Chapter 5: A Big Pie from the Sky
"I Am a Singer" is Apple TV's flagship program, inviting renowned singers from China and abroad to compete on stage every year.
The ratings are far ahead of other programs of the same type.
Chen Duo was instantly delighted. He knew that all Gu Yanqiu needed was an opportunity. Now it had arrived, and on such a prestigious stage.
But after the happiness, he quickly calmed down.
Gu Yanqiu is an idol, and what he needs is a stage for singing and dancing, but "I Am a Singer" is a singing competition. The other performers on the stage are usually veteran artists from the national team.
In this kind of atmosphere, singing and dancing seem somewhat frivolous and not worthy of being accepted by the public.
Chen Duo took a breath of cold air. This meant that Gu Yanqiu was asked to get the script for the Heavenly Sacrifice!
What Chen Duo can think of, can Gu Yanqiu not think of?
But their team was still dizzy by this heavyweight cake.
It's a top-tier stage in the industry. The ratings and online discussion are very high.
It's a miracle that he can even play.
The project leader came to the conference room and told Gu Yanqiu and his agent, "This time, the show will be live-streamed with real singing without audio editing. The originally scheduled guest won't be coming, and the show will be in two days. The assistant director of the show is a college classmate of mine. Seeing Gu Yanqiu's current popularity, he specifically invited me, and I've already accepted."
"But this stage doesn't match our tone..." The male agent was afraid that the pie would slip away, so he spoke cautiously.
The person in charge said, "Just sign for one term. Since you said you were lacking a stage, I'll give you a major one right now. I've already asked someone to buy your plane tickets, so you should leave immediately. Give me the song list, and I'll ask the people over there to arrange it." She said, "The car is waiting downstairs. We're running out of time. If you have any ideas, we can discuss them in the car."
"This..." The male manager had never taken on such a demanding job before, and he finally realized something was amiss. The company had clearly stated that they were going to be eliminated in the first round, and that they had to complete rehearsals and music arrangements within two days, along with a live broadcast. Even veteran artists with decades of stage experience wouldn't dare take on this level of intensity.
Now they just let a little idol who is so obscure that he can barely see the center of the earth take the stage. This is definitely a sacrifice to the heavens.
But their difficulty lies in that, knowing this, they dare not refuse. After all, if they can just sit back and make money, how can they get the job?
Gu Yanqiu said, "Thank you, Sister Zhao. I will prepare well."
The project manager, Sister Zhao, nodded and glanced at the watch on her hand: "Go ahead." She was capable and decisive, without a trace of emotion.
The two of them packed up and got in the nanny car, which they normally wouldn't get to ride in. It was because there were too many fans and supporters outside Apple TV. They were afraid someone would capture something inappropriate and draw criticism.
After getting in the car, Gu Yanqiu was still wearing the same outfit she'd worn at the coffee shop concert. It was a mess, so her male manager reported it to her and found a styling team to put her in a proper outfit. She even used the rest room to take a shower.
Gu Yanqiu's face flushed with embarrassment. He was probably the only one who would come to a styling studio to take a shower.
There was really no other way. He couldn't afford to renew his show at the coffee shop yesterday. Now he has the resources for the best singing program.
After he finished styling, even the stylist took photos one after another: "So handsome."
"You looked handsome enough on camera before, but you're even more handsome in person. I'll watch your show on TV."
Gu Yanqiu said, "Thank you."
Sitting in the car, his intense feeling of unreality was still lingering in his mind.
Just because of a photo, he was able to get such resources. Although it was a sacrifice script. But what if he could make a comeback? What if he could be seen by more people?
Maybe it could change his fate. His heart began to beat fast.
He opened the dialog box, saw Chen Duo's WeChat, and wanted to say something to her.
But I really don’t know what to say, I can only express my deep gratitude.
Here, when he appeared on the show, he was ridiculed by many people online.
"I'm already feeling awkward. This episode's guest lineup is epic. First, there's the international superstar opening guest, then there's the domestic Big Brother. It's not an exaggeration to say it's a battle of the stars. And now, calling in a singing and dancing idol? Is it just for the sake of styling?"
