After offending capital, my songs became more and more popular.

Chapter 200: Borrowing Another Five Hundred Years from Heaven

"Who? Teacher Shen Ming'en?"

The production team of "Sound Journey" is the same team behind a previous hit variety show. However, the show lost popularity as many of its original members left. As a result, director Zhao Tian had no choice but to bring together a group of top stars and create a music variety show with a travel theme, imitating the popular original music trend of the past two years.

These days, every industry is into following trends, and the hottest trendsetter recently is naturally Shen Ming'en, who is the "spokesperson for patriotic songs".

The mainstream, traditional culture, and ethnic style that he popularized have been very popular, so naturally, Zhao Tian followed suit to some extent in each episode's recording in order to gain popularity...

Mainstream songs and revolutionary songs are not something that ordinary people dare to record. Zhao Tian is a rather sleazy person, so he only did a little bit of the "promoting national culture" style.

The invited guests were quite interesting; they were mostly either knowledgeable in traditional Chinese culture or came from ethnic minorities...

Unable to invite Shen Ming'en, they simply invited Yao Shuli instead.

Although Zhao Tian also hoped that Shen Ming'en might "guest star" because of Yao Shuli's connection, Shen Ming'en had offended too many people, making him a hot potato. Even if he dared to come, they might not dare to accept him...

To Zhao Tian's utter surprise, Shen Ming'en suddenly appeared on their show today.

That's a bit exaggerated, a bit outrageous...

"What's he doing here?" Upon receiving the news, Zhao Tian scratched his head and asked somewhat guiltily.

Why do I feel guilty?
Because their production team has indeed been "targeting" Yao Shuli in the recent episodes...

It wasn't that they were targeting Yao Shuli; it was mainly that Yao Shuli was getting too close to Shen Mingen, and Shen Mingen's relationship with those industry giants had become so strained...

To put it bluntly, they just wanted to use Yao Shuli to give Shen Ming'en a warning.

"I don't know..." The staff member scratched his head and replied, "He's right outside the door. He looks like he's here to visit the set and come over in advance to let our production team know."

Zhao Tian narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, but remained silent...

To be honest, regardless of whether Shen Mingen came to visit the set or what, as long as he came in advance to let the production team know, it would be considered as giving the production team face.

Shen Ming'en is currently enjoying immense popularity in the Chinese entertainment industry, ranking among the top stars. His numerous high-quality patriotic songs have contributed to his widespread fame, and he reportedly also has connections within the government...

With such a popular, high-profile, and influential artist, the production team couldn't possibly refuse such a gesture of respect by coming ahead to greet them.
“Let’s go,” Zhao Tian said as he stood up, took off his headset, and walked out, “Let’s go meet this Teacher Ming’en.”

Because the recording is done on the move, the "Music Journey" production team doesn't have the same lounges and reception rooms as "Chinese Music Center." However, to show hospitality, the staff still took Shen Ming'en to a nearby guesthouse.

The guesthouse has a small courtyard for guests to rest. The courtyard is planted with many flowers, which are very beautiful and colorful. Shen Ming'en sat under the shade of a big tree and soon saw Zhao Tian, ​​the general director of "The Sound of a Thousand Miles", walking over with several staff members.

"Teacher Ming'en, oh my, I've heard so much about you!"

Director Zhao was quite humble, taking the initiative to come over and shake hands with Shen Ming'en.

Shen Mingen did not come to confront them. He knew that those capitalists were targeting him and Yao Shuli as well. As a program producer, there was nothing they could do, so they communicated with them in a relatively friendly manner.

“Teacher A-Li is recording a program right now. How about I tell her during the break and when we switch locations, and then you two can meet up?” Director Zhao said.

He clearly knew that Shen Ming'en was there for Yao Shuli...

“No need,” Shen Ming’en waved his hand and said, “I haven’t told her yet…”

"Oh~" Director Zhao said with a hint of amusement, "Surprised, aren't you?"

The relationship between Shen Mingen and Yao Shuli had actually been exposed online before. Although they had not officially announced it, the gossip of those marketing accounts had already swayed everyone's attention.

