Full-time Artist Chapter 5: Thunder and Dew

A bronze treasure chest? Lin Yuan gazed into the system's warehouse grid, a flicker of unwarranted concern crossing his mind: "I hope there aren't any bombs in this one, right?" The system, however, paid him no mind. To err on the side of caution, Lin Yuan concocted a reason to visit the restroom and proceeded to unseal the first bronze treasure chest he had acquired. Task Reward: Professional Piano Level. The instant the bronze treasure chest opened, a torrent of piano skills flooded Lin Yuan's consciousness. Arpeggios, chords, finger rolls, wide leaps, octaves, even thirds and sixths—it was all there. "This one?" Lin Yuan wasn't entirely pleased. After all, the original owner possessed a tenth-level piano proficiency on Blue Star, a feat not too daunting for someone dedicated to music from their youth. The system seemed unimpressed by Lin Yuan's reaction. It responded in a toneless, mechanically synthesized voice: "Treasure chests are categorized into four tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and diamond. However, even the lowest-tier bronze treasure chest contains items of considerable value." "What constitutes a 'professional piano level'?" Lin Yuan felt compelled to clarify the system's professional standards. The system's reply came: "With your current professional piano proficiency, you are fully qualified to serve as the host's professional piano instructor for musical instrument performance within the Music Department of Qinzhou Art College, where you are currently enrolled. This effectively spares you years of dedicated practice. Your prior piano skill was merely a hobby; elementary school students could pass the tenth-grade piano exam with ease." "Alright," Lin Yuan conceded, setting aside the system's subtly mocking undertone. He inquired, "What lies beyond the professional level?" "Above professional is top-tier, followed by master, and then perfection. These correspond to the silver, gold, and diamond treasure chests, respectively." "When will I receive these treasure chests?" "That depends on the host's own strength and luck. Generally, there are two avenues for acquisition. The first is by completing tasks assigned by the system. The second is by accumulating a certain threshold of reputation points, such as exceeding 10,000 total reputation." "What is my current reputation?" As soon as Lin Yuan finished speaking, several lines of light blue text materialized before his eyes: [Age: 19] [Life: 22] Painting: 45 [Literature: 105] [Music: 2509] [Comprehensive: 2659] [Other: Pending Unlock] The painting and literature categories remained unchanged, but the music category had seen a significant increase. It was likely a result of the recently acquired piano skills bonus, coupled with the modest reputation gained from recording the song "Born as Summer Flower." It appeared that reaching the 10,000 total reputation mark would necessitate awaiting the official release of "Born as Summer Flower." Lin Yuan dried his hands and exited the restroom. At that moment, representatives from the Astral Finance Department and the Legal Department approached him to finalize a contract. The agreement for "Born as Summer Flower" was a standard procedure. The contract stipulated that following the release of "Born as Summer Flower," 80% of the song's revenue would belong to the company, with the remaining 20% split between Lin Yuan and Sun Yaohuo. Sun Yaohuo would receive 0.5% of this share. As Lin Yuan had handled the lyrics, composition, and even the arrangement himself, he would receive 1.5%. Sun Yaohuo voiced no objections. He adopted a humble stance, viewing the opportunity to sing "Born as Summer Flower" not as a profit-making venture but as his debut chance, making the signing process remarkably straightforward. Lin Yuan also had no objections. While he wouldn't mind earning more, he, like Sun Yaohuo, was a newcomer. Newcomers lacked the leverage to negotiate terms with the company; they received whatever share was allocated. Only established industry veterans could compel the company to make concessions. After the signing was complete, the finance department representative informed Lin Yuan: "The song will be officially released on November 1st. Its source will be available on all major platforms in cooperation with the company." "Okay," Lin Yuan nodded. Following the contract signing, staff from the Resource Publicity Department approached Lin Yuan. They presented him with a form and requested he fill in some information. "First, your name."

The personnel at the Resource Propaganda Department offered guidance to Lin Yuan, instructing him, "You are permitted to inscribe your own appellation in the lyric and music sections, or you may opt for a pseudonym akin to a pen name. However, once chosen, refrain from altering it casually."

"Xianyu, will that suffice?"

"You intend not to use your birth name?"

Lin Yuan affirmed with a nod; he harbored a certain aversion to public exposure and naturally favored a more low-key approach.

"Yes."

The staff member indicated their agreement, stating there would be no issues.

Subsequently, Lin Yuan inscribed 'Xianyu' in the designated signature field for both lyrics and composition.

Though the recollections of his past existence were quite indistinct, Lin Yuan could still vaguely recall certain celebrated verses and aphorisms. For instance, one such saying went:

Pro-Yuan Xian fish, as retreat webs.

Yet, a peculiar thought arose: why did 'Xianyu' bear a sonic resemblance to 'salted fish'?

Following this.

On the submission form, Lin Yuan was requested to provide a background narrative for the song.

Lin Yuan found himself immersed in profound contemplation.

Observing Lin Yuan's apparent indecision, the staff member, with practiced ease, interjected, "There's no need for undue deliberation; a few sentences will suffice. Other lyricists and composers also jot down statements casually, as no one pays them much heed anyway."

"Very well."

After a moment of reflection, Lin Yuan penned a phrase that read: "Life is as splendid as summer blossoms, and death as serene and beautiful as autumn foliage."

This inscription served as the genesis for the song's title.

Having completed the task, he turned to depart.

