Chapter Eight: The Peerless Youth, Fiery and Unmatched

“I don’t know much about anything else, but I feel the video’s missing a real punchline…” Gao Wu offered his suggestion.

“You say that so easily—where would a punchline come from?” Shen Yue shook his head, unconvinced that there was anything left to improve.

Gao Wu knew he had to show some skill to persuade Shen Yue. This era’s short video platforms were still in their wild growth phase. He had some internet traffic experience from his previous life, and now was the time to brag a little.

He said, “Short videos are all the rage because modern society runs at such high efficiency, and people’s time is fragmented. In just a few dozen seconds, a short video can satisfy people’s emotional needs and fulfill the instinctive urge to seek information. That’s why short videos are strong on emotion and weak on logic. For a short video to stand out among millions, it needs enough impact…”

Shen Yue stared blankly at Gao Wu—where did this kid get all these theories, sounding so impressive? Was he always this deep-thinking? Or had someone possessed him?

He cut Gao Wu off: “Skip the useless theories. Just tell me how you’d do it.”

Gao Wu grinned, “I’ve got an idea. I came up with a few lines of lyrics—I’ll sing them.”

“You can write songs?”

Shen Yue was skeptical. Creating a song was no easy task, and Gao Wu, a martial arts guy with nothing but muscle in his brain—what kind of song could he possibly write!

Still, Shen Yue didn’t press the point. Gao Wu’s earlier theory had impressed him; maybe this kid really did have something up his sleeve…

“Let’s finish eating first.”

The restaurant was crowded, not a place for lengthy discussion. Gao Wu buried his head in his meal.

The Blood Dragon Elixir had greatly stimulated his metabolism. He spent nearly two hours in the restaurant, eating enough for ten robust men.

Shen Yue, who accompanied him, looked worried—afraid Gao Wu might burst his stomach.

Fortunately, martial artists prone to eating were common. Buffet owners were prepared for such customers and didn’t seem to mind Gao Wu.

With his stomach full, Gao Wu left the restaurant with Shen Yue and headed to Shen Yue’s place.

Shen Yue owned a two-bedroom apartment, with one room specially converted into a studio.

The studio boasted a high-end computer, advanced sound card, and recording-quality microphones, along with several life-sized female mannequins arranged around the room.

Entering, Gao Wu bowed politely to the mannequins. “Hello, ladies, sorry to disturb you.”

“You’re such a scoundrel!” Shen Yue’s irritation grew; he kicked Gao Wu hard, but Gao Wu didn’t budge while Shen Yue was left grimacing in pain.

“Courtesy never hurts, heh…”

“Come over and sing, let’s see what you can do!” Shen Yue switched on the computer and microphone, folding his arms and standing beside Gao Wu, eager to see if Gao Wu could deliver.

Gao Wu cleared his throat. Shen Yue couldn’t help but laugh—Gao Wu’s raspy voice sounded like someone who’d smoked for sixty years, and now he was clearing his throat.

“Youth has its own wildness, the heart shines like a blazing sun. Righteousness and courage lift the spirit, passionate youth unparalleled in the world…”

Gao Wu recited a segment from the song “Ode to Young China” from his previous life, making a few adjustments.

Though his voice was hoarse, it was full of strength, delivering the stirring, passionate essence of the song.

Shen Yue, initially dismissive, now changed his expression. These lyrics were perfect for the occasion, highly motivational. Gao Wu’s raspy voice lent a sense of steadfastness, as if he’d weathered storms but his heart remained unchanged.

Pushing Gao Wu aside, Shen Yue imported the audio into the end of the video, pairing it with text. Watching the rescue video now, he felt his own blood surge with excitement!

“Incredible!” Shen Yue jumped up, pacing the room in excitement. “We’re really going to go viral this time!”

Gao Wu, with an air of age and wisdom, patted Shen Yue’s shoulder. “Do well—I’m counting on you.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll get at least a hundred thousand likes, millions of views…” Shen Yue was confident, already preparing to invest some money to boost the video’s reach.

