How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 276 Mixing Public and Private Funds? (2-in-1)

The red carpet has always been a fiercely contested arena in the entertainment industry.

Because it is the convergence point of four core interests: exposure, resources, image, and status. In the world of fame and fortune where exposure equals vitality, a second of footage on the red carpet is worth millions in publicity expenses.

The higher the caliber of the ceremony's red carpet, the higher its value.

The red carpet culture originated from the sacred color of 'red = inviolability' in ancient Greek culture, symbolizing privilege and belonging exclusively to royalty and nobility.

In 1902, the New York Central Railroad laid out a red carpet in its first-class cabins, transforming them from a symbol of privilege to a symbol of prestige, and from a symbol of courtly aristocracy to a symbol of commoners.

The 1940 Oscars red carpet show was a watershed moment, completely binding red carpet culture with cultural and entertainment media values, while the Cannes Film Festival gave red carpet culture international communication significance.

Major red carpet events have become rare "arenas" for multi-dimensional communication competition involving culture, commerce, and entertainment.

Therefore, how to stand out on the red carpet is the key that major agencies, commercial brands and celebrities rack their brains to plan.

So basically every year they come up with a lot of new tricks. The most basic is to grab attention with exaggerated dresses, and some even go so far as to not wear them at all. The next level is to use interviews or feuds to sell products. The most advanced level is to expose incidents.

In 1953, 18-year-old French actress Brigitte Bardot caused a sensation by wearing a bikini to Cannes. From then on, she broke away from the traditional formal attire of the red carpet, rushed towards the direction of personal expression, and at the same time promoted the fashion of freedom of dress.

In 1975, socialite and nightclub queen Bianca Jagger rode a motorcycle onto the red carpet, directly contributing to the global popularity of rock and roll, hippies, and androgynous culture.

Charles and Diana's appearance on the Cannes red carpet in 1987 brought the film industry's influence to its peak.

In 1993, Gong Li walked the red carpet with the cast of "Farewell My Concubine," officially bringing Eastern aesthetics to the world and marking the beginning of a new stage in global aesthetics.

Therefore, every red carpet event is a fashion trendsetter and a shift in the industry/sector landscape; it's not just something to have fun with.

While form and eye-catching appeal are important, the deeper meaning they represent is even more crucial.

Before the internet age, traditional media controlled the discourse on red carpet events, and the public only had the right to passively discuss them. However, after the internet age, online media has given the public more opportunities to participate and even create, so the model should also change.

In 2010, Paris Hilton's fall at the Baselworld officially signaled that red carpet culture would move away from media dominance and break the one-way communication barrier through internet social media platforms, ushering in an era of interactive evaluation.

The incident occurred when Paris Hilton tripped and fell headfirst as she got off her unique pink custom Tesla Roadster at the Baselworld trade fair, scattering her million-dollar Hermès Birkin bag and other personal belongings on the ground.

She owns her own brand of perfumes, Chanel face creams, Estée Lauder eyeshadow palettes, Helena Rubinstein mascara, and a phone case filled with oriental mystique.

This photo first topped the trending search list on MS, analyzing that Paris's fall could have resulted in losses of 'millions of dollars'. The analysis not only listed the scattered personal belongings but also specifically discussed the brand of the phone case.

Ms. has only around ten million users in Europe and America. Although Paris has gained millions of followers through paid promotion, most of the related topics and content are actually just paid promotion and haven't really caused any real sensation.

However, Paris directly shared the news of the 'socialite fall' and the exquisite candid photos on Facebook and Twitter at the same time. She also responded to the fact that the phone case brand that 'everyone' was most concerned about was a collaboration with an Eastern company, which immediately sparked a heated discussion among her fans.

Paris still has hundreds of thousands of genuine fans on Facebook and Twitter, and these fans are basically a die-hard materialistic group. The higher Paris's 'net worth', the stronger their sense of honor.

