Chapter 326 Shanghai: Madness in 1994

On Wednesday, September 28th, Wang Xiao arrived in Shanghai ahead of schedule.

It wasn't that she needed three days in advance to calm her excitement about watching a Michael Jackson concert.

Instead, she was going to the airport to welcome MJ and his team, who were flying in from across the ocean.

Early autumn in Shanghai is nowhere near as cool as in Moscow; the lingering heat of late summer is quite intense.

The sun beat down on people's faces, turning them red and glistening with sweat. A sprinkle of cumin powder, and it's ready to be served.

But even the fiercest autumn heat can't outdo the enthusiastic fans.

It is said that since last night, fans who have come from afar have been queuing up at the airport entrance and have been working all night.

When Wang Xiao flew from Jiangzhimen to Shanghai, there were still two hours before Michael Jackson's flight was scheduled to land, and the airport was already packed with people.

The absence of light boards meant there was no light board battle, but that didn't stop everyone's colorful banners from fluttering in the wind. Handwritten signs were scrawled with words like "MJ" and "Welcome to Shanghai" in a crooked manner.

The 100,000 Michael Jackson posters printed in advance by the concert organizers, priced at ten yuan each, have long since sold out. Now they've created a sea of ​​posters featuring the star outside the airport.

Many fans who couldn't buy the posters were equally determined, holding up photos of their idols cut out of magazines and sticking them firmly to cardboard with transparent tape.

Xiang Dong sighed with emotion after reading it: "No wonder so many people want to be stars."

To be loved by so many people and to make a lot of money—what a wonderful thing that must be!

Wang Xiao teased him, "Why don't you, Mr. Xiang, pack your bags and make your own debut?"

Xiang Dong was so frightened that he quickly waved his hand: "I don't want to. They don't even dare to eat more than a few bites of food."

The minor celebrities and models under his management had seventy-two dietary restrictions, and they were full after only a few bites.

He didn't want to live such a miserable life for even a single day.

Wang Xiao laughed out loud: "If you want to be prominent in front of others, you have to suffer in private."

She glanced around at the fans and exclaimed, "President Xiang, you have a goal, right? At least you need to cultivate an international superstar of this caliber before your business can truly be considered respectable."

Xiang Dong sighed softly and shook his head, saying, "That's basically unrealistic. I've discovered something: the influence of a country's culture is directly proportional to its national strength."

He also organized models to participate in fashion weeks in Europe, which caused quite a stir.

But he believes that this sensation, like the performances of the Huaxia Art Troupe overseas, either attracts Chinese people or those who are curious.

The foreigners looked at them like the Chinese looked at African primitive tribes.

Maybe there was no malice involved, but that's just how it is.

When you are truly attracted to or even captivated by a culture, you want to integrate into it.

Xiang Dong shook his head and sighed, "What we write in our own newspapers and magazines about how popular our art troupes and artists are overseas is, to be honest, basically just fooling ourselves."

Wang Xiao chuckled softly: "Do we really have the right to do easy things?"

She recalled a line from the movie "The Warlords" and recited it aloud: "We're never chosen to fight battles we have a chance of winning. The battles we're chosen to fight are definitely ones we have no hope of winning. Only by winning the battles we have no hope of winning will we have a chance, but it's just a chance. You say it's difficult? But if it weren't difficult, you wouldn't even get a chance."

Xiang Dong is neither Tang Yicheng, nor Xiao Gao, nor Xiao Zhao; he has never served in the military.

But perhaps because the blood of soldiers flows in the veins of every Chinese person, he was instantly shocked.

He even thought about the wars China had fought over the past century, each one leading him to believe that China was doomed, yet it managed to survive.

Compared to the real battlefield where knives and guns are used, what are the difficulties he faces?

"Okay!" Xiang Dong nodded. "Let's win the battles that are hopeless first, and create an opportunity."

Wang Xiao beamed and waved his hand around, saying, "Look, these are all Gods of Wealth, they'll be showering you with money in the future."

