nucmednet Chapter 15 The domineering CEO feels very guilty
Chapter 15 The domineering CEO feels very guilty
Zhou Yuji's words struck a nerve with the deputy director. He hesitated for a few seconds before finally agreeing: "Well... I'll give you another fifteen minutes. That's really the most I can do. The rest of the program is already packed."
"That's enough." Zhou Yuji smiled, a smile so bright it was dazzling. "Thank you, Director Liu."
The deputy director left in a hurry, probably to reassure the team waiting behind.
Zhou Yuji then turned around and went up on stage, walking up to Wang Bo.
Up close, her makeup is even more exquisite. Her eyeshadow is a wine red with fine shimmer, which matches her clothes, and her lipstick is a classic retro red, which makes her skin look even whiter.
"Are you alright?" she asked Wang Bo, her voice much gentler than before.
"It's nothing," Wang Bo shook his head. "Thank you, Sister Zhou."
"What are you thanking me for? I just can't stand their attitude." Zhou Yuji pouted, then looked at the band members, "Everyone, I'm sorry about earlier. After rehearsal tonight, I'll treat you all to dinner. Pick any place you like, and drink as much as you want—it's on me."
The band members then started laughing, and the atmosphere eased considerably.
Su Yiyi also went on stage. She stood next to Zhou Yuji, and the two formed a stark contrast—one was like a vibrant red rose, and the other was like a quiet and elegant white lily; one was bright and dazzling, and the other was aloof and intellectual; one exuded a powerful aura, and the other was gentle and firm.
But at this moment, they are all standing here for the same thing.
"Wang Bo, let's do it one more time," Su Yiyi said softly. "Forget everything that just happened, just treat this as a formal performance. Do you remember what I told you? When you sing, imagine you're telling a story to someone—that person could be your past self, someone important to you, or any audience member with a story."
Wang Bo nodded and stood back in front of the microphone.
Zhou Yuji and Su Yiyi walked off the stage and sat in the first row.
"You were so cool just now," Su Yiyi said to Zhou Yuji.
"That's right, I paid for it, so I should have some say." Zhou Yuji crossed her legs, her velvet trousers sliding down to reveal her slender ankles and dazzling high heels. "But Yiyi, tell me the truth, is Wang Bo's song really up to par?"
"Yes," Su Yiyi said without hesitation. "It's not just because the song is good, nor is it just because he sings it well. It's because this song contains something real—his experiences, your story, and the regrets and relief that everyone experiences. This kind of authenticity is something that those carefully packaged internet hit songs can't compare to."
Zhou Yuji was silent for a moment, then said softly, "I was watching from the audience just now, and I suddenly felt a little... guilty."
Su Yiyi turned to look at her.
"If I had put in more effort over the past three years, if I had managed the company more diligently, and if I had provided Wang Bo with better resources and support, he might already be quite well-known by now." Zhou Yuji rarely showed a vulnerable expression. "Then today we wouldn't have been looked down upon by a school vice director, and we wouldn't have had to fight over even twenty minutes of rehearsal time."
"Rain Princess..."
"I know what you're going to say, 'Everyone has their own ambitions,' 'You're not suited to running a company,'" Zhou Yuji laughed. "I understand those principles, but seeing the people I signed being looked down upon because of my irresponsibility back then... that feeling is unpleasant."
On stage, the music started again.
This time, there were no surprises, and no interruptions.
The guitar sounds are expansive, the drumbeats are powerful, the trumpet solo is breathtaking, and the string section lays a solid emotional foundation.
Wang Bo's performance was even more passionate and powerful than the studio recording.
When he sang the first line, Zhou Yuji's tears fell without warning.
She didn't wipe away the tears, letting them slide down her carefully made-up cheeks, shimmering in the light.
Su Yiyi held her hand and noticed that it was trembling slightly.
"He'll be a star," Su Yiyi said softly. "Yu Ji, your judgment was right. You've signed a true musician; it's just that the world needs time to discover him."
As the rehearsal ended, applause erupted from the empty audience seats—it was the band members clapping themselves, along with a few staff members who stayed behind to watch the spectacle.
Wang Bo bowed and stepped down from the stage.
"Perfect." Zhou Yuji stood up, her tear stains dried, and she touched up her makeup, looking radiant and beautiful again. "Wang Bo, sing like this tomorrow. If anyone in the audience doesn't applaud, just keep an eye on them and sing until they do."
Wang Bo smiled and said, "Okay."