Fueled by the surge in online discussion, the post quickly sparked a second wave of cross-platform discussion on social media, proving that 'flaunting wealth' is always one of the most controversial topics, no matter where it is.

Besides her materialistic fans, Paris also has a large number of haters, mainly from Kardashian's fans and those who disapprove of Paris's extravagant lifestyle.

In less than an hour, Paris's post on Facebook garnered millions of views. With so many brands being exposed by a single image, any brand with even a modicum of commercial acumen would naturally be quick to promote it.

Maye, who had just become friends with Paris yesterday, immediately forwarded the post to her son, Musk.

Musk immediately saw this as the perfect opportunity for promotion, directly retweeted Paris's post and commented, "The pink Tesla is very charming," and then turned to PayPal's Zack, buying a round of promotion.

With Tesla's initial sponsorship, the topic of Paris Hilton's fall quickly gained traction, and other brands in the photos followed suit, expanding the discussion from the fashion world to the entire social media sphere.

With over ten million views in three hours and firmly holding the top spot on major social media trending lists, the massive and direct level of discussion made the organizers of the Mobile World Congress realize for the first time the scale of social media influence.

The core of Paris's discussions on Twitter and Facebook revolves around the debate on fashion and materialism, but many 'mysterious' replies have emerged under various related popular posts.

“I know an Eastern sorcerer who calculated Paris’s birth chart a month ago and predicted that she would have a turning point in her life today. It was incredibly accurate.”

Soon, these accounts that replied received attention and comments from various users interested in metaphysics, asking who had made the calculations and receiving a link.

Clicking on it redirected to a new platform called MLS, which indeed contained a prediction made a month ago that Paris would become famous, and also analyzed Paris's fate, which aroused the curiosity of many people.

This mysterious account doesn't use elements like astrology/tarot that Western users are familiar with, but rather more mysterious Eastern elements. It even specifically analyzed the phone case that Paris was holding, which was said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars, as a "magic tool" to help her change her luck.

Facebook is a social media platform built on the foundation of familiar social networks. If someone is interested in metaphysics, they will almost immediately share it with the people around them, creating a viral effect.

MLS attracted hundreds of thousands of new users through this traffic drive. MLS’s unique waterfall UI and rich and diverse professional content gave these new users a different user experience.

Moreover, under the topic of "Paris's socialite fall", the first batch of imitators quickly appeared. Using the same structure as Paris's photos, they took similar photos to show off their wealth. Some showed off their designer clothes and jewelry, some showed off their collectibles, and many showed off their anime figurines and photocards.

Images of these imitators were also widely reposted to platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, sparking a second round of discussion. Some astute professional influencers also realized that Paris's socialite fall could become a trend, so they began to imitate it.

Paris fell in the morning. By the time the Barclays dinner ended, the trend of copying and imitating the "socialite fall" had already begun to gain momentum. Paris's influencer friends and followers were scrambling to imitate and discuss it, and these people were themselves lovers of showing off their wealth.

The essence of going online is to show off, especially for the first batch of internet users. As long as they are given a reason to show off, they will not hesitate to participate.

As the best way to show off, the "socialite fall" quickly triggered a cross-circle effect, with imitators no longer limited to the fan base of internet celebrities and socialites, but gradually becoming a celebration for ordinary users.

When Wang Yao took Paris and the others back to the hotel to review the situation, the buzz had already been building for more than 12 hours, with the total number of discussions reaching 2 million.

Paris spent the entire day replying to messages from friends and family, knowing that her staged fall had gone viral, but she never expected it to be this popular, gaining over two million followers on Facebook and Twitter alone.

"Boss, you're a genius!" Paris exclaimed in admiration.

When Wang Yao asked her to cooperate with this marketing campaign, she was somewhat resistant. After all, this kind of falling scene was considered an ugly spectacle, very inelegant and inconsistent with her socialite status.

Originally, it was thought that Wang Yao's approach was a black-and-red route, but unexpectedly, it caused such a sensation.

