Huayu: Starting from the top talent show

Chapter 487 The Music Industry's Tang Monk Flesh

At 2 PM, the group followed the production crew to Huayi Brothers Movie Town to complete the recording of the game segment.

At 10 p.m., the group completed all recording tasks at the outlet shopping plaza, marking the end of the entire episode's recording.

As is customary, we'll have a late-night snack session to connect and build rapport.

Everyone, including the show's director, wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to Shen Juan and build a good relationship with him.

Therefore, the conversation revolved around Shen Juan.

When Li Chen talked to Shen Juan about investment, he specifically mentioned that he planned to open a nightclub in Hainan and asked Shen Juan if he was interested in investing.

Although Shen Juan has a lot of money and makes money quickly, a large portion of his funds are managed by a professional financial management team he hires.

Following the general direction given by Shen Juan, they added specific details and developed personalized investment plans to invest and purchase properties everywhere.

It can only be said that many public figures are richer than the outside world imagines, and Shen Juan is just one of the best among them!
Moreover, he wasn't familiar with Li Chen, so there was no need to form a business alliance with him. Therefore, he decisively chose to decline.

Zheng Kai chatted with Shen Juan about collecting.

But Shen Juan wasn't interested.

Because Zheng Kai only plays with very low-end trendy brands and toys, what hasn't he seen while developing his career in North America?

Cai Xukun chatted with Shen Juan about music and future development plans. This guy has always wanted to break into the US. He has seen the upper limit of development in the Chinese entertainment industry and wants to break through the limit. However, not long after the disbandment of Milkball last year, Yiqing came and he can't go abroad now, so his plan to break into the US has to be shelved again.

Yang Ying frankly stated that although she used to like Jay Chou and G-Dragon, she is now a complete Alovers. She then asked Shen Juan about his album "Sisyphus" and his abandoned EP "Winter," and invited Shen Juan to go skiing and surfing together when he had time.

She loves both sports.

At the same time, she also did her homework and knew that Shen Juan often skied, for example, Lei Jun of Xiaomi had skied with him.

Therefore, it's natural to cater to their preferences.

To be honest, she feels a lot of crisis right now!

As she was about to leave Huang Xiaoming's protection, she desperately wanted to cling to Shen Juan, this thick, hard, young, and strong thigh!

As for Guo Qilin, Sha Yi, Zhang Tian'ai, Deng Ziqi, and Lao Song, they all talked about everyday topics related to family and friends.

It's obviously more interesting to talk about what to eat, wear, and do with people you know than to talk about collecting or investing with strangers.

The late-night snack didn't last long. As midnight approached, everyone took a car back to the hotel to go to their rooms, turn off the lights, and go to sleep.

Unfortunately, Shen Juan couldn't sleep yet.

The unexpected release of the abandoned EP "Winter" has generated a multi-layered and enthusiastic response worldwide.

"This is what winter feels like" has become a popular background music for short videos, and is being used by many people.

"Here's Your Perfect" sparked a cover song craze, attracting countless celebrities and internet influencers to scramble for the first hit.

The other four relatively personal singles, along with Sisyphus's Night, have become a late-night blessing for countless people.

This made Shen Juan not only a popular superstar but also a treasure trove of niche products.

Justin Bieber, who just won his third consecutive number one spot on the Hot 100 with "STAY", excitedly mentioned in an interview: "The calm power of 'Superpowers' reminds me of Prince's 'The Beautiful Ones'. Alex is proving with his actions that contemporary pop music can also carry philosophical thoughts. Whether it is the most intuitive creative talent, or the deeper creative concepts and the courage to innovate, he is ahead of many of us."

When discussing the online criticism of Shen Juan's shift from mainstream pop to personal experimental music, he couldn't help but speak up for his good friend who helped him rise to fame: "Alex's speed in developing new musical styles is so astonishing that some listeners haven't even had time to keep up with him. And who said he's going to completely break away from the mainstream? I've never heard him mention such a thing in my conversations with him. Didn't the daytime part of 'Sisyphus' achieve very good commercial results? To put it bluntly, this is just an attempt by him to explore a new field or a testament to his creative ability."

