Huayu: Starting from the top talent show

Chapter 255: The Existence of Artwork (Two in One)

Near noon the next day, the gentle and warm sunlight poured through the window into the entire bedroom, adding a bit of warmth.

Cheng Xiao curled up lazily and comfortably in Shen Juan's arms, his fingers lazily drawing circles on his chest.

"Your current film will be shot from early September to late October, so your next plan is to release an album?"

"Well, I'll release a Japanese EP first, and then prepare a Chinese EP by the end of the year. I'll leave the second English EP for the first half of next year."

“It’s going to be very busy just thinking about it.”

"It's OK as long as you are busy and effective, I am afraid of working in vain."

"That is impossible."

Cheng Xiao has never worried that Shen Juan's Japanese EP would be unpopular in Japan like Jay Chou's. She has a blind faith in Shen Juan's musical talent and market acumen. She also believes that Japanese fans will definitely support Shen Juan.

After all, as a former K-pop girl group idol who debuted in South Korea and has an in-depth understanding of the surrounding market conditions, she knows very well that contemporary Japanese teenagers, especially girls, are actually quite philanthropic and do not reject foreign stars.

And to some extent, they are even more loyal than mainland fans, and their per capita spending power is stronger.

In fact, the "Chinese loss" that Chinese Kpop fans talk about every day is not as important as they think.

In the era of streaming media, there are many standards for measuring whether a group is popular or not, but domestic fans are restricted by the Internet, and the only way they can help K-pop groups is to increase album sales.

This is like others take seven subjects in the exam, but you only take one subject for lunch, so how can your score in this subject be bad?

Therefore, Kpop actually values Japanese fans more than Chinese fans, and for this reason they release a couple of Japanese songs from time to time to please them and try their best to develop the Japanese market.

Anyway, in a nutshell: If China's defeat is really as important as Chinese fans say, then South Korea wouldn't create some "milking Chinese" scandals every now and then to humiliate China.

Even after getting Lang Lang's album signature in the original time and space, Kwon Ji-Dragon threw it directly into the trash can. However, it was picked up by a Chinese fan in a bookstore in Seoul and bought at a low price.

All I can say is that two-faced people suck at ass.

If Shen Juan had the chance, he would throw it once.

He was not seeking revenge for Lang Lang, he didn't even know Lang Lang. Shen Juan simply wanted to trample on and humiliate KRD's ridiculous self-esteem that did not recognize his own abilities and status.

Of course, the Alovers who support and like him are not among them, but he is still very grateful to his fans.

For example, Angelina, a little fan he met in South Korea, recently moved to China and settled in Shanghai.

Shen Juan's way of helping her in return is very simple: just like Wu Jiaheng responded to Li Xueqin on Weibo, he can maximize the early exposure and help her take off on the spot.

"But, you're going to be so busy with work, so we won't have much time to meet each other, right?"

“Yeah, but we can video chat on our phones.”

Cheng Xiao suddenly stared into Shen Juan's eyes: "How can a video call on a mobile phone compare to meeting in real life?"

Shen Juan was silent for a moment, "Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? This isn't your fault."

"It's my fault that I couldn't always be with you."

Cheng Xiao pouted.

Although Shen Juan's words were a bit too obviously scumbag-like, it was undeniable that she was indeed much happier now than before.

After all, using such a nice voice to coax people, with such a pretty face to sincerely and seriously say I love you
It's really foul.

But after a while, she sighed again.

"Everyone says that I have been on the decline since I returned to China. There is no suitable soil for idols to survive in the domestic entertainment industry. If this continues, I may really be forgotten next year."

Although the resources that Le Hua currently provides her seem to be few, in fact they are not many at all, and most of them are junk resources. The best resource is the permanent residency in "Dear Inn 2" that Shen Juan helped her get.

She was even overtaken by Wu Xuanyi and Meng Meiqi, two of her loyal supporters in Cosmic Girls, through Tencent's hit talent show "Creation 101".

If any artist who is more career-oriented or less open-minded were to face this situation of being overtaken by others, they would probably be extremely anxious.

