One advantage of producing web variety shows in their own company was the flexibility to adjust schedules without rushing around.
After all, the director and producer were their own people, making it easier to negotiate.
They had only been recording for a few days when Uncle Jiang helped them take on another job.
“This Saturday, you guys will assist the seniors in two programs and promote ‘Nonsense’ at the same time,” Uncle Jiang fanned himself to keep cool and playfully tapped their shoulders with the back of the fan. “Thanks for not skimping on eating biscuits during the recording. Xiao Chi, why did your baby fat come back? Do you think I won’t make you stand at attention in front of the SPF gate??”
“It’s not necessary, really,” Xie Lianyun stood up straight. “Xiao Chi’s baby fat is natural, and it looks good on his cheeks.”
“Focus on yourself first!” Uncle Jiang glanced at Chi Ji, his tone softening. “Indeed, Xiao Chi looks good to us, but the camera lens on mobile phones can widen a person, and it doesn’t have the perfect proportions like in reality.”
Most artists appeared much thinner on camera than they actually were. It was an unreasonable situation, but there was nothing they could do about it.
Huo Ren subtly helped lighten the mood. “Xiao Chi has me accompanying him, so he’ll slim down in a few days. Don’t worry.”
“Alright, that’s settled.” Uncle Jiang handed out new schedules to each of the boys, lecturing them like a grumpy housekeeper. “Recording the group variety show in April, rushing through filming and endorsements in May, everything that needs to be filmed will be done. Prepare for the concert in June ahead of time. We have four concerts in August and December this year, and we can’t be careless…”
He walked to Mei Shengyao’s side, his voice pausing. Mei Shengyao blinked his eyes twice. “Am I also gaining weight?”
“Not really,” Uncle Jiang wondered. “I remember when I first brought you in, you were just a little thing. How did you suddenly become taller than me?”
“I’ll be eighteen next year. Isn’t it normal to be close to 1.8 or 1.9 meters tall, just like my brothers?”
Long Jia put his arm around Mei Shengyao’s shoulder and smiled. “Yao Yao, you’ll eventually be as tall as meโ-1.8 or 1.9 meters. Seeing things from a higher perspective.”
Bo Jue let out a cold scoff.
Assisting in a concert was more about business, providing mutual support and recommendation, giving face to seniors and juniors.
The largest venue in the city wasn’t the Shidu Sports Arena but the Angel’s Halo.
It was completed just last year and was designed by the emerging British architect Johnson Wane. Nestled in the southern outskirts of the city, it resembled a halo dropped from heaven.
The venue could accommodate 180,000 spectators for competitions and performances. The exterior of the venue had a floating-like illusion, pure white and immaculate, and extremely beautiful.
The six of them followed the guide and entered the backstage through the VIP entrance. At first glance, they saw Pei Ruye standing next to Feng Yi, whispering to her and confirming the program flow.
“It’s Goddess Feng,” Mei Shengyao instantly recognized her silhouette. “We had a face-off during the last music show we attended!”
Huo Ren’s steps paused for half a second, realizing why he hadn’t seen him on the 16th floor for so long.
…So he had been helping the seniors with concert rehearsals.
Feng Yi was already forty-six years old this year, but she still maintained strict body management.
She hadn’t used Botox, and there were traces of aging on her features, but it made her look more naturally comfortable.
“I can’t sing much anymore.” The Goddess smiled and greeted them. “How about some afternoon tea first? I’ll join you after I finish discussing with Mr. Pei.”
“Thank you, senior!”
Xie Lianyun quickly pulled Chi Ji aside and whispered, “Don’t look, the table in the resting area is full of sinful treats.”
Huo Ren sat next to a macaron cake tower named “Sin” and listened to Bo Jue explain the uniqueness of this performance.
“This is probably the largest-scale concert in the country, and it’s the premiere at Angel’s Halo,” Bo Jue exclaimed. “Feng is truly deserving of this production. No one is more suitable than her.”
