fang Yinnian’s transformation is truly successful now”
Though group fans were happy hearing Fang Yinnian’s new songs, they began worrying: “Yinnian released a solo album, so is FTM reunion just fan speculation?”
“Five people signing with one company doesn’t necessarily mean reunion—they might continue solo development”
“Any news on Mo Xun and Junwen’s next dramas? If those two join productions, reunion is impossible”
“So anxious! Can we get a straight answer about reuniting or not?!”
Just as countless fans were anxious, on September 11th, the third day after Fang Yinnian’s new album release, all five suddenly changed their Weibo names simultaneously.
Fans following them quickly noticed the name changes.
“Mo Xun” changed his Weibo name to “FTM Mo Xun.”
“Fang Yinnian” changed his Weibo name to “FTM Fang Yinnian.”
Tan Junwen, Tang Che, and Fu Fei also neatly added “FTM” icons in front!
Simultaneously, the “FTM Official Studio” that hadn’t posted for two and a half years suddenly came back to life—
“Dear musical note babies, long time no see. FTM boy group officially begins reunion today.
@FTM Fang Yinnian @FTM Fu Fei @FTM Tan Junwen @FTM Tang Che @FTM Mo Xun (arranged by surname alphabetically, no ranking order), welcome all five members home together!
We will hold a media press conference at 12 PM on September 12th to introduce FTM’s future development plans and members’ activity formats. Weibo will livestream throughout—please look forward to it ^^”
Everyone successively reposted the studio’s Weibo.
Mo Xun: “Everyone waited long—we’re back.”
Fang Yinnian: “Very happy to reunite with good friends ^^”
Tan Junwen: “Don’t forget I can still rap [proud face]”
Tang Che: “FTM starting fresh [fighting]”
Fu Fei: “Before was FTM beta version, now it’s FTM official version—we’ll continue working hard!”
Group fans: “!!!!”
Countless group fans were excited to tears.
These five people actually reunited for real?!
“Ahhh someone wake me up—am I dreaming?”
“Holy crap! The music group really reunited?”
“My god, I wouldn’t dare dream you could actually reunite?”
“Support all of our brothers’ decisions!”
“Xiao Fei’s beta and official version analogy is hilarious—gaming fan persona never falls”
“Was the two-year disbandment like game beta ending for data adjustment? No more server shutdowns after official launch, right? Xiao Fei’s description is quite fitting!”
“Just the five of them together makes everything feel wonderful.”
“Is our youth really coming back?”
“Ahhh top group returns! I’m instantly revived—starting FTM super topic check-ins today!”
“Holy crap, many original fansite admins and fan creators are back too.”
“Homepage filled with old fans coming back to life—you all never really left?”
“FTM reunion brought out how many disappointed former fans who quit online!”
“The music group’s popularity is terrifyingly strong~”
“The fastest image-producing fansite admin with amazing aesthetics is back too~”
“The MoFang CP fanfiction writer I follow is also back, saying they’ll continue writing! [happy]”
“Hahaha MoFang CP resurrection from ashes”
“I’ve been holding back from saying—during finals night, Mo Xun actively having grandma speak for votes was totally trying to please Yinnian’s family, right~”
“Mo Xun seemed very familiar with Yinnian’s grandma—I’m shipping again!”
“Who are domestic entertainment’s happiest fans? Answer: musical notes!”
“It’s New Year, it’s New Year!”
“Ahhhhh I’m so happy I want to run laps downstairs!”
“Can the concert ticket money I saved four years ago finally be spent?”
“Looking forward to new album, looking forward to concerts!”
“FTM’s five together are the best!”
The hashtag #FTM Reunion# shot to trending #1 at rocket speed with a bright red “explosive” tag.
Fans were incredibly excited, the industry was incredibly shocked.
A disbanded group could actually reunite someday?!
Everyone knew boy groups were stepping stones for many artists—idol group debuters would definitely seek transformation as they aged. Among FTM’s five, Mo Xun’s actor transition brought three consecutive hit dramas, Tan Junwen just had a summer blockbuster modern romance, Fu Fei thrived in variety shows, Tang Che was a popular rock band vocalist, and Fang Yinnian won the Chinese Good Songs championship.
Each was so accomplished—why regress to reform a boy group?
Group activities meant Mo Xun and Tan Junwen couldn’t film dramas, Fang Yinnian couldn’t sing complex ballads, Tang Che couldn’t play rock, and Xiao Fei couldn’t host variety shows.
Grouping would only limit their development, right?
Were these people crazy? Whether other companies’ managers or major media reporters, everyone was extremely shocked and confused about FTM’s reunion.
Precisely because of this, September 12th’s FTM media press conference saw almost all entertainment industry media sending reporters, wanting to hear their explanations firsthand.
Weibo didn’t miss this traffic opportunity, arranging staff for live streaming.
At exactly 12 PM, five men in suits walked neatly into the press conference venue. Below sat countless reporters densely packed, flash bulbs constantly popping as photographers frantically captured their shots.
The five had distinct temperaments—all 180+ cm tall handsome men with long legs. Appearing together was truly eye-catching.
They stood shoulder to shoulder in a line on stage, still in their original positions—Tang Che, Mo Xun, Fang Yinnian, Tan Junwen, Fu Fei, with Fang Yinnian in center position.
Mo Xun smiled and picked up the microphone: “Hello everyone.”
Four teammates immediately followed: “We are—FTM!”
All five bowed to the reporter section together.
Reporters below had complex emotions while livestream fans had tears in their eyes.
That hastily debuted makeshift group and small-time team from years ago—every media appearance had five young men politely bowing to reporters, saying: “Hello everyone, we are FTM.”
Long-missed words, familiar actions.
