Even for the reborn Shen Mingzheng, the developments were fascinating to watch.

In his previous life, Idol Star Map Four had ended abruptly, destroyed by political infighting, leaving many talented contestants without a chance to shine, except for Ji Mowei, who made a modest name for himself.

It wasn’t just about Li Chu; the fates of many potentially doomed talents were now in Su Ning’s hands, and it was hard to predict what changes this might bring.

Director Chen Yuan had discussed the next steps with Su Ning and Shen Mingzheng before the finals. She had been planning this for a while but had been hesitant to choose between Shen Mingzheng and Su Ning, fearing she might offend one of them and complicate platform interests.

However, after Shen Huai’s fall, a new person took charge at Orange Video, and they decided to gamble on Chen Yuan’s suggestion.

If successful, the platform would make a considerable profit, and with Idol Star Map’s fifth and sixth seasons on the horizon, it promised long-term gains, virtually guaranteeing a goldmine.

Today, seeing Shen Mingzheng and Su Ning together, Chen Yuan knew there were no more concerns about offending anyone. Especially now, with Guang Ying Entertainment and Qilin holding shares, and Shen Film Industry’s complete production team, not to mention Shen Mingzheng’s songwriting skills.

This impressed Su Ning greatly.

He had always known Shen Mingzheng was capable, but he hadn’t realized he was nearly all-rounded and could even create original work.

Taking on this project meant deepening their collaboration in all aspects.

Currently, Guang Ying Entertainment alone couldn’t fully leverage the debut group of Idol Star Map Four. Sharing this venture with Shen Film Industry was the best choice.

So, to say that Su Ning decided to marry into the Shen family for inheritance and power was an oversimplification; it was this person that solidified his decision.

The final continued with not only performances but, crucially, the announcement of rankings.

Once the music started, even Su Ning, preoccupied with future work, had to focus on the results.

While he would take on the operation role regardless, having his artist in the debut group would be ideal.

As for Shen Mingzheng, he found Su Ning’s anxious demeanor quite amusing. Hence, instead of watching the stage, he watched Su Ning at his side.

The show’s host was adept at keeping the audience on edge, starting the announcements from the middle ranks, with the fourth place revealed after much suspense: Qu Shoubai from the replacement competition!

His vote count, over thirty million, would have guaranteed a first-place finish in previous seasons but only secured fourth this season, highlighting the fierce competition.

The efficiency of the replacement competition’s organized voting had been a topic of hot debate online. Was it fair? Did it bridge the gap with earlier contestants?

But it turned out to be timely. In the face of overwhelming popularity, everything was possible.

Qu Shoubai’s walk-up was emotional, causing the crowd to scream and wonder about Li Chu’s rank, who had even higher votes during the replacement competition.

Qu Shoubai’s speech was particularly explosive. Originating as a child star, he had always been composed, but now his excitement was palpable, his eyes reddening as he thanked his fans and company. He gave a special mention to someone who had been a constant support since the replacement competition.

Though he didn’t name anyone, it was clear who he meant.

Su Ning was surprised; he knew Li Chu had made friends here, but he didn’t realize how deeply those relationships went. He had worried Li Chu might be too introverted to connect well with others, but that concern was unfounded.

The elder father felt reassured and moved.

Qu Shoubai wasn’t the only one to mention Li Chu. The rankings mostly aligned with online speculations, with the first and second places, as Su Ning had expected, coming down to Ji Mowei and Li Chu.

When the two stood up, the audience’s screams were incessant.

The host, after much suspense, revealed that the difference between first and second place was just seven votes.

The spotlight then fell on Li Chu.

He won with over sixty million votes, becoming the first place winner of Idol Star Map Four!

At that moment, Su Ning heard nothing but the fans’ deafening screams. He knew this moment changed Li Chu’s life forever.

It was a surreal feeling. The person in the dazzling light wasn’t Su Ning, but he shared in the joy and a sense of unparalleled achievement.

This was the moment Su Ning would never forget as an agent—the joy of seeing his artist succeed, a shared glory unlike any other, one he had helped create.

Everyone who debuted was lucky, but Ji Mowei, finishing second, seemed prepared, not entirely surprised.

He was the first to speak, thanking his fans and acknowledging his rival and future teammate, suggesting a long road ahead and a refusal to remain in second place forever.

Li Chu, the unexpected winner, focused his thanks on one person during his speech.

Not a teammate, but Su Ning.

“Not long ago, I wouldn’t have imagined standing here. Even dreaming felt like a luxury.”

“Thank you all for changing me.”

“But I especially want to thank one person, Su Ning, my boss, who led me here, thank you.”

Despite turning around his public image after recent controversies, many still viewed Su Ning with skepticism. But Li Chu felt compelled to highlight his impact, insisting on his irreplaceable role in his life.

The camera panned to Su Ning in the audience, who hadn’t been seen publicly since announcing his retirement from the limelight.

