How did this star become more popular after his scandal?

Chapter 182 Glorious Years!

The Greater Bay Area Gala, as an annual special gala event, has attracted a great deal of attention. Guests attending the gala are mainly artists from the Greater Bay Area, but there are also many big-name artists from mainland China.

Current top stars like Jiang Yu sat in the third row. The first row was occupied by leaders and dignitaries from all walks of life. Starting from the second row, it was the guest artists attending the party. The second row was filled with top artists and industry veterans, all well-known figures. You could say these people aren't very popular right now, but they can be seen at major film and television productions and special events.

Even the big names sitting in the first row, the so-called top stars and super popular artists, had to respectfully call them "teacher" or "leader" in front of them. These were either presidents of associations or professors, or national first-class actors and national treasure singers.

Starting from the third row, it was where artists like Jiang Yu sat. Jiang Yu looked around and saw that they were all well-known artists in the industry. Most of them were from the Greater Bay Area, but he didn't know them well. He did know the mainland artists, but he wasn't familiar with them either.

Although I know his name, I have never had much contact with him in private.

Jiang Yu's seat was in the middle of the third row. On his right was a senior from Hong Kong, and on his left was a senior from the mainland. Jiang Yu seemed a little out of place sitting here, as if he was the youngest among the three rows in front.

These seniors were also a little surprised when they looked at Jiang Yu. They didn't expect that Jiang Yu would be invited to participate in the Greater Bay Area Gala. It seems that Jiang Yu is a little special in CCTV.

"Xiao Jiang, what song are you going to perform tonight?"

The seniors around him looked at Jiang Yu and spoke with a smile. They knew Jiang Yu and the recent controversy surrounding him. But it didn't matter. Since they were here, it meant that the controversy surrounding Jiang Yu was nothing to them at CCTV. Even if the netizens were making a big fuss online, it probably wouldn't affect Jiang Yu's career. Otherwise, why would he still be sitting here?
They had all heard Jiang Yu's songs before, and they liked many of them. The senior Hong Kong actor sitting to his right was particularly impressed. He was nearly fifty years old, a leading figure in the Hong Kong film industry, and a veteran actor of the highest caliber. He looked at Jiang Yu, smiled, and spoke in somewhat unstandard Mandarin.

"I really like Xiao Jiang's previous song, Hai Kuo Tian Kong. I wonder if I'll have the chance to hear it tonight."

Jiang Yu smiled and said, "Of course there is."

With the appearance of the host, tonight’s Greater Bay Area Gala officially began.

Jiang Yu's performance time will definitely not be the last one, because at such a large-scale evening party, there are many senior celebrities who are more powerful and experienced than him, and it is not his turn to perform the last one. But it will not be too early, probably in the middle or late stage.

At 8 p.m., the Greater Bay Area Gala officially began its live broadcast, opening with a top-tier singer performing a popular song. Naturally, such a special evening would not be complete without the main theme songs.

Su Muwan didn't come today. Jiang Yu had asked Su Muwan before, and she had actually received an invitation, but because of her schedule, she couldn't get away. She couldn't turn it down, so she regrettably missed this year's Greater Bay Area Gala. Su Muwan had been there last year, but this year she couldn't come due to schedule reasons.

On major platforms, the simultaneous live broadcast of the Greater Bay Area Gala has officially started. In the live broadcast room of CCTV, a large number of viewers flocked in as soon as the gala began.

"Here it comes, this year's Greater Bay Area Gala is finally here."

“The performances at the Greater Bay Area Gala every year are wonderful, and you can see many big names and stars.”

"Of course, it's a very important festival, and every year many big-name artists from the Greater Bay Area, especially from Hong Kong, participate."

"I saw Jiang Yu on the guest list. I really don't understand why he was invited to the Greater Bay Area Gala."

"Exactly. I can't figure it out. This guy is so uneducated and impolite, and he even hits people. What was CCTV thinking that they actually invited him?"

"Tsk, if you can't figure it out, forget it. Since CCTV invited Jiang Yu, it means he's recognized by CCTV. Besides, you guys are holding on to this matter, and when will you stop? It's clearly Hu Tian's fault. If he had cursed my mother like that, I would have been even more ruthless than Jiang Yu, let alone a punch."

……

Director Wang sat backstage with the Greater Bay Area Gala's director, watching the livestream on his phone. Shortly after the show started, backstage statistics showed the number of people entering the livestream had already exceeded 10 million, and the number was still slowly rising. It was estimated that breaking 100 million would be a sure thing. Every year, the livestreams of these large-scale galas performed well.

