Huayu: Starting from the top talent show

Chapter 393 Opening the Door, Free Missionary Work
On the morning of the 12th, I landed smoothly at Tokyo Narita International Airport and met up with the liaison team from Universal Japan.

After a brief discussion and confirmation of the work in the van, Alex's trip to Japan this year officially began.

I just grabbed a quick bite at a small udon noodle shop for lunch.

Shen Juan has never been particularly demanding when it comes to food.

As long as he thinks a certain food tastes good, he can keep eating it until he becomes its enemy.

Moreover, he prefers cooked food to cold food, so udon noodles are probably the food he has eaten the most in Japan.

If the Japanese media knew about this, they might even give him the nickname "Udon Noodle Master".

Coincidentally, Xiao Xiao is extremely similar to him in this respect, even more so than Xiao Xiao!

Shen Juan had previously seen the Meituan order records she sent and discovered that she had ordered takeout from the same restaurant for ten consecutive days.

All I can say is that Xiao Xiao is an easy girl to take care of.
What's interesting is that when the shop owner heard that Shen Juan was coming, he didn't even have time to eat. He drove straight from home to the store just to get his autograph and a photo. He said that his daughter was a fan of Shen Juan and had gone to great lengths to buy Shen Juan's concert tickets from scalpers last week.

If she sees Shen Juan signing her ticket when she gets home from school today, she'll be overjoyed!

Shen Juan naturally wouldn't disappoint this father, so he directly presented her with a very rare autograph, wishing her success in her studies.

Actually, Shen Juan didn't find it strange that he could run into his fans while just strolling around outside.

In fact, with the overwhelming publicity during this period, the topics of Shen Juan's return to Japan and the upcoming Leviathan Era tour landing at Tokyo Dome on Japanese social media platforms and online forums have successfully attracted many netizens to pay close attention and participate in discussions.

Fans who managed to buy tickets were very excited and said they were prepared to sing and dance along for the entire three hours.

Fans who couldn't get tickets cried and begged online, trying to get tickets from kind-hearted people or scalpers.

Passersby who have no interest in Shen Juan don't understand why so many young girls would chase after a foreign singer.

Those netizens who had listened to Shen Juan's songs and had a certain degree of liking for him expressed their envy in a very friendly way.

It's easy to see that, compared to last year, Shen Juan's reputation among the Japanese public has clearly made a qualitative leap.

Perhaps it was because he won over these discerning Japanese fans with his solid work, or perhaps it was because this Leviathan album, which ravaged the North American music scene, showed them the diversity of the world, or perhaps it was because the Koshien theme song released this summer that made more young people recognize Shen Juan.

In short, due to the combined effect of various factors, Shen Juan's fan base, popularity, and influence have been increasing day by day.

According to the latest ranking results just released by Nikkei Entertainment's authoritative ranking list:
He was ranked 30th overall.

This is not only the highest-ranking male celebrity born in the 90s on this year's list, but also the highest-ranking foreign artist in history!

(This ranking assesses an artist's public recognition and popularity through large-scale market research. The surveys are conducted in February, May, August, and November each year, covering approximately 17600 respondents in Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa, with an equal number of men and women, ranging in age from 10 to over 60. It is considered the most authoritative ranking for assessing the social influence and favorability of Japanese artists.)
This is enough to show that Shen Juan has successfully secured a place in the extremely competitive and exclusive Japanese entertainment industry.

In the afternoon, after Shen Juan finished his makeup and hair, which could easily dominate the entire Japanese entertainment industry and make all the Japanese girls who were not Shen Juan fans realize what kind of ordinary or ugly guy they had been idolizing, he went to TBS TV station in Minato Ward to record their flagship variety show "Chat 007".

As the world's number one male singer and also one of the top 3 most popular singers among Japanese teenagers, his prestige is naturally off the charts.

The treatment she received was almost identical to the imperial treatment she received when Taylor Swift came here a few years ago to promote her album "1989".

Regardless of gender or age, everyone who sees Shen Juan bows respectfully at a 90-degree angle.

Shen Juan had never received such a grand welcome from so many people even in China, but he had experienced it abroad.

Moreover, it was in Japan, a country with "close ties" to China.

It's interesting to think about it that way.

However, prior to this, TBS had meticulously prepared a somewhat special "surprise" interview for him.

The interviewer is Mio Imada.

This rising star actress starred in the music video for Shen Juan's song "Wrinkles" last year, and earlier this month she was confirmed to star in the TBS drama "Hanzawa Naoki 2" next year. So when she learned that she was going to interview Shen Juan, she was so excited that she could hardly contain herself!

She had waited far too long for this moment.

