Volume One, Chapter 56: The Third Recording of the Show

“What are you talking about? Chairman Li, when did you ever reach out to me?” Yan Ming played dumb, as if he knew nothing.

Usually, this show serves as a stepping stone for newcomers to gain popularity, but does Jiang Yu need that right now? On the contrary, it’s the program that’s piggybacking on his fame. Now, making him go up against Jiang Yu—that’s something only a fool would try.

Li Gang heard Yan Ming’s words and sneered coldly at this old fox. “Brother, let’s cut the nonsense. If I asked you to confront Jiang Yu outright, you’d refuse. I have a small suggestion that won’t put you in too tough a spot, and the terms remain unchanged.”

Yan Ming fell silent once more. “Brother, tell me your idea first, and I’ll consider it.”

Money, after all, always gets results.

“For the third episode, set the challenge in the form of rap.”

Since Jiang Yu’s rise to fame, he had never performed a rap song. According to the company analysts who had studied his style day and night, he wasn’t suited for rap. So Li Gang specifically requested that the next episode’s content center on rap.

When Jiang Yu gets eliminated, people won’t complain too much—after all, he doesn’t know rap and there’s nothing he can do about it.

Yan Ming thought it over. “Alright, let me think about it.”

“I’ll be waiting for your good news.” Li Gang ended the call with a sinister smile. “Jiang Yu, I refuse to believe I can’t get you this time.”

The next day, Jiang Yu slept in, arriving at the designated hotel only in the afternoon. Upon seeing him, the staff immediately ushered him respectfully into the hotel’s conference room to wait.

“Brother Yu, you’re incredible!” Liu Bin ran over as soon as he saw him.

Guo Qiang followed closely behind. “You’re something else! We haven’t seen you for a week, and the news about you is everywhere!”

Jiang Yu grinned sheepishly. “Just basic stuff, minor issues, nothing big.”

Guo Qiang gave him a look of disdain. “I can’t stand the way you show off!”

Jiang Yu just laughed.

In just over a week, Jiang Yu was now dominating the trending charts. The other contestants in the conference room looked at him with mixed expressions—especially Wang Linkai.

Before, Wang Linkai had the largest fanbase among the contestants and didn’t think much of Jiang Yu. Especially after Jiang Yu dared to challenge Starlight Entertainment, he considered him nothing more than a clown.

But now, Jiang Yu’s fanbase was catching up and even about to surpass his. Previously, each contestant had their own personal feelings—after all, they were rivals, so some hostility was inevitable.

But this time, after Jiang Yu’s return, everyone acted friendly, calling him “Brother Yu” and “Teacher Jiang.” Especially after learning their own company couldn’t do anything about Jiang Yu, Wang Linkai felt even more unsettled.

Other contestants joined the show to boost their exposure. But for Jiang Yu, the show was desperate to keep him in order to raise its own profile.

Seeing the staff’s respectful attitude, it was clear Jiang Yu’s presence was the real reason.

Yet Jiang Yu didn’t seem to care. He remembered a quote from a legendary actor in his previous life: “Before you’re famous, the world you live in seems like a different one, with every dark thing lurking around you.”

But once you’re famous, the world changes—all around you are good people. This is true not just in this industry, but throughout society.

All the staff were busy preparing the equipment. After a while, Yan Ming walked in.

He’s here! The contestants’ faces tensed.

Yan Ming scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the remarkably relaxed Jiang Yu, and smiled.

“Hello, everyone. The third episode is about to begin. You were called here early because the rules are being changed—we’re setting a new way to perform.”

“Our show is called ‘Idol for Two and a Half Years.’ Nowadays, there are countless musical styles, and among them is one with a long history.”

“Our own Mouse Treasure, Lotus Drop, Flower Song—there are so many. Yet this style was promoted abroad, so I want to use this opportunity to showcase a rap special and display our own Chinese style of rap!”

As Yan Ming finished speaking, the contestants’ expressions were varied—some looked distressed, others delighted, and Wang Linkai appeared confident.

