Chapter Forty-Nine: Wednesday (Part Two)

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Entertainment Around Me – No Ads
Story Time: April 2005
Recommended Song: A-Mei — Katsu

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons is entirely coincidental.

A Cappella Performance of “Castle”
For the first time, Jiang Yihan sang his debut song “Castle” a cappella in public. Without any accompaniment, his clear, pure voice stood out even more. His handling of the high notes had grown increasingly skillful, giving an effortless and natural feel that put the audience at ease. Though it was the same song, the emotion was doubled.

After he finished, Jiang Yihan announced the start of today's autograph session. He walked behind the table and sat down, while the fans, under the guidance of security, came up one after another, each holding their own album for Jiang Yihan to sign.

When it came to signing, Jiang Yihan followed his usual practice: his signature was always clear and legible, though these days he wrote much faster. He had never taken the time to practice a stylized autograph, so his signature still retained the raw simplicity of his early days.

He shook hands with every “Castle,” as his fans were called, looked up with a smile, and asked, “What’s your name?” After hearing their reply, he would write their name, then sign his own. Meanwhile, the Castles chattered excitedly, pouring out whatever they wanted to say.

Once again, Jiang Yihan looked up and asked, “What’s your name?” This time, he noticed the fan hadn’t shaken his hand. He saw that she was standing on the other side of the table, crying so hard she couldn’t speak or come forward. Smiling gently, Jiang Yihan stood up, walked over, took her hand, and guided her to sit down. “What’s your name?”

“Cheng Yingzhu,” the fan sobbed, barely able to get the words out.

“Oh, I’ve met you before, haven’t I?” Jiang Yihan looked up and realized she was familiar. When she nodded, he remembered—they’d met during a radio show. After signing her album, he looked up and gave her a clean, bright smile. “Why are you crying so much? This is our second time meeting. You should be happy!”

Cheng Yingzhu was surprised that Jiang Yihan remembered her. “Yihan, I really like you, I really do.” She cried as she spoke. Jiang Yihan laughed shyly, and the crowd of Castles erupted in screams. He stood up and gave her a hug. “Don’t cry anymore, okay?”

Unexpectedly, this gesture only made the screams louder, and Cheng Yingzhu cried even harder. Jiang Yihan shrugged helplessly as security gently led her off the stage.

“Ah… Ah… Ah…” The Castles screamed in excitement.

Jiang Yihan smiled at the next fan. “What’s your name?”

She kept screaming, so Jiang Yihan simply signed his name, smiled, and handed her the album. Still screaming, she dropped a large bag of gifts and rushed offstage, her voice trailing behind her.

“What’s your name?” Jiang Yihan asked again.

“Li Yimei.”

This answer made Jiang Yihan look up quickly—it really was Li Yimei.

“What are you doing here?” Jiang Yihan’s mouth fell open.

“It’s your album signing, and I’m a Castle, so of course I came!” Li Yimei blinked innocently.

Jiang Yihan smiled wryly, finished signing her album, and handed it over. Li Yimei took it, leaned in close to whisper, “I like you,” flashed a brilliant smile, and left, leaving Jiang Yihan with a bewildered expression.

Jiang Yihan suddenly looked up again—he’d heard a male voice, and it was in Chinese. “Hello Jiang Yihan, I’m a Castle too,” the young man introduced himself confidently.

Jiang Yihan took a closer look. The boy had delicate features and a faint dimple when he smiled—very likable. “You look so young. What’s your name?” Jiang Yihan smiled at the first male Castle he’d ever met.

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“I’m fourteen today. My name is Fu Yao. I’m from China,” the boy replied with a shy but adorable smile. “I came with my little brother—he’s over there.”

Following Fu Yao’s gesture, Jiang Yihan spotted another boy and beckoned him over. The younger one ran up as well. “Are you a Castle too?”

“Yeah. My brother only became a Castle after hearing your CD from me. My name is Fu Yi.” The younger brother looked much like the elder, just a bit more innocent.

“Haha, nice to meet you both. I’m Jiang Yihan.” He gave them his familiar smile and signed his name on their albums. “You two are the first male Castles I’ve ever met. It’s a pleasure.”

