How can you ascend to heaven when you are a star?

Chapter 434 Recognition
A black van drove away from the club's parking lot.

Cheng Ke slammed his fist hard on the leather seat, making a muffled thud that echoed in the closed car. His grotesque profile was reflected in the car window, his eyes brimming with resentment.

"Damn it, who does that guy surnamed Zhang think he is, so arrogant right after his debut." Cheng Ke said through gritted teeth, "He just wrote a few crappy songs, what's so great about that? Does he really think he's a music godfather?"

Wu Jianghan, sitting to the side, looked even more unpleasant than before. He took out a cigarette case, shook out two cigarettes, put one in his mouth, and tossed one to Cheng Ke. The lighter flicked open and a flame shot out, instantly filling the carriage with choking smoke.

“I underestimated him. I didn’t expect this kid to be so quick-witted. Not only were we not intimidated, but we also managed to embarrass us.” Wu Jianghan took a deep drag on his cigarette and said with a gloomy face, “With so many people at the gathering today, we’ve both lost face completely.”

"Hmph, this isn't over yet. Wasn't he very arrogant? I'd like to see how long he can keep up his arrogance," Cheng Ke said coldly, oblivious to the ash falling onto his trousers.

At this moment, his heart was filled with the flames of anger, burning his internal organs. His mind was filled with thoughts of how to trample that Zhang underfoot and avenge himself.

"What do you want?" Wu Jianghan turned his head, a barely perceptible glint of excitement flashing in his eyes. He knew Cheng Ke's personality; he was vengeful and his methods were never exactly honorable.

Back then, a newcomer snatched a song that Cheng Ke had his eye on, but less than half a year later, he was exposed for being arrogant and having a chaotic private life. He is still struggling in obscurity.

Cheng Ke took a few deep drags, stubbed out his cigarette in the car ashtray, and said with a sinister look in his eyes, "Don't forget what's been circulating among the judges. Some people have been wanting to take him down for a while. Let him be arrogant tonight, and he'll know his place tomorrow night, hmph!"

Wu Jianghan's eyes lit up, he slapped his thigh and said with a smile, "That's right, how could I forget about that? Judge Zheng Lan and General Manager Li of Tianxi Media are old friends. That guy surnamed Zhang dared to offend Li Lehua, so Judge Zheng Lan will definitely not let him off the hook."

Cheng Ke nodded and deliberately lowered his voice, saying, "I heard that this guy surnamed Zhang received several nominations at this year's Golden Melody Awards, but Teacher Zheng Lan has already said that he will not receive anything, not even a consolation prize."

"Really? Looks like there'll be a good show tomorrow night." Wu Jianghan grinned so wide his mouth almost reached his ears, all his earlier displeasure vanished.

Cheng Ke grinned menacingly and continued, "No harvest at all is just the beginning. This Zhang fellow is arrogant and has offended the higher-ups at Qiyi Video. He can forget about winning any awards in the future."

Wu Jianghan rubbed his hands excitedly and said, "Then I'll give him a boost too. After the awards ceremony tomorrow night, as long as that guy surnamed Zhang doesn't win the award, I'll find a few familiar reporters to publish articles saying that his creative ability is undeserved and that he only got promoted by Jiang Li. I'll also find a few marketing accounts to dig up his confrontation with President Li and call him ungrateful. Let's see which company will dare to take him in after that."

“Not enough.” Cheng Ke shook his head, his eyes as cold as ice. “We need to make sure he can’t recover completely. I’m going to ask someone to contact a few paparazzi to stake out the hotel first thing tomorrow morning and take pictures of him ‘acting like a big shot.’ If we can’t get any pictures… we’ll just make up some evidence.”

After saying that, he curled up the corner of his mouth, revealing a sinister smile.

Wu Jianghan was taken aback. He knew all too well what Cheng Ke meant by 'fabricating evidence.' That's how the scandals about that newcomer were fabricated back then.

"Isn't this too risky?" Wu Jianghan hesitated. "That guy surnamed Zhang is currently very popular. Jiang Li and many other singers value him highly."

Arguing online is one thing, arguing in real life is another. If they get caught, and then the investigation continues, their reputation in the music industry will be completely ruined.

"Don't worry, I have experience with this." Cheng Ke said in a sinister tone, "After the awards ceremony tomorrow night, some 'fans' will block him and ask for autographs. We'll deliberately create chaos. As long as he dares to push someone or shows impatience, he'll immediately trend on social media. Then we'll hire some online trolls to stir up trouble and make sure he can't defend himself. He'll be unable to clear his name no matter what."

