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

Chapter 294, the grand finale: "An Unforgettable Tonight"

After the Olympics, Shen Ming'en basically had no contact with Liu Yu anymore...

However, this person actually respected Shen Ming'en, after all, Shen Ming'en was not only the gold medalist composer of all three Olympic theme songs, but also took the step of "handing over all copyrights to the country".

The copyrights of the three theme songs from the Olympics—"Beijing Welcomes You," "Thousands of Mountains and Rivers," and "You and Me"—are now basically owned by the Olympic Organizing Committee. Each of these songs alone has a long-term value of several small dollars, yet Shen Ming'en so readily handed them over to the organizing committee. Now, even if he wants to sing them himself, he has to get the organizing committee's permission...

Ask any celebrity in the Chinese entertainment industry if they could pull off something like this.

Based on this incident alone, let alone Liu Yu, even a staff member of the organizing committee at the time, would feel a deep respect for Shen Ming'en.
That's probably why Shen Ming'en answered this person's call relatively easily...

The call connected, and Shen Ming'en said "Hello," followed quickly by Liu Yu's voice on the other end:

"Hey, Teacher Ming'en, how have you been lately?"

The other party was quite polite...

"It's alright, we can manage." Shen Ming'en said modestly.

"puff……"

Liu Yu on the other end of the phone was amused: "You've been living the high life lately. If you can only say that you're managing to get by, then how many people can't even make ends meet?"

Today, Shen Ming'en has the hit variety show "Spark Chapter" and the blockbuster drama "Bright Sword" at his disposal. He is also the core of CCTV's "Silk Road Blossoms" international tour, and he releases one or two hit songs every now and then...

Although he may be slightly less successful than other top celebrities in terms of advertising and endorsements, he is still living a very comfortable life thanks to his popular patriotic works.

To put it bluntly, everyone knows how well he's living!

Shen Ming'en chuckled but didn't say anything...

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two really did have a feeling of "times have changed".

Back when Liu Yu first called Shen Ming'en about soliciting the Olympic theme song, all she said was, "Give him a chance"...

At that time, Shen Ming'en was still thinking about how to avoid being eliminated from the next episode of "Chinese Music Awards" and being blacklisted by those capitalists.

Now, every single one of those capitalists who wanted to blacklist him has been beaten into submission by him.

Now, even Yatalia of the Thunder can "bully others"!

Just imagine how terrifying Shen Mingen's growth has been in less than six months!

Looking at the entire Chinese entertainment industry, he is the most "popular" and also the one who became "popular" the fastest!

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Liu Yu didn't keep anyone in suspense and went straight to the point:

"What are Mr. Ming'en's plans for the end of the year so far?"

Generally speaking, celebrities are busiest at the end of the year...

As the year draws to a close, various TV stations and platforms will hold various galas and events, such as star-studded ceremonies and New Year's Eve galas... there's something for everyone.

This type of gala usually features performances by celebrities.

Such galas typically invite the most popular artists of the day or year.

As someone who has been "hot" from the beginning to the end of the year and is only getting hotter, Shen Ming'en is definitely one of the most frequently invited "darlings" by TV stations and platforms...

However, this is only under "normal circumstances".

It's important to understand that those jobs involving performances at TV stations or online platforms are all considered "celebrity appearances" by Shen Ming'en...

And any "celebrity announcement" must go through the artist's company.

Although Ruixing Entertainment is no longer trying to trip up Shen Ming'en, they suffered heavy losses because of the incident with "Silk Road Blossoms". The relationship between the two parties can now be described as "irreconcilable". Therefore, even if there are some commercial performance activities of the form of galas on the platform or TV station, they will definitely not give them to Shen Ming'en.

But it doesn't matter anymore. Shen Mingen has long since moved beyond the stage of ordinary artists accepting gigs, commercial performances, advertisements, and endorsements. He has "risen to the top in one step" and directly entered the stage of "behind-the-scenes capital".

Therefore, Shen Ming'en gave a wry smile and casually said to Liu Yu, "Don't you know whether I have it or not?"

Let alone Liu Yu, anyone in the Chinese entertainment industry who pays attention to Shen Mingen knows about his current situation.

