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After reaching an agreement with Zhao Yanzi, Xia Luo's path became smoother and smoother.

Zhao Yanzi turned down those problematic dramas and advertisements, avoided several shady dinner parties, and was in a great mood, telling everyone that Xia Luo was her benefactor.

When this got out, people in the circle started looking at Xia Luo differently.

He used to be "Charlotte who writes songs", now he is "Charlotte, Zhao Yanzi's benefactor".

These two titles are vastly different in weight.

More and more people are coming to our door.

Some people ask Charlotte to look at their feng shui, some ask Charlotte to tell their fortunes, and some ask Charlotte to give them guidance.

Charlotte accepted all comers and used a series of persuasive tactics.

Anyway, he's a reincarnated person, so he knows what will happen in the next fifteen years.

He knows who's become famous, who's become infamous, which shows are hits, and which companies have gone bankrupt.

He can easily scare people with just a few words.

Someone asked him, "Teacher Xia, can you tell me what my fortune will be like next year?"

Charlotte did some quick calculations and said, "Don't touch real estate next year, you'll lose money if you do."

The man was skeptical, so he went back and withdrew from the real estate project he had only half-invested in.

The real estate market really collapsed the following year, and that person escaped disaster. From then on, he treated Charlotte like a god.

In reality, Charlotte had no idea how to tell fortunes. He just remembered that there had been a major crash in the real estate market around 2000.

Whoever touches it will die.

Another investor approached him: "Mr. Xia, I'm planning to invest in a movie. Do you think it will be a hit?"

Charlotte glanced at the script and sneered inwardly.

He had seen this movie in his past life; it flopped without even a splash.

Charlotte immediately shook her head. "This film won't do. Let's find a different script."

The investor hesitated for a moment, then changed their mind.

As expected, the film flopped. The investor wiped his sweat and said, "Luckily, I listened to Teacher Xia's advice."

Charlotte's fame grew.

The search for Charlotte expanded from the entertainment industry to the business world, and from the business world to the financial world.

He has advised real estate developers, predicted opportunities for investors, and helped celebrities resolve crises.

Some of what Charlotte said was history she remembered, some was just guesswork, and some was just ambiguous nonsense.

But Xia Luo was so certain of what he said, and he couldn't resist his reputation as "Zhao Yanzi's benefactor."

More and more people believed in it, and the story became increasingly exaggerated.

Some say that Charlotte is the "contemporary Zhuge Liang," some say that he is the "business genius," and some say that he "knows five hundred years into the past and five hundred years into the future."

Charlotte just smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

This is exactly the effect I wanted.

With fame, connections, and money, Charlotte began to think about bigger things.

We need to create a show, a show that will truly allow him to stand at the top.

Thinking back to those talent shows from my past life, like "Super Girl," "The Voice of China," and "I Am a Singer," they were all incredibly popular.

He has the resources and the platform, so why doesn't he do it himself?
Charlotte approached a TV station and discussed a music talent show.

The title was chosen by Charlotte herself; it's called "The Voice of China".

The competition format was also designed by Xia Luo: the preliminary rounds, semi-finals, blind auditions by mentors, and PK battles were all copied from later generations.

He invited the judges: Na Jie, Liu Huan, and Yang Kun, each one a big name.

The TV station initially hesitated, "Teacher Xia, we've never heard of this competition format before. The mentors have their backs to the contestants and only listen to their voices? Is that feasible?"

Charlotte patted his chest and said, "It can work! I guarantee this show will be a hit."

The TV station was skeptical, but Xia Luo's current fame proved too much, so they agreed.

……

On the day "The Voice of China" premiered, Xia Luo sat backstage, his palms sweating with nervousness.

Now he's betting on his own fame, on the experience of future generations, and on the tastes of the audience.

After the first episode aired, the ratings came out, and it broke records.

The second episode broke the record again.

The entire station went crazy over the third episode.

Advertisers flocked to the venue, sponsorship fees tripled, and the show was being discussed by audiences nationwide.

Charlotte became a hit.

It wasn't the kind of popularity that comes from copying songs; it was genuine popularity.

His name was printed on program schedules, appeared on television screens, and hung on billboards in the streets and alleys.

The media calls Xia Luo the "Godfather of Music", the "Father of Talent Shows", and the "King of Variety Shows".

Charlotte stood on the stage, the lights shining on his face, and the audience erupted in applause.

Suddenly I felt like I was the master of this world.

But then a problem arose.

The Voice of China is so popular that there are too many contestants and too many songs needed.

Most of the songs sung by the contestants were written by Charlotte.

He had already copied almost all of the classics from later generations.

"Once Upon a Time You", "Blue Lotus", "Those Flowers", "Starry Night", "Tornado", "Simple Love"...

Copy them one by one, and post them one by one.

