Volume One, Chapter 46: Reaching an Agreement

“Damn it!”
On the way back, Li Gang’s expression was dark and grim.
His secretary beside him didn’t dare utter a word, watching Li Gang grit his teeth in silence.
“Jiang Yu, let’s see who will have the last laugh!”
With this thought, he pulled out his phone.
...
In the main control room, Yan Ming wiped sweat from his forehead.
He hadn’t expected that even after hearing it again, it would still be so shocking. That kid really had guts, to write such a song.
Yet, seeing the skyrocketing numbers, he couldn’t help but smile.
Just then, the phone rang unexpectedly.
Yan Ming was engrossed in the show and initially wanted to hang up, but when he saw the caller ID, he hesitated, then walked outside the control room.
He pressed the answer button.
“Hello, Chairman Li, what brings you to call me out of the blue?”
The caller was none other than Li Gang, chairman of Stardust Entertainment.
“Brother, it’s been so long! I’ve been wanting to have dinner with you, just not sure if you’d honor me with your presence?”
Li Jiang’s refreshing laugh came from the other end.
“Oh, Chairman Li, as you know, ‘Idol: Two and a Half Years’ is airing recently. I’ve been really busy, might not have time for dinner. Once the show wraps, I’ll host you for a meal—how about that?”
Yan Ming kept his tone cheerful, though inwardly he cursed: “What the hell!”
In this industry, anyone who’s survived this long knows how to play the game.
As for why he called, it went without saying—it was definitely about the show.
The two exchanged words, tugging back and forth.
Finally, Li Gang couldn’t hold back any longer: “Brother Yan, this old brother has run into a bit of trouble and hoped you could help. Would it be convenient?”
Yan Ming sneered and finally spoke.
“Brother, if you need help, just say so—though I’m not sure I can help you. You know, I’m just a small-time director, not as capable as you.”
His words were clear: I’m not as influential as you, so don’t come to me with your problems.
Yet on the other end, Li Gang acted as if he hadn’t heard, chuckling and sighing: “Brother Yan, you know our company’s Wang Linkai is participating in your show. He made it to the third episode, but his performance was too poor, so...”
Yan Ming cursed inwardly, realizing Li Gang wanted to rig things, not even waiting a couple more days.
He knew Wang Linkai—he was one of the contestants with a considerable fan base.
With such a good foundation, he couldn’t beat the others; who was to blame?
“Brother, you know who we invited as mentors this time—Song Changying and Chen Tong, both veterans. I can’t override them, and as for Xu Kun, I don’t need to tell you about him.”
Yan Ming only mentioned Song Changying and Chen Tong—his meaning was obvious.
Li Jiang, though a second-generation rich, wasn’t stupid; he must have understood what Yan Ming implied.
But he hadn’t expected Li Jiang’s real intention wasn’t about this at all.
“Brother, Wang Linkai—our company has built the stage for him, but he let us down. There’s nothing we can do. But that’s not why I called today.”
“Our top star has been bullied, and I wanted to discuss this matter with you.”
So that was his plan from the start!
Yan Ming finally understood—Stardust Entertainment did want to rig things, but not to boost someone, rather to push someone down.
Li Gang continued on the other end.
“Brother, you’ve seen the trending searches, right? That Jiang Yu is going too far. I admit he’s talented, but he shouldn’t be arrogant and disrespectful. Xu Kun is his mentor on the show, and outside, he’s a senior.”
“In our industry, reputation is everything. Jiang Yu sang such a song—wasn’t that a public slap to Xu Kun’s face?”
“Xu Kun is our company’s man, so isn’t that an insult to me as well?”
“He acts out on the show, and outside, he turns everything upside down.”
“Brother Yan, when we run a show, we don’t just pick talented people—their character matters even more. Jiang Yu’s actions are problematic, don’t you think?”
“You’re a prominent figure in entertainment; surely you don’t want someone with questionable morals entering the industry? Especially when he’s debuting from your show—wouldn’t that damage your reputation?”
Yan Ming cursed silently.
Damn, all this talk just to crush Jiang Yu.
The entertainment industry is ruthless—if they want to boost someone, even a dog can be made famous; if they want to ruin someone, even a heavyweight must kneel.
Jiang Yu had already recorded two episodes, his performance obvious to everyone. The backstage data showed his importance to the show—he had practically determined its ratings!
“Chairman Li, you flatter me. I’m just a small-time director, hardly important.”
“Brother, don’t reject me just yet. Why not listen to the terms we’re offering? You and my father are old friends—he wouldn’t treat you unfairly.”
Hearing Li Gang’s words, Yan Ming grew silent.
They talked for more than an hour.
Finally, it was over.
After hanging up, Yan Ming sighed.
It was clear from the call how determined Stardust was to crush Jiang Yu this time.
Not that he feared Stardust Entertainment.
He could certainly protect Jiang Yu, but risking conflict with a capital giant for the sake of a newcomer was hardly worth it.
Yet, Stardust may be a giant, but isn’t Huayue Entertainment one as well?
With that thought, Yan Ming dialed another number.
...

Having just finished grocery shopping and returned to Tan Palace,
Su Muyu and Su Ling walked in.
“Wow, Jiang Yu, you’re amazing!” Su Ling burst in, excitement on her face.
“Xiaoyu, Aunt, you’re here.”
Jiang Yu put down his keyboard and walked out, smiling.
“We just came to check on the boldest newcomer,” Su Ling teased, giving Jiang Yu a playful look.
Jiang Yu scratched his head, a bit embarrassed: “Aunt, you weren’t caught up in any trouble, were you?”
“How could we not? Huayue Entertainment’s official account was bombarded by those fan circles. You’ll have to compensate us properly!”
“Huh?”
Su Muyu tugged at Su Ling: “Aunt, stop teasing him. Let’s wrap this up—I have other things to do.”
“Besides the contract, what else is there?” Su Ling asked, puzzled, but seeing Su Muyu stay silent, she continued.
“We’re here to discuss your contract. This is the draft—see if it meets your expectations.”
Jiang Yu looked over the contract.
It was an S-level sign, full of sincerity.
The terms were favorable, including arrangements for variety appearances and his overall management.
The profit split for works was as before—thirty percent to the company, seventy to him.
Jiang Yu smiled: “Aunt, to secure such a contract, you must have faced a lot of pressure.”
Su Ling nodded: “There was pressure at first, but not anymore. You’ve proven your ability, and the shareholders saw your achievements—so they had nothing to say. If you agree, we’ll use this contract.”
Jiang Yu closed the contract, a smile on his lips.
“Looking forward to working together!”
Seeing them reach an agreement, Su Muyu’s lips curved into a lovely smile.
Just then, Su Ling’s phone rang.
She pressed the answer button.
“Hello, Director Yan, how can I help you?”
...