"He was born with extraordinary talent, and we cannot judge this great genius with ordinary eyes!"

Taylor Swift specifically praised Shen Juan's recent achievement of breaking Michael Jackson's record for most weeks at number one on the B200 chart with "Thriller": "I was thinking of posting a celebration after 'Leviathan' reached 40 weeks, but with the release of 'Sisyphus,' I think that number will likely remain at 39 weeks, which is a bit of a shame. Of course, regardless, we will not question or deny MJ's greatness; Alex is simply writing his own glorious story."

Previously, after suffering massive and sustained cyberbullying from Alovers worldwide, bringing his career to the brink of ruin, a self-proclaimed "broken-eyebrow" (a nickname for a male fan) who has been completely broken and subjugated into a sycophant, posted a blatant eulogy: "There's an interesting saying online that after MJ's death, his talent was inherited by Bruno Mars and The Weeknd. Then some people said Alex is the Asian version of MJ, but now it seems that this statement is inaccurate. I believe Alex not only possesses MJ's superstar charisma as a pop king, but also Prince's musical magic. MJ and Prince were rivals, and many people fantasized about what an invincible existence it would be if someone could combine their talents. I mean, this is it. Alex Shen is that kind of existence!"

Then many mainstream media outlets, music critics, and music review organizations also got involved in this "assigned topic" event.

The People's Daily primarily promoted Shen Juan's philanthropic activities: "When the global offline performance industry stagnated, digital music became a bridge connecting people's hearts. Shen Juan's act of donating all the proceeds from his album is like planting seeds of hope in a cold winter of compassion."

Shouldn't we sing the praises of our own people?

In these special times, we need to cheer each other on like crazy!
They couldn't wait for the whole world to know that Shen Juan belonged to China! They couldn't wait for the whole world to know that China was Shen Juan's homeland!

Rolling Stone praised Shen Juan for being intelligent and having a good business sense.

He claimed that by adding a public welfare attribute to the abandoned EP, he built a wall of public opinion. This strategy not only protected his artistic attempts but also left room for future transformation. It is believed that he not only has extraordinary talent in music creation but also has a unique understanding of the establishment and management of an artist's image.

Renowned, outspoken music critic LeBron James commented that while Shen Juan is indeed talented, he is overly ambitious, like a genius who wants to solve 10 Rubik's Cubes at the same time but is a bit flustered. Although the overall completion of the abandoned track EP "Winter" far exceeded expectations, the over-reliance on atmosphere creation resulted in a lack of memorable tracks, which is the inevitable price of experimental exploration.

In addition, there is controversy surrounding the shift in style.

Supporters believe that "Sisyphus" and "Winter" mark Shen Juan's transformation from a "pop idol" to an "artist," and that his musical experiments have historical value. Moreover, this does not mean that Shen Juan will detach himself from the public; in fact, it is making his artistic personality more complete.

As mentioned before.

Fans may be slightly dissatisfied.

But the fans will definitely do their best to support them.

It is said that being too commercially oriented will prevent a singer from becoming a legend, but Shen Juan insists on going his own way!
He insisted on taking this most difficult path, aiming to balance commercial success with artistic merit.

Opponents, however, criticize some tracks as being too obscure. For example, the abstract expression in "The Field" deviates from the popular nature of pop music. If you want to play niche music, why become a pop singer? This kind of music will only breed aesthetic differences, thus forming a hierarchy of contempt and creating class antagonism.

The way they express their opinions is quite bizarre.

Does that mean the market is full of mediocre products, all mimicking cat meows, so there's no contempt or antagonism?
In short, the release of the abandoned EP has made "Sisyphus," which was already at the center of discussion and public opinion, even more popular.

Logically speaking, an EP of abandoned tracks that wasn't included in a regular album shouldn't have sparked such a huge discussion.

But who can blame them when Shen Juan has such a high profile?

They're saying he can attract a lot of fans and generate traffic.

Criticizing him can generate traffic from haters.

Mentioning him is all it takes to make money.

