To Stay Alive, I Might Even Conquer the Entertainment Industry

[Pre-release: Please bookmark Surface-Level Relationship. The blurb is in the comments.]

Blurb:

Yan Shutong picked up a System that was nearly out of energy when he was on the verge of death. The System was a product from a higher plane. It could grant its Host's wish, in exchange for achieving great success in a particular field and providing enough energy for the System to return home.

Yan Shutong bonded with it. Based on his abilities, the System would create the most suitable path for his future. But after scanning Yan Shutong's stats, even the well-traveled System fell silent for a few seconds.

Then it clapped its hands in praise: [The Host is the only person I've ever met who put every skill point into his face.]

Yan Shutong: ?

Don't think he can't tell you're calling him useless just because you put it like that!

*

[Selecting the most suitable version for the Host... Loading complete. Welcome to Conquer the Entertainment Industry: Superstar Development.]

[The Host must use his own abilities to achieve ten billion in box office revenue. Success will eliminate the tumor and give him a new life.]

[Beginner mission: The Host must sign with a talent agency within three days. Success grants one day of experience with a master actor's skills. Failure results in automatic termination of the bond.]

[Beginner mission: The Host must play an extra in a film by a well-known director. Success grants one day of enhanced beauty. Failure results in automatic termination of the bond.]

[Intermediate mission: The Host must complete his first variety show livestream recording and outshine everyone else. Success grants one day of a mermaid's singing voice. Failure deducts one health point.]

With the System's help, Yan Shutong thrives in the entertainment industry, leaving everyone who doubted him dumbfounded.

Renowned director: "Xiao Yan has a bad habit. His auditions are full of mistakes, and he doesn't even know his marks. Then, when it comes to the actual shoot, he nails it in one take."

Variety show host: "I knew Shutong was handsome, but I never imagined he could be this handsome."

Music producer: "Here's a joke: Tongtong says he can't carry a tune."

Gossip account: "Yan Shutong: a man who likes to hide his talents, but can never quite pull it off."

Fans: "Please, everyone, leave Tongtong some clothes to wear!"

Antis: "...What am I even trying to achieve by hating on Yan Shutong? That he's a good actor? That he can hit dolphin notes?"

The whole world is fascinated by Yan Shutong.

He can only shrug: I didn't mean for things to turn out like this. At first, I just wanted to live.

[Former pretty-but-useless guy, now all-round entertainer, hard worker, shou] × [Cold to outsiders, an absolute menace to those close to him, genius, gong]

Here's a plug for my upcoming entertainment-industry novel, After Returning, I Became Everyone's Darling. Bookmark it if you're interested, please QAQ

Blurb:

Xin Cheng, who had countless antis, transmigrated to ancient times after an accident. There, he was the only son of the Grand Secretary. His father held a powerful position, but had the face of a treacherous minister, so the emperor suspected every day that he was plotting to usurp the throne.

With no other choice, his father disguised him as a girl as soon as he was born. To prove his loyalty, when Xin Cheng was four or five, he sent him to the imperial palace to be a princess's study companion.

From then on, Xin Cheng learned from his father and took the path of a cunning flatterer, saying whatever suited the person in front of him, whether they were friend or foe.

He won over the Empress Dowager, resolved the years-long rift between the Empress and the emperor, got several of the palace concubines hooked on mahjong and Dou Dizhu, and even raised a young crown prince. He had finally cleared the harem level.

But to his utter surprise, one day he slipped and fell into the water, only to transmigrate back to the modern world.

Staring at the thirty thousand-odd hateful comments beneath his Weibo posts, Xin Cheng rolled up his sleeves and set out to clear the entertainment-industry level, imitating what he had learned as best he could.

*

At first, everyone thought of Xin Cheng like this:

Big-name film director: "What? The investors want Xin Cheng in our production? No way, no way! I'd rather turn down the investment than let Xin Cheng in!"

Variety show producer: "Huh? Who did you say? Xin what? Cheng who? I think there's something wrong with my hearing!"

Industry rival: "Xin Cheng? Isn't he still washed up?"

Antis: "I pray to the heavens every day: may Xin Cheng get out of the entertainment industry as soon as possible!"

Later, they all changed their tune.

The director was all smiles: "Xiao Cheng, how about making a guest appearance in this role? It's perfect for you!"

The production teams chased after him for collaborations: "Teacher Xin, are you free anytime soon? We really need you!"

His industry rivals waited eagerly every day: "...Why hasn't Xin Cheng followed me back on Weibo yet?"

The antis became relentless wife-calling machines: "Wife! Wife! I love you! Amitabha, bless you!"

Theme: Treasure your life and protect yourself.