Chapter 219 218. The Attention of All

“Hello Mr. Cooper, I’m Jay Chou.”

Seeing Jay Chou, who was still young and hadn't become round from drinking too much milk tea, Eric nodded.

"Hi, I'm Eric Cooper."

"Oh, just like the rumors say, your Mandarin is even better than mine."

Eric smiled. Most people didn't dare to greet him actively.

Foreigners are naturally distant. How many people in the audience are confident that their English can pass the test? They just didn't expect that Eric spoke Chinese fluently, better than many actors with heavier accents.

"Mr. Cooper, I'm your fan. Transformers is super good and cool. But Blue Is the Warmest Color is not available in China or Taiwan, so I can only buy the disc."

"If I had known I would meet you, I would have brought the figurines I treasured at home for autographs."

Hearing the word "fan" from Jay Chou's mouth, Eric felt a little happy and couldn't help but smile.

The year 2004 was the first time Jay Chou appeared on the Spring Festival Gala. He was also the publicity focus of the gala since he was already very popular in China.

Moreover, even in East Asia, Southeast Asia and even the whole of Asia, Jay Chou still has a certain influence at this time, and it is not an exaggeration to call him the little king of Asian pop music.

Especially last year's album "Ye Huimei", which included classic songs such as In the Name of the Father and Dongfeng Po.

The song "In the Name of the Father" was played simultaneously on dozens of radio stations across Asia, and hundreds of millions of people listened to it at the same time.

Whether or not foreigners can understand the lyrics is one thing, but the beauty of the melody and the operatic elegance have mesmerized many people.

This year, hit songs like "Mouse Loves Rice" were still popular in the streets of China. Jay Chou had indeed struck a dimensionality reduction blow.

Also last year, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine, which was undoubtedly a recognition of his influence in the Chinese-speaking and Asian regions.

Even though Eric is not a music fan, he can sing Jay Chou's famous songs such as Blue and White Porcelain, East Wind Breaks, and Thousand Miles Away.

"Do you like Transformers? Which character is your favorite?"

"Megatron, buy a bed, its transformation is so cool, so cool!"

"Is the big model made by MGM still there? The talking Megatron, I went to Shanghai to see it, but the one in Shanghai was a roadblock, it's a pity it wasn't a bed."

"Yes, we are all staying at the MGM filming base."

"Really? Can I go see it when I get a chance?"

"Well, that place is not open to the public, but my friend can. I remember you were on the cover of Time magazine last year."

Young Jay Chou was a little proud but also a little shy: "Actually, the cover photo wasn't taken very well."

"Haha. I've watched that episode and heard some of your songs. Your rap style is very unique, very different from the American style, but it sounds very cool."

Jay Chou smiled broadly after receiving the compliments: "I still plan to rap and sing Dragon Fist from 2002 for this Spring Festival Gala performance. Wait, will you watch it?"

Eric nodded: "I think so. I think CCTV will not be stingy with giving me a ticket."

"Wow, your Mandarin and sense of humor are better than mine, Mr. Cooper. How about a photo?"

"No problem, I'm not participating in the performance, so I have plenty of time."

"Azhe, help me take a picture, look more handsome!"

The shutter flashed, and Jay Chou asked hurriedly, "How was the shoot?"

The assistant made an OK gesture, and he thanked him contentedly.

"Don't you have to rehearse?"

Eric looked at him curiously, feeling that he was a little idle.

"I have been on stage almost ten times. When I sang for the first time, the older leaders looked at each other with funny expressions."

"Is it because you can't hear the lyrics clearly?"

After being teased, the young Jay Chou immediately covered his head and shook his head slightly.

"It doesn't matter. I can't hear a word of those American rappers. That's right. That's the style of rap."

"Hehehe, it's mainly because Vincent Fang's lyrics are too hard to remember. When I forget the lyrics, I can only mumble something to get by."

"Mr. Cooper, I just heard that you came here with Michael Jackson?"

Eric nodded: "Let me guess, the next thing you're going to say is that I'm also a fan of Mike, right?"

“Of course, everyone who plays music around the world is his fan!” Jay Chou suddenly said excitedly with his eyes wide open.

"He's rehearsing in Hall 3. We can go and see him together."

"That's great. I was just worried about how to talk to my idol and take a photo with him."

"Hmm? So this is why you approached me?"

"Hehe. A little bit, but I really like your movies. In fact, I also have some yearning for the film and television industry. I have starred in several movies and TV series. To be honest, being an actor is pretty good."

Jay Chou is a typical actor who is so popular that he has to cross over to other fields. However, due to his overly successful singing career, his achievements in film and television are relatively dim in comparison.

If Eric remembers correctly, he will star in his first movie "Initial D" next year, and will later participate in Chinese films such as "Curse of the Golden Flower", "Slam Dunk", "The Tomb of the Assassin", and "Once Upon a Time in China".