He is the guarantee of KPIs for countless media magazines!
Why does Shen Juan frequently seek out collaborations with others for featured roles?
After collaborating with Shen Juan, Ariana Grande became the leading female artist of the new generation; after collaborating with Shen Juan, Li Nacha became one of the top five male artists of the new generation; after collaborating with Shen Juan, Justin Bieber successfully rejuvenated and won two consecutive number-one singles; after collaborating with Shen Juan, Taylor Swift also praised him highly, calling him the most perfect singer.

After Guaxi and Beer Girl collaborated with Shen Juan, even with just a deluxe version with added tracks, their "Breaking the Sky" music channel successfully reached eight figures, transforming them from unknown nobodies into rising stars in the music scene.

Without a doubt, he is the benefactor that young singers today most want to meet, and no one would not want to latch onto Shen Juan's coattails.

He's just so tempting and delicious!

After putting down his phone, Shen Juan quickly took a shower in the bathroom, then hugged Cheng Xiao, who was secretly eating snacks.

"Am I that easy to hug? Why do you hug me all the time?" Cheng Xiao said softly and coquettishly while munching on potato chips.

"So huggable! You smell so good and feel so soft. You're like a giant pillow. How can you not hug me?" Shen Juan gently rubbed Cheng Xiao's cheek, pressing his hands together on her lower abdomen to feel the subtle softness, while breathing in her pleasant scent.

"Oh," Cheng Xiao's cheeks flushed instantly, and she picked up a potato chip and handed it over, "Want some potato chips?"

"No, I'm full."

I'm definitely full.

Is it okay not to eat enough after having a late-night snack?

He's not like Xiao Xiao, who achieved freedom from cravings and could indulge his cravings at will after leaving Le Hua.

Speaking of which, Xiao Xiao was often subjected to PUA (Pick-Up Artist) tactics to lose weight when she was with Yuehua Entertainment. Although it was said that she had developed strong leg muscles from dancing since childhood, making it difficult for her to lose weight to 90 or even 80 pounds like other female celebrities, the company's goal for her was 100 pounds, or at most 105 pounds, which was also very difficult.

So she was anxious for quite a while.

Until Shen Juan appeared and helped her escape her misery.

"Then why are you opening your mouth?"

"You've practically fed it to me, how could I refuse?"

"It's not like I'd kill you if you didn't eat," Cheng Xiao couldn't help but roll her eyes and mutter under her breath.

Shen Juan smiled. "I just wanted to make you happy."

Cheng Xiao couldn't help but raise the corners of her mouth: "How could you possibly make me happy by just eating some potato chips? Do you think I'm that easy to please? I'm not like Xiao Ye, who's always grinning like an idiot, or Sister Tian, ​​who's clearly worried but pretends not to care. I think I'm much more normal than them!"

"Simply eating potato chips probably won't make you happy, but what if I don't actually want to eat them?"

"You're overthinking things."

"It's never too much to think of you."

"Ew~ Your words are practically overflowing with the scumbag vibe!" Cheng Xiao gently patted Shen Juan's restless paw.

"I'm doing this for your own good," Shen Juan smiled.

"You're kind to a lot of people." Cheng Xiao couldn't help but smile when she saw him smile; it looked quite cute.

"It's different for you than for everyone else."

“I think you treat everyone differently. I saw a video your fans made of you before, and I think it makes a lot of sense. She said that women usually divide men into four categories: dad, green tea, first love, and bad man. Then she said that you have the attraction of green tea, the maturity, stability, and dependence of dad, the sincerity and gentleness of first love, and the hot and coldness of bad man. When all these qualities are combined, all women will go crazy for you.”

Shen Juan raised an eyebrow: "So?"

"So I noticed that your approach to each woman and your persona seem to be different. For example, you treat me and Xiaoyetian like a first love, sincere and gentle. Then you treat Nazha downstairs like a bad boy, hot and cold, using different tricks to manipulate her every day. In front of those young girls who have just come of age, you play the role of a father and a first love. In front of those older women, you are like a green tea, constantly exuding charm to attract their attention. For example, Zhang Tianai today, I think she is very infatuated with you. During the recording of the show, it felt like she was watching you 24 hours a day."

Shen Juan feigned surprise: "You discovered that?"

Cheng Xiao smugly hummed, "You didn't hide anything."

