FTM’s tenth anniversary world tour was quite successful, with domestic and international tours covering 35 cities, each hosting two consecutive shows for a total of 70 concerts.
Average box office per show was 30 million RMB, with total box office reaching an astounding 2.1 billion, mobilizing over 2.8 million attendees. Combined with their previous domestic tours, FTM’s concert statistics all entered the world rankings’ top ten.
As the only charting group from Chinese music, FTM’s top group status domestically could no longer be shaken.
A full year of touring and constant traveling left all five physically and mentally exhausted.
After the tour’s successful completion, Mo Xun and Fang Yinnian planned to take vacation for their honeymoon, but just then they suddenly received notification from the national broadcaster—asking FTM to represent Chinese music at the 20th Asian Music Festival on January 5th in Seoul, South Korea.
The Asian Music Festival invited renowned singers from many Asian countries for collaborative performances. This wasn’t a competitive stage requiring audience scoring, just singers from various countries bringing different musical styles to audiences in friendly “cultural exchange.”
Representing Chinese music at an international music festival held extraordinary significance.
This music festival would be broadcast live nationwide on CCTV and simultaneously on national television stations across Asian countries.
The stage featured full live vocals—any mistakes wouldn’t just embarrass themselves but would humiliate all Chinese singers, definitely trending with netizen criticism.
Current Chinese solo singers included several excellent ones.
However, regarding groups, Sonic had long disbanded, Star Entertainment’s two idol groups had only KTV-level vocals, and new generation male groups were all subpar—full live vocals would easily become disaster scenes.
For such high-stakes occasions, only FTM could be relied upon.
When national broadcaster leaders contacted Xu Baichuan, he was flattered: “Representing Chinese music at the Asian Music Festival? This… *cough*, the pressure is quite intense!”
“However, we’ll definitely do our utmost to complete this mission.”
Xu Baichuan appeared politely modest while internally beaming.
See? At crucial moments, FTM was still needed!
Xu Baichuan messaged the group: “@All members, national leaders just contacted me wanting FTM to participate in the January 3rd Asian Music Festival. Everyone work hard and prepare urgently.”
Mo Xun was speechless: “Yinnian and I already booked flights for our honeymoon.”
Fang Yinnian: “It’s fine, let’s cancel.”
Mo Xun: “Alright, I’ll listen to my wife [hug.jpg]”
Tang Che couldn’t help saying: “Mo Xun, can you not show off in the group chat?”
Tan Junwen: “Exactly, consider us single dogs’ feelings, Brother Mo.”
Fang Yinnian: “Group owner, kick Mo Xun out ^^”
Mo Xun: “??”
Mo Xun: “I’m the group owner.”
Fang Yinnian: “Then pretend I didn’t say anything~”
Teammates: “…”
Are we part of your role-play?
Fu Fei said: “This Asian Music Festival counts as an extra quest, right? After completing it, can we get more vacation days? Flying around all year is so tiring!”
Xiao Fei hit the key point—Xu Baichuan immediately responded: “No problem. Everyone worked hard all year—no other schedules at year-end. After the Asian Music Festival until the Lantern Festival, everyone gets a long vacation.”
The five immediately flooded the chat: “Brother Xu is so good.”
“Brother Xu is domestic entertainment’s best manager.”
“Brother Xu is practically an angel descended.”
Xu Baichuan: “…Enough, you guys! You’ve practically beaten the flattery to death.”
These people had clearly become Vocal King, Best Actor, and top-tier celebrities, yet private conversations remained the same as their unknown period—completely lacking star attitudes.
Their relationship was genuinely harmonious.
Xu Baichuan privately messaged Mo Xun: “Your honeymoon has to be postponed. I didn’t expect this heavenly schedule either—the national broadcaster personally designated you all. Really can’t refuse.”
Mo Xun sent a smiley face: “It’s fine. Whether Yinnian and I go on honeymoon doesn’t matter.”
Xu Baichuan: “Huh? Not going?”
Mo Xun: “Being together, every day feels like a honeymoon :)”
Xu Baichuan: “……..”
