Chapter 009: Surpassing One Million Fans

Liang Renbo suddenly exploded with excitement, startling Wu Daren.
“Old Liang, what’s gotten into you?”
“What’s gotten into me?!” Liang Renbo, beaming with pride, pointed at Lin Feng and said, “Do you know who he is? That’s Lin Feng from the Jiangning team! Last night, he scored sixteen points in the final two and a half minutes, sealing the victory against Beicheng. His name has been all over the sports news—you really didn’t know?”
“You’re the guy who clinched the win against Beicheng last night?” With Liang Renbo’s words, Wu Daren stared at Lin Feng in disbelief. He had assumed he was interviewing a young music composer and hadn’t even considered basketball.
“That’s right. Sister Shuzhen’s husband was once a national basketball player, so it’s not surprising she has a son who plays basketball.” Wu Daren patted Lin Feng on the shoulder. “Great job last night! Too bad I had a social gathering and missed the live broadcast, but I caught the news. Those last few three-pointers were incredible! Especially the game-winner—what a rush!”
Lin Feng smiled, never expecting to run into fans here.
“Mr. Liang, your basketball, your jersey.” Su Wenjing, who had opened the door for Lin Feng earlier, returned to the living room with a basketball and a jersey.
“Lin Feng, you have no idea—I’m from Jiangning, a die-hard fan of the team. I was so excited after the game last night I could hardly sleep. First thing this morning, I went to the Jiangning team’s official store and bought your jersey. Look, number eleven! Sign it for me, will you?” Liang Renbo showed off the jersey he’d just bought, indicating where he wanted Lin Feng’s autograph.
Lin Feng didn’t refuse. He took the marker and signed both the jersey and the basketball.
“Thank you for your support, Mr. Liang. With fans like you, we’re even more motivated to play our best.” Lin Feng handed back the basketball and jersey, grinning.
“Lin Feng, could you sign something for me too?” It was Su Wenjing speaking, looking at Lin Feng a bit shyly. “I’m also a Jiangning fan. I watched the game last night. When I opened the door, you did look familiar, but I never imagined you were Lin Feng!”
“I never thought I’d find myself in a room full of Jiangning fans! If you’d all been Beicheng supporters, I’d have been in real trouble today.” Lin Feng laughed and signed for Su Wenjing as well. Afterward, Liang Renbo, Wu Daren, and Su Wenjing each took a photo with Lin Feng.
Before they’d even gotten down to business, Lin Feng had already held a “mini fan meeting.”
“Director Wu, shall we talk about the official matters now?” Lin Feng asked once the autographs and photos were done.
“What’s there to talk about? With your credentials, you don’t need an interview—just join the show directly. Wenjing will let you know the details.” Wu Daren waved his hand decisively.
“Isn’t that a bit irregular?” Lin Feng was taken aback.
“We make the rules for this show. What are you worried about?” Liang Renbo grinned. “Just focus on your matches for now. If the finals go to the last game, Old Wu and I will help coordinate the recording schedule.”

“Is that really alright? You don’t even know what I’m going to sing.” Lin Feng was still skeptical.
“You’re Sister Shuzhen’s son—of course we trust your talent.” Wu Daren replied with a broad smile.
“Well, alright then. I’ll head back now; I have training this afternoon.” Lin Feng was still a bit puzzled, but since they were so certain, he saw no point in arguing.
After Lin Feng left, Wu Daren and Liang Renbo exchanged a gleeful high-five. Both veterans of the entertainment industry, their instincts were sharper than a bloodhound’s. The moment they confirmed Lin Feng’s identity, they knew exactly what they wanted to do.
For a variety show to stay hot, it needs more than just quality—it needs buzz!
With enough buzz, you capture public attention. As a rising superstar on the basketball court, Lin Feng’s participation in “Original Good Songs” would undoubtedly become a sensation.
Though the worlds of sports and entertainment often overlap, a top basketball star competing in a music talent show had never happened before. As long as Lin Feng set foot on the stage of “Original Good Songs,” whether or not he received a mentor’s recommendation, he would generate the kind of headline-grabbing topic that could electrify the show’s audience. That was Lin Feng’s true value!
Whether he had great songs or not was almost beside the point.
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While Lin Feng was at his audition, online discussions about him were exploding once again.
Someone uploaded the full video of last night’s post-game press conference, which included Lin Feng’s sharp retort to Wang Chunsheng. Those few words from Lin Feng set off a massive debate among netizens.
In particular, when Lin Feng asked, “Can I swear?” in response to a reporter’s question about Wang Chunsheng, the phrase instantly became the latest viral catchphrase online. Quick-witted netizens found ways to use it in every context—and it fit seamlessly everywhere.
Reporter: How do you think the men’s soccer team played this match?
Fan: Can I swear?
Reporter: What’s your opinion on housing prices?
Citizen: Can I swear?
Reporter: How’s the school’s nutritional lunch?

Student: Can I swear?
...
Moreover, the moment when Lin Feng, utterly deadpan, said “Can I swear?” to the camera was turned into an animated meme, spreading across countless forums, message boards, and chat groups.
Even in the few chat groups Lin Feng had joined himself, the meme was going viral.
#CanISwear# even shot up the trending topic list on Weibo.
Just as the frenzy over Lin Feng’s game-winner was starting to die down, his offhand phrase reignited the frenzy. Curious to understand the context of Lin Feng’s words, many who didn’t usually follow basketball watched the replay of the previous night’s game—and promptly became his fans.
When Lin Feng logged into Weibo again, his follower count had already surpassed the million mark.
The most recent post was flooded with fans clamoring for perks.
Wu Xiaonao’s Magic Castle: One million followers! Are there any rewards? Any rewards?
Goddess Like the Wind: Post a topless pic! Post a topless pic!!
Master Ximen: If you want to see Shen Feng’s girlfriend, hit “like” in the top right corner.
...
Faced with such enthusiasm, Lin Feng couldn’t remain silent. After a moment’s thought, he updated his Weibo.
[Thank you—to all who love me, hate me, resent me, miss me, insult me, or torment me... In a single night, a million fans! You’ve created and witnessed a miracle with your own hands! As a token of gratitude, I’ll randomly select one fan who comments on this post to receive my signed jersey from tomorrow night’s game! Note: This is the post-game, original-condition version; those with a cleanliness obsession, comment at your own risk.]
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