The Queen's Rumored Father

The call was from Ningmeng, and she panicked a little.

The main issue is that she was the one who initially informed Xu Yuan about the singing competition show, and now that there's a problem, Xu Yuan is very likely to blame her.

This treacherous, ruthless, and heartless scumbag holds the reins of her finances, and Ningmeng is powerless to resist him.

If Xu Yuan fires her now, what will happen to her son? What about the mortgage?

Moreover, this man doesn't follow the rules much, and he's ruthless and unscrupulous. Ningmeng wouldn't dare gamble with her own and her son's safety.

"Tell me slowly, what's going on?" Xu Yuan had actually guessed some of the details.

Ningmeng was recording the first episode of Singer with Meng Xiaoxuan. She was Meng Xiaoxuan's music director. In this program, she was basically inseparable from Meng Xiaoxuan, almost like a manager.

Her panicked state indicates that Meng Xiaoxuan did not rank high in the first performance.

Sure enough, Ningmeng said, "The production team is so unfair! Xiaoxuan sang so well, yet she only came in fourth place. They're completely rigging the competition; it's outrageous! Xiaoxuan should have been in the top two today, if not first!"

The singers ranked last face the pressure of elimination, so it's understandable that Lemon is upset about the rankings.

But contrary to her expectations, Xu Yuan, who was always unwilling to suffer even the slightest loss, did not fly into a rage. Instead, he exclaimed in surprise, "Wow! Fourth? Not bad. Teacher He is taking such good care of Xiaoxuan. I must make a call later."

Ningmeng was stunned for a moment, then she was so angry that her lungs felt like they were going to explode.

"Xu Yuan, didn't you understand what I meant? Xiao Xuan sang 'A Little Happiness' today, and she performed exceptionally well. The audience response was phenomenal; she deserves first place!"

Fourth place, no danger of elimination, is not bad.

Compared to the first place, it's far inferior!

"That's why you were fired by Tencent Music," Xu Yuan replied, seemingly unrelated to the question. "Young man, showing off your talents only hurts yourself and others. Besides, what do you think Xiaoxuan is participating in? The US presidential election? Does she have to be number one?"

"Believe me, this is definitely a good result! I'll fly over directly. Tell Xiaoxuan to stay calm and just tell her what I said."

Xu Yuan hung up the phone, booked a plane ticket, and then immediately called Teacher He.

"Hey, Mr. He, is the first episode of Singer finished recording? Thank you so much, thank you so much for taking care of Xiaoxuan for me."

As soon as Xu Yuan opened his mouth, Teacher He knew that Xu Yuan was knowledgeable.

Teacher He expressed that he had received Xu Yuan's thanks. The two exchanged a few pleasantries, made plans to have dinner that evening, and then hung up.

Xu Yuan then shook his head. Ning Meng was very capable, but her overall perspective was indeed a weakness.

How could a show that aims to create a phenomenal phenomenon be controlled behind closed doors?

However, in the first few episodes, the rules still need to be explained. From a variety show perspective, this will maximize the program's revenue. And the participating singers will naturally benefit greatly as well.

If the production team of "Singer" had any brains, the first episode would definitely be a time for veteran singers to shine.

Even the kings and queens of pop don't take first place? How can you, a newcomer, take it?

That would be a much lower standard!

The program's quality has been lowered, harming the interests of all participants; if one suffers, all suffer!

Besides, what good would it do you if you took it?

Aside from attracting negative attention and being disliked by contestants, directors, and audiences, there will be no other outcome.

Any top-tier, mature program would never start by slaughtering gods and proving its power!

The ancient kings and queens have ultimately faded from the public eye. They need a period or two to recover before they can regain their former glory. Only when they have regrouped will it be the best time for newcomers to slay the gods, prove their divine status, and achieve godhood in one battle.

For singers, if a senior artist wins the championship in the previous episodes, even if their true strength may not be worthy of first place, you can't really say anything if they win the championship in one episode because of their seniority.

This is respect!

If you don't respect the elderly, you will receive the same treatment when you grow old.

Respect for the elderly and love for the young, and a preference for the past over the present, are all based on this principle.

For the production team, the return of these superstars means their former influence will instantly return, allowing the show to be accepted by a wider audience in the shortest time. This expands the viewer base and boosts media reviews.

