The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: I'll Tell You Who's the Boss

Shi Yanshen and Chen Tian constantly comforted him, finally soothing Xie Yihang's tense emotions. Meanwhile, Nie Jia sat in a corner, engrossed in refining the manuscript, discussing show details with the program director, paying no attention to the three men's rehearsal progress.

"Xiaohang, take a break. It's alright; it's still early, no need to pressure yourself so much," Shi Yanshen wiped the sweat off his chin, handing a drink to the exhausted Xie Yihang. He was visibly worn out yet persisted in practicing over and over, fearing it might affect tomorrow's semifinals. Shi Yanshen felt a pang of concern for him, admiring his adorable diligence despite it.

Contrarily, Nie Fei, who showed no interest in the rehearsal progress, brewed a familiar disdain in Shi Yanshen's heart. He even harbored some resentment toward Nie Fei for wanting to change the song. Why push Xie Yihang to endure such pressure and exertion during rehearsals?

"Alright, let's take a five-minute break." Xie Yihang smiled sheepishly, joining Chen Tian to sit aside and rest, sipping water.

Shi Yanshen recovered quickly due to his stamina. He threw a sharp glance at Nie Jia. "Nie Fei, we're almost done here. Do you plan on lingering around? You don't need to practice with us?"

The entire afternoon saw the program's dance performers stepping in for them, almost zero live performances of this song. Shi Yanshen couldn't believe Nie Fei wouldn't need practice and just go onstage tomorrow?

Fang Fang muttered softly, "Brother Fei's back injury hasn't fully healed…"

The choreography for "War Song" demanded more rhythm and force compared to other songs. With their leader still recovering in the hospital, Fang Fang secretly hoped he'd practice less.

Yet Nie Jia remained fixated on the manuscript, not bothering to look up. "I'm busy," he retorted.

Shi Yanshen felt his frustration mounting, clenching his teeth, casting a dangerous glare.

The program's directors, watching from backstage, couldn't help but feel surprised. They were aware of D Group's discord, but they hadn't fathomed the members' relationships had deteriorated to this extent. Despite D Group's internal conflicts being longstanding since Nie Fei joined, their ability to persist without disbanding was commendable.

At 7 o'clock in the evening, Xie Yihang finally stopped making mistakes, though utterly drained, he couldn't contain his joyous smile. Shi Yanshen, overwhelmed with concern, kept cheering him on, "I told you, you could do it."

Xie Yihang scratched his cheek, slightly embarrassed. "There's still a part that hasn't been confirmed…"

Only then did Shi Yanshen remember Nie Fei nearby, raising an eyebrow. "Nie Fei, feeling better?"

"I'm fine. You guys go for the vocal test." Nie Jia languidly lounged in his chair, texting with Shi Si.

"Why didn't you say so earlier!" Suddenly, a surge of unnamed anger engulfed Shi Yanshen. He strode over, snatching the manuscript from the table, flipping through it.

Nie Jia casually glanced up, then resumed texting with Shi Si. They were planning to have dinner together, and Nie Jia, exuding a sweet, honeyed aura as if in a honey pot, wished to leave immediately, disregarding the three others.

"Bring me my guitar," Shi Yanshen, after scanning the manuscript for a moment, felt the heat between his brows subsiding.

The assistant hurried to fetch the guitar. Shi Yanshen played a short melody following the manuscript, humming a few bars. The melody pouring out was grand and imposing, instantly filling the rehearsal room with tension. Xie Yihang and Chen Tian, in conversation, halted, astonished. They recognized it as the chorus melody, yet it seemed different from the original…

The tension and rhythm intensified, altering the entire song.

Shi Yanshen stopped in time, surprised. He hadn't expected Nie Fei to independently remix a song within an afternoon, a version more sensational than the original. Despite his aversion, Shi Yanshen had to acknowledge Nie Fei's talent.

