Volume 1, Chapter 121: Surrounded by Reporters

After Jiang Yu stepped off the stage, he found Su Muyu and intended to offer an apology.

However, Su Muyu pulled him into his seat and smiled, "Is this song called 'Rise'? It's wonderful."

Hearing her words, Jiang Yu curled his lips into a smile. "Thank you for the compliment."

He then sat back down.

Yang Weiwei turned her head and said, "Jiang Yu, you’re too bold. Aren't you afraid of being blacklisted?"

"I don't mind. If it comes to that, I'll just use this face to live off a woman," Jiang Yu chuckled. "But what about you? I'll refund your money later. It seems those two songs won't be usable now."

"What are you talking about? You think I’d take back something I’ve already given?" Yang Weiwei looked unbothered. "Don't panic. I’m definitely using your songs. Besides, my studio is registered under the Huayue banner, so I’m totally fine! Right, Old Zhou?"

"That's right!"

Zhou Muren, sitting nearby, looked excited.

Having been in the industry for so many years, his heart had long since grown numb, but after seeing Jiang Yu today, a spark of excitement suddenly ignited within him.

"Brother, that was legendary! The lyrics were absolute perfection. I must collaborate with you at least once."

Jiang Yu turned his head, looking a bit surprised. "Brother Zhou, Sister Weiwei is fine because her studio is under Huayue, but if you use my songs, you'll be affected, won't you?"

Zhou Muren scoffed. "I run an independent studio, too. They can't touch me. Plus, many of my friends also run independent studios; they saw me talking to you earlier and have been asking for your contact info to commission songs."

"Wow, aren't they afraid of being implicated?"

"Who cares about them? Good composers and lyricists are so rare these days. Now that we've finally found one, who wouldn't be tempted?"

"Haha, if you have any needs, I’ll certainly cooperate."

Hearing this, Zhou Muren nodded with satisfaction, but then sighed. "However, little brother, I just received screenshots from my friends. Those entertainment companies really are uniting to target you. It seems you won't be seeing any more award nominations in the future."

Jiang Yu shook his head. "Brother, do you think I care about those awards? Honestly, they want to blacklist me? I’m the one who should be blacklisting them!"

As they were chatting, the host on stage struggled to finish the closing remarks.

And so, this year's Chinese Golden Melody Awards concluded on this dramatic note.

The group left the venue.

Once outside, Yang Weiwei looked puzzled. "Huh? Where is everyone? Why is it so quiet this time?"

Zhou Muren looked left and right as well. "I don't know. I've attended so many events, but this is the first time I've encountered something like this."

The other celebrity attendees were also looking around, as if searching for something.

Jiang Yu asked curiously, "Brother, Sister Weiwei, what are you two looking for?"

"Reporters," Yang Weiwei replied. "Usually, there are always tons of them at the entrance."

According to past experiences, once an awards ceremony ended and the stars walked out, they would be swarmed by reporters.

Award winners, nominees, and even those who went home empty-handed would become the focus of interviews.

While celebrities often pretended to dislike reporters, they were actually quite happy to be interviewed; after all, it was an excellent opportunity for exposure. Who wouldn't want that?

But today, there wasn't a single reporter in sight outside the door.

"Maybe they went to the restroom. Brother Zhou, Sister Weiwei, we’ll be heading off then!"

After Jiang Yu and Su Muyu said their goodbyes, they walked toward their business van.

Suddenly, a massive shout reached their ears.

"Jiang Yu is out!"

The next moment, Jiang Yu felt a blur before his eyes. Before he could react, a dense crowd surrounded them, pinning even Su Muyu inside the circle.

"Close the gaps! Don't let him get away!"

A voice rang out from the crowd; it was impossible to tell which reporter had shouted it.

Jiang Yu was dumbfounded, instinctively pulling Su Muyu into his arms to protect her.

No wonder there was no one at the door; the reporters had all run over to his van to ambush him!

Seeing this, the reporters began snapping photos frantically.

Jiang Yu holding Su Muyu—that was another huge headline.

Previously, who won what, who was nominated, and who went home empty-handed were considered valuable news, but in the face of today's Jiang Yu, that was all worthless.

Interviewing those other stars always resulted in boilerplate answers—what was the fun in that?

Jiang Yu, this force of nature, was the one they truly wanted to interview!

Talented, arrogant enough, and daring to go head-to-head with capital.

The reporters absolutely loved him!

"Mr. Jiang, as the most gifted singer today, how does it feel to go home empty-handed? Do you feel any regret?"

"Mr. Jiang, the song 'Rise' you performed today was amazing. Was it written specifically for these Golden Melody Awards? What is the meaning behind it?"

"Mr. Jiang, this year's top award went to an English song. What is your take on that?"

"Mr. Jiang, would you mind commenting briefly on your relationship with the 'National Goddess,' the ethereal beauty Su Muyu?"

...

The reporters scrambled to shout their questions.

Jiang Yu felt a headache coming on. His ears were ringing with a constant buzz, and microphones were being shoved almost into his nostrils.

It seemed he wouldn't be able to leave without answering a few questions.

"Quiet, everyone!"

Jiang Yu shouted, pushing the reporters back slightly. "Stop crowding! I’ll give you five questions. One at a time, or no one gets a chance! Unless you plan on prying my mouth open!"

The shout worked.

The frenzied reporters gradually settled down, forming a slightly more spacious circle around Jiang Yu.

"Start asking!" Jiang Yu sighed.

"Zzzzt, zzzzt." Various recording devices were whipped out.

My goodness, what a setup!

A young female reporter stepped forward first. "Mr. Jiang, you instinctively hugged Su Muyu just now. Are you two in a romantic relationship?"

When this question was thrown out, every reporter’s eyes lit up. This was a good one—it cut straight to the point!

Jiang Yu shook his head. "No. Su Muyu and I are artists from the same company and former classmates, so we’re naturally quite close. I didn't have a partner for the gala, so I invited her."

It wasn't that Jiang Yu didn't dare to say it, but they hadn't officially established a relationship yet. If the day came when they did, and with Su Muyu’s consent, he would admit it without hesitation!

"A flawless answer, how cunning," the reporters cursed inwardly. This information was all public, so no one could challenge it.

"Mr. Jiang, you previously mentioned you were going to hold a concert. Could you disclose the specific time?"

Jiang Yu smiled. "The venue is chosen, and it’s happening this month. I hope everyone will come to show your support."

For the third and fourth questions, Jiang Yu stuck to his template.

Seeing that they couldn't get any valuable information, the reporters began to panic.

For someone of such high profile, failing to get a scoop meant they were incompetent.

After exchanging looks, the reporters cautiously took out their phones.

"Fifth question, Mr. Jiang. After you performed 'Rise' during the exit segment of the Golden Melody Awards, we received news that many entertainment companies are uniting to boycott and blacklist you!"

"Could you share your thoughts on them blacklisting you?"