"Alright, everyone pack your things, it's my treat tonight!" Zhou Yuji clapped her hands. "How about hot pot? I know a really authentic old-style hot pot place, the owner is a friend of mine, let him reserve a private room for us."
The band members cheered.
Su Yiyi walked over to Wang Bo and handed him a bottle of water: "Drink some water to protect your throat. Tomorrow is the real battlefield."
"I know." Wang Bo took the water and looked at the two women in front of him, who had very different temperaments but were equally outstanding. He suddenly felt that this time travel was worth it.
As I left the stadium, the sun was setting, and the sky was dyed orange-red.
Zhou Yuji walked at the front, her high heels clicking crisply on the ground. Her velvet jumpsuit shimmered warmly in the setting sun, making her look like a moving flame.
Su Yiyi walked beside Wang Bo, her beige cardigan fluttering in the wind, her light gray skirt swaying gently. She looked up at the sky, her profile as soft as a painting in the afterglow.
"Tomorrow will be a good day," she said.
"Mm." Wang Bo nodded.
Tomorrow, the provincial university's centennial celebration gala will be held in the stadium, which can accommodate 10,000 people.
And he wants to sing a song from another world, to let this world hear it.
the next day.
The centennial celebration of the provincial university, like a long-brewing hurricane, has officially landed on campus.
The plane trees lining both sides of the main road were covered with red banners with gold lettering that read: “Warmly celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Provincial University”, “A century of nurturing talents, a garden of peach and plum blossoms”, and “Welcome alumni home”.
At each intersection stands an elaborately designed sign bearing the school's anniversary logo—the roots of a century-old tree growing from the open pages of a book, both elegant and vibrant.
Student leaders from the student union and various clubs are as busy as worker ants, with WeChat group messages always exceeding 999.
"Attention, reception team! The alumni group from the Class of '78, Department of Civil Engineering, will arrive at the high-speed rail station at 10:00 AM. Two buses are needed!"
"Gift set! We're short 500 commemorative badges, and I need them delivered immediately!"
"Urgent notice from the event organizers: Lighting equipment is being tested; unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering the stadium!"
"Cafeteria logistics: Today's estimated number of students dining on campus will exceed 20,000. Double-check the food reserves!"
Amidst this bustling scene, the most eye-catching structure is undoubtedly the provincial university gymnasium, where the school's anniversary gala will be held soon—a colossal building that cost hundreds of millions of yuan and can accommodate 38,000 people.
It stands quietly in the eastern part of the campus, its silver-gray streamlined exterior gleaming coldly in the sunlight, like a lurking giant beast.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the behemoth—on a stage that is "not top-tier, but still quite advanced"—a war without gunpowder is unfolding.
"Teacher Li, could we adjust our positioning again? I'd like to move from the extended stage to the front row of the audience area during the second chorus."
The speaker is Xiao Kai, a singer and dancer who recently became a hit on Douyin. He has dyed his hair silver and is gesturing to the stage manager.
He was followed by two assistants, one holding a water cup and the other holding a tablet computer with a densely packed diagram of the stage movement.
Stage manager Mr. Li adjusted his glasses: "The extended platform has limited safety margins, and can only support a maximum of three people standing at the same time. Your design will block the number one camera position, but it's okay, we'll adjust the camera position."
"Thank you so much!" Xiao Kai said with satisfaction, "The school teachers are so easy to talk to. Teacher Li, you don't know, short video platforms love these kinds of interactive shots. If I walk into the audience, the students will definitely film me. If just one video with a good angle goes viral, our show's popularity will double!"
The female singer Lin Weiwei, who was auditioning nearby, gave a soft hum, not loud, but loud enough for everyone around to hear: "Trying to attract attention."
Xiao Kai turned and glared at her: "Who are you talking about?"
"Whoever is in a hurry, let's talk about it." Lin Weiwei tossed her chestnut-brown wavy hair. Today she was wearing a red velvet dress, which made her skin look as white as snow. "Stage performances rely on strength, not gimmicks."
"Skill?" Xiao Kai laughed. "Sister Lin, your song 'Moonlight Ballad' from last year was used more than three million times on Douyin. It wasn't because you sang it with deep emotion on stage, but because that fifteen-second clip of the chorus paired with a transformation video went viral. Face reality, this is how things work now."
"you……"
"Please stop arguing, gentlemen. Peace brings wealth, peace brings wealth," the stage manager quickly advised.
These are two internet celebrities who can raise the profile of the university, unlike that obscure, unknown artist that Su Xiaoxiao, a rich and beautiful alumna who just graduated a year ago, shoved in and wasted a spot on the show.