So what are your feelings and thoughts right now?

"I have absolutely no feelings or thoughts about it." "Don't you think I'm a jerk?"

“I’ve always thought you were a jerk, and I thought so three years ago when you already had a lot of scandals.”

"."

Seeing his speechless and embarrassed expression, Cheng Xiao couldn't help but laugh out loud: "But even though I'm a jerk, I'm still very happy. I don't know what other people would choose, but if I had to choose between the person who loves me and the person I love, I would always choose the one I love."

"It's not like I don't like you."

"I was just using an analogy!"

"Then why not play a proper one?"

"Is it okay if I haven't read enough books?"

Shen Juan almost couldn't help but laugh.

"Can you teach me slowly later?"

"It's good, but I haven't had much education."

"Get lost! I often see you holding a book!"

"Don't you know I'm the God of War on the cover?"

"Hahahahahaha!"

Cheng Xiao's gaze toward Shen Juan grew increasingly tender and infatuated.

When I'm with him, it's hard not to feel genuinely happy. Sometimes I even have to consciously control the curve of my lips to prevent them from turning up without my noticing, so I don't end up grinning like Xiao Ye all day, like a cute little dog wagging its tail and begging for its owner's affection.

The phone was playing Shen Juan's latest single, "Soft Spot," at that moment. The gentle vocals, so beautiful they made countless girls' bodies go weak, and the feeling created by the song not only made the already ambiguous atmosphere even more enchanting, but also made Cheng Xiao turn around and kiss Shen Juan without thinking.

It's often said that when it comes to dating, it's best to find someone who is good to you, rather than someone who is only good to you.

What if this statement is true?

So I think I've found a really good person, and I've actually found the answer to life.

After filming Running Man, Shen Juan returned to Beijing to handle his work.

First, there are the two singles that I had previously agreed to with Taylor.

It was pretty much as expected.

The recording of "betty" went very smoothly and easily.

The transoceanic collaboration of Exile is somewhat complicated.

"Alex, what kind of emotion do you think I should use to express it? Should I shout myself hoarse, feel regret, or accept it?"

"You're already a mature singer, Taylor. I don't think you need to ask for my opinion on this kind of thing."

"But you wrote this song after all."

"But this song was included in your album."

"Okay, give me five minutes to think about it carefully."

"Okay, I can go grab a coffee now."

"see you later."

"see you later."

Shen Juan had just stepped out of the recording studio and stretched to relax his muscles when his phone vibrated again in his pocket.

The caller ID showed it was another superstar singer he knew in the US and was very close to, Ariana Grande.

As soon as the call connected, Ms. Airi Anzu's signature sweet voice came through, with a hint of excitement at the end: "Alex! It's 2 a.m. here, and it should be afternoon there. I hope my call at this time hasn't disturbed your lunch break or work."

Shen Juan leaned against the corridor railing, basking in the warm spring sunshine outside the window: "Just came from the recording studio, what's wrong?"

"A recording studio? You're preparing a new song again? The first five million sales of 'Sisyphus' weren't enough for you?"

"It's not my new song."

"Whose is that?"

"Taylor's new album has found me to collaborate with."

"I knew I wasn't the only one eyeing you! She acted so fast!" Ariana Grande was clearly surprised. She didn't expect that after last year's "ME!" was criticized by fans, Taylor would still want to collaborate with Shen Juan. Was she really not afraid of becoming Shen Juan's accessory in the eyes of outsiders?
I continued to collaborate with Shen Juan because of path dependence and the desire to reap the benefits of being a CP (couple partner), thus producing one chart-topping single after another.

So she also has path dependence?
But if I remember correctly, Taylor is currently pursuing a path of independent womanhood that doesn't rely on men, right?

For example, her ambition was fully revealed in the song "The Man" from last year's album "Lover".

So isn't this just contradicting oneself?

Shen Juan chuckled and joked, "If Taylor were here right now, she would definitely refute what you just said. You know, we've already collaborated on two singles this year, and both of them topped the charts. Under these circumstances, how can you say she acted quickly?"

