Volume One, Chapter 89: Returning Once More to "Idol Two and a Half Years"

After hosting a small celebration party, Jiang Yu turned to Su Muyu. “When does ‘Idol: Two and a Half Years’ start filming? Weren’t you going to have me throw a farewell party?”

“In the next couple of days,” Su Muyu answered with a bright smile. “Yan Ming just called me yesterday and insisted I bring you back.”

“That guy’s not being straight with me, going out of his way to tell you that.” Jiang Yu curled his lip. “Just talk money with me!”

Su Muyu’s expression went flat. “Yes, of course. Money matters more than I do.”

Su Ling, who had been about to take a bite, paused mid-air and couldn’t help but laugh. She hadn’t expected this side of her niece.

Jiang Yu’s heart gave a little jolt at that, and he coughed. “No, what I meant was, this is such a small matter, you didn’t need to step in yourself. It’s like using a cannon to swat a mosquito. If it’s your show, I’d run over without being asked!”

Hearing this, Su Muyu couldn’t help but let a smile tug at her lips.

“You really know how to play it!” Su Ling quietly gave him a thumbs-up.

Seeing Su Muyu smile, Jiang Yu finally felt his heart settle back into his chest.

“By the way, Director Chen has been waiting for you to start filming. What do you think?” Su Ling asked after swallowing a bite.

Jiang Yu shook his head. “Maybe I should pass. I’m really exhausted lately, and now I need to record the show, too. I don’t want to hold up his schedule. Plus, my parents called—they said since graduation I’ve been working nonstop and haven’t been home. I want to go back and visit for a bit.”

“That’s true. You should go home for a while,” Su Ling nodded. “But Director Chen mentioned several times that he wants to wait for you, and his project still needs a month of prep. If you don’t have other commitments then, as your boss and manager, I suggest you consider it.”

“All right!” Jiang Yu suddenly remembered something. “Speaking of commitments, Aunt, have any shows approached me recently?”

“Didn’t you just say you wanted a break?”

“Well, here’s the thing…” Jiang Yu looked a bit embarrassed and explained how his parents wanted to see him on TV, and why he didn’t want them watching his previous show.

Su Ling laughed so hard she could barely straighten up, and even Su Muyu clutched her stomach, giggling.

Jiang Yu looked wounded. Was it really that funny?

“You’re pretty self-aware!” Su Ling rubbed her belly, still grinning.

Every stunt Jiang Yu had pulled so far had turned out fine in the end, but she’d always been nervous for half a day each time.

After the laughter faded, Su Ling sat up straight. “Actually, there is a show that wants you.”

“What show?”

“Rap Star of Huaxia.”

“What?” Jiang Yu looked baffled. “What do they want me for, to go head-to-head with those rappers?”

Su Ling couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s because you sang ‘Rivers and Mountains’. They don’t want you as a contestant, but as a mentor.”

“A mentor?” Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, there are seven mentors in total.”

“So I’m just a mentor?”

“They might want you to perform a rap, too,” Su Ling considered. “They’re offering five hundred thousand per episode, and you might get extra for sponsor promos, plus more if you sing. You get paid separately for the performance.”

“No need to say more, I’m in. When does it start?”

“After the National Day holiday. The mentors have a lighter schedule at first—the contestants go through the initial rounds.”

“Perfect. Once I finish filming ‘Idol: Two and a Half Years’, I can rest for a few days and go home.” Jiang Yu leaned back on the sofa, stretching to reveal his perfectly sculpted abs.

“Well, someone’s in good shape!” Su Ling teased, then looked at Su Muyu. “Xiaoyu, aren’t you going to check it out for yourself?”

Su Muyu was drinking water and nearly choked at the suggestion.

Jiang Yu chuckled, and seeing Su Muyu’s embarrassment, quickly changed the subject. “By the way, what’s the theme for this time’s show?”

Already flustered, Su Muyu gratefully took the lifeline Jiang Yu offered.

“This time, it’s a duet. You need a guest singer.”

“Huh?” Jiang Yu grimaced. “That’s tricky. I haven’t been in the industry long—I hardly know anyone.”

Su Muyu smiled. “Me. You write the song, and I’ll sing with you.”

“You?” Su Ling was shocked at Su Muyu’s words.

Jiang Yu smiled. “What type of song do you want to sing?”

“How about a love song?”

News of Jiang Yu’s return to the show spread quickly.

At an entertainment company—

“This episode is important. Get our top star in here.”

“What? Jiang Yu is coming back? Forget it then, never mind the top star.”

“Jiang Yu’s results don’t count—he’s just a guest? Keep inviting the star!”

This sort of scene played out not only in one company, but across the industry once Jiang Yu’s return was announced.

Finally, the day of the recording arrived.

“Hey, Yu-ge, you’re back!” Liu Bin greeted him excitedly, with Guo Qiang close behind.

On his way in, Jiang Yu had run into many people, each of whom greeted him with, “Hello, Teacher Jiang!” He returned the greetings politely.

But from their eyes, it was clear—they weren’t truly happy to see him back. Now that Jiang Yu was famous, he was a big shot to them.

Of course, Jiang Yu didn’t care.

But Guo Qiang and Liu Bin were different—they were genuinely happy, smiling from the heart.

“Guo Qiang still owes me a barbecue. So I came back to check on you guys!” Jiang Yu grinned.

“You still remember that after all this time?” Guo Qiang grumbled, but his face showed no displeasure.

“I can forget anything, but not barbecue!” Jiang Yu laughed. “By the way, who are your duet partners?”

Liu Bin scratched his head, sounding a little dejected. “I don’t know many seniors, so I could only ask a friend to sing with me. I guess this is as far as I go today.”

Jiang Yu patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t be discouraged. I’ll have the company review your case—you should come to Huayue. When you do, I’ll write you a song myself!”

He’d already decided—Liu Bin had stuck with him for so long; he wouldn’t leave his friend behind.

“Really?” Liu Bin’s eyes lit up. “Thanks, Yu-ge! I’ll treat you to another barbecue.”

“One’s not enough—make it two!”

“What about me?” Guo Qiang put on a pitiful face. “I want a new song too!”

Jiang Yu grinned. “That’s a given. But your voice is special—I’ll have to think about what suits you.”

Guo Qiang’s voice was rich and powerful, very distinctive. Jiang Yu would have to ponder what song would be best.

“Did you find a duet partner?”

“The company set me up with a female singer, another artist here—her name is Wei Hualing.” Guo Qiang smiled. “She’s about as popular as I am, neither at the top nor the bottom. Let’s see if this show gives us a boost.”

“Wei Hualing?” Jiang Yu’s eyebrow rose.

Just then, a girl approached with a bright smile. “Yu-ge, hello! I’ve heard so much about you, and I’m finally meeting you today.”

Her voice was clear and ringing.

Jiang Yu’s eyes lit up. After shaking hands with Wei Hualing, he turned to Guo Qiang. “I think I know what song suits you. How would you two feel about forming a duo?”