Since then, he had focused genuinely on business. The financial crisis at Guang Ying Entertainment hadn’t attracted much public interest; to the general public, company adjustments were routine, and they didn’t grasp the specifics.

Now, as the legitimate CEO of Guang Ying Entertainment, Su Ning’s appearance caught many off-guard, flooding the live stream’s chat.

“Yo, did this guy go back to take over the family business?”

“Maybe the misunderstandings are cleared up, steering clear of scoundrels and focusing on his business isn’t too bad.”

“Former fan here, I must say, he’s got a good face. Why does he seem even more attractive now?”

“Maybe his career makes him glow. Seriously, with that face, I’m shamefully smitten again.”

“Misunderstandings aside, a little face-chasing isn’t so bad, right?”

Comments were far friendlier than during his press conference. The success of Idol Star Map Four made the public more forgiving.

Even excited Li Chu fans came to thank him.

“Thank you for dropping out!”

“Thank you for choosing our Li Chu!”

Li Chu’s speech was long since he was the main attraction, and the camera lingered on Su Ning, occasionally including Shen Mingzheng due to their proximity.

The flexible nature of the video platform’s live feed, showcasing multiple angles, enriched the viewing experience, with distinct chats for different camera feeds.

When both appeared together, the secondary camera’s chat sped up.

“?? Who’s this?”

“@IdolStarMap, are you treating us like outsiders? With that kind of look, why isn’t he debuting too?”

“He’s the boss, didn’t you see where he’s sitting?”

“Bosses look like this now?”

“President Liang says it’s not the standard, these two are exceptions. I know Su Ning, but who’s this guy?”

Shen Mingzheng, not usually in the public eye, was recognized by a few who provided some context in the comments, with insiders adding more.

“What’s his name? Can’t you see? They’re a pair. Su Ning didn’t just retire to focus on business; he left to get married, a business marriage.”

“Business marriage? So, no real feelings?”

“That’s right, didn’t Su Ning just get over his love troubles?”

“No feelings, but the looks are there, very pleasing to my eyes.”

The camera didn’t linger on Su Ning for long, but the audience quickly accepted the reality of a business marriage.

Business marriages? At least better than someone like Shen Huai who harms others.

Aware of the camera, Su Ning waved slightly, his posture next to Shen Mingzheng indeed looking very business-like.

But after hearing Li Chu’s heartfelt thanks and as the camera moved away, Shen Mingzheng frowned slightly and discreetly held Su Ning’s hand under the chair.

Su Ning whispered, “What’s wrong?”

“Let’s get married tomorrow, Su Ning,” Shen Mingzheng said seriously, proposing immediately, “I’ll have Chen Tao arrange it first thing in the morning. He knows people.”

He felt urgency, preferring sooner over later to prevent complications.

Su Ning initially refused because he couldn’t fully trust Shen Mingzheng, wanting to see how their cooperation went; the second refusal was due to his uncertain future, preferring to wait.

But now, there were no reasons left to delay.

After all, they had passed the inspection of Elder Shen, and Su Ning genuinely needed the money and shares, not entirely trusting them in Su Hongda’s hands.

After a moment’s thought, Su Ning nodded seriously.

There were many cameras around, and Shen Mingzheng couldn’t make a grand gesture. Seeing Su Ning agree, it seemed to stun him momentarily, as if his mind went blank.

Wasn’t this expected?

Su Ning was slightly puzzled. After meeting with Elder Shen, resolving the Shen family matters, and discussing the future, it was only their busy schedules that had delayed the wedding.

So now, Su Ning had only one question: “Can we make it tomorrow morning?”

“We can!” Shen Mingzheng replied promptly, “Definitely.”

Onstage, Li Chu and the six others stood under a shower of confetti, the screen displaying their group’s name, Glory, fitting both the theme of this season’s Idol Star Map and a beautiful blessing.

But at that moment, Shen Mingzheng only glanced briefly at the stage, his mind filled with other thoughts.

—Like, why doesn’t the civil affairs office open at night?

Well, tomorrow isn’t too late.

The newly formed group’s operations hadn’t fully transferred to Su Ning and Shen Mingzheng. Tonight, they would be busy with media interviews and had advertisements lined up for the next few days.

These were tasks decided by Orange Video, high-priority and not yet handed over to Su Ning and his team.

After coming down from the stage, Li Chu wanted to find Su Ning but was too busy; the media were waiting.

Now a celebrity, he still had debts to pay back home. His family’s bankruptcy and his dropping out from school abroad had become public knowledge, with the 500,000 yuan from Guang Ying Entertainment all going towards his debts. The advertisement money, split seven ways, wasn’t much but it was a start.

But where was Su Ning?

During a break in filming, Li Chu asked around.

“Just wait a bit longer, you’ll see him plenty in the future,” a staff member told him, “Let President Su get things ready first.”

That reassured Li Chu.