Trying to calm her inner turmoil, she put on a perfectly appropriate smile and walked gracefully to Shen Juan, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement: "Shen Juan-san, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be interviewed. I am Imada Mio, and on behalf of TBS, I welcome you to Japan!"

Shen Juan returned the greeting politely, with a gentle smile on his face: "Hello Imada-san, I'm very happy to be able to talk to you, and I'm also very happy to come to Japan to hold a concert and meet the fans."

After exchanging brief greetings, the two sat down on the sofa.

"What does Shen Juansang usually do when he's resting?" Imada Mio asked curiously, blinking her eyes.

"When I feel tired, I stay home, sleep, and play games. After I've recovered some energy, I go out to meet up with friends, like playing basketball, tennis, or golf. Recently, I've also become obsessed with racing. The racing simulator I ordered online should be arriving at my home in Beijing soon."

For drivers who don't have much time to practice on the track, playing racing simulators can actually help them get familiar with the track.

"Eh! Racing? It's the best!" Imada Mio's big, bright eyes lit up instantly, and she couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

"I'm still just a beginner, far from what you described as being a top-tier player." Shen Juan smiled modestly.

"That's amazing! And I'm confident you'll master it quickly!" Imada Mio's tone was very certain.

"Do you have that much confidence in me?" It has to be admitted that Japanese girls often provide very effective emotional support.

"Because I'm actually an Alovers~" Imada Mio tilted her head slightly, a hint of pride in her eyes.

"Really?" Shen Juan raised an eyebrow.

“Really!” Imada Mio nodded vigorously.

Shen Juan smiled noncommittally and shrugged, "Looks like I made the right choice when I selected the female lead for the music video."

"So, Shen Juan-san, how exactly did you choose me? I've always been curious, since I wasn't famous at all back then, and I rarely even had acting opportunities," Imada Mio looked at Shen Juan expectantly. "If you could, could you answer my long-standing question?"

"The company provided a list, and I chose you from it. It's that simple." Shen Juan picked up his coffee and took a small sip, replying half-jokingly, "If I had to say why, it's probably because we clicked. I feel like Imada-san, your looks are likely to make you famous in the future."

The vast majority of names on the list were names I'd never even heard of in my previous life, so I certainly wouldn't miss the chance to run into a "familiar face."

After all, if the actresses who appear in his music videos become very popular later on, it would be great marketing material for him, bringing him considerable traffic and popularity.

"Eh?! Did I get Alex-san's approval? I'm so happy!" Imada Mio's smile was exceptionally bright, and even her eyes seemed to be shining. She was obviously genuinely happy. She was one step closer to successfully getting on Shen Juan's good side, which made her excited and thrilled.

"Neon girls always react so strongly."

"Actually, there are true and false distinctions."

"for example?"

"I was telling the truth just now."

The two laughed for a while, then got back to the main topic.

"Shen Juan-san, we all know that your Leviathan Era tour this year is highly anticipated, and both the box office and the word-of-mouth reviews are excellent! If I remember correctly, the total box office has now exceeded 600 million US dollars! So, in terms of stage design and performance style, what are the special features of the Leviathan Era tour that you can share with us?" Imada Mio sat up straight and got into work mode, looking at Shen Juan seriously as she asked.

"I put a lot of thought into the design of the stage for this concert so that the audience could have a more immersive experience. In terms of performance, I also added some special dance choreography and performed the songs in the form of a stage play. Of course, the most special thing is the money."

"Money?" Imada Mio looked puzzled.

“That’s right, it’s all about money! The cost of this tour is really high, even to a number that is hard for outsiders to imagine. Fortunately, my fans are very supportive of my work. It is they who make the Leviathan Era tour meaningful.” Shen Juan said sincerely, never stingy with his gratitude to his fans.

And we really should thank our fans.

After all, the cost of the Leviathan Era tour alone was higher than the total box office revenue of most singers.

Even if others wanted to replicate it, there's nothing they could do!
Commercial value directly determines a singer's stage performance, while fans directly constitute his commercial value.

“You reap what you sow. It’s precisely because of such a high investment that we were able to break records and become the highest-grossing tour in the world!” Imada Mio smiled and then asked, “Every song of yours is very popular, so where do you usually get your inspiration for music creation?”

“Every little thing in life is a source of inspiration, like the stories of my friends, my own experiences and insights, and some social phenomena I see. Many things can inspire my creative desire.” Wajuan couldn’t give a completely honest answer to this question because he never relies on inspiration to write songs.

After all, as you know, my achievements as Alex Shen Juan are entirely due to my exceptional talent and innate abilities.
Deep blue, fill it all up!
It's not off but it's on?
“We know that Shen Juansang has been trying different styles of music, so have you ever thought about collaborating with Japanese musicians in the future?” Imada Mio asked curiously.

