"That's right," Lin Xi mused, unaware of her brother's grander ambitions.
She continued in a calm voice, "The old man has made Shinhwa Group a massive cake. Someone from our family needs to step up, show some backbone, and claim a slice. Otherwise, being too agreeable will just make everyone take us for granted, thinking we're pushovers with no temper."
As she spoke, Lin Xi's tone grew colder, hinting at deeper sentiments.
Lin Zhibai pursed his lips, sensing the underlying implications in his sister's words. Realizing some topics were better left unsaid for now, Lin Xi smoothly shifted the conversation. "I heard an interesting piece of gossip recently. It's said that our uncle plans to marry off Lin Gong to a prominent lady..."
Lin Gong, Lin Zhibai's cousin, was the eldest son of their uncle and the perceived leader of the Lin family's third generation. He was also one of those responsible for Lin Zhibai's head injury years ago. If Lin Gong were to marry, it would undoubtedly be to someone of notable status.
"I wonder who this future sister-in-law could be," Lin Xi sighed theatrically. "It's a pity that while I, Lin Xi, excel at picking up girls, I am terrible at recognizing faces."
Lin Zhibai raised an eyebrow, catching his sister's drift.
"On the old man's birthday, there won't be many guests, will there?" Lin Xi hinted, her words laden with suggestion.
"Sorry," Lin Zhibai replied with a light smile. "My upbringing doesn't support such actions."
"Annoying brat," Lin Xi laughed. "I didn't say anything, yet you're already on the defensive."
Just then, a breeze ruffled Lin Xi's hair. She lazily twirled a strand around her finger, "It would be great if you had the ability to disrupt things, but at seventeen, even if you wanted to get involved with Shinhwa, you'd need a few more years."
"Let's stop joking around. Let's talk business," Lin Zhibai interjected. "How's work been lately?"
Shinhwa Group included Shinhwa Entertainment, one of the Lin family's main pillars. Most of the third generation worked there, including Lin Zhibai's family. Currently, his sister managed a music department within Shinhwa Entertainment.
"The usual struggle," Lin Xi's smile faded. "It's not as if you're unaware of our family's situation."
"Are those uncles still suppressing you?" Lin Zhibai asked, unsurprised.
Lin Xi took another swig of beer, "You overestimate us. They don't even need to join forces. Shinhwa Entertainment is filled with people eager to please. They can read the room and know how to curry favor. Even though we share the Lin name, we're constantly struggling."
"Dad too?" Lin Zhibai asked.
Lin Xi explained calmly, "Dad's just a small-time TV drama director with limited resources. Your second brother, working in the Variety Show Department, failed to secure a studio recently, leading to instability under his command. As for Mom, her job is so unimportant no one notices if she shows up to work."
Lin Zhibai wasn't surprised. "And you?"
Lin Xi's smile disappeared, "I'm managing, but every day's a battle. Those uncles have their lackeys making things difficult."
"Our situation is worse than I imagined," Lin Zhibai sighed.
Lin Xi nodded, "The old man is getting older, and there are rumors within the group that he's picking a successor. He even consulted Secretary Jin about his will. If this news got out, it must be with the old man's approval."
Lin Zhibai took a deep breath, the gravity of their family's situation sinking in. The old man seemed indifferent to the brewing internal strife, confident he could steer the ship despite the turmoil.
"The cake of Shinhwa is huge," Lin Xi sneered. "He's like a ruthless emperor, watching everyone fight for a piece. He's choosing a successor, but it's really just his way of raising gu."
Lin Zhibai understood. The old man's methods were cruel but effective, fostering competition to ensure only the strongest survived.
"The cake of Shinhwa is enormous," Lin Xi sneered. "He's like a ruthless emperor, watching everyone fight for a piece. He's choosing a successor, but it's really just his way of raising gu."
Lin Zhibai understood. The old man's methods were cruel but effective, fostering competition to ensure only the strongest survived.
"The old man's style is unmistakable," Lin Zhibai mused. "But I can help you now."
"How?" Lin Xi tilted her head, studying Lin Zhibai's profile.
Unexpectedly, Lin Zhibai picked up the beer can, drinking it in one go.
"Did I say you could drink that?" Lin Xi glared.
Lin Zhibai suddenly asked, "Who do you think calls the shots in Blue Star's music scene?"
"Composers, obviously," Lin Xi replied without hesitation.
"Exactly," Lin Zhibai said, throwing the can into the trash. "Our music scene revolves around composers."
Unlike Earth, Blue Star's music industry revered composers above all. With no countries, just eight continents—Qin, Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, and the central Zhongzhou—their music culture was unique. After Fusu's successful rule, unifying the world under the Qin Dynasty, composers became the backbone of the music industry, shaping its development.
Composers were the core of Blue Star's music teams, producing melodies that defined the industry. While lyrics, arrangement, and vocals were important, melody reigned supreme. Thus, composers held unparalleled influence, often referred to as "Qu Daddy," a title of immense respect.
"Composers are the backbone," Lin Zhibai continued. "A good melody can elevate any song, and a top composer can support a whole roster of singers."
Lin Xi looked puzzled. "So, how does this help me?"
Lin Zhibai grinned. "What if I told you I know a bit about composing?"
Lin Xi's eyes widened in realization. "You know a powerful composer?"
Lin Zhibai chuckled. "What if I am one?"