Chapter 68: Turning the Tide!

Six years ago, Don Juan's film "Broken Axe" won six awards at home and abroad, including three gold awards, two silver awards, and one award for best cinematography.

"Mountains and Rivers" was the ending theme of "Broken Axe". That year, the song was played everywhere and was very popular.

Netizens and fans alike are eagerly anticipating how Jiang Mingyue will adapt and interpret the story.

[This is a very difficult adaptation; there's a difference between male and female vocals.]

[A 30-second intro is fine in a movie, but it's really interesting when paired with movie clips. I can't imagine what Sister Jiang will do in those 30 seconds.]

Trust Sister Jiang; since she chose this song, she must have made thorough preparations.

Amidst the intense anticipation of the crowd, Jiang Mingyue, dressed in black riding attire, leaped down from the top of a constructed artificial mountain, her red cape billowing in the wind, stunning everyone.

The pipa and yangqin play solos interspersed with background music of dense raindrops. Jiang Mingyue wields two swords, perfectly replicating Don Juan's sword moves during his decisive battle with the enemy in "Broken Axe".

Her sword strikes were incredibly fast, the momentum of her sword was like a rainbow, and wherever her sword energy reached, the petals on the prop tree instantly fell off.

Amidst a shower of petals, she leaped forward, kicking away the two swords in her hands, which then plunged straight into the enemy's city gate.

The sword rang out with a resounding clang, echoing through the sky and blasting the ears and eyes of all the spectators.

【Ahhhhhh】

Holy crap, he's so damn handsome! Forgive me for being at a loss for words when it comes to praising him.

[My ideal female general is just like Sister Jiang!]

[Sister Jiang can actually wield a sword! How many more secrets is she hiding from us?!]

[A true heroine like Sister Jiang! Haters, hurry up and kneel down and beg for mercy!]

[Sister Jiang is coming clean, she's not hiding it anymore, she's not pretending anymore, sob sob, she's retiring from the entertainment industry]

[Sister Jiang is a treasure trove; the more you dig, the more you find.]

Laymen see the spectacle, but experts see the skill. Executives from major film production companies realized that Jiang Mingyue's swordsmanship was not just fancy footwork, but real, solid sword techniques.

This is an effect that cannot be achieved in just two weeks of rehearsal.

Is it too late for them to find people to make a movie now?!

Lin Zian and his team were all smiles. They were so grateful that Tang Huang had recommended Jiang Mingyue in time, otherwise they would have missed out on such a prodigy.

Lin Zian instructed everyone on the team, "You must keep Sister Jiang's footage safe, so we can include it in the publicity before the movie's release."

Fans at the scene and viewers in the live stream stood up excitedly and sang along with Jiang Mingyue.

"Never underestimate the weakness of scholars; abandoning the pen for the sword is a matter of life and death!"

Liao Zhijie from Xinghui Entertainment was also watching the live stream. He looked grim and tried to contact Li Qiang by phone, but Li Qiang was probably busy and didn't answer.

About five minutes later, Li Qiang returned, "President Liao, the noise level is too high. What instructions do you have for me?"

Liao Zhijie didn't waste any words, "The sword dance that the people from Shengda Guangnian choreographed for Jiang Mingyue?"

Li Qiang: "President Liao, I was just looking into the situation. The sword dance wasn't arranged by Shanda Guangnian; it was Jiang Mingyue's own idea."

Liao Zhijie complained irritably, "She certainly knows how to show off. Try your best to appease Tan Li and Liu Mo'er, don't let them have any complaints, and do a good job with the rest of the performance."

Li Qiang: "Okay, Mr. Liao, don't worry."

With 15 minutes left in the concert, the last song was a trio duet by Jiang Mingyue, and the final upbeat song of the night was "Goodbye".

Tan Li: "You always show up on time to check in every day, why aren't you here today?"

Liu Mo'er: "Am I not your true love, or are you just switching allegiances and loving two different people?"

Jiang Mingyue: "Everyone says that every profession has its taboos, but I just don't believe it!"

The three of them moved from their respective positions to the center of the stage and sang together: "Goodbye fence-sitters, goodbye shills, goodbye chameleons, goodbye echoers!"

