Volume One, Chapter 47: "We Who Serve"

The call was from Yan Ming.

Five minutes later, Su Ling hung up, her face dark, the joy of reaching an agreement with Jiang Yu completely gone.

Su Muyu noticed the change in her expression.

“What happened? Why do you look so upset?”

Jiang Yu also turned to look at Su Ling after hearing this.

Sure enough, her mood didn’t look good.

Su Ling looked at Jiang Yu.

“Li Gang from Star Entertainment called Yan Ming. He’s coming after you. This time it’s different from before—maybe next week, your show will…”

Hearing this, Su Muyu raised an eyebrow. Although Su Ling didn’t finish her sentence, he already understood what she meant.

“Director Yan called, but he probably didn’t say anything definite, did he?”

“That old fox would never get involved in something like this. He just called to hand the problem over to us,” Su Ling grumbled.

“He said the Army Day gala will be off air next week. Basically, he wants us to face off with that old fox Li Gang this week!”

At this, Jiang Yu couldn’t help but chuckle, and Su Muyu also burst out laughing.

Seeing the two of them laughing only made Su Ling angrier. “You still have the heart to laugh? Don’t you realize this is a big problem? It could affect the signing of your contract!”

Su Muyu’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Aunt, don’t worry. The reason I came today is precisely to solve this.”

Su Ling was taken aback. “You mentioned earlier that you had something to discuss with Jiang Yu. What exactly is it?”

Su Muyu just smiled and said nothing.

“What is it, really?”

“Aunt, don’t ask. Trust me, it’ll all be resolved soon.”

“Ugh! You know the thing I hate most is people who only tell half the story! Tell me, please, what on earth is it?” Su Ling looked at Su Muyu, utterly exasperated.

“Seriously, you two are definitely family—always leaving things half said! First it was Jiang Yu, now you!”

But no matter how much she fumed, the two just smirked and stayed silent…

Muttering under her breath, Su Ling walked to the door, but when she saw that Su Muyu had no intention of leaving, she asked, “What, you’re not going? Planning to move in with this kid?”

“Ahem!” Su Muyu didn’t react much, but Jiang Yu, who was drinking water, nearly choked.

“Xiaoyu, if you have things to discuss, that’s fine, but don’t forget you’re due on set today,” Su Ling reminded her. “Director Liu Wenwei can’t stand lateness.”

Liu Wenwei was one of the top directors in the country.

Su Muyu widened her eyes, almost forgetting she needed to join the film crew today. She looked apologetically at Jiang Yu. “Sorry, I can’t go with you today.”

Jiang Yu smiled. “Don’t worry, go shoot your scenes. I’ll go on my own.”

“You’ll definitely be fine. Good luck!”

“What exactly is Jiang Yu up to? I’m begging you, can’t you at least tell me?” Su Ling pleaded.

“Let’s go, Aunt, I have to shoot now!” Su Muyu pulled Su Ling out the door.

Once they’d left, Jiang Yu took out his phone.

“Hello, is this Minister Yang? This is Jiang Yu.”

“Yes, yes, the song is ready.”

“You’re at the TV station now?”

“All right, I’ll be right there.”

The preparations for the Army Day gala had been underway for half a month. Today, Minister Yang was at the satellite TV studio watching the rehearsal.

Jiang Yu took a taxi to Jiangxia Satellite TV’s building and dialed the number Yang He had given him.

A staff member came out. “Hello, are you Mr. Jiang Yu? Please come with me.”

“All right.”

Jiang Yu followed the staff member to the program group.

Yang He was there as well.

“Minister Yang,” Jiang Yu greeted him politely.

“Xiao Jiang, you’re here. Sit.” Yang He looked at him with a smile. “Is the song ready?”

Jiang Yu nodded and handed over the lyrics.

“Excellent lyrics,” Yang He said, putting on his glasses for a quick look. He wasn’t an expert in music, but even so, the words alone showed it was a fine piece.

Jiang Yu smiled, took out his phone, played the recorded music, and sang a few lines.

With every note, Yang He’s eyes grew brighter.

“Wonderful, wonderful! Xiao Jiang, you didn’t let me down!” Yang He laughed heartily. “Very good, rehearse with the group a few times later.”

“Of course.”

“Haha! Let’s see if those old fellows dare mock me this time!”

…

At last, Army Day arrived.

As the time drew near, the vast hall started to fill with people.

First to enter were the leaders from various organizations, including Yang He and the commanding officers of the Jiangxia Military District.

Jiang Yu sat backstage, dressed in a military performance uniform, clutching an empty water bottle, his breathing noticeably quickening.

This was his first time taking part in a large-scale gala.

For the Army Day celebration, there were very few so-called “traffic” idols—how could such a show for soldiers feature that sort of performer?

Almost all the participants were people with positive public images.

The fact that Jiang Yu had been invited was already unprecedented, especially with so many leaders present in the audience.

How could the pressure not be immense?

But looking at the program list, he couldn’t blame Yang He for seeking him out.

The acts were all from army art troupes and local performance groups, all with positive themes.

He’d seen the program list: a poetry recitation “Defending the Homeland,” a dance “Guardians of the People,” a comedy sketch “Army and People Are One Family,” a choir “Marching Forward Resolutely”…

Individually, these items were perfect for this stage and completely appropriate.

But they were so old-fashioned. He’d watched many shows while preparing for Army Day, and these programs, if not exactly the same as last year’s, were not much different.

Finally, the gala began.

Two formally dressed hosts took the stage, setting the tone for the evening.

The once noisy audience gradually quieted.

One performance after another went on.

Backstage, Jiang Yu observed the audience’s reactions.

Most were soldiers, clapping mechanically, weariness and resignation clear on their faces.

Jiang Yu had to admit, these shows were less entertaining than the cliché dramas about mistresses and drunken scandals on TV.

If leaving were an option, more than half the audience would probably have gone home.

Still, it had to be said—the national troupes’ performers had a presence that far outshone solo acts.

At last, it was his turn.

The hosts took to the stage.

“When you become a soldier, you put on the uniform and shed your innocence, giving yourself wholly to the country and its people. In uniform, you set aside private feelings, keeping the safety of the nation and its people foremost in your heart at all times.”

“That is the way of a soldier. The spirit of our armed forces flies high on the flag of the Republic. Please enjoy the song—‘We Who Are Soldiers.’”