Years had passed. Though all five had changed and matured greatly, when they stood together, that harmonious, warm atmosphere seemed unchanged.
The five remained that synchronized.
Standing side by side, they were still as harmonious as before.
Group fans watched this scene with endless tears—this was truly a beautiful scene that could only appear in dreams!
Mo Xun said quietly: “Thank you media reporters for taking time from busy schedules to attend today’s press conference. After careful consideration and discussion, we five decided to return as FTM.”
He smiled at his teammates beside him: “We met and bonded in youth. These years brought many setbacks, with each having personal ideals—but we still couldn’t let go of FTM.”
“We never held a concert belonging to FTM.”
“So we want to work hard to remedy this regret.”
The man’s voice was low and powerful, simply introducing FTM’s reunion reasons and opportunities.
Livestream fans’ tears flowed even more unstoppably.
Exactly! You never held concerts—that was your five’s regret and equally our fans’ heartbreak! Such a wonderful group disbanded too hastily, becoming how many people’s lasting pain?
Scenes of nationwide breakdown crying and countless fans deleting accounts were still vivid.
Now the five were willing to work hard remedying this regret…
So wonderful! So wonderful!!
Mo Xun looked gently at Fang Yinnian: “Next, let our Yinnian introduce FTM’s future plans.”
Fang Yinnian smiled and took the microphone: “FTM’s second album—I’ve already written all songs. September and October we’ll practice songs, dances, and film MVs in seclusion. We’ll release the new album in November. We’ll work seriously on this album—everyone can look forward to it.”
This statement collectively shocked on-site reporters.
The entire album was already written?! Fang Yinnian was amazing.
Livestream fans also got excited.
“Holy crap, new album coming so soon?”
“Yinnian just released his solo album and already wrote the group album too?”
“He registered 33 song copyrights—they should include songs written for FTM!”
“So Yinnian prepared for FTM reunion when studying abroad? Otherwise, why would he write FTM songs these two years?”
“Maybe they planned this together!”
“I said their private relationships stayed good—surface non-contact was just for company appearance”
“After all, the dog company was inhuman, and Tao Yizhou plagiarized Yinnian’s songs—disgusting”
“Lucky Yinnian left timely, otherwise so many song copyrights would be problematic!”
“They changed names to FTM—did they reclaim FTM usage rights from Sheng Yao? Can they still sing old songs?”
“The five negotiating with their former company and reclaiming the group name is quite impressive~”
Fang Yinnian continued: “After the new album release, we five will participate in some activities together at year-end. First quarter next year, we’ll prepare FTM’s national tour concerts, deciding which cities based on circumstances. Hope FTM concerts can successfully meet everyone.”
He paused: “Additionally, after discussion, we jointly decided FTM will be ‘solo without disbanding’ in the future. Everyone can continue individual careers while reuniting anytime for group activities.”
Tan Junwen smiled and added: “Friends who like my dramas don’t worry—I won’t abandon acting. After all, as someone who never studied performance, touching the edge of acting skills wasn’t easy. I must continue improving my acting.”
Mo Xun said straightforwardly: “Same for me. During group activities I’ll act with teammates. After concerts end, I’ll continue filming as an actor—that’s also one of my dreams. I hope to bring everyone more excellent film and TV works in the future.”
Fu Fei smiled brightly: “I signed a hosting contract with Nanxing TV. After FTM album recording ends, I’ll join Nanxing TV variety shows. Everyone can look forward to it.”
Tang Che said: “I’m no longer Black Sky band’s lead vocalist, but I’ll form my own rock band. The new band should meet everyone next year.”
On-site reporters and livestream fans were all shocked.
Solo without disbanding!
Domestic entertainment had never had such precedent.
These five were truly amazing—not only peacefully terminating with their original company and reclaiming FTM usage rights and song copyrights, but also conceiving “solo without disbanding” to respect members’ individuality while using team bonds to connect everyone together.
Now both solo fans and group fans could be happy.
Mo Xun said: “Thank you everyone for your attention to FTM. Next is free question time.”
A reporter immediately stood up: “May I ask, your ability to continue using FTM’s group name—did you negotiate this with Sheng Yao Media?”
Mo Xun smiled: “Yes, we had friendly discussions with Sheng Yao and reclaimed FTM’s group name usage rights plus copyrights to our previous 12 songs. We can continue singing these old songs at future concerts. We’re also very grateful for Sheng Yao Media’s support.”
Another reporter asked: “Are all songs on FTM’s second album written by Yinnian himself?”
Fang Yinnian: “Yes, all 10 songs were independently created by me.”
Reporter: “You wrote FTM songs while studying abroad—was reuniting already planned?”
Fang Yinnian smiled: “During my studies I wasn’t certain whether everyone would want to continue group activities, but I always hoped we could reunite someday, so I prepared songs in advance.”
One reporter asked directly: “Solo without disbanding only works in theory. In the future, as your individual careers develop better, is reuniting still possible?”
Mo Xun said: “Why wouldn’t it be possible? FTM is celebrating our fifth anniversary this year. We hope to continue meeting everyone at our tenth and fifteenth anniversaries—we’ll work hard to maintain this group.”
Fang Yinnian agreed: “Exactly. Individual and team interests don’t conflict. For us, FTM is like family. When you’re tired from flying solo outside and return home to the best brothers accompanying you—isn’t that wonderful?”
The reporters below were moved.
Indeed, fighting alone gets exhausting. Having such a warm home and trustworthy brothers—wasn’t that wonderful?
Entertainment industry scheming was common, with sisterly conflicts and brotherly betrayals frequent, but FTM from formation to disbandment to reunion—five years passed without them ever fighting or arguing.
Their relationship remained strong.
In this complex industry, they were each other’s most trusted teammates.
And each other’s strongest support.
**