"Behind the data is a marketing budget of tens of thousands of yuan burning every minute, but fortunately, your partners have helped to cover a lot of it." Wang Yao smiled and shook his head.

In order to promote the "Celebrity Fall" campaign, Wang Yao and Deng Wendi prepared a marketing budget of ten million US dollars, expecting to attract millions of new users to Ms and MLS from Facebook/Tweet.

However, Paris's business partners were very supportive. Wang Yao's budget was only enough to barely break 10 million in popularity, but Paris's partner brands put in a lot of effort behind the scenes, probably helping to buy tens of millions of popularity in total.

The rest depends entirely on natural fermentation and subsequent sponsorships from other major brands.

In the early stages of the internet and social media, netizens around the world were feeling repressed, and the "socialite fall" was a good outlet for their frustrations.

"How are we going to capitalize on this trend?" Fan Bingbing propped her chin up with her hand, staring at Wang Yao with a dazed look in her eyes.

"Go to the bathroom later and film the Women's Aid Association's donations and achievements. I've already prepared the props for you, but remember to also insert the phone case into them," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"I'm showing off my charity? Won't that be too popular?" Fan Bingbing was taken aback.

The "socialite fall" is clearly a hot topic for entertainment now. Would taking it too seriously and ruin the atmosphere, or would it attract negative attention?

“Not only do you have to take the picture, but you also have to tag others to take the picture with you.” Wang Yao patted her face.

Fan Bingbing was confused, but she obeyed and went to find Yang Tianzhen to prepare for filming.

"How come I'm the clown here, but she's the embodiment of justice?" Paris said unhappily upon hearing this.

“A philanthropic persona requires real money donations, at least 30% of your total income each year. Are you interested?” Wang Yao asked with a smile.

"Oh ho, let's leave this good guy to Fan." Paris shut her mouth upon hearing this.

"Your online store is already open on MLS. Are you planning to operate it yourself or have us manage it for you?" Wang Yao asked with a smile.

The "socialite fall" campaign had a good but limited effect on attracting traffic. MLS's true core competitiveness lies in its e-commerce sector. Paris's brand online store can serve as a prime example of a B2B client, attracting a large number of B2B brands or individual e-commerce businesses to join MLS.
"I'll leave the operation to you. By the way, my boyfriend wants to invite you to dinner. What should I say?" Paris said with a smile.

“Sure, I’m free most of the time recently,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

With limited spots available at the Parade, it was naturally impossible for Nana, a relatively unknown idol in Korea, to get one.

However, she was still very grateful that Kim Ji-won was willing to bring her here to broaden her horizons.

While Kim Ji-won went to the Bargo Expo with Wang Yao and the others, Nana was responsible for keeping an eye on news reports from Korea for her.

As the only Korean artist to participate in such a top-tier international event as Baselworld, Kim Ji-won didn't even need to buy any press releases; the national media scrambled to report on her, as this was undoubtedly one of the most significant achievements of Korean artists in the international fashion scene.

In the past two years, as K-pop has gained some international recognition, major international brands have also set their sights on the Korean market. This year's popularity of the second-tier luxury market in Korea is a test of this trend.

Last year, actress Shin Min-ah was the first Korean celebrity invited by Chanel, but she only attended the haute couture exhibition held in Shanghai. K-pop representative G-Dragon was only invited to a Chanel private party this year and did not receive an invitation to the Baselworld exhibition.

Previously, those qualified to participate in the Mobile World Congress were all top-tier artists such as Choi Ji-woo, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Sun-ah.

The Koreans didn't care what Kim Ji-won's role was in the event; just knowing the news was enough to send them into a frenzy.

The news of Kim Ji-won's participation in the Mobile World Congress was reported by Dispatch, which quickly sparked heated discussions on Ms. Gossip and topped the Gossip Hot List. Gossipers have always had a good impression of such low-key celebrities, especially since Kim Ji-won has always maintained a positive image since her debut. This trip was also a "bringing glory to Gossip," which garnered unanimous support and praise.

