Full-time Artist Chapter 2: Newcomer Season

"So you are here with the cat."

A voice echoed in Lin Yuan's ears, and then a handsome, fair-skinned face obscured the starry sky before him.

"Jian Yi."

Lin Yuan instinctively uttered the other person's name.

This handsome, slender young man was Lin Yuan's classmate from elementary school, junior high, and university.

His true best friend.

Now, this best friend extended a hand, pulling Lin Yuan up from the ground.

Immediately after, Lin Yuan felt his shoulder sink as a woman's coat was draped over him.

He turned his head, revealing a beautiful, smiling face.

It was a girl with long hair cascading over her shoulders, a touch of pink, and a daisy-like charm; her beauty was captivating.

"Xia Fan."

Lin Yuan called out her name, much like he couldn't help himself when seeing Jian Yi.

Because this girl, Xia Fan, like Jian Yi, was Lin Yuan's classmate from elementary school, junior high, and college.

Another one of his best friends.

"It's chilly at night, remember to put on your coat before going out."

Xia Fan advised Lin Yuan. Even though she, Jian Yi, and everyone else running on the playground were only wearing short sleeves, fitting for the summer season.

"Okay."

Lin Yuan replied.

At the conclusion of his sentence, both Jian Yi and Xia Fan looked at him invariably, their eyes filled with a questioning gaze.

"How come I feel something is off with you?"

Jian Yi voiced.

Although Xia Fan remained silent, her expression clearly mirrored Jian Yi's sentiment.

"Because I'm not precisely Lin Yuan anymore."

Lin Yuan stated with a smile, believing his assessment to be quite accurate. Half of him belonged to the original owner—at the very least, his emotions, joys, sorrows, and his very skin were still that of the original Lin Yuan.

"Did a ghost possess you?"

Jian Yi burst into laughter, yet he harbored no genuine suspicion.

Xia Fan's expression also eased inexplicably.

Lin Yuan let out a breath of relief.

This allowed him to comfortably cease his explanations.

Having grown up alongside Lin Yuan, Xia Fan and Jian Yi knew him inside and out.

Consequently, these two had been looking after Lin Yuan since they were young.

From an emotional standpoint, Lin Yuan found himself unwilling to deceive them, yet he recognized the necessity of doing so appropriately.

"Mr. Lin, allow me to state something objectively."

Jian Yi said seriously: "Regarding the so-called [novelist], it's among the top ten most favored professions chosen by BlueStar's youth across all continents. Countless individuals are striving towards this aspiration. Relying solely on a fleeting hobby to establish yourself in this industry is exceedingly difficult. Thus, you need not stand under the cold night wind on the desolate lawn, questioning your life."

"The novelist..."

Lin Yuan's eyes darted slightly.

There was a reason Jian Yi brought up novels.

Not long ago, the original owner had conceived the idea of writing a novel and had acted upon it. He had participated in an online writing contest, submitting a manuscript of a hundred thousand words, hoping to debut as a [novelist].

Such writing events were quite vibrant.

Because once a [novelist] successfully debuted, not only would the winner's work receive a valuable publishing opportunity, but if its sales reached a certain standard, it could also be adapted into animation, film, television, or even games.

This was the dream of countless aspiring novelists!

Most importantly, it was incredibly profitable!

But alas...

Due to the immense popularity of such events and the original creator's truly ordinary novel-writing talent, the original owner's submission was eliminated in the very first round of the writing review.

Jian Yi had simply concluded that because he failed to pass the contest, he was brooding alone on the playground.

However...

Neither Lin Yuan nor the original owner gave much thought to the outcome of this writing contest.

The original owner's decision to end his life had no connection to the failure of the writing contest. After all, his participation in the contest was merely a gamble.

What if he struck it rich?

He had embarked on this venture with that very mindset.

The original owner was someone who constantly yearned to graduate early and earn a fortune.

He was perpetually plagued by a sense of guilt toward his family.

He felt that his elder sister, younger sister, and mother had sacrificed too much for him, and thus he wished to compensate them to the best of his ability.

Becoming a singer wasn't solely driven by dreams.

It was because this profession could yield substantial financial rewards!

Let no one utter harsh words like, "Dreams should not be tainted by money."

For the original owner, if tainting one's dreams could lead to wealth, he fervently hoped his dreams would be swiftly corroded to the point of utter blemish

so that he could buy a beautiful dress for his sister.

Grant his sister liberation in her life.

And ensure his mother no longer had to toil so arduously.

"Don't listen to Simple."

Xia Fan initially suspected that Lin Yuan was merely vexed by his unsuccessful essay attempt.

Instead of dissuading him, she offered encouragement to persist: "Actually, there are many similar competitions. For instance, next month, Blue Star's premier publisher, [Yinlan Book Library], is hosting a 'Supernova' essay contest. You could give that a shot."

"Please, Xia Fan,"

Simple interjected, "You're suggesting Lin Yuan, who can't even pass a basic essay, challenge the [Supernova]?"

"The most important part is participation,"

Xia Fan stated with a hint of guilt. Honestly, she harbored no real expectation of Lin Yuan's success; her sole hope was that he might find a new direction. Since her vocal issues forced a switch to the composition department, Lin Yuan's spirits hadn't been the same.

