Volume One, Chapter 50: The National Daily’s Commendation

At first, this song was only circulated among active and retired soldiers. After all, it resonated deeply with them. They began sharing it spontaneously, and its popularity soared. Even those who had little interest in military songs grew curious and clicked to listen.

They discovered that the singer was Jiang Yu from "Idol: Two and a Half Years." This revelation sent shockwaves through the internet. Jiang Yu had recently been under attack from fervent fan groups, already enjoying intense attention. Now, his popularity reached its peak.

#Genius Singer Jiang Yu Pays Tribute to Soldiers—We Who Serve

The fan girls, upon hearing the news, were beside themselves with anger. Having just finished berating him, they now saw him performing at the Army Day Gala. Yet, a song radiating positive energy for soldiers was something they dared not criticize outright. They could only offer token complaints.

"Why is someone like Jiang Yu, who doesn't respect his teachers, allowed on such a show?"
"Jiang Yu really isn't worthy. I hope the production cuts his scenes."
"Hilarious, do you even realize this gala is live? If there were a real issue, he'd be pulled instantly. Maybe go back to school before you start ranting online?"

...

Just then, a prominent influencer unexpectedly liked the post and shared Jiang Yu’s performance video, accompanied by a photo of a border guard. All the abuse stopped immediately.

"National Daily": In uniform, a hero for life; iron-blooded tenderness never betrays, a man of seven feet stands worthy before heaven and earth, only owing to wife, children, parents. Yet for the nation's land, one must defend to the death, yielding not an inch. Through myriad storms, still upholding the backbone of the people. The song is beautiful—keep it up!

...

"Wait, am I seeing this right? 'National Daily' actually liked Jiang Yu's post!"
"Whoa, Brother Yu is amazing!"
"Where are the haters now? Why so silent?"

After finishing an excited call with Su Ling, Jiang Yu glanced at the news about "We Who Serve" online and pondered for a moment. Holding his phone, he dialed a number. He wanted to share this good news with her first.

"Hello." A pleasant voice came through the receiver.

Jiang Yu coughed twice: "It’s me. I’ve been busy lately, didn’t call you. Are you tired from filming?"

On the other end, Su Muyu curved her lips into a smile: "Not too tired, I’m used to it."

"Today, 'National Daily' liked my post."

"Yes, I know. Aunt called me."

"Aunt mentioned your current project is a historical drama."

"Yes, it’s called 'Son of Qin.'"

"I heard from Aunt. Thank you." Jiang Yu scratched his nose.

Su Muyu didn’t say much, but Su Ling had told him everything. Su Muyu was helping Jiang Yu by filming for two days, while Jiang Yu hadn’t even called her once. She was venting her niece's grievance.

"No need to thank me." Su Muyu's lips curved into a graceful arc.

Just then, a commotion sounded outside.

"Professor Sun, you’re asking too much. One million for a theme song, plus three percent of future earnings? I really can’t accept this price!"

"I’m just stating my terms. Whether you accept them is your decision."

"How about five hundred thousand, and 0.3 percent of the earnings? How does that sound?"

"Director Liu, you slashed my price by ten times. Is this how you negotiate?"

Jiang Yu overheard the argument through Su Muyu's phone.

"What’s happening over there?"

"Director Liu Wenwei is negotiating with Sun Tao, the theme song producer."

Sun Tao was a renowned music producer and songwriter in the industry. Many of his works had been adapted into TV dramas, especially famous for martial arts genres. His theme songs and lyrics fit perfectly with martial arts and historical productions.

"Theme song? You’ve just started filming, and you already need a theme song?"

"Our project has a smaller budget. To recoup funds quickly, the director is going with a weekly release. We’re shooting the first ten episodes to buy time, then filming and airing simultaneously, so the theme song needs to be finalized. Director Liu Wenwei is feeling the pressure—this could affect the show’s broadcast."

As she spoke, Su Muyu’s tone carried a hint of worry. For an actor, naturally, she hoped the drama wouldn’t be affected.

Jiang Yu smiled and thought for a moment. "If it’s possible, I could help you produce the theme song."

Of course! Su Muyu was confident—when it came to songwriting, no one could match him.

"I’ll send you the script to look over."

"Alright."

Jiang Yu sat by his computer and began reading the script. The call remained connected. The script mainly told the story of the First Emperor’s youthful romance.

After finishing, a song immediately came to Jiang Yu’s mind.

"How is it? Is it easy to write?" Su Muyu asked expectantly.

Jiang Yu smiled. "Very easy. Just give me a moment."

After hanging up, Jiang Yu began rummaging through his backpack.

"Found it."

Soon, a smile appeared on his face.

This song was originally written as the opening for another historical drama, but since he had no plans to film that particular story, it would be perfect to use here!

He tidied up the lyrics and melody, took a cab to the studio, and recorded a demo.

He packaged everything and sent it to Su Muyu.

Barely ten minutes later, Su Muyu called via video.

"Don’t tell me you just wrote this song!"

Her eyes were filled with shock. She had sent him the script only two hours earlier, and he had already composed such a song. She was an actor and didn’t know much about music, but as the lead, she knew the story intimately. Listening to Jiang Yu’s sample, she was certain that no other song could fit the drama better.

If he claimed to have written it earlier, she wouldn’t believe it. That meant Jiang Yu had just composed it.

"Yes, it took me half an hour to write, and an hour and a half to record," Jiang Yu replied calmly.

Su Muyu was silent.

Half an hour to write such a perfectly fitting song—he was extraordinary.

Even though she had boundless confidence in Jiang Yu’s talent, to have finished it in half an hour was astounding, even to her.

After the shock faded, Su Muyu was thrilled.

Handsome, talented—he was the man she had chosen.

"I’ll go talk to the director."

Su Muyu ended the call and, holding Jiang Yu’s demo, went directly to Director Liu Wenwei.

At that moment, Liu Wenwei was still negotiating with Sun Tao.

"Professor Sun, can’t we discuss the price a bit more?" Liu Wenwei’s expression was tense.

Sun Tao was indeed the top producer for such songs, but his demands were excessive.

And he was only providing lyrics and melody—next, they’d have to find a singer.

Most crucially, the drama would air immediately after filming, with a tight schedule and heavy tasks.

Sun Tao seemed to know this, opening with a steep price.

Liu Wenwei was furious. Usually, a theme song cost only several hundred thousand, at most a million. Now Sun Tao wanted money and a share—there was no such precedent.

But he couldn’t refuse outright. If the theme song delayed the release, the losses would be even greater.

Liu Wenwei suppressed his anger and fell silent.

Sun Tao, meanwhile, sipped his tea, confident and unhurried.

As the two faced off, Su Muyu spoke.

"Director Liu, I have a song here—would you like to listen?"