While other artists are incredibly busy at the end of the year, if Shen Ming'en could finish filming "Sparkling Melody" and "Bright Sword" in the next few months and had no new projects, he might have already found a place to "celebrate the New Year".

So much free time!

"Ha ha……"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu didn't know whether she was gloating or what, but she laughed quite happily anyway.

After a moment, he stated frankly:
"That's perfect! You can now focus on preparing your program for the CCTV Spring Festival Gala."

To be honest, because he had talked about the Spring Festival Gala with Yao Shuli before, Shen Ming'en was somewhat prepared before answering Liu Yu's call, thinking that Liu Yu might be calling to discuss this matter...

But how should I put it...

Even after actually hearing it, it still feels a bit unreal.

First of all, the Spring Festival Gala has probably already passed the "preparation stage," all the artists to be selected have already received invitations, and the program list may even be ready by now. Shen Ming'en felt that the chances of him being approached at this point were slim...

Secondly, Shen Ming'en also felt that those restless capitalists might "sabotage" things...

In short, he personally didn't have high expectations for appearing on the Spring Festival Gala.

But if you say you don't want to go... that's definitely not the case.

Although the Spring Festival Gala has been criticized by many young netizens in recent years due to its mediocre programming, it is still a TV program that every household watches on New Year's Eve...

A large portion of Hajime's fan base consists of middle-aged and elderly people, so if he were to appear on the Spring Festival Gala, it would be very beneficial for him personally, and his middle-aged and elderly fans would certainly be overjoyed.

Therefore, deep down, Shen Ming'en actually had a tiny bit of anticipation...

Unexpectedly, Liu Yu actually called because of this matter.

Shen Ming'en was actually a little confused...

"Can this still be launched now? Didn't the preparation period already pass?"

Liu Yu chuckled softly upon hearing this, then told Shen Ming'en that the preparation period had indeed passed, and Shen Ming'en was indeed no longer eligible. However, an elderly artist who was originally scheduled to perform as the finale suddenly fell ill and was hospitalized, thus creating a vacancy... Shen Ming'en was also curious: "Is this my turn?"

It's not that Shen Ming'en is being self-deprecating, but you have to understand what kind of occasion that was...

Spring Festival Gala!

Countless people with connections and influence would do anything to get in and even show their faces.

Even if it declines, it's still the Spring Festival Gala!
In a society based on personal connections, what does Shen Ming'en's popularity matter in front of those with connections?
Besides, wouldn't those capitalists try to "obstruct" things?
Anyway!

Shen Ming'en still had some doubts about this matter, and he also shared these doubts with Liu Yu.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu couldn't help but burst out laughing, and then said something particularly satisfying: "Then whose background can compare to Teacher Ming'en's!"

Shen Ming'en: "???"

Upon hearing this, Hajime was somewhat puzzled. What kind of background did he have?

If I had any connections, would I have been forced to release one patriotic song after another by those greedy capitalists?
Next, Liu Yu's words answered Shen Ming'en's question...

Liu Yu told Shen Mingen that when the Spring Festival Gala was first being prepared, it was also during the Olympics. At that time, Shen Mingen certainly didn't have any connections. But after the Olympics, his "official connections" became much stronger!

Who is his "backer"?
The Organizing Committee!

To know!
Shen Ming'en unconditionally submitted three highly valuable and significant works to the organizing committee: "Beijing Welcomes You," "Thousands of Mountains and Rivers," and "Me and You."

How could the leaders of the organizing committee not remember this kindness?
Shen Ming'en's works and talent are beyond question...

then!

When the organizing committee had this "finalist" spot open, they immediately thought of Shen Ming'en!

therefore!

The organizing committee members directly submitted a joint letter recommending Shen Ming'en to fill the vacancy of the Spring Festival Gala's "grand finale"!

At first, it was only the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games, but later it seems that the leaders of the "Silk Road Blossoms" troupe also heard the news and casually followed suit with their "support".

The prestige of the IOC goes without saying, and the Silk Road Blooming Flowers Troupe also has connections. Their wonderful performance of Shen Ming'en's "My Chinese Heart" has undoubtedly contributed greatly to the unity of overseas Chinese. How could those people not say a few words in support?
With the "blessing" of both sides...