“She has won the OSC Crown Award five times, and her albums have consistently been highly popular,” Long Jia commented while casually grabbing a piece of cake. “Now she is a lifelong judge, so holding a concert is purely a dedication to her profession.”
Bo Jue didn’t bother looking at him and leaned against Huo Ren without saying a word.
Huo Ren whispered, “Are you two still giving each other the silent treatment? What’s it about this time?”
“No, we get along very well. We never give each other the silent treatment,” Long Jia replied earnestly. “All the previous incidents were just minor squabbles. Don’t overthink it.”
Bo Jue took a sip of lemonade and nodded after a while.
Meanwhile, Boss Pei and Goddess Feng were still discussing the order of the performances backstage. Several executives came over to congratulate them, and when Huo Ren looked up, he recognized their familiar faces.
He had seen them before backstage at the New Year’s concert in the Redman Pavilion.
“Boss Pei is also here, hahahaโ”
“Old Feng, I’ll send you a big flower basket later. I wish you success in your performance!”
Feng Yi responded briefly and coldly when she saw the middle-aged men. “Thank you, no need.”
These sponsors weren’t even invited, but they had the audacity to come in and bother them because they were high-ranking staff members.
Feng didn’t even bother giving them a glance. The executives forcefully exchanged pleasantries with her, asked for her autograph, and requested a photo with her.
“I have other matters to attend to. I won’t accompany you further.”
“It’s alright, we’re just here to visit Angel’s Halo. This place is actually invested by my buddyโ”
Feng Yi, accompanied by her staff and Pei Ruye, went to the adjacent conference room, while the middle-aged men, realizing they weren’t welcome, turned to leave.
Then they happened to greet the six of them.
“You guys are… um, we met at the Redman Pavilion, right?”
Huo Ren had already stood up and led his team to stand in formation.
“Hello, Director Zheng. Hello, Director Zhang.”
He remembered the faces of three of them.
They were film industry executives and prominent sponsors of major shows, considered heavyweight figures in the industry.
Huo Ren shook hands with each of them on behalf of the team, showing proper etiquette.
Director Zheng continued to shake hands one by one, starting with a superficial courtesy with Long Jia, but his gaze fell on Chi Ji.
“You, the young member… you’re as beautiful as a girl,” he glanced up and down at Chi Ji’s face and body, his tone teasing, “with a nicely-shaped butt.”
Huo Ren’s face turned cold, and Long Jia stood between him and Chi Ji. “Director Zheng, we have rehearsal time now, sorry.”
Director Zheng’s eyes were still fixed on Chi Ji’s neck, and he pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “Let’s get together when you’re free.”
Once they moved to the adjacent room, Chi Ji spoke up with a gloomy voice.
“I’m not a little girl,” Chi Ji said. “I’m a boy.”
Long Jia’s gaze turned vigilant, and he closed the door behind them.
“Stay away from those people.”
“Is their reputation in the industry bad?” Huo Ren asked, his brows furrowing.
“They’re opportunistic, bullying the weak and fearing the strong. They like to target artists without influential backgrounds,” Long Jia replied, tearing up the business card and throwing it into the trash can. His tone turned cold. “Their methods are dirty too.”
Coming from a prestigious background, he was well aware of the true nature of these second and third-rate executives.
Fortunately, it was just a minor incident, and the rehearsals that followed went smoothly.
Feng Yi arranged nearly ten minutes of performance time for them. She guided the younger members through the venue’s equipment and patiently explained their scheduling.
“Sections C and E will have rotating suspended stages simultaneously. After your performance, I will sing while hanging from a purple silk hoop in the high air, and then you will exit from these designated spots…”
The entire concert venue was transformed into a structure resembling an iris flower. Not only could the stages move freely, but the lighting and visual effects were more spectacular than ordinary venues.
After their performance of “Night Fire” and “Heavy Clouds,” Feng Yi crossed her arms and watched, nodding in approval. “Very steady, that’s it.”
“Some of the newly debuted artists lack stability,” she chuckled. “You guys dance so well. Who taught you?”
