Chapter 83

Yang Yunran ended the live broadcast, put on a hat and mask, left the conference room, and didn’t need to teach anymore. Even his agent knew what to do.

Due to Williams’s inherent popularity online and his large fan base, not much money needs to be spent. With just a little marketing expense, the news can spread across the entire internet.

Before the news could spread, Yang Yunran’s sudden live broadcast unexpectedly countered the program’s arrangements. The program team contacted several mentors, hoping they would come forward to repost clarifications from the official account, maintaining the program’s reputation for fairness and transparency.

Tang Wenqiang was the first to come out. His agent showed him the live broadcast and shook his head, saying, “This Haliyeh is live streaming, claiming he made no mistakes. It implies you have a script and are talking nonsense. Some netizens are already saying you’re just after money. You need to come out and speak.”

Tang Wenqiang found it unbelievable that this singer, who dared not show his face, wouldn’t quit while ahead! He even dared to openly resist dubbing on the program, breaking industry norms and ruining his own reputation.

Luckily, netizens saw through it all. They were urging this Haliyeh to leave the entertainment circle, believing he had no respect for his seniors and was overestimating himself.

In Tang Wenqiang’s first live broadcast, he looked like an experienced artist, calmly saying in front of the screen, “Just chatting with everyone casually. Haliyeh is quite popular now. He’s a talented singer, and when a song becomes popular, there might be mistakes in a competition. Even I wouldn’t dare say I won’t make mistakes. Minor mistakes are inevitable. As far as I know, this is his first time on such a big stage. Before this, he only sang online, right?”

Like a senior, he criticized Yang Yunran’s attitude, implying he made mistakes but wouldn’t admit them. Then he said, “The program team saw how badly he was being attacked and arranged it like this to give him a better elimination scene. Unexpectedly, eh, unexpectedly…”

A netizen asked him, “Tang Wenqiang, aren’t you just after money?”

Tang Wenqiang raised an eyebrow and said, “Netizens’ words are interesting. I have no grudge against him. I criticized him because I am a mentor and he is a contestant. As a mentor, when I hear a mistake, I point it out on the spot. What’s the problem with that, my friend?”

“Then why aren’t the other teachers speaking?”

Yes, the other mentors are also senior figures in the singing industry. On the matter of whether Haliyeh made a mistake, they simply didn’t take a stand and remained perfectly invisible.

“But Ye Ye’s songs are very popular, and his downloads have already surpassed yours!”

Tang Wenqiang couldn’t believe how sharp the netizens were. Despite having a lot of support and encouragement, which he didn’t see, he focused on those few glaring criticisms.

“So what if Haliyeh doesn’t show his face? He has more fans than you.”

“After so many years, you still haven’t had a new hit. I can count your masterpieces on one hand…”

“The poetry in Haliyeh’s lyrics is more profound than yours. He never makes mistakes in his live broadcasts. Is it possible, Teacher Tang, that you have a bias against newcomers? After all, you’re both the same type of singer. His downloads and sales are better than yours now. Are you jealous?”

Finally, Tang Wenqiang couldn’t take it anymore: “I’ve said everyone makes mistakes, I didn’t say he’s bad. His life mistakes were unpleasant, that’s a fact. I’m putting it out there, I stand by my words! Ridiculous, why would I be jealous of him? Let’s not joke around. He released one album and sings online, he’s just an unknown internet singer. What’s he compared to?”

His tone grew more impassioned.

His agent immediately reminded him, “Mr. Tang.”

Taking a deep breath, Tang Wenqiang continued, “Newcomers need experience and improvement. Let’s end this topic here, no more responses. Both I and the program have no script. He was eliminated because his skills didn’t match the other singers’, it’s as simple as that.”

“That’s enough.” He ended the broadcast and couldn’t help but curse at his agent, “Am I supposed to be jealous of him? He’s just a bottom-tier, third-rate singer. Do you think he’s all that because his songs are viral on Douyin’s Divine Comedy? Singing behind a mask, who knows if he’s human or a ghost, did he even write those songs? It’s all garbage! And XX TV wants to invite him to the Spring Festival Gala? Immediately tell the station to disinvite him, shadowy garbage that can’t stand the light! Ban him!”

The agent on the side said, “Wenqiang, don’t bother with this kind of loser who’s just seeking attention and not up to standard. He’s just sucking your blood for a show… Going against the studio, exposing their bad editing, is he qualified? Now he’s on a dead end, he’ll definitely be blacklisted by the studio.”

Tang Wenqiang cursed a few more times, picked up his phone, and noticed the screen was dark, but it seemed like it was still broadcasting. It was his first live broadcast, and he had no idea that he hadn’t muted his microphone, only turning off the front camera.

All his words were being broadcast live.

“Unbelievable,” Tang Wenqiang operated his phone. “These netizens are disgusting, have they nothing better to do? Didn’t they go home from the factory? They only know how to insult people online?”

The agent told him not to look, then took his phone and immediately turned pale, quickly exiting, “Wenqiang! You didn’t end the broadcast!!”

“What??”

The agent was also somewhat panicked, “I’ll immediately ask the platform to take down the live video! It must not leak out.”