At first, no one noticed, but later people started to murmur, "Why are Charlotte's songs so different in style?"

"This one sounds like rock, that one sounds like folk, and a few sound like R&B. How can one person write songs in so many different styles?"

Of course, some people spoke up for Charlotte: "That's just how geniuses are. They can write anything."

But Charlotte himself knew that he was not a genius at all.

He is a thief.

He was almost out of the stolen goods, but he couldn't stop.

……

"The Voice of China" is still airing, the contestants are still singing, and the audience is still waiting.

Charlotte can't stop, or she'll be exposed.

That day was the live broadcast of "The Voice of China".

Charlotte sat on the judges' panel, next to Na Jie, Liu Huan, and Yang Kun.

The stage was brightly lit, and the audience cheered.

Everything was perfect.

Until that young man went up on stage.

He was thin and small, wearing a loose T-shirt, and his hair was a bit long, covering half of his face.

She looked a little nervous, yet also a little indifferent.

The young man stood in the center of the stage and nodded to the band.

The music is ringing.

Charlotte was taken aback.

He knew that melody all too well.

This is a song he copied.

No, he didn't copy it; it's the original.

It was a melody he had heard countless times in his past life, a melody etched into his mind.

The young people started singing.

The rhythm is strange; it's off-beat, but it's right in that position.

His pronunciation is a little unclear, but it's just the right amount of unclear.

Charlotte sat on the judges' panel, her hands beginning to tremble.

Remembering the song's true author and that person's name, I also recognized the young man's identity.

That person, in another time and space, became famous across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong with this song.

That person's name is Jay Chou.

And this young man is Jay Chou.

At the age of twenty, before he had released an album, Jay Chou stood on the stage of "The Voice of China" and sang a song plagiarized by Charlotte.

Charlotte's face turned pale. At this moment, he was genuinely nervous, experiencing a sense of panic as if a fake had encountered the real deal.

Thinking back to the songs I copied—"Nunchucks," "Starry Night," "Tornado," and "Simple Love"—they were all written by this person.

He stole these songs from another timeline, put his own name on them, released an album, won awards, and thus became the "Godfather of Music" in this alternate world.

And now, the original owner is standing in front of him, singing his "own" song.

The audience applauded, and the judges nodded.

Nobody knows who this song is supposed to be, except Charlotte.

After finishing his song, the young man stood on the stage, waiting for comments.

Na Jie said first, "Your voice is very distinctive, and you have a great sense of rhythm."

The young man nodded. "Thank you for your recognition, Sister Na."

Charlotte's hands clenched unconsciously.

Liu Huan said, "The melody is smoother than the original. What did you study?"

"Piano." "No wonder. The chords are used well." Yang Kun also praised it a few times.

It's Charlotte's turn.

He sat there, staring at the young man on the stage.

That young face, those clear eyes, that thin and small body.

Charlotte knew how famous this person would become.

He became incredibly popular, so incredibly popular that the entire Chinese music scene had to make way for him.

And he, Charlotte, was nothing more than a thief.

They stole other people's things and were even smug about it.

Even if you steal what rightfully belongs to the other person, you still can't hide their true talent.

Charlotte stood up and strode onto the stage.

Everyone thought Charlotte was going to interact with the contestants.

However, Charlotte walked up to the young man and looked at him.

Then suddenly he raised his hand and slapped her across the face.

"Snapped!"

The crisp sound silenced the entire studio.

The young man covered his face and stood there stunned.

The audience below the stage was also stunned.

Na Jie stood up, Liu Huan stood up, and Yang Kun also stood up.

The director shouted into the headset, "What happened? What's wrong with Charlotte?"

Charlotte pointed at the young man's nose, her voice trembling, "You actually altered my song? Who gave you permission to do that? Do you think you're a snake? 'Starry Night' is my song! What right do you have to change it like that?"

The young man covered his face, his eyes wide, "I..."

Charlotte's voice grew louder and louder, "You bastard! Do you even know who wrote this song? It's mine, Charlotte's! I wrote it! I posted it!"

The young man opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

His face turned red, and his eyes reddened.

But he didn't cry; he just stood there, staring straight at Charlotte.

Charlotte's hands were still trembling. He didn't know why he did it, and by the time he realized what he had done, it was too late to take them back.

This scene has already been broadcast live...

People in the audience started whispering, "What's wrong with Charlotte? What's gotten into her?"

"Didn't he write that song? That contestant said he wrote it?"

"Who wrote this? What's going on?" the director yelled into the headset. "Turn to commercials! Turn to commercials!"

The camera cut off, and chaos erupted in the studio.

Na rushed onto the stage and grabbed Xia Luo, "Xia Luo, what are you doing? Are you crazy?"

Charlotte shook off her hand and turned to leave.

The young man stood on the stage, covering his face, watching Charlotte's retreating figure.

