The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 54

Chapter 54: I'll Tell You Who's the Boss

"The piercing mockery around made Shi Yan feel embarrassed. He rubbed his face, pushing past the crowd and rushing back to the singing room, forcefully shutting the door behind him. Inside, Chen Tian was solemnly playing the guitar, his face devoid of expression. He said indifferently, 'You've got what you wanted. Are you satisfied?'

Shi Yan glared at him, his eyes tinged with red. 'What do you mean?'

Chen Tian fell silent, returned the guitar, and left the room. Only two remained. Xie Yihang stepped forward and whispered, 'Shi Yan, don't be disheartened. You didn't rely on your family for the past four years, and you don't need to now. I believe you'll prove yourself to everyone. Nie Fei doesn't seem intent on doing anything to CBC. He's willing to attend the concert. We still have a chance.'

With the die cast, Shi Yan nodded wearily. The attention now focused on him would pass, as long as he didn't falter now, there would be a day he'd stand firm.

The following evening, the sixth-year anniversary concert of DDD commenced at the Red Hall. The stadium packed with a hundred thousand people, the audience section resembling a deep blue sea. When the singers took the stage, a collective excited cheer erupted.

The person they loved stood under the spotlight, waving to the audience, still wearing that indifferent demeanor yet igniting the emotions of countless fans. It had been over a month since the finals, and this was Nie Nie's first appearance in a month. The fans were thrilled even before the start of the performance!

The VIP section shimmered with stars, filled with top-tier singers, actors, Nie Kaiyi, and die-hard fans from the Non-Wei Association. Cameras even caught Galaxy's captain, Yu Jingwei, looking eagerly at the stage like any other spectator.

The momentum of DDD's sixth-year commemorative concert was enormous, especially after months of continuous news coverage, attracting unimaginable attention. A hundred thousand tickets sold out in the blink of an eye, all the fans' enthusiasm packed into the small Red Hall.

But the fervor didn't last long. After a few songs, the audience's cheers diminished. It was an unprecedented sight. These were DDD's hit songs from various albums that used to electrify the crowd effortlessly. However, now there was a growing trend of disinterest.

The reason was simple. Most were here for Nie God, but now Xie Yihang occupied the center stage. Nie God's part was minimal. Though this used to be DDD's usual arrangement and stage performance, it now left the audience unsatisfied. With a change in the spotlight, the difference in the rendition of a song was too significant.

They hadn't seen what they wanted. In the stark contrast between the finals and the concert, long-time fans sympathized with Nie Nie's four unfair years, while new fans reinforced their stance as Non-Wei supporters.

After 22 songs, the four on stage seemed weary, and the concert was about to end. The audience, realizing the concert's conclusion, started shouting for encores, unsatisfied and unable to get excited. They wanted to see Nie God, hear Nie Nie's solo! They wanted to hear the new 'War Song'! They wanted 'Eradication Ahead'!

Even if these voices weren't shouted out loud, they lingered in the hearts of the audience.

The cries from the live audience were too overwhelming. Eventually, the four returned to the stage for an encore. This time, Nie Jia, holding the microphone, stepped forward, leaving the other three puzzled. They never planned an encore for the concert. What did Nie Fei want to do?

Everyone anticipated a performance centered around Nie God at the end. Fans' emotions surged, anticipating cheers erupted at this moment.

But Nie Jia merely gestured downward with one hand, standing under the lights, and said wearily, 'I'm sorry, everyone. We haven't prepared an encore for today. I just have a decision I want to share with you.'

The fans gradually quieted down. As he spoke, the live audience felt extreme pity. His exhaustion and powerlessness were evident in his voice. Surely, the external opinions had taken a toll on him.

'Today marks nearly five years since I joined DDD. So much has happened in these five years, and I'm tired. So, I officially announce today that I'll be leaving DDD.' His voice trembled slightly. A person usually cold and aloof, today on stage, tears filled his eyes, touching the hearts of millions of fans.

Shi Yan and Xie Yihang were shocked and panicked, never expecting Nie Fei to suddenly announce his departure from DDD during the concert!

Xie Yihang was on the verge of tears. If Nie Fei left DDD, aside from others, he and Shi Yan would directly lose all the company's resources! He was relieved earlier that at least Nie Fei was still in DDD, enough bound resources to help them through the rough times... but now Nie Fei, how could he do this? He left them no way out!

Chen Tian, however, remained stoic, silently standing on stage, looking forlorn.