Fans and netizens have also dug up photos that Kim Ji-won shared on her social media yesterday with international celebrities such as Deng Wendi, Paris, and Fan Bingbing, further cementing her image as the "first daughter of a wealthy Korean socialite."

Some media outlets have even exaggeratedly referred to Kim Ji-won as the "Korean calling card".

Seeing such overwhelming praise and kindness, Nana was greatly shocked and impressed. She never thought that Korean netizens could be so kind, and the high level of popularity made her envious.

Kim Ji-won received more attention and discussion at one exhibition than her group did in a year since their debut.

This was the first time Nana (Im Jin-ah) was in a daze; her hard work seemed utterly insignificant in the face of opportunity.

Her teammates also sent various inquiries, all asking about Kim Ji-won's activities, and their expressions of envy also had a great impact on her.

Especially the encouragement from her teammate Kim Yoo-jin made her feel a bit complicated. Logically speaking, their group was already considered Wang Yao's 'private group'. Nana was also a talent personally selected by Wang Yao at the time. The treatment that Kim Ji-won enjoyed, Nana will also enjoy in the future.

But what will be the price?
"Nana, let's go take some photos. Mr. Wang wants us to ride the coattails of the socialite fall." Kim Ji-won's voice interrupted Nana's thoughts.

"Oh! Here she comes." Nana snapped out of her daze and looked at Kim Ji-won, who was dressed in an exquisite gown and looked like a goddess, with a strange glint in her eyes.

The "socialite fall" phenomenon has spread like wildfire overseas.

However, in China, following the hot topic of Tianhuo-affiliated artists outshining the Barcelona exhibition, the trending topic of Goryeo's application for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Suzhou/Hunan embroidery quickly took over, sparking nationwide discussion.

Domestic brands have become a core part of the market in the US, and any factor related to China will spark discussion, let alone topics like Korea's application for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Guided by marketing accounts, netizens first condemned the Koreans for their shamelessness, and then were passively educated about Yunshang's support and application of traditional craftsmanship, as well as several professional designer accounts that dissected in detail the elements of the dresses worn by Zhang Meng and others at the Barcelona International Fashion Fair.

This pushed MS's daily active user popularity to a new high, with searches for intangible cultural heritage-related keywords increasing hundreds of times, and sales of Yunshang's related traditional Chinese style products also reaching new highs.

On the surface, the discussion revolves around Zhang Meng and others. Under this grand narrative of "Chinese aesthetics amazing the West," netizens naturally resonate with a sense of pride and shower each other with praise.

This opportunity to boost national popularity and goodwill has been the envy of the entire Chinese-speaking world. Many influential A-list artists have begun to put pressure on their management companies, demanding that they at least secure such international red carpet opportunities next year.

Skyfire Entertainment's status is rapidly surpassing that of established companies like Huayi Brothers and Bona, creating a chain reaction across the entire entertainment industry.

Entertainment gossip reporters have discovered a new hot topic and started exploiting Zhang Meng and others, comparing and contrasting their current resources and social circles with those of the past.

The one with the greatest impact was naturally Reba, who was promoted alongside "Sister Flower" as part of the "Twin Lotus of Northern Xinjiang" campaign.

Gulnazar debuted successfully with "22" and was even rumored to be a contender for the Best New Supporting Actress award. Meanwhile, Dilraba, who started out similarly, has no notable works besides variety shows, and was even excluded from this year's fashion show, naturally creating controversy. Not only have entertainment gossips been relentless in their pursuit of her, but those around her have also subtly added fuel to the fire.

Like Gulnazar and Zhang Tianai, Dilraba has not debuted yet, but she has already gained popularity through variety shows and formed a small circle at school. She is not good at socializing by nature, but due to the influence of her people-pleasing personality, she finds it difficult to refuse other people's kindness.

Even if she can distinguish between good intentions and bad intentions.

