Chinese entertainment, from radio love songs to superstars

Chapter 188, Full of Food
On October 10st, at the Haowan Hotel in Hengdian, Shen Lang booked it tonight to host the wrap-up party for "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" and "The Lotus Lantern".

After nearly four months of long filming, the two dramas were wrapped up on the same day, which saved a lot of trouble as they simply combined the two dramas together and had a farewell dinner.

Having not seen Shen Lang for such a long time, Liu Yifei and Shu Chang instantly became his followers.

"Brother Lang, the sales of your English album "Towering Waves" in Europe and the United States have exceeded 1100 million. This result is the best in Asia, right?" Shu Chang's tone was full of curiosity and admiration.

"How can it be the best in Asia? In my opinion, it must be the best album in the world." After hearing this, Liu Yifei expressed a different opinion. She thought Shu Chang's statement was too conservative.

Indeed, in the three months of August, September and October, the European and American markets continued to exert their strength, with sales in Europe reaching 8 million copies and sales in the United States reaching 9 million copies. This result also successfully topped the European annual album sales chart, and on the US annual album sales chart it was second only to 10 Cent's album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" with 612 million copies.

The importance of good piracy control to the traditional record industry is self-evident. It enables albums to be suitable for long-term sales, which is especially important for slow-burning albums, so that the market is not occupied by pirated copies by the time word of mouth begins to ferment.

In terms of total sales, it reached 1510 million copies, which was better than Shen Lang's expectations and estimates.

There are only two months left until the end of this year. In such a short period of time, it is difficult for an album to surpass this result. This means that Shen Lang's album can lock in the honor of this year's global best-selling album in advance.

The success of this album is not only a major milestone in Shen Lang's personal music career, but also brings new vitality and inspiration to the entire music industry. It proves that excellent music works can achieve remarkable results under a good market environment and effective promotion.

But in fact, there are not many truly strong albums this year. It can be said that this is a year lacking in powerful albums. Among the ten best-selling albums so far this year, two are old albums released in 2002. This also reflects the level of the records released this year from one aspect.

If Shen Lang's album "Shen Lang Towering Waves" is built on the high quality of the songs, and Grammy winner Norah Jones' album "Come Away With Me)" is due to its fame, then the fact that Coldplay's "Dizzy and Headache" can also be shortlisted in the top ten fully shows that there are no works this year that can satisfy the tastes of music fans enough.

Without the market driving force of truly powerful albums, it is inevitable that the record market will decline again. This year, the global sales of all music records have dropped from 2002 million in 6 to 9 million, among which the sales of tapes continued to plummet, and compared with the end of last year, they have dropped again by 3%.

In sharp contrast is the growth of online digital music. Albums sold through websites have increased from 2002 million in 1800 to 2550 million this year. At the same time, the number of singles sold through paid downloads has reached nearly 2000 million, and the proportion of online sales in record sales has also increased.

Shen Lang is undoubtedly one of the biggest beneficiaries of online digital music.

Qianqian Jingting's successful networking has seized the initiative and won 95% of the domestic market share of genuine online digital music.

The cooperation with Universal Music has effectively promoted the development of the international version of Qianqian Jingting, enabling it to enter the overseas market.

In the field of ringback tone, Qianqian Jingting is also a dominant player, with more than 70% of ringback tone being downloaded from here.

Among them, songs owned by Jingtao Music accounted for 40% of the download volume in the ringtone market. The single with the most downloads is still Huang Bo's "Ten Thousand Reasons", which has reached 1311 million; and the individual song with the most cumulative downloads is still Shen Lang, which has exceeded 2000 million.

Starting from next year and lasting until 2008, domestic mobile phones and PHS will usher in a period of explosive growth, which will also bring about the peak glory of ringback tone, and the download volume will reach an unprecedented high.

Starting from January next year, Huang Bo and Zhou Xun will release one online song per month to continue to consolidate their position in the ringtone market.

