Chapter 10

Zhao An looked at Zhang Junyi, who also nodded in agreement, saying, "I think it's fine. The director indeed has a good eye. Those who have been trained in Hongcheng are different, and their understanding of songs is thorough."

At this moment, Zhao An nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, that's settled. We still need to look at the newbies. Let's end it here today. Old Hong, I'm doing this for the sake of Huaxia. Otherwise, these newbies wouldn't even have a chance to enter the competition. You go back first, and tomorrow you'll officially participate in the preliminary round."

He wasn't really seeking their opinions; what he wanted was control, absolute control over the entire competition. Even though Li Shuangjiang was a judge and Zhang Junyi was the actual investor, Zhao An was the true controller of this competition. The director is like the soul of a production team; everything revolves around him.

After leaving, Hong Fei drove while talking to Ye Ming in the passenger seat, "Strange, isn't it? But this is the company's development strategy. We need to focus on both areas, and both need to be strong. Although you've already had a good start in the film and television industry, if you can also develop in the singing field, it would be even more beneficial for the company. I listened to your song and think you have potential in this area, so I found Director Zhao, who is organizing this Beijing TV Original Singer Grand Prix. It's said that the champion has a chance to participate in the celebration of the return. You need to perform well, or I'll kill you."

This threat, to be honest, didn't bother Ye Ming at all. Instead, he said with infinite regret, "I thought it was the Qingge Competition. If it were the Qingge Competition, getting on the Tianchao TV would be a stepping stone to becoming a superstar."

Hong Fei looked at him with disdain and said, "What are you thinking? Do you think our company can secure the Qingge Competition? Being able to secure this Beijing TV Original Singer Grand Prix is already quite good. This is only possible through the connections of the Second Young Master. Otherwise, do you think a small film and television company like ours would catch Director Zhao's eye? Moreover, the Qingge Competition is held every two years. It was held last year, and the next one is next year. You have no hope. Focus on the Original Singer Competition. If you perform well, we can hype it up, and the company will consider producing an album for you."

Producing an album, in his previous life, he had always dreamed of it. But in the film and television industry, he was just a minor supporting actor, so no company would produce an album for him. He never thought that the opportunity to produce an album would be right in front of him now. Fate is truly unpredictable.

Just as Ye Ming was musing, Hong Fei seemed to suddenly think of something and said, "Your song 'Rats Love Rice,' I think it's not bad, but do you know why I didn't let you sing it in front of the director?"

This was something Ye Ming hadn't thought of, and he shook his head to show his confusion.

Hong Fei grumbled, "If you had sung it then, what if someone stole it? Remember, a singing competition is different from acting. Acting is a team effort, and unity is strength. You must work with your team to complete the performance. But in a singing competition, everyone you meet is your enemy, a potential opponent. Therefore, preserving your strength is most important. Of course, I have a tip for you. This time, the judges are Li Shuangjiang, Yan Su, and a big star, Mao Duoduo. These three are relatively conservative in the traditional sense. Therefore, your 'Rats Love Rice' has only two outcomes: either it will fail miserably, or it will become a huge hit. Based on my years of experience as an agent, your song is interesting. If you make it to the finals and perform well, the company will consider producing an album for you. A new artist has never received such treatment. You need to seize this opportunity."

Hong Fei's connections are not ordinary. Even before the singing competition began, he already knew the judges. Preparing songs based on the judges' preferences and personalities naturally puts him at a higher starting point than others.

Ye Ming had great confidence in 'Rats Love Rice,' so he asked, "Why can't I win the championship? I think winning the championship is not impossible. If I win, I can participate in the return celebration, which means going to Hongcheng. I believe this will be very beneficial for my career."

Having finally found a company that supports him, Ye Ming naturally wouldn't let go of this great opportunity so easily.

Hong Fei snorted and gave him a look, "Championship? Don't get your hopes up. If you can make it to the finals, that's a victory for our company. The company's expectations for you are not high. Making it to the top ten is enough. Do you think the top ten is easy to achieve? Do you know how much money I lost playing mahjong? Forget it, the champion is already decided, and it's not you."

The next day, the backstage makeup room of Beijing TV was packed. There were thirty contestants, but only six makeup stations and three makeup artists. Some contestants couldn't wait and started applying their own makeup.

Since Ye Ming arrived early and Hong Fei was familiar with the place, he found a makeup artist early to do Ye Ming's makeup, then patted Ye Ming's shoulder, said he had something to do, and left him there.

