Volume One, Chapter 41: The Astonished Crowd

"Jiang Yu, it's your turn."

As the three of them were chatting, the staff member responsible for interviews walked over. Jiang Yu was quite the figure of discussion, so the director had assigned someone specifically to interview him, all because of the buzz surrounding him lately.

Jiang Yu sat on the stool. After the young lady interviewer helped him adjust his microphone, the interview began.

"Jiang Yu, how do you feel after advancing through the first round?"

"Nothing, really."

"???"

Such a straightforward reply left the interviewer completely stunned. Usually, contestants' answers followed a template—something about getting one step closer to their dreams, and so on. She never expected Jiang Yu to answer like this.

Seeing her expression, Jiang Yu tried to explain, "Well... I just advanced, is there really much to say?"

The interviewer rubbed the bridge of her nose. The first question was only meant as a warm-up anyway; the next one was the real focus.

"Everyone knows the show has had an impact on your life. Has this brought you a lot of pressure?"

"Not really."

"....."

The interviewer was at a loss. Couldn't he at least say something for appearance's sake?

Jiang Yu looked perfectly serious. "Honestly, I eat well, sleep soundly, and don't feel any pressure."

The interviewer could only stare at him, speechless. It did seem to be true, but was he being a little too sincere?

"After the first episode aired, everyone thought your skills were outstanding. Out of the remaining twenty contestants, who would you most like as your opponent?"

"Guo Qiang and Liu Bin."

At last, the interviewer seemed a bit relieved.

"Only those two?"

Jiang Yu scratched his head and gave an embarrassed smile. "Mainly, I don't know the others."

With that earnest look on his face, he was clearly telling the truth.

The interviewer wiped the sweat from her forehead. He really wasn't afraid of offending anyone!

"For this round, what kind of song have you prepared? Is it similar to your previous style?"

"The song itself is confidential." Jiang Yu glanced at the camera and gave a playful smile. "But I can say this: once people hear it, some of them will definitely feel a lot of pressure!"

Seeing Jiang Yu's expression, the interviewer shivered—a sense of foreboding creeping in.

"Alright, thank you for accepting the interview."

Jiang Yu stood up and walked over to Guo Qiang and Liu Bin, and together they headed back to their rooms.

But as the three of them stepped into the elevator, a figure hurried towards them.

Looking closely, it turned out to be Wang Linkai.

Jiang Yu and his friends kept chatting, paying him no attention.

Soon, the elevator reached their floor. Just as Jiang Yu and his friends were about to walk out, an unpleasant voice came from behind.

"First time trending online, huh? How does it feel?"

Jiang Yu stopped and glanced back at him. Wang was referring to the recent online controversy about Jiang Yu.

It seemed his aunt had been right—it was Star Entertainment behind it all.

Wang Linkai sneered at Jiang Yu. "I'll admit, your songwriting is great. But do you really think you can survive in this industry on talent alone?"

"There are plenty of geniuses out there, but very few actually make it. Soon, you'll understand—talent counts for nothing here."

Guo Qiang's eyes filled with anger.

"You bastard, what did you just say!" Liu Bin couldn't hold back and was about to lunge at him.

But suddenly, Jiang Yu grabbed his hand. Turning, Liu Bin saw Jiang Yu's face calm and composed, not a trace of emotion. He simply led him toward their room.

Wang Linkai smirked, thinking Jiang Yu had backed down.

But just as the elevator doors were closing, two words floated through the gap.

"Idiot."

...

The next day, in the contestants' waiting area.

Liu Bin leaned in toward Jiang Yu. "Bro, look at that idiot—he hasn't stopped staring at you!"

Jiang Yu turned to see Wang Linkai's resentful glare.

Guo Qiang couldn't help but laugh. "Those two words really did a number on him. Look at how pissed off he is!"

Jiang Yu chuckled as well. "He just likes picking fights. Once you curse him out, he's quiet for a while!"

Coincidentally, Wang Linkai heard this remark.

Was it just the one time? You cursed me out three times!

With all the cameras rolling, he couldn't say anything back. He could only clench his teeth and mutter under his breath, "Let's see how long you can act so cocky."

At that moment, a middle-aged man walked in.

It was Yan Ming, the director of "Idol: Two and a Half Years."

As soon as the director entered, most of the contestants tensed up—you could see just how much pressure they were under.

"Hello everyone. I'm here to announce the details for this episode."

The second round: the top twenty to the top eighteen.

Compared to the first round, the chances were much better. Only two contestants would be eliminated, but the pressure was still intense.

After making his announcements, Yan Ming observed the mix of expressions on the contestants' faces. Most looked nervous, but some seemed untouched by anxiety.

Wang Linkai, for example, looked highly confident, as if he was already guaranteed a spot in the next round. And then there was Jiang Yu, whose performance had shocked everyone last time—he was yawning.

"This damn kid!" Yan Ming cursed with a laugh in his heart. He thought highly of Jiang Yu, but the kid was fearless—he had no idea what song Jiang Yu would perform this time.

"Alright, let's begin recording. I'm looking forward to your performances!"

"We're ready to shoot!"

With that, the entire crew sprang into action.

"Oh man, I'm so nervous, Yu!" Liu Bin clenched his fists, squirming on the sofa as if he was sitting on pins and needles.

"Just look at him—it's obvious he's completely prepared," Guo Qiang laughed. "Come on, give us a hint. What song are you performing this round?"

Jiang Yu replied with a mysterious smile, "You'll find out soon enough!"

While they chatted, the host stepped onto the stage and introduced the four mentors. The program began recording according to schedule.

Finally, it was Jiang Yu's turn. After he finished singing, the room fell utterly silent.

Not even the host came onstage to control the scene.

In the control room, Yan Ming stared blankly at the screen, the water in his cup slowly dripping onto the floor unnoticed.

On stage, the mentors' faces showed a range of emotions. Song Changying and Chen Tong's faces were flushed red, Su Muyu stifled a laugh, and Xu Kun's face was ashen, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Jiang Yu onstage.

"Host?" Jiang Yu called.

Snapping out of her daze, the host made her way onto the stage, face full of complex emotions, and regained control of the proceedings. Jiang Yu, looking completely at ease, returned to the contestants' seats.

"Holy hell, Yu, you're fearless!"

"Jiang Yu, you're amazing!"