Wu Jianghan felt a chill run down his spine, yet he couldn't suppress his excitement. This underhanded trick was too vicious, but he liked it when it was used on others.

"What about the future girl group? Should we join them..." Wu Jianghan thought, one is sinister, two are sinister, so why not wipe them all out at once.

"What's the rush?" Cheng Ke licked his slightly chapped lips. "Take down that Zhang guy first, then those little girls from Future Girls will lose their backbone and be at the mercy of others. Not to mention others, President Li of Tianxi Media won't let them off the hook."

“That makes sense.” Wu Jianghan nodded in agreement, took out his phone and started contacting reporters. Cheng Ke was also busy, sending messages to paparazzi he knew.

The light from the streetlights shone through the car window onto the two men's faces, flashing brightly and dimly. Their eyes were filled with a mixture of excitement and malice, like two hyenas poised to pounce and tear the vat apart at any moment.

……

Inside the club, glasses clinked and toasts were exchanged.

Jiang Li picked up a glass of champagne from the waiter and handed it to Zhang Wen, a smile in her eyes. "You're something else. You made those two run away with their tails between their legs in just a few words. They're too ashamed to show their faces."

The disheveled appearance of Cheng Ke and Wu Jianghan when they left just now left a deep impression on their colleagues present tonight, and it will probably spread throughout the music industry soon.

It's important to understand that a direct confrontation like the one we just witnessed isn't something you see very often in this circle where people "see through things but don't say anything."

Moreover, once the balloon is popped, it becomes a deadly feud, and the one who loses face will definitely seek revenge later.

Zhang Wen smiled dismissively, took the champagne, and said, "To deal with those kinds of people, you have to be tougher than them, otherwise they'll ruin my reputation."

“However…” Jiang Li glanced around, then lowered her voice and said, “Those two are not good people, especially that Cheng Ke, he’s very cunning. You made him stumble in front of so many colleagues tonight, he definitely won’t let it go. Be careful these next few days, and call me anytime if you run into any trouble.”

"Thank you for reminding me, Sister Li. I understand." Zhang Wen raised his glass to the other person to express his gratitude.

If those two fools really come looking for trouble, it won't be something that can be resolved with just a bow and apology. He'll show them what real trouble is.

Want to feel a sense of self-worth by talking to him?
Haha, you've messed with the wrong person.

As they were talking, Sun Yinan, the king of pop, walked over with a wine glass in his hand, followed by several senior figures in the music industry.

"Xiao Zhang, what you just said was right. This is how the music industry should be. If you have the ability, compete openly. What kind of skill is it to resort to dirty tricks?"

“Exactly.” A composer next to him chimed in, “Back in the day, when we wrote songs, there weren’t so many twists and turns. That kid Cheng Ke rose to fame by riding on the coattails of others’ popularity in his early years, and now he wants to suppress us songwriters. He’s really getting more and more backward.”

"The seniors really see things clearly. I just think that making good music is more important than anything else. Doing things seriously is the right path. You can't go far by taking crooked paths." Zhang Wen smiled and raised his glass.

Long live understanding.

“That’s right.” Sun Yinan clinked glasses with the young man in front of her, her face full of admiration. “I heard you received three nominations: Best Lyricist, Best Composer, and Best Arranger? I’m rooting for you at the awards ceremony tomorrow night. If your song ‘Renjian’ doesn’t win an award, I’ll be the first to object.” Several senior artists around her nodded in agreement. A music producer who had won the Golden Melody Award twice said with a smile, “The arrangement of ‘Renjian’ is truly impressive, especially the use of strings. It seems simple, but it’s actually full of hidden meaning, perfectly conveying the emotions. It’s really not easy for a young person to have this level of skill.”

"This is all thanks to Wang Qi. I just offered some immature ideas," Zhang Wen said after hearing this, his tone sincere without any pretense.

However, this behavior was seen as a sign of humility by the seniors around him.

You wrote the lyrics and the music, yet you claim you only offered some 'immature' ideas? Who would believe that?
"Xiao Zhang, if you have the ability, you have the ability. There's no need to be modest."

“That’s right. Take the song ‘The Best of Us’ for example. Although it was written for a new group, it has a unique vitality and is much better than those generic pop songs on the market. Let’s have a good chat about it sometime.” Chen Tianhou’s eyes were full of appreciation.