The live audience initially felt puzzled but soon replaced it with emotions of pity, joy, excitement, and more. Nie Nie leaving DDD was a blessing. Countless Non-Wei supporters had longed for this day, feeling DDD never deserved Nie Nie!

The live audience and fans watching the broadcast were undoubtedly delighted. A small portion even cried tears of excitement.

Only the toxic fans and those devoted to the team were utterly dumbfounded, along with the higher-ups at CBC.

After Nie Jia finished speaking and slightly bowed to the audience, he left the stage. He didn't remove his makeup, directly escorted away by Shi Si.

'Tired?' Shi Si pulled him close in the car, caressing and comforting.

Nie Jia laid back, resting on his shoulder, sighing, 'Mentally exhausted.'

Shi Si smiled, not disturbing him further, instructing the secretary to drive them home."

On the day the concert ended, news of Nie Fei's departure from DDD spread nationwide. Various media outlets and online portals were abuzz with reports. No one believed Nie Fei left solely due to the scandal. His words at the concert, "I'm tired," carried layers of bitterness.

"Duo Wei and Wei San always liked to promote unity among the three of them. What's unity? It's about a member's sense of responsibility and honor towards the team, not just putting on a show of camaraderie. It's about not dragging the team down, ensuring quality completion of team tasks, and never harming the team's interests. That's unity! Nie Shen continuously released songs for nearly five years, surpassing competitors in both quality and speed. During the Battle of the Stars, when DDD was on the verge of defeat, he stood up to defend DDD's honor. The others were busy filming, attending variety shows, and taking on advertisements. The only one truly embodying unity in the team was Nie Fei! It was the disappointment from Wei Fans and the three members that led to his departure."

"Ni Ni leaving is justified. He gave his all for DDD's championship, but Shi Yan messed up his in-ear monitor, hindering him. Later, there were negative rumors tarnishing him. Xie Yihang not only failed to defend Ni Ni but also added fuel to the fire, deliberately misleading the public. It was the team's concerted efforts to undermine him that truly broke Ni Ni. This team made him lose hope."

"When Nie Shen mentioned leaving the group, his eyes were red. His feelings for DDD were probably stronger than the fans'. With his financial capability, he could have easily terminated the contract with CBC and pursued his solo career. Why bind himself to DDD with three anchors weighing him down? CBC and the fans, especially the other members, owe Nie Shen an apology!"

A simple "I'm tired" sparked fury among the fans. The number of Non-Wei had risen significantly, rallying to demand apologies from Shi Yan, Xie Yihang, and CBC for their treatment of Nie Shen.

Xie Yihang and Shi Yan were taken aback by Nie Fei's sudden departure and the immense public backlash. It led to the worst scenario—contracts scheduled for next year were already in talks for termination. They were facing lawsuits from partners for damages to reputation and image, demanding hefty compensation for breach of contract!

Soon, lawsuits were filed, and CBC was dragged into court by Shi Si's legal team to resolve Nie Fei's contract issues. CBC, fearing repercussions, promptly terminated the contract. They not only failed to support artists but also paid Nie Fei an astronomical sum for breach of contract.

Since Nie Jia owned the copyrights to all DDD songs, immediately after termination, CBC had to remove all DDD songs from circulation. This effectively rendered the group defunct, denying other members any chance to benefit from past work.

The public cheered, only wanting to hear Nie Shen's solo songs, disregarding DDD altogether!

After Nie Jia terminated the contract with CBC, Chen Tian, feeling disheartened, also announced his departure and termination of contract. He paid a fine to CBC and quietly returned home abroad to inherit his family's company.

Before leaving, Chen Tian left a message on his social media: "May your life's arena not have people like us. Farewell."

In that short sentence lay condemnation and self-blame, criticizing Xie Yihang's inaction and Shi Yan's scheming while regretting his own complicity.

With things reaching this point, Shi Yihang and Shi Yan were constantly under public scrutiny. Feeling aggrieved, Shi Yihang couldn't help but cry in front of the public. He pleaded innocence, claiming he had never targeted Nie Fei, asking why everyone singled him out.

Nie Jia personally responded to Shi Yihang with a post: "One should not let those who kindle the fire freeze in the snow, nor those who pave the way get trapped in thorns."

Fans rallied behind their idol. DDD had reached the top tier because of Nie Shen, and Shi Yihang, who did nothing, was the biggest beneficiary. However, when Nie Shen was misunderstood, what did Shi Yihang do for him? Nothing but stand by and even aggravate the situation! Regardless of intent, such behavior was disgusting—how could he claim to be aggrieved!

