How can you ascend to heaven when you are a star?

Chapter 360 Forming a girl group?

noon.

With the director's command, the morning's recording finally came to an end, and a short lunch break ensued.

The mentors left their seats and returned to their private rest rooms. The trainees also left the stage, but due to the large number of people, they could only eat and rest in the aisle.

Having resentment won't help.

Trainees should have the self-awareness of trainees.

They are not celebrities yet, so naturally they don't receive the treatment of celebrities.

"Yuqi!"

Zhang Wen, who was standing backstage, waved to Li Yuqi as she came down from the stage.

Although his voice wasn't loud, it still attracted a lot of attention, especially the four celebrity mentors who returned backstage with Li Yuqi. Their eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, as if trying to figure something out, full of curiosity.

Celebrities aren't saints; they also enjoy watching the excitement and gossiping, just like the intelligence station sitting at the village entrance.

Li Yuqi didn't think anything of it and happily walked over to ask, "Teacher Zhang, what's the matter?"

Zhang Wen glanced around. There were too many people around, making it unsuitable for discussing matters. So he pointed to a corner and said, "Let's talk over there."

Li Yuqi nodded, and although she had some doubts, she followed.

Zhang Wen walked to a corner and stopped. Seeing that no one was around, he relaxed and looked at Li Yuqi seriously, asking, "Yuqi, what do you think of our relationship?"

Li Yuqi blinked, completely bewildered, not understanding why Teacher Zhang would ask such a question.

To say they have a good relationship?

The two have only met twice. The first time was when she went to the film crew to ask for a song, and the second time was today. They usually have no interaction and have never even sat down to eat together. Can such a relationship be considered good?

Saying they don't have a good relationship?
The other party wrote a song for her. As far as she knows, there are only a handful of singers who have received songs from him. So, their relationship can't be considered bad, right?

Saying the relationship is just so-so? It sounds like you're looking down on me.

After a moment's thought, Li Yuqi ultimately made a decision that went against the facts.

"Teacher Zhang, our relationship goes without saying. Although we haven't known each other for long, I've always been your loyal fan," Li Yuqi said earnestly.

Zhang Wen was satisfied with the answer. Although he knew there was some exaggeration involved, who cared? As long as it was sincere, that was enough.

He then asked, "I have a question, can you answer it truthfully?"

"Of course I can, what do you want to ask?" Li Yuqi looked at Teacher Zhang in front of her, her curiosity piqued.

"Then I'll speak." Zhang Wen cautiously glanced around before asking, "Among these one hundred trainees, are there any with connections?"

what?
Li Yuqi was slightly taken aback. She thought it was a personal matter, but it turned out to be related to the show.

This question is simple in some ways, but really difficult to answer in others.

why?

As a mentor invited by the program team, she naturally knew a lot about the program's inside story.

Moreover, for the sake of the show's effect and for certain purposes, the production team usually communicates with these mentors in advance to ensure that the show proceeds according to the predetermined direction.

So this problem was too easy for her.

The difficulty lies in the fact that she signed a confidentiality agreement with the production team, meaning she cannot disclose the information to outsiders.

"Teacher Zhang, why are you asking this?" Li Yuqi asked.

“You forgot? Some of my students are here,” Zhang Wen said.

Li Yuqi then remembered that Teacher Zhang had come here to see the students.

"This one……"

Li Yuqi touched her nose, unsure how to answer.

Seeing the other person's troubled expression, Zhang Wen already knew the outcome.

However, he still used his usual approach to gathering information, saying in a low voice, "Don't worry, this matter is known only to heaven, earth, you, and me. There will absolutely be no third person who knows. Actually, I don't want to stand up for the students, I just want to have some information in mind and make two preparations for their future development."

Li Yuqi nodded in understanding, then carefully looked around and saw that the nearest person was eight or nine meters away before lowering her voice and saying, "Teacher Zhang, please find another way for me."

Although Zhang Wen had already guessed it, when he heard the answer from Li Yuqi herself, he couldn't help but feel indignant for his student.

Zhang Jiajia and others prepared for the show "Super Trainee" for so long and gave up a lot of resources, only to end up as runners-up. Who could accept this?
Not to mention the person involved, even he, as a teacher, was very unhappy.