"It could be Tian Ji's horse race. So what if you play the King Bomb? I'll play the Little Bitch!"
"Oh my, I'm really impressed. I usually like to look at handsome guys, but in this kind of situation, I really can't stand it. It feels like the other big guys are already gearing up for a big battle between China and foreign countries. We're still just sitting there."
"Isn't this a K-Pop dance at a state banquet? I admit that I laughed the loudest at that joke, but it's not that serious."
"It's better not to watch it than to be laughed at by the crowd. I don't want to be executed in public."
"Yeah, isn't it confirmed that he's being kept? He wouldn't bring his borderline tricks to such a big stage, would he?"
"Oh my god, please don't say anything to the sisters upstairs. I already have a picture in my mind."
“It’s so explosive.”
There was widespread ridicule online, with some even leaving messages under the show's title line to boycott the program. Their comments were quite sharp.
The program crew remained indifferent.
Compared to other people who were having a terrible time, Gu Yanqiu’s fan group was like celebrating the New Year.
"My brother finally has good resources."
“I can make posters again.”
"None of their previous teams had this level of skill."
"Actually, we should thank Duoduo the most."
"that is."
“Thank you Duoduo +1”
“Thank you Duoduo +2”
Even those who have never attended the coffee shop concert have heard about the stories of Chen Duo, the fan club member, and her boyfriend from the sisters who went.
In that situation, Gu Yanqiu was given enough dignity. The divine map also brought Gu Yanqiu such good resources.
For those who are chasing Hudou, there is a sense of happiness that a big boss is by my side.
Haven’t you seen that the other big fans are all eyeing it and trying to steal your business?
They were so nervous.
After all, this is something you can't even ask for. A star in the fan circle. A single picture from a fangirl can land you a spot on "I Am a Singer." No one would believe it.
The real battle record can be checked.
Yueliang said in the group: "I want to go to the scene to support him. Is there anyone who can buy tickets?"
A user named Xiao Piaoliang in the group said, "Without 'I Am a Singer', I think it's all based on a lottery with registrations, with a small number of tickets given by sponsors. The live show is in two days, and the tickets have already been reserved. There's nowhere to get them now."
If someone else said it, everyone might argue or refute it, but when Xiao Piaoliang said it, everyone became depressed.
After all, Xiao Piaoliang said when she joined the group that she was a fan scalper. She was both a fan and a scalper. Many people who secretly bought tickets for other singers' concerts contacted her.
Even she said no. So it must be no.
"What should I do? I really want to see Qiuqiu's live version."
"Forget it, there will be another chance in the future."
"Didn't Duoduo say that Gu Yanqiu would be able to perform on more stages in the future?"
"Yes," Yueliang said, and the originally low morale was boosted again.
"I went to watch TV to support him."
"It's been a while since I saw Qiuqiu on stage. It's been two years since his debut."
"Then let's go to the singer's comment section to support him."
"Yes, even though we are few in number, we still need to make our voices heard. Let people know that there are people who like Gu Yanqiu."
"Okay. I'll go now."
“…”
The group became lively.
The agent had been snooping through the fan group. Seeing how lively everyone was, he wanted to have Gu Yanqiu drop in to talk. But when he saw Gu Yanqiu with his eyes closed, he didn't dare to say anything.
They didn't sleep all night last night. They're working non-stop now, rehearsing at Apple TV tonight for the live broadcast the next day.
Let’s deal with this difficult situation first.
…
Gu Yanqiu's participation in the singing star program caused a lot of discussion not only online but also within their company.
"Why give such a good opportunity to become a singer to Gu Yanqiu? Our Li Ziyue is a rising star with several hit online dramas under his belt."
Li Ziyue's agent argued for him.
After all, it was the show "I Am a Singer." Even if they were ridiculed, they were willing to show their faces.
Besides, as both are singing and dancing idols, if Gu Yanqiu goes, then Li Ziyue will go too.
Li Ziyue's agent said, "I really don't know what the company is thinking. Ziyue's contract is twenty years, and he's deeply tied to our company. If he becomes popular, our company will also benefit. But Gu Yanqiu's contract is less than six months. What if he becomes popular and has other ideas? Wouldn't that make things difficult for other companies?"