He added, “If we make money, we’ll split seventy-thirty—you get seventy, I get thirty. How’s that?”

“Deal.” Gao Wu accepted without hesitation; he really needed the money.

Besides, he was the star of the video, and his contribution elevated it—getting seventy percent was fair.

After a dinner at Shen Yue’s place (though still not full), Gao Wu headed out to a cheaper buffet and ate another round.

On his way home, Gao Wu bought fresh fruit for the old man.

After chatting with him for a bit, Gao Wu retreated to his own room, ready to cultivate and turn all that absorbed energy into strength.

At nine that night, Gao Wu received a video call from Shang Qingjun.

He opened the call to see Shang Qingjun dressed in thick pajamas.

Her features were bright and gentle, with an elegant air, her black hair twisted into a casual bun. The video’s beauty filter made her face unnaturally pale.

“Sister Jun,” Gao Wu greeted her, flashing white teeth.

It was thanks to Shang Qingjun, who insisted on adopting him, that he became part of the Shang family. In truth, Shang Qingjun was only two years older. She was now studying biology at Anjing University.

Old man Shang Hongyi supported two students on his own. Though he had a pension and occasional side income, things were tight. Still, he treated both children equally.

As the elder sibling, Shang Qingjun always looked out for him.

Even though Gao Wu had awakened memories from his previous life, he was still young and weak, unable to support himself. That made him appreciate the kindness all the more.

He didn’t like making promises of repayment; but when he earned money, he naturally transferred thirty thousand to Shang Qingjun.

It was clear from the video: though her pajamas were clean, they had faded from washing, and the cuffs and collar were frayed.

“I heard from Grandpa you rescued a beautiful girl—my little brother is impressive!” Shang Qingjun’s voice was soft and sweet, rare warmth for a northern woman.

“That’s right. She gave a generous reward. We siblings share our fortune, so I sent you some too. Haha…” Gao Wu laughed exuberantly, his genuine joy infectious.

Shang Qingjun smiled too, her lips curving, bright eyes glowing with happiness. She was proud of her brother’s accomplishment, and gratified by his loyalty.

“You need the money right now—” she began, but Gao Wu cut her off. “Don’t worry, Sister Jun, I know what I’m doing. Next September, I’ll definitely get into Anjing University’s Martial Arts Academy and be your schoolmate!”

“It’s too much,” Shang Qingjun knew Gao Wu’s stubbornness. “Five thousand is enough for me.”

After some back-and-forth, since Shang Qingjun refused to accept more, Gao Wu transferred five thousand again, and she finally accepted.

The siblings chatted for half an hour. When the call ended, a beautiful girl beside Shang Qingjun bounced over, excitedly exclaiming, “Qingjun, that’s your brother? Wow, he’s just my type!”

She draped herself around Shang Qingjun’s neck, pleading, “You must introduce him to me next year, please…”

“My brother’s young and a good kid—not someone you should hang around with.” Shang Qingjun gently pushed her away. She knew her classmate was joking, but she wouldn’t joke about Gao Wu.

Curious about Gao Wu’s rescue, Shang Qingjun searched local videos from Dongjiang and found one with tens of thousands of likes—a passionate youth video.

Clicking in, she saw it was indeed Gao Wu’s rescue. His physique was on full display, his swimming strokes powerful and graceful.

The girl beside her watched with shining eyes; earlier it was just playful interest, but now she was genuinely moved…

When the song at the end—“Youth has its own wildness”—rang out, the girl grew even more excited, grabbing Shang Qingjun’s sleeve and shouting, “That’s so inspiring, I’ve got goosebumps all over!”

Shang Qingjun knew Gao Wu too well; it was clearly his singing. Though the lyrics were simple, they brimmed with youthful passion, matching the video perfectly and truly moving the heart.

She couldn’t help but be happy for Gao Wu—becoming famous this way would be so beneficial for her brother…

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