Volume One, Chapter 25: The Cunning and Devious Li Gang

Jiangxia, Sandalwood Palace.

This neighborhood was the finest in Jiangxia City.

“Wow!”

Even though Jiang Yu had lived two lifetimes and possessed a golden advantage, faced with such a place, he could only admire it from afar for now.

Entering the apartment, he felt much like Granny Liu venturing into the Grand View Garden.

“What are you doing?” Su Muyu’s cold voice floated into Jiang Yu’s ears, who had not seen much of the world.

“Just looking around. It’s my first time seeing such a beautiful home,” Jiang Yu exclaimed in awe.

Su Muyu’s lips curved slightly as she took out a keycard. “This is a spare access card. From now on, you’ll live here.”

“I’ll live here?” Jiang Yu was taken aback. “Where will you stay?”

“I have other properties,” she replied.

He had almost forgotten—Su Muyu was quite wealthy. Jiang Yu couldn’t help but feel somewhat inferior. Though he possessed his golden advantage, it would take countless struggles and hardships to catch up to her in this circle.

Sensing the change in his expression, Su Muyu stepped forward.

“No need to worry. You’ll have all these things someday,” she said.

“So certain?” Jiang Yu asked.

Su Muyu looked serious. “I believe in you.”

Jiang Yu paused, then smiled. “Then I’ll have to work twice as hard, or I’ll let your trust down.”

Su Muyu smiled as well. “I need to return to the company. Take a good rest and prepare yourself.”

“Is it for my matter?” Jiang Yu inquired.

Su Muyu hesitated, then nodded.

“I’ll come with you.”

“Alright.”

...

Huayue Entertainment issued an official statement online:

“In response to the defamatory remarks circulating about our artist Jiang Yu, our company firmly opposes these accusations and strongly condemns them. Jiang Yu has not engaged in any fraudulent activity. We demand a public apology from those spreading slander and reserve the right to take legal action against them.”

The announcement from Huayue Entertainment’s official social media instantly attracted a swarm of trolls and critics.

Comments flooded in from all directions.

“So Jiang Yu is already an artist under Huayue Entertainment? The data manipulation must be connected to your company!”

“Senior Jiang Yu, we absolutely believe in you!”

“That’s right, we trust you!”

“Capital always protects its own! Whoever they want to shield, they do!”

“Reserving the right to sue? If you have the guts, sue me!”

...

While the internet was in chaos under Huayue’s official post, all music platforms suddenly issued statements.

Penguin Official Music Platform:

“After thorough technical inspection and investigation, we confirm that singer Jiang Yu’s ‘Bare Face’ and ‘At the Phoenix Flower Blooming Crossroad’ have not engaged in any chart manipulation. All data is genuine and valid. Some individuals have deliberately spread rumors online, seriously damaging our company’s reputation. We reserve the right to pursue legal action against these parties. If anyone continues to disseminate false information, we will use legal means to protect our rights.”

NetCloud Platform:

“After technical checks and investigation, the chart data is authentic and accurate...”

KuDog Platform:

...

All music platforms, at the same time, released similar statements.

Maintaining chart integrity was crucial for each platform; otherwise, their reputation and livelihood would be at stake.

While data manipulation among artists did occur, it was always discussed in private. This situation had escalated, and for the platforms’ interests, they needed to clarify things.

With the music platforms speaking out, accusations against Jiang Yu ceased abruptly.

Influencers and artists disappeared from the conversation.

“See, I told you Senior Jiang Yu would never do such a thing.”

“That’s right. What happened to all those online haters? Did their keyboards break?”

“They know nothing, yet babble nonsense. Spreading rumors really costs nothing!”

...

At last, the truth came to light.

As the platforms issued their notices, public opinion on the internet began to shift.

Those who had never heard of Jiang Yu grew curious about him.

What kind of newcomer could cause such a stir?

Some people began listening to his two songs.

Beautiful!

Absolutely stunning!

One spoke of someone who had once abandoned him.

The other was filled with nostalgia for school days, stirring memories of youth.

Compared to today’s songs, these were leagues above!

Clearly, the critics were just jealous and spreading lies!

The stats for “Bare Face” and “At the Phoenix Flower Blooming Crossroad” soared once again.

The executives of the music platforms could barely contain their smiles.

Su Ling was also elated. She followed Jiang Yu’s social media, which gained over one hundred thousand followers in a single day. Signing him had truly been her best decision.

Of course, some rejoiced while others despaired.

At this moment, in Star Entertainment—

Li Gang was raging in his office.

He had suffered a considerable loss. The artists in his company had followed his instructions to make those posts, and their follower counts had dropped sharply.

Those artists and influencers kept calling to complain.

“Useless! Didn’t President Liu say an investigation was underway? It ends with no data manipulation found? Why bother investigating, then?”

Thankfully, he hadn’t used the company’s official account to denounce Jiang Yu; otherwise, he’d be the laughingstock of the entire entertainment industry.

As the head of such a large company, he couldn’t even deal with a newcomer as insignificant as an ant.

He didn’t think he was wrong—only that he failed to handle Jiang Yu.

There was nothing to do now but swallow this bitter pill. One more thing remained: preparations had to be made.

If anyone investigated, it would be easy to uncover the truth. If that broke out, it would not only damage the company’s reputation.

Someone would have to take the fall.

...

Huayue Entertainment.

The two arrived at the Huayue Entertainment building.

Su Ling was in her office. Seeing Su Muyu return, she smiled and nodded. “You’re here. It’s settled!”

“Did you find out who?” A fierce light flashed in Su Muyu’s eyes.

“We did,” Su Ling nodded, gritting her teeth. “Who else but that bastard Li Gang? Jiang Yu rejected him, joined our company, and embarrassed him. Plus, with these songs doing so well, there’s no way he’d let us have it easy.”

So it was him. Jiang Yu’s gaze flickered.

Just then, a staff member hurried over with a phone. “President Su, Sister Yu, look.”

They glanced at it. Star Entertainment had released a statement.

“After investigation, the instigator of the Jiang Yu incident was our artist Xiao Li. As a fellow newcomer, Xiao Li was jealous of Jiang Yu’s exceptional music and paid for these actions.”

“We deeply regret Xiao Li’s conduct and have decided to suspend all commercial activities. However, since he confessed voluntarily, we will retain him for observation.”

“Meanwhile, we apologize publicly for the damage to Jiang Yu’s reputation and will contact his team for financial compensation.”

“That old bastard is cunning—found a scapegoat so quickly. Who’s Xiao Li? I’ve never even heard of him!” Su Ling cursed angrily.

Su Muyu’s gaze cooled, but she sighed and looked at Jiang Yu apologetically.

“With Star Entertainment’s announcement, there’s little more we can do now…”

“There’s always something to be done,” Jiang Yu chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Didn’t they mention financial compensation?”