Aside from the fervent response from fans, this new album saw a surge across all fronts from sales to streaming data, turning up the heat all around.

Alongside the explosive news about the album’s success, Su Ning received a notification from his lawyer that the late President Su’s estate had been transferred to his account, including both money and shares.

Thus, at the recent board meeting of Guang Ying Entertainment, he officially took his seat as the chairman.

With full legitimacy, and without a single objection, Su Ning’s performance during this transitional period had proven his capability to firmly hold this position.

As for Liang Xiaoliang, now a significant shareholder of Guang Ying Entertainment, he was unwaveringly supportive of Su Ning.

The stance of both Su Hongda and Qilin Entertainment was clear, and the unanimous vote spoke for itself.

This time of year, late November to early December, competition in the idol scene isn’t usually fierce. However, the entry of the group Glory turned up the heat, sparking a ‘fiery autumn and winter’ in the idol scene, thanks to the overall high quality.

The music programs on television and those launched by video platforms in recent years all hit a small peak, with streaming data continuing to blaze, even showing signs of expanding overseas.

But this was just the beginning.

Not only did the group make waves, but every member shone brightly. As Su Ning had said, truly outstanding idols can change the entire industry and expand the whole ‘cake’. Once the industry ‘cake’ is enlarged, it’s up to each to claim their share based on merit.

Thus, when the decision for the young president to officially take over was announced at the meeting, everyone stood and applauded.

The bright future seemed destined for Guang Ying Entertainment, with the company flourishing, a sight clear to all.

So, when Su Ning walked out of the meeting room and downstairs, employees along the way greeted him with respect, including some new faces.

Thanks to Glory’s massive success, Li Chu, still with Guang Ying Entertainment even as part of a limited-time group, drew many job applications. Recruiting from other places became smoother for Guang Ying Entertainment.

Shen Film Industry also benefited significantly, with Young President Shen putting considerable effort into this album’s production, which paid off.

Both companies had faced a decline in popularity, but now attracting talent became much easier, especially for Shen Mingzheng, who seemed well-prepared for this.

For this album, Shen Mingzheng had pulled many people from behind the scenes, established a stable collaboration with the veteran band Blue Hat, and gradually connected with many well-known backstage teams.

Su Ning received many resumes, all screened by Shen Mingzheng. Some didn’t seem special and were almost filtered out by HR before even getting a chance for an interview. Shen Mingzheng insisted they be given a chance, and seeing their actual work performance later, it was clear they were worth serious cultivation.

Now, Glory’s management team had grown, with Zhou Chunqing and other capable individuals rising on this platform. Previously, Su Ning had made the rounds with some of the team’s newcomers, who were now handling some regular collaborations, sparing Su Ning from running around.

When he reached the lobby, the small TV in the elevator was showing Glory’s latest interview.

It was a famous indoor variety show, rare for giving a whole special episode to a group. During the interview, the host asked: “So about the sudden shake-up, the director’s team really just let it happen?”

“Yes, they didn’t say a word, just waited in the back,” replied Qu Shoubai. “They said it was a penalty for breaking the rules, so we had extra practice every day, at least two hours.”

Wang Ruoyi also felt helpless: “And they said we ate too many snacks, so later they only gave us slimming meals, tasteless little things every day, and we had to weigh ourselves daily.”

Although Su Ning hired a nutritionist, no matter how you spice it up, healthy food always tastes bland after a while.

These members felt a bit like they were dealing with a harsh stepmother, especially since after the last group variety show, Su Ning was running around the country for tour and resource negotiations, while Shen Mingzheng managed much of the album work from headquarters.

“Only on the day we filmed the MV did they give us a bit more to eat, adding a piece of sugar-free chocolate, saying we needed strength for dancing,” Lin Zhi sighed. “It’s really strict.”

The host then asked: “Did they give you something nice to eat here today?”

The seven members looked at each other and then shook their heads in unison.

Because their expressions and synchronized movements made the hosts laugh.

“No worries, eat something on stage, we have ice cream here,” said the host. “I’m here, your team can’t control that.”

Though said in jest, the young idols still glanced nervously at their executive agent below the stage, fearing he might report them.

They understood that this strictness was effective, especially during autumn and winter when you often need to wear more, even if fashionably so. Extra layers can make you look heavier on camera.

In this industry, to withstand the camera, you must be thin, especially since their main song concept was “Sun God,” involving a lot of white outfits accented with other colors, requiring them to be slimmer to look good.

Watching this segment in the elevator, Su Ning walked to the door, then naturally headed for the car where Shen Mingzheng was waiting, asking after seeing the driver, “Are we being too harsh on them?”

He had received messages from Li Chu complaining about Shen Mingzheng pushing them too hard in practice without enough food, seemingly out of spite, making them feel incredibly aggrieved.

But Shen Mingzheng was rightfully one of the responsible parties, and Su Ning knew he meant well for the group. He couldn’t undermine him at this moment, instead reassuring that he would personally cook them a delicious meal after this busy period and shared many pieces of good news to settle the kids, especially Li Chu.

“A bit,” Shen Mingzheng knew what he meant. “But this hardship makes the audience and fans naturally sympathetic; they don’t need my sympathy.”

Su Ning agreed. If he were in charge, his approach might be kinder, but the necessary efforts would remain the same.

As they spoke, Shen Mingzheng drove off.

Today marked the news of Su Ning’s succession, and the two were planning a celebration. They had booked a banquet for the evening to toast with well-acquainted folks, including Director Chen Yuan, President Liang, and some company colleagues. Having not eaten properly flavored food for a while, the entire Glory group naturally attended as well.

The afternoon was meant for the two of them alone, with Shen Mingzheng promising to cook personally, something Su Ning looked forward to.