But her current state.
Actually, it’s okay.

There is even a little bit of leisurely and happy feeling.

Because of Shen Juan's existence.

"So be it. You don't like your current jobs anyway. You can just stay at home every day playing games, watching TV series, raising pets, and be a full-time, brainless stay-at-home girl." Shen Juan placed his hand on the cushion.

I couldn't help but rub it, and it felt very tender.

Although this was indeed the life she had always dreamed of, Cheng Xiao still pretended to be annoyed and hit him lightly. She simply didn't want to make herself look too indifferent, nor did she want Shen Juan to think that she was easy to control.

"If I don't work, will you support me?"

"Actually, with my current income, it's not a problem to keep a large cat at home as a treasure." Shen Juan looked down at the cute girl who was pretending to be angry, and a mischievous look flashed in his eyes: "But that depends on whether you want to be my Pokémon."

"What Pokémon? I'm not your pet!" Cheng Xiao smiled happily, completely unaware that Shen Juan was actually teasing her and implying that she was a tigress.

Although she was born in 98 and is indeed a tiger, she is not fierce at all. She is more like Hakimi than Hakihu.

"In my opinion, they are all the same." Shen Juan smiled.

"Can the pet be like me now?" Cheng Xiao blinked and thought for a moment, then shrank back into the quilt.

"!!!"

On the afternoon of June 9th.

According to the original schedule, Shen Juan participated in the recording of CCTV's National Day special program "Chinese Dream, Ode to the Motherland".

On the way to the recording location, Shen Juan received a call from Guo Jingming.

He is currently busy leading his crew on a road show across the country, but he sounds like he is in a good mood and is laughing constantly.

In fact, this was already the sixth call he had made today. Shen Juan was busy having breakfast with Cheng Xiao before, so he chose to ignore the previous calls.

"Director Guo, are you smiling so happily today because you are very satisfied with the first day's box office?" Shen Juan joked.

As soon as he met up with the team today, the assistant reported the freshly released first-day box office figures to him.

1.21 million may not seem high, but it is actually quite exaggerated.

Because most of it is provided by small spring rolls.

(The original time and space first day 1200w)

In the current era before the fans’ consumption concept has been changed by domestic entertainment capital through marketing brainwashing PUA, and the fans’ ability to spend money has not yet developed, a magazine endorsement with sales of several million can be boasted in the fan circle.

The 1.2 million that was completely dehydrated and carried by itself was like a mountain falling on the heads of other traffic.

Not to mention that it makes people completely despair, but in the entire traffic circle, Wu Jiaheng is the only one who can hold his head up in front of Shen Juan with dignity, and then say weakly: He was born in 98, I can't beat him.

(The movie "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back" starring him earned 3.5 million on the first day. Although the credit belongs to Stephen Chow, the actual achievement is definitely attributed to him, and this will not change.)
"Of course I am satisfied! It has already exceeded 3 million on the first day, how can I not be satisfied? You know, my best-selling movie before, 'Tiny Times ', only had a box office of a little over million on the first day." Guo Jingming was very excited.

Shen Juan even suspected that this young and smart guy would find some tender male models to play van games with him tonight.

"Xiao Juan, you are really amazing! I am not lying to you, and I am not afraid of offending others. You are definitely the young artist with the strongest fan appeal that I have ever seen in this era!"

"It's over, it's over. This is the joint credit of everyone in our crew." Shen Juan was a little polite and modest.

"No, this is just for you!"

"It belongs to everyone. It belongs to everyone."

"Believe me, it's yours alone!"

"." Shen Juan was speechless.

Your Green Arrow? No, it's your Green Arrow.

In fact, it’s not Guo Jingming’s fault for losing his composure.

After all, what does it mean to have a box office of over 100 million on the first day?
Take this summer's popular movies as an example:
最终票房31亿的《我不是药神》首日都才1.6亿，最终25亿票房的《西虹市首富》首日2.2亿，最终13亿票房的《一出好戏》首日1.5亿，最终10.5亿票房的合拍片《巨齿鲨》首日勉强破亿。

Therefore, the first-day box office of 1.2 million yuan for "Sadness Is Like a River" was obviously aimed at hitting a high box office.