Does she feel any remorse for exploiting her fans? No way!

Aside from life and death, humans are always paying the price for their emotional value.

Following celebrities makes fans happy, and the capital that cultivates idols can be used to make a little money off them, so what?

Even the most famous idols are, in essence, commodities.

When the plane landed on the tarmac, the person who came to pick them up with flowers was not Wang Xiao, but a representative of primary school students from Shanghai.

As for how these representatives were selected, Wang Xiao neither cared nor paid attention.

She greeted MJ with a smile, expressing her welcome: "Wee to Shanghai!"

Michael took off his sunglasses, revealing tired but still bright eyes, and gently shook her hand: "Thank you, this is amazing..."

His voice was softer than on the record, with a slight tremor at the end.

Talking to people seems to be quite difficult for him.

But people tend to be very forgiving of artists. What other requirements could one possibly have for such a pure artist?

Michael's agent, Marcel Avram, smiled and shook Wang Xiao's outstretched hand, letting out a soft sigh: "My God, I thought this plane would never land."

From last September until now, this concert has been fraught with twists and turns.

Several times, even he himself considered giving up altogether.

The concert organizer turned out to be more resilient than he had imagined, managing to hold out until the concert actually took place.

Wang Xiao smiled and shook hands with him: "There is an old Chinese saying that goes, 'A fine sword is forged through tempering, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold.' Let us look forward to the birth of another great concert by Michael, one that is even greater than the last."

As if to confirm her words, the airport suddenly erupted in a tsunami of cheers.

Avram's face changed: "God, stop!"

It turned out that he suddenly took a marker from his bodyguard and signed his name on the most recent poster.

This action completely ignited the scene. Fans surged forward, crying and shouting, like the Qiantang River tide.

The armed police officers responsible for maintaining order had to turn themselves into a human wall to barely hold back the surging fans and protect Michael and his entourage as they walked out.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry!" The lead armed police officer waved frantically at Wang Xiao and his group, shouting loudly, "Let's go!"

The agent had to step forward and say something to Michael, who then reluctantly stopped signing and, like a child, obediently let himself be led into the car.

"My God!" Xiang Dong wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Honestly, Shanghai wasn't that hot at the end of September; he was just sweating from being squeezed out of his skin.

Oh my god! Oh my god!

He looked ahead and shouted in terror, "They're not going to lift the car up, are they?"

The excited fans had broken through the wall of armed police and were rushing forward desperately, shouting, "Michael! Michael!"

The economists were so frightened that their faces turned pale.

He had originally thought that people in socialist countries would be a little more reserved.

But their enthusiasm seemed even more frenzied than that of fans in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He seriously doubted they would carry the car away.

Reporters were overwhelmed with their cameras and microphones, and the scene was in complete chaos.

Even Wang Xiao was so frightened that he shouted, "Don't move! Don't push! Everyone stay where you are!"

She was really afraid a stampede would happen.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, the reinforcements arrived and, together with the armed police, formed a human wall to separate the fans.

The driver seized the opportunity, quickly released the clutch, and sped onto the road.

Even so, the fans still chased after the car.

All the way to the hotel, there were fans everywhere.

The American reporters filming the event were astonished, whispering, "My God, is this whole city full of Michael Jackson fans?"

The answer is obviously No!

What haven't the old men of Shanghai seen? So what if they're American superstars?

The old man watching the commotion on the street clearly scoffed: "Singing is nothing, what's the big deal? What contribution has it made to society? A young girl and a young man acting like idiots."

A fan next to him stomped his foot and said, "What do you know? He's a big star!"

The old man looked down on him, remaining aloof: "What's so great about being a big star? What's so special about you! You've never done a single good deed for society, all you know is how to make money!"

Wang Xiao listened but smiled and remained silent.

Just kidding, the direct and economic impact of Michael Jackson's Shanghai concert on the city definitely exceeded tens of millions of US dollars.

