Becoming Famous

The airing of Striving Youth instantly created a nationwide viewing frenzy. Amidst the sea of poorly produced, hackneyed TV dramas, this series stood out. The young actors, despite their inexperience, delivered authentic and engaging performances. The high-budget production, excellent script filled with witty and life-savvy dialogue, all ensured the show's critical and popular success.

Striving Youth seemed to achieve overnight fame, becoming a household name. Characters like Fang Zhanpeng, Mimi, and Huazi became well-known among urban office workers and young people. Classic lines from the show turned into popular catchphrases, frequently appearing in MSN signatures and blogs.

The lead actors, Lu Ye, Wang Dan, and Wu Wenzhang, were suddenly in high demand for various promotional activities, catapulting them from B-list to A-list status. Many newcomers also began to make their mark, gaining some fame and receiving numerous acting offers.

However, Murong Feng, who played Huazi, remained an enigma. He was absent from all promotional events. Under relentless media questioning, the director casually mentioned that Murong Feng was not an industry insider and had only taken part in the show at his behest. The director also stated that Murong Feng had no plans to pursue an acting career. This revelation left the media regretful, with many critics lamenting in their reviews that Murong Feng's portrayal of Huazi was memorable and his acting outstanding. The media expressed regret that he wouldn't continue acting. It wasn't until later that a finance reporter discovered that Murong Feng had become one of the investors and owners of Huayou Film Company. Only then did the media understand why he didn't attend any promotions.

Murong Feng himself didn't feel much about it. What he gained from acting in this drama far surpassed the so-called fame. The show had changed his future outlook and direction in life. What could be more important than that? Additionally, he developed an understanding of TV acting, which did not interest him much. Unexpectedly, he even won the Best Newcomer Award at the Golden Eagle TV Awards for his role as Huazi in Striving Youth. Of course, Lu Ye accepted the award on his behalf. But that's another story.

Despite his sudden rise to fame, making him an idol for many young people and more widely recognized, in the circles he frequented, his celebrity status wasn't viewed with the same reverence as by the general public. At most, people would mention in passing, "Mr. Murong, I enjoyed Striving Youth. You were very good in it." Most would smile and move on.

Occasionally, he was recognized by servers at restaurants or stores, who would request autographs, but these instances were minor inconveniences.

Murong Feng had transitioned from an ordinary person to one with significant wealth. His life experiences had undergone many twists and turns, and his character had grown considerably. Reflecting on his journey, he realized he had developed into a successful person.

He was the chairman of Fengxing Entertainment Information Company, a rapidly growing entity in the gaming and telecoms sector, and the third-largest shareholder of Huayou Film Company, one of the biggest private film companies. He was a partner of the entertainment mogul Wang Lei and had a sisterly relationship with the influential Tang Qing. No one knew exactly how much wealth he possessed, but everyone knew he was young, handsome, and wealthy!

Such a figure suddenly appearing in Beijing's social circles was bound to attract attention. Moreover, he was a leading actor in the immensely popular Striving Youth! It was no wonder the city's socialites were so interested in him.

Fortunately, Murong Feng had a clear understanding of himself. Following a series of investments, he evaluated his assets: Fengxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., under Ding Jun's leadership for just a few months, had monthly revenues exceeding 2 million yuan1, with annual income projected to surpass 50 million yuan2, and profits around 30 million yuan3. As a company just over a year old, its rapid growth had attracted interest from many investment firms.

Huayou Film, having received additional investments, was performing exceptionally well, continuously producing popular and critically acclaimed films and TV dramas. Zhou Haitao confidently told him that if Huayou succeeded in going public next year, his investment could increase by at least five to ten times! He also had over 30 million yuan4 in cash in the bank, a figure that would continue to rise due to his companies all growing in profitability.

Compared to true tycoons, Murong Feng's assets were still insignificant, but the most important thing for him was gaining confidence in managing himself and his wealth.

As his circle expanded and his vision broadened, Murong Feng became more confident and formidable.

At the internal golf tournaments at Reignwood Manor, he could chat and laugh with the CEOs of famous domestic enterprises. In the fencing club, his ranking on the swordsman leaderboard continued to rise rapidly, and during internal competitions, he made many friends, including executives from foreign companies and many young, talented returnees. At business banquets and parties, Murong Feng, dressed in understated luxury, attracted more people wanting to connect with him.

Murong Feng's new life was just beginning.

From the start of filming last autumn, nearly a year had passed in the blink of an eye.

One summer afternoon, the willow trees along the shore of Shichahai still swayed gently. Time seemed to fly by without leaving any trace.

Murong Feng gently paddled a small boat, looking at the smiling figure opposite him. Two young people, one a millionaire, the other a newly graduated financial whiz, enjoyed each other's company. Their laughter echoed softly as the sunset's glow painted the water and their surroundings with a unique summer evening hue.

Murong Feng called Lu Ye, sparking a barrage of excited responses. Since turning off his phone, everyone had been busy with promotions and hadn't seen Murong Feng in a while. It just so happened that today Lu Ye and others were free. Hearing Murong Feng's invitation to karaoke, they eagerly accepted. After hanging up, Murong Feng chuckled, hoping the party to celebrate Ye Zi wouldn't turn into a Striving Youth reunion.

Ye Zi also called her dormitory friends. Her best friends, who were waiting to celebrate with her, were thrilled to hear that Brother Murong was inviting them to karaoke. They clamored to attend, joking about getting the guy who had won Ye Zi's heart drunk. Ye Zi quickly ended the call, stealing glances at Murong Feng, worried he might have overheard her friends' boisterous comments.

That night, in a luxurious karaoke room at Moneybox KTV, everyone arrived. Lu Ye, Wang Dan, Wu Wenzhang, and even his newly revealed girlfriend Ma Lili, along with all the other main actors, showed up. Ye Zi's dormitory friends—Xu Weiwei, Huixin, Duanmu, Fang Ting, and Wen Jun—were all there too. Fang Ting's boyfriend, Ye Zi's dorm mate Wang Gang, also came. The room was filled with young people, and they quickly became acquainted. Especially Ye Zi's friends, whose eyes lit up seeing the cast of Striving Youth in person. Ye Zi felt embarrassed.

Murong Feng, well-acquainted with this group after half a year of filming, took the stage with a microphone and joked, "Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family, we gather here today to celebrate Ye Zi graduating and staying in Beijing. No stealing the spotlight! Especially you, Wenzhang! Why are you hugging Lili and grinning like that? Since you're so happy, you're paying tonight!" Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

After a few rounds of drinks and several cigarettes, the atmosphere grew even more lively. Lu Ye kept hugging Murong Feng, frustrated about how Murong Feng had surpassed him on the fencing club's leaderboard in such a short time. Ye Zi, the karaoke queen, sang Liang Jingru's songs with gusto. Everyone else found their own joy, drinking and chatting enthusiastically.

Unable to bear Lu Ye's incessant talk, Murong Feng quickly poured him a glass of wine. Taking advantage of Lu Ye drinking, he slipped away to find Ye Zi and sing a duet. Preferring Karen Mok, he chose the classic Love of Hiroshima. They sang with deep emotion, their voices blending beautifully, drawing applause and playful whistles from the others.

After the song, they gazed at each other, their eyes communicating a mutual understanding and affection. Unable to resist, Murong Feng held Ye Zi's hand. Her soft, delicate touch sent a wave of emotion through him. Looking into her eyes, he saw shyness and beauty beyond words.