Unboxing, Director!

Chapter 154: A Break for American Fans
After meeting the boss and briefly going over the script, we started the show.

"Welcome to NY ADS 103.7! Today we finally have the Chinese singer you've all been waiting for, the composer of 'You Are Beautiful'—Lu Jiang! Lu Jiang, how's your first time in Los Angeles?"

Lu Jiang: "Thank you, Arthur! It's been amazing to be here. The music scene in New York is legendary; I've always dreamed of experiencing it. The energy here is incredible!"

Although he arrived here immediately after getting off the plane, Lu Jiang had no time to observe the Americans and New York.

But being able to lie without batting an eye is a basic quality of a mature artist.

Arthur was aware of Lu Jiang's situation, so the topic was only briefly discussed before being moved on.

Next, we'll discuss some interactions involving Lu Jiang himself.

Arthur: "Lu, I heard you're a top-tier singer in Asia, with album sales exceeding 100 million. Is that true?"

Lu Jiang: "If we only consider the genuine copies, there are only about ten million copies at present. If we add the pirated copies, it may be one hundred million. The Asian piracy market is too big. For every genuine copy sold, about eight or nine pirated copies have already been sold."

"Wow! Ten million, that's a remarkable achievement."

This section showcases Lu Jiang's past achievements.

But perhaps due to Arthur's abilities, the whole process seemed somewhat dull.

A great host also needs to be able to lie.

An excellent host is one who can make a fictional event engaging and entertaining without being exposed, while also creating a good show and satisfying both the audience and guests.

Arthur was clearly far inferior.

However, this is understandable, given the strength of ADS radio station.

If the platform is mediocre, the host will naturally be mediocre as well.

You can't expect local TV hosts to be as good as CCTV hosts.

However, the fact that such a high-level platform was Lu Jiang's first announcement upon arriving in the US was actually quite favorable for him.

During the adaptation phase, it's definitely not suitable to suddenly increase the intensity.

In addition, with the popularity of "You" here, Lu Jiang's appearance on the show here will naturally attract many North American fans, and people will be more tolerant, so it won't be a big problem even if Lu Jiang's performance is average.

So, seeing that the show was proceeding smoothly and in a conventional manner, Zhou Jianhui and the others watching from outside not only didn't feel there was anything wrong, but actually breathed a sigh of relief.

The interaction continued, and the topic then shifted to a more specialized area.

After chatting for a while about music arrangement and related topics, Arthur asked about the controversy surrounding the lyrics:
“In the song ‘You,’ there’s a lyric that goes ‘She could see from my face that I was flying high.’ There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the word ‘flying high.’ Some people think it’s about drugs, while others think it’s a sexual innuendo. Lu, as the author, can you give a proper interpretation?”

Lu Jiang breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The original version of this lyric wasn't "flying high," it was "fucking high!"

Even more explicit and violent.

More controversial.

If the original version were used, it would likely face a lot of criticism, including from mainland media.

Even though it's been changed now, there's still controversy in the US?

After thinking for a moment, Lu Jiang simply explained in Chinese: "My original intention was very simple, just to translate the Chinese idiom '飘飘欲仙' (piāo pāo yù xiān) into English. There was no intention of drug use or sexual innuendo."

What is the original Chinese meaning?

"I was so happy I felt like I was flying, like a god soaring into the sky."

“So that’s how it is”

Arthur sighed for a moment, then prepared to move on to the next topic.

But Lu Jiang really couldn't take it anymore.

This is so incredibly boring.

It had absolutely no entertainment value.

How many listeners can we expect if we do it this way?

Lu Jiang decided that even if it wasn't for the radio station owner's treasure chest, he still had to do something worthwhile.

Otherwise it would be too boring!
And indeed, that's exactly what he thought.

Because of the singer of "You," the number of listeners to the program today is many times greater than usual.

But by this time, many people had already started yawning, and quite a few were even preparing to turn off the radio and go to sleep.

It's a midnight program, and the show doesn't have much to offer, so it's naturally not easy to retain viewers.

