Chapter 191

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Following the popularity of Cheng Chen's concert, "Do You Want to Dance?", "The String Puppet", and "The Rest of My Life" immediately topped the charts.

Cheng Chen's name appeared on nearly every major music ranking list.

They were all live recordings from the concert, yet fans' love for them remained unstoppable.

Of course, Cheng Chen wasn't idle—he immediately released these three songs after the concert ended…

Then he plunged into preparations for the Spring Festival Gala.

The 2005 Spring Festival Gala was hailed as a year brimming with classic performances.

The spectacular "Thousand-Hand Guanyin," performed by 21 hearing-impaired girls.

Every song and dance moved the audience's heartstrings; traditional cultural dance left viewers spellbound.

That same year, Hua Zai performed "Congratulations on Your Wealth."

The song was a pop tune, yet on that night, it sounded joyous and festive.

It made audiences instantly recognize that the New Year was coming whenever they heard it in malls every year afterward.

Similarly, the song program included the internet sensation "Mouse Loves Rice."

It swept the entire nation immediately upon release.

Back then, the Spring Festival Gala was still an era of star-making—if you had talent, you'd go viral the moment you stepped on stage.

Of course, there were also sketch comedies like "Talk About Life," "Extraordinary Star," and Ben Shan's "Kung Fu."

All of them drew massive attention that year and became classics of a generation…

After finishing his current tasks, Cheng Chen began making frequent appearances on major variety shows.

The reason? The release of "Crazy Stone" was still over a month away.

During this time, promotional articles about "Crazy Stone" grew increasingly numerous.

For instance, the invitation from "Happy Camp" was one Cheng Chen couldn't refuse.

This year marked the rise of Xiangnan Satellite TV; in May, they launched a variety show impossible to forget:

"Super Girl."

Some people couldn't tell the difference between "Super Girl" and "Happy Girl."

Actually, it was simple—they were the same program under Xiangnan Satellite TV.

The difference was like that between "Have Hip-Hop" and "New Rap."

The reason was that relevant authorities issued rectification documents, and "Super Girl" happened to be on the list.

Thus, starting in 2007, "Super Girl" was renamed "Happy Girl."

Unlike typical Singer Competitions, this show branded itself as a "no-threshold" music talent contest: "no age limit, no regional restriction, no appearance bias."

It aimed to promote a sense of "national joy" through a music competition open to everyone with no barriers.

This "no-threshold" talent show championed "singing as the core."

It selected female singers based on the charm of their voices.

Therefore, factors like age, appearance, and region could all be ignored.

Anyone with a beautiful natural voice could join the competition for free.

Whether pop, folk, bel canto, or unconventional styles—all were judged for the most authentic voice.

Few remembered the "Super Girl" contestants who debuted in 2004.

Only An Youqi and Zhang Hanyun stood out, appearing modest compared to the "all-star lineup" of Chun Ge, Zhou Bichang, Zhang Jingying, and He Jie in 2005.

Of course, this was the premiere season—first seasons usually lay the groundwork for future ones.

Xiangnan Satellite TV played this move very steadily, and through this show, it became the number one choice in the hearts of countless teenagers, with viewership skyrocketing!

Thus, riding the wave of Xiangnan Satellite TV's popularity, Cheng Chen brought the "Crazy Stone" production team to "Happy Camp."

"Happy Camp" dressing room.

"Boss Cheng, I'm nervous."

Huang Bo said to Cheng Chen with a tense expression.

The guests on this episode of "Happy Camp" were Cheng Chen, Ning Hao, Huang Bo, Guo Tao, and Xu Zheng.

Originally, Xu Zheng had little screen time in the film and didn't plan to appear on the show.

But after Cheng Chen repeatedly begged him, he had no choice but to come over.

"What's there to be nervous about? Just be natural."

»

"But I have no variety show sense—I've never been on a show before."

Huang Bo said with a distressed expression.

In recent years, he had drifted between various film sets and performed well in front of the camera.

But this was his first time on a variety show, and he felt deeply uneasy.

Cheng Chen walked up to Huang Bo, patted his shoulder, and said seriously:

"Brother Bo, you don't need to say anything—just standing on stage will give you maximum variety show presence!"

