Transmigrated as the CEO's Top-Tier Stand-in - Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Ji Yu didn’t see those comments, but she had similarly opened the episode and, based on the editing, already guessed what kind of comments would appear. Kong Rufan, heart pounding, stayed by her side to watch it, racking her brain to find some words to comfort her. However, Ji Yu calmly got up, opened the door, and prepared to walk toward the dance studio.

They had recently finished recording the album content and were just waiting for its release on the platform. Now they needed to prepare for a few upcoming offline performances. Ji Yu felt restless after slacking off for a few days during the variety show and was eager to get back to the dance studio.

“Good evening, Teacher Ji.”

Jin Huang was by the door. The dance studio in the apartment had been modified with acoustic panels and soundproofing. As long as the volume wasn’t too loud or disruptive, it wouldn’t greatly affect the neighbors’ rest.

Ji Yu smiled at her, then realized that an unusual number of members were in the apartment today. Most had finished their recent solo schedules and had returned to prepare for the group performance.

Fortunately, the choreography and songs for the performance were ones they had performed before, the difficulty was not high, and there wasn’t much new content to learn, keeping the pressure relatively low. They even had some time to chat after practice.

Ling Lan’s eyes lit up when she saw Ji Yu. She and Jin Huang immediately approached her, surrounding her, and asked: “President Yu, you recorded a variety show recently? How’s your health?”

When Ling Lan asked the question, the other members also intentionally or unintentionally directed their attention their way.

Ji Yu nodded. The benefit of debuting as a project group was that everyone came from different management companies and had their own teams and studios. Compared to groups debuting from the same company, the leader’s role in the team was much less involved, only becoming more prominent during joint performances.

But this was a good thing for Ji Yu—she was already low on energy due to her illness. If the group activities were too demanding alongside her personal schedule, her physical condition might not hold up. Especially since antidepressant medication is often paired with sleeping pills, and once she took a pill, she usually wouldn’t wake up easily. If she didn’t even have enough time for sufficient sleep every day, her treatment outcome would be hard to be optimistic about.

During the variety show earlier, to avoid affecting the filming, she secretly skipped the sleeping pills for a few days, hoping to fall asleep through her own regulation, but the effect was very poor.

“I’m fine, don’t worry.” She simply said.

Only a few people knew about Ji Yu’s treatment, but given the overwhelming promotion and discussion surrounding the variety show now, it was hard for the members to pretend they didn’t know.

Jin Huang visibly relaxed upon hearing her words, then said: “I… I consulted a friend of mine in this field. You need to pay attention to rest, don’t stay up all night dancing like you did when you were on the show before.”

Her eyes were full of concern. When Ji Yu accidentally met her gaze, a sense of comfort spread in her heart. She replied softly: “Okay.”

Jiang Lianque, thinking of the online discussions about Ji Yu and Meng Rendong, added: “Don’t pay attention to those keyboard warriors online. You need peace of mind right now.”

Ji Yu chuckled and nodded again.

Suddenly, the members opened up, adding their comments one after another. Ji Yu had felt an intense, bewildered sense of loneliness while on her solo schedule before and was even tempted by Meng Rendong’s suggestion of “quitting the industry.” But now, being with her team members, even for just a few minutes, she remembered the time they all fought together in Chasing Dreams 100.

Those times were filled with sweat and exhaustion, with the next challenge and stage always waiting for them. Yet, undeniably, that full-bodied period, looking back now, was Ji Yu’s most satisfying time. She had dreams and goals in her heart and fought for them with all her might.

Ji Yu rarely felt her spirits lift. Her mental state also seemed to improve. After going over the setlist for the performance in a few days with her team members, she sat down in a corner, drenched in sweat. Accepting the water offered by Rong Bai and thanking her, she heard the system comment:

“Yuyu seems to be in a very good mood today.”

Ji Yu nodded, hooking the hair on her forehead to the side with her fingers. Feeling the heat radiating from her body, her eyes curved in a smile as she replied, “Definitely.”

System: “Then let’s keep it this way?”

Ji Yu thought for a moment and said jokingly: “When my mood is low now, I worry if my old problem is acting up again. But when I’m happy, I can’t help but wonder, Oh no, is my illness getting worse? I heard many cases of depression later turn into bipolar disorder…”

The system was speechless: “Stop.”

It said, “Stop thinking. You overthink too much.”

Ji Yu laughed heartily in her mind, then said softly to it: “With you, Rendong, and these caring teammates around, I feel like there is still warmth in this world.”

