In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Foreign media outlets are buzzing about the album "18", while domestic media are showing unprecedented interest.

The front page of the Beijing Entertainment News reads: "Sunshine Makes History! Two Songs Simultaneously Enter Billboard Top Ten!"

The report stated: "According to the latest Billboard charts, two songs from Sunshine Ming's album '18,' 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' and 'Wild Geese,' have entered the top ten, ranking third and ninth respectively."

This marks the first time in Billboard history that a Chinese-language song has entered the top ten, and it's also the best performance by an Asian artist on Billboard. Industry insiders have remarked that this represents a concentrated explosion of Chinese-language music in North America.

The Southern Metropolis Daily's headline was even more exaggerated: "Sunshine conquers North America! Third on Billboard, a new era for Chinese music!"

The report described it as follows: "This week's Billboard charts became a personal showcase for Sunshine Ming. Two Chinese songs simultaneously entered the top ten, and all five songs entered the top forty, a miracle never before seen in Billboard history. Some music critics say that Sunshine Ming is rewriting the landscape of the North American music market with his songs."

Xinmin Evening News analyzed it from a cultural perspective: "Yang Guangming's success once again proves that good music knows no borders. His singing has a unique Eastern subtlety and deep emotion, which is a universal expression that can resonate with everyone. Reaching third place on the Billboard charts is not only an honor for Yang Guangming personally, but also an important step for Chinese music to go global."

The internet exploded with discussion.

The forum is full of discussions about Billboard rankings.

"Third! Third! Third on the Billboard! Sunshine Mingtai is amazing!"

"Two songs made it into the top ten, what kind of amazing feat is this!"

"What a treasure Yang Guangming is! She makes great movies, sings so well, and now she's conquered North America!"

Zuo Xiaoqing once again became the envy of her classmates at school.

"Xiaoqing, did you see Director Yang's ranking on the bulletin board? He's third!"

"Xiaoqing, is Director Yang going to North America for promotions next?"

"Xiaoqing, could you get me an autograph?"

Zuo Xiaoqing felt a little embarrassed by the question, but secretly pleased.

She called Yang Guangming, her voice full of joy: "Brother Guangming, everyone at our school is talking about your ranking on the bulletin board!"

"Really? What did you say then?"

Zuo Xiaoqing said earnestly, "I would say that you are serious, hardworking, and kind to people."

Gao Yuanyuan also called.

She has already started school, and on the campus of Beijing Film Academy, you can hear people talking about Yang Guangming every day.

"Director Yang, congratulations!" Her voice was full of sincerity. "I saw the news, you're third on Billboard! You're amazing!"

"Yuanyuan, thank you. How's school? Are you adjusting well?" Yang Guangming asked with concern.

“It’s great,” Gao Yuanyuan said. “The courses at Beijing Film Academy are very demanding, but the teachers are all very nice. Sometimes when I’m walking on campus, people recognize me and say they’ve seen my music video.”

"Isn't that a good thing? It means you've become famous."

Gao Yuanyuan said somewhat embarrassedly, "But I'm not used to it. Sometimes when I go to the cafeteria, people stare at me."

Yang Guangming said gently, "You'll get used to it eventually. You're a public figure now, so it's normal for people to recognize you. But don't worry about it too much, just live your life as usual."

"Okay," Gao Yuanyuan replied. "Director Yang, I understand."

Fan Bingbing also called.

She was also admitted to the Beijing Film Academy and became classmates with Gao Yuanyuan, which made her extremely excited.

"Director Yang! I saw the news! Third on Billboard! You're amazing! I admire you so much!"

Yang Guangming was amused by her: "Bingbing, how many times have you said that?"

"I can't say it enough!" Fan Bingbing said confidently. "You're my boss, and if you're great, then I'm great! Now I walk around the school with a swagger, telling everyone I meet, 'Yang Guangming is my boss!'"

Yang Guangming laughed: "Alright, alright, focus on your studies and stop showing off."

"Okay!" Fan Bingbing said with a smile. "Director Yang, when are you going to come visit us at school? Yuanyuan and I miss you."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Let's wait a while. Right now, I'm in too much of a spotlight, and there's always a bunch of reporters waiting outside the school. It'll be quieter if I stay home and study."

……

In a conference room at Warner Music Group headquarters in New York, an emergency meeting about Yang Guangming is underway.

Group President Michael Waters sat in the main seat, holding a newly released Billboard ranking list.

Sitting opposite him was David Thompson, the vice president in charge of the "18" album, along with several heads of marketing and publicity.

“Third place.” Michael pointed to the list. “Third on the Billboard charts for ‘Nights of Ulaanbaatar.’ Can anyone tell me what this means?”

