Chapter 5: Bowing to Reality

Although the online chaos was a complete mess, Tang Qu didn’t have the mood to deal with it for now. First of all, Tang Qu’s previous performances did indeed have elements of imitation from Guan Yan. If he were to claim to be Guan Yan’s fan at this point, it would only deepen the misunderstanding. For someone like Tang Qu, who hadn’t truly stepped into the entertainment industry, the best approach was to let things cool down naturally. The online buzz would gradually fade away.

Besides, Tang Qu had another thought. Although he had taken over the original body, he didn’t intend to stay in the entertainment industry.

He had already filmed too many dramas in his past life, and almost all his time had been spent on acting. Now that he had been given this “stolen” life, he wanted to do things he hadn’t had time for before.

It wasn’t that Tang Qu didn’t like acting—he loved it. Portraying different lives brought him immense joy. But after experiencing life and death, Tang Qu had hit a bottleneck. His acting skills were already masterful, yet he felt something was missing in his performances. Although he now wore the shell of a newcomer, his acting skills were enough to make him shine brightly as a rookie. But he didn’t want that. He acted to satisfy himself, not for the sake of empty fame.

With a sigh, he decided to find time to explain things clearly to Brother Zhang. He had no intention of stepping into the entertainment industry for now. Whether it was terminating the contract or being shelved, he would accept it.

Tang Qu’s vision for the future was still hazy. He had taken over this Tang Qu’s life in a daze, and he hadn’t yet formed a clear plan for the future. But for the short term, he likely wouldn’t be involved in the entertainment industry.

Stretching his body and leaning back on the sofa, Tang Qu stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

After much contemplation, Tang Qu decided to go with the flow. After all, wasn’t he still a student? There was no rush.

On the weekend, Tang Qu obediently sat in the passenger seat. The person driving was a burly man—though that might be an exaggeration. He was just a bit stocky in the upper body, giving off a very robust vibe. This person was none other than Tang Qu’s manager, Zhang Yong, Brother Zhang.

At the moment, Brother Zhang was taking Tang Qu to visit the acting teacher.

Don’t ask why Tang Qu hadn’t terminated his contract with Brother Zhang. The answer was simple: Tang Qu discovered he had no money!

That day, when Tang Qu checked his bank account balance, he was too embarrassed to admit it. Who would have thought that a once-renowned actor would one day worry about money?

After much internal struggle, Tang Qu finally bowed to reality. Even the most skilled housewife couldn’t cook without rice. What could a penniless student like him talk about when it came to poetry and distant dreams?

Tang Qu held no hope for the original body’s adoptive parents. It had been so long, and not a single phone call had come. If he hadn’t taken over, they probably wouldn’t have noticed even if Tang Qu’s body had rotted away.

“Xiao Qu, don’t be nervous. Teacher Zhang is very kind,” Brother Zhang said, noticing Tang Qu’s silence and tense posture, assuming he was nervous.

“Alright, I’ll try to relax,” Tang Qu replied. But in reality, he was just zoning out, his body instinctively assuming the best posture, as he had spent almost 24 hours a day under the spotlight in his past life.

“We’re here. Let’s get out.”

Tang Qu stepped out of the car first and waited at the entrance for Brother Zhang to park.

When Zhang Yong parked the car, he happened to glance out the window and was suddenly struck dumb.

Zhang Yong had always thought that Tang Qu was someone who made a living in the entertainment industry, but the Tang Qu he had seen before lacked a certain aura. However, now, just by standing there, Tang Qu gave Zhang Yong the impression that he had the potential to become a top star.