The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 531 She got a big ride

When Taylor returned after receiving the trophy, the awards ceremony was almost over.

Even after sitting down, she was still expressing her regret.

“You should have come up on stage with me. I remember when we were talking about Exile, we were on opposite sides of the world, both stuck at home, and music brought us together. That’s what Folklore is all about.”

"The main focus should be on you and the musicians behind the scenes; I can't steal their thunder. Besides, what's relevant to me is just one song, not an album. You're happy, and I'm happy for you, but I also need to stay calm."

Xu Xing explained.

The reviews in Exile and Folklore both mentioned what she said, and some magazines even exaggerated it, calling it a collaboration of the century—even more hype than Baby's Breath. But not winning Best Collaboration today has made them even more vulnerable.

Folklore won Album of the Year, partly because of its high quality and its significance during the pandemic.

But this is mostly just Universal Music's public relations rhetoric for the awards; take it with a grain of salt.

If Hsu Hsing is truly as important to "folklore" as Taylor Swift has said on stage and now, then Hsu Hsing's name will certainly be on the album's producer list.

However, it does not.

If Xu Xingzhen had gone up there just now, she would have been ridiculed until retirement.

Hsu Hsing's Grammy trip itself was highly controversial, and she was accused of currying favor with the Grammys.

Ms. Taylor seemed to realize that her enthusiastic invitation might have put Xu Xing in an awkward position.

"I'm sorry. I just... wanted to tell everyone how important you are. They ignored you, but I felt you should be on stage. Xing, thankfully you're always so calm. But it wasn't just a song, it was an album. We talked so much back then, we talked about the whole album, didn't we?"

We only talked about four or five songs, but apart from "Exile", Hsu Hsing only talked about her feelings after listening to the demo.

“Okay,” Xu Xing smiled, “Now you belong to Folklore, congratulations.”

"They're congratulating us."

Xu Xing didn't want to argue anymore, but Ms. Taylor wanted to correct her and emphasize it again.

However, if the two were in different roles, would Hsu Hsing do the same?
Xu Xing smiled and nodded.

Ms. Taylor was finally satisfied.

"It'll be over soon, let's celebrate for Folklore together! After the party."

"Ok."

With the COVID-19 situation in California so serious, the annual official after-party has become much more low-key, while the singers' own parties have never stopped.

The awards ceremony ended after 10:30 p.m.

Before heading to the after-party, Xu Xing took a moment to surf the internet and saw that the internet was already in an uproar.

In an interview released in the afternoon, when asked why she came to the Grammys, Hsu Hsing said it was for her fans, the stars in the sky.

They had always hoped that "Blinding Lights" would have a grand live performance.

Hsu Hsing came to the Grammys, where his music was disrespected, to give them the best live performance of his career.

The world's fans are devastated and are also furiously hurling insults at the Grammys. Videos of fans boycotting the Grammys offline are being widely circulated.

Taylor's gesture of inviting Hsu Hsing to the stage after receiving her annual album award greatly enhanced her reputation among the fans.

Although some criticized Taylor for being hypocritical, noting that Hsu Hsing's name wasn't even listed as a producer on the album, her actions were widely interpreted as her helping Hsu Hsing slap the Grammys in the face.

After taking the stage, she also emphasized Hsu Hsing's musical talent.

Ms. Taylor was also regarded as a true friend of Xu Xing by the fans.

The hashtag #TaylorSwiftInvitesXuXingOnStage# trended at number one on Weibo, with all of Xu Xing's fan sites and marketing accounts jumping on the bandwagon praising Taylor. Her social media feed was flooded with screenshots of fans ordering "evermore".

Taylor's fans, nicknamed "Little Strawberries," also took the opportunity to sing her praises, dedicating three years to her talent and inviting Hsu Hsing to the stage to praise her character.

The Western entertainment circle regrets that Ms. Taylor emphasized her current boyfriend, which prevents people from gossiping too much about her and Hsu Hsing-hsing, but it can still be a topic for literary creation among the three of them.

Another sentiment expressed was: "She got to ride on the coattails of the older generation."

They tried to sow discord between Baby's Breath and Little Strawberry, but Little Strawberry said: No problem, it was indeed me who bumped into her.