However, looking at the live broadcast room, many of Jiang Yu's black fans rushed in and scolded Jiang Yu. Director Wang frowned slightly.

He knew that Jiang Yu had been caught up in a public opinion storm recently because of the incident with Hu Tian. During tonight's live broadcast, there would definitely be a lot of black fans coming in to scold him.

Shaking his head, Director Wang sighed. This guy is actually quite strong inside. Even after being scolded like this, he still looks the same, as if he is not affected at all. This kind of mentality is rare in the entertainment industry. I guess this kid is not used to being criticized, which is why he can be so calm.

All I can say is that those who are still holding on to the incident between Jiang Yu and Hu Tian are those who have been led astray by the rhythm.

I just don’t know if Xiao Jiang has any way to turn things around after this incident. Otherwise, it would be very uncomfortable to be scolded and attacked like this.

……

Lin Qianqian was also leaning against the bed, watching the live broadcast of tonight's Greater Bay Area Gala. Originally, she wasn't very interested in such official galas, but when she saw that Jiang Yu was among the guests announced for this year's Greater Bay Area Gala, she was captivated.

If Jiang Yu is there, I can take a look.

"I just wonder what Jiang Yu will perform tonight. Will he sing an old song? Or a new song?"

The Greater Bay Area Gala and the National Day Gala generally only announced the guest list, not the program list. On the balcony, only the Spring Festival Gala announced both. This created suspense, making Lin Qianqian curious about Jiang Yu's performance tonight.

Will they sing old songs? New songs? Or maybe the main theme songs arranged by CCTV?

For this kind of special evening party, the guests cannot sing whatever songs they want.

Watching the livestream, Lin Qianqian didn't find it boring at all. Some of the guests' performances were quite good. Many of them were from the Greater Bay Area, especially Hong Kong, and were the movie stars and superstars she'd often seen in movies and TV series.

Hu Tian was sitting at home and accidentally watched videos when he saw the live broadcast room of the Greater Bay Area Gala on CCTV.

Seeing this, Hu Tian immediately thought of the hot search this afternoon. It seems that Jiang Yu participated in this year's Greater Bay Area Gala?
He immediately checked the trending searches and did a search, and sure enough, he saw Jiang Yu on the guest list.

All of a sudden, Hu Tian's expression became a little cold, with a bit of disdain and jealousy in his eyes.

"This guy actually made it to the Greater Bay Area Gala. It seems CCTV really treats him well."

Hu Tian was a bit surprised that Jiang Yu, despite all the controversy he'd caused, was still invited by CCTV to perform at this year's Greater Bay Area Gala. He also felt a bit unbalanced that he hadn't received an invitation this year, yet this guy was actually on stage.

Why?
Why can this guy go and be invited, but I can't?

In terms of seniority, he was more experienced than him, and in terms of strength, he was not inferior to him. Hu Tian even felt that he was more capable than Jiang Yu. Moreover, this guy, who was being criticized so harshly and was caught up in the public opinion storm, was actually invited by the usually strict CCTV to participate in such a special and grand performance as the Greater Bay Area Gala.

Hu Tian's eyes were a little cold as he watched the live broadcast and snorted coldly, feeling quite dissatisfied.

But because this was CCTV, he didn't dare say much.

As the show progressed, it gradually entered its middle and later stages, and Jiang Yu also went to the waiting room. When the host said Jiang Yu's name, the audience was very excited. However, amidst these excitement, there were also some dissatisfaction and abuse.

Even at this moment, the barrage in the live broadcast room seemed to have triggered some switch, and a large number of viewers who were criticizing Jiang Yu came over, and the barrage was directly drowned out by insults and accusations.

"Ah? Jiang Yu, this guy actually appeared at the Greater Bay Area Gala?"

"No way, this uneducated, impolite, and disrespectful scumbag actually did it?"

"Haha, CCTV is really disgusting this time. They even invited people like this. I'm really sick of it. I don't want to watch any more."

"Are you guys annoying? If you don't want to watch, get out. I didn't let you watch."

"That's right, I'm here to protect my brother. I love watching my brother perform. If you don't like it, just leave."

"Haha, you can't stand my brother, right? You like your Hu Tian so much, why didn't you see your Hu Tian at the party? Could it be that he wasn't invited? Is he not qualified? Haha, no matter how much you curse at me, no matter how much you hate my brother, my brother is better than yours."

……

Lin Qianqian, on the other hand, perked up after watching Jiang Yu come on stage, and immediately put down the snacks in her hand. Jiang Yu's performance after his appearance was the old song "Boundless Oceans and Vast Skies." Although it was nice, the lack of new songs really disappointed Lin Qianqian.

