Chapter 65: Damn!

The aftermath of the Golden Melody Awards ceremony was immense. Although Zhou Miao enjoyed himself thoroughly at the time, he ended up offending a great many people, some of whom even threatened to blacklist him. The industry was abuzz with turmoil, and the internet was ablaze with heated debates. Many stood firmly behind Zhou Miao, but just as many couldn’t stand him. Fans from multiple artists banded together to form the “Anti-Zhou Miao Alliance,” vowing to drive Zhou Miao out of the entertainment industry.

The manager of Rainbow Records’ PR department turned her hair white with worry overnight. Public relations is an art; whether the response is handled well or poorly can greatly influence public opinion.

But more importantly, with Zhou Miao causing such a stir, what would the boss’s attitude be? Would he be protected, or would he be shelved?

Zuo Qiu heard this question and looked at her strangely. “If we shelve him, would you like to lead the company instead?”

Only then did the PR manager realize she’d asked a foolish question and quickly lowered her head.

Zuo Qiu interlaced his fingers and spoke sternly, “Remember this: the company survives because of Zhou Miao. You are able to work here because of him. Without him, the company would have collapsed already. The only thing you need to consider now is how to calm things down.”

“Yes, I understand,” the PR manager quickly replied.

Once she left, Zuo Qiu let out a frustrated sigh, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and gazed out at the night.

If this were the golden age of the music industry, someone as rebellious as Zhou Miao would have long been blacklisted. But in this online era ruled by capital, the old giants’ influence is greatly diminished. Maybe they can block him from television and newspapers, those old-fashioned media, but the internet is an ocean they can never dam.

As long as Zhou Miao remains popular, every major platform and online media will always welcome him.

The problem now is, the more others target Zhou Miao, the more energized he becomes, almost as if he’s enjoying the ordeal. No one can really understand him.

Recently, he hasn’t even attended school. He and Cumin have holed up in the recording studio for days on end, and no one knows what they’re working on.

At this moment, Hu San pushed open the door to the studio with a packed meal box. “Stop working for now, come eat.”

These days, it’s always been Hu San delivering their meals, packed with Zhou Miao’s favorite foods, and even Cumin has gained some weight as a result.

Zhou Miao put down his work and kissed Hu San. “What’s for dinner today?”

Hu San blushed and glared at him, since Cumin was still there. “I got you crawfish, both garlic and spicy flavors, plus some barbecue.”

Cumin immediately perked up and pulled a case of beer from under the table. “Tonight’s meal is a feast!”

The aroma made Zhou Miao’s mouth water. Crawfish and barbecue—this is the greatest romance of summer.

Hu San put on gloves and peeled shrimp for Zhou Miao, feeding him directly, making Cumin exclaim he couldn’t take it anymore.

While peeling shrimp, Hu San asked, “Is the song finished?”

“Almost,” Zhou Miao replied, mouth full. “A bit of post-production and it’ll be ready to release.”

“There’s still so much noise online. Is it really okay to release this song now?” Hu San was worried. She’d heard the song Zhou Miao was recording; the lyrics were… well…

Zhou Miao chuckled, “You don’t understand. There’s nothing more enjoyable than a battle of wits.”

Though many people want to bring him down, Zhou Miao isn’t afraid. From beginning to end, he has only ever retaliated passively, never instigating.

Even his fierce criticism of the Golden Melody Awards was justified, which is why the Awards committee hasn’t dared to publicly retaliate against him.

Besides, many singers and musicians online support Zhou Miao. The recent controversies and chaos surrounding the Golden Melody Awards have long displeased many; Zhou Miao was simply the first to stand up.

Therefore, they have little legitimate reason to blacklist Zhou Miao; at most, they can play a few tricks behind the scenes.

By contrast, those artists who have been blacklisted were always caught with a specific offense, giving ample room for manipulation.

The entertainment industry is messy, with many dark hands at work. Zhou Miao intends to use this incident to make his name known to all, to show everyone he’s not someone to be trifled with.

“If one day I really can’t make it anymore, I’ll go back to Suzhou with you and sell bread. How about that?”

Hu San’s eyes curved into crescent moons with joy. “That’d be great. My dad would be thrilled—he’s always worried you’ll get tangled up with someone in the entertainment circle.”

Two days later, Zhou Miao’s new song was officially released. On Weibo, he wrote: “A lot of people have been messaging me lately, asking why I haven’t spoken up after the uproar, if I’m scared. Everything I want to say is in this song.”

After five days, netizens finally received Zhou Miao’s follow-up response. They rushed to open their music apps, and the number one song on the trending chart was Zhou Miao’s new release, titled with a single word: “Rely!”

Just from the title, a sense of rebellious swagger hits you—bold and unmistakably Zhou Miao!

Headphones on, play button pressed. Today’s hot topic begins!

The prelude sounds, grand yet tinged with oppression, like the weight before a climactic battle in a film.

But then, a sudden air raid siren and fierce bass drum push the atmosphere to a fever pitch. The explosive rhythm makes listeners want to tap their feet along.

Amid this dazzling opening, Zhou Miao’s voice enters:

“Over the hills, past the mountain pass, the air thins above the clouds, hostility fills these streets, but the smoke and fire can’t touch me.”

“An air raid is just noise to me, the siren simply gives you time to leave.”

“Rely! My perseverance burns to the limit! Rely! My fighting spirit roars to the sky! Rely! I carve my own track!”

“Rely! Rely! Rely! Rely! Rely, rely, rely, rely!”

“Rely! My perseverance burns to the limit! Rely! My fighting spirit roars to the sky! Rely! Speeding toward my goal!”

“Rely! Rely! Rely! Rely! Rely, rely, rely, rely!”

This electrifying rhythm and powerful lyrics left countless fans agape. It was the first time anyone had written “Rely!”—a slang with a hint of profanity—into a song, and done so with such overwhelming swagger!

It made listeners feel an irresistible urge to shout along. In the entire Chinese music scene, who else could write such a fiercely energetic song?

“Uphill, never following the slope, against the wind, it clears my mind.”

“I keep silent, speak little, only open my mouth when I win. True battle is fought among equals.”

“I hope you’re worthy opponents!”

This section directly addresses the recent Golden Melody Awards incident, brimming with confidence—almost to the point of arrogance. Cowardly? Not a chance!

“The view from tall buildings, unknown streets, neon lights invade and vulgarize everything. Right and wrong duel at the crossroads, but I rule my own world.”

“Who writes boldly and confidently? Never give up, keep surpassing, smash right and wrong!”

…

After listening to the whole song, only one word comes to mind: wild!

In this song, Zhou Miao fully embodies the youthful vigor and fearless courage of an eighteen-year-old.

Maybe in the future, I’ll be cautious and hesitant, but for now, I just want to say one thing—rely!