CH 84

[Sister] is a birthday gift that Xu Li gave to his sister Wen Li. This song was released on the night of the group's debut stage performance, and combined with the fact that the siblings were at the center of public opinion that night, it brought unprecedented popularity to this song.

On the stage, there was a need for visually impactful upbeat songs and dances, but of course, there was also a need for calm and emotional songs.

Moreover, the quality of this song was indeed quite good.

During the recording of the talent show, Xu Li's growth in popularity was not as fast as several top-ranked trainees. However, after the debut night ended, in just a few days, he gained millions of followers. This figure alone was enough to put him on par with many popular newcomers.

With the foundation of Wen Li's popularity, and now with the Weibo post from his brother-in-law, Xu Li's first solo single was a winning card from all aspects of analysis. With this powerful promotion and exposure, even the trainees who successfully debuted on [For You To Debut] couldn't compare to him.

When several production companies had sent invitations for OSTs, Xu Li's assigned manager hadn't even officially started working yet.

The CEO of the company announced excitedly in a meeting that in the artist management plan for the second half of the year and next year, Xu Li, among all the new music talents under the company, would be highly supported.

Xu Li, who received the CEO's attention, remained calm and casually asked about the debut song prepared for Wang Yiyuan.

Originally, Wang Yiyuan participated in [For You To Debut] with Xu Li. After the third performance, when he returned to the company, Wang Yiyuan began preparing for his debut single while participating in various engagements. The company's original plan was to wait for Xu Li's elimination and form a two-member group with the two of them, combining their popularity for a debut.

Now that Xu Li's solo song had become a hit, there was no need for a two-member group anymore. The company changed its plan and decided to let Wang Yiyuan and Xu Li debut separately.

"Yiyuan is not in a rush," the CEO joked, "Our current priority is to quickly record the official studio version of the live version of the song you sang on the show. It's a joint copyright between us and the program, so we need to record it officially as your personal digital single and put it on the platforms for a fee. This matter can't be delayed."

[Sister] was originally meant as a birthday gift for Wen Li.  Xu Li never intended to release it. Singing it on the debut stage was purely a rushed move to clarify the so-called cheating rumors.

Originally meant as a gift, they now want to release it as his personal single, reaping the benefits of this gift.

"We can rerecord it, but let's not charge for it," Xu Li calmly refused. "This song originally belongs to my sister."

The CEO wanted to say something more, but seeing Xu Li's indifferent expression, he realized there was no point in continuing.

"Alright then, you make the decision. As for your personal debut album, you can start writing songs now."

Xu Li nodded in agreement and asked again about Wang Yiyuan's debut song.

The CEO finally surrendered. This person, Xu Li, didn't care much about his own song copyrights, but he cared a lot about his friends.

When they signed Xu Li, they were attracted to his talent and looks, little did they know they had found a gem.

And on Wen Li's side, his small music company couldn't afford to offend her.

After all, the potential of a singer-songwriter was immeasurable. There would be many great songs in the future and the long-term return on investment was immeasurable.

Profit-oriented capitalists were always more tolerant of money-making trees.

"I know you two have a good relationship," the CEO nodded, "You're in charge of promoting him more after he debuts since he doesn't have as much popularity as you."

Xu Li readily agreed, "Okay."

After the meeting, the CEO went to find Wang Yiyuan and urged him to quickly write songs.

Wang Yiyuan immediately knew who had helped him and went to thank Xu Li.

"Brother, thanks, really."

Xu Li nodded without expression, "I just mentioned it in passing during the meeting."

Wang Yiyuan was used to Xu Li's peculiar behavior and affectionately hugged him.

Xu Li struggled for a moment but couldn't break free, so he just let it go.

"So, this is what it feels like to be brothers with my goddess's younger brother? I've hit the jackpot," Wang Yiyuan chuckled, "You hid it so well. I actually thought you were also a fan of my goddess."

Hiding their sibling relationship was a consensus between Xu Li and Wen Li from the beginning. If it weren't for the need to clarify things publicly, Xu Li wouldn't have wanted to debut under the label of "Wen Li's younger brother".

"A fan?" Xu Li sneered, "Only those who don't know her well would be fooled by her appearance."

"Oh, so you weren't fooled by your sister's appearance," Wang Yiyuan nodded, "Why did you write a song to confess your brotherly love to her then?"

Xu Li frowned, "Do you have a problem with your understanding level? Is that considered a confession?"

"It's not a confession? Little brother confessing to his sister," Wang Yiyuan sighed, "You really love your sister."

Wang Yiyuan's remark sent shivers down Xu Li's spine. He turned his face dark and abruptly shook off Wang Yiyuan's arm, wordlessly walking straight ahead.

"Hey! Xu Li!"

Wang Yiyuan called him several times from behind, but Xu Li pretended not to hear.

——

What a useless confession.

Wang Yiyuan has a problem with his understanding level.

