After taking advice, I became a top male idol.

next morning.

The bustling CBD business district, the Xinghuang Entertainment Company building.

Agent Zhang was sitting in a large leather swivel chair, her black business suit taut at the waist, her legs crossed, her double chin folded as she looked down, drinking an iced Americano while scrolling through Weibo.

She originally wanted to see the miserable state of Lin Zhixing after his contract was terminated, and then arrange for online trolls to kick him a few more times, completely cutting off his escape route.

However, when she saw that familiar name on the trending list, her brows furrowed instantly.

"#Lin Zhixing eating at a rural banquet#? #Lin Zhixing playing the suona#?"

Sister Zhang clicked on the entry and saw the video that had gone viral across the internet.

Looking at Lin Zhixing in the video, who was blowing his own horn with a red face and a thick neck, yet surprisingly handsome, Sister Zhang's expression turned very unpleasant.

"This good-for-nothing... he actually knows this trick?"

She had always thought Lin Zhixing was a good-for-nothing with nothing to offer except his good looks, but she never expected him to be so cunning.

"Sister Zhang, what's wrong?"

Behind Sister Zhang stood a young man with dyed silver hair and exquisite makeup, who was massaging her shoulders.

This is the newcomer the company is heavily promoting, Zhang Xianyu, who rose to power by stepping on Lin Zhixing.

Sister Zhang put down her phone, patted Zhang Xianyu's hand, and even squeezed it. She snorted coldly, "Nothing much. That good-for-nothing went crazy for some reason and went to the countryside to play the suona. He even made it to the trending topics."

"Playing the suona?" Zhang Xianyu chuckled, his face full of disdain. "He's utterly hopeless. He even dabbles in such low-class things. Doesn't he feel ashamed? It seems he's completely given up on himself."

"It's embarrassing, but... he's trending now."

Sister Zhang tapped her fingers on the table, a glint in her eyes.

The company recently went to great lengths to get Zhang Xianyu into the hottest variety show right now, "The Voice of China".

This show is a top-tier production with a star-studded lineup of mentors and a wealth of talented contestants. Although Zhang Xianyu has a company promoting him, his singing skills are actually just so-so. To stand out in this show, besides relying on behind-the-scenes manipulation and auto-tuning, he also needs a bit of "hype."

The original plan was to create a "hard-working genius" persona for Zhang Xianyu.

But now, Sister Zhang has a better idea.

There's just one spot left, so what could generate more buzz than "new and old top stars competing on the same stage, with the old stars being mercilessly crushed"?

If we bring Lin Zhixing into the show, let him be the "clown," and then have him ruthlessly eliminated by the mentors, while Zhang Xianyu goes up and sings a sophisticated song to advance...

This stark contrast would absolutely elevate Zhang Xianyu to the heavens!

"Making use of waste is an honor for him."

A sinister smile crept across Zhang Jie's lips as she picked up her phone and dialed the number she had blocked just yesterday.

......

"Buzz—Buzz—"

The vibration of his phone under his pillow woke Lin Zhixing from his sleep.

He groggily picked up his phone, glanced at the caller ID, and his brows furrowed instantly.

【Zhang the Skinflint】.

The agent who had just fired him and then called him a piece of trash in the office the very next day.

Damn it, a weasel is paying New Year's greetings to a chicken.

Lin Zhixing sat up. He didn't answer immediately, but let the phone ring for a while, until it was almost hanging up, before slowly pressing the answer button.

"Feed? Who?" Lin Zhixing pretended to be stupid.

On the other end of the phone, Sister Zhang's voice had a fake enthusiasm, as if she wasn't the shrew who turned her back on everyone yesterday. "Oh, Zhixing, you're still not up? I saw that trending topic yesterday. Not bad, I didn't know you had this trick up your sleeve. You've been keeping it well hidden."

Lin Zhixing leaned against the headboard, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Oh, Sister Zhang. What's up? I don't have any money for breach of contract right now. I have no money, but you can take my life. If you have something to say, say it; otherwise, I'm hanging up."

"Look at what you're saying, do you think I'm that kind of person?" Sister Zhang said hypocritically. "Yesterday's contract termination was the company's decision, and I was heartbroken too. That's why I didn't sleep a wink last night, specifically going to plead with the higher-ups, and finally managed to get you a chance!"

"Chance?"

"Yes! The company has an internal referral spot for 'The Voice of China.' You know, it's an S-level variety show; countless people would kill to get in. The company is giving you this spot out of consideration for past relationships. Not only that, but if you go, the company can consider waiving your breach of contract penalty!"

The Voice?

Lin Zhixing's eyes flickered.

Of course he knows about this show.

This is currently the most popular music variety show in China, and also the best springboard for newcomers to make their mark.

But would a former company be so kind? Out of nostalgia?

Even a dog wouldn't believe that. You'd be better off believing I'm Qin Shi Huang.

Lin Zhixing's mind raced. Combining what he had overheard in the office yesterday, he instantly understood the other party's plan.

The company's rising star, Zhang Xianyu, will also be participating in this season of "The Voice of China".

Although Zhang Xianyu has some talent, he lacks buzz, or what is commonly known as "no interesting stories".

Lin Zhixing is now labeled with tags such as "contract termination", "going crazy", "playing the suona", and "rustic", making him a walking "traffic magnet".

Bringing Lin Zhixing in would serve two purposes: firstly, it would leverage his popularity to attract viewers to the show; secondly, it would allow the glamorous Zhang Xianyu to rise to fame by stepping on the "rustic" Lin Zhixing, creating a stark contrast.

Finally, a few more behind-the-scenes scenarios will be arranged to eliminate Lin Zhixing as a sacrifice, squeezing out every last drop of value.

This is the tactic of capital; it devours people without spitting out the bones.

These thoughts flashed through Lin Zhixing's mind, having seen countless cases in his previous life.

"Hey? Zhixing? Are you listening?" Seeing that he didn't speak, Sister Zhang urged, "I worked really hard to get this opportunity from President Liu. I know your current situation, no gigs and no income. It's good to get some exposure."

"I'm listening."

Lin Zhixing replied calmly.

He really needs this opportunity.

Although playing the suona on live stream earned him some money and fame, it was an unorthodox method.

To truly become a top star, one must return to the mainstream stage, under the spotlight, and use absolute strength to slap those who look down on him in the face.

Even if it's a trap, he has to go.

Not only should we go, we should also overturn their table!

"Okay, Sister Zhang." Lin Zhixing's tone became "surprised." "Then thank you to the company. I was just worried about not having any food."

"That's right!" Sister Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, her tone immediately becoming warmer.

On the other end of the phone, she glanced at the money tree in the corner, its leaves turning yellow, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. What a fool, taking the bait with just a little sweetness. Once she'd squeezed the last drop of value out of him, she'd settle all the old scores.

After calming herself down, she continued, "Then get ready, go straight to the production team tomorrow. I've already waived the audition for you, you'll go straight to recording. Remember, dress... um, keep it simple, don't wear anything too flashy."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhixing looked at the sunlight outside the window, and the smile in his eyes disappeared.

"You want to use me as a stepping stone?"

"Let's see who gets crushed in the end."

Thinking of this, he opened Weibo and found that his followers had increased from more than 5 to more than 8.

Wow, this wave of popularity is really impressive.

I casually posted a new status update:

[Hey guys, got a job! I'm going to participate in "The Voice of China". Since it's a competition, what song do you guys think I should sing to steal the show? Waiting for an answer, urgent!]