BECOME AN ENTERTAINMENT GOD WITH SYSTEM

Two years after signing with Dragon Music Label, Victor Valentine has spent his time as a songwriter despite promises of becoming a top-tier musical artist. His debut EP, featuring six songs, was released two weeks ago without any promotion from the company.

"Director Win, I submitted my lead single three weeks ago, but it hasn't been promoted, the streams are stagnant, and the company hasn't arranged any interviews or made the vinyl available for sale," Victor Valentine bitterly complained to the director of the PR department.

The bald man sat stoically as Victor poured out his frustrations, adjusting his glasses. Director Win's response was devoid of emotion. "As you know, the music industry has been struggling, and the company's finances are tight. We can't afford to promote two artists at once. Butterfly's album is set to release next week, and as for your EP, we'll consider our options in due time."

Victor Valentine had lost count of how many times he had visited the PR director's office to air his grievances, and each time, Director Win's response remained the same.

After a perfunctory handshake, Victor rose from his seat and made his way to the door, his expression downcast. Just as he reached for the handle, Director Win spoke up. "Victor, you're a talented songwriter. We've agreed to give you credit this time if you're willing to collaborate with Butterfly on his second studio album."

Director Win's words hit Victor hard, making him realize that the company wasn't lacking funds to invest in him, but rather they were unwilling to support him as an artist, favouring his work as a songwriter instead. Whirling around, he shot back, "Director Win, I don't aspire to be merely a songwriter; my dream has always been to become a global artist."

With that, he swung the door open and strode out with his head held high, leaving Director Win to snort at his departing figure.

As Victor left Director Win's office, he bumped into Butterfly, the poster face of Dragon Record Label and their rising star, whom the company had heavily invested in. The imposing security team surrounding him was enough to make anyone feel small. Victor clenched his fists as he caught Butterfly giving him a condescending look. "Well, well, our new artist at the company, Vivian," Butterfly taunted before bursting into laughter, joined by his entourage of bodyguards.

Victor turned away, ready to leave, but then Butterfly's voice stopped him in his tracks. "If you kneel and bow before me," he said, "I will cover your mother's hospital expenses. She will receive the treatment she needs."

Victor halted and turned back, his expression hard. "No," he said sharply. "I'll take care of my mother's bills myself. You needn't bother."

As he turned to leave again, Butterfly's mocking voice cut through the air. "You're just a struggling songwriter. Where will you find the money? Your poor mother will die in the hospital, untreated and abandoned."

The familiar ache of his inability to provide for his sick mother surged within Victor. He spun back around, fists clenched, and shouted, "Retract those words!"

As Victor charged forward, the imposing security team blocked his path to Butterfly, fueling his frustration. "If you don't retract those words, I'll kill you," he threatened.

The commotion caused a disturbance on the third floor, where the PR department and studio room were located. As Victor was held back from approaching Butterfly, onlookers began recording the unfolding drama on their phones.

Before Director Win could reach the scene, most of the videos had already been uploaded to the internet, sparking a trend among netizens. "What on earth were you thinking, Victor? This is not a marketplace where you can shout and rant as you please," Director Win scolded Victor upon his arrival.

Victor's chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, his voice strained and his eyes bloodshot. His attempts to break through the security team and confront Butterfly only fueled his frustration and left him feeling powerless and despondent.

"Director Win, he's trying to kill me. I'm terrified," Butterfly exclaimed, feigning fear and hiding behind Director Win for added effect.

Director Win's eyes widened in disbelief as he pointed at Victor and reprimanded, "You, despicable. You're trying to harm our rising star who's been bringing in substantial profits for the company. Come to my office immediately!"

With a heavy heart, Victor followed Director Win, while Butterfly sneered knowingly.

As Director Win stepped into his office, his phone began to ring. Answering the call, he heard an indignant voice demanding from the speaker, "Director Win, have you seen what's circulating on the internet?"

Director Win's expression shifted dramatically, and he faltered, realizing that the caller was the company's managerial director. "I haven't..." His words trailed off as the call abruptly ended, leaving him startled.

Upon logging into T*****r, Director Win's anger flared as he saw the top trending topic, causing his teeth to grind in frustration and his face to darken.

"Victor, you've really outdone yourself this time," Director Win seethed, his voice laced with fury.

Confused, Victor stared at Director Win, unable to comprehend what he had done to provoke such a reaction. A sense of impending doom washed over him, prompting him to hastily check his private messages, only to find two hundred awaiting his attention.

"There's no need for you to come back to the company; your termination papers will be sent to you. Leave my office!" Director Win bellowed in a fit of rage, pointing angrily at Victor.

Victor, who had been counting on the money to settle half of his mother's hospital bill, felt flustered. He asked Director Win, "Even if my contract is terminated, the company still has to pay my wages, correct?"