The brothers laughed happily and left the stage together.

Li Ran checked his watch—it was almost six o’clock. Jiang Yihan had another schedule at six-thirty, a segment on Yoon Dohyun’s “Love Letter,” a renowned variety show. Yoon Dohyun was a respected veteran, so this appearance couldn’t go wrong. But since Jiang Yihan had promised everyone present an autograph, and with nearly a thousand fans still on site after three hours and only three hundred signed, it was clear the event couldn’t finish in time. Li Ran’s mind raced for a solution. Suddenly, his eyes lit up—he picked up his phone and called Jiang Zaimin, explained the situation, and hung up.

Soon, a girl could be seen making her way through the crowd, clearing a path with a few words to those in her way. She quickly reached the stage and picked up the microphone. “Hello everyone, I’m Jiang Zaimin. Some of you may know me, some may not, but let me introduce myself.” She was the moderator of Jiang Yihan’s official fan forum, and today she came as an ordinary Castle, hoping to see him in person.

Jiang Zaimin didn’t immediately state her purpose, instead chatting with the crowd. “I know everyone has been looking forward to today’s signing. After all, opportunities to meet him in person are rare, and this is the first time we’ve seen him so up close. It’s natural to feel excited.” She glanced at Jiang Yihan, who smiled and gestured for her to continue.

“I think you all know that our idol is participating in the ‘Ten Thousand Happiness’ program. I just learned from his manager that he hasn’t eaten anything all day.” At this, everyone’s eyes shot to PD, who shivered under the scrutiny. “He’s been signing for three hours already. If he doesn’t take care of himself, we should care for him. But since we’re all eager for autographs, he and his manager have come up with a compromise: today’s signing will pause here. Instead, he’ll take your CDs home, sign them, and mail them back. If anyone still feels disappointed, there will be a second signing event in a few days, with ample time for everyone to meet him. Would everyone be okay with this?”

The fans began discussing among themselves. Seeing this, Jiang Yihan picked up the mic. “Castles, I know it would be unfair to end the session now. I’m truly sorry, but personally, I would continue if I could. These chances are rare, and that’s my fault.” He gave a gentle smile and bowed gracefully, earning the fans’ approval. “But at six-thirty, I have an appearance with a senior I’ve long admired. I can’t afford to miss it. That’s why we’re making this request, and I hope you’ll understand.”

After this, the fans offered no further objections. In Korea, a senior’s invitation is significant, and missing it could leave a poor impression. Moreover, Jiang Yihan could have simply left without all these explanations, but he considered everyone’s feelings and arranged another signing. The fans appreciated his thoughtfulness. Lastly, Jiang Zaimin was right—he’d been working hard all day. Jiang Yihan’s gentle smile, considerate words, and gentlemanly demeanor won a round of applause. Everyone called out, “Go get some rest, Sir!”

Jiang Yihan smiled at their kindness, bowed again, and said, “Then let’s meet again next time! Everyone must come, okay?” With that, he left, but the Castles lingered, reluctant to go.

By the time he arrived at the recording studio, it was already 6:20. Jiang Yihan still hadn’t eaten and rushed straight to the hall. There, he caught sight of Yoon Dohyun reviewing the script. Relieved, Jiang Yihan patted his chest.

His running had caught Yoon Dohyun’s attention, who turned and gave him a friendly smile—they’d met before on a radio show—then went back to his script.

Li Ran caught up with Jiang Yihan and took a bottle of water from Jiang Ziyi, handing it over. Soon, filming began. Jiang Yihan was the second to perform, so he had no time to watch the earlier acts and was immediately led to the dressing room for makeup. Xu Xian was a bit flustered, having rushed over and needing to get straight to work, but with Jiang Ziyi’s help, they finished in about twenty minutes. As soon as Jiang Yihan stood up, the director came to notify him, “Jiang Yihan, get ready.”

He patted his chest, took a breath, and stood at the side of the stage. The music started—it was “The Sweetness of Parting.” He could hear the audience’s screams and the Castles’ synchronized chants. The feeling of holding the stage in the palm of his hand made all his hard work seem worthwhile.

After the song, Yoon Dohyun came up for the interview segment.