"Haha, who would complain about having too many number one singles? You're a guarantee of a number one hit!" Ariana Grande said, then sighed with a hint of regret, "If Alex were really my boyfriend, we could release three to five collaborative number one singles every year, and we'd break all the records in just a few years!"

"Why don't you suggest I date Taylor? That way, after we break up, we can write a lot of hit singles together?"

"She's not right for you, Alex, I'm serious!"

"Does that mean you think you're a good match for me?"

"I'm at least a better match for you than she is!"

Although there was no overt friction or conflict between the two, only the two of them knew whether there was any competition or rivalry behind the scenes. In any case, Ariana Grande considered Taylor Swift her rival because of the "right to use Shen Juan".

No one can take Alex away from me!

I meant there was no one there!
Shen Juan didn't dwell on this sensitive topic, but instead asked with some curiosity, "So you called me specifically to ask for a collaboration? But didn't we already agree on a remix of 'Save Your Tears' to be released in the second half of the year? Are you planning to bring it forward now?"

“No, no, no, I absolutely love ‘Save Your Tears’ and I can’t wait to work with you, but I have another fantastic idea to share with you!” Ariana Grande’s voice brightened several notches, her excitement overflowing, giving Shen Juan the feeling that she wanted to cross the Pacific Ocean to him and explain the situation in person.

How great is it?

“I’m currently using my time in home quarantine to prepare for my new album, which I plan to release in the second half of this year. So I want to collaborate with you, and not just like our previous collaborations on ‘Senorita’ and ‘Rain On Me’ where we just casually wrote some lyrics as a feature. I really want to create with you, from the melody to the lyrics, and polish them together completely! I want to see Ariana Grande and Alex Shen’s names appear on the first and second albums!”

Shen Juan raised an eyebrow: "Have you decided on a style yet?"

“It’s not completely finalized yet, but I want to do something different. After all, you know Alex, I don’t want to do something repetitive, because neither I nor my listeners will be satisfied.” Ariana Grande paused, her tone becoming serious: “In short, I want to create a warm and tender song, so the melody can be relatively soothing. My goal is not to create a catchy pop hit, but to tell a story about love through the song.”

"Then I have to be honest with you. Because of the current Nyojuku wave, I also plan to use this album not only to create an independent woman persona for myself, but at least to let everyone see my attitude. Do you understand what I mean?"

Shen Juan was amused by Ariana Grande's candor, "It seems that all the female singers over there are portrayed as independent women."

"Who said that? Lana Derek isn't!"

"Is she love-obsessed?"

"It's at the level of the ultimate love-obsessed person."

"Bullshit! I won't allow you to insult my idol!"

"Your idol is actually her?"

"No."

"Then what the hell are you calling a bastard, hahaha!"

Ariana Grande laughed for quite a while before stopping.

"Anyway, as soon as I had the idea of ​​making an album, you were the first person I thought of. So when are you available? If you're busy, I can wait. Anyway, the production has just started, and we have a lot of time."

Shen Juan glanced at his phone's notes app showing his schedule for the next two months, roughly estimated the time, and then replied, "Next month, I think. After I've settled into the project and everything is settled down, I should be able to use my free time in the evenings to work on some creative projects. How about we get back to each other then?"

"Really? That's wonderful! Alex, I love you so much! You'll always be my best friend!!!"

"Don't get too excited yet. Because of the time difference, you may have to get up early every day to talk to me during that period."

Am I really that lazy in my heart?

"Hard to say."

Ariana Grande was silent for about ten seconds on the other end of the phone, then said, "I really hope you can see me giving you the middle finger."

Shen Juan shrugged. "It's a pity I can't see it."

"I won't keep you from recording. See you then."

"see you then."

After hanging up the phone, Shen Juan gazed at the distant buildings and blue sky with white clouds, then picked up his steaming coffee and took a sip.

It seems that life on the film set in Shanghai won't be too easy from now on.

but
The first half of the year is dominated by Sisyphus, while the second half is sustained by his film and television works and collaborative songs.

Thinking about it that way, it makes sense.

At least a year's worth of exposure is guaranteed.

So this can be considered a worthwhile effort.

(Translation: Shen Juan and Ariana Grande are the most-watched male and female pop duo in the history of Sound Break.)
(End of this chapter)