Volume One Chapter 100: The Show Begins Recording

Jiang Yu stayed in his room, engrossed in practicing a new song. This time, Su Muyu had accompanied him, sitting quietly to one side, watching Jiang Yu work with focused intensity. She had nothing pressing to attend to lately, so she came along to relax for a while. Or so she told herself—that was the excuse she found, but in truth, she simply wanted to be the first to hear Jiang Yu's new song.

Wu Kenan, meanwhile, was busy coordinating with the other staff for the next day's recording. At that moment, Guan Zongyuan walked in. The other staff greeted him respectfully. Seeing that the director had arrived, Wu Kenan approached Jiang Yu and called to him.

"This must be Teacher Jiang Yu?" Guan Zongyuan smiled warmly, extending a hand. "I'm Guan Zongyuan, the director of this show."

Jiang Yu returned the smile and shook his hand. "Hello, Director, please have a seat."

Wu Kenan poured Guan Zongyuan a glass of water.

"Director, may I ask what brings you here today?"

Guan Zongyuan smiled, then hesitated before explaining the situation to Jiang Yu.

"So, you'd like to arrange for Teacher Jiang Yu to speak last?"

Jiang Yu hadn't replied yet, but Wu Kenan frowned and took up the conversation.

Guan Zongyuan looked a bit embarrassed. "I'm just here to discuss it with Teacher Jiang Yu."

"Director, you surely know what kind of pressure comes with being the final commentator, don't you? If the previous votes are tied, all the pressure lands on Jiang Yu. No matter how he votes, he'll offend someone."

Guan Zongyuan gave a bitter smile. "I know, but being the final commentator is also a mark of distinction—the most authoritative among them. Jiang Yu's professionalism has never been doubted since his debut, which is why I had this idea. Of course, if Teacher Jiang Yu insists on declining, we'll reconsider."

"Is there even a need to ask? Of course—" Wu Kenan was about to speak, when a voice sounded beside his ear.

"I accept."

Wu Kenan was stunned by Jiang Yu's response. Guan Zongyuan, on the other hand, was visibly excited. "Thank you, Teacher Jiang Yu. I won't take up any more of your time. When it's all over, I'll host a meal in your honor."

"Wait, Director Guan!"

Wu Kenan tried to hold the director back for a further discussion, but Guan Zongyuan, despite his robust frame, moved with surprising speed. The moment he left, he was gone without a trace.

Wu Kenan could only return, annoyed.

"Jiang Yu, you were too hasty! I'm your assistant—you should have consulted me about something like this!"

A hint of irritation flashed in Wu Kenan's eyes.

"Do you realize this is our last chance? Those rappers have plenty of fans, and their fanbase is not exactly easy to handle. Whomever you eliminate could attract a storm of backlash."

"It's a minor matter. This time, I don't want any confrontations—not even with the director."

Jiang Yu smiled after listening to Wu Kenan. "We'll just see who gets the most votes, and I'll vote accordingly. Don't worry; maybe there won't even be a tie."

Wu Kenan rolled his eyes.

No possibility of a tie? Clearly, Jiang Yu hasn't participated in enough shows! Programs like this never let a single opportunity to generate buzz slip by. For the sake of drama and suspense, even if someone is clearly more talented, they'll manufacture a tie.

Just then, Su Muyu spoke up. "It's fine. We'll contact the company and let them handle it."

Since matters had reached this point, Wu Kenan could only sigh and go negotiate with the company, preparing a PR statement in advance.

Jiang Yu smiled. "Actually, there's no need."

"It's safer this way."

...

The next day, recording began.

After arriving backstage, Jiang Yu was led to the judges' lounge. The other mentors were already there. Upon seeing Jiang Yu, they nodded in greeting. Jiang Yu returned the gesture with a slight nod and headed straight toward a familiar face he had just noticed upon entering.

"Teacher Chen Tong, you're here as well!"

Chen Tong was one of the mentors from "Idol: Two and a Half Years." The old man had treated Jiang Yu fairly well in the past, and now, unexpectedly, their paths crossed again on this stage.

Chen Tong, too, was surprised to see Jiang Yu in the judges' lounge for "Rap of China."

"You've really made it, kid—you're a mentor now!"

"Just earning a living. What about you? How did you end up on this show?"

"Same as you—collecting appearance fees to put food on the table."

Jiang Yu couldn't help but laugh.

"Is this your first time as a mentor? Since we're old friends, want me to share a bit of experience? This is my specialty."

"Being a mentor has a specialty? Isn't it just voting for whoever sings best?"

"You're young, aren't you?"

Chen Tong looked at him. "I wouldn't tell this to just anyone, but since we're familiar, listen up..."

A true veteran, Chen Tong's advice made Jiang Yu laugh again.

In summary: Say nothing if you can, and if you must, keep it vague.

"I've learned a lot—thank you for your guidance, Teacher Chen!"

Jiang Yu grinned.

Indeed, none who manage to survive—and thrive—in this circle are pushovers.

At that moment, a staff member entered.

"Teachers, we're about to begin recording. Please wait in the backstage area."

Ten minutes later, the show officially started.

After the host's opening remarks, the mentors were invited on stage one by one.

"Let's welcome our esteemed judge, renowned singer and composer, Teacher Chen Tong!"

The audience was cooperative, greeting each mentor with ample applause, which made them look good.

"Next, let's welcome the genius singer—Jiang Yu!"

The host had barely finished speaking when a wave of enthusiastic applause erupted. As Jiang Yu stepped onto the stage, the applause grew even louder, accompanied by screams.

"Ahhh!"

"Yu-ge, I'm here for you!"

"Jiang Yu really came—can you sing 'Mountains and Rivers' live?"

"I want to hear 'Expedition'!"

"I want both!"

"You're a bit greedy!"

Jiang Yu waved to the audience, eliciting another round of screams.

Except for Chen Tong, everyone present was astonished.

Jiang Yu's popularity was incredible!

Chen Tong had seen it before and was unfazed, but the others hadn't, and all eyes turned to Jiang Yu.

Meanwhile, in the contestants' waiting area, some rappers were feeling disgruntled.

Jiang Yu was a singer—they were, too. Yet, he was so young and already had far more fans than they did. Moreover, when Guan Zongyuan had contacted them, he mentioned Jiang Yu repeatedly and urged them to learn from him.

But these rappers, rebellious and outspoken, were hardly likely to accept a mentor younger and newer than themselves.

One after another, disdainful gazes were cast from the contestants' area, landing squarely on Jiang Yu.