Damn wanting to block this guy.
Since officially registering marriage with Fang Yinnian, Mo Xun privately wanted to show off anytime, anywhere, joy nearly overflowing.
Whatever, it wasn’t easy for them to get together. Xu Baichuan swallowed Mo Xun’s direct dog food and turned to prepare Asian Music Festival arrangements.
Late December, paparazzi photographed all five FTM members returning to Jiangzhou base simultaneously.
Online discussions abounded.
“The music group returned to base after tour ended?”
“Not disbanding for vacation—does this mean more schedules ahead?”
“Looking forward to New Year galas!”
“With their current status, TV stations will fight over them~”
“Anyone know FTM’s current appearance fees for TV events?”
“Top-tier domestic, need you ask.”
“Each one individually is top-tier—combined they’re invincible.”
“Everyone bet—which of the three major networks will grab FTM, this hot commodity?”
Countless netizens speculated whether they’d attend New Year galas.
However, major TV stations announced guests in waves, yet through December 30th, FTM’s name was nowhere to be found. Disappointed fans felt let down.
TV stations had no choice—offering highest appearance fees to invite FTM for New Year’s, but manager Xu Baichuan just wouldn’t accept!
The five were secluded at base doing unknown activities.
Until January 1st New Year’s Day, passersby encountered them at the airport, discovering all five boarding flights to Seoul.
Netizens suddenly realized:
“Holy crap, is the music group participating in the Asian Music Festival?”
“So their recent seclusion was preparing for this.”
“Ahhh looking forward to it—I’ll watch their performance on CCTV!”
Currently on the plane, Mo Xun sat beside Fang Yinnian, looking out at cloud layers while gently grasping Fang Yinnian’s hand, interlocking fingers.
Fang Yinnian turned back asking: “What’s wrong?”
Mo Xun said quietly: “Remembering over ten years ago, when I first went to Korea as a trainee, I was alone.”
Hearing this, Fang Yinnian’s heart softened slightly.
14-year-old Mo Xun had carried dreams abroad alone—the boy’s heart must have been anxious, not knowing if he could adapt to foreign environments or successfully debut. He’d only followed his passionate heart down this difficult path.
Fang Yinnian actually admired Mo Xun’s courage.
He gently squeezed the man’s hand back: “You’re not alone now.”
Mo Xun’s lips curved: “Mm.”
Flying to Korea again, he had teammates and a lover beside him.
This was his best harvest from years of struggling.
***
After landing, everyone checked into the hotel.
With time remaining, Mo Xun led teammates out shopping and eating.
Passing a street corner, Mo Xun suddenly stopped, pointing to a five-story building ahead: “That’s KET Entertainment headquarters.”
Also where young Mo Xun’s dreams began.
Fang Yinnian looked up at the building: “You used to live here?”
Mo Xun pointed across the street: “Lived over there—company-rented group dormitory, eight-person room with bunk beds and one bathroom. Living conditions were quite poor.”
Recalling youthful experiences, he couldn’t help smiling: “Eight people in shared bunks, some snored loudly—I initially couldn’t sleep at all. Later, practicing dance until late night, too exhausted—head hitting pillow meant instant sleep.”
“The dormitory only had one bathroom. If someone was inside, those wanting to use it had to run to the public restroom across the street.” He pointed to a dim alley across the street. “Right over there. Once we all went out for dinner and ate something unclean—everyone got diarrhea, running to the public restroom across the street in the middle of the night in a queue.”
“I even lost a pair of slippers running back and forth.”
He kept smiling while recounting these past events, probably finding them amusing, but Fang Yinnian felt heartbroken—he hadn’t expected Mo Xun’s training conditions to be so harsh in his youth.
Among the five of them, Mo Xun had suffered the most hardships. Life as a trainee was difficult, and later when he switched to acting, he endured daily exposure to wind and sun, working day and night shooting action scenes.
Yet this man possessed an indomitable resilience and perseverance. This was what Fang Yinnian liked most about him—his lover was an especially brave and determined man.