The upbeat melody and catchy, satirical lyrics are addictive.

On the surface, it represents the fickle nature of fans, but in reality, it also implies that one's boyfriend or girlfriend is two-timing.

Inside the stadium, all the fans spontaneously stood up and sang along.

Goodbye, fence-sitters, goodbye, chameleons, goodbye, echo chambers!

At this critical juncture, Yan Qian had no choice but to stand up. Being out of place was one thing, but it also made him easy to be noticed.

He Yan was singing so enthusiastically that his movements were so exaggerated that his wig was in danger of falling off.

At the same time, someone dialed Yan Qian's number. Yan Qian glanced at the unfamiliar number and his expression immediately turned grim.

He immediately pressed the answer button, "Hello?"

A rough, hoarse voice came from the other end of the earphone; it was a man's voice.

"President Yan kicked my man out, no wonder he has the leisure to come to the concert. Guess if your hand was faster, or my bullet was faster?"

Yan Qian remained calm. If the other party wanted He Yan dead, they would have targeted He Yan immediately instead of calling him first.

"If he dies, you won't get the 500 million."

Upon hearing this, the other party burst into laughter, "Even if he doesn't die, with you, President Yan, protecting him, we still won't get 500 million. So the buyer has changed his mind. As long as we kill He Yan, we can get 100 million."

Yan Qian wasn't stupid; he instantly saw through the other party's intentions. "If you wanted to kill me, you would have done so already. The reason you called me is that you want to do business with me and make me spend money to buy it. You're trying to double-cross me."

The call abruptly ended. Yan Qian's face turned ashen. He was naturally willing to pay to protect He Yan, but that wasn't the norm. He wasn't a member of the He family. If He Yan really did die, there was still He Qi...

What are their true intentions?!

With thirty seconds left in the countdown, the performance of "Goodbye" on stage came to an end. Tan Li and Liu Mo'er shed tears on stage, bowed to their fans, and expressed their gratitude.

"Thank you all for coming from so far away. I am very grateful and wish you all a Happy New Year."

With six seconds left, in the blink of an eye, Jiang Mingyue raised her eyes and stared directly at a certain spot in section F of the stands, her cold gaze holding the power of thunder.

Three, two, one!

Fireworks went off in unison at the front of the stage. Jiang Mingyue leaped into the air, spun 360 degrees, and kicked the decorative soccer ball at the edge of the stage with her right foot. The soccer ball flew through the air and flew straight towards section F in a parabola!

The fans at the scene screamed wildly, chanting, "Sister Jiang! Sister Jiang! Sister Jiang!"

All the fans wanted to grab the soccer ball, but Jiang Mingyue's kicking angle was too tricky, exceeding the height of an adult.

With a loud thud, the soccer ball, carrying immense force, slammed into the man hiding at the edge of the F stands. The man was hit squarely in the abdomen and, caught off guard, crashed into the wall behind him, dropping his sniper rifle to the ground.

He pulled the remote control out of his pocket, pressed the only button, then closed his eyes and waited for that heavenly sound.

"Don't wait any longer, my master took down the one on the eaves."

Jiang Yi descended from the sky, accompanied by Yan Qian's bodyguards.

The man's face was ashen; he couldn't understand where he had gone wrong, or why he had lost!

"Who is your master?!"

The man was so focused on aiming at He Yan that he didn't even see who was kicking the ball.

Jiang Yi: "You are not worthy to know."

While the fans' attention was still focused on the stage, Yan Qian's men quickly carried the man away, while Jiang Yi stayed behind to clean up the mess and check for any dangerous items.

Some viewers in the live stream were quite rational, while others were completely confused.

[Sister Jiang's kick just now was so cool!]

Who caught Sister Jiang's ball?

Why does Sister Jiang play football?

Don't ask, Sister Jiang is free-spirited and independent in her actions.

My personal understanding is that it's about kicking away bad luck and getting rid of haters!

Netizens discussed it animatedly, but only Don Juan truly understood the destructive power of Jiang Mingyue's kick. She must have discovered the villains who had previously kidnapped He Yan.

