Chapter 55: Countless People Volunteer to Fight for Su Bai

In the president’s office of Star Moon Media, Zhou Yanran sat in a daze, staring at the interview with Su Bai on the Central Television channel. She had thought that the music shop owner’s testimony was Su Bai’s final act of defiance, but she hadn’t expected there to be an even greater trump card waiting in reserve.

At the same time, a surge of excitement rose within her. She knew that with this, Liu Siyan’s side would soon be in complete chaos. Although the interview never mentioned who was secretly orchestrating events, nor did it speculate, anyone with clear eyes could see exactly who was behind the scenes.

To stage a kidnapping at the most critical moment of the talent contest, right in front of countless fans, and to top it off, to send a WeChat message to the victim immediately after—almost as if fearing Su Bai might not realize his most important person had been abducted. There was no need to deliberate; the true beneficiary of this incident was plain for all to see.

Zhou Yanran understood that now was the perfect moment to act. She glanced at the USB drive in her hand, weighed her options, then gathered her things and walked out. Strike while the iron is hot—that was the most basic law of survival, and she knew it well.

When the “Entertainment Focus” video was released online, the voices claiming Su Bai had fled the contest out of fear, refusing to play the piano, finally fell silent. Even those who had suspected Su Bai of putting on a show were silenced when the music shop owner released the video. What did credibility mean? The Central Television report was the highest form of public trust. If even that couldn’t be believed, then what could?

Netizens might suspect videos uploaded by other users were faked, but no one would doubt the authenticity of footage broadcast by the central channel. That was authority.

For those loyal fans who had supported Su Bai all along, tears welled up as they watched. When Su Bai said he wished to make up for the fans’ disappointment by performing a piece for them, everyone was moved to tears. Having an idol so considerate of his supporters was a blessing indeed.

They became immersed in the simple, melodious tune, feeling their spirits cleansed. Perhaps it was the magic of the song, but most fans gradually came to a realization. From the very start, they had been locked in a rivalry with Xu Mingkun’s fans, both sides endlessly entangled. But upon hearing Su Bai’s performance today, they finally understood.

Su Bai wanted to tell everyone: he wished only to sing and play music purely and simply for those who cared to listen. Even when he sang or played, it was solely to offer the most beautiful music he could. The reason he ended up on this path of competing with Xu Mingkun was that the other side had constantly pressed him, leaving him no choice but to accept the challenge. Now, performing a relatively simple piece that expressed his true feelings, Su Bai was telling them: I am not here to fight for fame, only to express myself plainly and make up for my fans’ regrets with this song.

If anyone still wished to nitpick, they truly didn’t understand. When Su Bai reached the second verse—“A grateful heart, thankful for you!”—countless netizens broke down in tears. Hearing just the melody had already conveyed a sense of peace and gratitude, but most did not know the piece’s meaning. Now, hearing Su Bai unconsciously hum the lyrics, they could no longer hold back their emotions.

All Su Bai wanted to express was gratitude. From beginning to end, he had been grateful and striving to safeguard his dignity. Why did people insist on hurting their Su Bai again and again?

The indignation that had been simmering in the hearts of netizens finally ignited, impossible to restrain.

“Why must grassroots talent always be suppressed by capital? Why?”

“At first, we tried to endure, but now we can’t!”

“It’s been you, constantly pressing, devising endless schemes!”

“And what has our Su Bai done? He has only ever sought to clarify the truth about himself.”

“Thank goodness Su Bai has always managed to explain himself. But what if he couldn’t? Should a musical genius be buried, wronged, and thoroughly crushed?”

“We refuse to accept this! Why should money make someone superior?”

“Does wealth allow one to do as they please? We demand a thorough investigation into this incident and justice for Su Bai!”

“Hiding in the shadows does not mean impunity. Are you ready to face the law?”

“We can’t let this go! We simply can’t! Even though things turned out well, it’s still hard to accept!”

“I am Chen Ping, a lawyer from the city, from this moment on, I support Su Bai. I volunteer to fight for him, to defend his lost honor and rightful dignity!”

“I am Lu Haoran, a detective from the capital. From this moment on, I support Su Bai. I volunteer to devote all my resources to uncovering the truth behind this kidnapping.”

“I am Xiao Zide, a retired soldier. From this moment on, I support Su Bai. I volunteer to become his silent guardian, protecting him from further threats.”

“I am Lin Lisha, CEO of a freelance media firm. From this moment on, I support Su Bai. I volunteer to build a steel fortress online, defending Su Bai’s reputation from slander!”

“I am Liu Ruotong, just a student, but I have always been Su Bai’s fan. I may not be able to help much, but we fans will always be your strongest support, standing behind you!”

At first, netizens were hesitant to speak up, feeling that they lacked influence and couldn’t help Su Bai. They could only silently watch as those with power stepped forward, grateful that their idol could gain such support, yet secretly resenting their own helplessness.

But when Liu Ruotong, a self-proclaimed student, said that even though she couldn’t do much, she would always be Su Bai’s unwavering support, the entire fan community was set ablaze. They, too, were ordinary fans, equally eager to defend their idol’s honor, equally wishing to contribute.

From Liu Ruotong’s message onward, countless ordinary people spoke up for Su Bai, joining the ranks supporting him and denouncing the mastermind behind the kidnapping.

Su Bai’s name spread like wildfire across the country. On the internet, in shopping malls, in office towers, in alleyways—everywhere, people were discussing Su Bai’s story.

Su Bai had risen in a blaze of glory.