"In fact, I have already done so. Starlink exists to discover potential new talents in the Asia-Pacific region, nurture them, and provide them with a platform for development. For example, I recently discovered two very promising young people, and you will see them at my concert in a couple of days. They will also be making their debut."

Shen Juan was referring to YOASOBI, a group that practically dominated the Japanese streaming industry in the years following their success. The more popular they were, the more traffic Shen Juan could leverage their superior-subordinate, senior-junior relationship to extract and extend his own dominance in the market.

This is also a key reason why Shen Juan often provides "targeted assistance" to emerging Gen Z talents who have not yet gained momentum.

A lone wolf who comes and goes freely is certainly carefree.

But to dominate a market like a king, one must expand one's influence and develop one's own followers.

"Oh? We're really looking forward to it!" Imada Mio's eyes were full of excitement as she continued to ask questions according to the script: "So, does Shen Juan-sang plan to experience some traditional Japanese culture during his trip to Japan, such as tea ceremony or sumo wrestling? Your fans should be very excited."

Shen Juan shook his head with a hint of regret: "It's a pity that I haven't been able to experience it for the past two years because I've been too busy with work, but I will definitely go if I have the time."

"That's it"

Imada Mio said with a smile, "Then can I come along? I'd be happy to be your guide, Shen Juan-san, and show you around our traditional Japanese culture!"

“No problem.” Shen Juan did not refuse.

"One last question: As an idol and spiritual anchor for many young people, what advice do you have for them?" Imada Mio looked at Shen Juan expectantly.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Juan replied, "I hope you will always be grateful to the version of yourself that, in those difficult and painful days, went headlong into an unknown future! I hope you will always be grateful to the version of yourself that was brave, fearless, always full of love, and had endless expectations for the future."

“That’s a very insightful statement!” Imada Mio nodded very seriously. “Thank you so much for Shen Juan-san’s valuable advice. I believe they will all work hard! Finally, thank you again for taking the time to do this interview. I look forward to your next tour being even more successful!”

"Thank you too. I hope you have a bright future in your acting career. We'll have the chance to talk again in the future."

After the interview lasted about ten minutes, the film crew packed up and prepared to leave.

However, Imada Mio had no intention of leaving with them. Instead, she quickly walked to her bag, took out a beautifully wrapped envelope, took a deep breath, walked up to Shen Juan, and solemnly handed the envelope over with both hands, her eyes filled with a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

"Will Shen Juansang accept this letter?"

Shen Juan raised an eyebrow, and when he took the envelope, he noticed the cherry blossom pattern on the seal. He subconsciously looked at the girl in front of him.

With her big, watery eyes, Imada Mio said earnestly and nervously, "This is what I, as a fan and the female lead you chose to star in your music video, want to say to you. I am so, so grateful! You have changed my life, both in real life and in my spiritual world!"

After a moment of silence, Shen Juan smiled, and with the utmost gentleness and flawless demeanor he showed to his fans, he looked at the girl in front of him who was at least outwardly sincere, and said something that really depended on the character model:
"Actually, the love and attention from the audience are the most important things for a performer. So for me, your unconditional support and trust are an important part of my life. In other words, you have also changed my life."

Imada Mio was stunned after hearing this.

Although she knows that celebrities are very good at performing in front of others, she has also encountered many seniors who are two-faced.

But Shen Juan has a kind of magic that makes people unable to help but believe in him, want to become his followers, and watch him go on.

After all, when you look into his clear, sincere, youthful eyes, which are as eloquent as Leung Chiu-wai's, it's really hard not to be drawn in, and then set aside your curiosity to find out the truth, and believe every word he says.

And so Imada Mio understood.

No wonder so many young girls like him.

As fans, every time we think of him, we know in our hearts that he is thinking of us too. He is our life, and we are his life. We are the most important people to each other.

This precious mutual support gave Imada Mio, who had never truly become his fan, a strong sense of belonging.

It was precisely because of these words that she was first deeply moved by his sincerity and became his true fan.

The recording of the program went very smoothly.

After all, Shen Juan's current status makes his presence at events in Japan a truly prestigious one. His influence and fan base are top-tier, and he has also achieved considerable success through several collaborations with NHK.

Therefore, these veteran hosts naturally did not dare to neglect Shen Juan, and the whole recording was very enjoyable.

Shen Juan didn't need to actively find topics to create an effect; the topics would naturally be brought to him.

There are just too many good people out there.

After becoming famous, I was surrounded by kind people.

