Chapter 88

Liao Liao and Huang Wenjuan were just about to leave when they happened to meet her agent, Xiao Yuandong, who had just finished greeting the program's director. Liao Liao explained the situation, and Xiao Yuandong was also a bit curious, so the three of them decided to head to the main broadcasting hall together.

Moreover, there were not just one or two people who, like Liao Liao, felt curious about the new program schedule.

In fact, among the four major New Year's Eve galas in the country, the New Year's Eve concert by Oriental Star TV was the latest to appear. In terms of content, format, and style, it was considered the least formal and the least high-end. Initially, Oriental Star TV also tried to aim for a higher standard, but after two years of reform, they found that although the standard had indeed improved, the ratings had dropped! Because the people who liked this gala and contributed to its ratings were all young people. So why bother changing at all?

Thus, the style of the New Year's Eve concert quickly became "lowbrow" again. Not only did it return to a series of songs, but it also started inviting whoever was popular. As a result, the ratings soared again!

However, "lowbrow" as it was, and despite being a series of songs, it was still a formal gala. The songs performed by the stars had to be somewhat selective, especially the opening act. The song chosen to kick off the gala had to be auspicious and promising, to set a good tone. During the middle of the gala, you could sing sad or farewell songs, but who would start a gala with a farewell song?

Therefore, when Liao Liao and her group arrived at the broadcasting hall, they quickly noticed that many familiar faces from the music industry were also there, waiting to watch the rehearsal.

For example, Liao Liao immediately spotted He Runqing.

Liao Liao saw her, and Huang Wenjuan and Xiao Yuandong also quickly spotted her. After greeting and chatting briefly with an agent standing nearby, Xiao Yuandong returned and whispered to Liao Liao, "She released a single last month called 'Half a Silk Bag,' which is also a work by Li Qian. So... do you want to go say hello? You can be considered fellow disciples."

Liao Liao nodded and then shook her head.

The fact that He Runqing had received a song called 'Half a Silk Bag' from Li Qian and released it as a single was something Liao Liao had learned from Huang Wenjuan just a few days after the single was released, while she was still in the northwest. On the day she stayed in Yan'an, she even bought the cassette and listened to it.

She had always admired He Runqing's singing skills, and after listening to the single, she admired her even more. She also knew that Xiao Yuandong was right; according to industry norms, being from the same company, using the same lyricist, or the same composer were all good reasons to build connections. However, she felt that although she had been promoted by Li Qian, He Runqing was already a queen of sweet songs, and using just one of Li Qian's works didn't make them fellow disciples.

So, after some thought, she glanced at He Runqing's profile and shook her head again, whispering, "Forget it, the rehearsal is about to start, I won't go over. I'm not good at talking..."

Xiao Yuandong nodded, saying nothing.

Liao Liao's personality was always like this. When dealing with people below her, even if they were struggling singers or musicians, she would treat them with respect and never act like a big star. In fact, she had always been like this, even before she became famous. For example, she never treated Huang Wenjuan like a junior assistant, which led to a close friendship over the past year. However, when it came to people above her, Liao Liao's stubborn nature made her reluctant to seek connections.

Therefore, Xiao Yuandong was not surprised by Liao Liao's decision.

But at this moment, something unexpected happened.

Whether it was because she felt someone looking at her or was reminded by someone nearby, He Runqing suddenly turned and looked over.

Liao Liao was taken aback, smiled, and nodded, but still had no intention of going over.

However, He Runqing paused for a moment and then walked over.

As she approached, the producer, agent, and assistant who were with her followed.

Her movement immediately caught the attention of many people in the audience who were waiting for the opening act. In a few seconds, dozens of eyes were focused on her like radar.

Liao Liao was taken aback, but Xiao Yuandong's slight cough brought her back to her senses, and she quickly stepped forward. He Runqing had been in the industry for ten years and had been famous for ten years. She was not only a senior but also a top-tier singer and box office queen, on par with Zhen Zhen. Even if Liao Liao was famous, she was still considered a rising star and had no reason to stand there waiting for He Runqing to come to her.

After walking a few steps, their hands finally met.

On stage and in the audience, the New Year's Eve concert was preparing and checking for the rehearsal, but at this moment, the meeting and handshake of these two women—one a ten-year queen of the music industry and the other a newly rising star—drew the attention of many people. They extended their hands from a distance, smiled, and shook hands, which instantly attracted the attention of many people in the audience. Even the usually slow-reacting internal reporters of Oriental Star TV quickly responded, with flashbulbs going off and a cameraman sprinting over.

