Chapter 057: The Empress Lends a Hand

On the way home, Lin Feng received several more calls from relatives and friends, all offering to help financially. So many people reached out during his time of trouble, and Lin Feng felt a warm gratitude stirring within him.

Of course, he understood that their willingness to help was also because they saw his potential. Based on his performance in the finals, as soon as his suspension was lifted, a million-yuan salary would certainly be within reach.

"Brother, look at Weibo!" Lin Wen suddenly exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" Lin Feng was still wrestling with how to deal with the fifty-thousand-yuan fine, his mind elsewhere.

"Your fans started a crowdfunding campaign for your fine, and they've already raised six hundred thousand," Lin Wen said, her face full of astonishment.

"Is that so?"

Lin Feng quickly logged onto Weibo. Sure enough, his comment section was flooded with posts about the crowdfunding. Many fans who hadn’t contributed were urging Wu Xiaonao to start another round, suggesting the funds be kept for the next time Lin Feng was penalized.

Reading these comments, Lin Feng felt both moved and speechless. Was he really so much of a troublemaker? The current issue wasn’t even resolved yet, and they were already preparing funds for his next fine?

"Brother, your fans truly are devoted; just look at how quickly they've raised six hundred thousand. You don’t have to worry about the fine anymore," Lin Wen sighed.

Lin Feng shook his head. "I can’t accept this money."

"Why not? It’s their heartfelt support," Lin Wen asked, puzzled.

"I just can’t. I can't cause trouble myself and then let my fans foot the bill. What kind of person would that make me?" Lin Feng replied seriously.

"Oh." Lin Wen stuck out her tongue and said no more.

Lin Feng frowned, thinking about how to refuse his fans’ kindness. Everyone meant well by raising money for him, but if he rejected it too bluntly, he might hurt their feelings.

"Brother, someone’s insulting you," Lin Wen said angrily.

"Plenty of people insult me," Lin Feng said indifferently.

"It’s Zhou Ziqian, the one who argued with you on Weibo before," Lin Wen said.

"What’s he up to now?" At the mention of Zhou Ziqian, Lin Feng immediately opened Weibo to check.

And indeed, five minutes ago, Zhou Ziqian had posted an update.

"No money for the fine, so he incites his fans to raise funds. Fifty thousand wasn’t enough, so they had a second round, and now it looks like a third. Honestly, I feel sorry for those naive fans—scrimping and saving only to pay for someone else's mistakes. A word of advice: stop scamming your fans. If you really can’t pay the fine, I can lend it to you..."

Zhou Ziqian’s post didn’t name names, but anyone could see he was mocking Lin Feng.

His post received plenty of support, even from Jiang Kai. Since Lin Feng’s relationship with Qin Ruolin began to clarify, these two former rivals had joined forces, becoming steadfast "Lin-haters"—whenever Lin Feng had trouble, they were always there to pile on.

"Zhou Ziqian is so annoying! I used to listen to his songs," Lin Wen said, frowning as she left a rebuttal under Zhou’s post. Instantly, she was overwhelmed by his fans.

Lin Feng was considering how to respond when his phone rang again; this time, it was Qin Ruolin.

"I just finished the show and saw you made the headlines. You’re trending on Weibo, too. You’re really famous now," Qin Ruolin teased, her mood seemingly bright.

"Enough, I’m not in the mood for jokes," Lin Feng replied.

"It’s just suspension and a fine. Worst case, I’ll take care of you!" Qin Ruolin said, full of swagger.

"Thinking of keeping me?" Lin Feng responded with mock righteousness. "Sorry, I’m a professional basketball player with principles. I’ll sell my talent, not my dignity..."

Sell talent, not dignity?

Qin Ruolin laughed. "You seem to be in pretty good spirits."

"As you said, it’s only a suspension and a fine. What’s the worst that could happen?" Lin Feng said.

"If you’re so upbeat, let’s talk business," Qin Ruolin said seriously. "Remember I asked for the rights to 'Eyes That Love to Smile'? I’ve changed my mind—I want to buy full copyright. Name your price."

"Full copyright? Should I take it as you’re taking advantage of me?" Lin Feng realized Qin Ruolin was trying to help.

"I am taking advantage. You’re short on cash, after all!" Qin Ruolin chuckled. "If you’re reluctant to name a price, I’ll offer one: thirty thousand for full copyright on 'Eyes That Love to Smile.' Also, the song you sang on Yanbei Highway, 'When,' I want that too—same price, thirty thousand for full copyright. Two songs, sixty thousand. If you agree, I’ll have my agent come by tomorrow to sign the contract."

"Thirty thousand per song? Isn’t that a bit low?" Lin Feng feigned disappointment.

"For most newcomers, full copyright for a song is at most ten thousand, and that’s only if the quality is outstanding. I’m offering thirty thousand per song—how is that low?" Qin Ruolin said, mock-angry. "One more complaint and I won’t buy!"

"Alright, you drive a hard bargain," Lin Feng conceded.

"That’s more like it. My agent will come tomorrow morning to sign, so let’s leave it at that. I’m busy," Qin Ruolin said, about to hang up.

Lin Feng quickly stopped her.

"Wait."

"What else?"

"Thank you..." Lin Feng said sincerely.

"What for? If anyone should thank someone, it’s me. Anyway, I’m busy..." The line went silent with a busy tone. Lin Feng shrugged and let out a long sigh of relief. No matter what, the fine was covered.

Thirty thousand for full copyright of each song seemed like a bargain for Lin Feng, but he knew Qin Ruolin wouldn’t lose out buying these two songs. That was why he was willing to sell to her.

On Weibo.

While Lin Feng and Qin Ruolin were on the phone, Lin Feng’s fans and Zhou Ziqian’s fans had launched into a heated argument, sparked by Zhou’s mocking post.

As the dispute escalated, Lin Feng weighed his response and updated his own Weibo.

Regarding the recent events, I need to clarify a few things.

First, I only just learned about the crowdfunding by my fans. Thank you all; your care and support mean everything to me! But your kindness is enough—I won’t accept the money. If it can be refunded, wonderful. If not, let’s use it to establish a fund to help those truly in need!

Second, the basketball association’s disciplinary action is reasonable. Please, everyone, stop criticizing—it’s true I broke the rules, so I have no complaints about the punishment. However, as for apologizing to the hooligan fans of Beicheng—never! Setting aside my identity as a player, I believe I did nothing wrong in this matter.

Third, I ask a certain mad dog to mind himself. Not only was I unaware of the crowdfunding, but even if I knew, even if I started it myself, what business is it of yours? Instead of gossiping, perhaps you should focus on how to beat me on 'Music PK Arena.' If you lose, you’ll have to quit the music scene!

...