Incredibly handsome when serious.
Fang Yinnian gently grasped his hand: “Good thing you made it through—all those years of hardship weren’t in vain.”
Mo Xun looked at Yinnian: “Yes, I’m grateful I returned home to form a group with you all.”
Tan Junwen smiled: “You should indeed be grateful. After returning home, you not only became FTM’s captain but also found such a wonderful partner in Yinnian—you’re practically a life winner.”
Mo Xun chuckled while touching his chin: “Makes sense.”
Tang Che said flatly: “So, life winner, please treat us to dinner.”
Fu Fei raised his hand: “I want the most expensive Korean cuisine—Brother Mo, take us there!”
Mo Xun said decisively: “No problem, I’ll take you for the most expensive barbecue.”
Having spent three years here in his youth, revisiting this place filled him with emotion.
Those trainee years were extremely difficult—fierce competition, high pressure, daily anxiety. Later he even voluntarily gave up his debut opportunity.
Fortunately, after returning home he met these wonderful teammates and the world’s best Yinnian. This could be considered heaven’s favor upon him, right?
***
On the evening of January 3rd at 8 PM, the 20th Asian Music Festival officially opened.
Powerhouse singers from various countries gathered together.
This was Asia’s entire musical celebration—those who could reach this stage were naturally each country’s top-tier representatives in both ability and popularity.
Backstage, Fang Yinnian spotted two familiar faces—BNC male group’s maknae Cha Chang-wook and leader Jung Tae-min.
That year when he accompanied Mo Xun to Thailand, he’d met them. Years had passed, and BNC had long disbanded due to some members’ military service plus contract issues with their company.
Currently, the most popular Chang-wook and Tae-min were both developing solo careers. Other members had either changed careers to business or married and had children after military service, fading from entertainment.
BNC male group had become history—impossible to reunite for performances.
In comparison, FTM’s five had always worked together harmoniously, persisting in reuniting, willing to negotiate with companies together. Plus Mo Xun had kept a trump card, toppling Sheng Yao’s cash cow Tao Yizhou, making Sheng Yao willing to sell FTM’s usage rights and song copyrights to them.
They were the luckiest male group.
Chang-wook and Tae-min actively came to greet Mo Xun, happily embracing him while chattering in Korean that no one else understood.
After they left, Fang Yinnian asked quietly: “What did they say to you?”
“Welcoming us to the Asian Music Festival, praising our abilities—amazed we could reunite after disbanding and even hold world tours. They invited me to join them for late-night snacks after performances.” Mo Xun looked at Xu Baichuan: “Brother Xu, can I meet with old friends?”
After all, these were friendships from several years as trainees together—Mo Xun quite wanted to chat with them properly.
Xu Baichuan considered briefly before saying decisively: “Go ahead, but drink less.”
Mo Xun laughed: “Don’t worry, they’re no match for my alcohol tolerance.”
The program proceeded systematically.
This Asian Music Festival had a bizarre program order—all groups were clustered together in the third segment. Japan, Korea, and Thailand all had currently popular male groups, with FTM scheduled last.
If FTM’s dance and vocal levels were too poor, the comparison would be brutal.
But facts proved… seniors are still your seniors!
At 28 years old—quite mature for idols—FTM’s five members’ appearance with knife formation dancing directly stunned the entire venue.
Many international viewers watching the program were amazed.
“This is that Chinese male group that debuted 10 years ago?”
“So strong!”
“Are they really almost 30? After 10 years since debut, their professional abilities are still so top-tier!”
“No wonder they can hold world tours—I’m about to become a fan.”
Meanwhile, domestic forums were flooded with screaming.
“Music group says: Watch carefully, juniors—daddy’s here”
“Mom asked why I’m watching TV on my knees~”
“Strength honed through thousands of performances—truly deserving the top group title!”
“Old fans say I get dizzy just standing up now, yet they can still sing and dance~”
“Did these five eat preservatives? How are they still so young!”