“Wow, those screams were loud. Can anyone tell me who this is?” Instead of chatting, Yoon Dohyun held the mic to the audience.

“Jiang Yihan!” they shouted in unison, making him a little shy.

“Does everyone here know what Jiang Yihan was doing before rushing over for the show?” Yoon Dohyun asked, and the audience replied, “Autograph session!” “So many people know! How many of you came straight from the signing? Raise your hands.”

Half the crowd raised their hands—three or four hundred people. Jiang Yihan suddenly felt moved, his nose tingling. He turned to wipe his eyes, which made the fans scream for him not to cry.

“What’s wrong, Jiang Yihan?” Yoon Dohyun asked.

“Oh, nothing,” Jiang Yihan composed himself. “I just didn’t expect so much support, with everyone running around with me. You’ve worked so hard—I’m truly grateful.” He bowed again.

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“Haha, it seems our Jiang Yihan is beloved by many,” Yoon Dohyun said with a smile. “I’ve heard your singing skills are quite extraordinary, praised by many professionals. Would you sing a few lines a cappella so we can hear your voice’s charm?”

“Of course,” Jiang Yihan replied humbly.

After a moment’s thought, he began singing a classic English song, “Angel,” which artists like Westlife had performed beautifully. The gentle melody showcased the subtle magnetism in Jiang Yihan’s pure voice, enchanting everyone present.

He sang only half the song before stopping. Thunderous applause swept the room. Even Yoon Dohyun couldn’t help but join in. “That was incredible—beyond my expectations!”

The sincere praise made Jiang Yihan very happy. “Jiang Yihan, I remember you won first place on a music show for the first time in February, right?”

“Yes, I think it was mid-February. I’d just come back from home to record again when I got the good news.” Jiang Yihan recalled his first win with fondness.

As soon as he finished, the crowd began chanting, “The 17th! The 17th!”

“So, it was February 17th?” Yoon Dohyun laughed. “And if I’m not mistaken, your song ‘Castle’ held first place on every music show for four straight weeks, only dropping from the top at the end of March. That’s a record—even many veterans couldn’t manage that, let alone a newcomer of just a few months. How does it feel to make history?”

Jiang Yihan smiled bashfully, not sure what to say. “Honestly, I didn’t realize it was historic until a senior told me.”

“Haha, our Jiang Yihan is still so shy,” Yoon Dohyun laughed. “Let’s try another question: As your popularity keeps rising, you must receive lots of gifts from fans. Any that left a strong impression?”

Jiang Yihan replied with a laugh, “I’ve said before—there was a novel made from fans’ letters that I’ve always treasured. Lately, I’ve also received a lot of underwear from fans in all kinds of styles—it’s a bit alarming, haha.”

“Underwear?” Yoon Dohyun laughed too. “Any weird designs?”

“Yes, some are… well, just strange,” Jiang Yihan blushed, causing another round of laughter.

“Well, we hope Jiang Yihan’s music career continues to soar. Next, he’ll perform his classic, ‘Castle.’” With that, Yoon Dohyun left the stage.

Jiang Yihan stood center stage once again, singing the gentle, mesmerizing song that drew everyone into its beauty.

By the time he finished, it was nearly 8 PM. Jiang Yihan got back into the van for two more auditions, one for a movie and one for TV.

His schedule had been packed recently, but Li Ran had no choice. For a while, Jiang Yihan’s workload had been too light for the company to launch any major promotions. Now, after some negotiation, his schedule was more balanced, at least allowing for enough sleep.

After a series of similar auditions, it was past 11 PM.

In the van, Jiang Yihan was too exhausted to speak. Looking at the PD from “Ten Thousand Happiness,” who had followed him around all day, Jiang Yihan smiled. “Sorry, PD, I didn’t give you much to film today.”

“Hehe, I got plenty. Everyone will see how hard you work—I think they’ll be happy with that.” The PD smiled understandingly. “Where to now?”

“The practice room,” Jiang Yihan replied, then leaned back and soon drifted off.

Since he was already worn out, Li Ran insisted he only practice for an hour and a half before heading home. After parting ways with the PD, it was nearly 1 AM.