But it was already too late.

The PR department of Wanyan Entertainment was not to be underestimated. Harry Ye Ye’s live clarification, offending the production team, was definitely an unwise move. But now Tang Wenqiang forgot to end the broadcast and was badmouthing people behind their backs, completely ruining his image! The PR material was handed to them on a silver platter!

“Perfect, spread the screen recordings all over the internet quickly.” Several employees of the PR department worked simultaneously, their keyboards clicking away.

[Williams Ha Ha Haliyeh]

[Williams partners with Haliyeh]

[An unprecedented album!]

[Tang Wenqiang – lacks manners]

[Tang Wenqiang forgets to mute]

[Tang Wenqiang admits insider information]

…

Multiple trending topics exploded in an instant.

“Williams’ partner, Haliyeh, is amazing! It’s the first time I’ve seen Williams promoting someone else’s album on Twitter.”

“An unprecedented album? Is it really that good? I want to listen!”

“I listened and came back. Is this a newcomer? The lyrics and composition are awesome…”

“Thanks for the recommendation. I don’t know why I cried after listening. It felt like when I listened to ‘Tian Lu’. I understand Williams’ feelings now. It’s really good.”

“Some songs just touch you. Many singers spend their whole lives trying to write one great song! Haliyeh has so many hits that I always pick at KTV. They’re bound to become classics.”

“My best friend loves him so much!!! Is he really collaborating with Williams?”

“It’s breaking boundaries!!! An international superstar is collaborating with my favorite young singer. It’s unbelievable!”

“Tang Wenqiang is just money-hungry?! Can’t match up to a newcomer in talent, and his morals are rotten. Calling people trash behind their backs, I think he’s the trashy one!”

“Tang Wenqiang should get out of the entertainment industry, stop fooling around!”

“Even international superstars say he’s one of a kind. Who are you to say Ye Ye sings poorly? I think you’re the worst.”

Poor Tang Wenqiang, at his age, had never faced such a backlash. He was fuming at home.

…

Yang Youran left the company and met Jiang Fan in the elevator.

Yang Youran frowned but didn’t back down.

Jiang Fan didn’t seem embarrassed. He greeted Yang Youran when he saw him, but Yang Youran ignored him.

The elevator displayed a new advertisement for Yuduo, and the spokesperson on the poster had been changed—it was no longer Jiang Fan.

Jiang Fan wanted a new endorsement, a better one. Knowing licking up to Yang Youran was futile, he had planned to switch to another big shot. Unexpectedly, he accidentally saw Zhao Youmo on the app.

Through chatting with him, Jiang Fan confirmed that Yang Youran had indeed mistaken Zhao Youmo. So he greeted him in the elevator and said nothing more.

Yang Youran completely ignored him.

As the elevator descended another floor, Jiang Fan’s agent, Miss Du, also entered. She hesitated over whether to call Youran “Teacher” or “Ye Ye Teacher.”

She chose: “teacher.”

“Miss Du.” Yang Youran nodded to her. Miss Du smiled kindly, then turned to Jiang Fan and said quietly, “Just now, there was news in the group that Yuduo’s Vice President Li seems to have come today. They’re probably choosing a new spokesperson for the subsidiary line. Their group has acquired 25 brands. I’ll take you over later. If we run into him, you’ve at least been their spokesperson before, and yet they’ve replaced you. It’s incomprehensible.”

Soon, Vice President Li came into the elevator with a group of people in a hurry. Miss Du immediately called out, “Vice President Li!”

“Hello, Vice President Li! I’m Xiao Du, and this is Yi Fan, your spokesperson!”

“Hello,” Vice President Li casually glanced at Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan bowed and shook hands again, looking very humble.

Miss Du said, “Yi Fan’s ability to drive sales is still very strong, and his promotion is particularly effective. Fans really support him. Vice President Li, would you consider him for other brands?”

Vice President Li said, “Sorry, I did come here today to discuss endorsements. Yang mentioned signing that singer for the whole line. I know Yi Fan is strong at driving sales, but Yang’s intention… I can’t do anything about it.”

Miss Du’s face was filled with astonishment. “Endorsements for all 26 brands? Including a singer from our company? Who is it?”

Yuduo took a populist approach, but Yang Wanyu’s group had acquired 25 domestic and international brands, including many high-end names where a single bottle of face cream cost four figures. Because the group was wealthy, they were generous with endorsement fees and easy to work with. She really wanted to negotiate this deal for her artist. She had been currying favor with this vice president for quite some time.

Endorsing all 26 brands—how much would that be in endorsement fees?! At least a billion a year!

When the flood of advertisements came down, it would be a windfall of money and exposure! Jiang Fan did some quick mental calculations, and his mind was filled with yuan bills. How nice would it be if he got a share?

Who was this spokesperson? How did he manage to get endorsements for 26 brands? Is he the boss’s favorite son?!

He asked, “Who is this singer, Vice President Li, can you… can you tell me?”

“It’s not like I can’t tell you,” Vice President Li said, lowering his voice, “His name is Haliyeh, a singer. Do you know him?”

Yang Yunran, who was standing in the corner of the elevator, looked up.