“Who can believe they’re almost 30? Their figures, dancing, looks are like 20+ idols!”
“Our ageless male gods!”
At this Asian Music Festival, FTM performed three consecutive songs.
One passionate singing-dancing track, one extremely high-difficulty ballad, plus one new song Fang Yinnian specially wrote for the Asian Music Festival—Chinese-style electronic music “General’s Orders.”
TV audiences watching the broadcast all held their breath for FTM.
Three consecutive songs, stable as swallowing CDs.
What kind of ability was this? Truly bringing honor to Chinese music!
After performances ended, the five sweating members bowed together to the audience. Enthusiastic applause erupted as international audience members unanimously gave them ovations.
FTM today had broadened international friends’ horizons.
Still so strong after 10 years since debut—junior idols should learn from them as role models!
***
That evening, Mo Xun went for late-night snacks with Chang-wook and Tae-min while the others returned to the hotel first.
Fang Yinnian didn’t sleep, waiting until 1 AM when Mo Xun finally returned.
Mo Xun carried a slight alcohol scent but was mentally clear—not drunk.
Seeing Yinnian sitting with the bedside lamp on waiting for him, Mo Xun’s heart warmed. He walked over to gently embrace Fang Yinnian, resting his chin on his shoulder: “Why didn’t you sleep earlier?”
Fang Yinnian said: “Worried you’d get drunk with no one to care for you.”
Mo Xun chuckled: “You’re worried about me getting drunk? With my alcohol tolerance, several more wouldn’t be opponents. Today I only drank half a bottle—their managers were supervising, so they didn’t dare drink much either.”
Fang Yinnian asked: “What did you all talk about?”
Mo Xun said: “Chatted about old trainee days and BNC’s disbandment process. After disbanding, they’re all doing well—the two developing solo have good popularity, the one who left entertainment has a happy family, and the businessman made good money too.”
“I’m quite comforted.”
“Chang-wook even said my decision to return home was wise. BNC became popular first, but unexpectedly, we FTM walked to the end.”
Mo Xun’s voice was low with complex emotions.
These people had almost become his teammates, but bold choices at crucial moments opened another life path for Mo Xun.
Fang Yinnian knew Mo Xun felt somewhat troubled, gently stroking the man’s hair: “Remember our debut day when Brother Xu said—flowing water doesn’t compete for first place, but for endless flow. Entertainment doesn’t see who becomes popular fastest, but who stays popular longest.”
When FTM debuted, internationally there was BNC sweeping Asia, while domestically Sonic, Bluewind, and 12Star were eyeing opportunities.
No one then imagined this latest-debuting, slowest-rising makeshift troupe would last longest and go furthest.
They were undoubtedly the luckiest group. But all their achievements were earned through ability. Having walked to today, they could still pat their chests saying “clear conscience.”
The two looked at each other and smiled simultaneously.
Mo Xun lowered his head to gently kiss Fang Yinnian’s lips: “So good—ten years later, we’re still together.”
Fang Yinnian smiled: “Yes, it’s getting late—shower and sleep.”
Mo Xun leaned to his ear: “Want you tonight—may I?”
Fang Yinnian’s ears slightly reddened as he pushed him: “Be more restrained abroad—hotels aren’t very safe either. After vacation…” He suddenly stopped embarrassedly.
Mo Xun pursued: “After vacation, what?”
Fang Yinnian said quietly: “Let’s make up the honeymoon.”
Mo Xun bit his ear asking: “During honeymoon, can I do whatever I want?”
Fang Yinnian: “…”
Mo Xun smiled brightly: “I’ll take that as agreement.”
Before Fang Yinnian could speak, the man quickly turned toward the bathroom, giving him no chance to refute.
Fang Yinnian: “…”
Fine, during honeymoon he’d satisfy his small wishes.
After all, he was quite looking forward to this newlywed honeymoon too.
**
![After losing all his wealth, the ancestor rose from his coffin [BL]](https://novels.space/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Your-paragraph-text-1.png "After losing all his wealth, the ancestor rose from his coffin [BL]")