After leaving the company, Xu Li got into the car arranged for him by the company. His manager told him that they were going to a music live radio show.

After the talent show ended, Xu Li moved out of the trainee dormitory, and his schedule finally started to resemble that of an artist.

"The radio show also invited a mysterious guest to record with you. Get ready."

The manager's words made Xu Li furrow his brows.

"Who?"

"If you knew in advance, then it wouldn't be a mysterious guest, would it?" The manager raised an eyebrow, "You'll find out when you get there."

Xu Li had a bad feeling. Whenever a certain person was involved, his intuition was more accurate than a dog's.

Sure enough, a few minutes after the program officially started, the host said, "Please welcome our mysterious guest," and a person walked in from outside the recording room.

Wen Li, who appeared in the recording room, raised an eyebrow at Xu Li.

Xu Li twitched his mouth. Just as he expected.

Wen Li took a seat and greeted the audience, "Hello, everyone. I'm Wen Li."

The live barrage immediately became excited.

「Sanli!」

「Sister!」

「Hahaha, Sanli has come to support our Little Li!」

"Why are you here?" Xu Li asked directly, "Aren't you busy?"

"They invited me," Wen Li said, "I was afraid you would be shy and embarrass me, so I came to help my little brother."

Xu Li laughed mockingly.

Since they had the opportunity to meet, Xu Li took the chance to discuss the issue of the song rights for [Sister] with her.

It wasn't a piece of news that couldn't be made public, so Xu Li didn't have so many reservations.

Xu Li said, "Technically, the rights to this song should belong to you."

"You wrote this song, so whether the rights belong to you or me doesn't matter," Wen Li's tone changed, and she said proudly, "But this song is ultimately a gift you gave me. How about this? Play the guitar and sing it live in front of me, I won't ask for the rights. All the money you earn will be yours."

Xu Li ignored her completely.

"I don't want the rights, the money you earn is yours too."

Wen Li thought to herself, Why is this kid as stubborn as a rock? Just like him, she stubbornly argued with him, "I don't want the rights. I don't need that little money. I just want you to sing it live in front of me."

"Forget it," Xu Li clicked his tongue impatiently, "Don't you have a phone? Go listen to it on a music app yourself."

The siblings continued to argue over the rights to the song in the recording room. The host couldn't get a word in and could only helplessly say, "If there are any listeners who have just tuned in, please don't misunderstand and think this is a sketch comedy program. We are a legitimate music radio station."

「He's shy, he's shy, he's shy!」

「Little Li, you silly thing, your sister doesn't care about the rights. She just wants to hear you sing it in person!」

「...Wow, such a popular song and you two are just kicking the rights of this song back and forth like a football.」

「'Sister': Should I leave?」

After that, there was a Q&A session. They couldn't delay the program recording for the sake of one song's rights, so Wen Li rolled her eyes and gave up.

"Sing it or not, who cares to hear you sing," she said.

Xu Li raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Weren't you just bothering me a moment ago?"

Wen Li laughed along, "This song was a gift from you. What's wrong with singing it live for me?"

"I'm just giving you a song; I'm not obligated to sing it for you."

"Then why are you even a singer? You should have become a composer."

"...Who asked for your opinion?"

Eventually, during the Q&A session, the topic finally passed. Wen Li only guest-starred as a mysterious guest on this episode of the radio program; she had other appointments afterward and left on schedule.

Xu Li didn't loosen up until she left.

Once the mysterious guest was gone, the host brought up the topic of the song [Sister] with Xu Li again.

"Some fans are eager to know, in the song 'Sister', when you mention the moon in the lyrics, it refers to Teacher Song Yan, right?"

Although Song Yan had responded on Weibo, many people still hoped to hear the confirmation from the creator himself.

Xu Li admitted, "Yes."

The host continued to ask, "However, fans have noticed that in the first half of the lyrics, you recall the childhood memories with your sister, and the term 'moon' is also mentioned. So, who does this term 'moon' refer to in the first half?"

Xu Li fell into a momentary silence.

When writing the song, he didn't pay much attention, but upon closer examination, it should actually be Brother Bai Sen.

When they were kids, the siblings used to argue a lot, and Brother Bai Sen would always mediate. One time, when they had a particularly heated argument, young Xu Li, in his frustration, yelled at Bai Sen, "You two should get married quickly! Brother, take this tigress away to your home! I never want to see her again!"

Bai Sen would always casually refuse, saying he couldn't afford it.

Until they grew up and went their separate ways for their studies and careers, they rarely went back home, let alone met each other.

However, Wen Li ended up marrying Song Yan.

Xu Li knew that Brother Bai Sen and Brother Ah Yan were good friends, but he was unaware of the story between those two and his sister.

But he also knew what should be said and what shouldn't, so he smiled and vaguely replied, "There's only one moon in the sky, right?"

