Chapter 4

Johnston's words were like a heavy blow, crushing all the courage I had built up since my rebirth.

Why couldn't I change any of this even with a second chance!

Did this mean I could never make music again? Would I have to live forever in Simons' shadow?

To avoid unnecessary trouble, this time I had left my regular phone on the balcony and hadn't used the computer to arrange the music.

How did Simons know about my original song!

On Twitter, Simons, who had released two original singles in succession, trended for three consecutive days.

The top two spots on all major music charts were Simons' singles.

His popularity even overshadowed a superstar whose secret marriage had been exposed.

Some fans asked him in the comments under the new song link why he had changed his style.

"My previous new song was plagiarized by someone. Fortunately, I changed the timing and released it early, otherwise I wouldn't be able to clear my name even if I was right.

This new song is a warning to those who steal other people's work. Talent is a creative artist's foundation, and I'm someone you'll never be able to catch up to!"

His domineering declaration caused an uproar on social media.

Following the company's previous new song announcement, some people found my Twitter and kept posting comments.

"Simons' plagiarist must be you, right? Didn't you say you were releasing a song? It's been so long—where's your new song?"

"And you call yourself an excellent creative artist. Your previous albums must have been ghostwritten too, right?"

In this life, I hadn't released a song, yet I was still branded a plagiarist by Simons.

But without solid evidence, my fans weren't pushovers. How could they let me be slandered?

They argued fiercely with those clamoring netizens in the comments section.

Simons was a newly debuted artist with mostly casual fans and very few loyal followers.

During this controversy, Simons' reputation fell instead of rising.

At this point, Julia couldn't sit still.

"You must come to Simons' celebration party tomorrow!"

Julia's tone was harsh. I laughed bitterly. "Why should I!"

"You have the nerve to ask why! Your fans are cyberbullying Simons. He's been drowning himself in alcohol these past two days!"

"If you still want to be my boyfriend, you must come to the celebration party tomorrow to dispel the rumors!"

Simons plagiarized my songs and still wanted me to celebrate with him. Even with ten thousand grievances, I could only grit my teeth and endure.

Because I still needed to uncover the secret about Simons.

On the day of the celebration party, Julia held Simons' arm, surrounded by people.

"Simons' two originals broke records directly. They've been at number one for a week already!"

"Our Simons' ballads bring people to tears. Who would have thought his rock could be so soul-stirring? He's truly a creative genius!"

The staff around him glanced at me.

"Unlike some people who carry the title of genius but engage in theft."

I looked down and smiled. "Simons really is a rare talent. Since that's the case, can you tell us why you used a minor key for your first original?"

Simons didn't rush to answer. Instead, he exchanged a glance with Julia.

"Anthony, that's enough! Simons graciously invited you to his celebration party, not for you to cause trouble!"

Julia's face flushed red as she defended Simons. In that instant, I had an epiphany—she must know the truth too.

"Aren't you supposed to be a creative genius? Why can't you even explain the reason!"

Simons pushed Julia aside:

"There's nothing I can't say. Major keys are cheerful, minor keys are sad and gentle.

If you play 'Sunshine in the Ruins' at 0.75 speed, you'll discover this isn't actually a cheerful song at all. Of course a minor key better fits the song's true meaning."

My heart pounded wildly. Simons' songwriting thoughts were identical to mine.

Especially the 0.75 speed playback—this was a hidden easter egg I had placed in the song. How could he even know about this?

I felt darkness before my eyes.

"Thank you for the explanation. I have something to attend to. I'm leaving."

As soon as I walked out of the private room, Julia chased after me.

"What was the point of that! In front of all those people, did you have to embarrass Simons?"

I was thoroughly disappointed in Julia and didn't want to get entangled with her anymore.

"Let's break up!"

"I'm retiring from the industry and going back home. I wish you and Simons all the best!"

"What are you doing now! If you go home, what can you do? Move bricks with your incompetent father?"

Julia sneered. "Can your father afford your contract termination fee?"

I smiled indifferently and left decisively.

Julia didn't know I was a genuine second-generation rich kid.

My dad was indeed a contractor over a decade ago, but he caught the right timing and was now a nationally renowned real estate developer.

The astronomical termination fee was nothing more than selling a few fewer properties to my dad.

Without making music, I could still go home and inherit the family business.

I wanted to see how Simons could continue being a rising creative genius without me creating anything!