Qingda University has its own stage, specifically built for large-scale events.
As it is an art-oriented institution, the annual gala is as spectacular as a small concert.
The significance of the annual gala extends far beyond this.
Over the many years since its establishment, Qingda University has nurtured numerous celebrity alumni.
After achieving fame, these senior students often give back to the school for their cultivation by collaborating with the university.
Thus, during the annual gala, they select the highest quality original song to collaborate on.
This is considered a benefit for outstanding students.
Although such collaborations do not yield significant financial returns, the experience gained can greatly enhance a graduate's resume when entering society.
"Did you hear? Senior Jiang Li is the one selecting the song this time."
"It's really her. I heard she was already a top-tier singer when she was in school, comparable to our campus beauty, Lin Da. Now, years later, she's on the verge of becoming an A-list star. With her experience in songwriting, she won't have trouble finding a job after graduation."
"We first-year students haven't even grasped the basic professional knowledge. We'd be lucky to write an introductory song. Collaborating with a singer like her is out of the question."
"It's rumored that Senior Cheng Yan from the third year has the best chance this time. He joined Bloom Entertainment long ago and has already become an intermediate producer. Not long ago, a song he wrote even made it into the top ten on the new song charts."
"It's not certain, though. Among the first-year students, there's Tian Yu. She comes from a family of composers. Although she hasn't released any works, it's rumored she's at least at the intermediate producer level."
"Nonsense. If she had that level of skill, she would surely have released some works."
"I support Senior Cheng Yan. After all, I quite enjoy listening to the songs he writes."
"If Tian Yu truly possesses intermediate-level skills, her future achievements might even surpass Senior Cheng Yan's."
"..."
As the students eagerly awaited the start of the annual gala, the university leadership of Qingda University was not optimistic.
This is because the neighboring Yuhui Academy of Arts, using the annual gala as an opportunity, was coming to Qingda University for an exchange.
Rather than an exchange, it was more like a show of force.
Yuhui Academy ranked slightly lower than Qingda University.
However, this semester, they produced a prodigious talent named Zhu Quan, who successfully joined Starry Brilliance Entertainment a few days ago, signing a contract as an intermediate producer.
Starry Brilliance is no longer what it used to be.
Following the chart-topping success of several songs by Ting Yu, Starry Brilliance's influence in the industry has surpassed that of Coastal Entertainment and Bloom Entertainment, which were previously ranked higher.
Moreover, with many singers recently switching to Starry Brilliance, the company, which used to rank third in Shuangqing City, has now firmly established itself as the market leader.
"Principal Zhao, we need to devise a strategy, otherwise, the people from Yuda will definitely mock us relentlessly."
"Exactly. Why now? Why not earlier or later? They chose to come for an exchange precisely after Zhu Quan signed with Starry Brilliance. This is clearly an attempt to show off."
"I can already imagine their smug expressions."
"If we compare singers, we have Lin Yanyu, so we're not afraid. But in terms of producers, Senior Cheng Yan from the third year is indeed a step behind that prodigy Zhu Quan, both in age and company affiliation."
"Tian Yu is good, but she's not signed to a company and doesn't have any notable achievements, so she lacks credibility."
The university leaders wore worried expressions.
In the past, Qingda University always had an edge over Yuda. It was unexpected that Yuda would produce a young genius like Zhu Quan this time.
However, Zhao Jianguo, sitting in the main seat with an air of arrogance, seemed completely unfazed. As if he hadn't heard the discussions, he continued to read the documents in his hand.
"Principal, please say something. What should we do now?"
The Director of Academic Affairs was flustered.
"What's the rush? Let them come. Is there anything else? If not, I'll be leaving."
Saying that, Zhao Jianguo stood up.
They had clamored for a meeting first thing in the morning, thinking it was a major issue.
It's just Zhu Quan, what's so great about him being a prodigy?
His own university had a monster who was even more of a prodigy.
An intermediate producer at Starry Brilliance, is that very impressive?