So she tentatively decided not to leave here.

The system hadn’t heard her express such positive emotion so directly in a long time. After hearing this, even though it was an emotionless AI, it couldn’t help but simulate a feeling of being moved. Then, it said very seriously to Ji Yu:

“Don’t worry, Yuyu!”

“I will always be with you!”

Ji Yu couldn’t help but laugh: “Don’t you have to manage the operation of this world? Aren’t you afraid that by staying with me all the time, you won’t be able to handle sudden emergencies?”

The system “Ah”-ed, and casually said: “I’m on vacation recently… But that’s not important. Anyway, what I say, I will do, hmm!”

Phoenix Manor.

After Meng Rendong finished reading the news online, she habitually checked her phone and noticed a message that somewhat surprised her. It was from Chu Nanxing’s mother, Yu Su.

She asked if Meng Rendong had time recently and if they could meet for afternoon tea. Meng Rendong figured the elder probably had something to discuss with her. She tried to probe using polite language but got no answer. After a quick thought, recalling her recent schedule, she quickly set aside a free slot.

Yu Su replied quickly: “Okay, I’ll send you the address later.”

Meng Rendong pondered for a while but couldn’t figure out the other party’s purpose. However, thinking of Chu Nanxing, who had recently trended for going insane, she had a general idea.

Just then, Ji Yu’s call came in.

She answered with a customary smile in her voice: “Good evening.” Although she really wanted to call Ji Yu “Baby,” Ji Yu’s identity was sensitive. She wasn’t sure if the person calling was always Ji Yu herself. Using ambiguous terms, or no address at all, was the best option. In the middle of a swirling public controversy, Meng Rendong didn’t want to create any extra complications.

Ji Yu’s voice was slightly breathless, like she had just finished strenuous exercise. Hearing Meng Rendong’s greeting, she replied obediently: “Good evening… I practiced the stage for two days later with them today. It’s rare for everyone to be in the apartment. We nine haven’t gathered for a long time. Everyone was happy being together, so I called you a bit late.”

Meng Rendong: “It’s fine. As long as you’re happy.”

Ji Yu was quiet for a moment, then admitted: “I’m very happy.”

Meng Rendong gently replied: “That’s good.”

Both sides of the call fell silent briefly. Then, Meng Rendong wanted to ask how Ji Yu was doing these days, and if she was affected by some of the strange comments online. But before she could speak, Ji Yu spoke first:

“Rendong… I…”

“Mhm? Go ahead,” Meng Rendong patiently coaxed her.

Ji Yu’s words were clearly carefully considered, but judging by her speaking speed, the decision wasn’t easy for her: “I… I still really want to, finish what I started.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Meng Rendong already knew what she meant.

Unexpectedly to Ji Yu, Meng Rendong showed no displeasure, nor any hint of disapproval. Instead, she praised her: “That’s good. Just do what you love, Ji Yu.”

Ji Yu on the other end licked her lower lip, feeling inexplicably dry. Being alone in the room, her voice could only be clearly heard by herself and Meng Rendong. “But… you’re waiting for me.”

She had always known. Meng Rendong hoped she could leave this troublesome entertainment industry. Given Meng Rendong’s financial resources, the money she earned from Chasing Dreams 100, and her current illness, quitting now was actually the best option. She could live her own life, no longer worry about people criticizing her life, and no longer care about certain gazes.

But Ji Yu always thought of the people who had supported her and voted for her day and night. And the other members of D9. They hoped for a perfect group journey. They hoped Dream9 could create some memorable miracles during these two years.

And Kong Rufan. She came to Ji Yu, giving up the excellent manager’s salary at Imperial Court, to start her own studio with Ji Yu and build up the team. If Ji Yu quit now, it would be a betrayal to her.

For the first time, Ji Yu found her life somewhat beyond her control. Initially, all she wanted was for the person she loved to see her light on stage, but in the end, she was still going to make Meng Rendong compromise.

Meng Rendong chuckled softly: “It’s okay.”

She said very seriously: “I will always be here. No matter when you’re tired, want to give up, or have happy or unhappy things you want to share, I will be here waiting for you.”

Ji Yu’s throat tightened. She wanted to say something in response, but it eventually turned into another sentence: “Come see my stage.”

Meng Rendong paused, then smiled and agreed: “Okay.”

Ji Yu lowered her eyes, a firm resolve already made in her heart—she still wanted Meng Rendong to see her stage.

She would properly fulfill her role as an idol until the end.

And then… she would wholeheartedly pursue the life she truly desired.

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