Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1601: Chapter 1599: Differing Opinions

So, who should I choose?

This question, even when he got home, Fang Zheng still hadn’t made a decision.

”Ah, big brother, what’s this?”

At this time, Little Hei also came over, grabbing the documents from Fang Zheng’s hand.

”Your new harem files? Let me take a look...”

”Little Hei, don’t mess with MASTER’s stuff...”

Next to them, Illya hurriedly stepped out to stop him, while Fang Zheng yawned.

”What new harem, this is the list of artists I’m going to be in charge of.”

”Still a harem, right? It’ll eventually be, let me see which one’s nice...”

Little Hei completely ignored Fang Zheng’s explanation.

”This one’s got a nice figure... This one looks a bit like a boy, big brother are you planning to change tastes? Tomboy seems fun... Oh, there are twins... Wait, this won’t do, big brother, you already have me and Illya...”

”Little Hei!”

Hearing this, Illya blushed and screamed, pouncing towards Little Hei. But Little Hei giggled and dodged Illya’s pouncing, and the two little girls began their playful antics.

”Fang Zheng, what is an artist?”

At this time, Neflen, who had finished her class, also came over and sat next to Fang Zheng, curiously asked.

”Um... it’s like performing for people, like dramas, movies, TV shows, singing, dancing, and such...”

”A bard?”

”Uh... sort of similar, but not quite the same.”

After all, bards can give buffs, idols don’t have that ability.

But speaking of which, how exactly does one train an idol...

Scratching his head, Fang Zheng admitted he was completely clueless in this area. But... fortunately, he could consult experts.

So Fang Zheng opened his personal terminal, then dialed one of the numbers, and soon, after a moment, a girl with long black straight hair appeared on the screen.

”Mr. Fang Zheng! Long time no see, what can I do for you?”

”Hello there, Rea.”

Fang Zheng greeted the long-haired girl on screen. This girl was none other than Sanhua Remi, whom Fang Zheng had brought back from the zombie world. After arriving at Heavenly Dao Palace, Rea had been in charge of Farron Xiuxiu’s work over there. From a certain standpoint, she was considered a qualified producer.

”It’s like this, I’ve got a little problem in the new world that needs dealing with, um... mainly concerning idol training. I remember Farron Xiuxiu seems to have two idols, right? Do you have time now?”

Fang Zheng wasn’t very familiar with the people of Farron Xiuxiu, but he did know they seemed to be legends or something. If Fang Zheng’s memory was correct, there should be someone at Farron Xiuxiu who used to be an idol?

”Of course, their training just concluded, please wait a moment.”

With Sanhua Remi’s words, after a moment, another two screens flashed on Fang Zheng’s sides, showing two girls in gym clothes. One had short black hair, looking lively and spirited, while the other had long silver hair tied into a ponytail, appearing somewhat introverted.

”Long time no see, Mr. Fang Zheng.”

The black-haired girl energetically greeted Fang Zheng, while the silver-haired girl respectfully bowed to him.

”Hello, Ai, Junko.”

Looking at the two girls, Fang Zheng nodded in return. The black-haired girl was Mizuno Ai, the silver-haired girl was Junko Konno. Before turning into zombies, both were considered legendary idols. Clearly, they knew much more about this field than Fang Zheng did. So Fang Zheng didn’t hesitate, quickly explaining the situation he was facing to them.

”... that’s the situation, what’s your opinion?”

After listening to Fang Zheng’s story, the two pondered for a moment, then Junko spoke first.

”So... have these kids received training?”

”I think they have.”

”My suggestion is to increase their training, enabling them to have talents that allow them to stand on their own. Only strong skills will allow them to successfully step onto the stage. This might require long-term training, but I believe it’s necessary...”

”Hmm hmm...”

Junko’s advice aligned perfectly with Fang Zheng’s thoughts, as the saying goes, ’one minute on stage requires ten years of practice’. If you can’t do anything, stepping up would just be a disaster.

However, not everyone agreed with Junko’s opinion.

”That’s old-fashioned thinking!”

Mizuno Ai clearly had a different point of view.

”It’s not like before; we’re in the information age now. The saying ’Good wine needs no bush’ no longer applies! To become an idol, what you need most is exposure and attention! I believe as long as those kids’ singing and dancing reach a passing grade, it’s enough. They should take the stage as soon as possible. Only by getting used to working as idols can they truly become idols...”