However, the majority of the audience were quite satisfied with the performance. The Greater Bay Area gala was attended by people from nearby areas, particularly Hong Kong and eastern Guangdong. Jiang Yu, a mainland singer, performing such a high-quality Cantonese song that went viral online, felt very familiar to them. Furthermore, Jiang Yu's song, "Boundless Oceans and Vast Skies," had already gone viral online; everyone had heard it and could sing it.

When Jiang Yu sang to the climax, the atmosphere of the whole audience was aroused, and everyone sang along with the music and Jiang Yu.

"Still free myself

Always sing my song
Travel thousands of miles
Forgive me for my unruly and indulgent love and freedom in my life
I'm also afraid that one day I'll fall down.
Anyone who abandons their ideals can do it
How can I be afraid that one day it will be just you and me..."

While Jiang Yu was singing, the camera switched to a shot of the audience seats. Jiang Yu's microphone was passed out, and Jiang Yu's singing voice disappeared, leaving only the audience singing in unison.

The aura and feeling were so impressive that even online viewers could feel it. Lin Qianqian, watching this scene, felt a little envious of the audience. It was such a wonderful feeling. If she had the chance, she would definitely go and experience it in person.

Originally, Lin Qianqian thought that Jiang Yu would end his performance of "Boundless Oceans and Vast Skies". However, the next moment, after Jiang Yu finished singing the song, he did not leave the stage. Instead, he stood on the stage, took up the topic, and started talking.

"Today I have a new song for you all, a new Cantonese song called 'Glorious Years'. I hope you like it..."

When Lin Qianqian heard this, she instantly felt less sleepy and more energetic. She was originally planning to leave the show after watching Jiang Yu's show, but when she heard Jiang Yu's words, she immediately withdrew her hand.

“There’s actually a new song!”

"Jiang Yu, this is a two-song performance!"

Lin Qianqian was a little surprised. The previous guests had usually performed one song at a time, but when it came to Jiang Yu, he had two songs to perform.

This kind of situation is usually reserved for senior celebrities who arrive later. Jiang Yu is such a young guest, and it always feels like his status and qualifications are insufficient. But now, the facts are clear. On such a grand stage as the Greater Bay Area Gala, he has performance time for two songs, which is completely different from the previous guests.

Among the guests currently performing on stage, only Jiang Yu performed two songs!

At this moment, not only the audience and guests were stunned, but even the online audience was shocked.

The guests looked at each other in bewilderment. Jiang Yu actually had two performances scheduled. It seemed CCTV really valued him. Otherwise, they wouldn't have invited him to the Greater Bay Area Gala and even given him two performances after Jiang Yu had been involved in such a major public outcry.

At this moment, the barrage in the live broadcast room was also flooded with comments.

"No way? Did I see that right? Jiang Yu actually has time to perform two songs?!"

"Yes, there are two songs, one is the old song called Oceans and Skies, and the other is the new song called Glorious Years."

"Hmm? A new song, Glory Days? And it's in Cantonese. Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it. I really liked the previous song, Boundless Oceans and Vast Skies."

"Yes, I also like his previous song "Boundless Oceans and Vast Skies". It's a rare high-quality Cantonese song after all these years."

"No? Is this kind of person worthy of two songs? The previous celebrity artists and seniors didn't even have that, so why should Jiang Yu be given that much?"

"Why? He can hit people, can you beat him? If you don't sing two songs for him, he will hit you. Even the director is afraid of being beaten."

……

At this moment, Hu Tian frowned slightly when he saw that Jiang Yu still had time to perform one song, while Jiang Yu actually had time to perform two songs.

Does CCTV value this guy so much?
The senior artists who performed before Jiang Yu each had time for one show, but when it came to him, he only had time to perform two songs?
At such a special evening show, everyone wants to be seen; the exposure is huge. But Hu Tian wasn't invited to the Greater Bay Area Gala, which already made him feel a little unbalanced. And now, seeing that jerk Jiang Yu get two songs at the party, the disparity and sense of disparity made Hu Tian clench his fists.

At this moment, he even felt that even though Jiang Yu had been caught up in a public opinion storm during this period, causing his reputation to plummet and being criticized and criticized by the entire network, now, it seemed that all this was in vain.

I didn't even get this kind of opportunity, but this bastard Jiang Yu got it. How on earth did he get it?

Watching Jiang Yu standing on the stage during the live broadcast, Hu Tian's eyes were filled with jealousy and resentment.

At the Greater Bay Area Gala, Jiang Yu finished his speech, the music slowly started, and the song information of his new Cantonese song appeared on the big screen.

