Volume One, Chapter 24: The Rhythm Begins to Unfold

Just as "Barefaced" and "At the Crossroads Where the Phoenix Flowers Bloom" were still fermenting at the top of the trending list, a sudden wave of online trolls launched a fierce attack. The spark was ignited by several celebrities and influential bloggers who began to speak out.

"As a singer, I am deeply saddened that someone like this has appeared in the music scene. As a senior, I must remind newcomers to focus on improving their skills and not resort to improper means. I hope you can admit your mistake and come forward to apologize."

"When I first heard the song, I thought it would bring fresh energy to the music industry. I never expected the newcomer to be this kind of person. It's disappointing."

...

The voices of celebrities and influencers swept through the controversy like a gust of wind, fanning the flames into a raging wildfire. With their existing fan bases and guided remarks, even though no names were mentioned directly, "Barefaced," "At the Crossroads Where the Phoenix Flowers Bloom," and Jiang Yu came under widespread condemnation online.

Cyberbullying is terrifying. Especially this kind of collective attack—it could easily leave someone with nowhere to turn.

As the rhythm was pushed, even ordinary spectators began to lose their bearings.

"This is truly shameful. Desperate for fame? Manipulating data? Surpassing established stars? Shameless."

"Disgusting! Is this Jiang Yu? From now on, every time I see him, I’ll curse him. He needs to leave the music scene."

"Leave the music scene? That's too lenient! He should be banished from the entertainment industry altogether!"

"Exactly. We can't let someone like this exist."

Of course, there were those who defended him as well. Students from Jiangxia Film University and those moved by his songs spoke up for Jiang Yu.

"Can you listen to the songs before judging? I'm Jiang Yu's classmate, and when he sang this at the graduation party, it made me cry!"

"I watched the video. It's been a long time since I've heard a song this comforting. Please listen before you speak, and don't be misled."

...

Unfortunately, Jiang Yu had yet to accumulate a fan base, so the voices supporting him were quickly drowned in a torrent of abuse.

"A rookie already has brainless fans? I can't stand you idiots!"

"Paid shills defending him? What a trashy singer. Which company is he from? We’ll boycott the company too."

Huayue Entertainment.

"These people are just foul! They know nothing but still curse Jiang Yu. It's disgusting!"

Su Ling, her face flushed with anger, stared at her phone and dialed a number. "Help me find out who’s behind this storm."

Standing beside her, Su Muyu frowned deeply. She hadn't been this angry in ages, and silently vowed to help Jiang Yu reclaim his reputation once they found the culprit.

But now was not the time for revenge—they had to solve the immediate crisis first.

The most urgent task was to stem the tide of online opinion.

...

Under this tidal wave, Jiang Yu had become a pariah in the industry—a rat scurrying across the street, with everyone shouting for his downfall. If nothing was done, his path in entertainment would be utterly severed.

"Aunt, with the current public opinion, the key is the platforms," Su Muyu said, taking out her phone. The contact was labeled [Penguin Music, President Liu].

"Hello, President Liu? This is Su Muyu..."

Seeing Su Muyu on the phone, Su Ling finally snapped out of her panic and began searching for contacts: [Wangyun, President Lei], [Cool Cat...]—various platforms.

After the calls, the two exchanged glances.

Su Ling sighed. "All we can do now is wait for news."

Su Muyu replied softly, "Aunt, I have something to take care of. I’ll be going."

She had more important things to attend to.

...

Jiangxia Film University.

Today, Jiang Yu was utterly puzzled.

His three adopted sons were unusually clingy, dragging him through Summoner’s Canyon all day, refusing to let him leave or even check his phone. They kept him gaming, simply and relentlessly.

Whenever he was hungry, someone volunteered to fetch food, and there were plenty of snacks on hand.

Anyone who came knocking was met with a curt "No visitors today," before being sent away.

He couldn’t even write.

"What’s with you all today? Is there something you want from me?" Jiang Yu asked, confused after another game.

"We’re about to leave school soon, and we won’t be able to game together anymore. We wanted to make the most of today!"

Jiang Yu was bewildered.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Isn’t there a sign saying no visitors today?" Wang Hong yelled.

"It’s me."

A pleasant voice drifted into the room.

Opening the door, it was Su Muyu.

"Xiaoyu, what brings you here?" Jiang Yu asked, curious.

A trace of concern flickered in Su Muyu’s eyes. "Are you alright?"

"...?"

Jiang Yu was even more confused. "I’ve been staying on campus every day. What could happen?"

"You haven’t left the dorm or gone online today?"

Hearing this, Jiang Yu turned to look at his roommates. They seemed unable to speak.

He took out his phone and sat down to check.

He opened the trending list on Weibo.

He’d made this account back when the school had a Weibo wall for events. It used to have only a few dozen zombie followers, but now, suddenly, there were tens of thousands.

His first post was flooded with comments.

"Guys, found it. This is Jiang Yu’s Weibo!"

"Get out of the entertainment industry!"

"So you’re the one manipulating data?"

"How can someone so shameless debut? Everyone here is responsible."

...

The atmosphere was awkward.

After a while, Jiang Yu let out a long sigh, walked to the balcony, and saw all sorts of people with cameras and microphones pacing outside the school gates.

"So, you wouldn’t let me out or check my phone today because of all this?" Jiang Yu joked.

"Fourth, don’t be angry. It’s just a bunch of idiots, not worth getting upset over."

"Yeah, Fourth, don’t pay them any mind. We believe in you completely."

Xiong Tao said nothing, just walked up and patted him on the shoulder.

Su Muyu also stepped forward, squeezing Jiang Yu’s hand. "Keep your spirits up. I’ve already contacted the music platforms. This matter is being handled."

"You came all this way just to encourage me? Don’t worry, I’m fine," Jiang Yu smiled.

Hearing this, Su Muyu’s tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed.

"Why not stay at my place for a while? The competition is about to begin. Don’t let any of this affect you."

"No need..."

Jiang Yu was about to refuse, but seeing Su Muyu’s determined expression, he swallowed his words.

"Alright."