Nie Jia's response only intensified the attacks on Shi Yihang. Overwhelmed, he shut down his computer and retreated to cry alone in his room.

"He still doesn't understand where he went wrong," Nie Jia lay on the grass of a New Zealand ranch, gazing at the distant blue sky, softly commenting.

Shi Yihang resented Nie Jia for being ruthless, leaving him no way out. Yet, it was Shi Yihang who, disregarding Nie Fei's stance, dissolved DDD. Had he spoken up for Nie Fei when he was unfairly targeted by Duo Wei, Nie Fei wouldn't have suffered so much.

KK said, "You did well this time. The original host's wish has been fulfilled. Will you stay or leave?"

"Of course, I'll stay," Nie Jia replied. As Shi Yan approached in the distance, his hair tousled by the wind, Nie Jia couldn't bear to leave.

"Yes, understood," KK responded before self-terminating its consciousness.

Shi Yihang and Shi Yan had just renewed their contracts a few months ago, with CBC holding onto the contracts for another six years. After this uproar, CBC unceremoniously shelved them. After paying penalties to their partners, both of them were financially strained.

Especially Shi Yan, who was relentlessly pursued by Shi Si's legal actions, was sentenced to two years in prison for severely damaging Nie Fei's reputation. The verdict left Shi Yihang no choice but to silently vanish from the public eye.

Shi Dong, who even harmed his own sister, faced no criticisms. Damaging someone's reputation might seem trivial to some, but for the person involved, it was a severe blow. Shi Yan was an adult; he needed to take responsibility for his actions.

"At this point, DDD no longer existed, yet nobody cared; what the fans cared about was Nie Shen's situation. After the concert, he disappeared again, without a trace for a full two months. Many fans began to worry if Nie Shen, under too much disappointment, had directly quit the music scene in sorrow.

Former fans who once criticized him or were mere passersby and then turned into fans regretted their past actions, hoping for Nie Shen's return. However, Non-Wei remained indifferent. For them, the most important thing was for Nini to be happy and content. If he wanted to sing, he'd come back to sing; if not, he wouldn't. His own happiness mattered most.

Of course, Nie Shen didn't disappoint the countless fans both domestically and internationally. He made a powerful comeback with a brand-new solo album early in autumn.

Millions of copies of the album sold out in a short time, causing a frenzy. But what surprised everyone most was that there was a love song inside! The music video even starred Shi Dong personally, making it clear to everyone: this was a love song Nie Shen wrote for his beloved.

The MV was shot in New Zealand, showcasing vast and breathtaking coastlines and boundless plains, with the most crucial element being Nini's first smile. Despite admiring him for so many years, it was the first time Nini revealed such a satisfied smile, like a fool in love.

Just by seeing his smile, even Non-Wei felt content.

Leaving DDD, Nie Fei shook off his lagging teammates and soared in an instant. His album's tracks dominated major music charts both domestically and internationally. He still didn't appear in variety shows, act in movies, or take up advertisements. He only wrote songs, released albums, and barely held concerts. Once, during an interview, a reporter asked why, despite the high expectations from overseas fans, he didn't hold a world tour?

Nie Jia responded expressionlessly, 'If I go to too many places, Shi would definitely have to accompany me. I feel sorry for him; I don't want him to run around with me everywhere. As long as everyone likes my songs, that's enough. I don't have much ambition.'

Overseas fans hadn't expected such a response, a big dose of dog food that they could only swallow while crying.

Two years later, this person without much ambition became a national icon in the music industry, a status that couldn't be defined by a single word like 'god.'

Galaxy now extended its influence across all of Asia, far surpassing the former DDD. They invited Nie Shen as a guest to their concerts, stunning the audience. Nie Jia greatly admired Yu Jingwei; even though the two still claimed to dislike each other, when Yu Jingwei invited him, Nie Jia agreed without hesitation. By now, their statuses were vastly different: Yu Jingwei was acknowledged as the rock king, yet upon seeing Nie Jia, he couldn't help but almost tear up with excitement.

Nie Jia and Galaxy collaborated on a song, 'Erasing Traces Ahead,' causing almost the entire world to scream in excitement.

That same year, Shi Yan was released from prison. Looking around, in this circle where Xie Yihang was nowhere to be found, nobody knew where he was, struggling to make a living.

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