Li Yuqi noticed that Teacher Zhang was angry, so she comforted him, "Teacher Zhang, don't be angry. All competition shows are like this. But with the performance of your students, they will definitely make it to the end. Even if they don't become members of the girl group, they will still get enough attention. Maybe after the show airs, someone will come to you asking for a collaboration."

Zhang Wen thought about it and realized that what the other person said wasn't without merit.

Compared to the exposure of the show "Super Trainee", the resources for the backup dancers, singers and actors in the training department are indeed not very good.

If Zhao Tong, Zhang Jiajia, Cheng Sisi, and Su Jin fail to advance to become members of the girl group, he can use the attention the show brings to these four people to stir up some trouble and gain another wave of traffic.

For example, let these four form a girl group and compete against the girl group from "Super Trainee".

With him as a hit song generator, why worry about not becoming popular?

It might even overshadow "Super Trainee".

Thinking of this, Zhang Wen's previously displeased mood suddenly brightened.

He narrowed his thinking.

"Yuqi, thanks," Zhang Wen said.

"It's nothing," Li Yuqi said casually, a heavy sigh of relief in her heart.

She was genuinely afraid that the other party would cause trouble with the production team for the sake of the students. After all, she was the one who brought the students and said the words. In that case, she would really be like Pigsy looking in the mirror—neither side would be human.

"You should go and get some rest, I should go too," Zhang Wen said to Li Yuqi. He had only asked Director Han Xiaohua for a morning off, and he had to go back to the film crew in the afternoon.

Fortunately, it's not far from the film and television base; I can get back in twenty minutes and maybe even get to eat the crew's boxed lunch.

"Teacher Zhang, wait a minute," Li Yuqi quickly said, "Regarding this new song you wrote, can I come to you for the arrangement later?"

She wanted to listen to the other person's opinions and suggestions more when arranging the music, since the other person was the lyricist and composer of the song and the person who understood the song the most.

She didn't want such a good song to be ruined by the arrangement.

This time, even the company's top producer didn't believe it.

“Okay.” Zhang Wen readily agreed, not wanting the divine song to be ruined by some ordinary people and tarnish his reputation.

Moreover, he also receives a share of the copyright revenue from this song; the more popular the song, the higher his income.

"Thank you, thank you, Teacher Zhang." Li Yuqi bowed happily, feeling even more confident about the song. She also decided to complete the production in the shortest possible time and strive to release it before the end of the year, hoping to capitalize on the popularity of "Super Idol" to make it a viral hit.

After saying goodbye to Li Yuqi, Zhang Wen left the backstage area.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the studio, a voice came from behind him.

"Teacher Zhang, wait for me."

Zhang Wen turned around and saw Chen Silu.

Having watched all the trainees, although each has their own style and temperament, Chen Silu is definitely number one in terms of looks.

Otherwise, there wouldn't have been a close-up shot in the promotional video.

For reality competition shows, good looks are always the best form of advertising before the show airs.

Not only in reality shows, but also in the entertainment industry, good looks are the primary factor in productivity.

"What's up?" Zhang Wen asked.

"Teacher, there's something I'd like to hear your opinion on." Chen Silu stopped in front of the teacher, her face showing both excitement and hesitation.

It seems contradictory.

"Oh? Tell me about it." Zhang Wen adopted a look of being all ears.

Chen Silu didn't speak immediately. Instead, she pulled Zhang Wen to a quiet, secluded place and said, "Teacher Zhang, the assistant director just contacted me. The production company of the show wants to sign an artist contract with me. They said that as long as I sign the contract, I'll have a spot in the girl group. What do you think, should I sign it or not?"

"what?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhang Wen's eyes. Was this a direct confrontation?

Sure enough, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and those close-up shots in the promotional video weren't given for nothing.

He had been wondering why Chen Silu, who was neither a relative nor had any powerful backers, would get close-up shots.

He initially thought that Chen Silu was chosen by the program team as the visual representative of the girl group because of her good looks, but now it seems that they intend to keep Chen Silu for themselves.

Now, everything makes sense.

"Didn't you sign your contract with Tianxi Media?" Zhang Wen asked.