At this time, Huang Bo, who was drilling into the sewers to steal jade and running on the viaduct to buy a piece of bread in Yuqing, did not know that he was already a millionaire due to the delay in the ringback tone billing cycle and the company's billing cycle.

The ones who knew that they were millionaires were Liu Yifei and Shu Chang in front of Shen Lang. Their two EPs had sold more than 150 million copies across Asia, and their six songs' ringtones had been downloaded 6 million times. These two incomes alone were more than twice the combined pay for the several dramas they had filmed.

This situation also made them think that being a singer was better than being an actor. However, when they told Shen Lang about this, they got a lecture.

In the complex and ever-changing arena of the entertainment industry, different career development paths have different opportunities and challenges. Looking at the present, they earn more money as singers than as actors, but in the domestic environment, although the singers' momentary brilliance will be more dazzling, in the long run, the actor's career path is more stable and has more potential. After all, "one pleasure = 1.6 million, one day of pleasure = 208 million". Which singer can make so much money in 77 days.

Fortunately, the two of them now obey Shen Lang's orders and immediately gave up the idea of ​​swapping the focus between singer and actor.

"Whether you are the best in Asia or the best in the world, just keep a low profile." Shen Lang said with a smile.

"Brother Lang, now that the filming of "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" and "The Lotus Lantern" has been completed, when will our new EP be released?" Liu Yifei asked expectantly.

Shen Lang replied: "The songs in this EP are all from these two dramas. They need to be released in conjunction with the TV series' promotions. The earliest they can be released is next Spring Festival."

"Then don't we have to take a break for half a year?" Shu Chang said in surprise.

Shen Lang smiled and said, "Your "The Lotus Lantern 2" will start filming soon, and you will have a break for a month or two at most. As for Xixi, Zhang Jizhong's new drama "The Return of the Condor Heroes" has also sent you an audition invitation."

"Oh, right, I forgot that these two films were shot back-to-back." Shu Chang stuck out his tongue.

"The Return of the Condor Heroes? Which role are you trying out? Little Dragon Girl?" Liu Yifei asked curiously.

"Yes, Xiaolongnu." Shen Lang replied.

He did not tell Liu Yifei about this matter in advance, but only told Liu Xiaoli, in order to let Liu Yifei concentrate on finishing the filming of "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" and not let this news affect her mood.

In the past two months, the casting controversy of the new version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes" has been like a dispute in the world of martial arts, attracting the attention and heated discussions of countless netizens.

When Li Yapeng's version of "Swordsman" set off a wave of martial arts dramas on the screen in mainland China, and the subsequent "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber", "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" all achieved success, Zhang Jizhong was ready to bring another martial arts classic "The Return of the Condor Heroes" to the screen again.

This time, he also did not choose to keep a low profile. Instead, he pushed the casting process to the forefront of public opinion in an unprecedented way. He announced to the media that he would hold a nationwide audition for "Little Dragon Girl" and that public opinion would be the important reference indicator.

For a time, rumors about the casting came in like a tide.

First, a reporter took a photo of Zhang Jizhong's computer screen saver, which was Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun. At this point, the news that she was the first actress to play the role of Little Dragon Girl came out, making countless fans crazy, but Zhang Jizhong quickly denied the rumor.

Then, in order to ensure fairness, Zhang Jizhong organized an online vote, in which netizens chose their favorite female star. Qiong girl Jiang Qinqin won the first place, but at the last minute, she was unexpectedly eliminated.

In this storm, Zhou Xun, as a first-line actress, was not spared.

She once confidently stated that the role of Xiaolongnu belonged to her, but just when she was looking forward to taking on the role, news came that Wang Jingfei and Xie Tingfeng would co-star together, and things changed again in the blink of an eye. The news that actress Sun Feifei would replace her spread more and more fiercely, and the number of posts online about who was more suitable among her, Wang Jingfei, and Sun Feifei reached millions, with voices of slander and praise rising one after another.