And because of his high popularity in the Chinese-speaking regions, he has also starred in films such as "The Green Hornet" and "Now You See Me 2".

He has also inherited the tradition of good actors becoming directors, and has directed films such as "Secret" and "Pandaman", and the quality of their films is still satisfactory.

Thinking back to the last time I went to Japan for promotion, I was discussing cooperation with several comic book companies, hoping to obtain the film and television adaptation rights for some popular comics.

Once the cooperation is reached, the filmed TV series and movies will definitely be released globally. Some of the roles are actually quite suitable for Jay Chou to play.

After all, it is more appropriate to use Asian faces to play the Japanese comics.

"You want to be an actor, are you interested in animation?"

Jay Chou nodded: "Of course, I especially like to watch "Detective Conan", do you know it? The hero in it is Kudo Shinichi, I love him so much."

"Conan, the elementary school god of death who is always in the second grade? MGM is negotiating with Japan and will adapt some comics into movies and TV shows in the future."

"If you have any idea of ​​entering the film and television industry, I will contact you then."

Jay Chou was a little surprised. He was just chasing a star, but he ended up getting a role.

The assistant pushed him hastily, and he nodded hurriedly: "Not bad, I still like filming very much. If I have the opportunity to film a Hollywood movie, that would definitely be even better."

"Then consider it your consent. I will contact you when the time is right."

As they were talking, they arrived at Studio 3 and saw Eric bringing people with him. The staff didn't dare to stop them and let them in obediently.

Just kidding, the director just came over in person to meet him. You can’t afford to offend such a big shot, you really can’t afford to offend him.

When we entered, we saw Maikou communicating with CCTV people with the help of an interpreter. His forehead was covered with sweat and the dancers around him were also taking a break, panting. It was obvious that they had just finished a performance.

"Looks like your luck is a bit bad, Mike has finished his performance."

Jay Chou didn't answer, he was already staring at Michael with shining eyes. If he hadn't been mindful of what he was talking about, he would have pounced on him immediately.

"What's going on? Are you having trouble communicating?"

Michael shook his head slightly: "They seem a little dissatisfied with my dance moves. We are communicating."

"Your requirements are too high. Are they not satisfied with your dancing?" Eric was surprised.

"No, I'm not dissatisfied. I just feel that one of my actions is not civilized enough."

As he said this, Michael made his signature hip-thrusting move.

"That's it. The TV station is worried that it might have a bad influence on children."

Eric rolled his eyes, he was really speechless.

Let's put movies under rating. The reason is understandable. It's hard to control ideology if it is relaxed. Many directors will definitely shoot a large number of R-rated and NC17-rated movies, which will have a great impact on people's thinking.

But it's just an action, and there are so many artists doing this action that it can only produce a minimal adverse effect.

Everyone's attention will definitely be focused on the overall picture of Maikou. Who would have bad thoughts about this thing, not to mention that the person who did it is Maikou.

It's just a bunch of firecrackers, thinking too much!

"I'll talk to them."

Feeling a little unhappy, Eric decided to communicate with these old-fashioned people in person.

As I was about to walk over, someone suddenly nodded.

"Mr. Jackson, after discussion, we think there is no need to delete or modify your moves. Just dance according to your ideas, and we will cooperate."

Jay Chou, who was watching from the sidelines, looked at these guys in astonishment, thinking that he had been given many troubles during the rehearsal, and this was the end of it? Before he could finish being astonished, the other party continued, "Mr. Jackson, we also agree with your request to sing live."

"I just watched your live performance and to be honest I was blown away."

"Wait a minute, I want to sing live too, is that okay?" Jay Chou asked.

Then, the other party decisively refused. His "Dragon Fist" was not liked by these old antiques, so it was good enough that they allowed you to go on stage.

Still want to sing live, do you have the ability? It is more reasonable to read the lyrics clearly first and then discuss this issue.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

"Eric, who is this?"

Mike looked at Jay Chou, who hurriedly introduced himself.

Eric added something for him, saying that this young man was a very popular singer in Asia and had even appeared on the cover of Time magazine.

Michael couldn't help but look forward to it: "I'm looking forward to seeing your performance."

This sentence made Jay Chou feel pressured, but he still successfully got the autograph and took a photo.

The signature was signed directly on his coat, and the young Jay Chou kept muttering that he would go back and keep the clothes as a treasure.

"The heaven sends blessings, the earth sends blessings, and I send blessings to everyone."

“Send blessings to every place, send blessings to every household.”

"Old people receive blessings, and they enjoy a peaceful life in old age."

"When a child receives a blessing, he will become a great fortune."

The 2004 Spring Festival Gala of the Year of the Monkey officially kicked off with the lively and grand opening music.

Dozens of young and beautiful girls danced on the stage, waving their wide skirts, and Xie Xiaodong, Sun Li and others sang the opening song "Blessing Spring" on the stage.

Eric and Michael's seats were arranged in the front row, close to the front, so they could have a commanding view of the whole scene, which provided a great visual effect.

