TTIG Chapter 101

Early June, CCTV’s “Chinese Good Songs” tenth season officially announced.

 

This competition music variety show focused on “original songs” remained enduringly popular, held every other year. Countless producers and creative singers emerged through the program, though many were fleeting—disappearing after shows ended.

 

The longest-lasting was Fang Yinnian from season three.

 

Initially due to conflicts with his former company, he withdrew for two years studying abroad. After returning, he won “Chinese Good Songs” championship, making a high-profile comeback as an original singer.

 

His male group FTM also successfully reunited, becoming Chinese music’s TOP male group.

 

This time, Fang Yinnian was prominently listed among officially announced guest lineup.

 

“This ‘Chinese Good Songs’ judge lineup is very strong. We’re honored to invite @FTM Fang Yinnian @Ji Ying @Luo Hua @Xie Shiqi (alphabetically ordered) as team judges!”

 

Once released, domestic entertainment’s largest forum immediately opened discussion threads.

 

“What qualifies Fang Yinnian to judge?”

 

The original poster indignantly stated: “Fang Yinnian, an idol male group main vocalist barely over thirty, what qualifies him as ‘Chinese Good Songs’ judge?! Luo Hua and Ji Ying are industry seniors, Xie Shiqi debuted nearly ten years before him. What qualifies him for the judge’s seat? An idol whose Weibo super topic hasn’t even reached Diamond 2—would anyone choose him? Laughable.”

 

After reaching the homepage, this post immediately attracted massive replies.

 

2L: “Huh? FYN still hasn’t flopped? Running to be a judge now?”

 

3L: “OP, here’s a pot lid—FYN has many fans, take care.”

 

4L: “OP’s tone suggests recently debuted new idol group fan? Always mentioning super topic data—did your idol’s super topic finally reach Diamond 2?”

 

5L: “Musical note sisters never sign into super topics—being mocked by juniors? Come out for punishment.”

 

6L: “Super topics are for young idols to play—taking Yinnian away~”

 

8L: “Hilarious, when did super topics prove singer popularity? Popular singers’ fans are very Buddhist, too lazy for data—don’t you know?”

 

10L: “Fang Yinnian is Good Songs season 3 champion, creative singer, debuted 13 years with 133 original songs published, Sound Wave Entertainment chief producer, three albums won Golden Record Best Album Awards, total sales 350 million. He’s unqualified? OP, are you qualified?”

 

11L: “OP, knowing your idol only has super topic data to show, step down—stop embarrassing yourself.”

 

13L: “OP actually isn’t wrong—FYN is indeed an idol. Feeling strange as judge—would anyone choose him?”

 

14L: “You always mock FTM members for idol origins, but actually, these guys’ achievements exceeded 99% of worldwide idols long ago.”

 

16L: “Sending OP a reality-check image—FTM’s cumulative concert box office ranks world top ten. Main vocalist Fang Yinnian is creative singer/producer participating in original music programs as judge—very reasonable. OP, deal with it if unsatisfied.”

 

78L: “Holy crap, thread-building speed so fast!”

 

80L: “Musical note sisters’ legendary combat power—instantly erected tall buildings?”

 

81L: “Musical notes are just Buddhist, not dead [eye roll]”

 

88L: “Haven’t signed super topics in forever—thanks OP for reminding, going to sign in now.”

 

180L: “Daring to curse FTM’s main vocalist—OP, you don’t want to live?”

 

209L: “Yinnian is indeed the youngest judge—what’s wrong with young talent? Eating your rice?”

 

236L: “Bold statement: among these four judges, Fang Yinnian ranks TOP in creative ability”

 

237L: “Fang Yinnian fans are shameless—saying TOP while stepping on seniors?”

 

238L: “I’m not Fang Yinnian fan—speaking with data. His songs with 10+ million Q Music collections number 5, countless between 5-10 million. Personal original albums and FTM original album sales are all industry-leading.”

 

239L: “Haters need basic logic, OK? Singer ability doesn’t look at song popularity, album sales, or concert data—then what? Your mood? Who are you anyway—get lost!”

 

240L: “…Wherever there’s Yinnian, there’s bloodshed!”

