"Yuan He, Wang Dong, Gu Peng, and Qi Dake—none of them can compare to our Xiao Jiu. Only Gu Peng has some name recognition, but it's still our Ah Jiu who shines," Wang Yuan remarked.
Chu Zhi smiled but didn't mention being looked down upon. There was no point—even if he did, Niu Jiangxue and the others would just vent a few angry words on his behalf.
Of course, he wasn't not annoyed by Yuan He and Wang Dong's dismissive attitude. Petty as he was, Chu Zhi knew anger was useless. Instead, he bottled up that frustration, saving it for the performance—where he'd unleash it. "Would one song voucher be enough?"
"Japan aside, crushing Korea is my specialty," Chu Zhi thought, already mentally claiming the top spot. A bit arrogant? Maybe.
Now, the question: How did Chu Zhi land a spot in the five-member lineup for the youth singer showcase? Was it Huang Bo's connections, or did his parents' background pull some strings? Lao Qian suspected the latter.
"Just got an invite for a show you'd love," Niu Jiangxue said, jotting down the performance details in her memo.
"What show?" Chu Zhi looked up.
"I Am the Composer—they want you as a challenger," Niu Jiangxue said.
Oh? Chu Zhi remembered. Originally, iQiyi had wanted him as a mainstay, but they'd pivoted to Korean star Jo Kwon at a higher price. Now they were circling back? Better pay up.
Niu Jiangxue added, "They're offering 9 million RMB per episode—more than Jo Kwon."
A public showdown with Korea's top idol? Tempting. But first—"Ask them about wins and losses."
If it was a fair audience vote, Chu Zhi wasn't worried. But what if iQiyi had guaranteed Jo Kwon the win? No point walking into a trap.
"If you're interested, I'll confirm that," Niu Jiangxue said.
Their schedule was flexible. Originally, they'd planned to record in Shanghai, but the Beijing meeting meant renting a studio there instead.
"Hey, why is Ninth Master always a challenger?" Lao Qian mused.
I am a Singer's surprise guest, Masked Singer's fallen warrior, now I Am the Composer's challenger—something felt off.
"Because Ah Jiu is the Demon King," Wang Yuan said, spinning everything in Chu Zhi's favor.
Lao Qian wanted to point out that the "Demon King" had lost twice—withdrawing from I am a Singer and losing on Masked Singer—but he wisely kept his mouth shut. Wang Yuan would skin him alive.
Chu Zhi, eyes closed but not asleep, overheard the chatter (not that they were hiding it).
"Withdrawing from I am a Singer made me the uncrowned king. Losing on Masked Singer still showcased my strength. 'By not competing, none can compete against him.'" Sometimes, victory wasn't about the result. But if he joined I Am the Composer, he would win this time.
At the studio, they recorded a promotional track for Cat Pet, a film about single motherhood. The producer offered 6 million RMB—an instant yes from Chu Zhi.
Time to lay down Still Fantasy's classic: "Listen to Mom's Words."
(Fun fact: Fantasy and Still Fantasy are separate albums. Chu Zhi personally preferred Fantasy's "Dad, I'm Home"—an anti-domestic-violence track—but "Listen to Mom's Words" was undeniable.)
While Chu Zhi recorded, Niu Jiangxue negotiated with I Am the Composer.
With Jo Kwon—Princess Group's most popular member—the show's hype rivaled Future Idol. The producer, "Che Lún" (Wheel), had earned his nickname from his career-hopping (LeTV → Youku → iQiyi) and rolling momentum.
"Producer Che, Chu Zhi's team asked—is the championship stuffed?" assistant Xiao Tang relayed.
Industry slang: "stuffed" meant predetermined. These code words existed to dodge leaks or recordings.
Che Lún laughed. "No stuffing. Does his team really think he can outsing Jo Kwon?"
"Seven rounds in, Jo Kwon's only lost once—and that was due to a mistake. Otherwise, he's crushed every vote. What does Chu Zhi have?"
"Chu Zhi performed well in Korea too," Xiao Tang reminded.
"That video? Sure, impressive—but not Jo Kwon level," Che Lún dismissed. (He hadn't actually watched it, just heard chatter.)
Having witnessed Jo Kwon's dominance firsthand, he believed no Chinese star—let alone five—could compete.
"So how do we respond?" Xiao Tang pressed.
Che Lún pondered. Why spend big on Chu Zhi when Jo Kwon already drew crowds? Simple:
After Chu Zhi's stage-fear incident and [Orange Home]'s rise, many Little Fruits had defected from K-pop fandoms. The show's clicks and comments had dipped.
Once you've tasted luxury, mediocrity stings. Che Lún couldn't let the show decline—especially with mid-season sponsorships at stake. Thus: "It takes the one who tied the bell to untie it." Invite Chu Zhi.
Imagine the comment wars: Little Fruits vs. K-pop stans. Fireworks.
After deliberation, Che Lún called Jo Kwon's China agent. The compromise: semi-stuffed. No blatant rigging, but tied votes would favor Jo Kwon.
Jo Kwon, still fuming over losing Hyundai's endorsement to Chu Zhi, agreed instantly. Perfect timing.
Negotiations resumed the next day. Niu Jiangxue exploited Che Lún's desperation for a Chu-Zhi-vs.-Jo-Kwon clash.
Top-tier stars usually capped at 5 million RMB per show (e.g., Su Yiwu, Li Fei). Jo Kwon's 8 million had already skewed the market. Now? 9 million plus a 1-million signing bonus—with the condition that Chu Zhi only challenge Jo Kwon.
Deal done. Chu Zhi was in.
And "Listen to Mom's Words"? Wanda Pictures had their track.