Even those capitalists, what can they say?!
They wouldn't dare utter a single extra fart!

Well, back to the point...

Shen Ming'en was elected partly because he now has a "background," but mainly because of the "final" position vacated by his senior.

To know!
Regardless of the nature of the performance, "appearing as the finale" is always highly prestigious.

The veteran artist who suddenly fell ill and was hospitalized was a highly respected and virtuous senior artist with a large national reputation. Under normal circumstances, no one would be qualified to take his place.

Even though many people would fight tooth and nail for that "grand finale" spot, and they certainly have connections and influence, the problem is...

Do they even have that "ability"?!
The Spring Festival Gala has already been losing popularity among young viewers in recent years, largely due to its repeated invitations to numerous young male celebrities. Given this context, if the "grand finale" also goes wrong, this year's audience is bound to be outraged…

And this "grand finale" position, perhaps no one else could handle, but for Shen Ming'en...

I doubt anyone would say a bad thing about it!
Without him...

Just because!

Shen Mingen is now the most popular person in the entire Chinese entertainment industry, and his talent has been proven by everyone as a "red song spokesperson"!

In terms of his works, he has dozens of songs in the mainstream style, each a masterpiece, and any one of them could be a hit single with over two or three million collections.

In terms of reputation, he is a patriotic youth who risked his life to sing "The Big Sword Cuts Down the Japanese Devils" at the entrance of a latrine in his humble life!

In terms of star power, ask any of the young male celebrities in the Chinese entertainment industry combined—who dares to say they can rival Shen Ming'en?!
Needless to say, Shen Ming'en has never lacked traffic or popularity.

In addition, there was a joint recommendation from the Organizing Committee and the "Silk Road Blossoms" theater troupe...

Just say it!
Why is Hakim not qualified for this "grand finale" position?!
"Ha ha……"

Liu Yu spoke with such passion and enthusiasm that even Shen Ming'en was amused.

You know what, this story actually sounds like a "feel-good" novel!
Shen Ming'en really enjoyed listening to that!
Liu Yu on the other end of the phone was quite pleased with herself, and Shen Mingen really seemed like a blatant "feel-good male protagonist"!

However, to be fair, the reason Shen Ming'en was jointly recommended by the Olympic Organizing Committee and the Silk Road Blossoms Troupe is simply because of his own good character and integrity!

If the copyrights of the three Olympic theme songs, "Beijing Welcomes You," "Thousands of Mountains and Rivers," and "Me and You," had not been "unconditionally handed over," how could they have won the favor of the Olympic Organizing Committee?
If it weren't for the huge success of the overseas performances of the three works "My Chinese Heart", "Yellow River Cantata: Defend the Yellow River" and "Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots", why would the "Silk Road Blossoms" troupe have gotten involved in this mess?
Ultimately, it wasn't a coincidence; it was all because Shen Ming'en did a good job!

"cough……"

After the laughter subsided, Liu Yu coughed lightly, then said something specifically to Shen Ming'en:
"Mr. Ming'en, well... let's be frank from the start. Although we've secured a spot for you, we still need to see your work first."

Actually, Liu Yu's words were quite subtle...

If Shen Mingen's guess is correct, those rivals in the entertainment industry probably did a lot of "meddling" in his decision to get the "closing performance" at the Spring Festival Gala. They just couldn't stand to see Shen Mingen doing well...

Therefore, it's highly likely that they're the ones causing trouble inside, saying that giving the spot to Shen Ming'en is fine, but they'll have to see if Shen Ming'en's "ability" is up to par.

If the work isn't good enough, then he definitely shouldn't get the spot.

Actually, this is quite funny...

To be honest, even if Shen Ming'en didn't write any new songs, but only sang any of his previous representative works, even if he performed "Me and My Motherland," he could easily hold his own as the "grand finale."

It doesn't matter if it's a new song. When has Shen Ming'en's "talent" not been "recognized" in the Chinese entertainment industry?

Therefore, Shen Ming'en grinned and said, "I'll send you the work later."

How could the Spring Festival Gala not feature "Unforgettable Tonight" as its grand finale?

……

(End of this chapter)