 

244L: “With so many haters paying attention, he really can’t flop—very reassuring staying popular”

 

245L: “Yinnian: Don’t @ me, in songwriting seclusion~”

 

247L: “OP forgot to close your profile, your mask slipped—your idol brother indeed only has super topic data to show, let’s not mention national recognition, singing-dancing ability is also trash”

 

250L: “This floor level is suitable for burying OP.”

 

251L: “Oh, so it’s XX boy group fan? I follow Star Entertainment’s newly formed boy group—compared to FTM…they’d get beaten up!”

 

256L: “Musical note sisters don’t disparage junior newcomers. Though newcomers sing like car crash scenes and dance like demons, newcomers need growth—let them grow for ten years first~”

 

257L: “Why are you being passive-aggressive upstairs? How can FTM compare with new boy groups—FTM already flopped completely, don’t even seem like a group…so when will you reunite?!”

 

258L: “Taking out my 3-meter sword and putting it back. I also hope for a reunion.”

 

259L: “All five developing individually—following previous patterns should be reuniting every other year for albums? Looking forward to album 6.”

 

261L: “Yinnian should be in songwriting seclusion recently—Weibo hasn’t surfaced in three months, almost growing grass. No wonder being mocked for Weibo data by newcomers.”

 

265L: “Haven’t seen him in forever—he’s actually going to Good Songs as judge? Shocking! Our Yinnian finally made it, entering judge ranks?”

 

…

 

OP ate lunch and returned to find hundreds of floors attacking them. Looking at data posted in the thread, OP stubbornly said: “These are all past achievements. Real heroes don’t boast of former glory—they’re very flopped now, OK?”

 

Screenshot: Weibo celebrity 7-day popularity ranking—Fang Yinnian outside top 50.

 

Screenshot: This month’s Weibo trending appearances ranking—Fang Yinnian outside top 100.

 

OP threw out two images proving their point: “Your so-called top group main vocalist’s data is worse than eighteenth-tier nobodies.”

 

OP’s reply immediately triggered collective anger.

 

308L: “Good, obscure singer Fang Yinnian has flopped—OP, wait until he appears on shows.”

 

310L: “Musical note sisters spare us—we respect FTM seniors. Not all XX boy group fans are like OP—I think she’s more like a hater!”

 

313L: “Yinnian’s Weibo data is terrible—what are fans doing?”

 

314L: “Tutoring kids with homework.”

 

315L: “Busy with company projects—haven’t checked Weibo in three months.”

 

327L: “About to retire—recently considering where to spend old age~”

 

328L: “Yes, FTM group has completely flopped. OP can relax—when all their fans retire, we can form a square dancing team.”

 

329L: “Hahahaha hilarious—which song will we square dance to then?”

 

330L: “I think ‘For the Music’ would work—RAP-opening modern square dancing, so trendy!”

 

OP: “…”

 

This thread had completely derailed. Musical note sisters were too lazy to address Weibo data issues, actually discussing retirement life.

 

OP didn’t quite understand.

 

Until June 15th when “Chinese Good Songs” tenth season officially premiered.

 

Fang Yinnian appeared on screen, smiling and greeting audiences: “Hello everyone, I’m Fang Yinnian. Very honored to serve as team judge on ‘Chinese Good Songs.'”

 

Enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

 

Simultaneously, #Fang Yinnian Good Songs Judge# rocketed to Weibo trending #1, with Fang Yinnian’s personal Weibo data also soaring to popularity ranking first.

 

His official judge announcement Weibo received over one million comments.

 

Teammates also supportively reposted.

 

Tang Che: “Retweeting for promotion—punctually waiting every Saturday 8 PM.”

 

Tan Junwen: “Good, I choose Teacher Yinnian’s team.”

 

Fu Fei: “My Brother Nian is amazing, already leading trainees? Full support!”

 

Mo Xun: “Hello Teacher Yinnian, welcome everyone to watch ‘Chinese Good Songs’ tenth season.”

 

These five were now very Buddhist, rarely posting business Weibos, but whenever teammates had activities, they’d uniformly come online for promotional reposts.

