Chapter 7
After posting the video, Ji Nian didn't want to worry about memorials for now and took a break to browse Weibo and see what was trending.
Then a headline appeared before her eyes again, [Cheng Liran's Ex-girlfriend Heartbroken Singing Love Songs] with the mysterious songwriter - was this the capitalist behind her? Or was it part of her comeback plan?
"Capitalist?" Ji Nian exclaimed in surprise. If she had a capitalist, would she be in such dire straits? She only had a little over 1,200 yuan left and had to stretch every penny.
Angry, she directly commented: "I haven't gotten a capitalist yet, please tell me where to apply for one?"
After seeing most of the comments cursing at her, Ji Nian took a deep breath to adjust her mood and said, "Don't get mad, they're not scolding me, but the original owner."
The entertainment industry was also very confused. Why did this hot search keep getting occupied by an unknown person? So everyone guessed that it must be deliberate hype between her and Cheng Liran for mutual benefit.
At that moment, the executives of the short video app Douyin were having a meeting to discuss the day's traffic.
"From observing over the past few days, there is one blogger, a minor celebrity, whose popularity and viewership are very high. Her video of 'Guest' has been trending the entire day." One person reported.
"I've listened to that song. The lyrics are simple and relatable, with great potential for future growth." Another person nodded.
"We can add this song to our audio library and privately contact her about the copyright." The leader nodded.
"Look! She posted another video. In just one hour, it has 100 million views." An employee said in surprise.
The video was then played on the meeting screen. The woman had a radiant smile and said, "Today I will teach you a money-saving method."
After watching the whole video, everyone fell silent. It was quite ordinary - just grocery shopping and cooking. But because of her existing popularity, the view count was very high.
"Is she a celebrity?" The leader asked.
"Yes, our research shows she used to date the popular singer Cheng Liran." The employee answered.
"A female celebrity living in such poor conditions?" The leader was puzzled. One look and you could tell it was a migrant worker's home, not to mention the tableware or the cement floor accidentally shown in the video...
"Well...it's likely due to her debts. After the breakup, she kept harassing Cheng Liran and was sued, ordered to pay 6 million in damages. Her company also terminated her contract for 4 million more. So she has 10 million in debt, which can be found online." The employee said, looking at his tablet.
"Poor girl." The leader nodded, then said, "Contact her about the copyright. She lacks money, so will likely agree."
"Understood." The person-in-charge nodded and took notes.
At this time, He Yi had just finished work. He routinely checked Weibo and Douyin, seeing her popularity still going strong. He lamented, "Back then, with daily hot search rankings, she probably got lots of endorsements right?" He opened WeChat and sent a message.
He Yi: Sis, what are you up to?
Ji Nian: You're 4 years older than me, thanks.
He Yi: I see the place you're staying is a bit makeshift...also too pitiful...
Ji Nian: Or I can squeeze in with you?
He Yi: Sis, my company provides housing, bunk beds.
Ji Nian: Excuse me for intruding, you're also poor.
He Yi: You're really letting loose now. A failed romance turned you into an unbeatable cockroach.
Ji Nian: Goodbye!
At this time, her online videos stirred up more waves. Cheng Liran's fans kept commenting below, accusing her of deliberately seeking sympathy with the love songs, cooking videos, money-saving tips, and poor living conditions.
But some unaware netizens started paying attention to her because of the song "Guest". They had no ill intentions and maintained a neutral, observant attitude.
Her Weibo comment "Haven't gotten a capitalist yet, please tell me where to apply for one" made everyone laugh to death. They kept leaving messages below.
"Count me as one capitalist."
"Where's the capitalist?"
"Hahahaha."
"She's using her main account to clap back, is she letting loose?"
"One song 'Guest' got you floating?"
"Trash."
"Get out of the entertainment industry, ugly freak."
Recently, Cheng Liran didn't even want to check his phone. Every time he opened it, there was news about Ji Xiaonian that left him confused. Why was this Ji Xiaonian still haunting him like a vengeful ghost?
Ba Ge was also puzzled. He was visually fatigued seeing her hot searches everyday, but had to admit, the person behind her really knew how to keep her trending. Could it be that mysterious songwriter again?
Ji Nian thought about making a bigger move - why not go live? She felt it was a good idea. Currently without money, going live on Douyin to sing could attract gift rewards if she was lucky!
With that thought, she immediately got to work. Not having brought any cosmetics from before, she had been bare-faced this whole time. So Ji Nian just tidied her hair and found a spot with good lighting before opening the live stream interface.
The netizens were still clicking on her videos when they suddenly noticed the "Live Stream" words on her profile picture.
She's even doing a live stream now? Everyone was puzzled and clicked in, but the erratically shrinking and enlarging face on the screen gave them a shock. "What kind of demon is this!"
"Scared me to death."
"Mom! Help!"
At this time, Ji Nian was still adjusting the beauty filter and hadn't noticed the influx of people to her stream. When she looked and saw the effects weren't good, she simply turned the beauty filter off, restoring the video to normal.
"Promise me you won't use beauty filters anymore, okay?"
"That filter nearly killed me."
"Ugly freak! Get out of the entertainment industry."
"Bare face? So pretty."
"Cheng Liran had good taste after all. What a cute face."
"Screw off, is she even worthy of Cheng Liran?"
Seeing the barrage of comments, Ji Nian was surprised and saw how many people were now watching. "Why are there so many?"
"Can you sing 'Guest'? I love that song so much."
"Trash, piss off."
"Who allowed you to live stream?"
"Disgusting."
At this time, Cheng Liran's fans kept scolding. Ji Nian chose to ignore them and responded to one netizen, "Sure, I'll sing 'Guest' for you guys."
After that, she picked up her guitar, adjusted her sitting posture, and started softly singing. Accompanied by the guitar, her ethereal voice made the song even more poignant.
Seeing the woman in the video still singing, the barrage of comments suddenly quieted down. The verbal abuse also gradually lessened.
For some reason, watching her sing this song made them recall the news about how she kept pestering Cheng Liran after their breakup.