Young President Shen had cooked before when Su Ning was making soup, but seeing him prepare a whole table of dishes was new. They had both been too busy recently.

Upon entering the home, it was clear Shen Mingzheng had prepared meticulously, even including flowers in the dining room and bedroom. Somehow, he had managed to acquire the sunset-colored roses Su Ning had bought before, along with a variety of other roses, showing great effort.

Su Ning walked around the house, looking at him and beginning, “This afternoon, we—”

His words were cut off by an incoming call.

Such timing, who could it be?

The ringtone was already a downer, and seeing the caller’s name, Su Ning felt even more so.

— Allen.

This person had been quiet for a while after being put in his place by Su Ning, with Pinnacle Agency also keeping low. Now calling at this time?

After a moment’s thought, Su Ning answered.

Allen immediately greeted him warmly and congratulated Su Ning on becoming chairman so young, acting as if their past conflicts had never happened, as if they were old friends.

“No need for that, just tell me the truth,” Su Ning was impatient for flattery. “I’m busy here; say it or I’ll hang up.”

Allen hesitated, then got to the point: “President Su, it’s pointless for us to keep this up. We’re all from the Shen family, why not join forces? There’s no need to fight to the death in Hai Cheng, right?”

He seemed to have picked up the old man’s tactic of turning swiftly with the wind. After the “Cha Yue” endorsement fiasco, Liao Yuansi was still secretly stirring trouble among the fans. Why the sudden change of heart? Listening closely, it became clear—it wasn’t really a truce but an attempt to ride Glory’s wave of popularity.

Pinnacle had a big project coming up—Liao Yuansi’s lead role in the ancient fantasy film “Unrivaled Picture,” a high-budget movie.

Allen’s recent attention to him was because Pinnacle had also heavily invested in this film, contributing over two hundred million of a total five billion yuan investment. With promotions still requiring funds, it was no small amount.

Moreover, it was the biggest investment in Liao Yuansi’s career. If it didn’t take off, Pinnacle’s reputation would take a major hit, especially as internal competition in the industry was fierce.

The fantasy movie, which had been in production for over two years, faced a sluggish film market unlike the boom years when Liao Yuansi won the Film Emperor award. An award couldn’t guarantee a lifetime of prosperity; a five-billion investment needed at least fifteen billion in revenue to break even.

At the time of investment, Liao Yuansi was at the peak of his popularity, and the film market was thriving. The year had several films breaking two billion yuan, with the highest reaching six billion. But this year’s market was lackluster, and “Unrivaled Picture” was squeezed into the crowded New Year’s slot, struggling with promotion and securing showtimes.

Liao Yuansi’s luck had turned, with several film and TV projects flopping in the past three years, diminishing his standing in the industry. Losing the “Cha Yue” endorsement only added insult to injury.

Allen, even feeling embarrassed, had personally fought for the endorsement last time.

In “Unrivaled Picture,” Liao Yuansi was the lead, with a male second lead who was a popular figure three years ago but had since faded. The female roles were limited, with influential actresses only making special appearances without much screen time. The invisible female lead was a newcomer from Pinnacle.

These factors alone weren’t enough to create buzz, forcing Allen to consider the currently popular Glory.

“I just want to invite them to sing a song for the movie, a really catchy one,” Allen said. “Name your price. This movie also has investments from the Shen family’s main branch. If it succeeds, it’s a win-win.”

“President Su, please consider.”

Su Ning thought for a moment, then replied: “No deal.”

Brief but resolute.

“This is a movie invested by the Shen family’s main branch!” Allen, seemingly holding back anger, emphasized again. “President Su, don’t let personal feelings interfere. There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Think about Mingzheng; after all, he’s also from the Shen family.”

Su Ning looked up at Shen Mingzheng, then said, “Here’s some advice, for Mingzheng’s sake.”

Allen waited.

Su Ning earnestly advised: “It’s best not to release this movie.”

Su Ning felt that Ji Xue would not let Liao Yuansi off easy.

This was his sincerest advice to Allen, but the latter, angry, hung up.

Shen Mingzheng, listening from the kitchen, knew who it was and brought out a stew he’d prepared, remarking, “Good advice goes unheeded, let him be.”

Liao Yuansi wasn’t their artist, and if he reaped what he sowed, it was his own doing. Su Ning wasn’t concerned about him; his worry was for Ji Xue, who was currently unreachable.

Sighing, Su Ning set aside his phone, then stretched out his chopsticks to try Shen Mingzheng’s cooking, his eyes lighting up, “This is really good.”

He ate a few more bites, then, recalling the earlier events, voiced a worry: “Should I also eat less?”

Shen Mingzheng, slightly perplexed by the odd remark, placed another dish on the table, then casually wrapped an arm around his waist as if measuring something very seriously, “Just eat, you’ve actually lost weight.”

Both kept up with fitness, and their busy schedules often made them forget meals, snacking briefly during work hours. It was rare for either to gain weight with such a lifestyle.

However, this wasn’t healthy, and they kept tabs on each other to maintain a proper diet. Su Ning had been traveling frequently, busy and exhausted, prompting Shen Mingzheng to ensure he was well-fed.

Thus, by the evening banquet, Su Ning was still full. They had booked a large private room, and many acquaintances gathered there, chatting idly.

Soon, as heroes of the occasion, Glory arrived. Li Chu had just finished congratulating Su Ning and received a generous red envelope, feeling quite happy. But then he turned and saw Shen Mingzheng.

Li Chu: …

Silent.

“Sit down,” Shen Mingzheng glanced at him, gesturing. “I’ve arranged a separate table for you all with your favorite dishes. But remember to control yourselves a bit; you still have a performance tomorrow.”