Volume One, Chapter 13: The Debate About the Market

Today, Su Muyu was dressed beautifully, and with a touch of light makeup, she looked even more stunning. Just by standing there, she caught everyone’s eye.

Jiang Yu gave a knowing smile and nodded. “Alright.”

Backstage, the others watched in shock as Jiang Yu walked step by step toward Su Muyu’s van.

Once inside the dressing room, Jiang Yu realized Su Ling was there as well.

“It’s been a while, Xiao Jiang,” she greeted.

“Hello, Sister Ling,” Jiang Yu replied politely.

Su Ling smiled. “I’m here today just to see your performance. How are you feeling? Nervous?”

Jiang Yu shook his head. “Not nervous at all. I’ll face even bigger occasions in the future.”

Su Ling nodded. “Quite ambitious, aren’t you? But I wonder, is this confidence or arrogance?”

Su Muyu, standing beside them, immediately answered, “It’s confidence.” Her expression was calm, her tone cool.

“Alright, alright, Xiao Jiang is the best!” Su Ling couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Jiang Yu touched his nose awkwardly, while Su Muyu seemed completely unfazed.

As Su Muyu was putting on her makeup, Jiang Yu sat there, unsure what to do.

Seeing Jiang Yu’s restraint, Su Ling said, “Honestly, I have high expectations for you today. That song ‘Barefaced’ was a huge surprise for the entire entertainment industry. Everyone’s eager to see how you’ll perform at the graduation gala.”

“Jiangxia Film and Television University is one of the top arts universities, and many big names attend the graduation gala. This is a fantastic opportunity. Even if you don’t choose our company in the end, you need to give your best for your own sake, for more choices.”

Jiang Yu nodded. “Thank you, Sister Ling.”

“Well, I should go find my seat. Good luck, you two.” Su Ling stood up, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. “I’m in charge today!”

...

Meanwhile, outside the stage, guests had already begun to arrive for the gala.

The front row, reserved for the leaders, was already full.

Yang He, the Minister of Broadcasting.

Ning Anbang, President of Jiangxia Film and Television University.

Click, click, click.

The sound of camera shutters was everywhere. With so many VIPs present, the reporters were naturally busy capturing material.

Li Gang, owner of Starlight Entertainment.

Su Ling, Deputy General Manager of Huayue Entertainment.

...

Those in the know within the industry were well aware that Su Ling was Su Muyu’s aunt, and Su Muyu was signed with Huayue Entertainment.

As for Li Gang, his son Li Jiang was the one who had poached Zhao Yiyi.

There were many studios, but only a handful of entertainment companies.

“Old Ning, any good acts this time? Give me a heads up,” Minister Yang said, smiling.

Ning Anbang replied with a mysterious grin, “Old Yang, where’s the fun in telling you? You’ll have to see for yourself!”

“So secretive!” Minister Yang rolled his eyes, but he trusted his old friend.

Li Gang started to speak. “President Ning, the year has passed so quickly. Are there any outstanding talents at tonight’s graduation gala that you can hint to me about?”

“Mr. Li, all our students at Jiangxia Film and Television University are outstanding,” Ning Anbang replied with a smile.

“Besides, haven’t you already signed many of our best prospects? As far as I know, over half the performers at this gala have already signed with your company, and you even arranged special rehearsals for them. That must have cost quite a bit.”

“President Ning, you’re exaggerating. No matter how good the others are, none can compare with Su Muyu. Just look at the audience—most are here for her. Unfortunately, she’s already been snapped up by President Su. What a waste.”

“Mr. Li, you can’t say that,” Su Ling retorted coldly. “What do you mean, ‘what a waste’? Of course Su Muyu would sign with our company. She’s my own niece—do you think I’d do her harm?”

Li Gang chuckled. “President Su, I never said you’d harm her. It’s just times have changed, and so have the ways of promoting artists. How about this—transfer Su Muyu’s contract to me for a year, and I’ll help nurture her?”

At these words, not only did Su Ling’s expression change, but so did Ning Anbang’s.

Everyone knew Su Ling was Su Muyu’s aunt, but few realized that Ning Anbang was her grandfather.

How could he tolerate such words about his granddaughter?

“Mr. Li, you say the way of promoting artists has changed. Why don’t you enlighten an old man like me as to what these new methods are?”

Li Jiang, standing behind Li Gang, spoke up.

“President Ning, nowadays, if you want someone to make it big, you need something eye-catching. For instance, our company has a young singer who wore a camel hump costume at a concert and became a viral sensation.”

“President Su’s approach—just focusing on quality works—isn’t enough. There are so many good songs, good dramas, good films in our market, but how many viewers appreciate them?”

“Which of the veteran artists’ box office numbers surpass those of the fresh, pretty faces?”

Li Gang went on and on.

Su Ling’s face grew cold and disdainful. “That’s why your company gets so much backlash online. Which of your artists actually has a good reputation?”

Li Gang shrugged it off. “Reputation? What’s that? As long as it makes money, that’s good reputation. If it’s profitable, who cares?”

Su Ling was momentarily at a loss for words.

But she had to admit, what he said was brutally honest.

The entertainment industry now is a market where the bad drives out the good. Fewer people devote themselves to songwriting, and few pay attention to quality works.

After all, traffic is king. No matter what those popular stars produce, their fan clubs will always shell out for them.

It’s a sorrow of the Chinese entertainment world.

But with capital pushing from behind, it’s hard for a few to fight back.

“Old Ning, what do you think?” Yang He asked calmly after listening to the debate.

Ning Anbang had initially intended to retort, but finally let out a sigh.

“The market is important. After all, everyone has to make a living.”

“But there must be a bottom line. I absolutely do not approve of crude works dominating the market, even if the market accepts them. If this continues, good works will be driven out entirely, and that is something we can never allow to happen!”

“Well said,” Yang He nodded. “The market does matter—everyone needs to eat—but those vulgar works that poison the youth must never be tolerated.”

Li Gang had more to say, but decided to hold his tongue.

“The leaders are right. When I get back, I’ll strictly enforce this: while balancing the market, I’ll focus on creating excellent works and contribute to the entertainment industry.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Li,” Yang He smiled at him.

“The show’s starting. Let’s watch the performances.”