Chapter 47: The Meeting

Lin Xiyue woke up very early today. She was genuinely excited about the chance to talk to a certain senior and learn something from them. Sometimes, “a word from a wise person is better than ten years of study” isn’t just a saying — a seasoned senior’s advice could save her from countless mistakes.

Originally, she planned to take her mother’s car to the meeting, but Bai Lulu insisted on tagging along. Lin Xiyue didn’t object.

Of course, Xia Jinnian, also a champion, was in the car and seemed even more eager than Lin Xiyue.

After all, meeting a heavyweight celebrity face-to-face was something previously unimaginable for her.

The meeting was scheduled for noon, but Lin Xiyue and her group arrived at the private room just after nine.

“I’ll wait outside. I won’t bother Miss Lin or Miss Xia~”

Bai Lulu stood up proactively. Lin Xiyue wanted to stop her, but realized it would be improper to insist. She thought she could take Bai Lulu out later as a thank-you.

Honestly, it was lucky that Bai Lulu, a rich young lady, treated her so well. Lin Xiyue knew it was because Bai Lulu idolized her; otherwise, she might have assumed she had a secret crush.

Yes, if seen through the lens of fan-idol dynamics, all the flattery and enthusiasm was normal. No need to overthink it.

Outside the private room, Bai Lulu stretched in the hallway.

She actually knew who the “VIP” PigPig Music had invited: Lin Ziyu.

It wasn’t that PigPig Music had a personal vendetta. The selection had been made before the competition, and objectively, Lin Ziyu’s encouragement would be most motivating for newcomers.

Bai Lulu had considered persuading Lin Xiyue to skip the meeting. She knew that if these two met, Lin Xiyue would likely be at a disadvantage. If it affected Lin Xiyue’s mindset, it would be problematic.

But things were different now. Lin Xiyue held a trump card — the right to sing the theme song for “Fleet of Youth.”” She could leverage this advantage.

Yes, Lin Ziyu was impressive: young, near-A-list, with countless hits and honors, and she had even held multiple concerts.

But with all those accolades, why did she lose the theme song contest to the unknown Lin Xiyue? This contrast only highlighted Lin Xiyue’s rising talent.

It was like a fully-equipped character losing to one with minimal gear, or a major AK losing to a half-armor pistol.

Man, what can I say? That’s just weak.

So Bai Lulu didn’t try to stop Lin Xiyue. Instead, she helped escort her there, excited to see the interaction. She knew today’s meeting would be entertaining.

******************

By 11:30 a.m., Lin Ziyu arrived. As an artist, her professionalism was impeccable. She showed up half an hour early and opened the private room door, showing no diva behavior.

Lin Xiyue, joking with Xia Jinnian inside the room, froze the moment she saw her enter.

She knew this person all too well. No matter the dislike, years of shared memories were hard to erase. And a near-A-list star like Lin Ziyu inevitably appeared in her sight from time to time.

“Long time no see, Xiaoyue~”

Lin Ziyu extended her hand with a calm, professional smile.

Lin Xiyue’s mind went blank. She felt utterly incapable of thinking until she sensed warmth from a hand — Xia Jinnian holding hers tightly.

“It’s okay. Just handle it professionally. Calm down first~”

Xia Jinnian whispered, bringing Lin Xiyue back to reality.

As her best friend, she understood what Lin Ziyu meant to Lin Xiyue. If it weren’t for Lin Ziyu, the Lin family wouldn’t have fallen to this state.

Feeling the reassuring grip, Lin Xiyue took a deep breath and calmed herself.

Though she wanted to leave immediately, she knew that doing so would signal defeat. No matter what, she had to stay composed to prevent this arrogant woman from getting the upper hand.

“Hello, Miss Lin Ziyu,” she said, standing to shake hands. They exchanged a meaningful glance before taking their seats.

“Congratulations, Xiaoyue. I’m here today because you won the championship,” Lin Ziyu said, first glancing at Lin Xiyue, then at Xia Jinnian.

“You must be Xiaoyue’s friend, Jinnian. I’ve heard about you often, but it’s our first meeting. Hello~”

“Hello—”

Xia Jinnian replied formally, hiding her disdain.

If this woman had come to sneer or mock, that would have been one thing. But instead, she acted like nothing happened, using the posture of an elder sister, calling out “Xiaoyue” repeatedly.

“According to PigPig Music, as a senior, I’m here to answer your entertainment industry questions. Ask away.”

Sitting down, Lin Xiyue looked at someone she should have called “sister,” feeling a swirl of emotions.

Lin Ziyu displayed no hostility. The meeting carried no tension — which, in itself, showed she didn’t take Lin Xiyue seriously.

I know you hate me, but I don’t care. I’m not targeting you. I might even help you, because you can’t reach my level.

Lin Xiyue took another deep breath, deciding to get through this professionally.

She had no counterattack yet — her plans needed time. This sudden meeting wasn’t anticipated.

“Then, Miss Lin Ziyu, what criteria does StarryNet use for artist rankings? And why have you remained at near-A-list for so long?”

“StarryNet considers many factors: fanbase size, sales, song popularity, competition honors, cross-industry collaborations, etc. The calculation methods vary. But Xiaoyue, near-A-list stars already surpass most artists. They’re no ordinary rookies~”

Lin Ziyu yawned. She could hear the sarcasm in Lin Xiyue’s question, but it carried no threat.

Who are you to mock me for being stuck at near-A-list? You, a girl not even worthy of the title “star”?

“Xiaoyue, your task now is to first reach three-line star certification — the basic threshold to be called a ‘star.’ Then aim for near-second tier, second tier. Don’t aim too high too soon; it’s unrealistic~”