Huo Ran looked at Pei Ruye, who smiled and nodded.
“Oh, Pei is already taking students,” Feng Yi couldn’t help but sigh. “Nine years ago, when he just entered the industry, our older generation thought he was fooling around.”
To come and choreograph stage performances at such a young age, he looked like a high school student who dropped out and was messing around.
But as time passed, the effects of his work gradually emerged, and even collaborating with Director Pei required making an appointment and queuing up.
During the casual conversation, Mei Shengyao borrowed two shining silver long swords from the staff and casually tossed one to Chi Ji.
Chi Ji caught it and, following the rhythm of the sound system, raised his wrist and turned around, playfully performing a sword dance.
Feng Yi paused her small talk, her expression slightly surprised.
Not far away, a lively drumbeat was playing, alternating between fast and slow rhythms.
Although Chi Ji was wearing a sporty training outfit, his movements were agile and graceful, like a crane in the clouds. He bent his waist, coiled back, and thrust his body forward.
Mei Shengyao, who had practiced dancing with him since childhood in Los Angeles, took a step back and transitioned into a freestyle martial arts stance, allowing their swords to clash and collide.
Classical dance and contemporary dance suddenly transformed into swordplay, with each movement and posture synchronizing with the rising and falling drumbeats.
Mei Shengyao, fueled by his playful nature, increased the speed and raised his wrist and neck, allowing the long sword to horizontally strike like a streak of lightning.
Chi Ji dodged by lowering his body, swiftly flipping and sidestepping, and used the back of his sword to knock against Mei Shengyao’s wrist.
“Ah!” Mei Shengyao quickly surrendered. “I give up! I can’t beat you!”
“You didn’t keep up with the rhythm,” Chi Ji smiled triumphantly. “Practice more.”
Feng Yi came to her senses and turned her head to look at Huo Ren, asking, “Why didn’t you include such a great performance in the concert?”
“They debuted just last year, so they need to adapt to the stage in their first concert,” Pei Ruye explained. “This year’s performances will be more diverse.”
“The concert is also one of the core segments that OSC scores,” a senior explained seriously. “Don’t hide any highlights, or you’ll be outperformed by other competitors.”
Suddenly, Huo Ren had an epiphany and looked at them, saying, “Are you saying that CORONA didn’t make it to the finals last year because of the concert?”
Pei Ruye smiled faintly. “We lacked some refinement.”
Although the seniors advised them to take it slowly and not rush, Huo Ren called for a meeting as soon as he returned to the dormitory.
The silver bell on the tea table was brought back by Long Jia from their family’s western restaurant last year, and it had become their gathering bell.
Usually, it was used when Xie Lianyun wrote a new song and wanted everyone to come over and listen to the effect, or when Mei Shengyao felt that the dance routine wasn’t right and called everyone for extra practice. Even Uncle Jiang would come over and give it a few taps when he had nothing to do, just to hear the sound.
Now, when the bell rang, Bo, who was soaking his feet and playing with his phone, and everyone else gathered around in a circle to listen to the captain’s announcement.
“We didn’t score well in the concert,” Huo Ren said in a studious manner. “This will affect our chances of winning awards this year, so we have to take it seriously.”
“The Crown Award is incredibly difficult to win,” Xie Lianyun, who had been in the industry for a long time, knew this well. “You not only need to sing and perform well, but also have a great live performance, lead the trend, and have a significant influence. Just getting nominated is already a milestone achievement.”
“Then let’s aim for the nomination,” Bo Jue said proudly. “We’re not inferior to any other group.”
And then the day of Goddess Feng’s concert arrived.
The moment they finished performing, Feng Yi appeared with one arm draped in a purple long silk, seamlessly continuing the last two beats of the previous song’s bass drum.
Long Jia and Huo Ren happened to be exiting the stage from the same side, and in that instant, Long Jia exclaimed, “Her arm strength is terrifying!”