Song Title: Glorious Years
Singer: Jiang Yu

Lyricist: Jiang Yu

Composer: Jiang Yu..."

When the music started, the scene gradually quieted down. The audience here were all very excited and discussed in low voices.

"I didn't expect Jiang Yu to perform another song, and it's a new Cantonese song."

"This handsome guy is good. I liked his song "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" before. It's a rare good Cantonese song in recent years. I'm looking forward to his song "Glory Days."

"Yes, I also really like listening to his previous song "Boundless Oceans and Skies". I'm really looking forward to listening to this song "Glorious Years."

"Stop talking, the singing is about to begin, be quiet."

……

The music started, and the prelude was very different from Jiang Yu's other songs. It was very powerful and rhythmic. Lin Qianqian's eyes lit up when she heard it.

"Rock songs!"

It is another rock-type Cantonese song. Jiang Yu’s previous song "Boundless Oceans and Vast Skies" is also a rock-type Cantonese song. This song is full of power, penetration and appeal. It moved and inspired countless people as soon as it was released.

Jiang Yu's new Cantonese song, "Glorious Days," is surprisingly a rock track, which immediately reminded Lin Qianqian of his previous song, "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies." Perhaps Jiang Yu's "Glorious Days" will be just as good as his previous song, "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies"? Lin Qianqian predicts that Jiang Yu's new song will be of high quality.

Listening to this prelude, Lin Qianqian felt very powerful and began to look forward to Jiang Yu's next singing.

On the stage, as the prelude ended, Jiang Yu raised the microphone and spoke.

"The bell rings the signal to go home
There seems to be a bit of sadness in his life

What yellow skin means to him

A life dedicated to the fight against color..."

As soon as Jiang Yu opened his mouth, his authentic Cantonese surprised everyone present, including the audience from the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong, and made many people's eyes light up. Listening to Jiang Yu's new Cantonese song, everyone quietly savored it.

Jiang Yu made some slight changes to make the song more suitable for the occasion and more suitable for this world.

"The years turn possession into loss
tired eyes with hope
Today there are only remnants of the husk

Welcome to the glorious years
Hold tight to freedom in the wind and rain

A life of hesitation and struggle
Confidence can change the future

Who can do that..."

Jiang Yu stood on the stage, his high-pitched, passionate voice ringing in everyone's ears. Listening to his voice and savoring the lyrics, at this moment, Jiang Yu's music seemed to penetrate everyone's hearts, making everyone's heart tremble.

At this moment, it seemed as if everyone had the same feeling as when they listened to "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" just now. That kind of excitement and passion seemed to come back all at once.

From the outset, the song evokes a sense of reminiscence and aftertaste, a sense of the passage of time. It's as if one witnesses someone who has endured countless hardships, looking back on their past and reflecting on life. Between the lines, the lyrics seem filled with encouragement and inspiration for those facing difficult times.

Listening to Jiang Yu's new Cantonese song, it seems that everyone can see a figure who is working hard and striving for his dreams.

Especially since this song is a rock song, its power and appeal are particularly strong.

Jiang Yu's song today, "Glorious Days," was performed by the Hong Kong rock band Beyond, composed by Wong Ka Kui, and arranged by Beyond. There are two versions of the song, Cantonese and Mandarin. The Cantonese version, with lyrics by Wong Ka Kui, was included on Beyond's Cantonese album "Destiny Party," released in September 1990. The Mandarin version, with lyrics by Ho Chi-hong and Chow Chi-ping, was included on Beyond's Mandarin album "Glorious Days," released in April 1991. The song was written by Wong Ka Kui in commemoration of the South African leader Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

From August 3 to 6, 1990, Wong Ka Kui traveled to Papua New Guinea with RTHK's "Love First Brigade," witnessing firsthand the suffering endured by the local people due to war and famine. Upon returning to Hong Kong, Wong Ka Kui read about Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's imprisonment in the newspaper, which resonated deeply with him. Wong Ka Kui believed that Mandela's spirit, one of struggle and hope, resonated perfectly with Beyond's arduous journey in Hong Kong. Consequently, Wong Ka Kui composed the song "Glorious Years," a tribute to the black leader and his lifelong dedication to eliminating racial discrimination in South Africa and achieving democracy and a free society.

Because of this, Jiang Yu made some slight changes when singing to make the song more suitable for this world and this scene.

The song gradually came to an end.

"Today there is only the remnant of the body
Welcome to the glorious years
Hold tight to freedom in the wind and rain

A life of hesitation and struggle
Confidence can change the future..."

(End of this chapter)