After the start of the semester, in addition to a few fellow villagers, she also made a new friend, Zhong Chuxi. Although the two were not on the same campus, Zhong Chuxi would go to play with Reba as soon as school was over, and they became close friends with each other through excessive enthusiasm.

Dilraba works as a one-day store manager at the Mixue store across from the school, and Zhong Chuxi also got a part-time job and many fans.

This month, the position of shop manager for the Shanghai campus belle was taken by senior student Jiang Ruijia. Dilraba also had more time to go to the Kaixin Mahua Theater to learn and observe, and Zhong Chuxi also stayed with her.

"Wow, Nazha's outfit is so beautiful!" Zhong Chuxi exclaimed, holding her tablet.

“Right? This outfit also comes with a small fan, which she and I designed together.” Dilraba smiled and her eyes crinkled at his words.

"Ba Zhan, I wonder if I'll ever have the chance to participate in this lifetime." Zhong Chuxi sighed, then changed the subject: "But Baba, you should be able to participate next time, right? I really envy you guys."

"How could I possibly participate? Naza and the others are representing the brand's owners this time; I'm just a signed model," Dilraba said with a smile, shaking her head.

"I remember you and Nazha joined around the same time, right?" Zhong Chuxi asked, puzzled.

"No, I've only been here for three or four months." Dilraba's smile was a little awkward.

"Oh, I see. Missing the initial stage definitely makes a big difference. Sigh, I now regret not accepting Sister Ni Ni's invitation directly during the art exam." Zhong Chuxi sighed.

When Wang Yao went to Shanghai to work in the entertainment industry, Ni Ni invited Zhong Chuxi, but at the time she felt that there was no need to find a management company before going to school. Moreover, Tianhuo was just a little-known modeling company at the time. Who would have thought that it would develop to such a scale in less than a year?

If I had joined back then, I would have been a key member based on my qualifications. I really regret it now.

Moreover, if I were to join now, I probably wouldn't get any particularly good treatment. After all, at least ten senior students from Shanghai have already signed with Tianhuo, and I've heard that all the senior students from Aigong have been snapped up.

“It’s not too late for you to join now. Our company is always hiring, and ‘Dance Through the Ages’ is still being filmed. You’re such a good dancer, you might be able to get a cameo role,” Dilraba said with a smile.

"We refused back then, it would be so awkward to keep trying now," Zhong Chuxi said with an embarrassed smile.

"This..." Reba scratched her head, feeling that Zhong Chuxi's statements were somewhat contradictory.

"Baba, I have a personal question for you." Zhong Chuxi suddenly lowered her voice.

"Huh?" Dilraba was taken aback.

"Have you ever envied Gulnazar for having such good resources?" Zhong Chuxi whispered.

“What’s there to envy? Resources are selective; you only get what’s right for you. Besides, our company is all about fair competition.” Dilraba frowned slightly.

“That being said, relationships always have varying degrees of closeness and distance. You see, you and Gulnazar are actually about the same in looks, and your acting skills are better than hers, but the role in ‘22’ went to her,” Zhong Chuxi said.

“Chu Xi, I hadn’t joined the company when ‘22’ was first launched. Also, Gulnazar is my sister, and I don’t allow anyone around me to gossip about her, especially my friends.” Dilraba’s original innocent smile disappeared, and her soft voice became low and cold.

His usually gentle features and expression had suddenly become somewhat cold and intimidating.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Zhong Chuxi apologized instinctively.

"It's okay, but this won't happen again." Dilraba's smile returned to its innocent and harmless state.

Zhong Chuxi swallowed hard, still feeling a lingering fear.

"I'm going to find Sister Lei. Are you going to wait for me or go back first?" Reba asked softly.

"Oh, is it late? I have a study session tonight, should I go first?" Zhong Chuxi said with an awkward smile.

"Okay." Dilraba smiled as usual and saw her into the taxi. After watching her leave, her expression turned gloomy. She looked up at the twilight and pondered to herself.

It must be noon in Paris now.

