Volume One, Chapter 111: Invitation to the Spring Festival Gala, Double Joy Arrives

Upon hearing Yu Zhiwei’s words, Jiang Yu was completely stunned. Not only Jiang Yu, but even Su Muyu was taken aback.

One must understand that the military is no ordinary place; those who enter undergo rigorous selection. Although the performing arts troupe is considered a civilian position, gaining entry is no small feat and certainly beyond the reach of most celebrities. Within this circle, only stars who come from the performing arts troupe exist—no celebrity can simply enter it.

Even seasoned veterans often cannot get in, let alone young fresh faces. Jiang Yu was truly a pioneer.

“Kid, why the daze? Are you willing or not?” Yu Zhiwei smiled as he asked.

Still dazed, Jiang Yu was gently nudged on the forehead by Su Muyu’s light laugh. The cool touch of her finger awakened him. After glancing at the few people around, Jiang Yu’s face lit up with excitement. “Yes, of course I’m willing, Commander. Thank you. I’m just worried that my other work might interfere with the troupe’s duties.”

“Don’t worry,” Yu Zhiwei said with a smile, shaking his head. “The performing arts troupe isn’t like other military units with strict discipline. You see, some celebrities are also part of the troupe, but their work is quite flexible. We won’t restrict you. Of course, if there are military promotional activities, you’ll have to reserve time for those.”

“By the way, try writing a few more military songs when you have time. Your song ‘Those Who Serve’ has been sung for over three months now!”

“Absolutely, no problem!” Jiang Yu chuckled.

At that moment, a phone rang. It was Su Muyu’s phone, and Su Ling was calling. Even Su Muyu, with her usually cool demeanor, grew excited upon hearing the voice.

“Jiang Yu, the Spring Festival Gala director has sent you an invitation.”

Everyone present was stunned by Su Muyu’s words. Jiang Yu’s mouth fell open.

Yang He looked surprised. “Wow, little Jiang, I know Zhang Qi. He’s a tough critic—if you don’t have real talent, he wouldn’t let you perform on his stage.”

Ning Anbang looked at Jiang Yu with satisfaction and a deep sense of emotion. This was the Spring Festival Gala. Although it was criticized every year, it remained the most watched show nationwide. Even with declining ratings, no program could rival it. For even top-tier celebrities, performing at the Gala was incredibly difficult.

Jiang Yu had only debuted this year, graduating from university in July, and now it was November—just over four months. If he really made it to the Gala, he would be the most outstanding newcomer in entertainment history. It would greatly boost his fame and future career prospects.

“Your aunt has already sent your performances at the National Day Gala and Army Day to Zhang Qi. The director wants to see if you can write a new song suitable for the Spring Festival Gala. There are over three months left, so no rush. Just show it to her when it’s ready.”

“All right, I’ll get started right away,” Jiang Yu nodded and then looked at the elders around him. “Teachers, leaders, I’ll go prepare now.”

“Go ahead and get busy,” Ning Anbang said with a smile.

Su Muyu grabbed her bag. “Grandpa, goodbye. I’ll come visit when I have time!”

With that, the two left the office.

After they left, Yang He’s eyes were filled with admiration. “This little Jiang is really impressive. Old Ning, you must be very pleased with your grandson-in-law?”

“Don’t say nonsense. We don’t even know if they’re really together,” Ning Anbang replied, though a smile shone in his eyes.

Yu Zhiwei rolled his eyes. “You just enjoy it secretly. If I had a granddaughter as beautiful as Xiaoyu, Jiang Yu would definitely be my grandson-in-law.”

Yang He nodded in agreement. “Anyone with eyes can see the feelings between those two. If it were me, I’d help push things along.”

Ning Anbang laughed heartily. “Children’s affairs should be left for them to decide.”

...

By now, Jiang Yu had returned to the Tan Palace to start selecting songs for the New Year.

Nowadays, society’s pressures were immense. Many young people couldn’t return home to reunite with their families during the New Year. So most programs on the New Year Gala focused on reunion and sentimentality, along with some educational content.

But Jiang Yu disagreed.

Celebrations during the holidays—if young people can’t go home, is it by choice? Who causes this? If they had money, who would willingly leave home to live far away?

The educational programs were even more ridiculous. During regular workdays, people were often lectured by those heartless bosses. Now, even during the New Year, they had to listen to these shows? How annoying.

Every job has its meaning. As an artist, his duty wasn’t to educate or evoke tears. His role was singular—to help the audience relax and uplift their spirits.

Therefore, the most important aspect of a New Year’s song was to bring happiness.

“I’ve got it!”

Jiang Yu recalled a song, took it out of his backpack, and dialed a number. “Aunt, I’ve finished the song. Let’s go record it.”

As expected, Jiang Yu’s song was quickly chosen by the Gala director’s team, surprisingly smooth and effortless.

From then on, his schedule became fully packed. After the song was approved, he and Su Muyu joined Director Chen’s crew.

“Jiang Yu, Muyu, you’re here!” Chen Guosheng greeted his two leads. “From now on, you’ll have to work hard!”

“Director Chen, you’re too polite. It’s our duty,” Su Muyu smiled.

Jiang Yu smiled and said, “Director Chen, I heard you’re pretty harsh with actors in the industry. This is my first time acting, and I’m thin-skinned. If I mess up, please go easy on me.”

Hearing this, Chen Guosheng laughed heartily, then picked up his walkie-talkie. “Attention all units, all personnel are ready. I hereby declare the ‘Great Han Emperor’ project officially begins!”

...

“I’m calling a wrap for this take! Everyone, take a break. Logistics, serve the meals!” Chen Guosheng’s voice came through the loudspeaker.

Everyone cheered and headed toward the boxed meals, chatting along the way.

“Teacher Jiang Yu, you’re amazing! Director Chen is so strict, yet you pass each take on the first try!”

During the past month, everyone had grown familiar with each other. The actors had been skeptical about Jiang Yu’s transition from singer to actor. However, during this time, Jiang Yu’s formidable acting skills had won over everyone present.

Even Director Chen came over. “Jiang Yu, is this really your first acting role?”

At first, although Chen had personally invited Jiang Yu multiple times, he worried Jiang Yu might make too many mistakes and delay progress.

But unexpectedly, Jiang Yu gave him a huge surprise. He perfectly embodied the image of the Great Han Emperor in Chen’s mind.

In particular, one scene where Jiang Yu improvised the line: “From today onward, offense and defense switch roles; the enemy may advance, and so may I!” This line gave Chen goosebumps.

Over the past month, progress hadn’t slowed but accelerated, as Jiang Yu passed nearly every take on the first shot.

Is this what genius looks like?

“Of course, this is my first time,” Jiang Yu replied.

Chen Guosheng admired him deeply. “You kid really have some talent!”

“Naturally!” Jiang Yu grinned, then said, “Director Chen, General Su called me. The Chinese music awards are about to start. I might be heading to Magic City tomorrow.”

“Go with confidence and do your best. This award will definitely be yours. It’ll be great to have my drama ride on your popularity.”

Jiang Yu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Director Chen, with that smug look, I almost thought I’m the one riding on your fame!”

...