Just Like That, We Advanced

The final note of the guitar faded away.

The entire venue fell silent.

It was a nostalgic campus song. The lyrics weren’t profound—simple and straightforward—yet in an instant, it transported everyone back to the innocent, bittersweet romances of their school days.

The plump female judge, overcome with emotion, stood up and began clapping.

Soon, the entire venue was drowned in thunderous applause.

After hesitating for a moment, Xue Yuanyuan joined in the applause as well.

Otherwise, she’d stand out too much.

"Please introduce yourself briefly. What’s the name of this song?" the plump judge asked excitedly.

"Hey, handsome! What’s your name?"

The fangirls in the audience screamed frantically, their faces flushed red.

If you were good-looking, even your smallest qualities would be magnified endlessly.

Right now, An Yi had effortlessly captured their hearts.

"Hello, everyone. My name is An Yi—'An' as in 'An Yi,' and 'Yi' as in 'An Yi.' This song is my original composition, titled 'Sunny Day!'"

An Yi smiled, exuding the charm of a refined young man.

"An Yi! Hubby, I’ll love you forever!"

"So handsome, such a great body, and sings so well—he’s the perfect man!"

The fangirls screamed wildly, their handmade signs with his name already forgotten on the floor.

"Wang Qian?"

"Who’s that?"

In the audience, Wang Qian’s face turned purple with rage as he watched the scene unfold.

These were supposed to be his fans!

Yet here they were, cheering for this guy instead!

"An Yi, huh?"

Wang Qian’s expression darkened.

At Yilan Media, he had extensive connections—even among the higher-ups, he knew people.

Now, he almost wanted An Yi to join Yilan Media.

That way, he could make sure this guy suffered.

Xue Yuanyuan, still savoring the song, remarked thoughtfully, "The song is called 'Sunny Day,' yet the entire story is set in the rain. The innocence of campus life… it really is beautiful."

"Oh, so that’s how it is." An Yi nodded.

Xue Yuanyuan: "…?"

An Yi cleared his throat. "Yes, that’s exactly what I was going for when I wrote it."

"I absolutely love it! You have my approval, and I’d be thrilled to have you join us," the plump judge said eagerly, her eyes gleaming.

She represented a different company.

After years in the entertainment industry, she recognized the young man’s potential instantly.

Handsome, a strong vocalist, and—most importantly—a talented songwriter.

All he needed was a little push to skyrocket to fame.

Another judge, who had barely spoken until now, coughed lightly and added, "I also approve. And I sincerely hope you’ll consider joining our company, Yinli Music!"

The on-the-spot recruitment offers sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Usually, contract negotiations happened after the competition.

But for companies to extend offers during the auditions? That was rare.

It was undeniable proof of his talent.

The fangirls only grew more hysterical.

Xue Yuanyuan studied An Yi.

As much as she disliked admitting it, the guy was undeniably brilliant.

With the right backing, he could become the company’s future pillar.

If she let him slip away, her boss Xie Yan would skin her alive.

"Mr. An Yi, Yilan Media would also be honored to have you join us," Xue Yuanyuan said, forcing a smile despite her irritation.

The other two had already broken protocol by publicly recruiting him.

If she stayed silent, it would leave a terrible impression—one that’d be hard to fix later.

An Yi raised an eyebrow and sighed inwardly.

Persistent girl. Why chase after me so desperately?

"Thank you both for the invitations. Yilan Media has always been my goal. If I have the chance to join, I won’t pass it up."

An Yi clasped his hands politely, spouting empty pleasantries.

What a joke.

He was Yilan Media’s actual owner. Joining another company? Never happening.

As An Yi walked offstage, the plump judge clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"Yilan Media’s roster is already packed, isn’t it? Do you even have room for another?"

"Easy. Just cut someone," Xue Yuanyuan replied casually.

She’d love to axe that ridiculous "Fruit Super Sweet" boy band.

But that’d leave two spots empty.

Then her gaze landed on Wang Qian.

Him, then.

Aside from his looks, the guy was utterly useless.

"Next, the list of audition finalists: Fruit Super Sweet, Tian Yining, Wang Zhongcheng…"

Hearing the names called, Wang Qian’s expression soured.

The order followed their performance sequence.

He’d gone first—yet his name wasn’t called!

As the remaining slots dwindled, Wang Qian’s heart grew colder.

"And the final selected contestant is—An Yi! Congratulations!"

The host announced, leading another round of applause.

The crowd erupted into chants of An Yi’s name.

Wang Qian felt like his limbs had turned to ice.

What the hell?

No spot for me?!

An Yi yawned.

Too easy. Won without even trying.

Watching An Yi’s retreating figure, Wang Qian’s eyes turned icy.

You’ve got some nerve, kid.

——

Restroom.

An Yi had just zipped up his pants when he turned around.

Three burly men blocked the exit.

In the middle stood the scrawny figure of Wang Qian.

An Yi raised an eyebrow.

No way, starting a fight already?

Wang Qian’s face twisted with fury.

"You’ve got some nerve stealing my spot, punk. Today, I’ll—"

Before he could finish, An Yi’s large hand grabbed Wang Qian’s head and shoved it toward the urinal.

The three hired thugs were stunned.

At least let the man finish his sentence before throwing hands!

"Oh, and you guys—don’t just stand there!"

An Yi draped his arms over the shoulders of two burly men, his tone eerily casual.

The thugs: "..."

"No skills, yet still trying to act tough."

An Yi dusted off his hands as he stepped out of the restroom.

Just then, he spotted Xue Yuanyuan emerging from the women’s bathroom, having just touched up her makeup.

"Well, what a coincidence."

An Yi grinned, greeting her cheerfully.

Since she was someone he was pursuing, basic courtesy was a must.

Xue Yuanyuan’s expression remained icy. She had no intention of engaging, but since she was the one who’d recruited him, she forced a stiff smile. "Hello."

"Take me to the company. I couldn’t find it," An Yi said, glancing around.

"Whoever designed this place must be a total hack. Can’t even get the layout right."

"To the company?"

Xue Yuanyuan raised an eyebrow.

Did this guy really think waltzing into Yilan Media was a done deal?

Ha. As if it were that easy.

Back when she’d joined, it had taken her tremendous effort!

"Don’t bother looking," she said coolly. "The whole building is it."

An Yi: "..."