It's no wonder Li Ziyue's agent was anxious. After all, they were considered the same type of artist. Although others didn't know, people in the same company could see that Gu Yanqiu was very talented.
His dancing skills as an artist are almost as good as those of professional dancers. The few times I passed by his studio, I saw how powerful he was and how well he controlled the beat, and how he could really control others for several minutes.
That's why Li Ziyue was so crazy about rejecting Gu Yanqiu. As agents, they had the same idea.
Thanks to their unremitting suppression and the fact that he really has no stage, he has now become a marginal figure in the company.
As for that so-called coffee shop concert he paid for himself, they laughed at him. Who knew he'd actually have a comeback? This artist who barely gets a single appearance in a year actually has fans.
She's a fangirl with top photography skills. One picture of hers garnered hundreds of millions of views, a free trending search spot, and even a huge promotion with a singer.
It was so serious that Li Ziyue and his agent would have a heart attack just thinking about it.
This time, they specifically called in the project leader to analyze the pros and cons, even implying that even if Li Ziyue couldn't make it, Gu Yanqiu would have to withdraw.
The female project manager said, "This person was hand-picked by the singer's assistant director. I wanted to push Li Ziyue for the role, but they didn't want it. It's because you haven't been discussed as much as Gu Yanqiu!"
Li Ziyue's agent also knew this and remained silent for a long while.
The female project manager said, "Anyway, we've signed one contract." She didn't explain many things clearly, but we are in the same industry.
Those who understand will understand!
He was ridiculed in the past. Even the industry's top programs need to provide some gimmicks and discussions from time to time.
Although he was controversial online, he was not considered a risky artist, and coupled with the current popularity online, Apple TV took notice.
To put it bluntly, for this kind of program, it’s not up to the entertainment company to promote whoever it wants, but it depends on whether the other party wants it or not.
Li Ziyue's agent saw that the person in charge had a look of impatience on his face. He said a few polite words and left the meeting room.
As soon as he came out, he was caught by Li Ziyue squatting at the door. He was a little anxious: "How is it?"
The agent said, "There's nothing we can do. The company can't influence who the radio station wants. Just relax for now. He's clearly trying to make a sacrifice. It won't cause any trouble."
The agent had no choice but to comfort his artist in this way.
But Li Ziyue didn't think so. During the auditions, Gu Yanqiu was always in Class A. His understanding of music, arrangement, dance, and solo performance were all impressive.
During the draft, as an opponent, the psychological pressure against him was terrifying.
He still can't forget the oppression from the strong.
Later, he made a comeback with an online drama, but there was no good stage for idols in China, and Gu Yanqiu gradually became obscure.
He hasn't enjoyed this feeling of superiority many times, and Li Ziyue doesn't want him to turn over again.
Li Ziyue said to his agent, "Don't you have a cousin who's the music director at Apple TV?"
The agent's eyelids twitched: "What do you want to do?"
Li Ziyue said, "Since Apple TV gave him the script for the sacrifice, why don't we make it a reality?"
"Don't mess around. That's a live broadcast." His agent wasn't usually reliable, but he kept this secret to himself. However, Li Ziyue was one of his artists, and they'd been together for so long that they might have noticed.
Li Ziyue steeled her mind, knowing that if she didn't give Old Deng a taste of her own medicine, he wouldn't relent. Although he hadn't done this before, if Gu Yanqiu got pregnant, it would be more painful than killing him. Compared to this, the others seemed less serious. "Didn't you say there's a jewelry woman who wants to have a private contact with me? Help me with this. I can get a room and wait for her."
When Li Ziyue's agent heard this, he was delighted: "You said so."
Once this artist enters the adult entertainment industry, he'll be easy to manipulate. Li Ziyue has a fan base, and among his fans are some who are particularly powerful. Just a single meeting will net him a substantial commission.
Who wouldn't want to have the best of both worlds? It was just that Li Ziyue hadn't given in, so he hadn't pushed too hard. He hadn't expected Gu Yanqiu's desire to turn things around to be so strong that he'd even be willing to go into the adult entertainment industry.
He agreed without a second thought and went back to his cousin to arrange this matter.
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