Many people at rival radio stations were in a good mood.

After the "Midnight Love" misplay incident, ADS radio station's listenership ranked among the top ten in New York for a period of time.

However, the radio station itself was only of average quality, so after the hype died down, ADS quickly returned to its original bottom position.

I thought that after ADS announced Lu Jiang's appearance on the show a few days ago, ADS would make various adjustments in order to take advantage of this popularity and make some progress.

The result was the same as always.

You can't even handle an overwhelming fortune; you deserve to fail!
However, everyone understands that John, the owner of ADS, is not primarily involved in radio, and he is already quite satisfied that the radio station is not losing money.

It's just a pity that this wave of traffic was wasted.

If only "You" had become a hit on my own radio station back then.

If that's the case, with Lu Jiang here today, they're sure to make tonight's show the number one listener in New York!

Amidst this gloating, Lu Jiang, the usually reserved Chinese singer on the radio, suddenly changed his speaking style.

After a short commercial break, Arthur continued the conversation.

Just as he was about to speak, Lu Jiang interrupted, "Arthur, do you usually watch superhero movies?"

Arthur: ? ? ?
The audience was also: ???
Unlike Arthur's panic and confusion, many listeners were now quite interested.

Is it finally going to be a different kind of Q&A?

Arthur in the studio didn't answer immediately, but looked outside.

After his initial confusion, director Allen has now realized what was going on and nodded to indicate that they should continue.

Lu Jiang gave him a reassuring look.

Arthur then replied, "Yes, I often watch where I'm going. Why did you ask that?"

Lu Jiang smiled and looked at Arthur.

The "Eye Technique Domain" of the Golden Finger is activated.

Lu Jiang: "Because I've always been curious about one thing."

Arthur was a little confused, but after exchanging a glance with Lu Jiang, he gradually got into the zone: "What's the problem?"

"Before I ask, I'd like to confirm, Arthur, that as the host, you have an obligation to answer my questions on behalf of all the American people, right?"

"Wait a minute, this script isn't right. I'm the host, how did it become you asking me?"

Arthur is fully in the zone.

At this moment, many listeners' eyes lit up.

The radio guest surprisingly took the lead.

So funny!

Without thinking too much, Lu Jiang asked, "Don't worry about that for now, answer my question first."

"Fine, ask away. If I can answer, I'll tell you. If not, I'll let the audience answer you!"

"Okay, shall we begin?"

"bring it on!"

Lu Jiang cleared his throat: "Listeners, now we're moving on to the 'American Culture Quiz' segment! Arthur, you can answer on your own, or you can seek help from outside the studio."

"Okay, I understand. Now, give me the question."

"The first question is about Batman and Spider-Man. Please listen to the question!"

At this moment, most of the listeners' eyes lit up.

The first thing that comes to everyone's mind is: "Who Can Become a Millionaire!"
In the US right now, quiz shows like "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" are incredibly popular.

Many people want to give it a try.

So now that everyone sees "Midnight Love" suddenly change its style, countless people have already picked up their phones and are ready to participate.

People outside the studio watched with great interest.

Of course, there were some concerns, but when Lu Jiang asked the first question, everyone forgot about their worries and just burst into laughter.

Lu Jiang: "First question, everyone knows Batman lives in Gotham and Spider-Man lives in New York, so please tell me: why do all the superheroes live in the cities with the highest crime rates? (Lowering his voice) Is it because they... signed labor contracts with criminals?"

Arthur was taken aback at first, then burst out laughing.

The Americans outside the studio were equally bursting into laughter.

Zhou Jianhui also laughed heartily.

But the Chinese personnel from CCTV and the Musicians Association who accompanied them were completely bewildered.

Everyone here is quite old.

So after listening to the translation, I didn't understand the joke at first.

However, seeing the situation on the scene, everyone realized that Lu Jiang was just creating a good effect for the show, and the effect seemed to be quite good.
They were right.

At that moment, at least tens of thousands of people in New York burst out laughing.

