The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: I'll Tell You Who's the Boss

Nie Fei didn't know if Xie Yihang's intentions were malicious towards him, but Shi Yanshen certainly did. His aversion and prejudice towards Nie Fei had accumulated under the backdrop of Xie Yihang's carefully crafted image of kindness. However, Nie Jia had now overturned Shi Yanshen's perception, completely reversing his impression of Nie Fei. He wanted to see how Shi Yanshen would deal with Xie Yihang in the future, while Xie Yihang, losing Shi Yanshen's protection, had to figure out how to navigate through the chaotic entertainment industry. Would he emerge untainted like a lotus flower rising from the mud? That remained to be seen.

Of course, if Shi Yanshen remained infatuated with Xie Yihang despite these circumstances, Nie Jia would truly have nothing to say. Even if he was Shi Si's brother, Shi Yanshen would have to be eliminated along with him.

After returning home, Nie Jia took a shower, called Shi Si, and drifted off to sleep in a daze.

The next morning, Nie Jia rushed to the studio for rehearsal. Shi Yanshen hadn't shown up, but the other three members of the male group were already there. D Group arrived last, and one member hadn't shown up yet.

Nie Jia hadn't slept well the previous night. However, unlike before, when lack of sleep or discomfort would sour his mood, perhaps the thought of meeting Shi Si after today's recording made Nie Jia feel content despite his weariness. Upon reaching the studio, he simply put on sunglasses and dozed off in the audience seats, completely detached, as if he were a solo singer unrelated to his own team.

"Professor Nie Fei, could you please give me an autograph?" A soft male voice interrupted him. Nie Jia expressionlessly lowered his sunglasses and saw a fair-faced young man eagerly looking at him.

This was Wen Yu, the ace who had eliminated Shi Yanshen's team in the last round. Having debuted just over a year ago, he had been influenced by Nie Fei's music to enter the industry. Although they were in the same circle, one was soaring while the other was just beginning. Wen Yu never expected to meet his idol in this show. His impulsive act of asking for an autograph disregarding his team's dissuasion was now a regret.

However, after encountering the icy gaze of his idol, Wen Yu instantly regretted his decision.

But Nie Jia, after looking at Wen Yu for a few seconds with an expressionless face, suddenly smiled and graciously accepted the pen and paper to sign a line. 

When Wen Yu returned to his team, he found no signature on the notebook. Instead, there was a line of elegant words: "You're all amazing. Keep up the good work in the future."

The other five members of his group were almost in tears because of this sentence.

Having just debuted over a year ago, they had eliminated D Group, a pillar in the music industry in the last round. While it momentarily boosted their popularity, the criticism outweighed the praise. It seemed like they had committed an unforgivable sin. Some even speculated that the show had planned to eliminate D Group in the semi-finals just to pave the way for newcomers like them. The accusations against Box, their affiliated company using DDD, were nauseating, and Box would forever be condemned!

For these five boys who had recently entered the industry, the malicious speculations were more hurtful than joyful. They were starting to regret winning the competition.

However, the acknowledgment and encouragement from their idol at this moment undoubtedly moved them deeply, rekindling their courage to fight.

"You're quite good at acting cute. Didn't realize you all are fans of DDD. How come you eliminated them before?" Mockery came from behind.

The boys turned around to see Yu Jingwei, the leader of the Galaxy group from Starlight Company, casually strumming his guitar, casting a disdainful glance.

He was also a senior who had been on par with Nie Fei in the past. Wen Yu and the members didn't dare to retort, but their eyes showed displeasure.

Yu Jingwei didn't bother with them and just passed by, but upon hearing them discussing Nie Fei, he felt annoyed and couldn't help but taunt.

As the director called him, Yu Jingwei went to join his own team with the guitar, casting a cold glance at Nie Fei, who was dozing off in the audience seats, feeling an itch of hatred.

Both Yu Jingwei and Nie Fei were singer-songwriters. Galaxy was formed six years ago, long before DDD and even before Nie Fei emerged. As a singer-songwriter with good looks, Yu Jingwei had always been the most popular member of his team. When DDD debuted, they couldn't even touch the tail of Galaxy in terms of popularity and influence. He and the entire team had a bright future ahead, about to reach the peak of their fame after another two years of effort. Little did they expect Nie Fei to emerge halfway through.

"His appearance had sliced away a significant portion of DDD's market, abruptly stalling Galaxy's radiant path to stardom. Galaxy hadn't even had the chance to soar before facing a crisis of fading glory. Despite Galaxy's current recognition as a top-tier boy group through their efforts, they were perennially overshadowed by DDD.

Yu Jingwei would forever be under Nie Fei's shadow.

Moreover, in this particular star battle program, after DDD's elimination, Galaxy stood as the most likely group to claim victory. It was their long-awaited chance to redeem themselves. Who could have foreseen Nie Fei, who never appeared on variety shows, suddenly rejoining halfway through?

