Chapter 54: Unexpected Calm

“You can come up with the copy yourself. I’m hanging up now.”

Qin Yu ended the call, then opened the laptop resting on her lap. She observed the swift shift in public opinion within Lin Ziyao’s comment section, where all traces of doubt had vanished without a trace.

Qin Yu idly toyed with a beautifully packaged invitation in her hands. ‘Have I also underestimated the impact of these two songs?’ she mused thoughtfully.

Faintly, she could discern the words “Cordially inviting Qin Yu and Lin Ziyao” inscribed on it. However, Qin Yu paid it no mind, casually setting it aside on the table.

The deadline for the invitation was still far off, so there was no need to provide an answer immediately.

Manager Nan, a truly professional agent, swiftly gathered her studio members. They quickly devised suitable copy, then reposted the Weibo message, tailoring it to the distinct characteristics of both artists.

It is well-known that the fierce competition among singers for chart positions is typically confined to the entertainment industry. Even A-list stars, seeking to broaden their influence or elevate their careers further, recognize that the best route is to perform on the Spring Festival Gala stage.

Many are acutely aware of how challenging it is to secure a spot on the Spring Festival Gala. Preparations for numerous acts begin more than six months in advance, and only after multiple rounds of elimination does one get the chance to grace that prestigious stage.

Should a singer have a song officially recognized by the authorities, the difficulty of appearing on the Gala is considerably reduced. At the very least, it allows them to bypass one round of selection.

After the official Weibo post supporting Lin Ziyao emerged, no one dared to perpetuate the online narrative that she was merely a pretty face. The discourse swiftly returned to the program The Singer itself.

Would it be as Zhang Ming had declared, that the era of the old guard was truly over? Or would Xie Ying defend her diva’s crown and triumph over Zhang Ming? The ultimate outcome would be unveiled during tomorrow’s live broadcast.

“Grandma, I’m sorry, but I have work again starting tomorrow,” Lin Ziyao said, her expression downcast.

After dinner, she tidied the cluttered table and brought her grandmother a cup of warm water, settling beside the bed.

According to the arrangements discussed with Director Chen today, they would depart tomorrow for a neighboring city to film the music video. Even at the fastest pace, she wouldn’t be able to return until next Monday, creating a conflict with Dr. Jiang’s scheduled surgery.

She had attempted to negotiate the timing with Director Chen, but his response was regretful. His upcoming work schedule was packed, leaving no room for adjustment; the MV had to be completed within a few days.

She was not yet a major star, and Director Chen’s MV shoot was essentially a favor, costing her almost no extra fees. Thus, she felt uncomfortable pressing him to change the schedule.

“It’s alright. Dr. Jiang Yi is here, so you can rest assured.”

Her grandmother gently placed a hand on Lin Ziyao’s head, her calloused palm stroking the soft strands. The familiar warmth enveloped Lin Ziyao, and she instinctively leaned into the touch, much like a kitten.

“Yes, I’ll be back very soon.”

She resolved to complete the MV shoot as quickly as possible and rush back to Jiang City to be by her grandmother’s side for the surgery.

Balancing life and work was also a challenge she now faced, as she was still a university student and would need to return to classes after the summer break.

After chatting with her grandmother for a while longer, Lin Ziyao left the ward and headed to Dr. Jiang Yi’s office.

Since the previous incident involving autographs and photos, all the nurses in the office had become familiar with Lin Ziyao. Upon seeing her arrive, they greeted her warmly.

This time, their gazes held an added touch of admiration.

Jiang Yi, who was filling out medical records, looked up as Lin Ziyao appeared. She enthusiastically offered fruit. “Are you heading back already?”

Lin Ziyao briefly explained her purpose, hoping Jiang Yi could provide extra care for her grandmother.

Upon hearing Lin Ziyao’s request, Jiang Yi patted her chest reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your grandma.”

“Dr. Jiang Yi, thank you,” Lin Ziyao said, expressing her sincere gratitude for the assurance.

She then added, “I’ll finish work as soon as possible and rush back from the neighboring city.”

Suddenly, an apple was pressed into her arms; Jiang Yi had given it to her.

“You need to relax appropriately while working, or the constant tension will wear you down.” Then, she gently ushered Lin Ziyao out of her office. “I won’t keep you. Go home early today to pack, and come back as soon as you can!”

As Lin Ziyao walked away from Jiang Yi’s office, she took a bite from the apple in her hand.

It was sweet.

“Good morning, Ziyao!”

“Huh! Good morning, Manager Nan!”

Li Xinan greeted Lin Ziyao, who was still yawning as she got into the car.

As per their agreement yesterday, Li Xinan had come to pick her up from her apartment complex this morning. They were setting off together to the neighboring city for the MV shoot.

Seeing Lin Ziyao’s unperturbed demeanor, Li Xinan asked with a hint of curiosity, “Didn’t you see yesterday’s news?”

Li Xinan herself had been so excited by noon yesterday, after learning that the official Weibo account had indirectly endorsed both of them, that she couldn’t sleep all night. As an observer, she felt such elation, so Lin Ziyao, as the one directly involved, should have been even more thrilled. Her current reaction was simply not what Li Xinan had expected.

“Yesterday? What happened yesterday?”

Faced with the question, Lin Ziyao clearly paused before asking, a reaction that surprised Li Xinan. Yesterday, Lin Ziyao had arrived at the hospital near noon to accompany her grandmother and didn’t leave until after dinner. During that time, she had simply shared interesting stories from the show’s recording, or watched television with her grandmother. After returning home, she quickly showered, went to bed, and packed for today’s departure, with no time to check her phone. Naturally, she had no idea what had transpired on Weibo.

“See for yourself.”

Li Xinan quickly opened Weibo and handed the phone to her. The blue verification badge on the screen immediately caught Lin Ziyao’s eye. Lin Ziyao then found the most recently updated video and began watching it.

“The video is quite well-made,” she commented, returning the phone to Li Xinan.

“Huh?”

Li Xinan was utterly bewildered that such was her only reaction. *Please, this was an official Weibo post! Shouldn’t she be more emotional? Why is she as calm as Qin Yu?*

From Lin Ziyao’s perspective, however, it was entirely normal for these two songs to achieve such success. *Invisible Wings* had once graced the Spring Festival Gala, and *Initial Dream* was a regular feature at local New Year’s Eve galas. For them to receive official recognition so soon after their release merely meant these songs were reclaiming what they had rightfully deserved. Moreover, in this current world, the potential of these two songs might even extend beyond what they had achieved before.

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