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

The next morning, Yang Guangming dialed Yan Pingsheng's number.

The phone was answered after one ring, and Yan Pingsheng's voice was filled with anticipation: "Young Master Ming, have you made up your mind?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Mr. Yan, please tell Warner that I'm willing to go to the United States for promotions. This will be my first appearance in North America, so please have them make the necessary arrangements."

Yan Pingsheng took a deep breath on the other end of the phone, followed by barely suppressed excitement: "Young Master Ming! That's great! I'll contact David right away! Don't worry, I'll arrange everything perfectly to ensure your debut is a complete success!"

Yang Guangming said calmly, "President Yan, you can discuss the specifics with them. I only have one requirement: if you're going, you need to make a good impression. Warner Music wants me to go, so they need to show some sincerity."

"Understood!" Yan Pingsheng replied repeatedly. "Young Master Ming, don't worry, Warner is even more anxious than we are. Your album is selling so well in North America, they're counting on you to make money. I'll talk to them right away and definitely get you the best treatment."

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

In October, Beijing is already deep into autumn. The persimmon tree leaves are starting to turn yellow, and the persimmons hanging on the branches are red, like little lanterns.

Zuo Xiaoqing walked in with a cup of tea and placed it beside him: "Brother Guangming, have you made up your mind?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "It's decided. If we're going, we'll make it worthwhile."

That afternoon, Yan Pingsheng called to provide feedback.

His voice was filled with excitement: "Young Master Ming, I spoke with David on the phone. He was overjoyed to hear that you agreed to go. He said Warner will fully cooperate and give you the best treatment. They are working on the specific plan and will have it out by tomorrow at the latest."

Yang Guangming asked, "Did they say what the approximate specifications are?"

Yan Pingsheng laughed and said, "David said that it will definitely be done according to the standards of a top superstar. The appearance fee, the reception standards, and the publicity cooperation will all be at the highest level. He also said that Warner is contacting several music programs and will definitely let you appear on the hottest programs for publicity."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay, let's wait for them to come up with a plan."

For the next two days, Yan Pingsheng called every day to report on the progress.

Warner acted quickly, sending over the complete proposal on the third day.

When Yan Pingsheng called again, he couldn't hide the excitement in his voice: "Young Master Ming! The plan is out! Listen to it, it's absolutely impressive!"

Yang Guangming put down his book and said, "Go on."

Yan Pingsheng cleared his throat and began to read: "Warner Music contacted the Los Angeles National Music Festival. It's one of the largest music festivals in North America, held annually, with many big-name singers participating, and the entire event is broadcast on television. They secured the opportunity for you to be the headlining star, performing four songs."

"The closing act?" Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised. "Am I, a newcomer, really suitable to be the closing act?"

Yan Pingsheng laughed: "Young Master Ming, you're no ordinary newcomer anymore. Third on the Billboard charts, two songs in the top ten, five songs in the top forty, and most importantly, the global sales are too high, over 20 million copies sold worldwide. What does that mean? Our album has basically secured the title of number one global seller this year."

Warner Music said that although you're a new singer, your first album made you a sensation, a global phenomenon, and they'll definitely want to boost your value in every way possible.

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, this music festival will be broadcast on television, and the appearance fee is quite high. To elevate your status, Warner has made some concessions in other areas. David said your appearance fee could reach one million US dollars."

Yang Guangming was stunned for a moment: "One million US dollars?"

“That’s right!” Yan Pingsheng laughed. “Young Master Ming, this number is top-tier in music festivals. Most top singers who have been famous for years can’t even get this number. Warner is determined to promote you. This music festival will be held on November 10th, so there are still two weeks left. You have plenty of time to prepare.”

Yang Guangming was silent for a few seconds, then said, "President Yan, please tell Warner that I appreciate their attention. I will prepare well for this performance."

“Okay!” Yan Pingsheng replied, “Young Master Ming, I will reply to them right away. In addition, Warner will arrange your reception in Los Angeles. They will send their vice president to pick you up from the airport, check you into a top hotel in Beverly Hills, and have someone accompany you throughout your stay.”

Yang Guangming smiled: "I've made them quite a bit of money, so I did show some sincerity."

Yan Pingsheng laughed: "Of course, you're there to make money for them, so of course they'll treat you like royalty."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming began preparing for his trip to the United States.

