dhibooks Chapter 106 Reverse Promises
Chapter 106 Reverse Promises
The rousing final music still lingered, and the virtual confetti celebrating in the live stream hadn't completely fallen yet, but the operations department of the Music Platform had already begun their overtime work.
As is customary in previous years, the overall champion of the annual peak competition will inevitably be the absolute core of the platform, receiving its full support and resources over the next few months.
These resources were roughly outlined before the finals, and some minor adjustments were made based on the champion.
However, Shu Hua's score this time was significantly higher than the second place, and Shu Hua's appearance was good enough to be a star, without any restrictions on her becoming a streamer.
As a result, many of the resources that had been agreed upon suddenly became unusable.
A lavish "champion's gift package" was prepared overnight and placed on the operations director's desk:
Exclusive Channel Position: A prime featured spot on the app's homepage for three months.
Multi-platform broadcast: Conduct at least three joint live broadcasts with top streamers on the platform.
Customized variety show invitations: Permanent guest seats in large-scale live-streamed variety shows produced by Yin Fu.
City tour roadshow: Offline fan meet-and-greets covering at least three first-tier cities.
High-end brand endorsements: Priority will be given to several luxury and beauty brands that are currently in talks for endorsement deals.
Center Stage at the Annual Gala: The closing performance and center stage treatment on the red carpet at the year-end's largest music festival.
Dedicated Operations Team: Equipped with a top-notch planning, event management, and business team for in-depth packaging.
This resource list, which would make any streamer envious and fight tooth and nail, was met with an unprecedented "cold reception" after being submitted to Shu Huafang.
The director was initially very pleased with himself, as if he could already see Shu Hua, this newly emerging top star, shining brightly under the platform's dedicated support.
Then, his prize money could double and then double again.
He even personally dialed Shu Hua's number; it was something he had gone to great lengths to get her to come.
He thought Shu Hua was young, so he just made empty promises.
But if it were one of those seasoned veterans from the guilds, he might be able to haggle over the price.
Once the call connected, the director began painting a rosy picture, his tone revealing undisguised eagerness and enthusiasm:
"Congratulations, Ms. Shuhua, on winning the championship! The platform has prepared an exclusive champion resource plan for you, including a prime homepage recommendation spot, collaboration with top streamers across the platform, a regular appearance on a customized variety show, city tour roadshows, priority for high-end brand endorsements, and the absolute center position at the year-end gala! We will provide you with a top-notch operations team, and the next few months will definitely be..."
On the other end of the phone, Shu Hua's voice carried the languidness of someone just woken up, as if the priceless business plan were nothing more than an insignificant flyer: "Oh, thank you. But, no need."
The director's smile froze instantly, thinking he had misheard: "Huh? Ms. Shu, you mean... we don't need it? These resources were meticulously tailored for you, and they will greatly benefit your career development..."
"Yes, I understand." Shu Hua's voice remained calm and even relaxed, "It's too troublesome. We have to collaborate, do roadshows, and record variety shows... It sounds exhausting."
Thank you for the platform's kindness; I appreciate the gesture, but I'll waive the resource requirement.
You can reduce your workload, right? The platform must charge for providing resources, right?
I guess I've saved you money, so you're welcome.
The director was completely dumbfounded. In all his years in the industry, he had never seen a streamer, especially one who had just won the annual championship, so decisively push away such a huge fortune! He tried to plead, "Teacher Shuhua, could you please reconsider?"
This is an opportunity that countless livestreamers dream of! Your exposure and commercial value will increase exponentially! Our platform truly wants to fully support you…”
"No need to think about it," Shu Hua yawned slightly, her tone resolute. "I'm sure. That's settled then. Thanks for letting me know, goodbye."
After saying that, the phone was hung up cleanly, leaving only the busy tone buzzing in the director's ear.
After Shu Hua finished speaking, she hung up the phone and went back to sleep.
The director, phone in hand, stood frozen in place, and after a long while, looked incredulously at his equally dumbfounded assistant beside him: "She...she refused? She refused everything? Even her reason was...too much trouble?"
They even said they were saving us money?
No, was he being given false promises?
The assistant swallowed hard and nodded: "Yes...yes, Director."
That's what Teacher Shu Hua meant.
The next few days became a nightmare for the Music Notes Operations Department.
Undeterred, they took turns trying to persuade, entice, and even imply that the resources would expire.