"People are attending Fashion Week in Paris in all their glory, surrounded by international celebrities, superstars, and supermodels, while you're here like an old country bumpkin, struggling to build a house for your cat. I really don't know what you're thinking."

Zhang Liangying looked at Liu Yifei, who was dressed in sun protection clothing and a sun hat, carrying a small hammer and looking like a construction site laborer, and said speechlessly.

“What does it have to do with me that other people are exhibiting? Building houses is part of my job.” Liu Yifei adjusted her head-mounted camera.

“Shouldn’t your job be filming? Why did you take on a civil engineering project for your next project, to experience life?” Zhang Liangying rolled her eyes.

Liu Yifei was on vacation after finishing filming "A Chinese Ghost Story". She was invited to film "A Girl Who Loves Cats". Zhang Liangying initially disliked going out because of the hot weather, but when she learned that the filming location was actually Tianhuo's lair, and inside Wang Yao's villa, her curiosity was immediately piqued.

On one hand, she was gossiping about her best friend's rumored relationship with Wang Yao, and on the other hand, she wanted to see if she could get to know Wang Yao. MS is now the largest music + social media platform in China, which is also attractive to singers like them. Recently, many online singers have emerged and released digital albums through the MS platform, which is clearly a new distribution channel in the music industry.

The physical album market has been sluggish in recent years, and albums alone are not enough to support the company. So recently, her boyfriend and boss has been trying to help her transition to film and television OSTs and other fields.

Skyfire recently released a talent show trailer for 'Genesis 101', with Jane Zhang wanting to get a mentor position to test the waters of the variety show market.

She was hoping Liu Yifei could help introduce her to someone, but as soon as she arrived, she heard that Liu Yifei had flown to Paris to see an exhibition. It turned out that her best friend Liu Yifei wasn't there to meet her lover, but to actually be a laborer.

Really speechless.

"Why are you talking so much nonsense? Come and help me with the work." Liu Yifei glared at her.

"Tsk, Mr. Wang's house is quite nice. Have you slept in it?" Zhang Liangying asked curiously.

"Get out!" Liu Yifei snapped angrily.

"I heard he bought this whole neighborhood to use as staff dormitories. Zhao Liying and the others live here?" Zhang Liangying said dismissively.

"Yeah, all the houses in this area belong to him. He even said last time that he was thinking of taking over the whole development. I wonder if he succeeded." Liu Yifei swung the hammer.

"Tsk tsk tsk, so rich, is she building a harem?" Zhang Liangying smirked lewdly.

"Are you going to work or not? If not, go back home," Liu Yifei yelled.

"Look at you, so anxious. Is it because you're thinking about him leading a whole bunch of people? I'll help you move the planks." Zhang Liangying was about to tease her a bit more, but she immediately cowered when she met Liu Yifei's fierce gaze.

If you keep making a fuss, I'll lose my temper.

"Huh? Is that Xixi?" Qin Lan's voice came from outside the courtyard.

“Oh, it’s me, Sister Qin Lan.” Liu Yifei straightened up and looked at Qin Lan with two unfamiliar girls outside the fence.

"Mr. Wang just asked me to give you a key. You can go inside and rest if you're tired," Qin Lan said with a smile and a wave.

Just as Liu Yifei was about to refuse, Zhang Liangying took it first and said affectionately with a smile, "Thank you, Sister Lan. Is it convenient for Mr. Wang to come into his home?"

"You are Zhang Liangying? I'm a fan of yours, please sign an autograph for me later." Qin Lan smiled and said, "President Wang's house is on the top floor, which is inaccessible. The rest are our offices where we usually hold meetings and take photos."

"Wow? Using public and private funds interchangeably?" Zhang Liangying raised an eyebrow.

The contract flashed through Liu Yifei's mind, and she pursed her lips.

It's one thing for people to use public and private property interchangeably, but it's the same with houses.

"Haha, you can't say things like that. You guys are busy, I'll go make you some tea." Qin Lan chuckled and led the few girls behind her who were excited to see Liu Yifei into the villa.