Looking at the lively scene on the stage, it was the first time for Maikou to participate in this type of party, and the experience was completely different from the events he often attended.

"Eric, they look so happy, there's something Spanish about this dance."

"Because this is an annual event, this gala is very important to the Chinese people. Even if we are sad in our hearts, we must act happy on stage."

Michael nodded: "Professionalism, I understand. No wonder the TV station asked them to lip-sync, this is actually a way of being responsible to the audience."

After the opening song and dance, the four hosts Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong and Ni Ping walked onto the stage.

"At this moment, as we celebrate the Spring Festival here, the spring breeze of 2004 is blowing across the land of China."

"In the past year, the Chinese nation has made brilliant achievements that have attracted worldwide attention."

"The Chinese New Year of the Monkey is special. Tonight we at CCTV have made every effort to bring excitement and joy to audiences across the country."

"At this joyous and auspicious moment, we would like to first wish a Happy New Year to all the people of all ethnic groups in China, our compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and all Chinese people around the world!"

"I wish all the friends watching TV happiness and health, I wish our motherland prosperity and strength, and I also wish all the friends reading this book a bright future, a happy family, and a happy life!"

After the opening remarks, Hou Yaowen, Shi Fukuan and others performed the crosstalk "The Twelve Zodiac Signs Greeting the New Year".

Eric smiled knowingly. Although Michael didn't understand anything, he was still infected by the joyful atmosphere around him and couldn't help but laugh.

"Eric, is this a talk show?"

“It’s a bit similar, but different from talk shows. It should be classified as comedy.”

"Wow! I have great respect for comedians. It's not easy to make the audience laugh."

Eric thought that this was just the beginning, and when the iron triangle combination came on stage, the applause and cheers would blow the ceiling off.

Guo Da, Guo Donglin and Yang Lei performed the show "Good People Don't Get Discounts", while old man Yan Shunkai and Hong Jiantao and Xiao Dingdang performed the sketch "Storytelling".

The story about food stamps is okay, a bit like making dumplings, but not as strong as the later ones.

However, choosing the child star Doraemon was a real mistake. Eric has always believed that he was the greasyest child star in China, especially when he played the young Yang Guo in The Return of the Condor Heroes. His greasy look was no less than that of Huang Xiaoming.

Yang Shaohua and his son Yang Yi performed the crosstalk "Father and Son Celebrating the New Year", and Huang Hong and Cheng Yu performed the sketch "Brothers", but the humor was average.

It wasn't until Gong Hanlin's skit "Urban Strangers" that the magical Cantonese and "Hen, hen" made the audience laugh so hard that Eric remembered this catchphrase for a long time.

The song medley that many young people were looking forward to began. After Jiucai Wei and Car Under War God Adu sang "Warmth", the lights became colorful and Jay Chou appeared on stage with his "Dragon Fist".

"Michael, he's the singer who took a photo with you and asked for his autograph that day." Eric said, pointing at the stage.

Hearing this, Maikou's attention became focused.

Jay Chou first played the drums and then started lip syncing.

"I opened the sky with my right fist and transformed into a dragon."

"Move the mountains and rivers and fill the cracks."

"The sunrise in the east adjusted time and space."

"Return to the wilderness to dominate and manipulate."

Somersaults, sword dancing and swaying create a lively atmosphere.

How to say it?

It gives people a very exciting feeling, but it is also full of a sense of second-year student status, as if it is a bit too much. It can only be said that the stage skills are still relatively immature.

And there are a group of dancers standing behind, just standing there. It could at least be highlighted with some movements.

After Jay Chou finished singing, he took a special look at Michael before leaving the stage.

Eric looked behind him and saw many middle-aged people in a state of confusion. They were probably wondering what the boy was singing. Why couldn't they hear a word clearly? "Michael, what do you think of his singing?"

Michael nodded slightly: "It's very unique. No wonder he can become an Asian superstar. I should get ready."

"Um."

By the time the party got to this point, it was nearly half past ten, and some of the audience had already become tired after two and a half hours.

At this time, a burst of cardiac stimulant is needed, and the king of sketches, Uncle Benshan, was born for this period of time.

As soon as the Iron Triangle appeared, they were greeted with warm applause.

Even though the sketch "The Water Delivery Man" is not considered top-notch among Uncle Benshan's works, it still brought bursts of laughter.

They are all genuine laughs, no fakery.

After a shot of adrenaline, many viewers regained their spirits and turned their attention back to the TV screen.

But as the party went on, by half past eleven, the audience's attention was declining again, and many people were almost unable to hold on and were ready to go to bed.

It's time for CCTV to give another shot in the arm.

As the host left the stage, the much-anticipated show began.

The stage lights suddenly turned black and red, which instantly lifted people's spirits. A background music as exciting as the soundtrack of a 007 movie appeared, and many people's pupils contracted.

The king of world pop.

He's coming! (End of this chapter)