In 1994, this figure was enough to drive any local government crazy.

Michael's superstar influence was once again demonstrated on the night of the 28th, reaching an almost frenzied level.

The entire fish market, modeled after Tokyo's Tsukiji Market, saw Wuzhou Group's fish market in Pudong, Shanghai, descend into frenzy.

Michael came; he came to the hotel in the fish market for dinner.

Why did he make a special trip here? Because his agent said he wanted to try some authentic Shanghai cuisine, and Wang Xiao, adhering to the principle of keeping the good stuff in the family, brought him along.

Good heavens! The fish market, which is still open for business, has no stalls left to do business after dark.

The huge market was packed with people, and under the streetlights, it was densely packed with fans craning their necks to look at the restaurant.

The restaurant was packed with people. Those who had made reservations in advance, whether or not they were fans, all felt like they had made a profit, like they had bought stocks.

Wow! It really is Michael Jackson, a living, breathing person, walking right past them and going up to a private box on the second floor.

He even went to the window and waved to the fans outside.

Good heavens, the fans' shouts almost shook the entire restaurant to its core.

The hotel staff were all incredibly excited. As a restaurant specializing in delicacies like bear paws, they had hosted many important figures.

But those big shots only have a small territory in Shanghai, and at most they can only make a name for themselves domestically. How can they compare to the superstars who are famous all over the world?

He's Michael Jackson!

Under the crystal chandelier, Zhang Junfei was so excited that his face was flushed. He kept talking to Wang Xiao, "I really didn't expect him to come."

Although he had prepared himself for the possibility of having to entertain Michael Jackson—

If Xiang Dong hadn't told him beforehand that Michael's team had this requirement, given his understanding of his boss, she definitely wouldn't have let go of Michael, this natural human billboard.

At the last Moscow concert, the boss successfully promoted fleece clothing to the Moscow market and made a fortune thanks to Michael.

We've already gone through it once, this time we should eat it.

The fish market was only fully completed at the end of August and just started its trial operation in September. Is there a better strategy to attract customers than Michael?

But even though he thought about it, when his fantasy actually became reality, Zhang Junfei still felt dizzy.

He was curious: "Boss, how did you convince him to come?"

He admitted that Michael was an artist because artists are all eccentric like him, and don't seem like easy people to talk to.

Wang Xiao looked at the magnificent and resplendent restaurant, its air filled with the aroma of money.

She took a deep breath and said meaningfully, "You underestimate Michael. He's a kind man. He'll do everything he can to help his friends."

All proceeds from MJ's Shanghai concert, after deducting expenses, will be donated.

In other words, they don't make any money at all; they just want a good reputation.

So, Michael was compensating the concert organizers in his own way.

For example, they can act as human billboards to advertise other businesses of the contractor.

Zhang Junfei reacted instantly and immediately declared, "Bring beer! Bring beer to every table today!"

The guests in the lobby downstairs burst into laughter: "Boss, you should at least give us a bottle of Moutai!"

Zhang Junfei laughed and said, "I can't afford to give any away, because all the money I make today will be donated to Project Hope!"

Another gasp rippled through the hall, and some people even started doing the math for the boss.

The restaurant will probably have to donate hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars that night.

To dine at the same hotel as Michael Jackson, each table costs a thousand dollars. Not to mention bear paws, even specialty dishes like Australian lobster, king crab, grouper, and geoduck easily cost over a thousand dollars.

Wow, that's impressive! The boss is so generous, donating all that money so readily. Truly magnanimous.

However, at this moment, those who can sit down to eat at this restaurant are either stock market speculators or business people; they are all shrewd and money-grubbing.

Everyone knew perfectly well that the boss was definitely not going to lose money that night.

From this day forward, Shanzhenhaiweilou will have truly become a household name in Shanghai.

If a hotel can afford to host even Michael Jackson, what other distinguished guests will it be unable to accommodate in the future?

It seems that Huanghe Road in Puxi is a place where money can be made in a day.