Many older viewers don't like surfing the internet or watching variety shows. No matter how much you advertise, they won't even glance at it.

This segment of the audience can only be mobilized by superstars.

Many media professionals are the same. When a new star debuts, they can criticize without restraint. But when an established figure returns to the scene, they can only praise them initially; whoever speaks ill of them first will face public pressure.

For the audience, their nostalgia is satisfied, so they'll naturally binge-watch the show. Then, in later episodes, they'll discover, "Wow, how come these newcomers competing against the superstars are so fierce?" "Great job, these newcomers are amazing!" "The show is so exciting!" and so on!

Isn't this a win-win situation?

People who can't stand to suffer any loss, who claim early on that there's something fishy going on, and who are unwilling to cooperate with the production team are often not truly capable.

Because they are gold, they will always shine. They are fully capable of waiting for a better opportunity to come.

The audience isn't stupid.

Deng Ziqi's "Bubble" from the Earth Era only ranked fifth in that season, but the song became an instant hit and dominated the homepage of every girl's and KTV playlist for two or three years.

So what does first or fifth place mean to her?

Even if she had won first place, the song might not have become so popular. More people would have viewed it critically and might have developed a negative impression of the singer.

Young people who are too assertive are often showing signs of immaturity.

In traditional Chinese thinking, people appreciate those who are sensible and understanding.

……

After landing, Xu Yuan had a detailed discussion with Meng Xiaoxuan about this part. Meng Xiaoxuan understood Xu Yuan's thinking very well; she was a smart girl herself.

Women who are gentle on the outside but strong on the inside are the smartest.

No, it doesn't just refer to women.

Outwardly gentle but inwardly weak, one is easily humiliated.

Outwardly rigid but inwardly rigid, people will destroy you.

Outwardly tough but inwardly soft, people look down on him.

Only by being outwardly gentle but inwardly firm can one achieve great things.

The wisdom of the ancients has long benefited the Chinese people.

The saying "haste makes waste" applies here. A drastic, step-by-step approach to efficiency is never advisable. It's a product of modern utilitarianism and capitalist exploitation—an inhumane form of efficiency. The biggest example of this is the annual suicides at Foxconn.

When Xu Yuan and Meng Xiaoxuan were talking, Ningmeng felt utterly ashamed.

According to her plan, Meng Xiaoxuan should have directly expressed her dissatisfaction to the production team and fought for her "legitimate rights".

Often, what is called "acting like a big shot" is actually just this.

We're just trying to get fair treatment.

But you have to understand, when a group of privileged people are together, how can everyone be fair?

Someone always has to make a sacrifice.

That's how singers are.

Initially, it was the sacrifices of the younger generation that allowed the older generation to return to their peak.

But as long as you get through it, it will be a way of repaying the kindness of your predecessors.

With their support, you can stand on their shoulders and reach higher places.

Of course, this is on the premise that they are willing to let you step on them.

There's a lot to consider here, and opinions will vary.

"Let's have dinner with Teacher He tonight. The second episode will start recording tomorrow, and I'll be with you then. I've already prepared your second song," Xu Yuan said.

"Um, well, the production team hasn't allowed singers to sing their own songs since the first episode," Ningmeng reminded them. "And for other songs, we have to communicate with the copyright holders in advance, and it might be difficult to make contact in just one day."

Xu Yuan was amused by Ning Meng's foolishness.

He now understands Boss Ma a little better.

Sometimes, it's not that I want to show off, but things have developed to this point, and if I don't show off, the audience and readers won't accept it.

"When has my daughter ever needed anyone's permission to sing? We only sing original songs, and they become hits! It's that simple!"

The word "儿" is pronounced very lightly, almost inaudibly, and people with preconceived notions can easily imagine it as the word "woman".

Xu Yuan's woman?

Ningmeng gave a cold smile.

Ha ha!

I finally found a clue!

Xu Yuan, what exactly is your relationship with Meng Xiaoxuan?

This melon could probably fetch a seven-figure price tag in the future, right?

When the time comes, I'll pay off my mortgage and be a hero again!

Ningmeng smiled foolishly.

Like Forrest Gump!