David Thompson cleared his throat: "Michael, this means we've struck gold. A Chinese album, two songs in the Billboard Top 10, five songs in the Top 40. This is a miracle that has never happened before in Billboard history."

Michael nodded. "I know it's a miracle. Now I want to know, what's next?"

Jeffrey, the marketing director, flipped through the documents in his hand: "According to the data we collected, 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' is outstanding in several indicators such as radio airplay and online popularity. If we can give it a push in other areas, it is entirely possible for it to reach number one."

"Number one?" Michael's eyes lit up. "You mean, this song has a chance to reach number one on Billboard?"

Jeffrey nodded: "That's possible. The two songs currently at the top of the charts, one has been at the top for three weeks and its popularity is starting to decline; the other song's popularity is only slightly higher. If we can increase our promotional efforts, we have a real chance to climb up the charts."

Michael paused for a few seconds, then looked at David: "What's the situation in Asia? What's Sunshine Records' attitude?"

David laughed: "Mr. Yan Pingsheng of Asia Records is even more anxious than we are. He called me three times yesterday to ask if we have any further promotional plans. He said that if the album can produce a number one single, the album sales will definitely explode. Whether we can make more money depends on the promotional efforts we make later."

Michael smiled too: "Yan is a very shrewd man, but our interests are indeed aligned. Contact Yan Pingsheng immediately; we need to come up with a joint promotion plan as soon as possible. Resources are not a problem; Warner will fully cooperate. Also..."

He paused, then looked at Jeffrey: "Could Yang Guangming himself cooperate with some publicity? If he's willing to come to the United States, participate in a few programs, and do a few small performances, the effect would be even better."

Jeffrey nodded: "That's what I think too. North American fans are getting more and more interested in Sunny Ming himself, and music programs on major TV stations are asking if they can invite him on their shows. If we could get him to come in person, it would definitely help boost his popularity."

Michael made the decision: "It's settled then. David, you're in charge of contacting Yan Pingsheng and telling him our ideas. Jeffrey, you start preparing the specific promotion plan. I want to see this song reach number one within two weeks at most."

After the meeting, David Thompson returned to his office, picked up the phone, and dialed Yan Pingsheng's number.

The phone rang once and was answered. "David!" Yan Pingsheng's voice came through the receiver, tinged with laughter, "Is there some good news to tell me?"

David smiled: "Yan, we just had a meeting to discuss Mr. Yang Guangming's matter."

What was the result?

"The result is simple: Warner Music is fully committed to getting 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' to number one on the Billboard charts." David's tone was confident. "Michael personally approved it. Over the next two weeks, we'll be promoting it aggressively across the board. We'll increase radio airplay, playing it more frequently on major radio stations in major North American cities. At the same time, music channels on television will increase the frequency of the music video, and there will be online advertising. In short, we'll boost the song's popularity in every way possible."

Yan Pingsheng's voice was full of excitement: "Great! David, your decision is brilliant! The potential of this song has not yet been fully realized. If it can reach number one, it will be history! This will be a great publicity boost and will help the album sell even better."

David smiled: "Making history requires our joint efforts. Yan, I have another idea and I'd like to hear your opinion."

"You said."

David carefully considered his words: "We'd like Mr. Yang Guangming to come to the United States in person to help with some promotion. It doesn't need to be much, just to participate in a few important music programs and do one or two small performances. With his current popularity, just his appearance will have an explosive effect."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

David continued, "Yan, I know Mr. Yang Guangming is an artist who has always kept a low profile and didn't want too much exposure, but the times are different now."

If he could come in person, it would greatly help their chances of hitting number one. The TV station has inquired multiple times, and fans have high expectations. Do you think he'll agree?

Yan Pingsheng pondered for a moment and said, "David, I can't make the decision for him. I know Ming Shao's personality. He has never liked to do public appearances, let alone be overexposed. He didn't participate in any of the previous global promotions because he wanted to maintain his mystique."

David nodded: "I understand. But the situation is different now. When the album was first being promoted, maintaining mystery was indeed helpful in attracting the curiosity of the audience. But now his songs are already popular, and North American fans are becoming more and more interested in him. If he can make an appropriate appearance now, it can further boost the popularity."

He paused, then continued, "Yan, please convey our thoughts to him. We know he's an artist and the son of a super-rich family, so his ideas are different from most people's. But we won't make him too tired. We'll arrange all the schedules; he just needs to be there. And we guarantee that all activities will respect his wishes and we won't make him do anything he doesn't want to do."

