Chapter 90: The Queen of the Next Life
"Heh, so the little diva isn't all that after all!"
"Ever since I heard Jiang Yan's new album was called 'Next Stop: Diva,' I knew it would end in embarrassment. I wonder if she's sobbing in the restroom right now?"
"Honestly, she should just rename it 'Diva in the Next Life'!"
"You're savage, but I love it!"
...
Fans of Xi Siyuan were relentlessly smearing Jiang Yan online.
Sarcastic, scornful comments flooded every corner of the internet. Even some netizens who didn't know the truth were swayed by the tides and joined in the mockery for fun.
But Jiang Yan's fans were not about to take it lying down.
They launched counterattacks beneath every negative comment.
"Could those haters at least listen to the songs first?"
"Some of these sockpuppet accounts are so quick to hate. Is the pay that good? Can I get in on this easy money too?"
"In the last hour yesterday, the numbers shot up out of nowhere. Even a fool can see there was foul play, yet you're all celebrating here. I really worry about your IQ!"
"Hey, trolls, nobody's forcing you to buy Jiang Yan's new album. The main tracks are available as singles—listen first, then talk!"
"It's not expensive, just two Huaxia coins. Don't tell me you can't even afford two coins!"
...
In no time, fans of Jiang Yan and Xi Siyuan were at each other's throats.
In the capital, Jiang Yan and Zhou Hong sat at the dining table, eating while scrolling through their phones.
"This is classic Imperial Entertainment—dirty tricks as always! Only they would stoop to vote-rigging like this," Zhou Hong scoffed.
Jiang Yan only shrugged, keeping silent as she chewed her food slowly and thoroughly. After a long while, she set down her chopsticks, dabbed her lips with a napkin, and relaxed into her chair before speaking in a languid tone:
"Everyone may despise vote-rigging, but you can't exactly say it's against the rules. After all, they're paying for it, aren't they? Sure, they can rig the votes on the first day, but what about the second, or the third? This contest lasts a month. Will Imperial Entertainment really keep pouring in that much money? I think they'll have to weigh their options soon enough."
Hearing Jiang Yan's confident words, Zhou Hong's eyes flickered with interest.
"That young man of yours..."
Jiang Yan shot her a glare, making Zhou Hong quickly correct herself.
"Er... I mean, Su Chen. Who would've thought he's so talented? I never saw it before! 'A Thousand Songs'—what a masterpiece! I'm absolutely in love with it."
"Last night, I had it on repeat, so much so that I didn't even realize I'd fallen asleep listening to it until morning!"
At this, she suddenly remembered something and changed the subject.
"So what's Su Chen's background, really? He never seemed remarkable before. At the press conference, I was so anxious! Who would've guessed he'd write such amazing music himself?"
Seeing Zhou Hong's gossipy curiosity, Jiang Yan couldn't help but grumble inwardly—she wanted to figure out Su Chen's origins herself. But outwardly, she showed nothing.
"As long as he writes good songs, does it matter?"
Zhou Hong replied with a sly smile.
"I used to be against him, you know—your rumored romance brought us a lot of trouble. But after hearing his music, I suddenly think you two make a good pair. What do you say? Consider it? I'm open-minded about these things, not like other managers. If you can keep it under wraps, it's not impossible!"
Jiang Yan rolled her eyes.
"We're just friends, so stop worrying about it!"
To avoid Zhou Hong harping endlessly, she quickly changed the subject.
"We can't relax now! Besides dodging Xi Siyuan's pursuit, there's Qin Pei to deal with. I spent ten Huaxia coins today to listen to her song—it's really good! Might be a bit commercial, but it has breakout potential!"
Zhou Hong grew serious at this.
"That Tang Guo is truly formidable. Just three months on the scene, and already so many outstanding works—none of them weak! Sometimes I wonder if there's a team behind her."
Jiang Yan frowned thoughtfully.
"Not impossible. But there are geniuses out there."
As she spoke, she suddenly thought of Su Chen. If he were to reveal all his work, who would outshine whom—him or Tang Guo?
-------------------------------------
October 4th. After days of fierce competition, Jiang Yan's "Next Stop: Diva" reclaimed the top spot on the charts, with total sales reaching 3.28 million copies. Xi Siyuan's "Fly" trailed with 2.71 million, firmly in second place.
The online feedback was immediate.
"Has anyone listened to 'Next Stop: Diva'? It's incredible!"
"I don't even know where Tsim Sha Tsui is, but I know the next stop is Diva Station! Keep it up!"
"I don't understand Cantonese, but that doesn't stop me from loving this melody!"
"Honestly, I prefer 'A Thousand Songs.' It's a classic—no one can argue with that, right?"
...
The rave reviews poured in!
The overwhelming volume of praise had already drown out the paid trolls, and the singles' sales figures continued to soar.
But just then, a discordant voice appeared.
"Huh? This song was written by Su Chen?"
"Which Su Chen?"
"The one rumored to be involved with Jiang Yan! You don't know? That scandal was huge not long ago!"
"No way, it really is him!"
"Guys, new discovery! 'A Thousand Songs' was also written and composed by Su Chen."
...
Everyone had been so focused on the rivalry between Jiang Yan and Xi Siyuan that they'd temporarily forgotten about Su Chen. But this sudden revelation brought memories of the recent press conference flooding back.
Many people began checking the composer credits for every track on Jiang Yan's new album. To their astonishment, both lead singles of "Next Stop: Diva" were written by Su Chen!
So maybe Su Chen's earlier explanation did make sense after all...
Yet these two songs were so outstanding that people found a new focus for their curiosity.
Who exactly was Su Chen?
A graduate of an obscure arts academy, yet capable of writing such extraordinary music—why had he remained unknown until now?
"Guys, I might have prejudices against this pretty boy, but I have to admit these two songs are really well done!"
"I've listened too, and they're excellent. If they're chosen as lead singles, his story about writing them must be true!"
"According to reports, Su Chen was just a composition student at Jiangcheng Art Academy, only graduated this year. How did he manage to create music of this caliber?"
"I don't know, but it's undeniable—some people are just born geniuses. Maybe he's simply blessed by the heavens?"
...
Debate raged online, and word quickly reached Xi Siyuan.
Her brows knit in a deep frown. After reading the comments, she immediately opened the TianTian Music app and bought Jiang Yan's new album.
She had always been proud, never bothering to listen to her rival's songs after their releases. But now, with Su Chen involved, she felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to hear for herself—how good could his music be, to win such effusive praise from netizens?
She pressed play, and a melodious tune began to flow through the speakers.