The contact person changed several times, from reasoning with him to appealing to his emotions, then to enticing him with benefits, and finally even resorting to subtle pressure such as "whether President Huo knew about this."
However, Shu Hua's response remained consistent, as concise as her acceptance speech after winning the championship:
"I'm not going."
"Not interested."
"Too tired."
"Daddy? He knows, he takes after me."
Every rejection was like a small knife, precisely piercing the hearts of everyone in the operations department.
That meticulously planned "champion's gift package," representing the platform's highest sincerity and substantial investment over the next few months, was rendered utterly worthless by Shu Hua's nonchalant "troublesome" attitude.
Finally, after yet another attempt was politely but firmly rejected, the director slumped wearily in his chair, rubbing his throbbing temples, his face a complex mix of helplessness, heartache, and a hint of absurdity: "Forget it... give up. We can't afford to serve this tyrant."
He gave a wry smile and waved to his assistant, "Pass the word: the Champion Resource Plan... is cancelled. Resources will be redistributed."
The assistant asked cautiously, "Then... should we give it to Moonlight Embrace or Dragon River?"
The director sighed, his eyes glazed over: "Let's proceed with the original alternative plan."
As for the budget saved…” He paused, feeling his heart bleed, “…consider it the result of the platform’s cost reduction and efficiency improvement this year…”
This is probably the most "tearful and cost-effective" experience in the history of the Yinfu platform.
He realized for the first time that spending money could be so difficult.
Somehow, the news still managed to spread within a small circle.
Although Shu Hua's live stream was black, the comment section exploded.
[Insider news! The resource package that Yin Fu offered to Hua Zai was completely rejected by our lazy cat!!! (This has shocked my whole family)]
【What?! There are still resources you don't want?】
[As expected of my little artist! So lazy he can't even be bothered to earn money! (Proudly puffing out his chest)]
[Musical note: This year's champion can't carry the team, really can't! (laughing and crying)]
[The most laid-back champion in history is born! He just wants to lie down and collect hearts, he doesn't want to stand up and accept the trophy (doge)]
[Musical note: This is the first time I've experienced being offered a warm welcome... (mouth covered)]
[Hahaha, the person upstairs is so bold! But...it doesn't seem wrong?]
So, does this mean we can go back to our regular live drawing streams? No more competition, just the rustling of brushes and the occasional meow? (Rubbing hands in anticipation)
The excitement and glory of the finals receded as quickly as the tide.
For Shu Hua, life has finally returned to her favorite rhythm: lazy, quiet, and free-spirited creation.
The "champion's gift package" from the Yinfu platform, which seemed to have nowhere to go, ultimately became just another small episode that fans talked about with relish, highlighting how "lazy" their own streamers were.
*
After the final of the musical note PK competition.
The frequency with which the "Dream Walker" livestream room lights up has visibly decreased.
In reality, upon closer examination, it's nothing more than returning to the frequency before Shu Hua suddenly felt like participating in a PK competition.
When I occasionally go live, the content is still drawing.
However, the creation of this art collection may have been quite difficult.
In her previous live-streamed drawing sessions, she was quite talkative.
Nowadays, she spends most of her live streams engrossed in drawing.
Of course, when I get tired of drawing, I'll still come here to chat.
Originally, the fans who initially followed Shu Hua were fans of her paintings, but now it seems that things have really just gone back to the way they were before.
Occasionally, when fans post questions like "[Is Huazai going to participate in a PK today?]", she will lazily prop her chin up and drawl out, "No, no, it's too tiring~ I need to save my energy for drawing."
I'm not playing anymore, it's just too tiring.
"Aren't the drawings I make for you good?"
The people who came for the PK competition all left when they saw how unprofessional Shu Hua was.
That PK competition didn't seem to leave Shu Hua with anything.
No, that's not right either; I left behind a few friends.
After she came into this world, the first person she became acquainted with was Huo Linzhou, but he was her daddy, so she couldn't completely consider him a friend.
There's no way around it, Daddy still has a lot of authority.
Now, she truly has friends: Duan Jiyu, He Peiji, and Xie Xun.
When she gets tired of painting, she will occasionally go out and play with them.
Although her poor physical strength might be ridiculed, she could still feel that she was being taken care of.
Occasionally, when he gets really into drawing in the early hours of the morning, he can even play games with Xie Xun.
Unfortunately, her rank was boosted, but her skills didn't seem to improve much.