Nie Fei seemed solely intent on opposing them!

"Nie Fei, can you contact Shi Yanshen?" Chen Tian suddenly called from not far away.

"I don't know." Nie Jia lethargically opened his eyes, preparing to move towards Chen Tian and Xie Yihang to listen to the details arranged by the directors. When he unexpectedly made eye contact with Yu Jingwei, who appeared offended, the latter immediately exhibited a fierce intent, resembling an agitated wolf. Nie Jia snorted a half mocking laugh, paying him no mind, and walked away.

Yu Jingwei also returned to his own team, looking visibly vexed.

"Should I call again?" Xie Yihang said, dialing Shi Yanshen's number. Shi Yanshen hadn't shown up and hadn't informed anyone of his whereabouts. Despite making five or six calls, Shi Yanshen didn't pick up. However, this time, the ringtone barely lasted two seconds before turning into a busy signal, evidently hung up.

Xie Yihang was taken aback. Shi Yanshen had never hung up on him before...

Xie Yihang didn't immediately end the call but waited for about fifteen seconds before reluctantly putting his phone away, whispering, "He didn't pick up."

"Where did he go?" Chen Tian impatiently kicked the nearby speaker. Missing the rehearsal was one thing, but shortly after the rehearsal, the recording was about to follow, leaving barely enough time for a meal.

"I'll ask." Nie Jia lazily took out his phone and dialed Shi Yanshen's number. Within seconds, Shi Yanshen answered.

His voice sounded somewhat dry on the other end, lacking the previous hostility he had towards Nie Fei. "What's up?"

"Rehearsal." Nie Jia requested a lollipop from Fang Fang, tore it open, and put it in his mouth. Catching sight of Xie Yihang's instantly pale face, he smirked provocatively.

Xie Yihang turned away embarrassedly, his breathing slightly erratic.

"I got it. I'll be there soon," Shi Yanshen said.

Nie Jia hung up before he could finish speaking. He nonchalantly remarked, "He should be here soon."

After hanging up, Shi Yanshen immediately left Shi Si's office, pushing open the door to the meeting room without a care for the ongoing conference. He shouted at Shi Si, the older brother, 'Bro, I've got something urgent, gotta go.'

The meeting had just concluded, and Shi Si dismissed the company's management without a trace of reproach towards his always-willful younger brother. "What's the rush? You've waited all morning, can't you wait for two more minutes?"

Shi Yanshen slumped into a chair upon entering. "What did you want from me? You called me here every time, but every time I come, you're in a meeting."

Shi Si scrutinized Shi Yanshen, clasping his hands in front of his lips, devoid of any particular emotion in his voice. "You mentioned last time that you liked a boy in your group. Who is it?"

Shi Yanshen paused, his expression as though struck. 

"He's called Xie..." The name lingered on Shi Yanshen's lips for a moment before he swallowed it back. Shi Yanshen absentmindedly picked up a file on the desk, fanning himself with it. "Nobody."

He had previously wanted to introduce Xie Yihang to his brother, infatuated as he was with Xie Yihang. But upon careful consideration, what did he truly like about Xie Yihang? He was hardworking, yes, but who in this circle wasn't? Nie Fei worked a hundred times harder than him, even Chen Tian put in more effort than Xie Yihang... What was he thinking before?

He had even spoken harshly of Nie Fei, but had Nie Fei ever truly harmed anyone? The harshest thing he said to Xie Yihang was just calling him a 'tag-along'. Nie Fei was merely stating facts. Why did he perceive Nie Fei as malicious in the past?

"Xie Yihang?" Shi Si raised an eyebrow upon hearing the surname.

"No, don't guess!" Shi Yanshen immediately denied.

Shi Yanshen's face flushed with shame, but Shi Si mistook it for shyness, and the subtle resentment in his heart dissipated. Even if it was his own younger brother, Shi Si didn't dare predict how he would react if he heard the answer he least wanted to hear today.

"Your show records today, right? I'll come with you," Shi Si said.

Shi Yanshen absentmindedly moved forward to act as support for his brother.

Upon reaching the studio, instead of going to the reception, Shi Si headed for the control room. At a glance, he spotted a handsome young man in black, leaning against the stage and talking to his teammates. His expression wasn't serious, yet it exuded a commanding presence, a stark contrast to the gentle demeanor when with his peers.

Affection welled up in Shi Si's eyes, almost overflowing. He couldn't help but smile.

At that moment, the young man suddenly looked towards the camera, as if seeing Shi Si through the lens. He quickly lowered his head to tap on his phone.

The secretary's pocket buzzed, and he hurriedly handed the phone to Shi Si.

A message from the young man appeared on the screen, unread.

[Why are you here? Don't leave at noon. Have lunch with me.]

At that moment, Shi Si's heart almost stopped beating. His chest swelled with intense and tender affection."

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