The Manager Is the Top-Tier Star Idol Who Died Young?!

[I'm aiming to update 15,000 words a week as I work through this story with blazing enthusiasm. Thank you for sticking with me and waiting!] [Character cards by sweet potato artist @Dong Jun Tu Tu Li (Li Taiyang)] Three years after the stage accident, Yin Deng is still locked in a tug-of-war with the System: It wants him to become a top-tier star again, and in return it will grant him one wish. But Yin Deng's only wish is to die. - For three years, everyone thought he was dead. His former bandmates changed careers, left the industry, or regrouped, while the fans went from anticipation to disappointment, and then moved on. The world would eventually forget him. Everything was just as Yin Deng had expected. Until one evening, as he passed an abandoned parking lot, a few teenagers shouted about idols, dreams, and hard work, setting the parking lot ablaze with an awfully cheap sound system. As their only audience member, Yin Deng turned back: “Are you guys the ones who want to be idols?” - An idol agency called “CANDLE” announced its opening. Most of its artists were unknowns. Just as people expected the agency to go under in no time, a well-known radio station played a CANDLE artist's debut song; a major conglomerate voluntarily invested in CANDLE; a rookie star, newly transitioned from idol to actor, publicly praised CANDLE's prospects... At last, a radio station invited CANDLE's founder to an interview. Everyone watched him take off his sunglasses and mask, revealing a face identical to that of the former top-tier star Yin Deng, once the leader of FLAME. The spark that vanished three years ago will once again light up the dark, silent world. [Bonus scene: A forum] Thread starter: All-knowing netizens, help me out! 2F: What's up? Thread starter: So, an agency I've never heard of asked me to sign with them as an idol today! I didn't believe them at first, but then the boss pulled down his mask and showed me the face of my favorite idol!! 3F: What are you saying? Some small agency wants to sign you, and the boss is your bias? 4F: Do you believe the thread starter, or do you believe I'm Qin Shi Huang? 5F: Obviously fake. Baiting for attention with your washed-up bias. Thread starter: It's true, it's true! How could my bias be washed up? My bias is so popular he's burning a hole through the earth! 6F: Don't give them attention. This is all an act. 169F: Returning to this thread a year later to say the thread starter wasn't lying. They signed with CANDLE, and the boss is Yin Deng. (smile) - Reader's notes: 1. The world has a way of making you eat your words. The protagonist will still perform as an idol. 2. No romance. Everyone is focused on family, friendship, and their careers. The story is mainly about a boy band, but there will also be some female idol friends. 3. The author isn't a fan of any particular celebrity and there are no real-life inspirations. Everything is based on original settings. Please don't compare it to real-life events or rules. 4. This is a passion project. Updates depend on the rankings. Thanks for understanding. Coming soon: Livestreaming My Civil Service Exam Prep, but I'm an Eight-Clan Hybrid Kadi is a failed vampire. In this day and age, when vegetarianism and protecting humans are the mainstream, he's a shameful blood plasma addict. Everyone else works hard to suppress their hunger in order to protect humans, while Kadi drools over his classmates' necks every day. He's not going to hold back. He wouldn't even hold back if they threw him in prison. Of course he works hard to get along with his classmates so he can drink their blood legally! - As graduation approaches, Kadi, who has been happily drinking blood throughout college, has to start looking for a job. After countless hardships, Kadi realizes that taking the civil service exam is the right path for a vampire. Especially that Human Protection Bureau. The pay is good, the benefits are great, and it's a nine-to-six job where you can sleep to your heart's content. “Don't think about what humans can do for you. Think about what you can do for humans!” The words ring in his ears. Kadi runs through his talents, but all he's got is a decent knack for drinking blood and a passable face. If you're good-looking, just livestream and let humans feast their eyes! - In his first week of livestreaming, Kadi demonstrates a hundred ways to drink blood. He's reported for graphic, terrifying content, and his stream is shut down. In his second week of livestreaming, Kadi shares affectionate everyday moments with his roommate. He's accused of queerbaiting, and his stream is shut down. In his third week, Kadi doesn't dare do anything rash. He simply faces the camera and starts studying for the civil service exam. Three days later, Kadi remembers he forgot to turn off the camera. But then he discovers his livestream has... over a million viewers?! - [Private messages (unread 9999+)]: Wolf Clan sky (999+): Your Majesty, please look at your subordinate's messages!! The werewolf tribe can't go on without you!!! Who Doesn't Love Mina (3): Why would a high-ranking succubus pretend to be a vampire? 1455 (1): Sorry to bother you, but your voice sounds a lot like a merman who's been missing for years... By the time the eight clans are fighting tooth and nail over which group the top streamer Kadi should serve as a public official for, Kadi: Uh-oh, did I get my blood mixed up by drinking too much? QAQ [Reader's notes] 1. A lighthearted slice-of-life story with a mash-up of elements. 2. The setting is close to modern-day, but with lots of original worldbuilding. 3. The eight clans (tentatively): humans, vampires, werewolves, merfolk, elves, angels, demons, and the undead. 4. This is a passion project. Theme: Chase your dreams. Those who strive will win