As the heart of China, the capital city of Kyoto is a bustling metropolis of unparalleled prosperity.
Yet, behind this prosperity lies the struggle of countless ordinary people, barely scraping by.
At this moment, Zhang Xiaolong collapses onto the bed of his cheap basement apartment, utterly exhausted.
Every day, he spends his mornings delivering food, his evenings live-streaming songs, and the early hours of the morning writing articles to post online, earning a meager income.
Only a brief window of four or five hours in the morning is reserved for rest.
But he dares not stop.
His gambling-addicted father, his drug-dependent mother, and his sickly younger sister all depend on him, this broken man, to keep their lives afloat.
He resents his parents, despises his own inadequacy, but his sister is his only solace.
His sister has just come of age and is about to start university.
If Zhang Xiaolong doesn’t continue to work tirelessly to support his family, $2e fears what his parents might do to his sister.For money, they might even sell her.
He needs to earn more, enough to one day bring his sister under his protection and keep her safe.
Staring at the balance on his phone, Zhang Xiaolong calculates how much more he needs for his sister’s tuition.
*Knock, knock, knock!*
The sound of knocking interrupts his thoughts. Dragging his weary body to the door, he opens it to find a face so handsome it could bring the world to its knees.
“Who are you?”
“You’re Zhang Xiaolong, right? I’m Lin Ran. Let’s talk.”
Zhang Xiaolong eyes the young man warily.ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ N(o)vᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt
He can’t deny that this man radiates an aura of wealth, the kind that makes him feel utterly inadequate. Clearly, he’s some rich heir.
“What do you want from me?”
The fact that the stranger knows his name suggests he’s done his homework.
Zhang Xiaolong fears this might be one of his father’s creditors, coming to collect debts. It wouldn’t be the first time.
Lin Ran notices the young man’s tension.
“Relax. I just want to be friends. If you want to escape your current situation, come with me.”
This is Lin Ran’s final invitation, his last offer to Zhang Xiaolong.
If Zhang Xiaolong refuses, Lin Ran will leave without hesitation.
After all, Zhang Xiaolong is merely a future cash cow, a streaming sensation with millions of fans, but he’s not the only one.
Lin Ran has three reasons for seeking him out.
First, Zhang Xiaolong is destined to become wildly popular, a platform phenomenon with millions of followers.
Second, he’s close by—this rising star just happens to be from Kyoto.
Third, he’s currently at rock bottom. In a past life, Lin Ran had been struck by the tragic story of Zhang Xiaolong’s family.
Back then, he had wondered what kind of cruel fate could saddle someone with such a family.
Now, looking back, it almost feels laughable. After all, Lin Ran’s own life isn’t much better.
At least Zhang Xiaolong has a sister who cares for him.
Lin Ran’s own brother only dreams of killing him.
Perhaps there’s a bit of empathy in his decision as well.
Zhang Xiaolong’s rise to fame wasn’t accidental. It was built on his relentless work ethic and determination.
In an interview, Zhang Xiaolong once revealed that all his motivation came from his sister.
After achieving some success, he brought her to live with him, and the siblings eventually became internet sensations, achieving fame together.
This time, while Zhang Xiaolong is still struggling, Lin Ran plans to make his move.
After all, if you’re going to work for someone, why not work for yourself?
And Lin Ran’s offer is far better than anything else out there.
As Lin Ran’s thoughts race, Zhang Xiaolong finally speaks.
“Alright. I’ll go with you.”
At a nearby café, Lin Ran extends a sincere offer.
Receiving Lin Ran’s invitation, Zhang Xiaolong is taken aback.
He’s just an independent streamer with a small following. Why would anyone want to sign him?
Skeptical, he carefully reviews the contract, only to be even more shocked.
Lin Ran’s terms are among the best in the industry, the kind usually reserved for top-tier streamers.
And here he is, a small-time streamer with barely 10,000 followers. Does he even deserve this?
Zhang Xiaolong is a cautious person. Even though the contract seems fair, he knows these deals can often feel like selling your soul.
Of course, selling his soul isn’t the main issue. If it means earning money, he’s willing to do it.
But his complicated family situation weighs on him, and he doesn’t want to deceive anyone.
“Mr. Lin, you might not know this, but my family situation is… complicated.”
Lin Ran: “I know.”
Zhang Xiaolong: “You know?”
Lin Ran nods.
“Your father is a gambling addict, drowning in over a million in debt. Your mother is a drug addict. But none of this has broken you.”
“You probably realize that, on your own, you’ll never escape your parents’ grip.”
“No matter how much you earn, it’ll never be enough to cover their excesses.”
“Yet you keep working to support your sister’s education and hold onto hope for a better life. That’s the kind of spirit I admire. That’s why I sought you out.”
“Even though you only have 10,000 followers now, I believe that with your attitude, your hard work, and the company’s backing, your future is limitless.”
Lin Ran emphasizes the words “company’s backing.”
Zhang Xiaolong bites his lip, hesitating over whether to accept Lin Ran’s offer.
“Your sister is about to start university, right?”
“Surely, you don’t want her to drop out because of a lack of funds?”
“Alright. I accept.”
After signing the contract, Lin Ran takes him to the company.
As they step out of the elevator, Zhang Xiaolong frowns at the sight of the floor, which looks like it’s been ransacked.
Is this company even legit?
“Sorry, we’re still renovating. It should be ready in a couple of days!”
The two proceed to the office area, which is nearly finished. Wu Zhishang is directing workers as they install a projector.
Across the street stands the headquarters of Luo Corporation, a prime location by any standard.
Seeing Lin Ran arrive with someone, Wu Zhishang quickly greets them.
“Boss Lin, is this the streamer you mentioned?”
Zhang Xiaolong has already been briefed about Wu Zhishang, so he greets him warmly.
“Hello, Mr. Wu. I’m Zhang Xiaolong…”
After introductions and some small talk, Zhang Xiaolong realizes something.
Wait, the company is just the three of them?
And he’s the only employee?
Are you two serious?
Lin Ran doesn’t bother explaining further. After giving Wu Zhishang a few instructions, he leaves.
Wu Zhishang proceeds to outline the company’s future plans to Zhang Xiaolong, who listens in stunned silence.
So, with just three people, you’re planning to build the biggest media and even film production company?
And you’re going to turn me into a streaming sensation with millions of followers, maybe even the top streamer?
Are you two out of your minds?