Pudong will also have its own Huanghe Road in the future, with the same glitz and glamour, the style of the old Shanghai Bund.

Compared to the guests who were feasting, Michael was clearly a very disciplined singer. He didn't touch any delicacies or seafood; he only drank freshly squeezed corn juice and ate a few pieces of steamed rice cake.

When he left, he made a point of thanking the hotel staff and giving the waiters a generous tip.

Zhang Junfei personally escorted the person to the door, and couldn't help but sigh, "What a kind person."

They probably didn't have much of an appetite, but they made this special trip just to advertise for the restaurant.

As soon as the car drove away, the customers in the restaurant erupted in excitement, all grabbing the waiters and asking, "What did Michael Jackson order?"

Some enthusiastic fans shouted, "Where are his bowl and chopsticks? And his water cup? I'll buy them! I'll pay ten thousand yuan for them!"

Immediately, someone placed an offer: "I'll bid 15,000!"

This is China in 1994.

Thousands of children are forced to drop out of school because of poverty.

There are also thousands of wealthy people who carry suitcases full of cash to buy luxury cars, and spend lavishly on cups, bowls, plates and dishes used by their idols.

They coexisted miraculously, and did not disappear for the next forty years.

It's just that the former is becoming less and less common, while the latter is becoming more and more common.

Zhang Junfei had no idea what a "sasaeng fan" was; the concept probably didn't even exist in 1994.

He immediately started the auction on the spot: "Fifteen thousand once, ten thousand twice..."

Finally, this set of used tableware, custom-made in Jingdezhen, was sold for 20,000 yuan to a generous fan.

Wang Xiao didn't know this, and neither did Michael Jackson himself.

He only rested briefly for one night before heading to the performance venue the next morning to begin rehearsals.

Wang Xiao even made a special trip to the venue to watch the rehearsal.

The giant steel frame structure gleams with a cool, silvery-gray light under the sunlight, resembling a futuristic mechanical fortress, with the Oriental Pearl Tower behind it serving as a perfect backdrop.

A huge printed screen, featuring Michael Jackson's iconic moonwalk silhouette, was supported by an iron frame in front of the stage, with glue residue still visible on the edges.

For this one stage design alone, Xiang Dong's team and Michael's team revised it no less than 10 times.

But these entanglements are necessary. Wang Xiao can imagine how captivating the scene will be when a three-meter-high silver rotating pillar stands in the center of the stage, with a giant silver microphone stand fixed on top—a classic element that imitates MJ's album cover—and lights up under the lights.

Xiang Dong sighed with regret: "Our place is still too small, and it can only accommodate too few fans."

This is a fatal blow to ticket sales.

Wang Xiao waved his hand: "It's okay, we're after fame this time. Once it's broadcast globally and the movie is released, we won't have to worry about making money later."

She pointed to the fans who were blocked outside the venue, saying, "These are all Gods of Wealth who can't wait to give us money."

He had barely finished speaking when Xiang Dong's assistant came running over, panting: "Mr. Xiang... something's happened!"

Xiang Dong frowned: "What's all the fuss about? Unless the sky is falling, just postpone everything until after the concert."

"It's...it's a concert." The assistant was so anxious that he was incoherent. "Beijing has issued a statement that this concert must be canceled."

Huh? Wang Xiao even wondered if there was something wrong with his ears.

Are you kidding me? The stage is set up, Michael is here, and they've already started familiarizing themselves with the stage and rehearsing.

You're saying the concert has to be canceled right now? What kind of international joke is that?!

Xiang Dong urged, "What exactly happened? Don't just jump to conclusions."

Seeing that Michael's team members were already on stage and looking in their direction, Wang Xiao immediately called to Xiang Dong's assistant: "Tell them to go over there and talk about what's going on."

But even after the person had gone a little further away, the assistant was still rambling on and on: "The leaders of the Ministry of Culture said it would have a bad influence, that Michael is a hooligan singer who would corrupt social morals."

