Chapter 40: Yin Mengna Also Wants to Release the Halved Edition (Vote for Monthly Tickets)

The online war of words had naturally caught the attention of Zheng Ming, Yimengna’s agent, but he hadn’t planned any PR response. Yimengna’s popularity was currently too low, and her fanbase was not cohesive. After Brothers Entertainment signed her, they quickly produced a debut album for her, but the response was lukewarm.

The company was baffled; both she and Jiang Qi debuted as the February Newcomer King, yet Jiang Qi’s popularity soared while Yimengna’s faltered. Unwilling to accept this, Brothers Entertainment prepared a single for Yimengna, aiming for her to climb the charts in June.

But before they could even start promotion, Shengshi Entertainment pulled a stunt—Jiang Qi unexpectedly released a truncated, edited version of her lead single ahead of schedule on DouShou, heating up anticipation. The key point was that this chopped-down version of “Bubble” became unexpectedly viral, much like Heluoluo’s irrational, inexplicable success.

The heated online quarrels led to Yimengna’s name trending rapidly; though it was mostly infamy, at least she had gained some attention. This was precisely why Zheng Ming hadn’t rushed into PR—Yimengna needed visibility, needed the public’s attention.

Zheng Ming went to the agents’ main office, intending to request some promotional resources for Yimengna. The fans’ arguments had provided a good launch for her new song’s climb; with proper promotion and branding it as a “February Newcomer King Showdown,” the results would surely be impressive.

“Zheng Ming, what is it?” Sun Chen, head of the agents’ office, sounded displeased. He was in the midst of discussing July’s new song chart climb with Yang Yi, a top-tier agent.

July marks the start of the summer break season; strong singers usually avoid chart battles that month, leaving movie theme songs to peck at each other in July and August. The top male singer managed by Yang Yi had performed the theme song for a film releasing in July, and his chances of topping the July download charts were high.

Zheng Ming greeted Yang Yi and then said, “President Sun, Jiang Qi released her lead single early on DouShou, an edited, truncated version. It’s similar to Heluoluo’s DouShou version of ‘Solace,’ and it’s attracting a lot of attention, getting great feedback.”

“I know about that,” Sun Chen replied, his annoyance barely contained. He couldn’t understand how a song released in half could draw so many listeners.

Good, as long as he knows... The dependable Zheng Ming laid out his request: “President Sun, I think Yimengna’s single could also be released early, an edited version on DouShou. With company promotion afterwards, the results will be excellent.”

Yang Yi understood—Zheng Ming wanted promotional resources. But he doubted his chances.

Sure enough, as soon as Zheng Ming finished, Sun Chen refused: “Company resources are already allocated and settled. If I give you extra today, what about tomorrow when someone else asks? How can I manage that?”

Yimengna’s single had been planned in advance, and the promotional resources assigned from the start. Allocating extra resources for her chopped-down song would simply be taking away from other artists in the company.

Promotional resources were determined early on; each artist received their share unless they brought in extraordinary returns, warranting a shift in company support—like Jiang Qi at Shengshi.

“President Sun, Yimengna really needs this chance. She can make it big; the timing is perfect,” Zheng Ming pleaded, anxious.

Without company promotion, even if Yimengna released the truncated single, she’d likely be crushed beneath Shengshi’s massive publicity.

Yang Yi stepped in to advise, “Zheng Ming, you have to understand President Sun’s position. Each artist’s promotional resources are arranged in advance. You’re asking for a sudden change—President Sun would help if he could, but there’s nothing he can do.”

Sun Chen seized the opportunity, wearing a troubled expression. “I wish I could help, but my hands are tied.”

Zheng Ming could only leave, resigned. He had anticipated this outcome before coming—Yimengna simply wasn’t at a level where she could force the company to change the rules.

As he left the office, his phone rang. It was Yimengna calling. Zheng Ming hesitated, unsure whether to answer; he could guess why she was calling.

After a few seconds, he picked up, keeping his tone calm. “Mengna, what’s wrong?”

Yimengna spoke urgently, “Brother Ming, I want to release an edited version of my single.”

Just one sentence, but spoken with determination.

She wanted to release the edited single and challenge Jiang Qi.

But... Jiang Qi had Shengshi’s support behind her, while Mengna had none.

Zheng Ming hesitated. Should he let Yimengna release the truncated version?

The fans’ quarrels had drawn many bystanders. If Yimengna’s single was strong enough, it would surely convert many passersby into fans.

But... there would be no promotional backing.

No promotional resources meant that in this battle, Yimengna would inevitably lose. That loss could severely affect her June chart contention.

Zheng Ming asked cautiously, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I have to,” Yimengna replied firmly. “Brother Ming, the ‘Yimengna’s Afraid’ hashtag is already in the top ten of Weibo’s trending topics, soon to break into the top five. If I don’t respond at all, I just can’t swallow this.”

There was another point she left unsaid: once she was branded as timid and cowardly, that reputation would stick.

“If you’re determined to release it, I’ll support you. But as for the company...” Zheng Ming fell silent.

The resource issue was supposed to be his responsibility, but he hadn’t managed to solve it.

“Brother Ming, it’s fine. I managed to win the February Newcomer King title without any recommended resources. I can beat Jiang Qi without promotion, too.” Yimengna sounded relaxed, but her heart was bitter.

Jiang Qi’s personal abilities needed no explanation; debuting as the champion of a talent show meant she was formidable. Plus, she had a song tailor-made for her by Gabe—“Bubble.”

Damn. Yimengna was envious.

In that moment, she suddenly wondered if Gabe had already signed with Shengshi Entertainment; otherwise, why would he write for Jiang Qi?

After hanging up, Zheng Ming left quickly. He had to prepare for Yimengna’s truncated single release.

Brothers Entertainment wouldn’t provide recommendations, but Zheng Ming still had some personal connections and resources he could use.

Soon.