The implication is: a desire to cooperate.

"I couldn't ask for more," Zhang Wen said with a smile.

These superstars have been in the industry for many years and have already made a fortune, making them very suitable partners and sales targets.

"Xiao Zhang." A beautiful female singer stepped forward. "I especially love your song 'Human World.' I have a concert next March. Could you sing this song? Don't worry, you won't be shortchanged on the royalties."

“No problem,” Zhang Wen said. Why would he refuse money offered to him?

"Teacher Zhang, I have a director friend whose film is missing a theme song. I think the song 'Human World' would be perfect. Could you give me your phone number so I can have my friend contact you?"

"Row."

"..."

Everyone was talking about Zhang Wen in the middle, and although they were all talking about cooperation, wasn't that also a form of recognition?
You should know that not everyone has such opportunities and treatment.

Moreover, after that exchange, Zhang Wen had thoroughly showcased himself to his peers, so during the subsequent gathering, people kept making overtures, handing out business cards and discussing collaborations, making him the busiest person there.

Chen Silu looked at Teacher Zhang with her eyes sparkling, and whispered to Cheng Sisi beside her, "Teacher Zhang is really amazing."

Cheng Sisi nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with admiration. With such a teacher, she was confident that she could overcome any difficulties she encountered.

As night deepened, the celebrities said their goodbyes and left one after another, causing the atmosphere of the party to gradually fade away.

Outside the club, Zhang Wen led the five members of the Future Girls group to say goodbye to Jiang Li and other seniors, then met up with Li Yuqi and Cai Yaxuan, and got into the car back to the hotel.

"Teacher Zhang, will we be able to win an award tomorrow?" Zhao Tong asked softly, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

She was already very happy to be nominated, but after what happened tonight, she suddenly really wants to win the Best New Group award.

It's not for fame or fortune, but to prove that their future girl group isn't based on hype or luck, but on real talent.

Looking into Zhao Tong's eyes, Zhang Wen instantly understood what the other was thinking. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Actually, whether you win an award or not is not important. What is important is that you have already proven yourselves with your work. Seven weeks at number one on the hot song chart and over 300 million plays in two months are all real achievements that no award can replace."

Zhao Tong nodded. The group had indeed gained a lot of fans during this period, but she still couldn't help but look forward to that golden trophy.

“However…” Zhang Wen changed the subject, a confident smile playing on his lips, and turned to the side, saying, “With the songs I wrote for you, winning an award isn’t impossible.”

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the five group members shone even brighter than the streetlights outside.

"I have confidence in you." Li Yuqi raised her arm, clenched her fist, and cheered for the future girl group. "I'll treat you to a celebration banquet when the time comes."

"Thank you, Sister Yuqi," Cheng Sisi replied with a smile. "We also have confidence in you."

"I'll pass." Li Yuqi waved her hands repeatedly, her voice carrying a hint of magnanimity. "With Sister Li as a legend, I dare not hope for Best Album. Let's talk about it next year."

Her albums, both in terms of reviews and sales, are far inferior to Sister Li's albums, and she is aware of this.

Next year will be different. There will be songs written by Teacher Zhang in next year's album. No matter who we meet then, we will be able to compete.

Cai Yaxuan had been listening quietly, but then suddenly spoke up, "Actually, awards sometimes depend on chance. You are still young, and you will have plenty of opportunities in the future."

She paused, then looked at Zhang Wen, "As for Teacher Zhang, with three nominations this time, he has a good chance of becoming the biggest winner."

"Thank you for your kind words." Zhang Wen smiled. If even a hit song can't win an award, then the other nominated songs have even less right to win.

Actually, he didn't care whether he could win an award or not, but all three songs were nominated for Best Song Award, so it would be a bit unreasonable not to give them an award at all.

You can disrespect him, but you can't disrespect his ancestors. So you should still accept this award; you can use it to support your ancestors.

Zhang Wenfeng's nonchalant attitude reassured the members. Zhao Tong started talking about things to pay attention to when walking the red carpet tomorrow. Zhang Jiajia was worried that her dress was too long and she would trip, so she asked Cai Yaxuan for advice. Chen Silu was silently rehearsing her acceptance speech in her mind...

Everyone is starting to look forward to tomorrow's awards ceremony.

……

(End of this chapter)