Those who had been planning to make small moves would probably have to restrain themselves now.
And Ah Hua's fans would likely stop targeting him as well.
Zhang Yichen had checked earlier—the trending topic titled "Zhang Yichen Imitates…" was filled with criticism. Seven or eight out of ten comments were attacking him.
They called him a clout chaser.They called him shameless.They called him everything imaginable.
But Zhang Yichen had thick skin.
He simply pretended he hadn't seen any of it.
Ring… ring…
Just after hanging up Ah Hua's call, his phone rang again.
He had a feeling this call was related to Gangzi.
Answering politely, he said, "Hello, who is this?"
"Hello, is this Mr. Zhang Yichen?"
A stranger's voice came through the phone. It sounded steady, but carried a hint of urgency.
Zhang Yichen frowned slightly.
"Yes, this is Zhang Yichen. May I ask who's speaking?"
"This is Gangzi."
The introduction was brief and direct.
"I'm very interested in your song 'Serve the Country with Utmost Loyalty.' I'd like to arrange a time to discuss cooperation."
Gangzi went straight to the point without hesitation.
After all, with his vocal characteristics, finding a suitable song was extremely difficult.
When he heard Zhang Yichen sing Serve the Country with Utmost Loyalty, his first instinct was—
This song belonged to him.
So, just like Ah Hua, he didn't put on any airs and personally called Zhang Yichen.
"I see." Zhang Yichen's brow relaxed, and a faint smile appeared.
"I'm available anytime. Just let me know before you arrive—I'll pick you up at the airport."
"Can this afternoon work?"
Gangzi's voice carried unmistakable eagerness.
Zhang Yichen's fingers paused briefly on the desk, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
"This afternoon? No problem. I'll be there on time."
After hanging up, Zhang Yichen crossed his arms and stared at the ceiling, his gaze deep in thought.
Ah Hua and Gangzi contacting him so quickly had been somewhat unexpected.
But thinking about it, it made sense.
His trending headlines had created enough shock to attract these seasoned veterans of the entertainment industry.
If Ah Hua and Gangzi didn't act quickly, their competitors certainly would.
So naturally—
The early bird caught the worm.
"Is it settled?"
Chen Xiaoxi's sleepy voice came from the bed. She had been awakened by the ringing phone, her tone still laced with drowsiness.
"Mm," Zhang Yichen nodded.
"They're coming this afternoon to discuss cooperation. We'll meet them together."
He turned to look at her, his gaze unconsciously lingering.
Chen Xiaoxi rubbed her sleepy eyes. Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders, giving her a soft, alluring appearance.
She brushed aside the strands covering her forehead and looked at him in confusion.
"They're coming this afternoon? That urgently?"
Zhang Yichen smirked slightly, a glint of calculation in his eyes.
"They're far more anxious than you think. Especially Gangzi. With his voice, finding a suitable song isn't easy."
Chen Xiaoxi sighed softly.
"Not just him… who isn't like that?"
Her voice was low as she absentmindedly adjusted her sleepwear.
After a night's sleep, her clothes had become slightly disheveled.
Zhang Yichen's gaze lingered on her for a moment. His throat shifted subtly, and his voice dropped slightly.
"Xiaoxi, you like this…"
He didn't finish his sentence, but the heat in his eyes said everything.
Chen Xiaoxi noticed his gaze immediately.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she hurriedly pulled her collar closed, glaring at him in embarrassment.
"It's early in the morning. Why are you looking at me like that?"
Zhang Yichen chuckled softly and leaned closer.
"What do you think?"
Her heartbeat quickened instantly.
Her breathing became uneven.
Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the bedsheet as she stole glances at him.
"Let me go… I really can't anymore," she said softly, her voice delicate.
"Morning exercise is routine. You can't refuse that."
His voice was low and gentle, carrying an irresistible charm.
Her face burned even hotter.
"You… don't…"
Her voice trailed off.
The atmosphere grew intimate.
Time passed.
Eventually, everything settled into quiet stillness.
Zhang Yichen still looked energetic.
But Chen Xiaoxi felt completely exhausted.
She leaned against the headboard, her hair scattered across the pillow, her cheeks still flushed.
Her breathing remained uneven.
Her fingers rested weakly at her side, trembling slightly.
Zhang Yichen sat beside her, his shirt still unbuttoned, revealing his firm chest.
A thin layer of sweat glistened on his forehead, but his eyes shone brightly with satisfaction.
He turned to look at her and asked softly,
"Tired?"
She bit her lip and muttered quietly,
"You animal… can't you hold back a little…"
Zhang Yichen laughed and gently pinched her cheek.
"Who told you to look like that first thing in the morning? How could I possibly resist?"
"I didn't!" she protested, swatting his hand away, her face reddening further.
"Forget it. I'm not arguing with you."
He laughed even harder and leaned closer, whispering,
"I'll be gentler next time."
"Get lost…" she said, pretending to be angry, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Zhang Yichen lay back on the bed, hands behind his head, his expression gradually turning serious.
"Xiaoxi, practice your singing this morning. This afternoon, sing for Ah Hua and Gangzi. Let's see if they're willing to become your recommenders for the Spring Festival Gala."
She turned to look at him, anxiety visible in her eyes.
"Will they agree?"
"Don't worry."
He pulled her into his arms and spoke gently.
"It's just a matter of saying a word to the chief director. They'll agree."
But both of them knew—
Being a recommender for the Spring Festival Gala was not something people agreed to easily.
Especially artists who valued their reputation.
Because acting as someone's recommender meant their reputations became linked.
If one fell—
The other would fall with them.
That was why very few people were willing to take that risk.