"The assistant director said that as long as I agree, they will talk to Tianxi Media right now, and can even help me pay the penalty for breach of contract..."

"What if the company refuses, or demands an exorbitant penalty for breach of contract?"

"The assistant director said that if we can't reach an agreement on the artist's contract, we'll discuss it with the company and have them sign an artist contract with me. All my future entertainment income will have to go to Tianxi Media. Once my contract with Tianxi Media expires, we'll sign an artist contract with them."

Zhang Wen understood. The performance contract that the assistant director mentioned was equivalent to renting Chen Silu from Tianxi Media, changing the money-sharing from two parties to three parties.

"What are your thoughts?" Zhang Wen asked.

This is a major life event, concerning the future, and he still wants to hear the person involved's thoughts.

"Teacher, I... I don't know." Chen Silu hesitated for a moment, then said, "At first, I was very happy when I heard that the assistant director wanted to sign me, but I was worried that signing this contract would affect my career development."

“Super Trainee is currently very popular. If you can become a member of the girl group, you will definitely receive a lot of attention in the future,” Zhang Wen reminded.

“I know that, but once I sign the contract with them, it means I will have to listen to their arrangements and lose my autonomy,” Chen Silu said worriedly.

"You have to give to receive. There are no perfect deals. They want to sign you because they value you. Why would they sign you if they didn't squeeze every last drop out of you?" Zhang Wen said.

"Teacher Zhang, do you mean you want me to agree to the assistant director's request?" Chen Silu asked.

"No, I'm just stating the facts so you won't regret it."

Zhang Wen looked at Chen Silu and said, "What is your purpose in participating in this program? To become a member of the final girl group. But now, facing an opportunity that is within your grasp, you hesitate, which shows that you are still very resistant to it."

"..."

Chen Silu bit her lip lightly. This was the first time she had encountered such a situation. At the crossroads of her career, she was at a loss as to what to choose, fearing that one wrong step would ruin her acting career.

In the entertainment industry, how many artists have had their careers ruined due to contract issues?

"If you ask me, stop worrying about it here. Go directly to the program producers and tell them your thoughts. If they respect your career plans, you can sign the contract. If they just see you as a money-making tool, then refuse. The choice is still in your hands. No matter what the outcome, I, your teacher, will always be your strongest support."

Zhang Wen patted Chen Silu on the shoulder.

For such a major life event, he can only offer his advice; he cannot make the choice for the other person.

He was the other party's trainer, not someone who could read their mind. He didn't know, and couldn't guess, what the other party was really thinking.

As a teacher, all he can do is provide a safety net for the other party.

Chen Silu carefully considered what Teacher Zhang had said. Gradually, the confusion and entanglement in her eyes began to dissipate, replaced by determination.

She understood; what Teacher Zhang meant was: one must take control of one's own destiny.

"Teacher Zhang, I'll go find that assistant director right now," Chen Silu said.

"Yes, gold shines wherever it is. You're so talented, even if you can't become a member of a girl group, you'll still be able to forge your own path in the entertainment industry," Zhang Wen encouraged.

"Thank you, teacher." Chen Silu finally smiled and then hurriedly walked into the studio.

Zhang Wen thought for a moment, then took out his phone from his pocket and sent a WeChat message to Zhao Tong.

Have any staff members from the production crew contacted you privately?

Trainees are not allowed to bring their phones during the show's recording, but since it's lunch break now, they can take their phones back to check messages.

So soon, Zhang Wen received a reply from Zhao Tong via WeChat.

"no"

"It's alright. Do your best this afternoon. I have high hopes for you." Zhang Wen sent Zhao Tong another WeChat message to encourage her.

"I will," Zhao Tong replied with three words and a fist emoji.

After reading the WeChat message, Zhang Wen put his phone away.

If the assistant director didn't contact Zhao Tong, he probably didn't contact Zhang Jiajia, Cheng Sisi, or Su Jin either.

Zhang Wen turned to look at the studio behind him, narrowed his glasses slightly, and a smile appeared on his face.

He really wanted to see what it would be like to see the girl group formed by Zhao Tong and others face off against the girl group formed at the end of "Super Trainee".

It's still uncertain who the final winner will be.

……

(End of this chapter)