Chapter 271 If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.
Jin Qingyu relentlessly pursued Jiang Xingyao, and finally managed to persuade her to have a meal with him.
Before the meal was even finished, Jiang Xingyao received a call from Fila, whose voice was clearly urgent: "Weiyi, something's happened. A lot of people online are saying that your championship win at the Jinle Cup was questionable. It's causing an uproar online. Teacher Rongyue asked me to ask for your opinion on tomorrow's welcome banquet..."
"Don't worry, I'll attend the welcome banquet as usual. What's all the fuss about online?" Jiang Xingyao asked.
Fila said, "It's precisely because you're a newcomer on the international stage that you managed to beat out a host of competitors and win the championship that many people are resentful."
And then there was that betting game before. Everyone in that group had their own favorite player, but you won the championship, which dashed their expectations, so naturally some people were unhappy.
Initially, it was only a minority of voices questioning whether there was any behind-the-scenes manipulation in this year's competition. But as the controversy grew, the doubts multiplied, and things spiraled out of control.
Ultimately, it's because she wasn't famous when she participated in the competition, couldn't compare to those contestants who were already well-known in the industry, and had no fan support, which allowed the rumors to escalate to this point.
Fila continued to persuade her: "Teacher Rongyue means that there will inevitably be some discordant voices at the welcome banquet. She can talk to the music association and ask them to postpone the banquet for a while."
“No need,” Jiang Xingyao said. “Refusing would only make people think I’m guilty. Rather than avoiding it, I should take the initiative.”
I think the welcome dinner is a good opportunity to clarify things. Please tell Aunt Yue not to worry, I know what I should do.
The welcome banquet was held as scheduled, and Jiang Xingyao realized that Fila's concerns on the phone were not exaggerated.
Even though only two days had passed, Jiang Xingyao could clearly feel that the way people looked at her had changed a lot, and their attitudes were no longer as warm as before.
This welcome banquet was originally organized by the Music Association for Jiang Xingyao. Even though there are many controversies surrounding Jiang Xingyao now, the people from the Music Association still stepped forward to take charge.
After some pleasantries, the vice president tentatively asked, "Ms. Jiang, have you seen those news articles online?"
We all believe in you, but the rumors are spreading like wildfire. Ms. Jiang, would you like to clarify and explain?
He said he believed her, but Jiang Xingyao knew in her heart that he was just indirectly asking her for an explanation. Whether she could clarify the rumors this time would also affect her future development in the music industry.
As soon as the vice president finished speaking, everyone else turned their gaze toward Jiang Xingyao, clearly also paying attention to the matter.
Jiang Xingyao said, "What you said makes sense, but I think facts speak louder than words. I plan to hold an exchange and challenge event at Xingying Studio in Gangcheng in three days. I welcome any young people from all over the world to come and learn from me. The whole event will be broadcast live. I would also appreciate it if all the masters could come and witness it for me."
The vice president's expression changed: "Are you serious? You really want to compete with young people from all over the world? Isn't that a bit too presumptuous?"
Jiang Xingyao said, "If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight. Now that I have received this honor, I should do what makes people believe in me."
I would be grateful if all the esteemed masters present could grace the occasion with their presence and bear witness to my efforts.
The president and vice president exchanged a glance, and almost both of them saw hesitation in each other's eyes.
The president said, "Miss Jiang, I advise you to be cautious. There are many powerful young people around the world. If you can really defeat them, that's fine, but if something goes wrong, you might end up making things worse."
Even if you're eager to prove yourself, please consider the consequences.
"You've already brought the Golden Cup championship back to our country, that's enough. There's no need to fight for pride..."
"Chairman Kim, why boost the morale of others and diminish your own prestige?"
Our champions emerged victorious from fierce competition, so why should we fear challenges from others?
A deep, familiar voice sounded from behind. Jiang Xingyao saw Jin Qingyu walk in calmly. The music association's senior members tactfully made way for him, and some even came up to greet him.
The people here seem to know him very well; it's not like yesterday where a single meeting could create such a familiarity.
Jin Qingyu quickly walked to Jiang Xingyao's side, and Chairman Jin immediately put on a smile: "President Jin, do you mean to agree to Miss Jiang's proposal?"
“Of course we have to agree. Not only do you have to agree, you also have to help Miss Jiang build momentum and make sure everyone witnesses her strength firsthand,” Jin Qingyu said.
President Jin readily agreed and immediately called the vice president aside to discuss the live broadcast. He also called a few people over to chat with Jin Qingyu, making it seem like he was welcoming a leader to inspect the work.
Jin Qingyu waved his hand, dismissing all those people to the side, leaving only him and Jiang Xingyao around. Jiang Xingyao asked, "What are you doing here?"
In her memory, Jin Qingyu had never liked music and art; he always thought it was a waste of time. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have imagined that Jin Qingyu would be so familiar with people in the music association.