Director Zhao clearly knew some "insider information," which is why he kept mentioning Yao Shuli to Shen Ming'en.

Since he casually mentioned Yao Shuli, Shen Ming'en naturally went along with it, saying with a wry smile, "I saw in your program's group assignments that Yao Shuli seems to be sleeping in a tent again tonight. Is there any way to get her out of the tent?"

"Ah...this...haha..."

Director Zhao was clearly surprised that Shen Ming'en would ask such a direct question, and he didn't know how to answer at first, so he tried to cover up his embarrassment with a smile.

Let's not beat around the bush. Since we've come to this topic, Shen Ming'en spoke frankly:
"In your show's 5V5 PK segment where the contestants decide whether to sleep in a hotel or a tent, have you considered adding an 'outsider'?"

"Ah... ah?"

Director Zhao was stunned by what he was said.

As a director of a variety show, he wasn't stupid. Director Zhao was a smart man. After a brief moment of stunned silence, he quickly realized that Shen Ming'en wanted to join in as an "outsider" to help Yao Shuli.

To be honest, under normal circumstances, Shen Ming'en, a top-tier superstar in the Chinese entertainment industry who was at the peak of his popularity and discussion after leaving "Chinese Music Center", would definitely have a show with him appearing or joining the program.

Shen Mingen himself is a walking "traffic magnet"; just look at the shows he's on—which one hasn't become a hit?

Not to mention "Chinese Music Center" and "Peak Singer Challenge", even the food show "Taste of Life" hosted by Teacher Huang, which he only appeared on for one episode, had an absurdly high popularity.

Just say it!
His appearance as a "guest" on one episode must have been incredibly tempting for the directors of these variety shows!
The show "Sound Journey" also features Yao Shuli, and the long-awaited reunion of the "Mingli CP" is sure to generate buzz.

Needless to say, the quality of Shen Mingen's work is top-notch. If he comes to help and produces some high-quality original works, then he might really make the show a hit!

With all these advantages combined, if Shen Mingen comes, it's not impossible for their show to even surpass "Chinese Music Awards".

The problem is, while the benefits are great, the drawbacks are also great!
Everyone knows about Shen Mingen's relationship with those entertainment industry giants.

Their show already has some backers who are at odds with Shen Mingen, so if they invite Shen Mingen to the show, it will definitely displease the higher-ups.

and so……

Although Shen Ming'en's proposal was very "tempting"...

But after a brief silence, Director Zhao shook his head with a wry smile...

Just as I was about to say something tactfully and politely to refuse, Shen Ming'en said another sentence:
"This 'foreign aid' could also be someone who wears a mask and doesn't show their face, keeping the audience a bit of mystery."

As soon as he said that...

Director Zhao was taken aback again. After a brief moment of thought, a strange light actually appeared in his eyes.

Don't tell me... you really shouldn't tell me!

That seems... not entirely impossible.

It goes without saying how distinctive Shen Ming'en's voice is. No matter how many masks he wears or how well he covers himself, almost everyone can recognize him the moment he opens his mouth.

If they don't show their faces and appear on their shows wearing masks, then if those capitalists cause them trouble, they can simply say that they didn't find Shen Ming'en, but someone whose voice sounds very similar to Shen Ming'en's.

Although it's a bit like self-deception and burying one's head in the sand, at least it's something that's been explained to the higher-ups.

Yes, some investors might be unhappy, but frankly, if Shen Ming'en's appearance on the show can increase popularity and exposure, those investors can actually profit from it...

Why not take the free publicity?

That's what he said, but after thinking for a moment, Director Zhao still asked:
“We could… consider it, but wouldn’t you be… feeling too wronged, Professor Ming’en?”

It just doesn't make sense. Shen Mingen is a top-tier celebrity, a superstar at the height of his popularity in the Chinese entertainment industry. Why would he go on a variety show that can't even be called an ace, and prefer to appear without even showing his face?

"What do I have to feel wronged about?" Shen Ming'en asked with a smile. "What does it have to do with me that a mysterious person is joining your show?"

As soon as this statement came out...

Director Zhao finally understood.

After a long pause, he sighed and said, "I wish we could be as carefree as you..."

