Chapter 32: Who Isn’t a King?

“Demon Soul” premiered on Fruit TV, airing two episodes every Friday and Saturday. Tonight’s episode didn’t feature Tang Qu, but he still turned on the TV, poured himself a glass of wine, grabbed a pillow from the couch, and nestled comfortably on the sofa.

Tang Qu’s eyes were fixed on the screen, but they lacked focus. He was lost in thought, pondering the words Zhang Yong had said to him earlier that evening.

“Don’t squander your extraordinary talent.”

Since arriving in this world, Tang Qu had heard countless times about how talented he was. But what they didn’t know was that this talent had been honed through countless minor roles. It was true that he had won the Best Actor award at the age of 23, but in his teens, he had been nothing more than an overlooked extra in film crews. The role that had earned him the award had been a stroke of luck—the original lead actor had been forced to step down due to a sudden scandal, and Tang Qu had personally approached the director, pleading for a chance to audition. Fortunately, he had seized that opportunity.

From being an unnoticed extra, Tang Qu had skyrocketed to become a sought-after Best Actor in the entertainment industry. Everyone now addressed him respectfully as “Brother Qu,” but Tang Qu still felt as if he were living in a dream.

He loved acting, wishing he could spend every second of his life immersed in scripts, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the characters. But life wasn’t just about dreams; there were many other things. He was tired and weary. People often said that once you’ve seen the most dazzling sights, it’s hard to turn back. But for Tang Qu, it didn’t feel difficult at all.

In essence, Tang Qu was going through a period of confusion. Without rivals or goals, he didn’t know the meaning of what he was doing. Life had many paths, and he didn’t necessarily have to be the glamorous Best Actor. He could also be an ordinary person, spending his days playing with cats and walking dogs.

Tang Qu’s eyes gradually lit up. Yes, being an ordinary person was just fine.

Some people struggled at the bottom of society, desperate to climb to the top but lacking the means, while those at the top found it equally difficult to step away from their lofty positions.

Because that very night, Zhang Yong had received a phone call.

Rarely having a day off from filming, Tang Qu indulged in sleeping in. He was awake but simply enjoying the feeling of being cocooned in his blanket.

The sudden ringing of his phone shattered the room’s tranquility.

A slender hand emerged from the blanket and picked up the phone.

Unsurprisingly, it was: “Brother Yong.”

“Xiao Qu, whatever you’re thinking, there’s an audition for an advertising endorsement today. I want you to give it your all.”

Tang Qu had never heard Zhang Yong speak so seriously before. He sat up in bed. “Brother Yong, could you give me the details?”

“Du Yan is already on her way. She has the detailed information. I’ll meet you at the audition location this afternoon.”

Zhang Yong had always been either laid-back or somewhat scatterbrained, like a seasoned veteran who knew all the tricks. This sudden seriousness and decisiveness genuinely surprised Tang Qu.

Since Brother Yong said Du Yan was coming, she was probably almost there given her usual speed.

He got up, washed up, and got ready in one swift motion, shedding his earlier lethargy. Even in his confusion, he would still bring full enthusiasm to his work.

By the time Tang Qu stepped out, Du Yan was already waiting for him.

“Brother Qu, this is what Brother Yong asked me to bring over,” Du Yan said without preamble, handing over the items Zhang Yong had instructed her to deliver.

Tang Qu took them and glanced through the few pages. They were the audition requirements for an advertisement.

This audition was for a jewelry ad.

Tang Qu sat on the other side of the sofa and began flipping through the pages.

Du Yan hesitated, looking at Tang Qu as if she wanted to say something.

“Just say what’s on your mind.”

“Brother Qu, it seems like this audition has a lot to do with Brother Yong.”

“What do you mean?”

“Although it’s just hearsay, it’s probably true. The previous spokesperson for this ad was the artist Brother Yong used to manage.”

Through Du Yan’s explanation, Tang Qu finally understood what kind of person their agent was.

Zhang Yong started as an artist assistant at 18 and became an agent at 19. Every artist he managed became a hit, but he didn’t stick with them for long—once they got popular, he handed them off to others. All the artists he had managed were now top-tier figures in the industry, spanning various fields.

But over time, Zhang Yong wanted to manage someone long-term. However, as the saying goes, even the best horse can stumble. He ended up raising an ungrateful person who, after becoming famous, kicked Zhang Yong to the curb and found a new agent. But Zhang Yong wasn’t one to be pushed around. He took on another artist, and this newbie rose to fame even faster, snatching up many endorsements and scripts that the previous artist had eyed. The two sides became enemies, and the former artist began deliberately suppressing the newcomer. Despite this, the newcomer’s popularity continued to soar. Just when everyone thought this artist would remain a long-term star in the industry, an accident happened—a car crash. The driver responsible also died on the spot.

Du Yan whispered, “But I heard the crash wasn’t an accident—it was deliberate. Rumor has it, it was that ungrateful person. And ever since then, Brother Yong has seemed like a completely different person.”

Tang Qu had heard about the deceit and treachery in the entertainment industry, but cases that resulted in loss of life were rare.

“What was that person’s name?”

“Shen Chun. He wasn’t particularly famous, and even after someone invested heavily in him, he didn’t improve much. He’s barely clinging to the edge of the A-list. But he has one trait—he’s obsessed with snatching endorsements from that person. Over the years, he’s taken over almost all of that person’s endorsements. This jewelry ad is the last one left.”

“Is he on the audition list?”

“Yes. To be precise, the only real competitor is Shen Chun.”

“What do you mean?”

“This brand isn’t that well-known. I’m not sure why Brother Yong took on this endorsement in the first place, but the brand has been quite loyal, only now deciding to change their spokesperson. For you, the only threat is that one person.” To be more accurate, it’s the capital behind that person.

In Du Yan’s eyes, Tang Qu was a perfect fit for this youthful jewelry brand, both in appearance and demeanor. But Shen Chun wasn’t someone to be trifled with—he had powerful backing.

“Hmm.”

“Aren’t you worried?”

“Worried? What’s the point of worrying? We’ll just do our best.”

When the two arrived at the audition location, Zhang Yong was already there.

Zhang Yong was usually unkempt in front of Tang Qu, but today he was unusually formal—his hair meticulously combed, wearing a silver-gray suit, with a sharp, steady gaze.

The difference between an elite and a slacker isn’t just in appearance, but also in the eyes.

Du Yan was also surprised.

Zhang Yong walked up to Tang Qu and said, “Come out with me for a moment.”

Tang Qu followed Zhang Yong to an empty rest area.

“Xiao Qu, do you have a dream?”

Tang Qu looked at Zhang Yong but didn’t answer the question.

It wasn’t that Tang Qu didn’t want to answer; he simply didn’t know how to respond at that moment.