 

On forums, many sent screenshots of their Weibo data to OP.

 

589L: “OP look—Fang Yinnian topped trending searches~”

 

590L: “FTM usually has poor data because the guys are lazy about appearing, but every appearance tops charts—this is top group strength!”

 

591L: “Actually online data doesn’t matter for FTM anymore. Whenever they hold concerts, if OP can get tickets, you win.”

 

592L: “OP, when they tour, go see offline—you’ll know what real top groups are. Can’t get tickets, many people sit outside stadiums listening!”

 

596L: “Fang Yinnian, whom OP mocked as very flopped, is preparing personal concerts this year—OP follow whether tickets sell!”

 

This thread ultimately reached 1000 floors, becoming entertainment forums’ highest recent thread. Both fans and haters couldn’t help sighing: How many years has FTM debuted—how are they still so popular!

 

***

 

Initially, online criticism questioning Fang Yinnian as judge did exist—he was young, sitting in judge seats at least 10 years junior to other seniors.

 

But in episode one, two strong contestants actively chose his team, shyly saying: “I’m a musical note—I choose Teacher Yinnian’s team!”

 

“I’m also an FTM fan—I choose Teacher Yinnian’s team!”

 

Many contestants were twenty-something youth. During school years, they’d experienced FTM’s valleys, disbandment, reuniting, and explosion—many grew up listening to FTM songs and watching FTM stages.

 

When Fang Yinnian sat as judge, countless fanboys and fangirls actively joined his team wanting to get close to their idol.

 

Additionally, Fang Yinnian’s creative abilities were widely industry-recognized—three Chinese Golden Song Awards for annual best albums were extremely convincing.

 

By mid-program, Fang Yinnian’s team first reached capacity.

 

Fang Yinnian began helping contestants modify songs.

 

Since becoming judge, he seriously fulfilled teaching duties—just as Teacher Yu had carefully helped him modify songs, he wholeheartedly helped these young trainees.

 

One trainee excitedly posted a long Weibo essay:

 

“Teacher Yinnian is really so good ahhh! Always replies messages instantly with no airs, caring for us contestants like a big brother.”

 

“Many modification suggestions he gave us I found very reasonable. Following him, I really learned much about creative knowledge and techniques.”

 

“Also, he smiles a lot privately with super good temper~”

 

“Very happy joining Teacher Yinnian’s team!”

 

***

 

Meanwhile, Mo Xun was invited as 20th Film Festival judge.

 

Forums erected another thread: “What qualifies Mo Xun as judge?”

 

OP excitedly claimed young Mo Xun with idol origins switching to acting was unqualified as film festival judge.

 

3L: “…Here we go again.”

 

4L: “Hahahaha days ago someone questioned why Yinnian could judge, today someone questions why Mo Xun can judge?”

 

5L: “Send MoFang CP threads to homepage reunion.”

 

6L: “Why? Because they’re both awesome—why not?”

 

7L: “Are you organized haters? Same wording—can you be creative? Like questioning why Mo Xun isn’t joining crews lately—no career ambition!”

 

8L: “Days ago we threw Fang Yinnian’s songwriting data at that OP—today throwing Mo Xun’s box office at OP?”

 

8L: “Mo Xun fans stop lying down—come out with report cards!”

 

9L: “Oh, Mo Xun’s first film after switching careers ‘Witness’ was Chinese suspense genre box office history champion winning Best Newcomer; second spy film was box office history champion winning Best Actor; six films total so far, 10 billion total box office.”

 

10L: “Chinese cinema leading actors with 10+ billion box office can be counted on fingers—my Brother Mo is just naturally talented acting, so what if he judges?”

 

11L: “Mo Xun’s box office data is indeed unhatable—OP, try different angles like mocking his looks, acting, or being gay [dog head protection]”

 

12L: “Front row check-in, sensing another skyscraper thread~”

 

13L: “Mo Xun indeed unqualified—OP, you’re most qualified, go judge and give your idol Best Actor.”

 

15L: “Mo Xun is the most successful idol-to-actor transition—isn’t this industry consensus? Good image, good acting, great script selection, never made bad films.”