She was suspended by a single rope without any protective measures, high above the ground, simultaneously singing high notes. What kind of physical ability did it take to accomplish all of that at the same time?!
The six big guys in the group didn’t even remove their makeup. They watched their seniors’ entire performance from the side stage with utmost seriousness.
And then they fully understood why they couldn’t even get nominated.
First of all, their coordination of lighting, smoke, and special effects was on a different level compared to their seniors.
All the laser lights, spotlights, and color-changing mist adjusted in synchronization with Feng Yi’s singing, and the visual effects on the projection screen even created floating particle effects around the circular stage.
The entire program was tightly arranged, leaving only ten minutes in the middle for her to rest and adjust. The six costume changes took less than half a minute each, and one of them even transitioned from a slow song to an upbeat one right on stage.
โAs her skirt flipped down, it transformed from a short dress into an elegant, flowing French-style gown. It was like magic.
A gigantic rotating carousel appeared in the set, accompanied by a grand chorus of 180,000 people. The magnificent special effects of falling stars made it feel like a scene from a movie.
The set, lighting, costumes, makeup, and the flawless high notes were at an overwhelming level of perfection.
Upon careful comparison, they realized that their first concert was just going through the motions and singing the songs.
“The disparity…” Bo Jue sat in the co-pilot seat, covering his face with both hands. “It’s just too big.”
“I don’t want to participate in variety shows anymore,” Mei Shengyao said with a look of despair. “When we get back today, I’ll intensify my plank exercises. Ren-ge, from now on, when you go for extra training on the 16th floor, call me.”
“Count me in!”
“I’m going too.”
“We still need to film variety shows, and regular exposure is necessary for our daily activities,” Uncle Jiang remained calm. “Look at all of you, so inexperienced.”
Huo Ren hadn’t watched other seniors’ concerts for a long time, and now his heart was in turmoil.
He understood why Pei Ruye didn’t arrange more challenging performances for them last yearโ
None of them had any experience with aerial stages, so it was already impressive for them to smoothly complete the entire performance.
Their concert last year could only be considered passable.
He was unwilling to accept that.
As members of CORONA, they were born to be the strongest, the powerhouses on every stageโ
Before he could finish his thoughts, Uncle Jiang’s small fan came knocking, hitting each person’s shoulder in the front and second row of the car.
“Calm! Down!”
“Hold! Your! Breath!”
When children grow up, they can’t take the lead, and it’s hard to reach the shoulders when they’re so tall.
Uncle Jiang maintained his imposing manner even after admonishing them and rubbed his wrist. “Everything should be done step by step. What’s the point of getting all worked up?”
“After finishing the variety shows this month, we have to attend the fan meetings for the endorsement next month,” he flipped through the notebook with his fan, making a loud noise. “I’ll give you some schedules, and we’ll try to start rehearsing for the concert half a month in advance!”
Huo Ren suddenly spoke up, “We can combine the magazine shoots.”
Uncle Jiang was still looking at the schedule in his notebook and didn’t catch it clearly. “Combine what?”
“We can shoot the endorsements and magazine covers together. Previously, we had two or three shoots on the same day,” Huo Ren turned his head to look at the others. “Actually, we can squeeze out more time and finish these tasks earlier.”
The nanny car stopped at a traffic light, and not far away, there was a bus stop with a billboard where the six of them smiled brilliantly.
Bo Jue glanced at the poster of himself and nodded in agreement. “Huo Huo is right.”
In fact, as long as they set up a few studios together, and while they were waiting for the cameramen and photo retouchers to confirm the shooting effects, they could move to another studio and continue shooting. By completing a full circle, they would just have enough time.
When shooting individual posters, there would always be half of the group waiting in line nearby, allowing for time to be utilized effectively.
“How many advertising covers do you want to schedule at the same time?” Uncle Jiang hesitated. “Four?”
“Eight,” Huo Ren said seriously. “Let’s try eight first, and if it goes smoothly, we can add more.”
He looked at the other members again. “What do you think?”