Shi Yanshen pressed the strings, silent for a moment, his tone finally softened. "This version is excellent. If used for the finals…"

Nie Jia impatiently interrupted, "Let's talk about the finals when we advance. Is that hard to understand?"

The faint goodwill Shi Yanshen had started to harbor toward him vanished instantly. His eyes reverted to annoyance as he threw the manuscript back on the table, coldly saying, "It's late. You're not planning to practice at all?"

As Nie Jia confirmed his meeting time with Shi Si, he placed his phone on the table, smoothly stood up, shrugged off his coat, ready to go through the positioning once and leave. In this aspect, Nie Fei's muscle memory provided Nie Jia with a lot of convenience and confidence.

Fang Fang, self-proclaimed head of Nie Fei's ten-million-strong fan club, eagerly prepared to clandestinely film their leader dancing. The five members of their assistant group had followed their leader throughout "War Song," yet their chances to witness a live performance of this song weren't much more than the fans'. D Group's "War Song" had rare public performances and even fewer private rehearsals. Fang Fang wouldn't miss this chance easily.

Since this song demanded a substantial vocal and choreographic intensity, unlike catchy tunes, coupled with their scarce performance opportunities in recent years, even Shi Yanshen and Chen Tian struggled at the start of the afternoon, taking over an hour to find their groove.

At first, they were expecting to witness Nie Fei's blunder. However, as the music filled the air, Nie Fei stood in the unfamiliar position that originally belonged to Xie Yihang. Surprisingly, he didn't falter. He moved with such ease and familiarity, seamlessly blending in as if he were the destined center, destined to shine brilliantly. In the midst of the heart-stirring music, Nie Fei's profile exuded a nearly miraculous beauty that momentarily captivated Shi Yanshen, until Xie Yihang accidentally tripped Chen Tian, causing a fall.

"Are you alright?" Chen Tian helped Xie Yihang up.

"I'm fine, just a bit tired," Xie Yihang awkwardly chuckled twice, quickly getting back on his feet from the ground.

Fang Fang, hidden in the shadows, grimaced in anger, reluctantly pocketing her phone. She was so engrossed in watching the leader dance, only to have this moment ruined by this white lotus flower.

"I'm fine. You guys go ahead with the sound check. The melody changes quite a bit, sing it a few times to remember," interrupted once, Nie Jia (Nie Fei) had no intention of continuing. He walked back, put on his coat, saw a message from Shi Si, and immediately grinned, not bothering to look up: "I've got something, so I'll head out first."

With that, without waiting for anyone's response, he darted out, followed hastily by the assistants.

Nie Fei's effortless command of his position was something the three had never expected. It was indeed they who needed more practice. Even if he was leaving now, they couldn't say anything.

Xie Yihang sat cross-legged on the ground, feeling a bit dejected. "I envy Nie Fei. He effortlessly accomplishes what I struggle so hard to achieve."

Sensing his downcast mood, Shi Yanshen squatted down and ruffled his hair. "What are you saying? Everyone has always seen your effort and diligence. You're not inferior to anyone; in fact, many can't match you."

Talent, innate ability—what were these compared to character? Even with talent, it's futile if one's character is lacking. Shi Yanshen felt the gentle warmth of Xie Yihang, akin to a small, kind animal. Fans always referred to him as a kind and warm little angel, a sentiment Shi Yanshen wholeheartedly agreed with. Kindness, righteousness, compassion—these were the most precious qualities in a person.

"Yeah, Nie Fei was never meant to be the center of this song. He must have practiced secretly; he probably wished to be the center himself, otherwise, how could he be this proficient right from the start?" Chen Tian complained indignantly.

Shi Yanshen held Xie Yihang's hand and helped him up. "Let's not dwell on Nie Fei for now. We still have some time; let's grab dinner and then head to the company for rehearsal."

"Okay!" Xie Yihang smiled.

