Chapter 141: Making Hundreds of Millions Even While Being Scolded? (2)

"In that case, I will contact President Zhao of Blue Light Media immediately. Since he could recruit Yang Xiaofan for a film, he must be able to reach him as well."

"I will offer him sufficiently generous terms to bring this matter within a range we can accept."

The president of Weibo was truly out of options. It was the first time in Weibo's history that they had to pay someone who was being verbally abused. However, as a leader, he possessed great foresight. He knew that Yang Xiaofan could not be offended; his current traffic was simply too massive. If he were to ban him, and others were to win him over to launch a competing social app, their business would be finished.

Furthermore, he could not afford to offend other users either, as that would damage Weibo's reputation. His priority was to pacify Yang Xiaofan while simultaneously suppressing the incident. A smooth transition was best, ideally with Yang Xiaofan continuing to pop up on the platform from time to time.

*Sigh.*

As long as he wasn't poached by another social app to use against them, he had nothing to fear. Besides, building a good relationship with Yang Xiaofan would surely be beneficial in the future—all gain and no harm.

...

Meanwhile, Yang Xiaofan was embroiled in a heated argument with keyboard warriors when he suddenly received a call from Zhao Liufang.

"Hello? President Zhao, why are you calling me at this hour?"

Because he had been bickering with internet trolls for so long, Yang Xiaofan's tone was brimming with gunpowder, causing Zhao Liufang on the other end to offer a conciliatory laugh: "Xiaofan, I'm not the one attacking you, so please don't take your anger out on me."

Yang Xiaofan realized his mistake, regained his composure, and said, "My apologies. I'm just furious at this bunch of idiots."

"Don't get angry; that's exactly what they want. Some of these haters are just morons who can't stand to see others succeed, while others might be paid by rival companies. If you keep taking it to heart, the situation will only escalate, which would be bad for you. If they report you, your scenes in the movie could be cut. Beyond that, your art career and other ventures could also be implicated."

Yang Xiaofan frowned. It was indeed true. Everything he had built was based on a positive image. If his public perception became too negative, he wouldn't be allowed to remain in the spotlight, and he would no longer be able to rake in money as he was doing now.

"So, am I just supposed to let them curse at me?"

"People get cursed at all the time—what star doesn't? The more you're criticized, the more popular you become, and the more you earn. Look at those boy bands from a few years back; they were so popular they could live off their earnings for lifetimes! Those die-hard fans still kept throwing money at them, didn't they? As long as you preserve your image and keep making money, that's all that matters."

Before Yang Xiaofan could reply, Zhao Liufang continued, "Anyway, Xiaofan, Weibo is prepared to offer you 300 million to stop engaging with them. Just let the haters vent. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Yang Xiaofan finally understood. He had thought Zhao Liufang was calling to advise him, but he was actually acting as a lobbyist.

"Old Zhao, that’s not very loyal of you, helping others instead of me. Tell me, how much did you get out of this?"

Zhao Liufang felt both amused and frustrated. "Am I that kind of person? In all this time, you've never taken a cent from me, so why would I take money from others to persuade you? Am I that unprincipled?"

"That's true!" Yang Xiaofan nodded, as he did respect Zhao Liufang’s character.

"Xiaofan, think about it: you get 300 million for doing absolutely nothing. Isn't that great? Besides, a few keyboard warriors won't leave you any worse for wear, so what do you have to fear?"

Yang Xiaofan thought for a moment. "Fine! I agree."

Getting 300 million just for having been cursed at by keyboard warriors, while they gained nothing but fleeting satisfaction—when he looked at it that way, it was actually quite satisfying.

Upon hearing Yang Xiaofan's consent, Zhao Liufang smiled. "That's the spirit. We're here to make money, why bother with them? As long as the money is in your pocket, that's all that matters."

"But Old Zhao, since I'm giving you this face, you have to help me out, too."

"Help? Of course I'll help! Name whatever you need, and I’ll see to it."

"Use your connections to help me find a recording studio in my wife's hometown."

"Why? Are you releasing a new song?"

"Since they're calling me a plagiarist and cursing my whole family, I have to show them what I'm made of. Since I’ve taken Weibo’s money and can't argue with them, I have to find another way to vent my frustration."

"Fine, I can't stop you from releasing songs, but I have one request: don't release any songs that are just about attacking people." Zhao Liufang was genuinely afraid that Yang Xiaofan would release a diss track and escalate the situation until it was beyond repair. Moreover, the movie had only just premiered today; if it were pulled from theaters because Yang Xiaofan was reported for poor conduct, he would suffer a massive loss. After all, the film didn't just bring him billions in revenue—it brought him immense fame. And with fame came even more money!

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Yang Xiaofan agreed and hung up. He glanced at Weibo, where the insults were still pouring in, but he now scoffed at them. Keyboard warriors would always be keyboard warriors, whereas he was about to collect 300 million.

However, for now, he intended to slap these people in the face. Mocking him for plagiarism? Very well, he would let them feel the terror of a master musician!

Yang Xiaofan topped up his 'Voice' and 'Musical Instrument' skills, upgrading them directly to the 'Saint' level. His voice was now nothing short of heavenly, and his mastery of musical instruments surpassed anyone else on the planet.

With these two trump cards in hand, Yang Xiaofan posted a new status on Weibo, then returned to his room to begin writing lyrics and composing music.

"Before midnight tonight, I will release ten new songs. By then, I will occupy the top spots on every music app! Didn't you say I plagiarized? Fine, then I'll make it so you can only listen to my songs! And as long as my songs fall off the charts, I will immediately release new ones! I will make you feel the fear of being dominated by me!"