“We’ll follow your leadโ”
“I’m okay with it!”
“You guys are quite tough on yourselves too,” Uncle Jiang said with a complicated expression. “Maybe I should be happy about this.”
The next day, they continued filming for “Crown Cafe”.
The first segment lasted for twenty-five minutes, with each episode having a themed interactive chat between fans and idols.
The second segment, lasting for thirty-five minutes, involved special guests joining the Crown Six members for a conversation.
Previous guests included firefighters, scientists, sketch artists specializing in criminals, and painters.
While sharing interesting stories from their respective industries, they would also share their life experiences.
Just before waiting to go on stage, the director let out a sigh of relief and introduced them to today’s guest, thanks to Director Qi’s personal connections with SPF.
If it weren’t for Director Qi, they wouldn’t have been able to invite this revered figure from the entertainment industry to the show.
“The guest today is well-known in the entertainment circle. Did you all read the information about her yesterday?”
“Yes, we’re aware.”
A woman wearing a pale golden mermaid gown pushed the door open and greeted them with a gentle smile. “No need to be so nervous, we’re just going to have a chat.”
Huo Ren stood up upon hearing her voice and led the members in bowing. “Hello, seniorโ”
Jiang Yanzhi, the reigning queen of the domestic film industry, had won three Grand Slams and was a lifetime judge at the Oscars.
After a three-year hiatus, all the movies she took on were critically acclaimed and box office hits, making her a legendary figure in the entertainment industry.
Long Jia and Xie Lianyun blushed a little in the presence of such a beauty. “S-Seniorโhello!”
Mei Shengyao forced a smile. “Aunt Jiang, hello.”
Chi Ji stared at her intently for a moment, recognizing her true identity.
He had seen her backstage at a theater in London’s West End before.
She was… Jiang Jue’s mother?!
The gentle woman in the checkered trench coat and this internationally renowned actress who remained unmarriedโ-were they the same person?!
Jiang Yanzhi had no airs at all. She even brought them a box of cranberry nougat and mango mille-feuille.
Unable to resist, Mei Shengyao tasted one and said softly, “Aunt Jiang, the dessert you made is really delicious.”
“Just a small gift,” Jiang Yanzhi smiled and ruffled his hair. “It’s been so many years since I last saw you, and you’ve grown so tall.”
Mei Shengyao rarely received such tenderness from an older woman, and his tense shoulders relaxed a lot. “Aunt Jiang is still so kind…”
The beauty glanced back at Chi Ji and winked playfully.
The others happened to have their backs turned towards her and him as they were looking at their scripts. Chi Ji’s breathing paused as he saw his senior silently mouth three words.
Keep it secret.
Chi Ji quickly nodded and held onto the nougat, reluctant to open it.
The theme for the first segment was “Wishes.”
Fans were encouraged to express their hopes for the future and their beautiful aspirations for Crown. The six of them responded warmly, joining the fans in envisioning the future together.
By the time they reached the second segment and Jiang Yanzhi walked out in her swaying gown, the entire audience of fans was stunned.
Indeed, a top-tier idol group is truly a top-tier group! Can they invite such high-profile guests?
Empress Jiang has been on a three-year hiatus and hasn’t even done any interviews recently, and now we get to see her in person!
Jiang Yanzhi prepared an interesting anecdote about a funny incident on the set of her previous film, “Chasing the Moon God.”
The lives of actors and idols are completely different, but in some aspects, they are quite similar.
–They have to endure the negative impact of high exposure, such as intrusive paparazzi and fans.
–They have to withstand the seemingly endless loneliness and silence, tirelessly perfecting their craft like artisans.
Although film sets are usually lively, long-term work takes a toll on both the body and mind.
“So, when I first started in this industry, I thought I would quit after finishing this film. I said to myself, ‘I won’t act anymore.’ ” She sighed softly. “But then, one project after another came along, and I couldn’t stop.”
Laughter erupted from the audience.
“You chose to study jewelry design when you went abroad for further studies,” Huo Ren smiled and asked, “Why did you make that choice?”