Outside, Nie Jia (Nie Fei) exited the TV station through the back door, where Shi Si's secretary was already waiting in a car. Initially, Shi Si intended to pick him up but was sternly prohibited by Nie Jia, reasoning that someone with a leg injury shouldn't be roaming around.

After taking the box of roses that Xiao Liu had just retrieved, Nie Jia said, "You guys can go off-duty now. Just come to the TV station before the recording tomorrow."

Though the assistants didn't know whom their leader was going to meet for a date, they obediently didn't pry.

Until the secretary's car, with Nie Jia inside, vanished at the end of the road, the assistants collectively sighed, whether in bitterness or relief, "Our boss will finally have some free time."

"I wonder whose free time it will be."

Meanwhile, Shi Baicai sat in the living room, awaiting the young man's arrival. In front of her was a desktop computer, displaying the MV video the youth had filmed. Nie Fei was an extraordinarily striking individual, almost never seen smiling in order to craft a strong personal style. While the world lauded his talent, the assessments of his character were abysmal.

In reality, Nie Fei never filmed movies or appeared on variety shows. In his four years since debut, he had only been seen in concerts and albums. Even the paparazzi struggled to capture his figure. Perhaps even his die-hard fans found it challenging to describe who Nie Fei truly was after these four years.

The evening wore on as Shi Si watched the MVs of DDD for hours on end, lost in thoughts that revolved around the image of a tear-streaked face from the hospital days.

A sudden creak of the door interrupted Shi Si's reverie. He turned to find a young man in black walking in.

"Shi Si!" The young man beamed upon seeing him, rushing over and wrapping himself around Shi Si's arm, leaving him momentarily startled.

"Here, for you." Nie Jia knelt beside Shi Si, offering a box of red roses.

Arching an eyebrow, Shi Si noticed exactly nineteen roses—eliciting a subtle pleasure within. After a brief tousle of Nie Jia's hair, Shi Si handed the flowers to his secretary. "Arrange them and place them in my bedroom."

The secretary, unfazed by the rapid progression between the two men, wordlessly went to find a vase.

"You skipped lunch; are you hungry? Should we wait a bit longer?" Shi Si gently inquired, casually grazing Nie Jia's forehead.

Nestled closely, Nie Jia leaned against him, resting his chin on Shi Si's shoulder, staring at his profile. Their physical appearances bore no resemblance, yet the familiar gaze reassured Nie Jia—he was loved by Shi Si, irrespective of appearances.

"It's fine. Is your leg still hurting?" Nie Jia reached for Shi Si's hand, intertwining their fingers, quietly using his abilities to alleviate the pain.

Shi Si remained silent, the warmth of Nie Jia's breath escaping onto his collar, causing a slight stiffness in his spine—a desire to act yet fear of startling him.

"It's not too serious. It'll be fine in a week or so," Shi Si absentmindedly caressed Nie Jia's fingertips.

"The dinner is ready, sir," the cook announced, stepping out.

Initially hesitant to bring someone home so quickly, Shi Si feared startling Nie Jia. But from their time in the hospital, he sensed an inexplicable connection, and their interaction lacked any hint of formality or unfamiliarity.

With Shi Si's mobility limited, Nie Jia assisted him to the dining room, and the two enjoyed dinner amidst casual conversation.

Though Shi Yan had once attempted to visit, the secretary, using a video conference as an excuse, kept him at bay, preventing him from entering.

"He asked me to come over. Why would I bother with a meeting?" Shi Yan, hands in pockets, expressed slight displeasure before inquiring, "Heard my brother had a car accident. How bad is it?"

"The boss has just a superficial leg injury, no harm to the bones, nothing serious," the secretary replied bluntly.

Glancing at the time on his phone, Shi Yan added, "Since he's busy, I'll head back. I have some things to attend to."

"Sure, take care," the secretary responded.

Having come over after dinner to spare a moment for Shi Si, Shi Yan had to return for voice tests at the company. He didn't insist on meeting Shi Si and directly headed back to the company.