With that thought, Zhao Jianguo's lips curved into an inscrutable smile, and he walked out of the conference room.
He left the university leaders staring at each other in bewilderment.
...
During this time, Su Yu had been staying in Lin Yanyu's dormitory, working on more drafts for his Xianjian novel.
He had also located the address of his parents' noodle shop.
It was on a commercial street not far from Qingda University.
Actually, this location was prime real estate, and without deep connections, it would be impossible to rent.
However, fortunately, Gong Ju Ren's hot pot restaurant opened a branch on the commercial street, rented an extra storefront, and then sublet it to Su Yu's parents on a cooperative basis.
Su Yu's parents only needed to contribute their culinary skills, while Gong Ju Ren's hot pot provided the venue and rent. Gong Ju Ren's hot pot would only take twenty percent of the profits, with the rest belonging to Su Yu's parents.
Furthermore, they provided full opening guidance and promotional planning.
Su Yu only learned about this when his parents called to share the good news.
The elders praised Gong Ju Ren profusely, asking Su Yu to thank him properly on their behalf.
Upon receiving this news, Su Yu was first taken aback, then felt a warmth in his heart.
Little Gong was truly kind-hearted. He must thank him properly when the opportunity arose.
It seemed his competition was called "Singer On The Rise," a small variety show specifically designed for new singers. There were no formidable opponents, otherwise, Gong Ju Ren's vocal ability wouldn't have reached the finals.
The finals were scheduled to be broadcast live on New Year's Day.
He was going to sing "Qian Bai Du," which Su Yu had written for him.
With this song, it shouldn't be difficult for him to win the championship in this small competition.
However, to be safe, he should still help him garner some votes.
Thinking of this, Su Yu posted a Weibo update.
"My latest produced ancient-style song will be released soon, sung by Gong Ju Ren. I hope everyone will pay close attention to the finals of 'Singer On The Rise' and vote for him."
Following the incident with Qin Shousheng, the Ting Yu Weibo account now had over twenty million followers.
Based on follower count alone, it could be compared to some A-list singers.
This was his second Weibo post, and as soon as it was published, comments flooded in like a tide.
"First post!"
"Teacher Ting Yu is releasing a new song again?"
"'Singer On The Rise'? Haven't heard of it, which channel is it on?"
"It seems to be a variety competition on a local channel."
"Is this Gong Ju Ren the singer who sang 'What Do I Care,' right? He's singing another song by Teacher Ting Yu?"
"This is clearly posted by Teacher Ting Yu specifically for him. This is true love!"
"I always thought Teacher Ting Yu privately commissioned 'Blue and White Porcelain' for Lin Yanyu, and that he truly loved Lin Yanyu. Now it seems I was hasty."
"Haha, Teacher Ting Yu's second Weibo post is actually for garnering votes for Gong Ju Ren. Who is more important is obvious, right?"
"An ancient-style song? Could it be the one in collaboration with the Chinese Medicine Association?"
"I just checked, and the Chinese Medicine Association hasn't responded much, so it's probably not that song."
"It should be one produced earlier. It's only been a few days, so the one with the Chinese Medicine Association wouldn't be out this quickly."
"However, I'm still looking forward to it. Teacher Ting Yu's ancient style can be considered his signature."
Not long after Su Yu posted on Weibo.
Qin Shousheng, after a period of silence, posted on Weibo again.
"He's quite self-aware, knowing that he made his name with ancient style and that staying in his comfort zone is a wise choice. However, that's the extent of his abilities."
Although this Weibo post seemed to be praising, it was subtly mocking Ting Yu for only daring to stay within his comfort zone. It also aimed to box Ting Yu in. If the song with the Chinese Medicine Association was also ancient style, he could easily counter by claiming ancient style was not recognized by the public.
When he posted this Weibo, there wasn't the same huge reaction as before.
It wasn't due to a lack of attention, but rather, everyone was waiting.
Waiting for Su Yu's song with the Chinese Medicine Association.