Volume One, Chapter 68: Exposure

In truth, Su Muyu wasn't particularly interested in interviews like this. Yet, when she saw the image, her curiosity was instantly piqued.

The girl in the picture looked so familiar—where had she seen her before? She had a bit of baby fat, which made her appear adorably innocent. Most importantly, beside her was a line of text.

"Editor of 'Immortal Execution': Cherry."

Cherry: "May I ask, Guoba, what inspired you to create such a cultivation novel?"

Guoba: "Our country has always had countless tales of ordinary people seeking immortality, so I wanted to write a story like that."

Cherry: "The plot of 'Immortal Execution' has now reached a phase that's hard for readers to accept. Do you plan to change the storyline?"

Guoba: "I won't change it."

...

Reading the interview, the comments below were filled with readers' lamentations.

But faced with the author's unwavering resolve, they could only accept reality. Still, many rational readers couldn't help but express their admiration.

"The plot is heartbreaking, but the writing is extraordinary. What is right, what is evil? To bear a lifelong conviction only to be betrayed by it in the end—what agony!"

"Three lifetimes, seven reincarnations, eternally cast into the underworld, all for love, never regretting even in death... I truly cried."

"Why are you so foolish? At the mouth of that ancient well, it was you I saw... That part is even more tragic..."

After finishing the interview, Su Muyu finally remembered.

This editor named Cherry was the very staff member she met when she first went to the capital to find Jiang Yu. Why was Jiang Yu chatting with her?

Suddenly struck by a thought, Su Muyu opened her social media and searched for Guoba with the flavor of roast turkey.

The post from before—"What's good to eat in Jiangxia?"—was still there, along with the reply from that restaurant. She had been curious at the time.

Jiang Yu interacted frequently with this Guoba, but the two had dined at the same restaurant without any apparent connection?

An unbelievable suspicion slowly surfaced in Su Muyu's mind.

And then there was another clue.

Just yesterday, "Immortal Execution" had an unprecedented spree of plot twists across several chapters.

This coincided perfectly with Jiang Yu's schedule for participating in the National Day parade.

One or two coincidences could be dismissed. But so many?

Su Muyu was almost certain now—Jiang Yu was the author of "Immortal Execution"!

The sudden realization made Su Muyu laugh uncontrollably. She never expected he could write such good songs, and now, such good stories—he was truly adept at keeping secrets.

But this guy actually made his novel so tragic, did he not know she was a supporter of Biyao? Next time she saw him, she would definitely make sure he paid for it.

A few days later.

After finishing a shoot, Su Muyu was resting when a hurried shout reached her ears.

"Sister Xiaoyu, something's wrong, open the door quickly!"

It was her assistant, Xiaohua.

"What happened?" Su Muyu opened the door to see Xiaohua's anxious face. "Don't panic, speak slowly."

Xiaohua held out her phone, clearly distressed. "Brother Jiang has gotten into trouble!"

Su Muyu's eyes widened as she took the phone.

A prominent trending topic was pinned to the homepage.

"#The real reason Jiang Yu withdrew from the competition is this!#"

The photo showed Jiang Yu in a dragon robe, and beside him was Su Muyu herself.

Then came a lengthy post:

"Previously, Jiang Yu said he was withdrawing for certain reasons. We thought it was something important, but it turned out he went to Hengdian to act, with Su Muyu right next to him—she must have recommended him.

Originally, we thought Jiang Yu would focus on singing, but unexpectedly he ran off to act. Are these big stars so eager to cash in as soon as they debut?

Honestly, I'm disappointed..."

When Jiang Yu temporarily left the stage, netizens were already agitated. This post only ignited their emotions further.

"Damn, never thought Jiang Yu would be this kind of person!"

"Turning from fan to hater, this is so shady. Just a bit of fame and he's already exploiting his fans?"

"Su Muyu, this isn't right. Even if Jiang Yu signed with your company, at least let him finish the competition before doing anything else! Now he's using his privilege to keep his slot while running off to act—how is this appropriate?"

"Is Su Muyu seriously infatuated with Jiang Yu? Giving him resources like this. Thought she was a cold goddess, but turns out she's chasing after a man, disgusting, so shameless?"

"Upstairs, what are you talking about? Our Su Muyu would never chase after a man like him!"

Starlight Entertainment.

Li Gang saw the news and immediately felt refreshed, looking at the staff beside him.

"Jiang Yu, you brought this on yourself! Go, add fuel to the fire!"

...

"Jiang Yu went to act—could it be because he can't write songs anymore, so he's trying to cash in while he's still popular?"

"Sounds plausible. Otherwise, why would he suddenly withdraw? Maybe he can't write anymore!"

"That must be it."

In an instant,

#JiangYu's creativity has dried up#

#JiangYu is desperate to monetize his fame#

Such trending topics flooded in, their popularity still rising.

Meanwhile.

Jiang Yu was in a meeting with his seniors, discussing the parade song.

Everyone was arguing about how the lyrics and melody should be composed.

One had to know, these were all heavyweights, none willing to back down.

Wang Xianjun.

Director of the Capital Arts Academy, renowned lyricist and composer, with another title: Chairman of the Chinese Music Association!

"Everyone, let's stop arguing. I'll propose a framework—if anyone disagrees, please share your views."

"That's fine, let Wang go first."

The others nodded in agreement.

"The song for the parade must first showcase the soldiers' demeanor, and more importantly, their spirit. You all don't disagree with that, do you?"

"Wang, you're right, but crafting such lyrics and music is very challenging. If we force it, the effect might be poor. I think the traditional military-civilian unity style works better."

The head of the Magic City Arts Troupe spoke up.

"But this is a parade! It's meant to showcase exactly those qualities. Using that style of music is too mismatched!" spoke a man in uniform. "I still agree with Wang."

He was Zhao Li, head of the Military District Cultural Troupe.

Everyone fell into argument once more.

Wang sighed, then suddenly looked at Jiang Yu, who had been quietly working at his computer.

"Xiao Jiang!"

"Yes, sir," Jiang Yu paused his typing.

"You've written songs of the caliber of 'We Soldiers,' and you're young—your mind is probably sharper than us old-timers. Would you share your thoughts?"

Everyone fell silent and turned to Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu saw the seniors' gaze and smiled.

"Seniors, I've actually had some melodies in my head these past days, and I've already worked them out. Why don't you listen to see how it sounds, and we can discuss what's lacking?"

Wang looked at the young man in surprise. When Yang He brought him in before, Wang said nothing out of respect for Yang.

He hadn't expected this young man to be so practical—while everyone argued, he'd already composed the song.

"Alright, let's hear what you've written."