Chapter 1: I Want to Join Youjian Entertainment!

The Interstellar Federation, citing “no discrimination,” lifted its cultural embargo on Earth, and the official major space route was opened at Earth’s new spaceport—Qiming Spaceport.

Countless tourists from alien star systems poured onto Earth, and the flow of people on the planet soared to a staggering new high.

Interstellar Express tightened its cooperation with Earth, forging deep partnerships with local online shopping platforms so that people from other star systems could buy all of Earth’s products through Interstellar Express. At the same time, merchandise for the Interstellar Girls Group went on sale in full force, sparking a frenzy of fan purchases.

Meanwhile, other entertainment companies on Earth began to make their moves, producing a wide array of television dramas and movies that were unleashed one after another upon the alien audience.

Beyond film and television, a variety of variety shows also began airing in succession, striving for a full bloom of entertainment to cater to the diverse tastes of extraterrestrial viewers.

Every so often, new styles of Earth slang would trend across the StarNet.

Earth’s culture permeated every corner of the Interstellar Federation.

Everything, it seemed, was flourishing and thriving.

·

“Teacher, we’ve arrived on Earth.” Shu gazed at the scenery beyond the ship’s window, excitement barely contained in his voice.

Wordweaver Star Anchor also rose to her feet and walked to Shu’s side, her eyes brimming with restrained excitement. “At last, we’ve made it here.”

“Teacher, why is it just the two of us this time? And it’s not even a public trip. Isn’t cultural exchange already permitted?” As they were about to reach the docking point, Shu habitually tidied his attire.

Wordweaver Star Anchor looked at Shu and said in a meaningful tone, “Fewer people, smaller target. A non-public trip is more discreet.”

“So we’re sneaking around…” Shu trailed off mid-sentence, suddenly realizing something. A look of alarm flashed across his face. “Teacher, you mean—”

“As long as you understand.” Wordweaver Star Anchor didn’t let him continue. “Come on, it’s time to disembark.”

·

At first, the two disguised themselves, afraid of being recognized.

But once they left the spaceport, they realized their worries were unfounded—no one cared who they were.

The streets were filled with all sorts of tourists from different star systems, and Earthlings leading groups of offworld humans. Many of them had met on the StarNet. Since the major space route opened, they had come specifically to meet their Earth friends in person.

Seeing this harmonious scene, a satisfied smile appeared on Wordweaver Star Anchor’s face.

No matter how fierce the political struggles between star systems, for ordinary people, sincerity was the only standard. It had nothing to do with status or origin—only with genuine intent.

“Teacher, where are we going first?” Shu asked, unable to hide his eagerness.

“The museum.”

Shu’s interest was instantly piqued. Though the StarNet had virtual images of these artifacts, nothing could compare to seeing the real thing.

“Teacher, can we go to the Huaxia Museum first? I want to see those original calligraphy works.”

Wordweaver Star Anchor smiled. “We can. Let’s go.”

·

Earth Museum, Huaxia Branch—Calligraphy and Painting Gallery.

“This is the famous ‘A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains.’ According to the records, the artist Wang Ximeng completed this painting at eighteen. What an extraordinary gift.” Under Qing Lan’s influence, Yuhui had developed some understanding of painting, but faced with a masterpiece that had endured for a thousand years, all she could do was gaze up in awe.

Qing Lan was too entranced to speak, utterly absorbed, unwilling to move a single step. When she first saw the virtual image of this painting on the StarNet, she had been deeply moved. Now, seeing the original, she was completely immersed, wishing she could step into the painting itself and live the life of a carefree recluse.

“Teacher, teacher, that’s the legendary ‘A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains’ up ahead! I can’t believe it’s on display today—we’re so lucky!”

Yuhui heard a familiar voice, turned, and called out uncertainly, “Shu?”

At the sound, Shu instinctively shrank back. He looked toward the voice and saw his long-absent senior sister—Yuhui.

“Hello, Senior Sister.” Shu straightened up to greet her, but inside he was already silently weeping. Why did he have to run into this demon king here?

“What are you doing here? Did Teacher come too?” Yuhui asked.

Shu was about to answer when Wordweaver Star Anchor’s voice sounded behind him.

“Yuhui? You’ve come to Earth too?”

Seeing Wordweaver Star Anchor approaching, Shu quickly moved behind her, doing his best to shrink his presence.

“Teacher, it’s been twenty years, and you’re still as young and beautiful as ever.” Yuhui hurried over to stand before Wordweaver Star Anchor, grinning cheekily.

“No respect at all.” Wordweaver Star Anchor scolded with a smile, then quickly thought of something. “If you’re here, then Qing Lan must be…”

“She’s over there, looking at the painting. I don’t even dare disturb her.” Yuhui pointed to Qing Lan not far away.