Of course, there are also movies that have good box office on the first day but subsequently fail due to reasons such as word of mouth and quality.

For example, the Tomb Robbers' Chronicles version of "Love Apartment" released this summer started off well but ended up with a 300 million yuan on the first day and a 500 million yuan in the end. The deceived plot angered the audience, who flocked to the Internet to insult and criticize it, resulting in no one watching the movie afterwards.

But considering that the Mid-Autumn Festival is not a popular period after all and there are no strong competitors during the same period, theaters can mindlessly increase the screening schedule for "A River of Sorrow".

At least in the ten days before the National Day holiday, "A River of Sorrow" can have whatever it wants and tap the box office potential of this movie as much as possible.

Therefore, the current development prospects are still very good.

All crew members including Shen Juan, senior executives of Guangguang, and all investors are looking forward to how high the first week box office of this movie will reach.

(Should be data from the end of 20)

After finding a random excuse to hang up the phone with Guo Jingming, Shen Juan took the tablet from the assistant, entered the Douban APP and clicked on the comment section of the movie.

It’s not scored yet, but you can leave a comment.

Although it is ridiculous to read movie reviews on Douban, especially for movies and TV series starring top stars, there are often mixed reviews and polarized ratings. But after all, Douban is already one of the most authoritative rating platforms in China with the largest number of users.

So just use it first.

[The leading actor is amazing, and Shen Juan's performance throughout the film shows us what talent is. ]

[This is the first domestic film that actually mentions school bullying. I applaud the director and screenwriter for their courage! I also want to applaud Shen Juan for being willing to accompany a group of newcomers to bring the topic of "school bullying" to mainstream society! ]

[In fact, it has exceeded my original expectations. It can be regarded as a qualified domestic youth film that exceeds the passing line. ]

[The actors are terrible, especially the male lead, who is like a piece of wood and can't act at all. It's terrible that he can recite the lines so stiffly. The whole movie is too loose, and the plot is extremely watered down. The film touches on the topic of school violence, but it lacks a sense of reality. It still looks like a story about a group of childish patients, which is similar to Guo's other works. ]

[I couldn't understand why the crazy fans praised SJ for looking like a sculpture before, but now I understand. It means that he looks like a lifeless sculpture when he is acting! ]

[Now I just want to know whether Shen Juan had any affair with the three amateur actresses in the movie. ]

Seeing comments praising a performance can make you feel better and boost your confidence; seeing comments criticizing and questioning can help you sum up your experience and make progress.

Seeing the brainless and scathing comments from haters allows you to see with your own eyes the biodiversity of this world.

Shen Juan must thank Mother Earth, and also thank these brainless shark arms that kept chasing and spraying him.

Because if this group of shark arms did not appear in this world, he would become a shark arm in the eyes of those smart people.

So we really have to be grateful for their existence.

But getting back to the point, the current reputation and box office performance of "A River of Sorrow" are indeed very good.

Coupled with the combined effect of fans with strong enough consumption desire, decent popularity among the public, weak competitors, and overwhelming strong publicity and marketing, "A River of Sorrow" may really have a chance of hitting the box office of 800 million or even 1 billion.

Shen Juan put down the tablet with satisfaction.

Breathe a long sigh of relief.

Although I had expected it, when it all really happened, my mood instantly became extremely good.

At the end of January, the low-budget campus web drama "So Cute We Are" was launched, which started his journey as an actor.

In April, his first album "Underrated" was released, and Alex Fever gradually spread from North America to all parts of the world, making him the pop king of Generation Z.

In September, his first male-led movie "A River of Sadness" was released, and the box office is expected to exceed 800 million to 1 billion.

And the first global spokesperson for the blue-blooded luxury brand LV in China, which is tentatively scheduled to be officially announced next month.

Shen Juan is about to achieve a leap in the fields of film, music and fashion in the same year, completely widening the gap with other traffic stars.

Once you're on the right track, everything will fall into place.