Aside from the fact that it's a reference to original Marvel heroes.

The main reason is that this question was asked by a foreigner who was visiting the United States for the first time.

People are both proud of the success of American cultural export and amused by the bizarre misunderstandings that have arisen as a result.

It's like when Chinese people first hear foreigners remark that Chinese people are arrogant and overly proud, and when asked why, they find out it's because of the ubiquitous slogans like "Chinese agriculture is great" and "Chinese construction is great."

The jokes themselves aren't actually that important. What's important is that this kind of guest cross-dressing and subverting of established American cultural norms really creates entertaining content.

So when this question was suddenly raised, the radio station's listenership went up immediately, and dozens more listeners called in during a short period of time!

The situation was quickly reported to the boss, John.

John's eyes lit up, and he immediately signaled to Allen to increase the intensity inside!
Arthur in the studio quickly learned of the situation, and he was very excited.

Fortunately, he's now in great shape thanks to Lu Jiang's encouragement, so he's not thinking about anything else and is focused on making the show.

He took a few exaggerated deep breaths, forcibly suppressing his laughter, and then replied seriously, "It seems that's true. I'm going to report this issue to the relevant authorities!"

Lu Jiang: "And while we're at it, let's give Captain America a hand too."

What happened to Captain America?

"That's my second question."

"Questions please!"

"Okay, my second question is: Does Captain America being frozen for 70 years count as a work-related injury?"

Pfft hahaha
The audience and those around them burst into laughter again.
That night, "Midnight Love" was a one-hour program.

The first twenty minutes alone were filled with hilarious questions.

Did Batman, Spider-Man, and the criminals sign employment contracts?

Is Captain America's injury considered a workers' compensation, and how much compensation should he receive according to relevant US laws?

Is Spider-Man living in the attic because he can't afford the rent?

Is the formulaic "prom + cocktail party = plot development, cheerleader = ultimate winner" in American campus movies based on the "nationally unified curriculum" set by the U.S. Department of Education?
A series of unconventional questions not only had listeners in stitches, but also propelled "Midnight Love" to the top spot in the New York area for its time slot!
Arthur laughed so hard his stomach hurt in the studio.

Boss John was overjoyed.

Because his subordinates reported that in just twenty minutes, the number of calls from listeners had exceeded 200, almost on par with the night "You" suddenly became a hit!

This resulted in John Advertising achieving maximum success in his bet.

John knew that Lu Jiang's first attempt at adaptation was bound to be a success beyond expectations!

John couldn't help but look at Lu Jiang with renewed respect.

I thought this Chinese man's trip to North America was just a formality.

The song's popularity this time will most likely be short-lived.

But now it seems hard to say how much this young man will achieve in North America.

Next up is a commercial break.

During this time, Arthur and Lu Jiang quickly adjusted the script.

Arthur is no longer nervous or awkward at all. He now feels like he's superhuman, with an exceptionally sharp mind.

Therefore, the planning of the new script was also a smooth and effortless process, with ideas flowing freely.

So, during the subsequent call-in segment, Arthur regained control, making the whole program very lively.

Lu Jiang followed Arthur's lead, since this was an American who was new to the country and didn't understand many things, and the questions asked by the American people were all kinds of strange.

Among the callers were fans, but also many casual passersby looking for entertainment.

Lu Jiang often couldn't distinguish between malice and goodwill in these situations.

So now there's a local guy named Arthur who's in excellent condition. If you follow him, all your problems will be solved.

Arthur handled the situation with ease, guiding Lu Jiang through various situations with witty remarks and captivating performances, resulting in consistently high listenership.

It was time for the third commercial break.

John, who was outside, learned the data: New York was number one in its time slot!

John happily praised Lu Jiang on camera in a CCTV documentary: "Lu is truly the most talented young man I have ever met!"

At the same time, the green treasure chest on his head turned blue and then fell off!
Lu Jiang expressed his satisfaction, but the treasure chest was not his real purpose.

The real purpose is to seek deeper cooperation.

In the meantime, let's raise his profile among Americans!