Hsu Hsing-tsai's popularity in China and Asia far surpasses Taylor's in the United States.

Although many fans believe that even without collaborating with Hsu Hsing on "Exile," I could still make a comeback with "Folklore," Hsu Hsing's involvement is like buying me mandatory insurance. With safety in mind and insurance in hand, I can confidently sprint forward and go all the way to my third album!
Furthermore, the better Xu Xing's relationship with Taylor, the more likely they are to see Taylor's next world tour in China. The last time Taylor held a concert in China was 15 years ago.

Don't be sour about turtle droppings and fried shredded meat!
Those thieves and fritters will never get a chance to steal the prize!
"So I was very surprised to receive the collaboration invitation. Everyone thought we were enemies. In fact, I still haven't gotten over it. That was my most important album."

Ms. Ariana spoke her mind directly.

Xu Xing nodded in agreement.

"It's also one of my favorite albums."

"..."

Ariana waited a while, but didn't hear "sorry" from Xu Xing.

"Okay, but I'm not a sore loser. 'Blinding Lights' is great, and 'Save Your Tears' is great too. I love them both."

“Thank you,” Xu Xing smiled. “Save your tears is a song that only you can interpret well. In fact, I didn’t even dare to expect that you would actually agree to collaborate.”

“Just because I like it,” Ariana shrugged. “I like music, all the beautiful music.”

"Me too."

Xu Xing smiled.

Although Ariana Grande performed "Rain on Me" with Lady Gaga on a videotape, she did not walk the Grammy red carpet or enter the venue; instead, she went directly to the after-party.

She seemed to be in a good mood, perhaps because she had defeated Xu Xing in a head-to-head competition for the award.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xu Xing wished her a happy marriage, and she thanked Xu Xing.

—At the end of last year, Ariana Grande announced her engagement to her real estate agent, and they will officially hold their wedding in May. Ariana Grande is now starting to evolve into a skeleton-like form, which is quite indescribable.

Xu Xing speculates that Ariana Grande's decision to agree to the collaboration offer at the end of last year was likely driven by a desire for post-marital commercial success. Marriage has a significant impact on artists worldwide, especially for a former Disney sweetheart idol. Additionally, it might have been a way for her to rebel against Scooter.

After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Xing prepared to take her leave. The official after-party was just a formality; most people would come and leave after a quick visit. The singers' private after-party was where the real celebrations took place.

However, many more people approached Xu Xing to talk to her afterward.

During the "Old Town Road" era, many musicians questioned Hsu Hsing, but after "Blinding Lights," most of their voices disappeared.

In addition, all the big names have heard the team reiterate Hsu Hsing's dominance in Asia, and have seen in various reports—some revealing, some exaggerating—that Hsu Hsing is not just an ordinary artist.

There's a tweet online that's making fun of the Grammys inside: many people won't believe it, but Hsu Hsing is the wealthiest artist in attendance, even surpassing the Jay-Z family.

Well, Xu Xing also exchanged a few pleasantries with JayZ and Beyonce.

Elephant Legs B, or today's Wild Bear B—her Grammy red carpet look really resembled a bear, and she was also the big winner of this year's Grammys, becoming the female singer with the most Grammys in history.

Ms. B politely invited Xu Xing to her after-party, but Xu Xing was extremely disappointed because Taylor had already extended an invitation.

They have their own cliques, and Xu Xing also has his own interest groups in the United States. If Fopoli doesn't find a way, ordinary cliques really can't do anything to Xu Xing.

They're still making the toilets above, and it's fortunate that they truly have a powerful motherland standing behind them.

Hsu Hsing also had a brief chat with Taylor's ex-boyfriend, Harry Styles, who won the Best Pop Artist award today, a significant achievement for him.

Although he was with Xu Xing first, Xu Xing believed that he wouldn't be as satisfied as she was.

He took the initiative to greet him, and Xu Xing congratulated him.

"What did you all talk about?"

When she was officially leaving, Ms. Taylor asked curiously.

"We didn't talk about you."

Xu Xing joked.

If she hadn't asked that question, Xu Xing definitely wouldn't have answered that way. After all, Xu Xing had only slept with her once, and it wouldn't be very polite to say it like that.

