Chapter 13

Song Mo's immediate priority is self-preservation.

Although he doesn't know why, his conflict with Chen Xi has clearly escalated, placing him in grave danger.

He isn't sure how many female leads that bastard has already hooked up with.

Fortunately, the most ruthless and unscrupulous woman.

She probably hasn't hooked up with him yet.

To protect himself, Song Mo must foremost build his own power base, forging a commercial and political empire of his own.

He must also enhance his personal combat strength to ensure greater safety.

But for now, what Song Mo most needs is reputation.

A person with reputation is harder to kill than one with wealth and power…

Much harder!

"If I could make a major contribution to the nation, that would be ideal—I'm thinking of focusing on defense and civilian industries, like aerospace research or developing super wheat… preferably the latter, since it can be exposed to the public and boost my fame."

"Alternatively, solving one of today's toughest mathematical problems on academic forums—ideally becoming Huaguo's pride, the golden child of academia."

"But scientific research can't be accomplished overnight, and gaining proficiency in academics is difficult—so the fastest route is through the arts."

"By leveraging Kuaidou Short Video, once I establish the 'talented scholar' persona, I can achieve my goal."

Song Mo sat on the piano bench.

He gently placed his hands.

Began another round of practice.

The exquisite piano melody drifted out again; Song Wanrou, who had been crying silently in the room, gradually fell silent and began listening quietly to Song Mo's performance.

Song Mo's piano music no longer carried the anger from last night; within the pleasing melodies, hope and longing for the future slowly emerged.

Perhaps, as time passed…

When Song Mo reached a new height, he could truly let go—because "with a smile, the enemy's might turns to ash," and past humiliations became mere mist.

At the summit, the stubborn stones at the mountain's base could no longer catch his eye.

Listening, Song Wanrou couldn't help but smile.

These past days, her psychological pressure had been immense; she carried guilt toward her brother and longed to mend their relationship.

Even though Song Mo never treated her kindly, seeing her brother improve made her happy, easing some of her guilt.

"Brother, one day you'll understand my heart."

"You're my only family—I'll only ever care for you."

My brother plays the Piano so well!

Even my teacher isn't this good, is he?

My brother is amazing!

…

After finishing Piano practice.

Song Mo returned to his room, pulled out his phone, and logged into WeChat.

Song Mo: Xia Rou, are you free recently? I need your help with something.

Xia Rou: I'm here! I'm always free!

Xia Rou: Song Mo, what's the matter?

Song Mo: Do you know how to edit or shoot short videos? Or do you know anyone who does?

Xia Rou: I know a bit, but I know a senior girl—she's in New Media Communication, and she's an expert in photography and editing!

Song Mo: Can you ask her to come to our campus?

Xia Rou: Of course! I'm very close with her.

Song Mo: Good. Let's discuss details when she arrives on campus.

Xia Rou: Mm-hmm! (cute bear emoji)

In today's era, traffic is king.

Of all media apps, Kuaidou Short Video stands out for its speed and influence.

Song Mo intends to leverage Kuaidou Short Video.

To rapidly boost his fame.

Song Mo has a clear self-awareness: his appearance is the pinnacle of the aloof type, and his physique is also excellent—his upright posture is nearly perfect.

In a world that values looks, with a beautiful face, you only need a tiny bit of talent for naive netizens to idolize you, even worship you as a godsend or white moonlight.

Unfortunately…

Song Mo has an impeccable face.

And… he's incredibly talented!

Although the Song Family owns a new media operations company and signs influencers and livestreamers, Song Mo wants to build his fame on campus.

A top student at Modu University, youthful campus life, the white moonlight of memory, miraculous artistic performances…

Combine these elements, and it's impossible not to go viral!

…

Afternoon.

After class, Song Mo went to a campus café.

Waiting for Xia Rou and the senior girl who excels in photography and short video editing.

"Song Mo!" Xia Rou's soft, cheerful call.

Song Mo stood up and saw Xia Rou walking with a girl wearing a white sun hat, heading toward him.

Song Mo waved his hand in acknowledgment.

After the two of them sat down.

He took a careful look at the two women's outfits.

Xia Rou was wearing a pair of denim shorts, showing off her long slender legs just right; on top she had on a white T-shirt with a heart-shaped logo, her chest full but not crossing the line; her oval face revealed little dimples when she smiled, giving off a youthful, vibrant feeling.

The senior sister beside her, on the other hand, was dressed entirely for leisure—a sun hat, a white sun-protection jacket, black casual polyester trousers, a camera slung at her waist, and a rather cool, aloof expression.

The two of them bore at least a five-point resemblance in their looks.

"Ding ding dang!"

Xia Rou introduced: "This is the legendary photographer Miss Xia Yu from Modu University. She has a photography and editing account on Kuaishou Douyin with over two hundred thousand followers."

"Of course, the most important identity is—she's also my big sister!"

A faint smile also appeared on Song Mo's normally cold face.

He looked at Xia Yu with gentle eyes and extended his hand. "Senior Xia Yu, very glad to meet you."

The two lightly shook hands, parting at the briefest touch.

Song Mo got straight to the point.

"The reason I've invited Xia Rou and Miss Xia Yu here is that I want to ask you to help me run my personal account. Specifically, I'd like to…"

After a round of explanations.

Song Mo said: "Because it's at school, I don't want people from my family's company coming in and disturbing the students' studies, so I'd like to hire Senior Xia Yu and Xia Rou."

"A base salary of ten thousand per month—would that work?"

A monthly salary of ten thousand, for Xia Yu who already had over two hundred thousand followers, was honestly not all that much.

But the salary itself was secondary.

Song Mo would also let Xia Yu freely film footage of him and post it on her personal account.

That was the truly generous condition.

"I agree."

Xia Yu didn't deliberate for long.

The moment she laid eyes on Song Mo, an impulse had already risen within her—the instinctive impulse of the photography career she loved.

Record all that is beautiful!

"Pleasure doing business."

Song Mo gave a slight smile.

That smile, coming from the heart, left Xia Rou beside him a little dazed.

(End of chapter)