Chapter 9: Reporters at the Door

With the experience of the second song, Su Bai knew he had to take on the task of the third song within a short time. After all, Yang Mengke couldn’t delay taking the third dose of medicine for more than forty-eight hours. But for now, there was another matter to attend to.

Just moments ago, Su Bai had received a call from Director Song Liang. Song said that once Su Bai was free, they should meet to discuss the song. While singing that piece, Su Bai had already thought that dedicating it to the Forbidden City would be fitting. Now that Song Liang wanted to talk, it was a good opportunity to meet face-to-face. Not for himself, but to pave the way for Yang Mengke’s future on this path, Su Bai was willing to wade through this turbulent water.

Su Bai understood that to uncover the truth behind Yang Mengke’s ordeal, he had to enter the industry himself; only then could he get close to what really happened.

“Young man, you’ve become famous overnight with just one song,” Song Liang remarked. “I’ve noticed more and more videos about you on Douyin. One of them even made it to the top of the trending list. Right now, you’re at least a small internet celebrity!”

There was something Song Liang left unsaid. If someone were willing to promote Su Bai, he could easily become a major internet star, perhaps even a singing sensation. But without support, he might just flicker and vanish in the vast online world. No matter how well you sing, you still need packaging and promotion. That was reality. This, too, was the topic Song Liang wished to discuss.

“Have you thought about your future? Would you like to become a singer?” Song Liang cut to the chase. “I can give you resources.”

Su Bai knew that ever since awakening the Song God system, it meant he would have to walk ever further down this path. He had mentally prepared for it. But all of this depended on Yang Mengke’s full recovery.

“Thank you, Director Song. But I’m afraid I can’t, at least not for now,” Su Bai replied.

Song Liang was taken aback by the direct refusal and looked at Su Bai in disbelief. So many people in the country were clamoring for his resources. Many minor celebrities would do anything for a chance, yet he had turned them all down. Now, he was offering Su Bai a golden opportunity, and Su Bai had declined.

Seeing the look on Song Liang’s face, Su Bai knew he should explain. “Director Song, to be honest, I have no other family, just my younger sister. Right now, she’s still in a hospital bed. I want to become a singer, but only after she gets well.”

Song Liang felt a sudden clarity. Now he could understand Su Bai’s choice. This was a man with a great heart.

“Here’s the thing,” Song Liang continued, “as you know, our song contest is to celebrate the Forbidden City’s six hundredth anniversary. Let me be honest, the person in charge of the Forbidden City’s cultural promotion is interested in your song. He wants to meet you. Don’t be too quick to say no; this won’t interfere with you taking care of your sister.”

Su Bai understood Song Liang’s words, and was moved. He planned to finish singing the remaining five songs, obtain the rest of the medicine, and then discuss the matter with Song Liang.

Just as Su Bai was about to voice his thoughts, a commotion erupted outside.

Bang!

The door was flung open. Several security guards tried to block the way, but they couldn’t stop the oncoming crowd.

“Fellow journalists, do you see this?” someone shouted. “I told you before that the delivery boy was just part of Director Song Liang’s staged act, but you didn’t believe me. Now, look at them—plotting something together.”

“With all of you journalists present, I’m not afraid to reveal an inside scoop! This delivery boy was never supposed to have a spot in the singing contest. Song Liang added him at his own discretion! He claimed it was to avoid burying a good song, but in truth, it was just for his own selfish interests!”

Song Liang’s face darkened as he stared at the man leading the journalists in. “Who let you in? Don’t you know interviews must be scheduled? Leave immediately, or I’ll call the police!”

The head of security, seeing Song Liang’s stance, immediately took the cue. “All security personnel, bring anti-riot gear to Director Song’s office! There are suspects here attempting foul play!”

At his words, the journalists, who had been pushing forward recklessly, suddenly hesitated.

Suspects? Foul play? Anti-riot gear? Wasn’t this just an impromptu interview? If things got out of hand, someone could get seriously hurt!

Yet the ringleader pressed on relentlessly. “Mr. Song, are you acting so defensively because you have a guilty conscience? If you have nothing to hide, why be so aggressive? Why not explain yourself?”

As soon as he finished, countless camera flashes pointed at Song Liang. Song Liang tensed, knowing that every word he uttered now would be magnified and broadcast by the media.

Su Bai stepped forward and said, “It seems I’m the one directly involved in this matter. Shouldn’t your questions be for me?”

The moment he spoke, all the cameras swung from Song Liang to Su Bai.

The ringleader continued his sharp questioning. “What is your relationship with Song Liang? Why were you able to perform on stage when you weren’t even on the contestant list? Please answer honestly—every word you say will be checked against the facts!”

His questions were relentless, probing at Su Bai’s psychological defenses. But Su Bai smiled and asked, “I’m happy to answer your questions, but before I do, shouldn’t you tell me who you are? I can’t be expected to answer every random person who claims to be a journalist.”

“Until you clarify your identities, we have every reason to believe you’re just posing as journalists with ulterior motives. I imagine security, equipped with anti-riot gear, will be here soon. If you cannot prove who you are, suffering a little is the least of your worries. A stint in prison might be hard to avoid.”

At Su Bai’s words, several journalists hurriedly presented their credentials. There wasn’t much room for doubt about their identities. Only the ringleader hesitated, refusing to show any proof.

Su Bai’s gaze fixed on him, growing cold. “Where is your identification?”

By now, security in full riot gear had surrounded the group, watching the ringleader intently, Su Bai included. The pressure was overwhelming. The man’s voice trembled as he stammered, “I—I’m just a witness. Why would I need identification? Yes, I’m a witness!”

Su Bai immediately turned to the assembled journalists. “All right, fellow members of the press. This gentleman is merely a witness, which means he knows nothing at all. Now, tell me, what do you actually want to interview about? What is your source for this story? As journalists, shouldn’t your professionalism demand truth and accuracy, not baseless speculation?”

A hush fell over the group. None of them had any real evidence. They were only there because someone had paid them, lured by the promise of easy money and a potential big scoop.

But now, none of them could answer.

Turning back, Su Bai saw that the ringleader had quietly slipped away.