But when she asked the question, she was already prepared to hear this answer.

After hearing Xu Xing's joke, Ms. Taylor playfully scolded him, but Xu Xing smiled and she laughed too.

"Harry is a good person."

"Ah."

Xu Xing nodded.

Taylor Swift has written about many boyfriends in her songs, but Harry Styles is on a completely different level, mentioned in the song title ("Style").

"You too."

Ms. Taylor smiled.

Xu Xing smiled as well.

"I know I am."

You could see in Taylor's eyes that she was even more eager than last night. On such a wonderful night, the best way to celebrate is to do the happiest things. Her boyfriend worked with her on the album last year during the pandemic, but he wasn't there tonight.

So... there must be some problems in the relationship.

However, Hsu Hsing only responded politely and never took the initiative.

Xu Xing had promised this would be the last time, and she wouldn't break her promise.

Although Xu Xing didn't manage to go all out without regrets the night before because she had to take care of the recording the next day.

Although Xu Xing took the initiative today, it won't affect the progress to that point.

But Xu Xing is a person of principle.

Ms. Taylor was also moved by Xu Xing's principles.

In the villa's bathroom, tears of emotion streamed from the corners of her mouth to the corners of her eyes.

Xu Xing really didn't expect that while she was in the bathroom, Taylor, who had been absent-minded at the party and kept glancing at her, would follow her in.

"Last night."

As she spoke, she hugged Xu Xing's leg.

Taylor's friends could also see that she was flirting with Hsu Hsing, and since Joe (her boyfriend) wasn't around, they didn't bother her.

On such a night of historic achievement, God will forgive whatever you do.

The pandemic also ensured the absolute privacy of the party.

Besides, it was only for one night anyway, and nobody thought that Ms. Taylor would maintain a long-term relationship with Xu Xing.

Nearly an hour later, the two returned, and their friends exchanged knowing smiles, acknowledging Xu Xing's abilities as a Chinese man.

But actually, Hsu Hsing had just made up for the small regret of the night before – she no longer had to take care of Taylor's singing condition and had just finished warming up.

Therefore, when Ms. Taylor returned, she was much quieter than before, speaking very little, and when she did speak, it was always with a hoarse, tired tone.

They quickly realized their mistake and took their leave early.

After seeing the group off and returning to her room, Ms. Taylor breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, but felt she should point out first that Xu Xing had been very disrespectful to her in the bathroom.

She almost got her hair soaked in the toilet bowl... and her throat has been very uncomfortable ever since.

Ms. Taylor crossed her arms, trying to appear serious, and was about to speak.

But what came out was a gasp of surprise.

Because her body fell into the uncut cake on the table.

Just as Ms. Ariana married a real estate agent, and Ms. Rihanna was repeatedly abused by her husband but still loved him to death, many divas in the Western music scene and Hollywood actresses, who shout about women's power, are actually adoring their wives and are even ridiculed for their love for unknown, powerless, ugly men.

Their formidable strength is truly remarkable, and their exceptional abilities are genuinely useful.

When they encounter something exciting, they can become truly infatuated and fall head over heels in love.

After you switch to another one, it won't affect your ability to continue playing even after you get married.

Do not!
Keep!!

Lost!!!
regret!!!!

Four words: Xu Xing always goes over power.

After a night of madness, Xu Xing fished Taylor out of the bathtub, who had just fallen asleep, and tossed her back into the bedroom. By the time Xu Xing left, the horizon was almost bright.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Okay, okay, I admit it, I did celebrate with Taylor. Hey, Manman, you know I also have a grudge against the Grammys. Taylor is the Grammy's darling, so of course I had to get revenge! Don't worry, no paparazzi have come out with any bombshell news yet, so nothing's happened."

"Surveillance? I've kept my own records. Don't worry, if it really comes to that, we can definitely produce evidence that she cheated on her boyfriend. Otherwise, I'll show it to you when we get back. Don't worry, there won't be any follow-up. I know that this trip to America is about self-discipline."

"There won't be any more, didn't Ms. Zhen already come? Why don't you come over? See, you're not coming again. I know, I'll get up now, it won't affect today's plans, I know what I'm doing. Okay, darling, mua~"

After hanging up the phone, Xu Xing yawned.