Yan Pingsheng was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Okay, I'll pass it on. But David, I have to tell you in advance that it's unlikely that Young Master Ming will agree. I've mentioned similar ideas before, but he didn't agree."

David laughed: "Yan, it's never a bad thing to give it a try. Tell him that if he's willing to come, we'll give him the best treatment. Appearance fee, hospitality standards, publicity support—all will be on par with top superstars. And we guarantee that this trip will definitely help his career."

"Okay, I'll contact him."

After hanging up the phone, Yan Pingsheng leaned back in his chair and looked out at Victoria Harbour.

In October, Hong Kong Island was still hot. The sun shone on the sea, making it sparkle.

He pondered how to approach Yang Guangming. This young boss, while trusting him greatly, had always been adamant about personal publicity. He had previously suggested promoting in Europe and America several times, but each time the suggestion had been politely declined. This time, Warner Music was being so sincere; he needed to find a good way to persuade Yang Guangming to agree.

After thinking for a long time, he decided to tell the truth.

He picked up the phone and dialed Yang Guangming's number.

The phone rang twice before being answered.

"President Yan." Yang Guangming's voice came through the receiver, very calm.

"Young Master Ming, I have something important to report to you." Yan Pingsheng got straight to the point. "Warner just called me. They want to discuss something with you."

"Mr. Yan, what's the matter that requires such formality?"

Yan Pingsheng briefly explained Warner's idea.

He told Yang Guangming everything, from their meeting to discuss aiming for the top spot, to their plan to increase promotional efforts, and even their suggestion that Yang Guangming personally go to the United States to assist with the publicity.

“Young Master Ming, Warner Music is very sincere,” Yan Pingsheng concluded. “They said they will arrange all the schedules; all you need to do is show up. The appearance fee, hospitality, and publicity will all be handled according to the standards of a top superstar. Moreover, they guarantee that all activities will respect your wishes and that you won’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

Yan Pingsheng felt a little uneasy, waiting for Yang Guangming's answer.

After a long while, Yang Guangming finally spoke: "President Yan, what do you think?"

Yan Pingsheng thought for a moment and said seriously, "Young Master Ming, to be honest, I think we can consider it this time. The reason you didn't want to go before was because, as an Easterner, maintaining an air of mystery does help to attract the curiosity of the audience."

But the situation is different now. Your song has become a hit in North America, and fans are showing increasing interest in you. At this point, a well-timed public appearance could actually further boost your popularity.

He paused, then continued, "And Warner is right. If we can get a Billboard number one, it will be a completely different story. This is an honor that no Asian artist has ever achieved before; it's history. It would be a real shame if we missed this opportunity because of our lack of cooperation."

Yang Guangming listened without saying a word.

Yan Pingsheng continued, "Ming Shao, I know you don't like making appearances or being overexposed. Warner Music has said they won't make you too tired. It'll just be a few important shows and one or two performances, with a very flexible schedule. Just think of it as a trip to America to see the local customs and meet your fans."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "President Yan, you may have misunderstood me. I am very serious about my work."

Yan Pingsheng smiled and said, "Young Master Ming, I'm just expressing my thoughts. The final decision is up to you. If you really don't want to go, I'll explain it to Warner and we'll continue with the original plan. Anyway, even without your personal involvement, we still have a chance to win the top spot."

Yang Guangming was silent for a few seconds, then said, "President Yan, let me think about this. I'll give you an answer tomorrow."

“Okay,” Yan Pingsheng replied. “Young Master Ming, please take your time to consider it. There’s no rush.”

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair and looked out at the persimmon tree.

Zuo Xiaoqing came out of the house and sat down next to him.

"Brother Guangming, what did President Yan say?" she asked softly.

Yang Guangming briefly explained the situation.

After hearing this, Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes lit up: "Brother Guangming, you're going to America?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said deliberately, "It's for work, and I should go, but I'm a little reluctant to leave you."

"Come on, come on!" Zuo Xiaoqing grabbed his arm. "You've already reached number three on the Billboard charts, American fans must really want to see you! They'll be so enthusiastic if you go to perform!"

Seeing her excited expression, Yang Guangming couldn't help but laugh: "You really want to see me get number one on Billboard?"

"Of course I want to!" Zuo Xiaoqing said confidently. "Then I can tell my classmates, 'Look, that singer who topped the Billboard charts in the US is my boyfriend!'"

Yang Guangming was amused by her.

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "Brother Guangming, I think you should go. Getting number one on Billboard is such a rare opportunity; it's a huge honor. You sing so well; more people should hear you sing. American fans love you so much; you should go meet them. Once they hear you live, they'll definitely love your songs even more." (End of Chapter)