“Just thought it would be fun,” Jiang Yanzhi chuckled. “Changing things up and recharging my brain. It’s a novel experience and very relaxing.”
Her expression softened. “I have a friend with the same name as you, although our surnames are different. She’s also an incredibly talented person.”
Long Jia and Xie Lianyun grew up watching her movies, and now they were sitting across from their goddess, their expressions far from calm.
“If you have children in the future, what kind of life advice would you give them?” Xie Lianyun asked earnestly, though it seemed like it was still early to ask such a question.
“It’s not too early,” Jiang Yanzhi smiled. “It’s definitely something to consider.”
The fans in the audience lamented in their hearts for not bringing their phones once again.
Long Jia and Xie Xie’s shy expressions were so adorable, so typically straight men!!!
Chi Ji’s drowsy and confused appearance made him so obedient and huggable!!
Has Empress Jiang already found a potential love interest? Gossip, give us more gossip!!!
It’s so difficult not being able to take photos, record videos, or scream at moments like this! Why is there so much suffering in experiencing this program on Earth?!
She looked at every person present, her gaze passing over each of the six individuals, her tone becoming much more steady.
“If I have children, I still hope that they will walk their own path and experience and understand the world for themselves.”
“Injuries, mistakes, confusion, setbacks… There’s no need to avoid them. Learn from them slowly.”
“For advice… maybe I have two points.”
“Treasure time.”
Jiang Yanzhi’s gaze was sincere and solemn.
“Treasure the people in front of you.”
Author’s Note:
Transition chapter done โ
There’s a small crossover with the neighboring book “Son of the Actor,” but if you haven’t read it, it won’t affect your reading experience. Pat pat.
These two sentences were mentioned in Chapter 143 and will be linked and echoed in the main storyline later in this book.
Huo Huo is truly moving forward under the guidance and influence of the seniors.
He will become an increasingly outstanding person. I love him so much TUT
—————————
For “Crown,” I’ve made an appointment with Ms. Moyna to draw a scene of Nightfire and Refined Blade together. When the story reaches that page, we’ll release it together.
The character designs previously commissioned from Ms. Ming Xin are now entering the stage of detailed coloring, so we’ll be able to show them to everyone soon~
[Dear reviewers, using the author’s note to promote my Weibo account is compliant with the rules. Please don’t lock it. Wishing you a prosperous year (bows)]
P.S. After finishing today’s update, I discovered that the divine wives have provided more food!!!
[@raiki Please be safe] Mrs. Moyna drew a picture of High Mountain Flowing Water and Long-Jue sitting on a lap!!! Where are your hands, Jia Jia?!!
[@่ฑ้ฅผๅญ็้ป] Mrs. Moyna drew cute chibi characters of the entire group. They’re so adorable, so adorable, ahhh, so adorable (incoherent)
Search for #ๅคฉๅขไธ็ๅ # (The Idol Group and the Crown) to see them!! Or click on the Missus’ Weibo accounts or my Weibo account [@่ฐไธบไธๅๆ้ๅพ], it’s also okay!!!!!
Suddenly receiving so much food, I’m overwhelmed with happiness. Extra updates!! Must have extra updates!! Tomorrow, I’ll update 9,000 words!!!
[Dear reviewers, using the author’s note to promote my Weibo account is compliant with the rules. Please don’t lock it. Wishing you a prosperous year, good luck in the Year of the Rat!! (bows)]
[Dear reviewers, using the author’s note to promote my Weibo account is compliant with the rules. Please don’t lock it. Wishing you a prosperous year, good luck in the Year of the Rat!! (bows)]
[Dear reviewers, using the author’s note to promote my Weibo account is compliant with the rules. Please don’t lock it. Wishing you a prosperous year, good luck in the Year of the Rat!! (bows)]
I’m very confused about the actress but from the author’s note it seems to be a “plot twist” from a different novel? It’s probably not important in this story’s development so ok…
who is jiang jue again