We had dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

In the antique-style private room, warm yellow light poured down, illuminating the round table laden with dishes. King Gnu and the members of YOASOBI all wore expressions of a mix of nervousness and excitement. After all, having dinner with a world-class superstar like Shen Juan was an opportunity that countless people dreamed of.

Shen Juan greeted everyone with a smile: "We've met before, why are you being so reserved? Let's just treat this as a gathering of friends. Isn't it strange to make the atmosphere so serious?"

King Gnu's core member, Tsuneta Daiki, spoke first with a smile: "There's no way around it. After all, Shen Juansang's progress is just too frightening. Actually, he was already very impressive when we first met last year, and this year he has reached a height where it's hard for us to even see his back if we stand on tiptoe or raise our heads."

Shen Juan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "From the moment you joined Starlink, we have been a collective, so let's not say things that distance us. I also admire your talents. Only through mutual exchange can we create more sparks."

Upon hearing this, Ayase, the songwriter of YOASOBI, had an excited glint in her eyes and couldn't help but ask, "Shen Juansang, we are all very curious. Among all the popular songs you have created, which song, or rather, which song's creation process, is the most unforgettable for you?"

“Actually, the meaning and value of every song are equal to mine, but the one that impressed me the most recently is probably the song I wrote based on my own experience.” Shen Juan smiled. “Creating is actually very simple, but because the lyrics contain many memories, it becomes unique.”

"Silibu Yi! Is this the famous quote from the legendary football king Pelé, 'The next goal is the most exciting'? Great people are indeed all alike!" Ayase looked very excited. To him, Shen Juan was not only an idol and his savior, but also a spiritual leader on his life's journey.

Therefore, every word Shen Juan says, even jokes made by the media such as "I am willing to give my life for the stage," are highly likely to be over-interpreted by him and taken as gospel.

It's just a bit bizarre.
However, Shen Juan did not correct him, but just smiled.

After all, making friends and cultivating followers are two completely different paths; the former requires honesty, while the latter requires sophistication.

In short, it's about pretending to be a big shot or a mysterious figure.

Therefore, in order to continuously expand his fame and influence in this land, gain more and more believers, and become a new world's savior like Light Yagami.

Let them be from Dihua then.

Anyway, this is definitely a good thing for him.

He couldn't be happier that Dihua had more and more fans!
Afterwards, once everyone opened up and started chatting freely, the atmosphere of the meal was quite pleasant.

During the meal, everyone ate their fill while sharing interesting stories about music creation and their hopes for the future.

Tsuneta Daiki shared their experience performing at a small music festival. They were a little nervous before going on stage, but they performed exceptionally well because of the enthusiastic response from the audience, winning a standing ovation. Shen Juan felt the same way, saying that he had the same experience when he performed in Minnesota.

YOASOBI talked about their arduous journey over the past two years in pursuing their musical dreams, encountering setbacks everywhere. Shen Juan said that he had gone through the same thing, failing to get a chance to debut for several years in a row, and in the end, he unexpectedly earned his first pot of gold in his professional career through hip-hop.

As dinner drew to a close, Shen Juan specifically sought out Rila Ikita and Ayase, and earnestly said, "Your debut day is in two days. Don't be nervous or anxious. Just express the emotions you've accumulated over the past two years. I believe your careers will have a very good start."

Ayase and Rila Ikuta nodded vigorously, their eyes filled with determination, longing, and gratitude towards Shen Juan.

Finally, after taking a group photo with everyone in the private room and uploading it to Instagram, I took the opportunity to promote the Starlink brand.
Shen Juan walked out of the restaurant.

The neon-lit streets under the cover of night are as bright as day, with colorful lights reflecting each other in a dazzling display.

Seeing my concert posters plastered all over the streets and alleys, I felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

He suddenly remembered the few words that Imada Mio had written to him in that handwritten letter.

I collect the clouds at sunset for you, treasure the clear sky after the rain, and secretly hide them in the gods' storage jar, embodying the gentleness of all things. You are as distant as a firefly, the embodiment of all legends in the world. Only by creating something from nothing can we establish an era that never ends, and the whole world will know your name!

He sounds pretty handsome.

Shen Juan slightly curled the corners of his mouth, thinking to himself that regardless of whether this woman was his fan or not, at least she was serious and hardworking enough in pretending to be a fan.

Every word is filled with passion.

Opportunities are only for those who are prepared, so he felt that he should give her a chance as well.

Just then, my phone rang in my pocket.

The caller ID showed Minami Hamabe.

It seems that the eager young girl, Ah Bin, saw his recent Instagram post and knew that he had finished dinner and his work for the day, and couldn't wait to meet him.

(End of this chapter)