No matter how capable Jiang Mingyue is, in Tang Huang's eyes, she is just a girl who is not yet twenty-four years old. She is brave and resourceful, and she has to prepare for the concert while also worrying about other people's affairs.

She carried too much burden on her shoulders. It's good that she's retired from the entertainment industry, away from complicated relationships, and can focus on her own life.

The Clover Girls' farewell concert came to a successful close, but the audience lingered, calling out for Sister Jiang and hoping she would return to the stage to say a few more words.

Tonight, their Sister Jiang is leaving the entertainment industry. A mix of emotions—loss, sadness, and reluctance—is overwhelming, even more painful than a breakup.

The god they worship no longer appears in public.

The fans in the live stream felt the same way as the fans at the venue; they were reluctant to see Jiang Mingyue leave.

[Sobbing, I can't bear to see Sister Jiang retire from the entertainment industry!]

Can't Sister Jiang stay here for our sake?

[Will Sister Jiang stay and continue to be criticized?]

Family members, be content. We should be grateful that Sister Jiang recorded two variety shows for us before retiring from the entertainment industry. We can watch her shows now.

But once the variety show is over, it's over, and Sister Jiang doesn't use Weibo.

[Sister Jiang doesn't use Weibo, but Wei Lai and the other movie stars are still around. I believe Teacher Wei and the others understand how we, Sister Jiang's fans, feel. It wouldn't be a problem if they posted photos of their get-together.]

[Yes, yes, I'm going to follow all nine other guests on the variety show.]

The stage lights came on, and staff came on stage to organize and move props. The fans, seeing that Jiang Mingyue was nowhere to be seen, had to leave with regret.

The live stream on Taiqi Video has ended. The viewers in the live stream room felt a sense of loss and emptiness, but the next second they were full of energy again and decided to go to Langyin to watch the videos uploaded by fans from the scene.

Don Juan completely relaxed. He wanted to call Jiang Mingyue, but he was afraid she was busy at the moment, so he decided to wait patiently.

Lin Zian ran over from next door, "Xiao Tang, what are Mingyue's plans after retiring from the entertainment industry? Does she need any work? Would she be interested in becoming a martial arts instructor?"

Don Juan smiled helplessly; the olive branch had been extended very quickly.

"She is going back to her hometown to rest for a while, but she didn't mention what she will do after that."

Lin Zian looked regretful. "Alright then, you guys need to keep in touch. If you go to visit her later, could you take me with you?"

Don Juan: "..."

Director Lin's abacus beads bounced right onto his face.

It was too late, and four exits of the South Island Stadium were closed, leaving only exits A through D open.

When the fans went outside, they saw staff members handing out gifts, and they looked over curiously.

"Sister Jiang told everyone to go back to the hotel early. This is a farewell gift she prepared for you. It's a gourd bracelet that she wove herself."

A fan who isn't a fan of ginger asked, "Brother, do we have it too?"

A staff member laughed and said, "Everyone who comes to the concert will receive one."

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Many people cried again. Who said Sister Jiang was heartless and unwilling to come out and say goodbye?! Sister Jiang's love for them was hidden in the details.

Ginger fans couldn't wait to take photos and upload them online to share and show off to their friends.

"Look! Sister Jiang gave us gourd bracelets! Everyone who came to the concert got one!"

In less than ten minutes, the hashtag "[Jiang Mingyue gives fans gourd bracelets]" soared to the top of the trending searches!

Those netizens and fans who couldn't attend were so jealous their eyes turned red, and they were all on the verge of tears.

You all say that Sister Jiang is aloof and doesn't like to interact with her fans, but in the end, she still gave you face.

[The gourd symbolizes profound meaning; I truly envy you for receiving Sister Jiang's blessing.]

[So jealous I can't see myself, I can't sleep.]

I hereby declare that from now on I will only support Sister Jiang. She is irreplaceable and there is no substitute!

[Thirty thousand gourd bracelets—it's unbelievable when she started preparing them. She gave all her rest time to her fans; how can we forget her?]

[Sobbing, I missed Sister Jiang the moment she left.]