 

15L: “His films are now either summer or Spring Festival releases, showing strong appeal. Plus he’s Buddhist now—one new film every 2-3 years.”

 

18L: “After all, filming is quite tiring—he said he’d rest after last wrap.”

 

19L: “OP relax—Mo Xun will completely flop after two years’ rest.”

 

20L: “During rest he usually returns for group activities hahaha—actor Mo Xun transforms to stage dancing, won’t flop at all.”

 

21L: “Last variety show he square-danced with grandpas and grandmas.”

 

22L: “Future retirement suggestion: Mo Xun should organize square dancing teams as lead dancer—stay popular until 80 [clever.jpg]”

 

23L: “Grandpa Fang singing nearby while Grandpa Mo leads grandpas and grandmas dancing [dog head]”

 

23L: “Hahahaha hilarious—thread derailed again, you’re discussing retirement life again.”

 

44L: “Don’t understand how two gays can have so many fans.”

 

45L: “Above poster, did homosexuals eat your rice?”

 

46L: “@44L, they’re not dating you—mind your business.”

 

50L: “MoFang CP fans not mobilizing? Someone’s mocking them again”

 

51L: “Mock away—as long as these two live well.”

 

52L: “Mo Xun still wore wedding rings at today’s press conference. Industry doesn’t care about his private relationships—you haters are hyperthyroid daily.”

 

53L: “Oh, my Brother Nian and Brother Mo recently becoming judge and jury—their industry status rising. Who’s uncomfortable now?”

 

55L: “OP is envious—why can’t my disappointing idol judge at film festivals!”

 

…

 

This thread argued to over thousand floors in fan-hater warfare.

 

So netizens entering forums these days could see two HOT thousand-floor threads on homepage:

 

“What qualifies Fang Yinnian as judge?”

“What qualifies Mo Xun as jury?”

 

The two threads echoed each other while MoFang CP fans watched the show: “Fine, both brothers being targeted by haters on forums—isn’t this another form of CP feeling?”

 

Forum chaos didn’t affect Fang Yinnian and Mo Xun’s work.

 

Fang Yinnian dutifully guided trainees on “Chinese Good Songs,” receiving unanimous praise. During internal elimination battles, eliminated trainees didn’t resent him—because Fang Yinnian signed all strong creative trainees to Sound Wave Entertainment.

 

Following Teacher Yinnian meant guaranteed meals.

 

Surprisingly to netizens, Fang Yinnian actually produced this season’s champion!

 

In the finals duet segment, he even invited Tan Junwen to help with rap and Tang Che’s rock band for live accompaniment.

 

Fans were incredibly excited: “Nostalgic for season three!”

 

“Back in season three finals, Yinnian invited Junwen for duets—his ‘Why’ was my ringtone for ages.”

 

“Wuwuwu after all these years, with one word from Yinnian, Junwen still graciously came to help!”

 

“Tang Che’s rock band also helped—their friendship is so good!”

 

“Haters attacked every FTM aspect—poor vocals, dancing, looks—but never attacked their poor relationships. These guys are truly consistent good brothers.”

 

“Hehe, anticipating this year’s reunion?”

 

“Or next year’s reunion works—really want to see FTM perform together!”

 

***

 

Year-end, 34-year-old Tan Junwen starred in an inspirational period drama, winning prestigious Flying Apsaras and Magnolia awards, becoming the youngest TV drama emperor.

 

Mo Xun was academy-trained with acting talent, plus personal dedication—his film/TV path went smoothly.

 

But Tan Junwen was completely amateur. When Sheng Yao sent him for idol dramas, he’d never studied acting, learning on-the-spot from directors. His early idol drama acting and dialogue were constantly criticized, relying purely on image and looks for viewership.

 

Though scattered in personality, once determined he’d be serious.

 

Perhaps Mo Xun winning film festival Best Actor stimulated him—he began seriously studying acting, consulting Brother Mo when confused.

 

Tan Junwen’s acting improved rapidly these years, gradually transitioning from idol drama traffic star. This time his period drama featured grimy styling, completely unlike past elegant, gentle idol dramas.