So, Ye Ming was now wearing a black tuxedo, which Hong Fei had borrowed from a friend at the last minute. Many young people, some even without changing clothes, came directly in casual wear.

This is a big no-no in the entertainment industry. There's an unwritten rule that you should look the part. If you come to a singing competition without a proper outfit, it shows a lack of respect for the competition and the judges. This alone would prevent you from achieving good results. Disrespecting seniors can ruin a newcomer's career. Each veteran in the entertainment industry has learned to be smooth through countless experiences.

Therefore, Ye Ming felt deeply sorry for these people. If there were no accidents, they would be the first to be eliminated.

Now that Ye Ming was all set, he was waiting to draw lots to go on stage. He sat in the hall, bored, as the collective makeup room was so crowded that he didn't want to bother.

Suddenly, a young girl ran over, chattering, "Teacher Mao Duoduo is here! I love Teacher Mao Duoduo's songs. I have to get his autograph and a photo. Handsome guy, can you take a photo for me later?"

The girl was very friendly, taking a camera out of a bag on the bench and tapping Ye Ming's shoulder.

Ye Ming didn't refuse the girl's request, smiling and taking the camera. He opened it, focused, and adjusted the settings before saying, "Are you here for the competition or to chase stars? If you come with this mindset, it won't do you any good."

Lowering your expectations is very important.

The girl pouted and said, "Don't act like an old man. Singing doesn't stop you from chasing stars. It's Teacher Mao Duoduo, who has been on the Spring Festival Gala multiple times. He's a top star. You might not see him otherwise, and you'll regret it if you don't seize the opportunity. By the way, I'm Chen Xi, and my friends call me Qianqian. What's your name, handsome?"

Ye Ming told her, and Chen Xi blinked her bright eyes and said to herself, "Ye Ming, got it. I'll leave it to you. If you take a good photo, I'll treat you to a meal."

An innocent girl, probably still in school, had no idea about the dangers of the entertainment industry. She was willing to treat a stranger to a meal on their first meeting, completely without any guard.

A commotion arose as a handsome young man, surrounded by a crowd, walked in slowly.

That familiar and handsome face had become a household name in China through the Spring Festival Gala.

Ye Ming opened the system and scanned, immediately getting a surprising result.

Mao Duoduo. Age: 32, Acting: 786, Singing: 850, Fame: 700, Martial Arts: 280, Insight: Three stars. Overall: A-level artist with the potential to become a top superstar.

The data over 800, in golden numbers, dazzled Ye Ming's eyes. This was the first time he saw the data of a true top singer, and this was the strength of a true top singer.

Given Mao Duoduo's influence in China, Ye Ming wasn't surprised by his singing skills. What was surprising was his acting skills, which explained why he was a dual-star, a top star with such singing and acting skills.

It was rumored that Mao Duoduo was considering a few scripts, but these were just rumors for now.

Next to the collective makeup room were three private makeup rooms, one of which was prepared for Mao Duoduo.

Although only separated by a wall, this wall was a world apart, hiding the youth and hardships of many in the entertainment industry.

As Mao Duoduo gradually approached, more people gathered around. At this moment, Ye Ming was pulled by Chen Xi, who shouted, "Hurry up, hurry up, Teacher Mao Duoduo is leaving."

However, Mao Duoduo seemed indifferent to the crowd, with a cold face as if everyone owed him 800 yuan.

He walked forward like an emperor, completely ignoring others' feelings.

A few people who approached to ask for autographs or take photos with Chen Xi were blocked by his effeminate agent.

When Chen Xi and Ye Ming approached to ask for autographs and photos, the effeminate agent seemed unhappy, roughly pushing Chen Xi, who was at the front, and loudly said, "What are you doing? Don't disturb Mao Mao's rest. Pay attention to your manners. Where are the TV station people? They should manage this. I told you, Mao Mao shouldn't come to such a small competition."

Chen Xi was pushed and collided with Ye Ming, who was caught off guard and crashed into the wall with a loud thud.

Feeling a warm and soft presence in his arms, the scent of perfume filled the air.

Chen Xi, with a face as red as a monkey's bottom, quickly wriggled out of Ye Ming's embrace like a rabbit.

Seeing Ye Ming almost knocked out, she apologized, "Ye Ming, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

At this moment, Mao Duoduo, surrounded by too many people, couldn't move forward. His agent struggled to break through, grabbing a person with a work badge and said fiercely, "How do you people at the TV station do your job? Call Wang Wen over. I want to ask him how he arranged this. Who are these people? Do these contestants even want to compete? If they don't let our Mao Mao rest, do they know we're on a tight schedule?"