”I’ve said before your idea is wrong!”

Junko also had her reservations about this.

”To perform on stage at just this level is purely insulting to the audience! That’s not relying on skill, it’s just pandering to the audience!”

”But times are changing! What’s popular now might not be in two years!”

Watching the argument between Junko Konno and Mizuno Ai, Fang Zheng also furrowed his brows.

Actually, the disagreement was simple: Junko Konno insisted that they must possess a skill rank high enough to satisfy the audience before performing, while Mizuno Ai believed making a name was the priority.

In essence, it’s a battle between skill-based artists and popularity-driven stars.

Emotionally speaking, Fang Zheng agreed more with Junko’s view; he came from that era. In Fang Zheng’s eyes, later stars were practically weaklings, unable to sing, dance, rap, or even play basketball. They purely relied on looks, and sometimes it felt like they had nothing but their face. According to Junko, these popularity stars exist to pander to the audience, not to conquer them with their skills.

However, Fang Zheng had to admit that Mizuno Ai also had a point. In the information age, trends change like lightning, just like Jiangnan STYLE, which inexplicably became popular. For a while, it was everywhere—in public squares, supermarkets, and stores.

Then... it vanished almost without a trace after maybe a year.

Now you can’t even see it, and nobody would know if you asked.

Yet if Fang Zheng had to choose, he still felt Junko’s method was correct.

Look at AKB84. It was once a red-hot girl group, but once members went solo, they almost disappeared.

Some acted in movies, some sang, but how many of them became famous after that?

What do they have left after leaving AKB?

In the past, some Emperor Superstars could sing, dance, and act. They worked hard and practiced with sweat.

But what about current popularity stars? They may be famous for a time thanks to promoters and funding, but they lack acting skills, can’t sing, and definitely can’t dance. They can’t do anything. Even if they stay hot for a year or two, then what?

Then what?

Nobody will care.

Because by that time, there will be new-era idols, new stars, new singers.

And those who can’t keep up with the times and have no skill will be eliminated.

Although Fang Zheng’s task only allowed him a year, he had his own plans.

With the resources and funds Fang Zheng had on hand, if he wanted to promote, he could make the 765 girls household names overnight. Isn’t it just about spending money? Spend money on ads, appearances, and entertainment shows, reaching the level of Naobaijin. You don’t have to like it, as long as you know ’This holiday, no gifts...’—that would be total success.

At the very least, for the next year or two, Fang Zheng could easily form something like a BKA24 to become globally popular and complete the task without issue.

Then what?

And then nothing.

That would essentially be draining these girls’ remaining lives, letting them have less than two years of radiance, and then fade into obscurity.

What they’d do afterwards—whether getting married, changing careers, or even giving up on themselves—neither the audience nor the market would care, and capital certainly wouldn’t care.

Beautiful girls are everywhere.

There are lots of beautiful girls who want to become idols too.

And there are plenty of beautiful girls who want to be idols and can sing and dance.

If one of you goes down, there are thousands of replacements waiting. In some ways, it’s no easier than the college entrance exam.

And even more brutal.

Thinking of this, Fang Zheng had made up his mind.

”Stop arguing, you two.”

Looking at the fierce dispute between Junko Konno and Mizuno Ai, Fang Zheng spoke.

”Indeed, as Junko said, skill is important.”

Hearing this, Junko couldn’t help but smile, while Mizuno Ai frowned slightly. But before she could retort, Fang Zheng continued.

”However, we also need to consider personal wishes. Some people, if they want to stay in the entertainment industry for a lifetime, having a skill to rely on is the best choice. But maybe some just want to experience idol life... Hmm, I’ll go talk to them, ask about their thoughts, then decide.”

At this moment, Fang Zheng had a plan too. He planned to meet with these girls and ask why they wanted to become idols. If their goal was to enter the entertainment industry long-term, then Fang Zheng would arrange for them to undergo more foundational training, just like Junko said, mastering at least one professional level skill in acting, singing, or dancing.

But if they wanted to be idols to make money or for other reasons, then Mizuno Ai’s suggestion could be considered—letting this group debut early to first grab fame and market share.

Mizuno Ai and Junko Konno had no objections to this, and so, the three of them decided.