October has passed, and as Su Yu only released one song, "Chi Ling," this month, discussions about him within the Shuang Qing Shi Entertainment company's internal group have lessened.
Jiao Yang Entertainment, though smaller than Xing Hui Entertainment, still boasts a star producer among its ranks. This top-tier producer is named Zhou Xin, and he has gained some recognition in the industry. He is particularly skilled at composing ancient-style songs. His status as a star producer was solidified by a song called "Li Hua Dai Yu."
Wu Qingyun is a singer the company is currently heavily promoting. With the recent surge in popularity of ancient-style music, the company had Zhou Xin write a song for him last month. However, upon hearing that Ting Yu was releasing a new song, the company decided to postpone their release until November for safety. This was not due to fear of Ting Yu, but rather because both Hai An and Zhan Fang entertainment companies had previously faltered under his success, and Jiao Yang Entertainment was reluctant to be reckless.
Fortunately, their caution proved wise. The song "Chi Ling," from its second day of release, immediately topped the ancient-style new song charts. By the fifth day, it had climbed into the top ten of the popular songs chart, surpassing Ting Yu's own "Later" and "What Can't Be Done." It has now reached third place on the popular songs chart. The first place is held by the most viral earworm song on Douyin, and second place is occupied by a new release from the long-absent diva, Zhou Rui. The three songs have been vying for the top spots on the popular songs chart for days, with little to separate them.
As soon as the 31st passed, at one o'clock in the morning, Wu Qingyun instructed the company to release his new song on all major music platforms.
"Guys, the new song is online, get ready to see me dominate the charts!" Wu Qingyun posted a message in the internal group, then waited quietly for replies. It had been two months, and the group was filled with discussions about Ting Yu every day. It was time for him, Wu Qingyun, to show off.
"So you really waited until now to release the song..."
"The song title 'Liang Le You Liang' has a somewhat ominous meaning..."
"Holy crap, the lyrics and music are by Zhou Xin!"
"Zhou Xin?"
"I'm going to check it out right away!"
"Wu Qingyun, how can a second-tier singer like you get a star producer to write for you?"
"With Zhou Xin involved, how can anyone compete?"
"I haven't heard any news about major artists releasing songs recently, so maybe Wu Qingyun can actually show off."
"I wonder about Ting Yu though..."
"Even if Ting Yu releases another song, it won't be ancient-style, right? After all, he's already released 'Chi Ling'."
Wu Qingyun relished the shock from the group members. This was exactly the effect he wanted. After holding back for over half a month, he had finally released this news. He felt incredibly good about it. "Although I'm just a second-tier singer, I have a star producer backing me. And Zhou Xin's ancient-style songs are his signature. Since I'm going to show off, I'll go all the way."
He typed furiously with both hands. "Unfortunately, this song is only being released this month due to some reasons. I really wanted to compete for the first place on the new song chart with 'Chi Ling,' but it seems there's no chance anymore."
Anyone could boast, but being proven wrong was unpleasant. However, his boast was perfectly timed, as "Chi Ling" had already exited the new song chart. Even if people knew he was bragging, they couldn't fault him.
"Haha, that's a boast you can't argue with."
"Even though I know you're bragging, I can't find a way to refute you."
"@Zhang Wei, this is what you call a flanking maneuver, knowing when to avoid the direct confrontation."
"It's just that Zhang Wei was unlucky. You guys have been talking about it for half a month."
"Let Zhang Wei off the hook, @Zhang Wei."
At Zhan Fang Entertainment, Zhang Wei clutched his phone, gnashing his teeth. Li Yunchuan, standing beside him, sighed and gently took his phone away.
"Zhang Wei, based on my experience, it's best not to look at your phone for a while. Let the company give you a break and go rest."
"Old Li, do you think Ting Yu will release two ancient-style songs in a row?" Zhang Wei's face showed an unprecedented longing. He yearned for Ting Yu to release another ancient-style song and completely crush Wu Qingyun. That way, he would at least have company. Just like how Zhao Zhicheng had Li Yunchuan for company after being thrashed, shifting the mockery from Zhao Zhicheng to Li Yunchuan. If Ting Yu released another ancient-style song, the target of mockery would shift to the currently bragging Wu Qingyun. That would make him feel a little better.
"It's unlikely. And this time, Wu Qingyun has a song written by a star producer. Even if Ting Yu releases another one, unless it's as outrageously strong as 'Chi Ling,' Ting Yu might not be able to win." Li Yunchuan glanced at Zhang Wei with a hint of resentment. Was this kid subtly mocking him? However, in his objective analysis, the possibility of that happening was practically zero. After all, their opponent this time was not weak; he was a star producer, and one known for his ancient-style songs.
"So, it means I, Zhang Wei, have to endure everything alone..." Zhang Wei looked at Li Yunchuan pitifully, pouting.
"Don't say that. Maybe there will be a miracle," Li Yunchuan patted his shoulder comfortingly. Although, the possibility of that was virtually nonexistent.
...
Airport parking lot. A dazzling red Porsche 911 smoothly parked in a spot, kicking up a trail of dust. Su Yu alighted from the passenger seat and gave Gong Juren a thumbs-up, "Great driving."
Gong Juren quickly got out and retrieved the luggage from the car. "Hehe, just average. I'm alright." He was quite pleased with Su Yu's praise.
"Let me have it," Su Yu said, reaching for the luggage.
"It's fine, I'll take it. Let's go, we lost some time due to the traffic. If we hurry, we should make it." Gong Juren, carrying two suitcases, headed towards the airport terminal. Su Yu followed him with a helpless expression.
However, as he walked, admiring glances from the surrounding girls, some even taking out their phones to snap pictures, caused Su Yu to quicken his pace. He blamed Gong Juren for all this showmanship! Earlier that morning, Gong Juren had come knocking on his door. He had even brought a stylist and makeup artist to give Su Yu a complete makeover. And then there were the trendy brand clothes. Normally, Su Yu lived in t-shirts, shorts, and slippers. He had never worn such clothes before.
However, after the stylist and makeup artist were finished, the rest of his roommates were stunned into silence. Even the stylist and makeup artist couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Having styled for numerous clients, including influencers and celebrities, they had never encountered a client as handsome as Su Yu.
Once everything was done, Su Yu finally came to his senses and asked Gong Juren what this was all about. Gong Juren then produced tickets to Lin Yanyu's competition, saying that Lin Yanyu had also given him a ticket and asked him to accompany Su Yu to the competition in Kyoto. Although Su Yu was a bit puzzled, having a friend along would make the journey less boring. Therefore, he gladly accepted to go with Gong Juren. With his new look and the fatherly gazes of his roommates like Zhang Yang, he left Dorm 408.