Assistant Xu said, "Ever since we learned you were going to participate in the competition, major music associations and companies across the country have received investments from President Jin, all to pave the way for you. And President Jin has also..."
"Xu Wei, you can go out now." Jin Qingyu didn't let Xu Wei finish speaking. After he had sent Xu Wei away, he said, "You like music, and I want to understand you. I originally thought I would listen and learn more, but since I'm not good at it, and I wanted to do something for you, I just spent money."
Looking back now, my previous decision was definitely the right one.
He spoke so frankly that Jiang Xingyao couldn't help but laugh when she saw him earnestly admitting that he wasn't good at music.
Jin Qingyu said, "Everyone has things they're not good at. Is it that funny?"
Jiang Xingyao said, "I never expected that our always arrogant and confident President Jin would admit his shortcomings."
Last time I went to the concert, I heard you arguing with Shen Ming, and I thought you would never admit it.
Jin Qingyu's pupils narrowed slightly, and then he said, "That's different. There's nothing to hide in front of you."
The more you try to cover things up, the more mistakes you'll make in the end. It's better to be open and honest from the start.
Jiang Xingyao's gaze darted away slightly. She didn't respond to Jin Qingyu's words. Jin Qingyu then said, "Seriously, Yaoyao, you absolutely have to take me with you when you go to Hong Kong this time."
"I thought Mr. Jin had finally reformed, but it seems he's still just as arrogant."
“When things get chaotic, someone will need to maintain order. I know you can hire bodyguards, but they're not as good as me. What do you think, Yao Yao?” Jin Qingyu said without changing his expression, relentlessly promoting himself.
"You volunteered to be a security guard?" Jiang Xingyao slightly lifted her eyelids. "Jin Qingyu, how come I never realized you could be so humble?"
"That's not important. I'm telling you, Yao Yao, let me go with you to stabilize the situation. You won't go wrong." Jin Qingyu promoted himself again, subtly leaning a little closer to Jiang Xingyao.
Jiang Xingyao pushed him away and rolled her eyes in annoyance: "Just because I said no, you're not going?"
Jin Qingyu shook his head, then argued, "That's different. Of course I won't let you go to Hong Kong by yourself, but I'd rather have your invitation than go with you."
“In my dreams.” Jiang Xingyao cut him off. Jin Qingyu smiled awkwardly and quickly added, “In my dreams it’s fine, after all, you invited me.”
Jiang Xingyao took two steps back, creating some distance between them: "Jin Qingyu, you really know how to twist the facts."
Chairman Jin was very cooperative with Jin Qingyu's request and quickly drafted a list of personnel to serve as referees in Hong Kong, which he then presented to Jin Qingyu for review.
Jiang Xingyao glanced at them and saw that they were all well-known masters in China. She added, "It's not enough to just have people from our own country. Someone will definitely bring this up again. Could you please help me issue an announcement that renowned international masters will be allowed to participate in online commentary after the live stream begins?"
President Jin's face flashed with surprise again, as if he hadn't expected Jiang Xingyao to make such a big fuss. He turned to look at Jin Qingyu, who said, "I think Miss Jiang's idea is very sound. After this competition, Jin's Group plans to invest an additional 50 million in your association."
Chairman Kim immediately beamed and quickly began praising Jiang Xingyao's courage.
On the day Jiang Xingyao went to Gangcheng, she informed Yu Shu in advance, and Yu Shu delivered the prepared dumplings early in the morning.
She held Jiang Xingyao's hand and repeatedly reminded her to make sure Shen Ying ate on time. Finally, she gave Jiang Xingyao a bank card to take to Shen Ying.
Jin Qingyu did not miss the meeting and followed closely beside Jiang Xingyao.
He waited until they arrived in Hong Kong before making an excuse to part ways with Jiang Xingyao, who then went directly to Xingying Studio.
The name of the studio was decided by Shen Ying. Jiang Xingyao didn't care much about such things, and Shen Ying had similar thoughts, so they simply took one character from each of their names.
When the studio was created, Jiang Xingyao had not yet changed her name, so the studio was named Xingying.
Shen Ying was already waiting at the studio entrance, holding Xiao Shuijing's hand. The sunlight shone on her, making her look even more gentle.
Jiang Xingyao brought a lot of things, so Jin Qingyu specially asked Xu Wei to deliver them to her.
When Shen Ying saw Xu Wei, she frowned slightly and said bluntly, "Jin Qingyu sent him to spy on you again?"
Xu Wei quickly denied it: "Miss Shen, you have really misunderstood our President Jin. How could President Jin dare to monitor Miss Jiang now? He would love to follow Miss Jiang's arrangements at all times."
I'm just here to do manual labor; I'll leave as soon as I drop off my things.
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