The staff member retrieved the form Lin Yuan had submitted and perused the line he had inscribed. For a brief spell, they seemed momentarily lost in thought—

Life is as splendid as summer blossoms, and death as serene and beautiful as autumn foliage.

Without the context of Tagore's presence on Blue Star, the impact of such a declaration was somewhat formidable.

Even individuals lacking a profound inclination for literary arts could still discern a weight of lived experience within the delicate phrasing.

Regaining his composure.

The staff member offered a smile and murmured to themselves, "It appears the propaganda team will not have to fret over the promotional title this time around."

As Lin Yuan departed, he dispatched a message to Zhao Jue. Upon noting the absence of a reply, Lin Yuan opted to hail a taxi and return directly to the institution.

Meanwhile, at this very juncture.

Within the executive office of Xingmang Entertainment.

Zhao Jue was presently navigating substantial pressure from the company's principal stakeholder, leaving him no opportunity to attend to his mobile device.

"Sha Hai has made arrangements for Qian Xingyu's debut during this year's rookie season. How do you propose to manage this situation?"

The boss's voice was remarkably placid.

Zhao Jue, however, could discern the undertones of displeasure veiled beneath the calm exterior.

Naturally, there were grounds for discontent, as Qian Xingyu was not, in fact, an untried novice but rather the actor who portrayed the secondary male lead in a highly acclaimed drama last month.

What, then, constituted the unwritten regulation of the newcomer season?

Any emergent talent within the music industry was granted the privilege of releasing recordings during this designated period.

If an established actor, possessing a certain level of recognition like Qian Xingyu, desired to venture into music, they could indeed be classified as a newcomer to the *music* scene.

After all, their prior endeavors had been confined to acting; they had never before lent their voice to a song.

However, this presented a significant inequity for other aspiring newcomers.

Consequently, certain figures within the industry had put forth a proposal to disallow actors from debuting as nascent singers, asserting that the newcomer season ought to be an exclusive opportunity for burgeoning talents purely from the entertainment newcomers' pool!

Yet, this proposition did not garner the approval of the higher authorities.

Nevertheless, the very articulation of this proposal was not entirely without consequence.

A considerable number of well-regarded actors held their public image in high esteem. Thus, even if they harbored aspirations of dabbling in the music industry, they would refrain from releasing music during the November rookie season, thereby avoiding direct competition with genuine fledglings, all to circumvent potential industry censure.

Newcomer actors, however, did not fall under this cautious category.

Prior to the breakout success of the hit drama earlier this year, Qian Xingyu had no prior acting credits. In essence, he was also a newcomer within the broader entertainment landscape!

Therefore, his circumstances were particularly unique.

Even if his participation ultimately led to competition with purely fresh faces for a spot on the rookie season charts, it would not ignite substantial controversy. Who would object when the individual experienced a sudden surge in popularity just as the newcomer season approached?

In such a scenario, Qian Xingyu possessed an overwhelming advantage.

After all, with the backing of a successful drama, his promotional efforts would be considerably simplified. Even if his musical output lacked exceptional quality, his pre-existing fanbase could undoubtedly propel his work to the top of the charts with uncritical support!

Considering this.

Zhao Jue could only carefully formulate his response: "Qian Xingyu is undoubtedly aiming for the premier position. Should he secure the number one spot, the prestige associated with the second and third rankings will also be amplified..."

"You must not reveal any hints."

The boss was a middle-aged gentleman with an air of cultured refinement.

As the general manager of Xingmang, his outward demeanor was quite amiable. However, within the company, it was universally understood that appearances could be deceiving.

For this elegant and seemingly approachable leader, initiating a significant undertaking was akin to summoning the arrival of a veritable demon.

With a gentle tap of his fingers on the table, the boss spoke in a low tone: "Your team's performance this year is truly a bit lax... This newcomer, Ji Jian, is already aiming for the top three! If the target isn't met, even if I can't make it to the end... At that time~www~ I'll have to decentralize your responsibilities for a period. You might have to endure being sidelined for a year or so before you can return to your position as chief agent."

"Understood."

Zhao Jue took a deep breath. Ever since Lin Yuan experienced that unfortunate incident with his throat, she had mentally prepared herself for this.

"Furthermore..."

The boss added a reminder: "Even if no one else breaks into the top three, we still need to secure several more spots within the top ten. Simultaneously, we must strive to elevate the highest ranking achieved by any newcomer as much as possible. Only by doing so can I attempt to speak in your favor before that group of senior executives."

"I understand."

Zhao Jue recognized that the boss treated him quite well. Becoming the chief agent was also a result of the boss's support over the years.

"You may leave now."

The boss waved his hand.

Zhao Jue nodded and exited the office. After adjusting her mindset, she took out her phone and called Lin Yuan: "Where are you? I'll come pick you up and take you back to school."

"I've already returned to school."

Lin Yuan replied, "I just sent you a message; perhaps you didn't see it."

Zhao Jue paused for a moment, then said, "Ah, I see. In that case, head back and be careful on your way. Wait for the newcomer season in November. I'll see if I can arrange more resources for you and help you break into the top ten on the list. Personally, I believe your song has good potential."

"Okay, thank you, Sister Zhao."

Lin Yuan could sense Zhao Jue's concern for him, even if he wasn't the sharpest. Many small details indicated that Zhao Jue held the original owner in high regard.

"Thank you, I'll hang up now."

Zhao Jue said with a smile, though it held a touch of bitterness. A thought crossed her mind: *Helping you is, in a way, helping myself. By getting one more person into the top ten, the impending storm that might fall upon me could be slightly lessened...*