The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Who's the Real Boss

"Nie Fei wishes to leave D Group," KK added.

"But wouldn't that upset the fans? With his talent, why endure four years in D Group?" Nie Jia, expressionless, turned on the tap, splashing his face with handfuls of cold water. Nie Fei had spent the night writing lyrics, barely slept for half an hour, feeling dizzy and uncomfortable now.

"Yes, initially, Nie Fei didn't want to join D Group, but the decision wasn't in his hands, following the company's arrangements," KK explained.

Nie Fei truly loved music and cherished his skills in this realm. He understood that having issues with group members was one thing; demanding a solo career was another. If he pushed for a solo career and the company refused, it wouldn't just be an embarrassing situation but also anger his fanbase, effectively sabotaging his future.

"Understood," Nie Jia said calmly.

He raised his head, seeing his reflection in the mirror. Nie Fei truly epitomized the pinnacle of the entertainment industry's aesthetics, possessing a face that was breathtaking. His fair complexion and naturally light-colored eyes added a mysterious and beguiling charm. These eyes, so stunning, were hailed by his admirers as the eyes of an angel.

But to Shi Si's fans, Nie Fei's eyes resembled those of a cold-blooded creature, deeming him as someone who cared nothing for the survival of D Group.

Meanwhile, the other three members of D Group were currently participating in a prime-time music variety show. The program invited the hottest and most influential idol groups to compete, judged by three music industry experts and the live audience. The ultimate goal was to claim the title of the top male or female group. When it came to popularity and influence, few could rival D Group. Therefore, they were invited from the show's inception.

Nie Fei never engaged in acting or variety shows, always making appearances only in albums and concerts, and this reality show was no exception.

Despite D Group's absence of their ace, they had fought their way to the brink of the semi-finals. They were the favorites to win, given D Group's popularity was not something bought. However, in this vast circle, being the most popular didn't mean other idol groups were pushovers. There were many top-tier idol groups apart from D Group.

Ace's absence was to blame. In an attempt to compensate for Nie Fei's absence in lyrics and choreography, the other three members underwent intensive training and preparation. Yet, due to the rushed timeline and Xie Yihang's fever the day before, they couldn't perform at their best. The highly anticipated D Group shockingly got eliminated in the semi-finals.

Nie Fei bore the brunt of it all. As the episode aired, his fans vilified him, blaming him for the team's failure. Why was he absent in a group competition? If he had participated, they wouldn't have been so chaotic, and D Group wouldn't have lost! Their little angel wouldn't have exhausted himself to the point of getting a fever!

Fortunately, the show had a wildcard entry for eliminated groups. The most popular group earned the chance, and since D Group had maintained the top position in popularity, they were immediately reinstated upon elimination.

Entering the semi-finals required formidable opponents. Shi Yanshen, the captain of D Group, knew that winning without their ace was as difficult as reaching the sky. Before the show's recording, he tried to persuade Nie Fei to return for the competition but was met with a resolute refusal.

Although it was just a variety show, if D Group got eliminated, it wouldn't be a simple matter of missing one program. It would damage the team's reputation, considering D Group had long been recognized as the top male group. For them to not make it to the finals in a show of this stature would be laughable.

The members and fans grew anxious, yet Nie Fei remained indifferent, refusing to go and, eventually, feigning a waist injury and checking into the hospital. It was as if he was never part of D Group. This, undoubtedly, infuriated Shi Si's fans, causing Nie Fei's name to trend negatively for days.

"Fei, I'm back. Come out and have something to eat," Assistant Xiao Liu's voice came from outside.

Nie Jia flicked off the water from his hand, walked out, and asked Xiao Liu to turn on the TV to the channel broadcasting the program. While having breakfast, he watched the replay of D Group's performance. Afterward, a faint sneer escaped him. This show completely exposed D Group's weaknesses. Without Nie Fei, they were incomplete. Clearly, those three members couldn't match his skills, yet Nie Fei took the blame.

Was D Group eliminated solely because of the vacancy in lyrics and choreography? Were they unable to sing their own songs and only performed their own parts?

"Contact Xiang Xianmin from the program. I'll return for the semi-finals," Nie Jia said calmly after finishing the last dumpling.

Xiao Liu obediently responded, but then, realizing the gravity of the statement, widened his eyes in astonishment. "Huh? Fei... what did you say?"

Nie Jia glanced at him indifferently. Xiao Liu dared not ask further and hurriedly said, "I'll contact Xiang and inform Shi Yanshen right away."

However, the manager's phone remained busy and couldn't be reached. Nie Jia turned off the TV, saying, "The semi-finals are tomorrow; it's too late. Go find someone and inform Shi Yanshen. I'm heading there now."

Xiao Liu hurriedly left to find the manager. When leaving the hospital, he also messaged the assistant group chat: "Boss is returning for the semi-finals!!!!"

"What???"

"What????"

"Did the boss take the wrong medication???"

Xiao Liu, sitting in the car, swiftly typed with lightning speed: "I'm going to contact Xiang for the show. Boss said he's leaving the hospital now to go to the studio. Be ready!"

During Nie Fei's hospital stay, the assistants had been given time off. Xiao Liu's message exploded in the group chat, filled with excitement and astonishment. After all, when their boss saw D Group's elimination, he was so happy that he even ate an extra bowl of rice, portraying the face of a traitor. He had refused Shi Yanshen's request to return, so why the sudden change?

Had he really taken the wrong medication?

After Xiao Liu left, Nie Jia tidied up the scattered manuscripts on the bed. Nie Fei had been working on new songs these days, preparing for the next album. There were many scattered notes, amounting to quite a thickness.

The original owner was indeed passionate about creating, brimming with talent, enduring four years with three useless team members—it was quite a feat.

"Mr. Nie, why are you participating in the show? D Group will win anyway," KK suddenly asked.

After packing the manuscripts into his bag and masking his face with a mask, Nie Jia replied, "Indeed, they can win without me. So why not join? Wait for the entire internet to criticize me?"

In the original plot, D Group's shocking elimination grabbed the company's attention. If D Group had lost, there

would've been severe consequences. Hence, the company and the show manipulated behind the scenes. After D Group returned with a wildcard, they successfully advanced to the finals, eventually winning, upholding their status.

Of course, Nie Fei was ridiculed by Shi Si's fans for believing D Group couldn't exist without him. The fact was that D Group was more harmonious without him, and their team spirit soared!

Nie Jia aimed to fulfill the original owner's wish smoothly, requiring salvaging Nie Fei's image. Allowing the haters to continue their insults wasn't an option. Something needed to be done.

Walking through the hospital corridor, communicating with KK, he didn't notice a man in a wheelchair brushing past him. This man, with shock in his eyes, closely followed Nie Jia's figure.

Unconsciously, Shi Si clenched his teeth, watching the young man in black. Despite just having his leg wound stitched, he suddenly stood up without warning. Blood seeped through his clothing as he took his first steps, leaving a small trail on the ground. Under his secretary's astonished gaze, he briskly chased after the youth.

The blood trail continued, yet Shi Si's pace remained steady, seemingly unaware of any pain.

"Who are you?!"

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