She didn't get many kills.
Therefore, Shu Huadu has a new goal: after finishing this collection of paintings, she will become a master gamer.
Xie Xun hesitated for a moment, then could only offer a half-hearted word of encouragement.
He Peiji carefully analyzed the situation for Shu Hua and said that her chances of success were 0.
Duan Jiyu mocked her mercilessly and even challenged her to a competition.
The two will compete for a month to see who has better gaming skills. Xie Xun will be the referee, and He Peiji will be the impartial judge.
*
Several months later, Shu's art collection was finally published.
No one expected that this art book, titled "Fleeting Glimpses," would unexpectedly host an offline book signing event.
The news caused an uproar among Shu Hua's fans.
[A book signing?! Am I seeing things?! Huazai is going to have an offline event?!]
[Holy crap! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Lazy Cat has emerged!]
[I'll risk my life to get a spot in the drawing competition!]
[Waaaaah, I need a lightning-fast reflex! I need some incredible luck!]
[Never mind! Grab it! Getting one is a steal! A chance to get up close and personal with cats (scratch that) and cute paintings!]
The mini-program crashed for a few seconds the moment the spots went on sale.
Fans who managed to snag a bargain danced with jubilation, while those who missed out were filled with resentment and collectively turned into envious viewers in the comments section.
Suddenly, "Signatures for Shu Hua's autograph session" quietly became a hot topic.
On the day of the book signing, a long line formed outside the venue early in the morning.
The fans clutched their brand-new "Fleeting Glimpses" art book, their excitement and nervousness barely concealed.
The "fake fans" who were eloquent and full of memes in the online comment section were now unusually quiet in the line of people who were about to meet the real people. Even their eye contact with each other was a little hesitant and awkward.
"Oh my god, it's almost my turn..."
"What should I say? 'Hua Zai, I've been your fan for ten years'? But she's only been streaming for a short time!"
"Oh no, my hands are shaking! Will I drop the book while I'm signing it?"
"Is she even more beautiful in person than on live stream? I can't even look at her directly..."
The procession moved forward slowly.
Finally, I stepped into the autograph area and stood in front of the long table covered with dark velvet.
Shu Hua sat there, wearing a comfortable off-white loose sweater, her long hair loosely tied up, with a few slightly curled strands hanging down beside her cheeks.
She was slightly bowing her head, intently signing an autograph for the fan in front of her. Her profile was so exquisitely beautiful under the soft lighting that it seemed unreal. Her thick eyelashes cast small shadows under her eyes, and her languid and serene temperament was even more striking than on camera.
It's the next fan's turn.
She was a girl who looked to be in her early twenties, holding a sketchbook. Her cheeks were flushed, and she moved to the table with slightly unsteady steps, her voice barely audible: "Painting...painting girl...hello...I...I..."
Shu Hua raised her head, her beautiful eyes carrying their usual languidness, as if she hadn't woken up yet, but with a clear, gentle smile in their depths.
She looked at the fans in front of her, who were so nervous they were almost jumping up and down, and a very slight smile curved her lips. She spoke slowly, her voice slightly hoarse from just finishing signing autographs, but exceptionally clear:
"Oh dear, my friend," she deliberately drawled, mimicking the teasing tone of her fans in the live stream, "is your expression one of utter disappointment at seeing me in person, or are you speechless with awe at my beauty? Hmm?"
The girl's eyes widened instantly, her face turned even redder, and she waved her hands repeatedly, "No, no! It's...it's just too beautiful! I...I'm nervous!" After saying that, she wished she could bury her face in the art book.
"Pfft..." Shu Hua chuckled softly, her mischievous smile making her come alive. "What's there to be nervous about? I'm not going to eat you. Weren't you quite the chatterbox online? 'My little Hua is terminally lazy,' 'A figurine that needs to be carried around by its big brother'... Weren't you having a good time?"
She accurately recited the fans' "classic quotes," her tone carrying a hint of "settling scores" but without any sense of blame, which instead dispelled the tense atmosphere.
The fans waiting in line nearby couldn't help but chuckle softly, instantly lightening the atmosphere.
The girl who had been teased stopped crying and started laughing, no longer so nervous: "I...I was wrong, Huazai!"
Although she didn't post those classic quotes, she still gave them a big thumbs up.
She even resented not being a natural talent, so when Shu Hua teased her, she genuinely felt that Shu Hua was talking about her.