Chapter Twenty-Six: The Buzz
In the days that followed, Li Jie found himself incessantly harassed by reporters, to the point of exhaustion. He decided to hold a press conference to put an end to the disturbance, so his daily life would not be disrupted. In his current state, going out was simply impossible.
Upon hearing that Li Jie planned to hold a press conference, the journalists eagerly prepared themselves. However, since only select media outlets were invited, those excluded erupted in a chorus of complaints upon receiving the news.
On February 1st, the day of the conference, Ni Liang had arrived early in Harbin the previous day to discuss the detailed agenda with Li Jie. He also brought along a capable team from the company to manage the event. Li Jie had no special demands for the conference, except for one: he would answer only ten questions and hoped that afterward, the reporters would respect his privacy and cease their interruptions.
Having endured multiple confrontations with the press, Li Jie sometimes wondered if choosing a career in entertainment had been a mistake. His life was constantly exposed under the glare of flashbulbs, leaving no room for privacy. Was this truly the life he wanted? Perhaps he had been wrong. The glamorous image of public figures captured on camera did not necessarily equate to happiness.
As the conference was about to begin, the invited journalists arrived one after another at the Marriott Hotel, each wearing a triumphant smile. Compared to those who were not invited, they felt like victorious generals.
By 3 p.m., the hall was fully prepared, and the reporters awaited Li Jie’s appearance to commence the ‘battle.’ Ni Liang stepped slowly onto the stage.
“Good afternoon, friends from the media,” he began. “I am Ni Liang, CEO of Red Rock Records, and I am fully responsible for today’s press conference. Let me first outline the rules.”
“First, please wait to be called upon before asking your questions; otherwise, it will be considered a disruption, and our staff will escort you out.”
“Second, Mr. Lu Xinghe will answer only ten questions today, so please choose your inquiries wisely.”
...
“What? Only ten questions?”
“Ten is too few!”
“We’ve been waiting so long; ten questions just isn’t enough.”
...
Seeing the unrest below, Ni Liang gently pressed his hands downward. “Please remain quiet. After Mr. Lu Xinghe leaves, I will answer any additional questions to the best of my knowledge. It’s not limited to just ten questions.”
Once calm was restored, Ni Liang continued, “Third, after the conference, no one is allowed to take the content out of context. Any false reports or defamatory remarks against Mr. Lu Xinghe will prompt us to pursue legal action against the publishers and media involved.”
...
“That concludes the announcements. Now, please welcome Mr. Lu Xinghe to the stage. Journalists, prepare your questions accordingly.”
Li Jie stepped onto the podium slowly, his eyes meeting the eager gazes of the reporters below. Staff selected which media representatives could ask questions, and the first journalist barely contained their excitement before speaking.
“Hello, I’m Liang Feifan from Penguin News. Mr. Lu Xinghe, is the mysterious woman mentioned in previous reports your girlfriend?”
“Yes, it’s common knowledge at our school,” Li Jie replied calmly.
The reporters nearby muttered in dissatisfaction — what a waste of a question. The next journalist prepared to speak.
“Hello, I’m Lu Feifei from Morning News. Mr. Lu Xinghe, when did you officially begin your creative work, and how do you maintain such a high standard in your pieces?”
“That’s two questions,” Li Jie said. “I began seriously composing in my first year of high school because I’ve always loved music. My first song, ‘My Deskmate,’ was inspired by my current girlfriend. As for quality, I simply don’t release anything I consider subpar.”
...
“Mr. Lu Xinghe, how do you balance writing and composing?”
“Talent.”
“Regarding your roles as a writer and producer, what are your future plans?”
“I might take a break for a while, possibly a long one. I’m no longer fond of living under the spotlight. It’s distressing. I may stop writing books and songs altogether.”
“What!”
“Th-That’s impossible!”
“Mr. Lu Xinghe, why would you suddenly make such a decision?”
“Please reconsider. How can you do this to your supportive fans?”
...
Ni Liang’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing Li Jie’s announcement of potentially halting his creative work. He could hardly believe it. As Li Jie finished answering questions and walked backstage, Ni Liang ignored the reporters’ calls and summoned staff to maintain order. He followed Li Jie behind the scenes.
“Xinghe, what are you thinking? You really want to stop creating?” Ni Liang asked anxiously.
“I don’t want reporters invading my private life. I just want peace. I never imagined that a few songs and novels would attract such attention, which contradicts my original intentions.”
Seeing Li Jie’s resolute tone, Ni Liang wanted to say more but found no words. He knew Li Jie well; given his family background, money was never a temptation. He already had fame but disliked the intense scrutiny that came with it. When a person is beyond the lure of wealth and renown, words become futile.
“Sigh! Think it over carefully. The doors of Red Rock will always be open, and we’ll be waiting for you.”
“Okay, maybe I’ll write new songs under a pseudonym in the future, but I won’t be producing albums anymore. That’s it for now; I’m a bit tired. I’m leaving,” Li Jie said, waving goodbye to Ni Liang.
Watching Li Jie slowly exit the hotel, Ni Liang cursed the reporter who first leaked the news. He vowed never to cooperate with that media outlet again and swore to investigate internal leaks thoroughly. Once the culprit was found, they would face severe punishment.
After the conference ended, Geng Geng hurried to Li Jie’s home. She was surprised by his announcement to possibly stop creating but supported his decision unconditionally, though she remained curious.
“Why have you made this choice? It seems a pity.”
“Because of you. I don’t want my private life exposed to the public. Didn’t you say before how exhausting it is to be constantly watched? Plus, many girls online resent you and keep criticizing you.”
Hearing this, Geng Geng’s tears flowed uncontrollably. She embraced Li Jie tightly, patting him gently. “Why are you so good to me?”
“Because I met the best you at the best time in my life. I don’t want too many people disturbing us. I just want to quietly spend the rest of my days with you.” Li Jie’s decision stemmed mainly from uncertainty about how much time he had left in this world. He simply wished to savor it peacefully.
As his words fell, Geng Geng kissed him passionately, and Li Jie responded with equal fervor.
...
After their passionate embrace, the two held each other quietly, savoring this moment of happiness.