——

As soon as the radio episode ended, the segment of Wen Li's guest appearance was immediately uploaded online.

Some netizens posted the original video on forums.

0L:「As an only child, I've always wanted siblings. I've been looping this song for a week. I was so excited, expecting a heartwarming display of sibling affection, but they kept arguing from start to finish. Although I had a smile on my face the whole time, my heart felt numb. I want to ask, is this what real sibling relationships are like?」

2L:「As someone with siblings, I can tell you, it is indeed like this.」

5L:「Honestly, I thought they had a sweet relationship when I listened to 'Sister'. I didn't expect this kind of interaction.」

...

25L:「Hahaha, their personalities really match. After listening to the radio, who wouldn't say that they're definitely blood-related siblings?」

25L:「Let me tell you something, all the fans who came from the Double Li CP super-topic are now devoted to the sibling relationship. Hahaha.」

40L:「To be honest, you can tell that they actually have a good relationship. They just both have a tough exterior.」

55L:「So, Sanli is still the best match with her husband!!!」

...

101L:「But in Episode 10, Salt Grain were only connected online! I can't ship them anymore, I'll climb the wall and ship the sibling relationship instead.」

Because Song Yan went to Bin City, and Wen Li had work in Yancheng and couldn't leave, Episode 10 of [In This World With You] not only got postponed but also had separate recordings for the following week. Camera Team A split up to shoot their materials.

[In This World With You] gave its guests a lot of freedom. The script's influence was very low and the production team provided interactive suggestions to the guests but didn't force them to follow them. Everything was based on the guests' feelings, and even when recording with installed cameras at home, it didn't disturb their private lives. It gave the feeling of a variety show, but not quite like one, more like a diary of married life. It had been highly praised when the first season aired.

Such a program setup had its advantages and disadvantages. In the earlier episodes, some guests temporarily recorded separately due to their individual work commitments.

Each episode featured four couples, so even if one couple couldn't appear together in a specific episode, there were still three other couples to watch.

But for Song Yan and Wen Li, it was different. They were the most popular and closely watched couples among the four couples. From the first to the ninth episode, although the cut footage wasn't much, they always recorded together.

The [Salt Grain 30-second teaser], which had become a meme, didn't continue its short yet impactful style this time. Even the on-screen appearance of Salt Grain was arranged as an online connection by the production team.

The CP fans, known for being easily pleased, were happy. The fact that they agreed to participate in the variety show in the first place was already a pleasant surprise. Now, after recording nine episodes of the show, having so much sweetness was like a heavenly gift.

Perhaps because there were too many pleasant surprises in the previous nine episodes, the fans, who had their appetites spoiled, floated away and forgot about the true nature of their beloved couple.

They had gotten married two years ago and had been busy with their individual work, spending more time apart than together. Now, just because they hadn't seen each other for half a month due to work, the comment section of the actual episode was filled with heartbroken fans.

「They are the ones separated, but it's us who are being tortured.」

「If Wen Li were my wife, why would I go on business trips? Fellow CP fans, let's educate Song Yan on this.」

There were also rational fans explaining:

「The positioning of 'In This World With You' was supposed to be a real-life idol drama. The first nine episodes were like a drama and the tenth episode temporarily returned to reality. Both Beauty and Sanli are entertainers. Entertainers have unpredictable working hours and frequently travel to other places. It's impossible for them to be together every day.」

「It's just half a month. Long-time fans know that their longest record of not meeting each other was six months. New fans, calm down.」

With the temporary hiatus of Salt Grain, the CP fans had nowhere to go. As a result, Wen Li and her actual brother's sibling CP suddenly gained popularity.

「Everyone, I'll leave first and go next door to ship the Sibling Love of Double Li. I'll come back when they start doing the things that married couples do.」

「Is there a difference between not showing affection as a couple and being siblings?」

「I'm climbing the wall first. When Salt Grain starts giving us sugar, tap me.」

Finally, during the recording of Episode 11 of [In This World With You], which coincided with Wen Li's birthday, a large number of fans screamed in the super-topic.

「Why aren't they coming back? This is too much.」

Song Yan, who had been busy in Bin City, only occasionally went online and resurrected himself. He retweeted a Weibo post about the recording of Episode 11 of [In This World With You].

But the CP fans weren't buying it at all.

「Hahaha, you know when the car crashed into a wall, you know when to take a turn, you know when the stocks rise, you know when to buy, but when the fans climb the wall, you know when to go on hiatus.」

「Isn't Little Li's appeal comparable to Beauty? Beauty will be thirty in two more years. Once a man crosses thirty, the quality of his sperm starts to decline. Sisters, let's have some integrity and not turn back! Let him know that we can't be easily fooled!」

Xu Li didn't expect things to develop like this on his end either. He even made a phone call to Song Yan and used the fangirl terminology he had just learned to defend himself.

"Brother Ah Yan, please don't take fans' comments too seriously."