Volume 1, Chapter 116: Pardon me, who are you referring to?

The time for the awards ceremony was drawing near.

The once-empty venue gradually filled with people.

The more high-profile the guest, the closer their seat was to the front. Yang Weiwei, someone of her stature, was seated in the front row.

Surprisingly, Jiang Yu’s seat was in the second row.

Such treatment was rare for a newcomer.

Su Muyu sat beside Jiang Yu.

“Wow, not a bad spot,” Yang Weiwei remarked with some surprise, though it seemed reasonable.

Jiang Yu wore a displeased expression. “Why am I stuck in the second row?”

“Count your blessings. You’ve only been in the industry for five months. Some who've been around for over a decade don’t even get seats that close!”

Seeing Jiang Yu’s dissatisfaction, Su Muyu smiled softly and tugged at his shirt, offering some comfort.

With Su Muyu’s reassurance, Jiang Yu smiled faintly and settled down calmly.

At that moment, a mature-looking man with a beard approached and sat beside them.

“Weiwei, you’re here! Oh, Muyu’s with you? Why are you both in the second row?”

“Zhou Gewang!” Yang Weiwei greeted the middle-aged man warmly.

Upon hearing Zhou Gewang’s words, Su Muyu smiled and said, “I’m not really from the music circle. Getting a second-row seat is already great. These musicians are the real stars tonight.”

Zhou Muren was a veteran singing king in China, famous for over twenty years and immensely popular with audiences.

Zhou Muren noticed Jiang Yu, who had been watching him from the back row, and smiled broadly.

“So this is the company’s new signing, Jiang Yu. Handsome fellow. I’ve been hearing good things about you lately. You’re truly talented. Maybe we can collaborate sometime?”

Zhou Muren’s tone was full of goodwill. Although Jiang Yu didn’t know him personally, he returned the smile and replied, “It’s an honor. Zhou Gewang, if you ever need anything, just let me know.”

“I’ll hold you to that! Ha ha ha.”

Jiang Yu laughed as well. Their conversation grew increasingly engaging, and the formal title “Zhou Gewang” soon gave way to the more casual “Brother Zhou.”

Zhou Muren even began introducing Jiang Yu to his friends nearby.

Upon learning that this young man was Jiang Yu, everyone showed their friendliness.

“Xiao Jiang, you’re not quite like the rumors say.”

“What do you mean?”

“People assumed someone who writes songs like ‘Don’t Bite Me’ and ‘I’m Not a Rapper’ would have a fiery temper and flip tables at the slightest disagreement.”

“Brother Zhou, you don’t know the half of it. I’m mostly just on the defensive and usually too lazy to even bother with them.”

In the entertainment industry, whether film or music, who are the most popular?

Talented people!

Jiang Yu, who had written so many great songs, naturally received much admiration.

But because of his reputation for a hot temper, many hesitated to approach him.

Now, seeing Zhou Muren chatting so comfortably with Jiang Yu, others began to step forward and greet him.

He was the hottest prodigy singer. Making friends with him might even lead to a collaboration.

Finally, the host took the stage, signaling the ceremony was about to begin, and the crowd slowly dispersed.

Jiang Yu returned to his seat.

“Little brother, you’re quite popular,” Yang Weiwei teased.

“It’s all the seniors being kind to me,” Jiang Yu replied, then glanced at Su Muyu. “Brother Zhou is really nice. You two seem pretty familiar?”

Hearing this, Yang Weiwei couldn’t help but laugh.

Su Muyu rolled her eyes. “Zhou Muren is also from Huayue Entertainment.”

“Ah?” Jiang Yu looked puzzled. “Then how come I’ve never seen him?”

“He set up his own studio, so he rarely appears at the company.”

“Oh, that explains it.”

Jiang Yu suddenly understood why Zhou Muren had been so courteous.

Huayue Entertainment was truly one of China’s top ten entertainment companies, boasting such figures among their ranks.

After the host finished announcing the advertisements and schedule, the first segment began: interviews.

The interviewees were mainly those in the front row.

They were either seasoned veterans or top young stars, and their words would add buzz to the ceremony.

One by one, those in the front row were interviewed, with their answers displayed on the big screen.

Finally, it was Zhou Gewang’s turn.

The host smiled warmly at him. “Zhou Gewang, congratulations on having multiple nominations. I have a question: with so many nominees this year, which one are you rooting for the most?”

Zhou Gewang’s status made him a mentor to most in attendance; only he could be asked such a question without offending others.

Zhou Gewang smiled and looked into the camera. “Everyone here is already outstanding just by being nominated. There’s a flourishing of talent, each with their own strengths. Even I find it hard to say who is the best.”

He paused.

“But recently, our company signed a young man whose songs I’ve listened to in full. His talent is astonishing. So, I choose Jiang Yu. Don’t be fooled by his newcomer status—many of his works are nominated!”

Everyone present knew who Jiang Yu was.

At that moment, the camera focused on him.

On screen, Jiang Yu was turned slightly, chatting with Su Muyu.

Although Su Muyu wasn’t looking at him, her red lips moved, clearly saying something.

The crowd fell silent for a moment. Su Muyu seemed to notice the camera on Jiang Yu and quickly tugged at his sleeve.

Only then did Jiang Yu realize he was on camera.

Fans watching the live stream erupted in excitement.

“Oh my, that little gesture was way too cute!”

“Confirmed! They said they had no relationship, but that little move was so natural. Do you really expect me to believe they’re not involved?”

“I almost ate my words earlier. I said it was just a matter of time before the paparazzi exposed them. I’ll stick to my words: if they’re not together, I’ll eat dirt!”

“To the one upstairs: I said eat it if you want. Don’t hold back. By the way, I took a screenshot!”

Jiang Yu scratched his head.

The host handed the microphone to Jiang Yu. “Teacher Jiang Yu, you heard how highly Zhou Gewang praised you just now. Do you think you’ll win the grand prize this time?”

Jiang Yu stood up. “Of course I think it’s mine. Don’t all the nominees want that award for themselves?”

“That’s right. Everyone hopes to take home the grand prize!” The host smiled. “By the way, Teacher Jiang Yu, Wang Linkai, who competed with you on ‘Idol Two and a Half Years,’ also has a nominated song. Who do you think will win?”

Su Muyu’s brow furrowed upon hearing the question. The host was clearly stirring trouble.

No matter how Jiang Yu answered, it would affect him to some degree—not much, but like a fly: it doesn’t bite you but still annoys you.

Jiang Yu blinked, then looked at the host’s radiant smile and scratched his head. “Sorry, it’s been a while—I might have forgotten, who did you say that was?”