9 month 24 number.

Still staying in Beijing to prepare for the live broadcast of CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala tonight.

During a break in the afternoon rehearsal, Shen Juan took a break from his busy schedule to meet his brother David, Tao Zhe, who was looking at him with a smile in a stylishly decorated coffee shop with relatively small customer flow near the CCTV building.

Although this was just a spur-of-the-moment meeting: they both happened to be in Beijing, so they thought that perhaps they could take this opportunity to have a long-awaited master-disciple reunion.

But Shen Juan can indeed take this opportunity to gain some life experience from Tao Zhe, a nearly 50-year-old man, that can help him go further.

In fact, as early as the Star Asia 15, the young and ignorant underage Shen Juan had already asked Tao Zhe for advice, but Tao Zhe rejected Shen Juan's request on the grounds that "you are too young and haven't experienced enough. Even if I tell you, you won't understand."

So now, he thought it was time.

He may not be old enough, but he has experienced enough. If he doesn't ask now, when will he?
However, he did not immediately throw countless questions at this mentor who had taught him a lot of real things and was respected and recognized by him, and asked him to answer his questions.

Shen Juan first exchanged some simple greetings and shared his recent situation with Tao Zhe, whom he had not seen for a long time, and then began to listen to the man called "the Godfather of Chinese R&B" by fans calmly narrating his past life experiences.

He started by telling his story of how he moved to the United States with his parents at the age of 15, and then worked in a sugar factory, a musical instrument store, a shoe store, etc. in order to repay his student loans.

From his years as a cop in North America, to his meeting with Wang Zhiping in a music store, to his work behind the scenes after returning to China, to the release of his self-titled album that helped him become an instant hit and an eternal classic in the hearts of countless fans.
Tao Zhe spoke calmly and peacefully.

Even when he talked about the Soul Power tour period, which was the peak of his life, the most glorious period, the most memorable period for fans, and also the most spirited period, Tao Zhe's tone of voice did not show much emotional fluctuation compared to the beginning. At most, there was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes, which was in sharp contrast to the impulsive sensibility of his youth.

It's like telling a story, a story that has long passed, a story that belongs to someone else.

Shen Juan just listened quietly, without interrupting or asking questions, because what he heard was not just a story about a boy who had been naughty since childhood and was suddenly discovered by a noble person one day, and went from being an ordinary person to being the center of attention.

At the same time, we also heard the story of a music master with sufficient life experience, who had a brilliant career in the early stage and a chaotic career in the later stage, but was finally able to calmly accept the fact that he was on the decline, returning to his original ordinariness and returning to his former obscurity.

Tao Zhe said that all this was fate's best arrangement for him. He regarded his story of falling from a great height as a comedy and ridiculed himself that his life was a joke.

He also said that the reason he was so obsessed with and worshipped John Lennon was because he taught people how to fall.

In his opinion, the most important thing for a person is not how to take off, but how to land.

He said that he had not yet reached this level.

"So what now?" Shen Juan asked.

He still hasn't found the answer to this question.

Just like before, his tone was very calm when he said this, without revealing any sadness or regret. He was so calm that even Shen Juan was surprised.

After all, from the perspective of Shen Juan, a time traveler who has memories of two lives and has seen the ups and downs of too many new traffic stars and superstars of the era, Tao Zhe's career as an artist can be called successful, but it is definitely not perfect.

It can even be said that many regrets were left behind.

Because what he loved in his heart from the beginning to the end was rock music, but it was also rock music that brought him down from the altar.

No matter how many popular classic songs he has created, how much support he has received from fans and music lovers, and how much respect and admiration he has received from fellow singers, as time goes by, one day in the future, his traces will gradually fade away, and his title as the Godfather of R&B will still be questioned by younger music fans and listeners.

Shen Juan tried to apply Tao Zhe's stories and experiences to himself to look at the occurrence of these things.

I really dare not even think about it.

After experiencing the thrilling feeling of being the center of attention and being admired by thousands of people, you may never be able to go back to the past when you were unknown and ignored.