Meanwhile, Nie Jia and Shi Si spent a pleasant evening undisturbed. After dinner, they sat on the balcony, Nie Jia leaning against Shi Si, talking aimlessly. With his head resting on Shi Si's shoulder, he seemed a bit drowsy.

"Staying here tonight?" Shi Si noticed Nie Jia yawning, tears glistening on his long, thick eyelashes, presenting an unexpectedly reliant image, stirring something within Shi Si.

"Yes, please." Exhausted, Nie Jia murmured weakly, wrapping his arms tighter around Shi Si's waist, seemingly intending to drift off.

Despite being called the unyielding, ruthless idol by fans, the sight of him nestled in Shi Si's arms resembled that of a fragile creature.

Almost melting, Shi Si held Nie Jia closer, sheltering him from the night breeze, gazing at his faintly wine-scented, rosy lips. Suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to kiss, he hesitated, abruptly regaining control.

"May I kiss you?" Shi Si politely sought permission.

Seeing the overflowing tenderness in his lover's eyes, Nie Jia smiled and pecked Shi Si's lips, saying, "Of course."

Shi Si's eyes sparkled with surprise. Despite the fiery passion within, his gesture to kiss Nie Jia was tender and gentle.

Their embrace lasted briefly until Nie Jia's phone interrupted, shattering the sweet tranquility.

It was their manager, Xiang Xianmin. Nie Jia ignored the call initially but upon a second call from Shi Yan, he begrudgingly answered.

"It's late, can't you see?!" Irritated, Nie Jia spoke sharply. Shi Si, embracing him, inadvertently diffused Nie Jia's anger. "What's the matter?"

"You need to come to the company now," Shi Yan's tone didn't suggest anything pleasant.

"Do you even know what time it is?" Nie Jia's voice turned icy.

"Just come over when I tell you to!" Shi Yan's tone turned furious before hanging up abruptly.

Nie Jia's gaze turned piercingly cold, but Shi Si pulled him closer, unintentionally calming his wrath. "What's wrong?"

"I can't stay with you tonight." Regaining composure, Nie Jia circled his arms around Shi Si's neck, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "My brother called me back to the company."

"It's too late. I'll have Lin Ran take you." Shi Si didn't try to detain him; there was little to do for a sudden situation.

Nie Jia's mood was ruined by Shi Yan. After helping Shi Si back to his room due to his difficulty in moving, Nie Jia put on his coat, joined the secretary, and headed downstairs to rush to CBC Company. Exhausted from a sleepless night and spending the afternoon tweaking war song melodies, Nie Jia, now in the car, yawned incessantly, looking extremely worn out.

The secretary, usually at ease around Shi Si for nearly a decade, felt slightly uneasy. Nie Jia's current demeanor, starkly different from his usual warmth around the boss, emitted an unnerving aura, causing even the seasoned secretary to feel apprehensive.

Upon arrival at CBC's building, the secretary escorted Nie Jia upstairs before leaving.

Shi Yan's assistant, Xiao Fang, had been waiting in the lobby. Nie Jia, impatient, asked, "Where is he?"

"In the recording studio," Xiao Fang responded, noticing Nie Jia's sour expression. "It's like this, Fei Ge. While Shi Yan and the others were rehearsing..."

"Xie Yihang can't sing properly, right?" Nie Jia, hands in pockets, strode towards the recording studio.

Xiao Fang, apprehensive, sighed, "Yihang Ge is still recovering from a cold; his throat isn't well..."

Nie Jia sneered at the elevator, "So he can't sing when he's not sick?"

Xiao Fang fell silent, hesitant to say more.

As Nie Jia entered the recording studio, he found Xie Yihang holding a cup of hot water, his eyes red, lost in thought.

The moment Shi Yanshen saw him, he immediately stepped forward and blurted out, "Nie Fei, Xiao Hang's original part was meant for you, but the section you modified isn't within Xiao Hang's vocal range at all. Are you deliberately targeting him?"