First, there was the visa. He had multiple entry and exit records, so the visa wasn't a problem. Duan Yunfeng also quickly completed the formalities.

Secondly, there's the preparation of the setlist. Although he's sung these songs countless times, live performances are completely different from recording studios. He wants to ensure he's in top form to give his North American fans a perfect performance.

He thought for a moment and then made a phone call to Zhang Yadong.

Zhang Yadong was somewhat surprised when he received the call: "Director Yang? You were looking for me?"

Yang Guangming briefly explained the trip to the United States for the performance, and then said, "Yadong, I plan to sing four songs for this performance: 'Wild Geese,' 'Night in Ulaanbaatar,' 'My Microphone,' and 'Happy Worship.' Could you help me prepare the backing tracks? They need to be of the highest quality."

Zhang Yadong exclaimed excitedly, "Director Yang, you're going to perform in the United States? That's wonderful! The backing track is fine, I'll prepare it right away! When do you need it?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Within a week. I'll go there in advance for the rehearsal, and I'll need it then."

"Okay, I'll do it as soon as possible!"

In the days that followed, Yang Guangming would practice singing in the courtyard every afternoon.

Zuo Xiaoqing would sit and listen, sometimes for an entire afternoon.

"Brother Guangming, you sing so well." She rested her chin on her hand, her eyes full of admiration. "American fans would go crazy if they heard you sing like that."

Seeing her earnest expression, Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart.

Two days before her departure, Chen Hong flew back from Hong Kong Island.

She's been filming a new movie and hasn't been back to Beijing for two months. Hearing that Yang Guangming was going to perform in the US, she took a few days off to come back and see him off.

In the evening, the three of them sat in the courtyard chatting.

Chen Hong asked about the performance in the United States, and Yang Guangming gave her a detailed account.

After listening, Chen Hong nodded: "This is a great opportunity. No Asian artist has ever reached number one on the Billboard charts. If you can achieve this, your status in the global music scene will be firmly established."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "To achieve this goal, I will definitely give my best performance."

Chen Hong looked at him with deep affection in her eyes: "I know best how good your voice is. American fans will definitely like it too."

The weather was great on the day we set off.

In November, Beijing was blessed with clear skies and crisp autumn air. Yang Guangming, wearing a dark blue trench coat and a baseball cap, said goodbye to Zuo Xiaoqing and Chen Hong.

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes were a little red. "Brother Guangming, have a safe journey."

Chen Hong remained calm, simply hugging him and saying, "We look forward to your performance. If it's broadcast on TV, we'll watch it too."

Yang Guangming smiled and hugged each of them goodbye.

Duan Yunfeng and Yan Pingsheng were already waiting at the door. Yan Pingsheng had flown in from Hong Kong Island yesterday and was setting off with them today. The three got into the car and drove towards the airport.

The plane took off from Beijing Capital International Airport and flew to the other side of the ocean.

Yang Guangming sat by the window, watching the clouds outside. He had spent most of the eleven-hour flight sleeping to recharge.

Yan Pingsheng sat beside him, constantly looking at materials, studying the procedures and precautions for American music festivals. Duan Yunfeng, on the other hand, was busy packing his luggage, making sure he had all his performance costumes and other items.

The plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport at 2 p.m. local time.

Stepping off the plane, the California sun greeted me. Los Angeles in November was still warm, with blue skies, white clouds, and a faint scent of sea breeze in the air.

The three of them went through customs, collected their luggage, and walked out of the exit.

At the exit, a middle-aged man in a dark suit was waiting. Upon seeing them, he quickly approached with a warm smile on his face.

“Mr. Yang Guangming!” he greeted in Chinese, though his pronunciation was a little stiff, it was clear enough. “Welcome to Los Angeles! I’m David Thompson, Vice President of Warner Music Group. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "Mr. Thompson, thank you for coming to pick me up in person. It's a lot of trouble."

David smiled and said, "Of course! You are Warner's most important partner, so I must come to pick you up in person. Please."

Several staff members stood behind him, helping them with their luggage and leading them to the parking lot.

In the parking lot, a stretched Lincoln was already waiting. Yang Guangming, Yan Pingsheng, and David got into the car, while Duan Yunfeng and the staff rode in another vehicle.

The car left the airport and headed towards the city.

