Chapter 040: Farce

Time slipped by, and three months later, “Immortal Amidst the Clouds” was about to conclude its broadcast.

From its premiere, which broke ratings of 2, to a steady climb that repeatedly shattered viewership records, “Immortal Amidst the Clouds” had become a classic of the xianxia genre, with fans too numerous to count.

Everyone knew in their hearts that with its sky-high ratings and the wildfire buzz it generated online, “Immortal Amidst the Clouds” was indisputably a phenomenon in television drama. Every actor, regardless of the size of their role, could now add a dazzling line to their résumé.

Naturally, the two leads reaped the greatest rewards, but Song Wan, too, gained unimaginable benefits.

At the very least, in terms of popularity, she presently stood without equal.

With the series finale approaching, the online frenzy erupted anew—and this time, Song Wan herself became the most discussed figure of all.

For since her first appearance, this newcomer had not revealed a single social media account.

As the series neared its grand finale, Song Wan still had no plans to announce her social media presence. After weeks of speculation, the matter finally began to spiral out of control.

Upon hearing this, Hua Yu immediately urged Song Wan to register an account. Song Wan herself had intended to do so, but out of consideration for company arrangements, she informed Director He in advance.

To Song Wan, it was just a Weibo account—nothing important—so she saw no issue with creating one.

But Director He stopped her.

On the phone, Song Wan could not see He Feng’s expression, but she could hear the seriousness in his voice: “Your agent saw how much discussion you’re generating online. Now is not the best time to announce your social media account.”

“So when should I register?”

“When the time is right, he’ll let you know.”

Song Wan chuckled, unconcerned: “Alright, just have him contact me when it’s time.”

This conversation took place a week before the finale. On the night of the last episode, this elusive agent, known only by reputation, finally called her.

As she’d imagined, Gao Xiang was direct and to the point. Even her tone carried a cold edge as she spoke: “Hello, Song Wan. I’m your agent, Gao Xiang. I’m calling to inform you that you may now register a Weibo account.”

Song Wan paused, then nodded in reply: “Alright.”

Gao Xiang let out a light laugh: “Once you’ve registered, send me your Weibo username and password. I’ll verify your account and get you the yellow V.”

“I’d like to manage the Weibo myself,” Song Wan frowned.

She knew that most celebrities’ social media accounts were run by their teams these days, but personally, she preferred direct contact with her fans.

To her surprise, Gao Xiang agreed immediately: “If you can guarantee not to make any catastrophic mistakes, it’s best you manage it yourself.”

No matter how convincingly a team impersonated their celebrity, the most devoted fans could always sense the difference. If possible, it was always better for the star to engage directly, which only deepened fan loyalty.

“There’s no need to overthink it—just post as you usually speak. You have acting talent, so you’re inherently distinct from those idols who rely only on good looks and a fabricated persona. As long as you avoid fundamental errors, the fans will be very forgiving.”

Song Wan couldn’t help but smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Aren’t you worried I’ll say something outrageous on Weibo, after telling me all this?”

Gao Xiang replied matter-of-factly, “I’m your agent, so I’ll require you to inform me of everything that happens in your life, no matter how small. By the same token, as your agent, I’ll share everything concerning you. At heart, we’re a business partnership. For the sake of smooth cooperation, it’s necessary to clarify our mutual rights and obligations upfront, so neither of us is dissatisfied in the end.”

Song Wan nodded, fully in agreement with her approach. She was about to speak when Gao Xiang continued, her voice cool, “Of course, if you truly can’t handle your Weibo, I’ll take it back—and you won’t be allowed access again.”

The words weren’t exactly pleasant, but both knew they reflected reality.

Song Wan was unfazed: “Naturally. I’d never jeopardize my career for a joke.”

“That’s as it should be. After all, your ultimate success will affect my influence here in the capital as well.” Gao Xiang’s tone softened slightly; Song Wan’s mature attitude had clearly pleased her. “I only have some cleanup work left. Before you wrap filming on ‘Splendid Dream,’ I should be able to start personally managing your affairs.”

Song Wan let out a subtle breath: “Alright. Looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise, Song Wan.”

With that, Gao Xiang hung up.

Song Wan looked at her phone and gave a helpless smile.

Still, a competent, decisive agent with sharp skills was far more reassuring than one who was friendly and chatty but helpless in a crisis.

Imperial Entertainment clearly valued her highly.

After some hesitation, Song Wan called Director He again to express her gratitude.

Then, she opened the Weibo app and registered a new account.

As expected, the name “Song Wan” was already taken. She wasn’t surprised. She tried adding “123” to the end, but that, too, was unavailable. After a pause, she appended the original owner’s birthday—still taken.

At last, Song Wan hesitated only a moment before adding her own previous life’s birthday. This time, the registration succeeded.

She first followed the key cast and crew members of both productions, then the official accounts for each drama.

After some thought, she decided to keep her first post simple—a brief greeting to fans.

In a few taps, she wrote, “Hello everyone, I’m Song Wan,” attached a selfie, and promptly sent Gao Xiang her username and password.

Shortly after, Song Wan refreshed the page to find a prominent yellow verification badge next to her name, with her profile listing her as an actress and noting “Immortal Amidst the Clouds” and “Splendid Dream” as her representative works.

