Regardless of whether Lin Yuan assisted the composition department with piano accompaniments, his visits to the painting club would inevitably decrease as he needed to allocate time to write "Zhu Xian."
He had to churn out tens of thousands of words daily.
No matter how fast he typed, it still required considerable effort.
As mid-May approached, music departments in major entertainment companies began gearing up for the new season in June. Xingman had confirmed plans to release "Summer Flowers" next month, solidifying its position as one of Qinzhou's top three entertainment companies.
At the luxurious Silver Lounge.
First-tier singer Chen Zhiyu was also gearing up to release a new song in June. In light of this, Chen Zhiyu instructed his agent to keep an eye out for any formidable competitors next month.
"Great news!"
After thoroughly assessing the company's preparations for the upcoming month, the agent contacted Chen Zhiyu with palpable excitement. "Fantastic news! You're all set to dominate next month!"
"Don't jinx it!"
Chen Zhiyu retorted, his tone slightly annoyed. "As far as I know, Star Entertainment's Jin Shuyu is also dropping a song next month. Jin Shuyu's talent and fanbase are not to be underestimated. I can't be certain of victory against him."
Although both were first-tier singers, their popularity varied.
Jin Shuyu had risen to fame the previous year and had firmly established himself as a top-tier artist. His popularity and fanbase even surpassed Chen Zhiyu's slightly. Given these circumstances, Chen Zhiyu considered Jin Shuyu his primary competitor next month.
"That's precisely the good news I'm referring to!"
The agent smirked. "Jin Shuyu bit off more than he could chew. He's been put on ice by Starlight Entertainment for a month. Even his agent received the same punishment. His plans to release a new song in June were squashed by Xingman."
"Are you sure about this?"
Chen Zhiyu was taken aback. "Isn't this just a ruse orchestrated by Starlight Entertainment? Jin Shuyu is a popular first-tier singer. How could he cancel his song release plans just like that?"
"I can't say for certain."
The agent grinned confidently. "But I can assure you that Jin Shuyu's punishment by Xingman is real. Several of his key engagements were canceled in the past few days. It seems he's rubbed someone important the wrong way. So, relax! Next month, apart from Jin Shuyu, no other singer poses a threat to you."
"Who's Jin Shuyu's replacement?"
"It seems to be Sun Yaohuo. Xingman must have found a temporary replacement. He's a relatively unknown singer. Luckily, Xingman didn't pull Zhao Yingge into the mix this time. At least Jin Shuyu won't receive any temporary assistance from Xingman's first-tier singers."
"Fortune favors me!"
Chen Zhiyu's doubts were dispelled.
Finally, a smile graced his lips. His cautiousness was understandable; he still bore the scars of January's setback when "Inflammable and Explosive" unexpectedly overshadowed his song, leaving him songless for months.
This time, he had to emerge victorious no matter what!
He had to reclaim the dignity he lost in January!
June was the month Chen Zhiyu had long awaited to release his song. It was his chance to secure the top spot for the season. He couldn't afford another inexplicable defeat.
"At least this tide has stabilized!"
The agent patted Chen Zhiyu on the shoulder. "I highly doubt there'll be another Zhao Yingge incident this time. Even if Zhao Yingge does appear, it won't make a difference. How could a non-first-tier singer possibly compete with someone like you under normal circumstances?"
...
News of Jin Shuyu's withdrawal from the June song release contest not only circulated within the illustrious Silver Lounge but quickly spread throughout the industry. Being a popular first-tier singer, people speculated about what Jin Shuyu had done to warrant a month-long suspension.
"Silver Lounge is catching a break."
"We won't witness the showdown between two titans."
Since both Jin Shuyu and Chen Zhiyu had 'Yu' in their names and were first-tier singers, the media dubbed the upcoming song chart battle as the "Double Yu Controversy."
Now, there was only one 'Yu' left.
Onlookers couldn't help but feel disappointed. Without Jin Shuyu and Chen Zhiyu going head-to-head, the Silver Lounge and Starlight Entertainment wouldn't engage in their anticipated battle. Who enjoyed watching games without suspense? Perhaps the Silver Lounge and Chen Zhiyu could entertain themselves.
The one most likely seething with anger was Jin Shuyu himself.
The industry was abuzz with speculation.
During this time, Jin Shuyu had been holed up in a hotel near the company.
Throughout his suspension, he hadn't stepped foot outside.
Only Tao Ran, his idle agent, kept him company. Occasionally, they drowned their sorrows with a drink or two.
"Just one month."
After a few somber toasts, Tao Ran comforted Jin Shuyu. "When the company sees Chen Zhiyu claiming the top spot on the song chart in June, they'll realize your worth. Without you, what can they accomplish with Chen Zhiyu? How could they compete with Sun Yaohuo? Is he even Chen Zhiyu's match?"
"Do you really think so?"
Jin Shuyu glanced up at Tao Ran.
Tao Ran was taken aback. "Am I wrong?"
Jin Shuyu remained silent, taking a melancholy sip of his drink as if to drown his sorrow.
"What's wrong?"
Frowning, Tao Ran asked, "This isn't like you, Jin Shuyu. Is being sidelined for a month such a big deal? If you're angry, I can make sure that kid Sun Yaohuo gets what's coming to him."
"Brother Tao!"
Jin Shuyu's expression suddenly hardened. "You must promise me never to lay a hand on Sun Yaohuo!"
"What?"
Tao Ran was taken aback. "Why?"
Jin Shuyu paused, then said, "You must promise me never to lay a hand on him!"
Reluctantly, Tao Ran agreed, "Fine, I won't touch him. But can you at least tell me why?"
"Why?"
Setting down his glass, Jin Shuyu said, "As an agent, Brother Tao, you're incredibly skilled. But when it comes to music, you're a layman."
He sneered.
Rising from his seat, Jin Shuyu glanced out the window and remarked, "The Silver Lounge is probably celebrating now, thinking they've won. But they have no idea what's coming."
"You mean..."
"They want to win, but it won't be easy. The company isn't foolish. It's fine to punish me next month, but why this month? It's a subtle hint for us to step aside."
"Just because of Sun Yaohuo?"
"Partly because of him, but mostly because of 'Red Rose'!"
Tao Ran was speechless.
He was thoroughly perplexed.
Jin Shuyu wasn't one to take things lying down. If someone had dealt him such a blow before a song release, he would have retaliated fiercely.
No skilled singer would allow themselves to be sidelined!
But this time, despite the setback, Jin Shuyu didn't erupt in anger. Instead, he seemed to be contemplating something.
It didn't make sense.