At least he couldn't go back.

Because in a sense, Shen Juan had actually lost his original intention long ago. From the moment he became famous overnight and truly entered the public eye, he had changed.

But from the eyes of Tao Zhe who was sitting opposite him, he saw a superstar who had no idol baggage and finally let go of his former glory after going through many things, and found the peace and calmness after his original intention.

"Brother David, do you really not care about these things happening at all? It doesn't matter even if people forget about you in the future?" Shen Juan couldn't help but ask this question.

Tao Zhe smiled and shook his head.

"How could I not mind? Of course I mind, but I can only accept it because the market is very realistic. If it works, it works, and if it doesn't, it doesn't. So I would rather be forgotten than release an album casually. I don't want to be seen as an insincere musician."

"Xiao Shen, Alex, do you still remember the dream you told me when you were recording Star Movement Asia?"

Faced with Tao Zhe's sudden question, countless fragmented memories and various thoughts flashed through Shen Juan's mind like a kaleidoscope.

Do you want to be an idol that is loved by everyone on stage, brings strength to others, and becomes a role model for your fans?
Just go with the flow after traveling through time, or go with the flow after having two memories and knowing what the future holds?

Relying on celebrity status to earn more money, gain more fame, and meet more beautiful girls?

Break one record after another, write one history after another, collect various honors, and achieve greatness?
After hesitating and thinking for an unknown period of time, Shen Juan finally confirmed what he was thinking.

"Because of my love for myself, the psychiatrist said that I have an excessive ego, I am overconfident and arrogant, and to put it bluntly, I have an excessive self-awareness."

"Trust me, this is a good thing."

Looking at Shen Juan's serious expression, Tao Zhe smiled.

"Because I majored in psychology in college, I know that although an excessive ego may be a character flaw for ordinary people, it is definitely the most valuable asset for artists who need to be responsible for their fans and for musicians who need to be responsible for their works. If artists do not have ever-expanding self-confidence and ambition, and do not have the desire to push themselves forward, they will never be able to reach a high position."

Tao Zhe smiled helplessly and shrugged, "Of course, we will remain humble in front of the media, because the public does not like rebellious public figures, so if possible, leave your sharp side to your creative self and your opponents, and leave your gentle side without edges and thorns to your fans and those who love you."

"Alex, you are a work of art to me. Although you have flaws and are not perfect, you are still shining enough."

Shen Juan smiled with mixed feelings.

Tao Zhe had already put his hand on his shoulder, looked into Shen Juan's eyes and said seriously again:

"Three years ago, you were young and naive, with unrealistic dreams and fantasies about the entertainment industry in your eyes. Three years later, you have developed to the point where even I have to look up to you in admiration. So far, you have done everything well, whether it is the music itself or your attitude towards your fans, so... to be honest, there is nothing more I can teach you. You have walked out a path that is unique to you."

"In fact, when I was young, I said that I would never shed tears, but later I found that I was not as strong as I thought." Tao Zhe recalled the past and sighed, "So what I want to say is, when you are young, if you have anything you want to do, just do it boldly. Regret, embarrassment and shame are things you will only consider when you are older."

"I will never regret it in the future." Shen Juan said suddenly.

Tao Zhe was slightly stunned, then he carefully observed and felt the arrogance or confidence hidden under the boy's cold appearance, and finally he smiled.

He is much more assertive and confident than I was back then, more high-spirited, more talented and more outstanding.

"Alex, remember what I told you in Minnesota in February this year? In my life, in order to realize more dreams and do more things, I have been racing against time, but I have been losing."

Tao Zhe looked at Shen Juan with eyes full of relief.

"But you are still young, you can still win."

　In fact, this chapter was quite difficult to write, but considering that this is the last chapter of this volume, and I also want to make the protagonist more three-dimensional and full, I decided to bring out the old man as a supporting role and write about my growth and progress as a human, a star, an icon, and an artist.

　　I will write the final remarks in the afternoon and post them in the evening, and then tomorrow I will officially start the third stage of my fatigue and enter the new AlexS3.0 version.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)