Chapter 21: Cherry Apple

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Two of the compositions became viral overnight, and Zhou Li purchased the rights to Gu Ci’s song “Strategy of the Land” Gu Ci was reluctant to sell the rights outright and instead agreed to a 70-30 profit split. After Zhou Li added lyrics and released the song, it became an instant hit across the internet, even attracting interest from popular TV dramas that wanted to purchase the rights. Gu Ci received her first profit share, which amounted to over 800,000 yuan.

“I’m suddenly rich overnight!” Gu Ci flaunted her wealth and bought gifts for both Lu Zhiyuan and Gu Ziyu. Lu Zhiyuan received a pair of limited-edition shoes, while Gu Ziyu received a new Lego model.

Shortly thereafter, Gu Ci received an invitation from the popular music variety show “Song and Dance Youth” on the Potato platform. They wanted her to participate in an episode featuring original compositions, inviting musicians with exceptional creative abilities.

The director of “Song and Dance Youth” personally came to invite her and offered a signing fee of three million yuan. The variety show would be recorded over two days, with a PK competition, and the winner would advance to the next round. If not, they would film for two days.

“Zhou Li will participate, and Gu Chuyun will also be there. Our show has a tremendous following. If Miss Gu can shine on the program, the future is boundless,” the director said, observing Gu Ci’s attire, which didn’t indicate any financial need. Her blouse was the latest season’s one-line design, which Zhou Li might not even be able to borrow. The three million yuan may not have been enticing enough for her, so the director brought up the idea of forming a golden boy and jade girl duo.

“Did you say Gu Chuyun will also participate?”

“Yes!” the director exclaimed. “Miss Gu, are you a fan of Gu Chuyun?”

Gu Ci replied nonchalantly, “Where’s the contract? I’ve signed it!”

The director was delighted and signed the contract. The only condition was that the director’s team had to keep it a secret and not disclose that Cherry Apple was Gu Ci. The director thought that Cherry Apple would also bring a wave of popularity and could be bundled with Zhou Li, but Gu Ci declined. The director agreed to her request. Gu Ci also confirmed the shooting schedule and the music studio was set in the picturesque Nanping Mountain, 30 kilometers away from the city center.

“If you’re going to film the variety show, who will take care of the child?” Lu Zhiyuan frowned. The little rascal was only six years old, and she was going to leave him at home?

“I can take care of myself,” Gu Ziyu said. “Sister, go and do what you want to do.”

Lu Zhiyuan saw through Gu Ci’s intentions with just one glance. “You decided to go because Gu Chuyun is going, right?”

Gu Ci had a reserved and aloof personality, not one to seek attention or join in the crowd. The three million yuan was not enough to persuade her to participate in the variety show, and Lu Zhiyuan quickly discovered the reason behind her decision. Gu Ci didn’t bother to defend herself; indeed, it was because of Gu Chuyun that she decided to join the music variety show.

“I’ll send someone to accompany you, just to make sure Gu Chuyun doesn’t try anything against you,” Lu Zhiyuan said.

“It’s unnecessary,” Gu Ci chuckled. “You’re worrying too much.”

Lu Zhiyuan remembered the ordeal of Lu Shijie and fell silent. He asked Gu Ci, “How did someone who couldn’t even pass the 800-meter run learn martial arts?”

Gu Ci raised an eyebrow. “In dreams.”

Lu Zhiyuan remained speechless.

The variety show would only take two days to film, so Gu Ci only packed two sets of clothes. Gu Ziyu was somewhat worried. “Mom, Gu Chuyun can be malicious. You must be on guard against her.”

“Don’t worry, my dear!”

After packing her things, Gu Ci called Li Jiang and asked him to take care of Gu Ziyu. Li Jiang nodded repeatedly. He had to take care of the Young Master, especially since… well, the Third Young Master had instructed him to investigate the Young Master, but he had no idea where to start. The Young Master seemed to have appeared out of thin air, and now he had a chance to gather some information through casual conversation.