I woke up around 2 p.m. After sleeping so late, I definitely have to be honest.

Yawn~
get up!

After washing up and having lunch, it was already 4 PM. I went to the recording studio for a while, and at 5:30 PM, I received a message from Ms. Taylor.

Thank you... Last night was too crazy... I think... we all need to calm down...

That is, goodbye.

You're welcome, thank you.

Reply politely.

On the other side, Ms. Taylor, who had just woken up, stared blankly at Xu Xing's message for a while, but did not receive any more messages from Xu Xing.

It's not that I've fallen for Xu Xing.

Instead, Xu Xing was overly concise; she used several ellipses.

But this is indeed the best way.

If he posted anything else, Ms. Taylor felt that she would feel disgusted and that this would trigger the "humiliation" she felt last night... Well, last night was the happiest night.

This is just right.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

At six o'clock, Erika arrived and invited Hsu Hsing to go to Bajaria's private party.

Let me start by criticizing the Grammys.

"The Grammys are rotten; they're now the most disgraceful award in the music industry. No one can imagine that a musician as talented as you would be excluded by them. I hope they shut down soon; their existence is a stain on music!"

Erika was furious, as if she herself had been humiliated by the Grammys.

However, these comments are similar to those currently used to criticize the Grammys online. Xu Xing had been browsing online for a while and was already basically immune to them.

The highest-rated segment of the entire Grammy Awards was Hsu Hsing's performance of "Blinding Lights".

This trend is evident not only on platforms like Netflix, which specifically purchased the Grammy live streaming rights for Hsu Hsing, but also globally, including on CBS radio in the United States.

Even though this year's Grammy press releases emphasized women's power and touted the awards' increased global influence, online criticism was overwhelming.

Xu Xing's name has been trending in the US and around the world for over 24 hours and is still at number one. Meanwhile, the top trending topic on Weibo in China has been replaced by other social issues.

Many musicians who remained silent during the wave of criticism against the Grammys sparked by The Weeknd have now begun to criticize the Grammys after the awards ceremony.

Almost everyone felt sorry for "Blinding Lights".

Xu Xing seems to have become a weapon aimed at the Grammys.

Global fans enthusiastically endorsed them, boosting their social media traffic.

It was a mess, and Xu Xing looked at it for a while before giving up.

After venting her frustrations, Erika changed the subject to the party that evening.

"Bajaria was just showing how much she valued the friendship; she had no other intentions than that it was just a normal family gathering."

Then, when Xu Xing arrived again, she saw Miss Anya next to Bajaaria. She didn't know when Miss Anya had become her family.

Maybe it's just an insurance tactic, getting those who slept with Xu Xing to come over.

After the release of "Queen's Gambit" last October, it became a global sensation, and Anya rose to fame. After becoming a star, she gained starlight and had not yet evolved into her skeleton form, which can be said to be the best time of her life.

However, Xu Xing believes that Ms. Taylor will not carry out a one-for-one exchange with him now—if she did, it would be hard to say about Ms. Anya.

She had just become famous and saw a much more wonderful life than before, so she wanted to strive for more; but she was still just an ordinary little star and could give up easily.

Therefore, even though Miss Anya was sitting next to Xu Xing, Xu Xing maintained a polite distance from her.

Upon meeting Xu Xing, Bajaaria's first topic of conversation was the recently concluded Grammys.

However, she only made a casual comment before shifting the topic to Netflix's live stream.

Netflix had not previously engaged in live streaming. After acquiring the broadcasting rights for this year's Grammys, analysts believe this marks Netflix's official entry into the live streaming industry.

Last night's broadcast was a huge success, with over 8000 million viewers watching the ceremony on Netflix, according to Netflix.

However, it wasn't explained how the number of people was calculated.

Anyway, it dwarfed CBS's 820 million, and last year it had 1800 million, but this year it has plummeted by more than 50%.

"However, entering the live streaming industry is still a decision that Netflix needs to consider carefully. But it has once again proven your worth, thank you."

Bajaria smiled.

They chat very professionally.

(End of this chapter)