He already knew the singing style for this round; to defeat Jiang Yu, his company had hired a professional rap lyricist for him.

Feeling smug, he glanced at Jiang Yu.

His own singing style was worlds apart from rap, and he was convinced Jiang Yu couldn’t possibly succeed this time.

But when he saw Jiang Yu’s expression, he froze.

Jiang Yu’s face showed no sign of distress—was it possible he could rap too?

Another person observing Jiang Yu was the director, Yan Ming. It wasn’t his idea to use rap; Starlight Entertainment was a giant in domestic entertainment. He wasn’t afraid, but offending them wouldn’t be wise.

He had high hopes for Jiang Yu—a talented young man—and didn’t want him eliminated. More importantly, Jiang Yu’s popularity was soaring, and the show couldn’t afford to lose such a hot topic.

Fortunately, Yan Ming could control the show. Even if Jiang Yu’s performance wasn’t great, he could ensure Jiang Yu stayed on.

Seeing Jiang Yu’s calm demeanor, he breathed a sigh of relief, finished his speech, and left.

The contestants received their number badges and headed back to their rooms.

“Brother Yu, we’re off,” Liu Bin and Guo Qiang greeted him.

“Good luck!” Jiang Yu smiled and returned to the so-called creative cabin prepared by the show.

To his surprise, the cabin was quite nice, with elegant decor that set the mood.

He flopped onto the big sofa—soft and comfortable.

Though it paled in comparison to the luxury couches at the Palace of Sandalwood, it was still decent.

Jiang Yu sat on the sofa, updated two chapters online, then lay back and took out his phone.

The corners of his lips curled into a smile.

“Yesterday, I won.”

Soon, a reply came.

Su Muyu: “I saw it. The song was beautiful. The director praised you and wants to buy it to use as the theme for his next film.”

“Are you back? Will it interfere with your acting?”

“I’ll be back in a couple days. I’ve already asked the director for leave. I’ll return the day after recording.”

“Wow, you’re so busy—do you even have time for romance?”

“Of course I do. Want to try?”

Jiang Yu’s eyes widened at this message, but she quickly withdrew it.

Seeing this little maneuver, Jiang Yu couldn’t help but laugh.

On the other side, Su Muyu’s face was unreadable, but her earlobes were already red. After thinking for a moment, she sent another message.

“By the way, do you know the author of ‘Immortal Execution’?”

Jiang Yu paused. “I sort of know him. Why?”

“Could you tell him he hasn’t updated today?”

“…Wow, that’s a new way to push for updates.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by a voice: “Jiang Yu, it’s me, Yan Ming.”

“Oh, Director Yan, just a moment.”

Jiang Yu quickly typed: “The director’s here, probably something important. Let’s talk later, bye.”

He got up and opened the door.

Yan Ming entered alone.

“Brother, I hope I’m not disturbing your songwriting?”

Jiang Yu smiled and shook his head. “No, Director Yan, what brings you here?”

Yan Ming was silent for a moment, then looked up. “About the theme I set this time—are you confident?”

Jiang Yu was puzzled. Why was the director suddenly asking him that?

“Director Yan, did something happen?”

Yan Ming sighed. “I came to apologize.”

He had just agreed to Li Gang’s request yesterday, but had already decided to lay everything bare to Jiang Yu—not only because he couldn’t bear to see such a talented young man eliminated, but even more because Jiang Yu’s popularity was too valuable to lose.

Jiang Yu was even more confused.

Yan Ming sighed gently and revealed part of the truth. “Brother, I’m sorry. In this industry, sometimes you really have no choice.”

“But don’t worry, I absolutely won’t let you be eliminated.”

Jiang Yu laughed—so that’s what this was about. Li Gang really wouldn’t give up. It was just rap, after all.

His attitude remained unchanged; he’d simply overwhelm them with superior skill!

“Director Yan, it’s fine. Don’t worry—I’m ready. The song is already prepared!”