Though Xie Yihang's vocal abilities weren't the best in D Group, they were far from inadequate within the music industry. He shouldn't struggle to sing even a single line in a song. After all, "War Song," despite its intensity, didn't heavily rely on high-pitched notes. However, this rendition of "War Song" carried too much emotional weight, demanding a robust, soaring voice and immense emotional investment. Unfortunately, Xie Yihang lacked both.

He attempted the entire song just moments ago—his high notes were melodious, no visible hurdles in his singing technique. However, he couldn't capture the grandeur and emotions of "War Song," especially in Nie Fei's modified version. Even Shi Yanshen felt that within the majestic melody, Xie Yihang's voice was almost indistinguishable from noise.

His vocal range didn't match the song. In the original "War Song," Xie Yihang could handle a significant portion of the chorus. However, after Nie Fei's adjustments, while the song became more impeccable, it completely excluded Xie Yihang. Wasn't this deliberate?

"Nie Fei, rehearsals start tomorrow morning. What you did was thoughtless," Xiang Xianmin added, discontent evident in his tone.

Nie Jia glanced at both of them, pushed Shi Yanshen aside, and approached Xie Yihang, towering over him. "Can't sing a single line?"

Xie Yihang nervously stood up, a layer of apologetic tears welled up in his reddened eyes. "I'm sorry..."

"In that case, during tomorrow's recording, mute his mic. Lip-syncing should work, right? Externally, we'll say there's no separate part for him," Nie Jia stated impassively.

Xie Yihang's shoulders trembled.

Chen Tian widened his eyes. "What did you say?"

"Nie Fei, you're going too far," Shi Yanshen sternly retorted.

"What do you want then?" Nie Jia confronted Shi Yanshen, his face filled with indignation.

"We could use the original version..." Shi Yanshen paused, looking somewhat uneasy. "Or perhaps you could modify it again."

"Yeah, it's only 11:30 PM. There's still half a day before the recording," Chen Tian chimed in.

Xie Yihang also looked expectantly at him. After all, nobody wanted their mic turned off on such a grand stage. He whispered softly, "It wouldn't be good for you either if it's said externally that I have no separate part..."

Nie Jia almost burst into laughter at the audacity of these three individuals. The person who couldn't sing and was impacting the competition, who wouldn't practice and accept muting, was now shamelessly demanding others to remake a masterpiece overnight just to suit him. That level of audacity was staggering.

"If a song needs modification, it's because it's not good enough. I've never seen a song altered because a singer can't perform it. If you think my song isn't good enough, any of you can modify it as long as it makes it better. But lowering the song's quality because Xie Yihang can't sing? Absolutely not." Nie Jia's expression turned grim, his gaze somewhat menacing at this moment.

Nie Jia's words hit the three like a slap in the face. Chen Tian furrowed his brow, unable to find words to counter. Indeed, what Nie Fei said was true. Even in the original "War Song," Xie Yihang struggled immensely. During the album recording, post-editing was barely enough to salvage it. And that one time they performed "War Song" at the concert, Xie Yihang couldn't maintain stability, fortunate that Nie Fei came to the rescue in time, preventing the audience from noticing.

This was D Group's anthem, yet who would have thought that this song was barely sung live because one of D Group's members couldn't handle it?

Xie Yihang's neck slowly reddened, then swiftly spread to his entire face. He put down his cup, looked at Shi Yanshen in dismay. This group had been together for five years. No matter what difficulties he faced, Shi Yanshen always stood up to protect him. He thought this time would be the same, yet Shi Yanshen remained silent, just standing there.

Xie Yihang's heart chilled. Clueless, he tugged lightly at Shi Yanshen's sleeve, whispering, "Then let's go with what Nie Fei said... it would be a shame to modify this song again, and I don't mind..."