……

The busy recording continued until a little after 5:30 pm, and the live broadcast was scheduled for 8:30 to 9 pm, so there would be a "break" of nearly three hours in between.

Why are they in quotation marks?
Because although it's called a rest time, in reality, this time is used to prepare works and rehearse. Three hours is enough to keep you busy, not to mention that you also have to eat in between.

"Sister Li," after the recording ended, assistant Luo Luo ran over to Yao Shuli and asked, "The nutritionist asked me to come and ask you what you want to eat tonight?"

After a busy day, Yao Shuli rolled her big, watery eyes, then shook her head dejectedly and said, "Whatever, I'll eat whatever he makes."

They're all made the same way, they all taste good, but they lack flavor...

"Are you feeling unwell?" Luo Luo asked, seeing how tired Yao Shuli looked. "Should I talk to the production team? They can't keep making us stay in tents for several episodes in a row, can they?"

Yao Shuli shook her head helplessly: "The draw is random, and it has already been announced online, so there's no way to change it."

"What do you mean 'random'..." Lolo gritted her teeth in anger: "They clearly interfered, and they have the nerve to call it random!"

Luo Luo was still angry about this but couldn't express it...

In fact, they all knew very well that the main reason they were being targeted wherever they went during this period was because of Shen Mingen.

But actually, Shen Mingen didn't do anything wrong. Shen Mingen was very good to Yao Shuli, and she just felt sorry for Yao Shuli.

It's worth mentioning that while the two were chatting, a female celebrity in a pink dress skipped over and called out with a smile, "Sister Li, I have a question about the song I'm going to perform tonight..."

The person who came was named Wei Yu, one of the five guests on Yao Shuli's side of the performance tonight.

Like Furongyuan, she is a "high-achieving overseas returnee" who graduated from Berkeley College. Her reputation is quite impressive, but to be honest, she came to "Music Journey" just to gain prestige, because in terms of both her works and singing skills, she can only be described as "terrible".

After five or six episodes of the show "Music Journey," she not only loses to everyone she faces, but she also has the nerve to come here tonight seeking "guidance" from Yao Shuli...

Luo Luo, who was standing to the side, wanted to say, "What Berkeley couldn't teach you, how could our Ali teach you?"
Despite the complaints, not everyone in this world can be as open and unreserved as Shen Ming'en in rejecting others. So, after a brief hesitation, Yao Shuli could only force a smile.

What made Yao Shuli feel extremely helpless was...

Wei Yu came, and the other three also came.

It's like taking advantage of Yao Shuli's temper to bully her...

Yao Shuli and her assistant were completely at a loss for words.

And now the nature of this matter has fucking changed again...

That is because time was already very tight. Yao Shuli hadn't even finished her own work for rehearsal yet. After helping others, by the time it was her turn, there was no time to finish her own work.

She only rehearsed half of the dress rehearsal!
Ironically, Kong Ze, the veteran pop star from the "opposite camp," was actually playing the good guy at that moment, coming over to express goodwill and asking Yao Shuli, "Shuli, do you need any help?"

He treated Yao Shuli quite well; in fact, he had been intentionally getting closer to Yao Shuli since the start of the show.

Although he was almost as old as Yao Shuli's father, it did not diminish his interest in Yao Shuli, who had an excellent appearance, figure, and temperament.

Unfortunately, Yao Shuli had no interest in him whatsoever and always coldly rejected him.

This infuriated Kong Ze. He had originally planned to go easy on her tonight and not let her stay in the tent...

However, Yao Shuli's attitude made him give up the idea.

"With your attitude..." Kong Ze thought to himself, "You might as well live in a tent for the rest of your life! You don't know what's good for you!"

Shen Ming'en, who came to "visit the set," stood by and watched these scenes firsthand.

At that moment, Shen Ming'en's gaze towards that pop star named Kong Ze gradually revealed a hint of "unfriendly"ness.

Tonight's events are destined to be extraordinary because of Shen Ming'en's involvement.

And tonight, he has prepared not only "Serving the Country with Utmost Loyalty"...

There's also a song called "Borrowing Five Hundred Years from Heaven"!
……

(End of this chapter)