The six-year program at New Century University means that this year’s fifth-year students are about to become sixth-years. Whether they’re majoring in composition or vocal performance, everyone is paying close attention to this ranking list. They also use it to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various entertainment companies, to see which company is more powerful.

Among the three major entertainment companies on the continent, Silver Wing Media is the weakest. Even though it once had its glory days, that’s all in the past. Students with options prioritize Neon Culture and Tongshan Shihua, especially Tongshan Shihua, which has been getting stronger in recent years. Their virtual idols are developing well, and there’s a huge demand for talent in composition and arrangement—this is exactly where these students can shine.

“This year Silver Wing isn’t bad either; they have three in the top ten,” a student said.

“All of the top ten are taken by the big three.”

“That’s the dominance the old big three should have!” For the students, since these are the three biggest entertainment companies in Yanzhou, of course they should dominate the rankings—it just feels natural.

“Hey! Out of the top ten, five composers are from our school! Three at Silver Wing, one at Tongshan Shihua, and one at Neon,” a student said excitedly.

“Huh? Three at Silver Wing? What about the fourth? I heard Silver Wing signed four people from our school’s sixth-year composition department. Three made it to the top ten, where’s the fourth? I checked the top hundred, didn’t see them.”

“Really? Let me see who else… In the composition department, there’s Robert Grant, George Cook, Andrew Sand—wait, Andrew Sand signed with Tongshan Shihua. Press?”

“Press signed with Neon, and he’s on the list too.”

“Oh, not him. Then who else… Right, John Foster! Didn’t see John Foster!”

“Yeah, he’s really not there.”

“Wasn’t John Foster the first one to get signed? Back then, our advisor was really optimistic about John Foster, said John Foster had the potential to break into the top ten in the rookie season.”

The students searched carefully, but still couldn’t find any trace of John Foster.

What happened?

It’s already the end of the season—still hasn’t entered the field?

It’s not just their fellow students; as childhood friends, Brian Clark and the others were anxious too, seriously stressed out. Watching David Foster comfortably sitting in the top ten and showing off, they felt stifled, wishing they could rush out and tell the world that David Foster’s song was stolen! Stolen from John Foster!

But without evidence, if they went out shouting, they’d be sued for defamation. The law is strict on defamation, and Neon would definitely protect David Foster. Offending Neon Culture would get these small fries nowhere.

“What’s Da Zhao going to do? Is he really going to enter? It’s already the tenth.” Brian Clark’s fiancée, Grace Warren, who is also a childhood friend of John Foster, was following John Foster’s situation as well. But day after day, there was still no news.

Just as they were talking, Brian Clark heard a crisp “ding” from his wristband.

Seeing who the message was from on the screen, both their eyes lit up. “It’s here!”

……

David Foster had been riding high lately. In fact, ever since entering the rookie competition, he hadn’t slept well. At first, it was nerves—he didn’t know how well he’d do. Later, it was excitement.

Looking at the download numbers on the screen, he could practically see money pouring into his account.

Downloads cost one yuan per song. Unless there’s another contract, the usual split is 3:2:5—composers get 30%, singers 20%, and the company 50%. With the rise of virtual idols, creators have become more valuable, singers less so. In terms of status, low-level singers can’t compare to composers, so their share is naturally smaller.

This rookie season, David Foster released all three songs he stole, betting everything on this season. The company agreed, so according to the contract, the combined downloads for the three songs have already reached three million. David Foster’s share is a million yuan. If things go well in the future and he signs a higher-level contract, his cut will increase, and he’ll earn even more.

Because of these three songs, he’s broken free from poverty! And it hasn’t even been that long.

Looking at the results of these three songs, David Foster didn’t feel the slightest guilt or shame. On the contrary, he felt lucky to have chosen this method—these three songs were so damn worth stealing!

When he first joined the company, the staff who welcomed newcomers were cold and indifferent. Now, whenever they see him, they all smile. This change in attitude means his status has risen. In the future, he’ll get more resources at Neon, work with better singers, and the words “unlimited prospects” flash through his mind every day.

As for John Foster?

David Foster let out a low chuckle, opened the light screen on his wristband, and scrolled through the rankings. There hadn’t been much change.

“John Foster has no hope.”

Just then—

“Ding!”

A notification sounded.

David Foster had set up a lot of alerts. This could be a message from someone else, or some other information he wanted to follow. But for some reason, when David Foster heard this sound, his heart tightened inexplicably.

He looked at the time: exactly 8:00 a.m.

Eight in the morning is when new songs are uploaded to the platform and officially released after review.

Suddenly, David Foster didn’t dare to open the notification.

He took a few deep breaths, but still tapped it with his finger. Maybe it’s something else, David Foster thought.