This is called real strength

Luo Bingqing widened her eyes and pouted, saying:

“How could that be! I’m already thrilled that you’re here. Sister Song told me so many people in the entertainment industry want you to write songs or appear on variety shows. You coming here is doing me a huge favor. If you show up, I’d be the first in the industry to have you as a guest!”

Luo Bingqing was no fool when it came to social graces—she knew exactly what to say.

By then, the waiter had already started serving the dishes.

Picking up her chopsticks, she added, “Sister Song is my agent, and she usually has reliable sources. Many veterans in the rock circle really admire you.”

Zhou Yi’s two songs had gone viral, and quite a few big names in the rock scene had reposted his singing videos.

Later, Zhou Yi received countless private messages from talent agencies and show producers, some even inviting him to collaborate on songs. But he turned most of them down.

What he needed was a grand debut on a show, not playing the role of someone’s behind-the-scenes ghostwriter or stepping stone to fame.

Hearing Luo Bingqing’s words, Zhou Yi simply smiled and agreed: “Sure, I’ll gift you a song then.”

Luo Bingqing’s excitement was unmistakable: “Oh my gosh, are you really writing a song for me?”

Zhou Yi glanced at Kong Huaijin, lowering his eyes with a smile. “You’re my sister’s best friend, so that makes you my friend too. Giving you a song is just my way of showing appreciation.”

[Kong Huaijin’s affection points +5]

It was Kong Huaijin who felt happiest hearing Zhou Yi say that.

When you thought about it, it made perfect sense—whether dealing with a crush or a girlfriend, being nice to her best friend was fine, but the key was making it clear it was all because of her.

Zhou Yi had emphasized that point, and of course, Kong Huaijin was delighted.

This was love extending to those close to her. Far from feeling jealous, she found Zhou Yi incredibly generous for treating her friend so well.

Luo Bingqing smirked at the two of them, teasingly savoring Zhou Yi’s choice of words: “Ohhh~ ‘sister’~”

Zhou Yi quickly activated his golden touch—his ears instantly turned red.

Luo Bingqing and Kong Huaijin exchanged amused glances, their eyes sparkling with mischief.

“We’re going to the restroom to touch up our makeup. Sorry to keep you waiting, A-Yi.”

At gatherings like this, they usually stopped eating once they were about 70% full. Zhou Yi set down his chopsticks with a smile. “No problem, go ahead.”

The two headed to the restroom together—ostensibly to freshen up, but really to talk privately away from Zhou Yi.

Luo Bingqing applied lipstick in the mirror and asked, “Huaijin, you really like Zhou Yi, don’t you?”

“Mhm. What do you think of him?”

“He’s great! Talented, charismatic, humble yet confident. And so innocent—just a little teasing made his ears turn red. I haven’t met a guy like that in ages. I’m kinda jealous of you.”

This meeting had improved Luo Bingqing’s impression of Zhou Yi even more. Initially, she admired his talent, but now she genuinely liked him as a person.

If a guy won over a girl’s best friend, he was 90% of the way there. The remaining 10% just depended on him not messing things up later.

Luo Bingqing then told Kong Huaijin about Zhou Yi possibly joining The Singer Competition. Kong Huaijin seemed surprised.

With a hint of worry, she said, “Honestly, I have zero doubts about A-Yi’s business skills, but the entertainment industry… I’m afraid his integrity might make him a target.”

“Especially with how netizens these days jump to conclusions without knowing the full story. As a newcomer with no connections, his path won’t be easy.”

Her concerns were valid. A director’s edit could completely twist someone’s image, and as a fresh face, Zhou Yi wouldn’t get special treatment—some might even exploit him for clout.

“Bingqing, if he really enters the industry, you might need to look out for him.”

“You’re just overthinking because you care. I bet Zhou Yi would skyrocket to fame the moment he steps into the spotlight—brand deals would flood in, trust me. But don’t worry, I’ll ask my dad to keep an eye out for him. The Singer Competition’s director is decent—not the type to chase drama at all costs. Relax.”

Reassured, Kong Huaijin chatted with her a bit longer before they returned to the private room.

Before the dinner ended, Luo Bingqing asked Zhou Yi for an autograph, and the three took a group photo together.

Back home, she posted the photo on Weibo along with Zhou Yi’s signature, captioning it:

“Who’s the lucky one who got her idol’s autograph?! Sobbing—had the best time dining with the singer I admire and my gorgeous bestie~”

In the photo, all three were stunningly good-looking. Zhou Yi, sandwiched between the two women, looked adorably flustered—a rare glimpse of his shy side.

Fans flooded the comments, and Sister Song seized the moment to buy a trending tag. Soon, entertainment blogs picked it up too.

“Holy cow, what kind of dream crossover is this?!”

“OMG, this is the first time I’ve seen Liyu-gege so bashful—the contrast cuteness is killing me!!”

“Even CEOs get shy huh? I’m in love. Brother Yi always seemed so aloof, but turns out he’s this pure-hearted around beauties.”

“Is no one curious about their relationship? This is the first celeb Zhou Yi’s been publicly linked to, right?”

The woman next to him is that female CEO from the trending searches, right? Bingqing called her ‘my beautiful home lady,’ so it must’ve been Kong Huaijin who organized this. Meaning Zhou Yi and she are close.

“Isn’t Luo Bingqing that person’s daughter? Zhou Yi’s about to take off, huh?”

The post revealed quite a bit.

It was clear Luo Bingqing adored Zhou Yi. In the cutthroat entertainment world, being on her good side meant few would dare cross him.

To fans, Luo Bingqing was the privileged rich girl—a “nepo baby,” if you will.

But unlike most resented nepo babies, she had the talent to back it up: a skilled singer turned rising actress. Fans never worried about her opportunities—others could only envy her.

To industry peers, she was a walking network. Generous and well-connected, she’d bring friends onto shows or secure them roles. Nobody disliked a benefactor like her.

Only a fool would provoke her. Case in point: a clueless director once tried to pressure her into a shady deal—soon after, he vanished from the industry, his projects shelved indefinitely.

After her Weibo post, The Singer Competition’s director urgently told his team to reach out to Zhou Yi’s agent again. They had to get him on this season.

This guy was a walking traffic magnet—wherever he went, popularity followed. The director couldn’t afford to miss out.

From Kong Huaijin’s persistent courting to the show’s relentless invites—this was what real clout looked like.