Wordweaver Star Anchor understood. “Looks like she’s come around.”

“All thanks to the talent show you recommended.” Yuhui’s voice dropped, her smile tinged with sadness. “She’s found a reason to keep going. We plan to stay here for a while.”

Wordweaver Star Anchor patted Yuhui’s shoulder comfortingly. “Stay with her.”

“Mm.” Yuhui nodded, then quickly returned to her usual self. “Teacher, since you’re here, you must have met with Earth’s top officials, right? Could you speak to the government for us, help us join Youjian Entertainment? They’re recruiting now, but it seems they’re not accepting people from other star systems.”

“Always wanting me to open doors for you—your teacher isn’t for that.” Wordweaver Star Anchor shot her a look. “This is a personal trip. I haven’t spoken with the Earth government.”

“A personal trip?” Yuhui was crestfallen. “Then what should we do? Qing Lan and I both want to join Youjian Entertainment. Please help us, Teacher. If I get in, I’ll get Cheng Wangshu’s autograph for you.”

“You…” Wordweaver Star Anchor was helpless before this disciple. “All right, I’ll write a letter. You take it to Youjian Entertainment and look for Autumn Whisper. Whether you get in will depend on your luck.”

“I knew you’d have a way, Teacher!” Yuhui was overjoyed. “When did you arrive? Do you have a place to stay? I can help arrange it.”

“Finally, something useful out of your mouth,” Wordweaver Star Anchor said with mock annoyance. “You’re in charge of the rest of the itinerary. If you don’t do well, you won’t get the letter.”

“Don’t worry, Teacher. I promise your trip on Earth will be wonderful.” Yuhui promised cheerfully.

·

This month’s report arrived in Cen Lan’s terminal, and she skimmed through it.

The Interstellar Girls Group’s interstellar tour was still underway, currently in Senyu’s home system—the Crystal Song System.

This tour’s merchandise was themed around the Crystal Song System; aside from Senyu, the rest of the group were also styled in traditional Crystal Song imagery.

That was the highlight of the tour merchandise: every time the group visited a new star system, the girls’ costumes and makeup would reflect the local style, compelling collectors among the fans to buy in bulk to complete their sets.

These items fetched high premiums on the secondhand market, becoming one of the most popular hard currencies among fans.

Beyond the Interstellar Girls Group, the girls eliminated from the talent show had each found their own paths. Some joined another Youjian Entertainment variety show—“Earth Travelers.”

It was a travel show, with guests deeply exploring local customs, scenery, and cuisine, and it was very popular. After experiencing Earth in depth, they would visit other star systems. From its inception, the show was designed as a long-running series, destined to become one of Youjian Entertainment’s flagship programs.

Some of the girls, after expressing their intentions, moved behind the scenes; those who preferred musical instruments formed a band, learning composition, arrangement, and songwriting. Everyone found a place that suited them.

As for S-77 and Yu Huaiyin, the two superstar heavyweights, they released new songs from time to time—sometimes duets, sometimes singing each other’s compositions. In the eyes of their CP fans, the two were practically living a married life.

·

There was a knock at the door, and Xiao He entered.

“Deputy Minister, a special guest has arrived at Youjian Entertainment’s reception.”

“A special guest?” Cen Lan frowned. Who would show up at the reception at a time like this?

“The guest’s name is Yuhui, a disciple of Wordweaver Star Anchor. She’s brought a handwritten letter from the Wordweaver.” Xiao He handed a paper letter to Cen Lan.

At the mention of Wordweaver Star Anchor, Cen Lan’s expression softened considerably. After all, the goodwill of this top Interstellar Federation scholar toward Earth was obvious.

Cen Lan opened the letter, raising her eyebrows. Wordweaver Star Anchor truly lived up to her reputation as director of the Interstellar Institute of Literature. The entire letter was written in standard script, the handwriting upright and forceful, the wording tactful and courteous—far beyond what could be achieved in a short time.

Cen Lan handed the letter to Xiao He. “You read it too.”

Xiao He quickly scanned the letter, then exclaimed in surprise, “Wordweaver Star Anchor is asking for two interview slots at Youjian Entertainment?”

Cen Lan said nothing.

If it were any other entertainment company, the Wordweaver’s request wouldn’t even need to reach Cen Lan. But Youjian Entertainment was different. Every member had undergone background checks and strict political vetting; many were directly assigned by the government.

Without the right background, it was impossible to get into Youjian Entertainment.

Unable to read Cen Lan’s thoughts, Xiao He could only venture, “Deputy Minister, should we report this up?”

Cen Lan reread the Wordweaver’s letter several times, her gaze lingering for a few seconds on the words “interview slots,” before making a decision.

“Let Jingyu handle the interviews. These two might be the talents she needs.”