Gu Ci had two social media accounts: one was called “Cherry Apple,” and the other was simply named “Gu Ci.” On her alternate account, Cherry Apple, she had never revealed her face or voice, leaving fans to speculate on whether she was male or female. Gu Ci was aware that most of these fans overlapped with Zhou Li’s fan base, but she had never considered exposing herself. This account was solely meant for quietly sharing her music.

On her main account, Gu Ci had posted some personal photos and landscapes. She followed many racing-related accounts and would occasionally repost race events. She also received private messages from a few talent scouts who wanted her contact information, hoping to bring her into the entertainment industry.

Before going to bed, Gu Ci would habitually watch two of Lu Zhiyuan’s matches until she felt drowsy.

The next morning, Gu Ci drove herself to Nanping Mountain. Initially, the production team wanted to pick her up and film some behind-the-scenes footage, but Gu Ci declined. The director felt that Gu Ci was truly aloof and had a big attitude. However, upon observing her demeanor and attire, he didn’t want to cause any trouble. After all, he simply wanted to film the variety show well.

In Lu Zhiyuan’s garage, Gu Ci chose a low-profile Porsche 911. The orange sports car cruised up the mountain effortlessly.

The director and production crew were already present. Zhou Li, Xu Yingjun, Chen Bolan, Qiao Yamei, and Gu Chuyun had all arrived. They were engrossed in lively conversations. Gu Chuyun had established her persona, and Qiao Yamei was the pampered young lady. Xu Yingjun and Chen Bolan were careful not to offend them, while Zhou Li occasionally exchanged a few words, neither too warm nor too cold.

Gu Chuyun wore a white sundress, impeccably made up. Both Xu Yingjun and Chen Bolan were eager to please her.

When the Porsche 911 roared in, it caught everyone’s attention.

Gu Ci, wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans, with an ordinary backpack slung over her shoulders, looked like a high school student in her appearance. Yet, her breathtaking beauty couldn’t be concealed. She was a girl with bold and striking features, radiating under the sunlight.

“Why is Gu Ci here?” Gu Chuyun gritted her teeth in frustration.

Zhou Li couldn’t take his eyes off her; she was simply stunning, meeting all his aesthetic preferences.

Gu Ci greeted everyone with grace. “Hello, everyone. My name is Gu Ci.”

Qiao Yamei and Gu Ci had a longstanding grudge. It was because of Gu Ci that Qiao Yamei had been blacklisted by Dragon Phoenix, and she hadn’t settled that score yet. “Gu Ci, are you deliberately here to provoke Chuyun?”

Gu Chuyun appeared fragile and vulnerable, eliciting sympathy. “Yamei, please stop.”

The production team hadn’t expected their music variety show to start off as a battlefield. Qiao Yamei had hidden implications in her words, while Gu Chuyun seemed to have something on her mind. It was evident that there was gossip involved.

“I came here by the director’s invitation. If Chuyun doesn’t want to see me, she can kick me out if she has the guts to,” Gu Ci retorted without a trace of embarrassment or humiliation. She looked at Gu Chuyun and Qiao Yamei mockingly. “You got blacklisted by the Dragon Phoenix because you provoked Ji Cheng. Don’t shift the blame to me.”

Qiao Yamei’s face turned red and then pale, her anger rising. Gu Chuyun held her back, shaking her head. This was a live broadcast; they shouldn’t give Gu Ci any attention. Xu Yingjun and Chen Bolan didn’t dare to provoke Gu Chuyun and Qiao Yamei, and the teams were clearly divided.

Zhou Li was quite a tactful person. He greeted everyone with a smiling face, appearing familiar with everyone but not overly attentive. He didn’t isolate Gu Ci either. Cai, the director, came over and led them to the music room. The three men and three women would form teams for the “Song and Dance Youth” competition and compete for the next round.

“Let me explain the rules,” Cai said. “The theme for this round is original violin compositions. You will have two days to arrange a new song and then compete. We have professional judges who will vote on whether you advance to the next round. Gu Chuyun, Gu Ci, and Qiao Yamei are all violinists, while Zhou Li, Xu Yingjun, and Chen Bolan are singers. After their performances, they will choose one of you as their partner. Of course, the choice is mutual.”

The rules were simple: violinists would team up with a singer to perform.