Jiang Fan and Miss Du turned their heads at the same time. Jiang Fan was shocked.

Vice President Li shrugged. “He is Mr. Yang’s son, so there’s nothing I can do.”

Yang Yunran remained silent. He had long said he didn’t want to be a spokesperson because he wouldn’t take off his mask, and no one would foot the bill for endorsing skincare products.

Vice President Li hadn’t seen Yang Yunran and didn’t know he was there.

Jiang Fan’s face suddenly became very interesting. He opened his mouth, wanting to get closer to Yang Yunran and ask him what his abilities were, how come his mother was Yang Wanyu, what was going on?! Wasn’t he a fake second-generation rich kid? But Jiang Fan knew better than to ask on this occasion.

Miss Du reacted the fastest and quickly began to flatter. “Teacher Ye Ye, what a coincidence! So you’re here today to discuss cooperation. How fortunate! Yi Fan, you know him too, so why don’t we sit down together and talk about it?”

Yang Yunran, wearing a mask, said with some regret, “No, I just finished my live broadcast and I’m a bit pressed for time. Miss Du, let’s talk another time, shall we?”

Vice President Li’s eyes brightened at Yang Yunran’s words. “You’re… Mr. Ye? Hello, hello.” He didn’t know Harry Ye Ye’s full name, but he knew he was the chairman’s son. It had already spread throughout the company because all the live streaming rooms were playing Yang Yunran’s songs.

Vice President Li reached out to shake hands with him. Yang Yunran was slightly taller, nodded to him, shook his hand, and then said, “As for the endorsement contract, I’ve already discussed it with Assistant Jiang. You don’t need to consider me.”

Vice President Li completely ignored Jiang Fan and his agent. “Oh my,” he exclaimed warmly to Yang Yunran, “Mr. Yang said that even if you don’t agree, we must consider your opinion before signing any contracts for our entire lineup of endorsements!”

Jiang Fan’s expression became even more colorful, staring at Yang Yunran in disbelief. His endorsement had suddenly been dropped, and Yang Yunran, the son of Yuduo’s president, had intervened?!

Yang Yunran remained calm. “You can select according to your criteria. You don’t need to consider my opinion.”

“That won’t do, Mr. Ye. Our boss said your judgment is the best. We must have your approval…”

Miss Du, excited at the thought of Yang Yunran and Jiang Fan’s past relationship, interrupted, “Teacher Ye, do you think Yi Fan is suitable? You two are so close.”

Yang Yunran, wearing a mask, replied calmly, “This matter isn’t up to me, Miss Du, sorry.”

The elevator arrived, and without looking back, Yang Yunran walked out.

Vice President Li caught up and offered, “Mr. Ye! Let me walk you out! Did you drive here?”

Mr. Yang had acquired so many brands, and Yuduo was just one of them. As an insignificant vice president, Vice President Li suddenly felt the need to assert his presence in front of the chairman’s son, who was dressed so low-key.

“What are you waiting for, chase after him!” Miss Du urged, patting Jiang Fan’s back.

Jiang Fan also rushed out. “Yubao, Mr. Ye!”

Jiang Yi drove up, peeked out of the window wearing sunglasses, and honked.

Yang Yunran quickly got into the passenger seat. Wearing a mask, he said, “Vice President Li, you don’t need to see me off. Your kind gesture is enough.”

Vice President Li shook hands with him enthusiastically. “Until next time, Mr. Ye! I’m Li Ping, working under your mother.”

Yang Yunran agreed and swiftly withdrew his hand. Jiang Yi glanced at the middle-aged man, closed the car window, and drove off.

In the rearview mirror, he caught sight of Jiang Fan catching up.

Jiang Yi tossed a bottle of hand sanitizer to him. “Clean your hands. Is Jiang Fan still bothering you?”

Yang Yunran removed his mask and started sanitizing his hands. “We’re colleagues… I was just trying to clarify the live broadcast earlier, and I happened to bump into him in the elevator.”

Jiang Yi frowned. “Your company hasn’t terminated with him yet?”

Yang Yunran looked innocent. “The company isn’t run by my family. Can I just terminate him if I say so? If I say to blacklist him, it’s just lip service. Anyway, I’ll probably just see him occasionally at work.”

Jiang Yi turned his head. “Hands clean?”

“They’re clean…” Yang Yunran texted the assistant of Yang Wanyu, “I don’t know Jiang Yifan. You can choose whoever you want as the spokesperson, just not Jiang Yifan.”

Jiang Yi drove out of the parking lot, freeing up one hand to hold his. “Did Jiang Fan shake hands with you?”

Yang Yunran said no. Jiang Yi glanced at him sideways. Yang Yunran was a public figure who was bound to be talked about. Jiang Yi felt sorry for him, but Yang Yunran never complained. When he called his parents, he always said he was fine and comforted them instead, telling them not to worry about him. He was like a child who never cried.

Sometimes Jiang Yi didn’t know how to comfort him either. “Give me your hand, let’s sanitize it.” He brought Yang Yunran’s fingers to his lips and gently kissed them.

After work, he could only give Yang Yunran more love and companionship.