So, during the commercial break, Lu Jiang directly asked John, "John, how about premiering my new song here?"

John's eyes lit up: "Of course!"

If you don’t make money, you’re a bastard!
Whether the song is good or not doesn't matter; he runs a radio station, not a record company.

All I need is data!

So we have to agree!

Lu Jiang then added, "If we can still get first place in the initial listening volume, how about we talk about some other collaborations?"

This time John was much more cautious: "You mean the movie?"

He knew that Lu Jiang was also a director.

So the first thing that came to mind was Lu Jiang's purpose.

That's basically because they're after his independent film company.

Lu Jiang did not deny it: "Yes, but don't worry, everything will proceed according to procedure. If you think it's not good after reading the script, I'll accept it."

Now that things have come to this point, how could John possibly refuse?
Anyway, this is just a verbal promise, and it's contingent on being the number one listener.

So when the time comes, he will be the one who gets to eat the fruit first.

If we can actually get a taste of it, then we can discuss it in more detail. Ultimately, it's up to us whether we agree or not.

If you can't eat it, then there's no point in talking about anything else.

In short, you can't lose out in this matter no matter what.

John immediately agreed: "Okay."

Lu Jiang immediately pulled Zhou Jianhui aside for a brief chat.

After an agreement was reached, the program continued.

About ten minutes later, at the very end of the show, Arthur announced something: "At the end of the show, Lu has a surprise for everyone."

Lu Jiang: "I'm very happy to have chatted with so many fans for so long today. To thank all the listeners and fans for their support, I've decided to play the new song for everyone now."

The audience, especially the fans, perked up their ears.

Regardless of whether the song is good or not, it is indeed a pleasant surprise.

Consider it a bonus scene at the end of the show.

Of course, if the song is good, then everyone is really in luck today!
As a result, the listenership, which had already declined somewhat, began to rise again.

The Music Association members naturally expressed their concerns about this matter.

After all, this is a new song release.

Moreover, it was an unexpected situation that was not planned.

It concerns Lu Jiang's career.

How can we be so casual about this?

If the song is good, that's fine.

But what if the song isn't very good?
Amidst such worries, Lu Jiang's new song has already begun to play.

That's the prelude to "Free Loop".

The intro to "Free Loop" is quite interesting.

Using only simple piano triplets, it creates a vivid and memorable moment within 5 seconds, and is described by the music industry as a textbook example of an "earworm".

So as soon as the prelude started, everyone was drawn in.

Countless people have already made up their minds: This must be a great song!

Then the lyrics began to play:

“Im a little used to calling outside your name
I have a habit of shouting your name in public.
I won't see you tonight so I can keep from going insane
If I see you tonight, I might lose control.
But Idon't know enough, I get some kinda lazy day
But I don't understand why time seems to be slowing down.

"

The verses of "Free Loop" are just as captivating as the intro.

So at this moment, countless listeners are completely absorbed in it.

but,
The song ends abruptly after the three verses.

Then Arthur's voice rang out: "It's great, isn't it? But that's all for now. If you want to hear the full version, please continue to follow our program. When Lu releases a new album in the future, we'll be the premiere radio station!"

Lu Jiang: "Yes, I hope the new song can continue to create miracles!"

"OK, thank you for listening to today's 'Midnight Love.' I'm Arthur, see you tomorrow."

At this moment, countless listeners throughout New York and even the surrounding cities were first stunned, and then erupted in various forms of rage.

Fuck you! Can't you just finish playing the song?!
The outside world was in an uproar.

A barrage of phone calls came in.

But John didn't care about any of that anymore.

He laughed heartily at Lu Jiang, his tone filled with deep admiration: "You Chinese really know how to do business!"

Needless to say, if a song of this quality is suddenly interrupted, the listenership will be a breeze when it's released again.

John could already see the advertising sponsorships pouring in!

Lu Jiang smiled and shook hands with him, saying without much preamble, "I look forward to another pleasant collaboration next time."

"certainly."

(End of this chapter)