"Hello, Sister Runqing!"

"Hello, Liao Liao!"

The two women greeted each other with smiles and looked each other over.

Although it was their first meeting, they were not strangers.

He Runqing was known as the most beautiful singer in the industry, with long, straight black hair, bright eyes, and a beautiful and graceful appearance. She was tall and elegant, and despite being 31 years old, she looked like a 26- or 27-year-old big sister. Her voice was sweet and pleasant, instantly making people feel good.

As for Liao Liao... although she was a bit insecure about her chest, her features were also beautiful and graceful. Although she was only in her early twenties, her personality as a Northeastern girl made her always confident and respectful. Standing face-to-face with He Runqing, holding hands, she did not fall short in terms of appearance, height, or气质.

At this moment, the agents, who were old acquaintances in the industry, had already shaken hands and were chatting like old friends. He Runqing's assistant, seeing the flashbulbs, turned around and saw the cameraman and the woman with the microphone behind him, and immediately rushed over to block them.

Huang Wenjuan, lacking experience, was embarrassed by the assistant's quick reaction and quickly took a few steps forward, creating a private space for the two women and preparing to be the second line of defense against the reporters.

"Are you also curious about the song 'Farewell'?" He Runqing asked with a smile.

Liao Liao nodded, "It seems Sister Runqing is also here to listen to this song?"

He Runqing smiled and nodded, saying, "Li Qian is a genius! A rare talent, and I'm very grateful to have received 'Half a Silk Bag' from him! His works are truly unique, regardless of the style. The songs he gave you and the one he gave me, 'Half a Silk Bag,' are completely different in style, but they are all excellent! 'Farewell' has been placed as the opening act, which shows that the director's team must be very optimistic about it! Otherwise... as you know, the name of the song is not suitable for the opening. To be honest, I came here as soon as I saw the program list, even before finishing my makeup!"

She spoke in a friendly and talkative manner, and Liao Liao smiled and said, "He is a freak! But, Sister Runqing, I've listened to your single, and it's really beautiful! That Chinese style, I definitely couldn't sing it like that. In our country, I think only you can truly master it!"

"Where, where! If you sang it, the style would be different, but it wouldn't be worse than mine! Your style might even be more suitable for that song! I just got lucky and managed to get the song! You know, after your album was released, I listened to it for half a month and was completely captivated! ... By the way, you might not know, but in the industry, everyone agrees that your voice is on par with Sister Zhen Zhen!"

Flattery is always welcome, and the two beautiful women complimenting each other laid a good foundation for their meeting. The subsequent conversation was much more relaxed.

The two women chatted happily, with He Runqing asking Liao Liao if she had been preparing a new album since she hadn't been seen much recently. Liao Liao honestly said she hadn't, just resting and looking for inspiration to write a few songs. Then Liao Liao asked He Runqing if she was planning to shoot an MV for 'Half a Silk Bag.' When He Runqing confirmed, Liao Liao said she should definitely appear in it herself, as her presence would perfectly match the song.

In short, although they were all sincere, it was still a case of "you're good, I'm good, everyone's good!"

The assistant couldn't hold back anymore, and He Runqing's agent, Liu Mei, went over to negotiate with the other side and then came back, saying it was the Oriental Star TV Variety Channel, and they couldn't stop them.

So, Liao Liao and He Runqing nodded, and the assistant let them through. The two women posed as good sisters in front of the camera, complimented each other, and gave a few interviews, mostly praising Oriental Star TV and the New Year's Eve concert. The entertainment news for the evening had a big story, and the reporters soon left, satisfied.

At this moment, it was almost time for the rehearsal to start. The director took a microphone and stood on stage, asking the audience to be quiet. The rehearsal was about to begin in three minutes.

Liao Liao and He Runqing, naturally, didn't want to separate, so they stood together, preparing to listen to 'Farewell' and see how good it was.

Soon, the five girls of Wuxing Wusu walked onto the stage and lined up in the center, waiting for the opening.

Seeing them, many people who were noticing the group for the first time were impressed, and the audience buzzed with excitement.

He Runqing turned to Liao Liao and said, "They are so beautiful!"

Liao Liao nodded, "Indeed, they are beautiful!"

It was a bit frustrating, as although they seemed to be about the same age, Liao Liao had a mature aura from the start. Despite being in her early twenties, she looked much older than the girls.

However... Hmm