Seeing Xie Yihang's flushed eyes, Shi Yanshen felt a pang of heartache. He had harbored prejudice against Nie Fei for a long time, sensing Nie Fei's constant targeting of Xie Yihang ever since Nie Fei joined the group, and a fire had been smoldering inside him for a while.

"Nie Fei, we're all part of the same team. Why do you insist on making things so difficult for Xiao Hang? Over these years, Xiao Hang has been striving hard to improve himself. Why do you choose to turn a blind eye? What exactly has he done to offend you?" Shi Yanshen glared angrily at Nie Jia.

"Striving hard? He couldn't sing this song two years ago, and even after two years, he still can't. Tell me, where's the effort?" Nie Jia's gaze turned icy as he spoke. "In the four years, d-Group has released four albums and two mini-albums, every song's lyrics and music were solely composed by me. I simply ask you all to sing well, but you can't even manage that. Tell me, is this his idea of hard work? If Xie Yihang's best effort only amounts to doing what's expected, then he might as well leave the group early and not hold us back! Empty efforts without results are meaningless. Don't kneel down and move yourself to tears."

With that, Nie Jia pushed aside Xiang Xianmin blocking his path and angrily left the recording studio.

After Nie Jia's intense outburst, the studio staff remained silent, as if the sharp edge of his emotions still hung in the air.

Shi Yanshen, facing Nie Jia's emotions head-on, seemed stunned, a mix of shock and confusion in his eyes.

Xiao Hang wasn't particularly astute. He had to practice the choreography numerous times for each song, often seen rehearsing alone in the practice room, sometimes even skipping meals. Naive, always wearing a smile and unable to discern ill intentions, he would hide and cry quietly when bullied.

It was this sun-like Xiao Hang who slowly made his way into Shi Yanshen's heart...

But today, Nie Fei's words hit like a heavy blow.

Yes, Xiao Hang did put in effort. Rehearsing a dance ten times if he couldn't get it right after one, a hundred times if needed, until he could perform... But wasn't that what he was supposed to do? Others could remember after a few practices; naturally, they didn't need as much. Was this considered effort?

If this was diligence, if this was effort, then what about Nie Fei? Releasing albums continuously for four years, each surpassing the last, dedicating the same time to practice choreography as them, what was his dedication? Talent? Could these achievements be solely attributed to talent?

"Shi Yanshen..." Xie Yihang, pale-faced, softly called out.

Shi Yanshen turned, observing Xie Yihang's anxious and lost gaze, which used to be the look he cherished the most. But now, it seemed different for some reason.

Shi Yanshen sighed. His and Chen Tian's expressions were far from pleasant.

Xiang Xianmin pulled Shi Yanshen into the adjacent rest room and said, "Nie Fei definitely won't agree to change it. The contract with the program hasn't been signed yet, so Nie Fei doesn't have to participate. The company's higher-ups have spoken with the program team. You will advance to the finals and win the championship. There's no need for Nie Fei to join now."

Shi Yanshen got up abruptly, looking annoyed at Xiang Xianmin. "Are you fixing this behind the scenes to ensure our victory?"

"DDD can't afford to lose, my lord. The remaining three groups include a rookie team, an idol group, and one constantly competing with you, the Starlight Group. Even if these three groups combine, they can't match our album sales and music sources. Losing in such a situation would be a huge blow to your reputation." Xiang Xianmin earnestly explained.

D-Group had always been hailed as the uncrowned kings, labeled as icons in the music industry. If they lost in an entertainment competition, wouldn't it be a tremendous embarrassment?

Shi Yanshen paused, feeling an unpleasant sensation. "The album's sales are all thanks to Nie Fei... We were eliminated once without Nie Fei. If Nie Fei were here, there'd be no need for you to fix things. Nie Fei's presence is the crown jewel of d-Group. This is unnecessary."

"I'm just seeing Nie Fei's disobedience. Come back, participate in a competition, create a song that Xie Yihang can't sing, it's better not to have him here," Xiang Xianmin, unaware of Shi Yanshen's change, chuckled and agreed.