He couldn't explain exactly what kind of thuggish behavior he was engaging in.

Fortunately, the Shanghai municipal government was the one that facilitated Michael Jackson's concert.

Before they could even call to ask, the head of the cultural department came over, looking equally annoyed: "It's really unbelievable. They didn't say anything before. Last night, I don't know what happened, but the head of the department couldn't sleep and actually dug out a classic Michael Jackson Bucharest concert videotape and watched it by himself."

Upon closer inspection, the problem became apparent.

What's the problem? Michael Jackson's crotch-grabbing move when he dances.

Wait, hadn't he seen Michael Jackson perform before?

Sigh! Videotapes from the 1990s had a built-in soft-focus effect, so they weren't that clear at all.

The old leader was getting on in years, and when he watched him before, he only thought that this person was jumping around endlessly, without realizing what he was actually doing.

Strangely enough, when they watched it this time, the videotape got stuck right on that particular action, which made the old boss stare at it for a long time before he flew into a rage.

Are you kidding me? How can someone like that hold a concert and perform in front of thousands of audience members? What's the difference between this and someone who sings smut and rolls around on stage?

No, no!

Enraged, the Ministry of Culture immediately called Shanghai, demanding the cancellation of the concert.

Xiang Dong, unable to contain himself any longer, said, "Is it really such a trivial matter?"

Damn it! He was truly exasperated with these officials. With just a few words, thousands upon thousands of dollars went down the drain. Who would pay off this debt?

Shanghai officials also looked helpless: "I've talked myself hoarse, and my tongue is about to break, but Beijing just won't budge."

He also felt that these people were just bored and had nothing better to do than nitpick.

It's just a groin grab, nothing special.

The portraits on the calendar are much more explicit than this, but nothing seems to happen to them.

Wang Xiao did not comment, but only asked the official, "Director Cao, what do you think should be done about this? The concert definitely cannot be canceled."

Mr. Cao's face turned bitter: "We've tried every possible solution, and we're really out of options, so we're contacting you."

What he didn't say was that they suspected they had overlooked the Buddha statue when making arrangements to the east, which angered the Buddha, and now they were pulling the rug out from under them.

These are things that cannot be discussed openly.

Wang Xiao made a quick decision: "I'm afraid we'll have to trouble you, Director, to accompany us. We're going to Beijing today; it's hard to explain over the phone."

Director Cao nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, I think so too."

How can you express it over the phone? You can't express it if you can't meet in person.

Michael's agent, Mr. Avram, rushed over and asked, "What's wrong? Miss Wang, Mr. Xiang, is there a problem?"

Wang Xiao shook his head: "It's nothing, we just have a project in Beijing and need to go there to sign a contract. Please continue rehearsing, let's look forward to an unprecedented and great concert together."

Cancel my foot! This concert has to go ahead.

After saying goodbye, Wang Xiao flew to Beijing with Xiang Dong and Director Cao.

They didn't beat around the bush; they went straight to the point, and the first person they approached was the leader at the Ministry of Culture who had approved the cancellation of the concert.

They were turned away; the leaders refused to see them. They declared that canceling the concert was official business and should be handled professionally, without the need for private meetings.

It's clear that there's no room for maneuver.

Wang Xiao gritted his teeth, cursing the other party in his heart and wanting to drag out his ancestors for eighteen generations and whip their corpses a hundred times.

Screw your official-to-official approach! The administrative counterpart doesn't accept your rude treatment and wants an explanation, so your superiors are so precious that they can't even show their faces?

How elegant!

Okay, we won't see you. We'll go see a higher-ups.

If you refuse to give us a way out when things can be discussed privately, don't blame us for being rude to you.

Wang Xiao turned to look at Director Cao: "I want to see the Premier, the Premier in charge of the economy. Director Cao, can you help me get an introduction?"

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[Let me see] I should be able to update the next chapter tomorrow, because I have already written the outline for the next chapter.