After thinking about it for a few days, she told the media that "actors have no self-esteem anymore, and nothing can be too extreme." She also made it clear that she would not play the role of Little Dragon Girl again. This time, she changed her usual cheerful attitude and told reporters seriously: "Many actors have been innocently implicated. Creation should have nothing to do with hype. I hope I will be the last one to be hyped."

Then, the reporter went to ask Sun Feifei, who said she knew nothing about the matter and that she had only gone there for an audition and the crew had not contacted her again.

The outside world kept on talking about the rumor war, so Zhang Jizhong had to come out again to refute the rumor: "Even if Zhou Xun doesn't act, we won't use newcomers." This statement directly denied Sun Feifei, and also revealed that Liu Yifei would come for an audition after finishing filming "The Legend of Sword and Fairy".

Although Liu Yifei is still young, she has won the support of many people with her pure temperament and good acting skills in "The Story of a Noble Family" and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils". However, in the highly competitive entertainment industry, she still faces many doubts and challenges.

Of course, everyone has their own opinions and positions in this storm.

Some people believe that Zhang Jizhong has made the casting process more open and transparent through the nationwide casting method, so that the most suitable actors can be selected; while others believe that the so-called openness and transparency is just a cover, and is actually for the purpose of creating topics and hyping popularity.

As for who is the most suitable candidate to play Xiaolongnu, there may not be a standard answer, because everyone has their own image of Xiaolongnu in their hearts. Whether it is Zhou Xun, Liu Yifei or other actors, they may become the Xiaolongnu in everyone’s mind. What’s important is whether they can win the recognition and support of the audience with their acting skills and performance.

As for the final candidate for Xiaolongnu, heaven, earth, Zhang Jizhong and Shen Lang all know it.

It is obvious that Zhang Jizhong is just hyping it up, because when he was filming Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he had already decided to have Shen Lang play Yang Guo and Liu Yifei play Xiaolongnu in The Return of the Condor Heroes.

Shen Lang’s “knowledge” is based on the memory of the original time and space.

"Then, who will play Yang Guo? You, Brother Lang?" At this time, Liu Yifei asked with an expectant tone.

"He did invite me to audition for this role, but I have a world tour next year, so I can't take any roles." Shen Lang said. "Is that so." Liu Yifei pouted, with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. She originally thought she could play a couple with Shen Lang again.

Shen Lang noticed her change in mood, so he asked, "Why, don't you want to film this drama? If you have any questions, you can just tell us directly. We won't force you to take the role. It's all up to you to choose."

Liu Yifei shook her head gently, looked at him, and said softly, "No."

Shu Chang on the side said mischievously: "She wants you to play Yang Guo."

Liu Yifei tilted her head and glared at her, saying, "Brother Lang, ignore her. She's just talking nonsense."

Shen Lang smiled at her and whispered, "We will have a chance to work together in the future. By the way..." Speaking of cooperation, he suddenly remembered, "You two should go home and rest for half a month, and then come back to the company on the 18th to record songs. This EP will be released at the end of the year, and there will be a song in it that I will sing with you guys."

The three new songs we picked are "I Miss You Not Because I'm Lonely" from last time, "A Little Sweet" by Wang Sulong and BY2, and "Ring Ring Ring" by SHE.

Shu Chang clapped his hands excitedly and said, "Okay!"

Liu Yifei's originally depressed mood was swept away after hearing the news, and her eyes were shining again.

Afterwards, Shen Lang held the wine glass, slowly stood up from his seat, walked towards the main actors including Hu Xuan, Tang Yan, Yang Mi, Jiao Rujun, Yan Danchen, Kim Hee Sun, and had a drink with them.

Among them, Hu Xuan, Tang Yan and Yang Mi have been signed to Julang Film and Television. They are all actors with great potential and are very topical.

Then, Shen Lang came to Yang Junyi and said with a smile: "Come, have a drink."

Yang Junyi poured a little wine for Shen Lang and said, "You seem to have drunk quite a bit."

After clinking glasses, Shen Lang said, "I have asked Zhao Qiang to negotiate for Zhang Jizhong's The Return of the Condor Heroes. I may not be able to get the role of Yang Guo, but the martial arts guidance will not be a problem."