Simple, less delicate than Xia Fan,

proceeded to outline the harsh reality for Lin Yuan: "Even those outside the novel circle are aware of how formidable 'Supernova' is. The participants are typically seasoned veterans who have endured years striving for their debut dreams. Occasionally, there are even established authors who, for whatever reason, decide to participate under a new guise. In essence, for many, changing their pen name and adopting a new persona transforms them into 'newcomers' overnight..."

In summary: 'Supernova' is a battle amongst titans.

"I understand, I understand."

Lin Yuan smiled, cutting off Simple's explanation, but he secretly committed the details about 'Supernova' to memory.

In this world with such a vibrant artistic landscape, it seemed there were abundant avenues for achieving recognition.

However, he still lacked a song.

He would have to rely on the system's assistance.

Regarding the song 'Born as Summer Flower,' Lin Yuan needed to devise a plan for its release and found his gaze drifting towards Xia Fan.

Xia Fan was enrolled in the Vocal Music Department.

Before Lin Yuan changed his major, they had been classmates. In terms of professional skill, Xia Fan was undoubtedly competent. Her singing aptitude was nearly on par with Lin Yuan's before his voice failed him.

Yet, Xia Fan wasn't quite the right fit for 'Born as Summer Flower.'

Xia Fan's voice leaned more towards pop music, whereas 'Born as Summer Flower' embodied a folk song style. Lin Yuan wouldn't pressure Xia Fan into singing it.

Furthermore, Xia Fan was merely a student.

Would student releases even utilize official channels?

The pace of gaining recognition felt a bit too unhurried. Without significant promotion, it wasn't impossible for the song to fade into obscurity.

"What is it?"

Xia Fan noticed Lin Yuan's prolonged stare, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. "Do you need something to eat or drink? I can get it for you right now."

"No,"

Lin Yuan replied, "I have a friend... well, a friend, who composed a song and wishes to publish it, but he's unsure of the process. Do you happen to know of any suitable channels?"

"Are you out of your mind?"

Simple pouted. "Didn't you already sign with an entertainment company for 50,000 yuan? If you have a song, you should naturally approach a company."

Lin Yuan paused, then a realization dawned.

After being accepted into the Magic City Conservatory of Music, the original host had displayed remarkable vocal talent, leading to his signing with an entertainment company as a freshman for a 50,000 yuan signing bonus.

The original host was in dire need of funds.

Consequently, despite understanding that the 50,000 yuan signing fee was remarkably low, he promptly signed an eight-year contract. The received signing bonus was immediately forwarded to his mother!

However, no one could have foreseen...

That young man, blessed with exceptional vocal talent, would be unable to sing shortly after signing the contract.

Faced with such a predicament, the entertainment company that signed Lin Yuan had no choice but to accept their misfortune. From that point on, they largely left Lin Yuan to his own devices.

Perhaps aware of Lin Yuan's family circumstances, the company didn't pursue compensation. Yet, they never brought up contract termination. It was probable they had completely forgotten about Lin Yuan's presence among their roster of signed artists.

"That's not right."

As Lin Yuan pondered, Jian Ji suddenly recollected himself. "Mr. Lin, since when do you have a friend that Xia Fan and I don't know about?"

"A friend from nowhere,"

Xia Fan covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. She then added, "If you want to release a song, there's an opportunity coming up soon. In a few days, it will be the annual [Song Newcomer Season], when all the major entertainment companies actively scout for talent. You might meet the company's registration criteria..."

"Understood."

Lin Yuan flashed a grin, thinking, 'This is the artist's utopia, an ideal land where entertainment reigns supreme!'

When talent shines, the path to stardom unfolds, extending like a grand red carpet right to your doorstep!

It's the rookie season for the music industry.

This event serves as a crucial pathway to fame and is a special initiative by Bluestar to nurture new musical talent:

Annually, every November, Blue Star hosts the New Singer Season competition!

During this period, established artists in the music scene customarily hold back on releasing new albums or even singles, creating a dedicated space for emerging stars.

Some veteran artists even proactively endorse promising juniors and newcomers within November.

Following this, major entertainment corporations strategically introduce their new singers!

Lin Yuan had the opportunity to debut during this rookie season.

However, circumstances have shifted, and he now must focus on making his debut as a songwriter.

But...

Lin Yuan is no longer the same person he was originally.

Therefore, the prospect of debuting as a songwriter brings him even greater joy, especially considering Bluestar's standard profit-sharing model: typically 2.5, 2.5, and 5.

In simpler terms:

The company claims 50% of the revenue generated from song downloads or streams, while the remaining 50% is distributed between the singer and the songwriter.

Should there be two singers involved...

The 50% share is then split, with each singer receiving 2.5 (or 25% each).

For instances with two lyricists and composers, the distribution might favor the composer slightly, depending on the specific contract terms.

Lin Yuan harbors no concerns regarding this matter.

He handles the lyrics, music composition, and has the arrangement effects prepared. What is currently needed is the company's support to provide a platform and opportunity to compete in the newcomer season.