Volume One, Chapter 69: The Anthem of the Parade

Jiang Yu tapped a few times on the computer.
As the prelude began, everyone present felt a tightening in their scalp.
Snare drums, bass drums, trombones, trumpets—an array of instruments intertwined.
What a grand composition.
The sound swelled higher and higher.
Everyone’s eyes shone with excitement.
At that moment, Jiang Yu suddenly began to sing.

“Forward, our youthful vigor is fierce, showing our edge, shaking tigers and wolves.”
“Forward, our footsteps are resolute, through wind and rain, I stand tall with my chest out!”
“Forward, our blood runs hot, bearing mission and responsibility upon our shoulders.”
“Forward, the iron flow surges forward, riding the wind and waves, our might reverberates in all directions, unstoppable!”

...

A sharp intake of breath rippled through the room; Wang Xianjun felt his scalp tingle at Jiang Yu’s singing, and the others’ faces lit up with delight. They sat up straight, closed their eyes, and listened intently to the song.

“We light the dawn of peace.”
“We guard the well-being of the people.”
“Our heroic spirit soars, traversing the battlefield.”
“Let us forge new glory anew!”

As the song entered the chorus, the light in their eyes grew ever brighter.
Looking at Jiang Yu, their admiration was impossible to conceal.
Previously, some had looked down on Jiang Yu, after all, he was so young—even if he had written a few good songs, so what? Here, who didn’t have a handful of masterpieces?
But the moment this song appeared, their attitudes changed.
A talented, capable person commands respect anywhere.

“Look to the land, the god of war blooms in furious splendor!”
“Look to the warriors, their hands gripping steel rifles!”
“Look to the people, gathering to build iron walls and copper ramparts.”
“With victory, let us continue to write new glory!”

...

At this point, Jiang Yu voluntarily cut off the audio.

“This is pretty much the song. Do the esteemed seniors have any suggestions?”

It took several seconds before everyone came out of the shock the song delivered.

“The rhythm is sharp and crisp, the lyrics are invigorating!”
“What a song! This is excellent!”

“Indeed, it’s perfect, this is the most suitable song!”
These were titans of the music world, their standards were high. As for those popular singers, they didn’t even bother to look.
They hadn’t expected much from Jiang Yu’s lyrics and music. Popular singers—how many truly sing well?
But out of respect for Yang and Yu Zhiwei, who had praised Jiang Yu so highly, they wanted to give the young man a chance to showcase himself, and then point out his flaws, perhaps help correct the current trend among popular singers.
Yet, this song stunned all the elders.

“The melody is powerful and forceful, it embodies the military spirit!”
“Yes, it perfectly expresses the military ethos. It’s been so long since we’ve heard a song of this caliber!”
Wang Xianjun was visibly moved: “Young Jiang, impressive. I looked up your profile online—people say you’re a genius singer, and I didn’t believe it. Those so-called stars should really learn what a true good singer is!”
“So, shall we settle this?”
“Alright, we’ll use this song!”
“No problem! I agree.”

Jiang Yu smiled: “Thank you, teachers. I’ll send you all the score and lyrics.”

“It’s us who should thank you, for letting us finish our task so quickly!” Wang Xianjun beamed. “Next, we’ll put our all into producing this song. By the way, does it have a name? Have you decided?”

Jiang Yu nodded slightly, his gaze resolute: “I have. It’ll be called ‘March of the Iron Torrent.’”

“Iron Torrent?” Everyone’s eyes lit up.

“It’s settled, then—‘March of the Iron Torrent’!” Wang Xianjun, brimming with excitement, made the decision on the spot and took out his phone.

“Boss, the song is finished.”
“No, it wasn’t written by us, but by a young man named Jiang Yu. This kid is incredible.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yu stepped forward: “Mr. Wang, it was a collective effort…”

But Zhao Li from the Song and Dance Troupe gently held him back, smiling kindly: “Young Jiang, credit is yours. We old folks have no need for such things.”

Wang Xianjun was still on the phone.

“Yes, he did it all alone.”
“Alright, we’ll speed up production!”

After hanging up, he looked at Jiang Yu: “Excellent, excellent. The future of Chinese music is secure. Young man, keep working hard, keep creating works like this. If you ever need anything, come to us. We old-timers are your solid backing!”

Looking at the seniors, Jiang Yu felt a surge of admiration.
These were the true veterans!

...

At this moment.

Huayue Entertainment.

Su Ling was still scrambling for damage control.

Because of a paparazzo, Jiang Yu was being heavily criticized online, and someone was clearly fanning the flames behind the scenes.

More crucially, several days had passed since the news broke, and Jiang Yu hadn’t issued any clarification.

This only made the already irritable netizens even more furious.

At Huayue Entertainment.

“Paparazzi are damnable!”
In the office, Su Ling looked at the latest online posts, cursing angrily.
The internet was still awash with insults.

“Jiang Yu, a person should have virtue. An immoral artist like you should leave the entertainment industry.”
“That’s right. Got a little fame, now you want to milk fans? Go to hell!”
“In the end, is it because you can’t write new songs that you switched to acting? Has your well run dry?”

Modern netizens are like this—they don’t know the facts, yet vent at will.

“Hurry, deploy all the company’s social media teams!”

Su Ling, furious, gave instructions for the next steps.

“Auntie.”

“Xiao Yu, why are you back?” Su Ling looked up at the voice—it was Su Muyu.

“How’s the situation?”
Su Muyu didn’t answer Su Ling’s question, but went straight to hers.

“Someone online is deliberately stirring things up, it’s having a big impact on Jiang Yu.” Su Ling frowned.

Su Muyu saw her aunt’s worried expression: “I’ve already called Director Chen. He’s willing to help Jiang Yu clarify.”

“That’s right!” Su Ling slapped her forehead. “I almost forgot about Director Chen. Next time I see him, I must thank him. That should resolve things, right?”

Su Muyu shook her head: “That’s not enough. Public opinion doesn’t die down so easily. So what do we do?”

“So what do we do?”

Su Muyu smiled: “It’s alright. I’m going to post a clarification on Weibo.”

“That won’t do!” Su Ling immediately objected. “You’re already involved in this, if you speak up now, you’ll get into even more trouble!”

Indeed, Su Muyu was already caught up in it; the paparazzo’s photo had included her as well.

If she spoke out now, it would only make things worse.

Su Muyu knew exactly what consequences would follow if she spoke up.

But she didn’t care. With a stubborn look, she said, “It doesn’t matter. I’ve thought it through. It’s nothing to me, but seeing others treat him like this makes me unhappy.”

Su Ling was momentarily at a loss for words. When had she ever seen her niece act this way?

She sighed silently—what luck that boy had, to win the heart of her cherished niece like this.

“Silly girl, I’m not worth it.”

At that moment, a voice drifted into the room.

“Jiang Yu?”