Gao Xiang’s efficiency was, as always, startlingly high. Song Wan was very pleased.

Since she still had a night shoot, she paid no further attention, tossed her phone aside, and hurried off to the set.

–

Song Wan didn’t know that not long after she turned off her phone, everyone she’d followed quickly followed her back.

Nor did she know that, soon after, Jin Youqian—the aloof, friendless chairman of the Jinfeng Empire International Group, who rarely ever posted—also followed her.

His attention seemed to flip a switch. Suddenly, a long string of people Song Wan had never met began to follow her: renowned directors, award-winning actors, chart-topping singers, acclaimed producers, company presidents, and top agents…

Industry insiders stared at the following list in astonishment, swallowing nervously, utterly unable to comprehend what was happening.

Online, the news exploded—

Who exactly was this newcomer Song Wan?

Yet, just as if it were all a collective accident, none of those people responded or explained.

Only one notorious influencer—known as “Spent All My Husband’s and Son’s Money”—came forward to stir the pot, tagging someone directly:

Spent All My Husband’s and Son’s Money v: @Jin Youqian Jr., is this young lady the one you like?

After being informed by his staff, Jin Youqian opened his computer and found the trending post marked “explosive.”

“…,” he thought, his expression grim.

Was this what it meant to be sabotaged by your own mother?

Face tight, Jin Youqian picked up his phone, about to call her.

Beep-beep-beep…

His Weibo’s special notifications sounded. There was only one person he’d set on special alert, making the sender obvious.

In the end, he put down his phone and reluctantly opened her latest post.

Spent All My Husband’s and Son’s Money v: Kid, why won’t you reply to me? Our family doesn’t care about background—if you like her, bring her home! @Jin Youqian v

Jin Youqian: …

At first, fans thought the blogger was joking or just seeking attention.

After all, this account was famous—and had amassed fifty million followers—simply because its owner was rich and frequently gave away millions on Weibo.

Occasionally, the blogger would post outlandish content: referring to company presidents as juniors, calling herself “aunt” or “mother” to various rich heirs, and most extravagantly, claiming in her profile to be Jin Youqian’s mother and Jin Zongquan’s wife…

Of course, she was always talking to herself; she never dared to tag the real people, and no one ever replied.

This time, fans thought the same, laughing it off in the comments.

However…

Beep-beep-beep…

Jin Youqian hadn’t decided how to reply when his special notifications sounded again.

He felt as though today would use up his patience for a lifetime. Growing colder by the minute, he finally typed a line on his computer.

Jin Youqian v: Mom, stop messing around! @Spent All My Husband’s and Son’s Money

All those who had doubted that Jin Youqian’s mother was really his mother: …

Two seconds later, another perennial lurker with a big V posted:

Jin Zongquan v: Brat, is that how you talk to your mother? @Jin Youqian v

All those who had doubted that Jin Zongquan’s wife was really his wife: …

Considering the frosty reputations of these two, and then looking at this internet personality who gave away money at the drop of a hat—how could they possibly be a family? You two really know how to put on a show!

Even if some felt tricked, with the combined looks and wealth of Jin Youqian and Jin Zongquan, the netizens quickly forgave them and dove into the spectacle with gusto—

The mother: “Jinzi is such a good boy. Why do you speak to your son like that?”

Fans: So “Jinzi” is the heartthrob’s nickname…

The son: “Mom, it’s fine. I’m used to it.”

Fans: So sly…

The mother: “I know—you don’t like our family background, or my looks, or that you and your son aren’t close… Since you can’t stand us, Jin Zongquan, let’s divorce!”

Fans: Wait, did we wander into a melodrama by mistake?

The father: “Honey, don’t listen to his nonsense. Jin Youqian’s just changing the subject. Weren’t you asking about his crush a moment ago?”

Fans: Looks like the heartthrob’s dad isn’t much better…

The mother: “Oh right! Kid, when will you bring your wife home for me to meet? She must be great with money if she’s so pretty, right? You’re so stingy, your wife must have a hard time! Leave it to me, I’m loaded! I’ll help you chase her—you can count on me!”

Fans: Why does the mother-in-law sound so delighted that her daughter-in-law might be spendthrift?

Jin Youqian: …

The son: “Mom, don’t say things like that.”

The mother: “Why not? Don’t I know you? Uncle Zhou and Old Feng told me everything—you’ve had your eye on Miss Miao Yu for ages, haven’t you? Don’t worry about the wedding, I’ll handle it. Just bring her to the registry office for the license. If anyone objects, I’ll smack them myself.”

Fans: I’ve watched the whole exchange, but I still don’t know how we suddenly got to a marriage license…

And, isn’t this mother-in-law being a bit too proactive? Is the heartthrob really that desperate for a wife?

Before the other two could respond, the mother dragged Song Wan into the fray—

Spent All My Husband’s and Son’s Money v: Daughter-in-law, if Jinzi bullies you, tell me and I’ll set him straight! @SongWanxxxxv By the way, when will you give me a grandchild?

Onlookers: … I must be on the wrong set.

Some busybodies, eager for more drama, started tagging Song Wan under Jin Youqian’s Weibo. The sheer volume of tags soon alerted her newly appointed agent.

Song Wan: …What the heck? Since when did I become Jin Youqian’s wife?

Jin Youqian: …When did Song Wan become my wife?