[Sisters, be on time at 10 AM tomorrow to grab copies of "The Show"! The official Weibo account for "The Show" just released behind-the-scenes photos from the magazine shoot, and the person posing with the movie star is none other than Sister Jiang!]

In an instant, all the fans rushed to the official Weibo account of "Tianxiu" because they had seen the behind-the-scenes footage of the magazine shoot. Some netizens even skipped to 1 minute and 48 seconds to get a sneak peek.

When everyone clicked in, they saw Jiang Mingyue wearing a sky-blue evening gown, turning around and smiling.

A one-second shot!

[Does "The Amazing Show" dare to release all the behind-the-scenes footage?]

[A smile that could launch a thousand ships, Sister Jiang is so sweet.]

[This is the first time I've truly appreciated Sister Jiang's sweetness]

[Cool girl Sister Jiang transforms into a gentle and sweet lady in an instant]

[The magazine "Tianxiu" is great at photographing people; I can't wait to see the magazine.]

Unsurprisingly, Jiang Mingyue and Tang Huang's collaboration on "Tianxiu" immediately soared to the top of the trending searches, remaining incredibly popular!

Its popularity has gone viral, surpassing all the performances at tonight's New Year's Eve gala.

[Who still says our Ginger Candy CP isn't real!]

[The Best Actor's Favoritism Towards Sister Jiang is Confirmed]

I declare tonight's biggest winner to be "The Amazing Show" magazine.

[Taiqi Video must have made a lot of money tonight too.]

No, the biggest winners are the ginger fans! All the ginger fans! Our idol makes us so proud!

Liao Zhijie of Xinghui Entertainment was so angry that he smashed the ashtray again. What a pity, what a pity, such a good amount of popularity tonight, but he can't use it to his advantage.

If it weren't for the trouble that happened to the Zhang family, Jiang Mingyue wouldn't be living such a carefree life, given Zhang Wangjiang's methods.

In the gymnasium's lounge, Jiang Mingyue and two others were removing their makeup.

With her assistant and makeup artist present, Tan Li gave Jiang Mingyue face and said goodbye, "Mingyue, would you like to join us for dinner tonight? After tonight, you will officially retire from the entertainment industry, and we will have fewer opportunities to meet in the future."

"I don't need to eat, I have things to take care of."

Jiang Mingyue changed out of her performance costume, removed her props, jewelry, and hair clips, and used half a bottle of makeup remover to clean her face.

Seeing this, Tan Li said no more.

Hmph, at least she doesn't have to work with Jiang Mingyue anymore, and she feels much better now.

Liu Mo'er glanced at Jiang Mingyue through the makeup mirror.

Jiang Mingyue stole the show tonight. Who would have thought that Tang Huang's agency, Star-Making Media, had authorized her to perform "Mountains and Rivers"? Even Li Qiang was kept in the dark.

Liu Mo'er just checked Da Yan's Weibo and found that there were very few trending topics about her. Her company didn't buy any extra trending topics either, and Jiang Mingyue got all the benefits.

What's even more infuriating is that Jiang Mingyue actually co-starred with Tang Huang on the first cover of "Tianxiu" magazine this year. Keep in mind that many A-list celebrities can't even get a spot on "Tianxiu."

The selection criteria for the first cover of "Tianxiu" magazine are very strict, and almost none of the celebrities selected for the first cover have had scandals.

Why does she get all the good things?!

Jiang Mingyue tossed the trash off the table, stood up, and said goodbye to everyone. "Thank you all for your help. Happy New Year to everyone. I'm leaving now."

The staff members smiled and said goodbye to her. They knew very well that among the three members of Clover, Jiang Mingyue, although she was quiet and seemed aloof, was the easiest to get along with.

Jiang Mingyue left the lounge in high spirits. On the way, she bumped into Li Qiang, who was rushing over. Li Qiang congratulated her with a smile and invited her to a celebration banquet that evening.

Jiang Mingyue declined, gave Li Qiang a few meaningful glances, and left without looking back.

Li Qiang's smile froze as he stood watching Jiang Mingyue walk away.

Did Jiang Mingyue find out something...?

