Volume 1, Chapter 114: Meeting Xu Kun Again

The awards ceremony was held in a CBD plaza in the Magic City. It began in the mid-afternoon, around three or four o'clock, and was broadcast live. Even before the celebrities had arrived, the online chat was already buzzing with discussion, with Jiang Yu’s fans proving particularly active.

"Jiang Yu’s songs are definitely going to be featured, right? I’ve been listening to *Phoenix Flowers Blooming at the Crossroads* for months now; I tear up every single time."

"Did you forget about *Exaggerated*? That song is a true classic."

"I think *Dislocated Time*, which he performed on National Day, is even more impressive. A song that can make it to the National Day stage is leagues better than those tracks bought their way in."

"To be honest, all of Brother Yu’s songs are great. As a hardcore fan, I can't even pick which one is stronger."

"Agreed. Everything Brother Yu touches turns to gold. He’s definitely going to win something tonight!"

"I’ll put it this way: if Brother Yu doesn’t win an award, I’ll livestream myself eating excrement!"

"To the guy above, share the link to your stream. Also, a piece of advice: if you really want to eat it, just go for it! Don't deny yourself!"

As time ticked by, the host took the stage, and the ceremony officially began. Before the main event, however, the essential red carpet walk could not be skipped. Outside, rows of reporters had already staked out the best positions, their cameras and long lenses aimed at the entrance.

Finally, the celebrity vehicles began to arrive, and the screams of the fans reached the heavens.

"Ahhh! Kunkun is here! Ahhhhh!"

"Huahua, I love you, Huahua!"

"Oh my god, baby Yuanyuan is waving at me! Mommy loves you! You have to marry me when you grow up!"

...

The air was filled with the constant "click-click" of camera shutters. Although this was Jiang Yu’s first time at such a grand event, he felt a bit impatient watching the other stars pose and preen on the red carpet.

"What’s wrong?" Su Muyu noticed his mood and asked.

Jiang Yu shook his head. "Look at them. A walk that should take one or two minutes, they refuse to finish, just standing there posing for the cameras. There are so many people waiting!"

Yang Weiwei, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh. The two women had decided the night before to walk with Jiang Yu, one on each side. It wasn't so much a discussion as it was an announcement given to him that morning—they hadn't even given him a chance to object before dragging him along.

"Little brother, it's your first time on the red carpet, so you don't get it. Walking the red carpet is a profound art!" Yang Weiwei explained with a smile, detailing the common tactics celebrities used to grab attention, maximize exposure, and angle themselves for the perfect shot. For a stretch of just a few dozen meters, some stars seemed desperate to crawl forward inch by agonizing inch.

It was an eye-opener for Jiang Yu. "Let’s make a deal. Can we not linger too long on the carpet? Or perhaps you two can pose while I watch from a distance?"

Before Su Muyu could speak, Yang Weiwei gave him a sharp look. "What? Is it embarrassing to walk the red carpet with two beautiful women?"

"It’s not that. It’s just too much of a hassle. Plus... those poses are just so shameful..."

Hearing this, both women burst into laughter.

"Do you know how hard I’ve been holding my breath just to fit into this gown? I almost burst the seams," Yang Weiwei said, clutching her stomach.

Su Muyu’s eyes crinkled. "Don't worry, we won't stay long." Su Muyu had a cool, detached personality; she was only there to accompany Jiang Yu and didn't need the red carpet to boost her fame. As for Yang Weiwei, although she had posed like the others in the past, she was already a diva. Besides, walking with Su Muyu and Jiang Yu was guaranteed to generate enough heat on its own.

Just as she was about to comfort Jiang Yu, a man in a rose-red suit approached, looking quite handsome. Jiang Yu recognized him immediately—it was his old acquaintance, Xu Kun.

Xu Kun acted as if he didn't see Jiang Yu, his eyes fixed solely on Yang Weiwei. "Weiwei, you're here!"

Yang Weiwei turned, her smile vanishing instantly. She looked at Su Muyu and Jiang Yu and said, "Let’s go somewhere else."

Su Muyu nodded. Jiang Yu, though unaware of the history, agreed.

Xu Kun stepped forward to block them, wearing a forced smile. "Su Muyu is here too? Long time no see. Do you have time later? Let's grab a meal after the red carpet."

Su Muyu remained expressionless and didn't reply. Seeing her coldness, Xu Kun looked awkward. He turned back to Yang Weiwei. "Weiwei, walk with me later. I didn't bring a female companion specifically so I could walk with you. I..."

"No thanks!" Yang Weiwei cut him off. "I already have a partner today." She then hooked her arm through Jiang Yu’s.

Jiang Yu was left stunned. Seeing Yang Weiwei clinging to Jiang Yu, Xu Kun’s expression darkened. Since he could no longer ignore him, he said, "Jiang Yu, we meet again."

"Oh, I thought you hadn't seen me, Kun. You really broke this fan's heart. By the way, is your new song written by yourself this time? Do you want me to give you another one?"

Xu Kun’s face turned livid. The *Exaggerated* incident had severely damaged his reputation. He was a man in the industry with no choice—Li Gang was his boss, and he had to obey. He had harbored resentment, but he was shocked that even a massive agency like theirs hadn't been able to suppress Jiang Yu, causing him such a humiliating fall.

As Jiang Yu brought up the past, Xu Kun gritted his teeth. "Congratulations on your many nominations. I just wonder if you'll actually win, or if you're just here to make up the numbers."

"Don't worry about that," Jiang Yu said with an indifferent shrug. "At least my songs are my own."

Xu Kun’s eyes flashed with resentment. "In that case, I won't disturb you. I hope you win something." He then walked off toward the red carpet, instantly drawing screams from a crowd of fans.

"Ah, Gége, look at me!"

"We will protect the best Gége in the world!"

...

Jiang Yu shook his head. The fan base was truly something else; they could forgive anything. He looked at Yang Weiwei with a playful expression. "Is that guy chasing you?"

Yang Weiwei scoffed. "I’ve rejected him countless times, but he just won't let go."

"I didn't realize a top-tier idol would be such a simp," Jiang Yu chuckled. "I’ve inexplicably become a human shield. How are you going to compensate me?"

"I'm giving you 15 million after taxes; isn't that enough?"

"That’s for buying the songs, that’s different!"

"Fine, I’ll treat you to a big meal when this is over?"

"That's it?"

"What do you want then? A kiss?"

"A big meal is more reliable." Feeling a pinch at his waist, Jiang Yu quickly changed the subject. "Why do you hate him so much? He looks pretty handsome to me."

"Are there a shortage of handsome guys in this circle? Just because he's handsome, I have to agree to date him?" Yang Weiwei rolled her eyes. "Didn't you hear about him stealing songs a few months ago? He has no character; what good is being handsome?"

"Ahem!" Jiang Yu hadn't expected that he played such an important role in that incident. Being a shield didn't feel so unfair anymore.

Seeing his reaction, Yang Weiwei asked curiously, "What’s wrong with you?"

Su Muyu smiled. "Let’s talk about it later. It’s our turn to hit the red carpet!"

Jiang Yu agreed immediately and hopped into the business car. "Right, right! Let’s walk the carpet first!"