David enthusiastically introduced the arrangements for the next few days: "Mr. Yang Guangming, we'll take you to your hotel to rest first. Tomorrow morning, we'll arrange for you to go to the music festival for a rehearsal. The official performance is the night after tomorrow."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Thank you for your help."

“No trouble at all,” David said with a smile. “It’s our honor to have you here. You know, North American fans are really looking forward to you right now. All the major TV music programs are asking if they can interview you. We’ve turned them all down for now, so you can focus on preparing for your performance.”

Yan Pingsheng interjected, "David, could you explain the schedule for this music festival to Ming Shao again?"

David nodded and began to explain in detail.

The music festival was held at Los Angeles' largest open-air stadium, which can hold 100,000 people. It started at 4 p.m. and lasted until 10:30 p.m. More than a dozen artists performed, all of whom are among the most popular musicians in North America.

Yang Guangming, as the headlining star, will appear at 10 PM and perform four songs. The entire event will be broadcast live on television, with an estimated viewership exceeding 30 million.

After David finished speaking, he smiled and said, "Mr. Yang Guangming, the final performance is the most important position. This shows how much we value you, and it also shows your status in the North American music scene. We are now partners, and Warner Music will do its best to make it the best it can be."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Thank you for your attention, Warner. I will do my best."

The car drove into Beverly Hills and stopped in front of a luxury hotel.

This is one of the most famous hotels in Los Angeles, and many Hollywood stars have stayed here. David had booked the presidential suite in advance, and Yang Ming would be resting here for the next few days.

“Mr. Yang Guangming, please rest first,” David said. “I will host a welcome dinner for you tonight, please do not refuse.”

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay, see you tonight."

The staff brought the luggage into the room, and David and his party said goodbye and left.

Yang Guangming stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside. The villas of Beverly Hills were scattered in a picturesque manner, with the skyline of Los Angeles in the distance, and further still, the azure Pacific Ocean.

Yan Pingsheng walked over and said with a smile, "Young Master Ming, Warner really values ​​you. These treatments are already the standard for top superstars."

In the evening, David hosted a banquet at the hotel restaurant to welcome Yang Guangming.

Several senior executives from Warner Music Group and representatives from the music festival organizers were present. Everyone was very enthusiastic and welcomed Yang Guangming's arrival.

During the conversation, David talked about the huge success of the album "18" in North America.

“Mr. Yang Guangming, did you know? Your album has already sold over three million copies in North America.” David’s tone was full of admiration. “Three million copies is simply a miracle for a Chinese-language album. And this number is still growing rapidly. It is expected to break five million by the end of this month, or even more.”

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "So fast?"

“Yes!” David laughed. “Especially after the Billboard rankings came out, all the major media outlets were reporting on it, and sales skyrocketed. Now all the record stores are restocking, and our distribution department is extremely busy.”

The festival organizer chimed in, "Mr. Yang Guangming, fans have been eagerly anticipating your participation. We heard you would be attending our festival, and our tickets have already sold out."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Thank you for your support, fans."

David raised his glass: "Come on, a toast to Mr. Yang Guangming's first performance in North America!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

The next morning, Yang Guangming and his group went to the music festival venue for rehearsals.

The performance venue is very large and can accommodate 100,000 people.

The stage is set up, and the lights, sound system, and large screen are all ready. The staff are making final adjustments.

David personally accompanied Yang Guangming on a tour of the backstage area, explaining each step of the process.

The rehearsal was scheduled for 11:00 a.m., at which time there were no spectators in the stadium, only staff.

Yang Guangming walked onto the stage and stood in the center. Beneath his feet was a huge stage, above him were complex lighting rigs, and opposite him were empty stands that stretched upwards in tiers.

He took a deep breath, feeling the stage.

Yan Pingsheng stood below the stage and gave him a thumbs up.

The music started, the first song being "Wild Geese".

Yang Guangming closed his eyes, immersing himself in the music. The sound of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) rose, desolate and vast, carrying the scent of the grasslands.

He started singing.

"Wild geese, flying in pairs across the sky. The river flows long, the autumn grass turns yellow, and a mournful melody echoes across the grassland..."

The singing echoed in the empty stadium. The staff stopped what they were doing and looked up at the bright sunlight on the stage.

That unique voice, that natural allure, was captivating. (End of Chapter)