 

But Tan Junwen performed excellently—a very grounded character with several explosive crying scenes moving countless audiences, dialogue also practiced superbly.

 

When Tan Junwen won TV emperor, besides FTM fans and solo fans celebrating happily, other actors’ fans were angrily criticizing his unworthiness for Best Actor.

 

Forums opened another tall thread:

 

“Fang Yinnian: This feels familiar~ just got scolded recently.”

 

“Mo Xun: I was also told ‘what qualifies you.'”

 

“Today Junwen’s turn to stand punishment? Hahahaha!”

 

“FTM guys being whipped in sequence.”

 

“Che Che and Xiao Fei haven’t been scolded—why not open two more threads mocking Tang Che and Fu Fei, let the guys reunite on homepage?”

 

“Heard Xiao Fei’s hosting New Year galas hahaha—quickly open: What qualifies Fu Fei to host New Year?”

 

“Che Che is safest since his beloved rock music is relatively niche.”

 

“Safe my ass—Tang Che’s preparing rock band national tours. Soon there’ll be: Tang Che’s band dares tour—will tickets sell?”

 

“Hahahaha Yinnian’s also preparing solo tours—I’ve thought of future months’ thread themes for haters [dog head]”

 

“Theme called ‘What Qualifies’—five people taking turns standing guard?”

 

“Please mock our little flop group more~”

 

***

 

Currently, FTM’s five members were hotpot dining merrily at Jiangzhou base.

 

Teammates all attended Junwen’s award day as guests. Fang Yinnian even performed a song onstage, negotiating Junwen’s next drama OST production.

 

After awards, all five flew back to Jiangzhou.

 

General manager Xu Baichuan also came to base—everyone sat dining while chatting and arranging future activities.

 

“Mm, FTM’s album is in production—songs not finalized yet.”

 

“Yinnian and Tang Che’s personal national tours are almost ready—we’ll start touring October. Junwen and Mo Xun will film second half year, Xiao Fei continues hosting variety shows.”

 

“Free activities first, then reunite for recording June-July next year. August 18th FTM’s 15th debut anniversary—release commemorative album?”

 

All five nodded: “No problem.”

“Brother Xu arrange it—our schedules can coordinate.”

 

Xu Baichuan smiled: “Then 15th anniversary tours must be arranged—many fans anticipate your reunion concerts.”

 

The five looked at each other, hearts full of emotion.

 

Fifteen years passed so quickly?

 

Yet they remained like initial promises—solo without disbanding, periodically reuniting for albums and concerts.

 

Perhaps they could really play together until retirement?

 

Fu Fei sighed: “Fifteen years—suddenly feeling old?”

 

Tan Junwen smiled: “Whether you’re old I don’t know, but I’m very young—they call me youngest TV emperor. In entertainment, isn’t 33 when careers begin?”

 

Tang Che said flatly: “Fans will say ‘welcome my thirty-year-old singing-dancing old idol.'”

 

Mo Xun: “Fine, in years they’ll welcome forty-year-old singing-dancing old idols.”

 

Fang Yinnian smiled: “If we can’t dance anymore, we’ll sing more ballads to coast.”

 

Fu Fei: “Haha Brother Nian, you call those high-difficulty ballads coasting?”

 

Tang Che raised an eyebrow: “Coasting until my throat hurts.”

 

Xu Baichuan watched this harmonious scene, lips curving slightly.

 

He’d managed many artists in his lifetime.

 

The most correct decision was probably initially defying Sheng Yao leadership’s strong opposition to group these five together, forming a makeshift boy group.

 

Unexpectedly, this group truly fulfilled his debut day words—flowing water doesn’t compete for first place, but for endless flow.

 

This FTM stream indeed flowed endlessly, never ceasing.

 

The five would always walk forward hand-in-hand.

 

Becoming Chinese music’s longest-lasting legendary top group.

 

[Full Text Complete]

 

Author’s Note:

Full text concluded—thank you everyone for supporting FTM. Bowing farewell with all five and their manager~

 

Thank you for cyber-fangirling during this time. Though the novel ended, the top group’s story continues in that world [pink heart][pink heart]

 

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T/N: Thank you for reading~

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