Volume One, Chapter 63: I’m Sorry, You’ve Been Defiled

"You're not joking?" In the Huayue Entertainment office, Su Ling stared at Su Muyu in shock.

The news was so astonishing that she couldn't digest it all at once.

"It should be true." Su Muyu's face held a faint, serene smile.

Su Ling was beside herself with excitement. "That kid is incredible! Counting from his debut, it's barely been two months, and he's already participating in something this big!"

"He called and said he might not be able to join 'Idol Two and a Half Years' anymore. The promised first place might not be his."

"Oh, 'Idol Two and a Half Years'? What is that, really? How can it compare?" Su Ling dismissed it without concern. "It's nothing. I'll personally call Yan Ming to withdraw. It's just a talent show. Does Jiang Yu really need such things?"

With that, she took out her phone.

"Hello, Old Yan? Jiang Yu may not be able to participate in the upcoming episodes."

"Yes, yes, he's got something very important."

"As for timing, I can't say for sure. It might be as short as a week, or as long as a month."

Su Ling wasn't exaggerating; after all, National Day was just over a month away.

"The specifics are confidential."

"Really? That's wonderful. If he can keep his spot, that would be best."

"Of course, we'll cooperate with the announcement."

After hanging up, Su Ling grinned. "Done! Yan Ming actually agreed to reserve a place for Jiang Yu."

Su Muyu's lips curled ever so slightly. Jiang Yu's reputation had already surpassed the program itself; naturally, Yan Ming wanted to keep someone with such buzz.

"That kid is really something. Opportunities like this aren't even available to the top stars."

"But the pressure will be immense," Su Muyu said, a hint of worry flickering in her eyes. "I wonder if he can handle it."

"Don't worry, he'll be fine. Aren't you the one who trusts him most?" Su Ling said with a smile.

Su Muyu thought for a moment. "Aunt, I remember Director Chen called to invite me for an audition?"

"Yes, but you didn't have time the other day, so we're still scheduling."

"Then let him know I'll go to Beijing tomorrow for the audition."

Su Ling looked amused. "Just say you want to see Jiang Yu—don't pretend it's about the audition."

"I'm going to Beijing for the audition. If time permits, I'll visit him," Su Muyu replied, face calm, voice steady.

Su Ling gave her a look of disdain. "Keep playing tough. Fine, I'll contact Director Chen today, ask Director Liu for a few days off for you, and help Jiang Yu issue the announcement."

That day,

"Idol Two and a Half Years" suddenly released an announcement:

[Due to unavoidable circumstances, contestant Jiang Yu will not participate in the next episode's recording. Considering all factors, the production team has decided to reserve Jiang Yu's spot for advancement, and we look forward to his return to the stage.]

At the same time, Huayue Entertainment posted an official statement:

[Our artist Jiang Yu will temporarily leave "Idol Two and a Half Years" due to certain reasons. Fans need not worry; after matters are resolved, he will return to the stage.]

The moment the production team issued the announcement, the internet erupted.

"What, Jiang Yu got blacklisted?"

"Probably not. See, the team said they're keeping his spot. If he were blacklisted, they wouldn't say that."

"Then what's happening? Is it Star Entertainment?"

"I really don't understand some people's values. Jiang Yu withdrew, yet the show is keeping his spot. Isn't that unfair to the other contestants?"

"Exactly! If you're out, just leave cleanly. Keeping the spot—who are you trying to disgust?"

"To the two above, aren't you mad? Right now, Jiang Yu is so influential that the production team has to reserve his spot. You're angry, but there's nothing you can do."

The comment section became sharply divided.

Star Entertainment Building.

"Dad, did you see? Jiang Yu is temporarily leaving the show." Li Jiang rushed in.

"What did you say?" Li Gang was stunned for a moment, then opened the web page, seeing the news trending.

"What is that kid up to?"

"No idea, I just got the news myself," Li Jiang replied.

Li Gang took a sip of tea, pondering. "Go, contact that guy Li Hao and find out what's going on."

Li Jiang nodded, pulling out his phone to inquire.

After hanging up,

"Dad, Li Hao doesn't know the details either, only that the kid went to the capital."

"He went to the capital?" Li Gang mused again. "Could it be for the National Day gala?"

"Impossible. We usually receive invitations for such galas, and none have been sent yet. It shouldn't be this early."

Li Jiang speculated, "Maybe he can't write any new songs, so he went to the capital to buy music from a composer, but hit a wall, so he's stalling for time by temporarily quitting the show?"

Hearing his son's analysis, Li Gang pondered further.

"Keep digging. I'll ask Yan Ming myself."

Li Jiang nodded and left the office, heading to the girl group practice room.

Meanwhile,

Jiang Yu sat in his room. He knew he wouldn't have time to update for a while, so he hoped to copy as much as possible in the next two days.

Just then, an unmarked call came in.

Jiang Yu didn't think much of it. He'd met many people recently, likely a staff member, so he answered.

"Hello, is this Jiang Yu?"

A woman's voice, oddly familiar. "Hello, who is this?"

His polite reply made the caller's heart tremble.

"It's me, Zhao Yiyi...."

"Bad luck!"

Beep—beep—beep....

He hung up! He hung up!

Zhao Yiyi was stunned. They had only broken up a little over a month ago. She couldn't accept how fast Jiang Yu's attitude had changed toward her.

But what stung even more was how much Jiang Yu had achieved since debuting.

If she'd known he'd reach such heights, she would never have broken up with him.

After all, Jiang Yu used to love her so much.

Unwilling to give up, she dialed his number again and again, and after several rejections, finally got through.

A voice full of impatience came from the other end.

"Zhao Yiyi, are you sick? Why do you keep harassing me?"

Zhao Yiyi forced herself to swallow her grievances. "Jiang Yu, you weren't like this before. Can't we talk properly?"

"Who are you? Why should I talk to you?"

"Jiang Yu, I know you're still angry. I don't blame you. Where are you now? Can we meet? I just want to know how you've been lately."

"What does that have to do with you?"

"Jiang Yu, I'm sorry, truly sorry. Can't we go back to how things were?"

Three words came from the other end.

"Sorry, you're filthy."

Beep—beep—beep—beep...