"Stop working, let's go for a look around and enjoy the air conditioning." Zhang Liangying threw down the hammer in her hand and pulled Liu Yifei into the villa.

"Don't you have any sense? They need to have a meeting." Liu Yifei rolled her eyes.

“You’re the one who can’t read the room. Qin Lan is clearly hinting that we should go in and help her out,” Zhang Liangying laughed.

"?" Liu Yifei asked, puzzled, but still followed Zhang Liangying into the villa with some curiosity.

"Want some watermelon? This is all we have." Qin Lan seemed to have anticipated that they would follow them in.

"No need to trouble yourself, we'll just enjoy the air conditioning for a while, it's too sunny, don't worry about bothering us," Zhang Liangying said with a smile.

"Of course not. These are all newcomers who will soon participate in the 'Genesis 101' talent show. I'll just explain the process to them. It's nothing." Qin Lan busied herself familiarly in the kitchen.

Liu Yifei curiously looked around at the villa's decor, feeling that the style was quite similar to Wang Yao's, a bit minimalist.

"Hello, senior Liu Yifei, I am Deng Ziqi."

"Hello, senior, I am Wen Yufei."

The two girls spoke somewhat reservedly, their Mandarin heavily accented with Hong Kong and Taiwan dialects.

"Oh, hello everyone." Liu Yifei smiled gently.

"Gloria Tang? That super newcomer from Hong Kong?" Jane Zhang's surprised voice came from behind.

"Hello, senior, I'm also one of your fans," Deng Ziqi greeted shyly.

"Wow? This variety show is too exaggerated, you even invited her?" Zhang Liangying exclaimed in surprise.

G.E.M. has been a well-known newcomer in the Hong Kong music scene for the past two years. She debuted with the halo of a little diva and has some fame in mainland China.

"For her sake, President Wang directly acquired the entire company. She's the pillar of our company's music division and the future lead singer of Produce 101," Qin Lan said with a smile.

"Wow, that's really amazing! Who can be her judge?" Zhang Liangying laughed.

“I’m also troubled. President Ji invited Gu Jiahui and senior Luo Wen in Hong Kong. Tianhuo’s connections in the mainland music circle are very average. President Wang wanted to invite Wang Fei or Na Ying, but they haven’t given a reply yet.” Qin Lan brought up a fruit platter.

Zhang Liangying's smile froze upon hearing these names; she knew that getting a mentor spot was impossible.

"This little girl is very pretty, she must be an actress, right?" Liu Yifei sized up another woman, Wen Yufei.

"Yes, she's an actress from a Taiwanese idol drama." Qin Lan smiled.

"This group has members from three different locations?" Zhang Liangying raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Yes, it’s an international team.” Qin Lan nodded.

"The show is sure to be amazing, maybe it'll even surpass the Super Girl ratings," Zhang Liangying said, squinting her eyes.

"I wouldn't dare compare," Qin Lan waved her hand, but then a thought suddenly struck her when she saw Zhang Liangying: "Liangying, our program has a celebrity team leader system, do you have time to play around?"

"Huh?" Zhang Liangying was taken aback.

Is it an idol group or a tour group? Why is there a supervisor?

"The competition format of this variety show is quite interesting. The 108 contestants are divided into 18 teams in the first few episodes, with 6 celebrity team leaders, each leading 3 teams. Then, as the competition progresses, teams are gradually eliminated through competition. The 3 mentors only provide commentary, and the team leaders have more screen time than the mentors," Qin Lan explained.

Zhang Liangying has sufficient singing skills and a high status. Moreover, as a former contestant on the Super Girl talent show, she naturally brings a group of viewers and topics of controversy. The main reason is that Zhang Liangying is not affiliated with Mango Entertainment, so she can participate in this kind of talent show. She can also use this to create hype by comparing her to popular figures like Li Yuchun and Zhou Bichang.

This allows us to achieve what Wang Yao described: multiple ways to cook one fish!

(End of this chapter)