The other contestants came over to comfort him, and the staff came over to ask if he was alright.

The young man shook his head and remained silent; he always felt he was living in Charlotte's shadow.

……

That night, Charlotte sat alone in the recording studio and drank all night long.

I think of the songs I copied, and the names that originally belonged to other people.

He thought he was a reborn person, a chosen one, and that these songs were rightfully his.

But when that young man stood in front of him, singing "Starry Night," Xia Luo suddenly understood.

What is stolen is never truly yours.

But now that I understand, it's too late.

The news made the news the next day.

"Xia Luo, a judge on 'The Voice of China,' slapped a contestant live."

The title is sensational, and the content is even more sensational.

Someone uncovered the young man's identity...

Jay Chou is a newcomer from Taiwan. He is not signed to a record company and has never released an album.

Some people say that the song "Starry Sky" was already being sung in a small circle in Taiwan a few months ago, and that Jay Chou was the lyricist and composer.

Some people say that at least seven or eight songs on Charlotte's album are stylistically identical to those of Jay Chou.

However, Jay Chou's version sounds better; the style and melody are more in line with his voice.

As a result, public opinion began to turn around.

All those doubts that no one had paid attention to before have been brought to the surface.

Why are Charlotte's songs so stylistically diverse?
Why does Charlotte never talk about her creative process?
Why are Charlotte's lyric booklet covered with corrections?
Why? Because he didn't write any of the songs himself.

Of course, not everyone questioned Charlotte. On the contrary, some criticized Charlotte for lacking tolerance and being jealous of young people who were more talented than him.

Charlotte hid in the recording studio, too afraid to go out.

The phone rang all day, but he didn't answer any of them.

Zhang Yang stood guard at the door, not letting anyone in.

Zhao Yanzi called, but he didn't answer.

I called again, but still no answer.

When the call came for the third time, Zhang Yang answered, "Sister Yanzi, Luo'er... he's not available right now."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. "Tell him not to hide. Hiding won't help."

Zhang Yang remained silent.

Zhao Yanzi hung up in disappointment.

……

Charlotte hid in the recording studio for three days.

For three days, he didn't go out, didn't answer the phone, and didn't see anyone.

The curtains were drawn tightly, and the lights weren't on; I just sat in the dark, lost in thought.

The table was piled high with wine bottles, and the ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts.

Staring at his own poster on the wall, the person in the poster looked spirited, wearing a white suit, holding a trophy, and smiling brightly.

That was me last year.

At that time, he was still called a "musical genius," a "creative prodigy," and "the hope of the Chinese music scene."

And now? He's a thief, a liar, a madman who assaulted someone.

Zhang Yang stood guard at the door, not letting anyone in.

Zhao Yanzi made more than a dozen calls, but he didn't answer any of them.

Qiuya arrived and stood at the door for half an hour, but he didn't open it.

Qiuya called out through the door, "Xia Luo, you can't just hide like this. You have to come out and face it."

Charlotte did not answer.

He just huddled on the sofa, clutching the wine bottle, not wanting to say a word.

Face it? How do I face it? Admit that I didn't write those songs?

Admit to being a thief?
Admit that everything he has achieved over the years was stolen?

He really can't do it.

……

On the fourth day, Charlotte finally came out.

He stood at the door, unshaven, with bloodshot eyes, and his clothes wrinkled like rags.

Zhang Yang was startled. "Luo'er, are you...are you alright?"

Charlotte ignored him, picked up her phone, and dialed a number. "Hello, is this Mr. Li? I need to hold a press conference. Yes, this afternoon. The topic is..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "I'm retiring from the music scene."

When the news spread, the entire entertainment industry was in an uproar.

When Zhao Yanzi received the call, she was at home applying a face mask.

She ripped off her face mask and sat up abruptly. "What? Retiring from the music industry? Has he gone mad?"

The agent was frantic, "Sister Yanzi, you have to think of something! If Xia Luo really backs out, what about all those collaborations? What about all the projects we invested in? And what about the feng shui he promised to look at for you..."

Zhao Yanzi bit her lip and thought for a long time before saying, "Let's go! Let's go find him."

Xia Luo's wife and agent, Qiu Ya, arrived before Zhao Yanzi.

Qiuya stood backstage at the press conference, looking at the unfamiliar Xia Luo, feeling utterly disappointed.

After not seeing her for a few days, I noticed that Xia Luo had lost weight and her eyes were bloodshot. "Xia Luo, you can't do this."

"..."

Qiuya's voice trembled, "Do you know that if you retire from the music industry, it's all over?"

Charlotte looked at Qiuya and suddenly smiled, "Qiuya, you know what? Sometimes I wonder, if I didn't have musical talent, would you still like me?"

Qiuya was stunned. "Xia Luo, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Charlotte shook her head and said nothing more.

...(End of this chapter)