Li Qiang pursed his lips. From then on, the sky's the limit, and Xinghui Entertainment could no longer hold onto Jiang Mingyue.

He suddenly felt a pang of envy for her.

At Exit E of the stadium, which was closed off, a black minivan was waiting.

Jiang Mingyue walked out of Exit E and headed straight for the black minivan.

The driver immediately got out of the car and opened the door for Jiang Mingyue. "Miss Jiang, President Yan has already gone to the South Island Criminal Police Brigade. President Yan asked me to pick you up."

"Let's go." Jiang Mingyue sat down in the back seat.

The stadium is not too far from the South Island Criminal Investigation Division, about a half-hour drive.

Someone was waiting at the door; it was Yan Qian's lawyer. He led Jiang Mingyue inside.

As soon as she stepped through the gate, Jiang Mingyue ran into an acquaintance. The man was wearing a brown leather jacket and a black turtleneck sweater underneath.

Tall and imposing, with striking eyebrows and bright eyes, Captain Meng of the Lingcheng Criminal Police Brigade.

When Captain Meng saw her, he greeted her with a smile, "Miss Jiang, we meet again."

Jiang Mingyue's eyes flickered slightly. "Hello, Captain Meng." He's everywhere.

Captain Meng noticed the unwelcome look in Jiang Mingyue's eyes, so he personally led her to the interrogation room and took the initiative to explain his purpose.

"The Linjiang Criminal Police Brigade transferred the case of He Yan's previous abduction to our Lingcheng. I received a report from General Manager Yan last week, so I came here to handle it together."

I see.

Jiang Mingyue gave a perfunctory compliment, saying, "Captain Meng is capable and therefore does a lot of work."

Captain Meng realized she was just making a casual compliment, so he smiled and returned the compliment, saying, "You're not as capable as Miss Jiang. You managed to catch these criminals while holding a concert. You deserve a great reward."

Jiang Mingyue dared not take credit for it all and quickly declined, saying, "It's all thanks to President Yan. I was just assisting from the sidelines."

"Miss Jiang, there's no need to be modest. If you hadn't discovered that bomb in time tonight, the stadium would probably have been reduced to ruins."

Jiang Mingyue discovered the bomb early on, and because she discovered it early, she immediately notified Yan Qian to call the police, giving the South Island police enough time to handle the situation.

Professional matters should be handled by professionals; she shouldn't overstep her bounds.

It's not that she can't handle it, but it would attract a lot of attention, and she wants to keep a low profile.

"Did Miss Jiang find the bomb again using her sense of smell?"

Faced with Captain Meng's repeated probing, Jiang Mingyue dealt with him with great patience.

"Captain Meng is asking a question he already knows the answer to. Qinzhou has already revealed my secrets to you."

Mentioning Meng Qinzhou, Captain Meng smiled with relief, "Ms. Jiang, there's no need for you to be so wary of me. I have no ill intentions. On the contrary, I admire you very much and thank you for protecting the more than 30,000 audience members at the concert."

In the midst of our conversation, we unknowingly arrived at the interrogation room on the basement level.

Yan Qian was waiting in the outer room when he saw Captain Meng leading Jiang Mingyue in. Sensing the tension between the two, he suppressed his curiosity and quickly got up and walked over.

"Captain Meng, Miss Jiang."

Taking the opportunity, Jiang Mingyue asked Yan Qian, "Where is He Yan?"

Yan Qian: "I sent someone to take him back to the Jinghua Hotel. He won't bother you again."

Jiang Mingyue hummed in agreement and continued to press, "Did that person confess?"

Yan Qian shook his head: "His code name is Mammoth. His partner Eric escaped. They belong to a foreign force. Mammoth is stubborn and hasn't revealed the buyer behind him yet."

Captain Meng added from the side, "Mammoth has extensive experience in counter-interrogation and counter-surveillance. We tried hypnosis, but it had little effect."

Jiang Mingyue looked at the man in the mirror. The man had a buzz cut and a muscular build. His face was ashen because she had kicked him in the stomach with a soccer ball.

Author's Note: [Cat emoji] I had periodontitis and got an IV drip last night, so I couldn't write 6,000 words. I tried my best.