A glint of coldness flashed in Shi Yanshen's eyes, seemingly realizing something. "Is the company deliberately restricting Nie Fei's development?"

"Nie Fei's personality isn't suitable for this circle. Plus, you don't like him, so that's how it is," Xiang Xianmin casually brushed over the company's four years of limitations on Nie Fei.

"It's my dislike that's the issue, but it's your restrictions!" Shi Yanshen suddenly roared in anger, his eyes red, glaring at Xiang Xianmin as if he wanted to devour him alive.

Despite never liking Nie Fei, Shi Yanshen had never denied Nie Fei's talent or the fact that most of d-Group's success was due to him. He thought Nie Fei's withdrawal from advertisements and variety shows was due to his reclusive nature, but it turned out the company had been suppressing him, confining his abilities to a small d-Group. What did they take Nie Fei for!

"Isn't it... don't you know?" Xiang Xianmin was startled by Shi Yanshen's sudden outburst.

"Why did you restrict Nie Fei because I dislike him?" Shi Yanshen, with a grim face, pressed on, "Nie Fei's intrinsic value far exceeds that of the entire d-Group. Why would you sacrifice Nie Fei for the sake of a group?"

Under Shi Yanshen's pressing, Xiang Xianmin broke into a sweat.

"Because my surname is Shi, right?" Shi Yanshen coldly stated.

Wiping his sweat, Xiang Xianmin said, "Initially, the boss didn't know. In the first year, d-Group's performance wasn't remarkable and cost a lot of money. The higher-ups were considering dissolving d-Group... Later, they found out that you're Chairman Shi's younger brother and paid a hefty sum to sign Nie Fei..."

It was the year Nie Fei joined that d-Group's fortunes turned around. Their new album swept major charts, exploding in popularity. The following year, a song titled 'War Song' propelled them to stardom, and they remained at the top till now.

And all of this was Nie Fei's doing. But what had Nie Fei suffered? He was clearly an outstanding singer and dancer, which ace among the current top male groups could compare to Nie Fei? Yet, despite his excellence, in their own group, he seldom took the center stage, and his share of lyrics wasn't the most.

Being a green leaf within the team, limited by the company, even so, Nie Fei became an indisputable super-popular

idol. The three of them, weren't they holding Nie Fei back?

Shi Yanshen felt a violent tremor in his heart, slumping despondently onto the sofa.

He thought he had detached himself from the Shi family, that all his achievements were due to his efforts. Yet, in the end, it was thanks to the Shi family, thanks to Nie Fei. What did it have to do with him as a person?

"Does Nie Fei know?" Shi Yanshen asked lifelessly.

"No, he doesn't," Xiang Xianmin hurriedly replied.

Shi Yanshen gave a bitter, mocking smile. Yes, given Nie Fei's personality, if he knew he was merely a tool bound by the company to d-Group, he might fight desperately to terminate the contract.

"For tomorrow's semi-finals, let's follow Nie Fei's wishes. Use the 'War Song,' finish recording it, and send it to the program team. During recording, mute Xie Yihang's mic," Shi Yanshen stood up weakly. At that moment, he felt emotionally drained, overwhelmed with guilt towards Nie Fei.

When Xie Yihang entered the room looking for someone, he happened to hear Shi Yanshen's words and stood frozen on the spot.

Seeing Xie Yihang, Shi Yanshen didn't say anything. He just lowered his head and left the company without turning back.

"Shi Yanshen left?" Chen Tian came out of the recording studio, barely catching a glimpse of Shi Yanshen disappearing around the corner, followed by seeing Xie Yihang's terrified and anxious expression. He frowned, "What's going on?"

"Shi Yanshen said... to mute me tomorrow," Xie Yihang's trembling lips said.

Meanwhile, on the way back, KK relayed Shi Yanshen's emotional turmoil to Nie Jia, who lightly touched his earlobe, a hint of disdainful smile playing on his lips.

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