Yang Junyi also knew that he could not play Yang Guo, so he said, "Thank you, I'll drink this."

With his keen vision and strong ability to integrate resources, Shen Lang provides opportunities and support to those around him.

Yang Junyi also has a clear self-awareness. He does not blindly pursue roles that are not suitable for him, but focuses on the path of martial arts guidance. Yuan Heping has become his role model and goal, because he feels that becoming a world-class martial arts guidance is no less than some first-line actors.

Throughout the entire dinner, there was one person whose eyes never left Shen Lang, and that was Kim Hee Sun.

She wanted to talk to Shen Lang, but she couldn't find a starting point.

The news of Ju Lang's cooperation with KBS TV station has already spread in the Korean entertainment circle. The drama "Full House" is just the beginning, and several dramas will be launched in the future. She definitely wants to strive for job opportunities, but in the end, she didn't have the chance to chat with Shen Lang alone.

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After the wrap party, everyone went back home to find their mothers.

Shen Lang rushed to London to complete the shooting of the last two MVs for his new English album, and also participated in several luxury goods endorsement events and advertisements.

This year's revenue is expected to exceed 4 million RMB.

However, most of the revenue was spent, with the largest expenditure on Nvidia shares, but also the most lucrative future returns.

Shen Lang adopts diversified development in his career. He invests funds in areas with potential, continuously expands his business territory, and lays a solid foundation for his future "lying flat".

Being busy with career often leads to neglect of relationships.

Gao Yuanyuan and Sun Yanzi are in the south and the north respectively, each focusing on developing their own careers; and as for her once fleeting romance with Alyssa Chia, there has been no further "competence" with her since that crazy time.

A man can pretend to be poor, but he can never be really without money. In this real world, money plays a vital role.

At the moment, Shen Lang knows that the key is to make the necessary arrangements first.

He focuses his energy on the expansion and planning of his career and works hard to achieve greater goals.

Although his relationship was put aside temporarily, he understood that only by achieving greater success in his career could he provide a more solid guarantee for his future love life.

You have no money and still want to be a scumbag, aren't you just courting death?

After finishing these things, Shen Lang left Europe and flew directly to Hong Kong.

Anita Mui's concert is coming up and all 8 tickets are sold out.

The oil lamp of life is about to run out, but the moonlight is boundless.

After knowing her true physical condition, she chose to use singing to encourage those who suffered from SARS in the first half of the year and to thank all the fans who loved her.

All the top singers in Hong Kong, both big and small, arrived and took their seats.

After the first game, Anita Mui was in good condition and went to the hospital for a check-up.

But after the fourth show, the doctor advised her not to sing anymore because it was bad for her health.

Shen Lang, Zhang Guorong, Liu Dehua and others also advised her that it would be enough to sing four shows.

Although Anita Mui remained determined to fight the disease, the changes in her body told her that she didn't have much time left. She thanked her friends for their concern and also firmly stated that she would rather die on the stage.

November 2003, 11, Hong Kong Hung Hom Sports Stadium.

Tonight is the last show of Anita Mui's classic hits concert.

Because of previous treatments, Anita Mui had lost all her hair and could only rely on a wig when she went on stage.

What she didn't tell anyone was that her advanced cervical cancer was causing her body to bleed uncontrollably, and in order to complete this final performance, she had to wear adult diapers.

"Amei, let's just forget it." Zhang Guorong couldn't bear it.

"I'm fine." Anita Mui said with a smile.

"Sister Mei~" Gao Yuanyuan felt a sour nose.

During the time she was filming in Hong Kong, since she didn't have many parts, she left the set after completing the day's filming and went to the hospital to talk to Anita Mui. Although they had known each other for a short time and met through Shen Lang, they had become good friends who could talk about anything.

"Don't cry, have you forgotten what I told you?" Anita Mui gently touched her cheek, and then said to everyone: "Okay, it's almost time, don't let the fans wait too long."

(End of this chapter)