"Pfft!"

Hearing Cheng Chen's words, Xu Zheng, who was drinking water, suddenly spat it out.

Seeing everyone stare at him, Xu Zheng smiled awkwardly and said:

"I just think Boss Cheng talks in a funny way."

After his explanation, everyone found it even funnier.

Huang Bo finally relaxed and smiled:

"Cheng Zong, go ahead and tease me—I'll do as you say; later I'll just stand on stage and see if the audience buys my looks."

He had learned the word "looks" from Cheng Chen.

"What are you two laughing about? Long time no see, Cheng Zong."

A voice came from behind—it was He Jiong, arriving with Wei Jia and a female host.

He Jiong walked over, looking at Cheng Chen and exclaiming dramatically:

"You've been red-hot lately! When are you coming to Sha City for a concert? I'll book a ticket right away!"

"Of course, definitely."

Cheng Chen smiled; he really couldn't handle such casual familiarity.

"By the way, Na Na, let me introduce you—Wei Jia you already met last time."

"This is our new host, Xie Na. Na Na, you don't need me to introduce this one, right? The superstar of the entertainment circle—Cheng Chen."

"Oh my god, Master Cheng! I've been waiting for you to come—I finally met my idol today, I'm so excited!"

Xie Na said nervously.

The girl was great in every way, except she spoke with exaggerated, dramatic outbursts.

Cheng Chen nodded and smiled:

"Hello, Xie Na."

But inside he thought: Had Li Xiang already left Happy Camp?

He had an average impression of Xie Na—her dramatic outbursts and erratic behavior were her trademarks.

To her fans, this was called cheerful and outspoken.

Since joining Happy Camp, she had always been compared to Li Xiang.

Li Xiang always gave the impression of being gentle and approachable, while Xie Na was the kind who surprised you.

Their styles were completely different.

Some liked Li Xiang's poised elegance; others liked Xie Na's lively energy.

Hmm, I wonder who likes which?

Xie Na's most memorable moment came in 2007.

In 2007, the Happy Family went to Hong Kong to interview Liu Dehua.

During the interview, Xie Na kept holding her cue cards, stumbling over her lines.

He Jiong beside her kept helping to cover up and smooth things over.

Wei Jia interacted with Liu Dehua, saying he remembered one of Liu Dehua's music videos had taken eight hours to film.

Xie Na immediately interrupted: "Superman!"

Liu Dehua corrected her: "Superman" took nineteen hours.

But Xie Na turned to Wei Jia and said:

"Why didn't you do your homework properly?"

Wei Jia:???

Liu Dehua immediately said:

"There was one that took eight hours—but that was 'One'."

Clearly, Liu Dehua also disliked Xie Na's blame-shifting.

Finally, when He Jiong gently said: "You might not remember our slogan anymore."

Liu Dehua instantly replied: "Happy Camp, great mood every day!"

The three of them instantly: "Wow!"

Liu Dehua pointed at Xie Na and teased:

"I wrote mine down like her."

On-the-spot recovery is basic professional conduct for a host.

But her self-centeredness made her intolerant of others on stage.

At the end of the interview, He Jiong asked Liu Dehua:

"Any places you'd recommend visiting?"

Liu Dehua pointed at Xie Na and said:

"There's a typhoon outside—don't go anywhere. Just take her straight to the hospital…"

Some said Xie Na was like Xiao S from Wan Sheng.

Hmm, Cheng Chen had no feeling for either of them!

Of course, since he was on their turf now, he couldn't say anything.

He introduced the surrounding crew to He Jiong and the other three.

After some small talk, the three began the run-through.

The run-through was really just memorizing lines and flow—who says what, who does what.

Improvisation was allowed, but there wasn't much room—it depended on status.

After the run-through, recording began in the afternoon…

"Everyone, welcome to Happy Camp—I'm He Jiong."

"I'm Wei Jia."

"I'm your favorite Na Na—Xie Na!"

The audience clapped in response; He Jiong spoke first:

"I'm so excited today, friends! Our guest today is a Heavenly King Superstar—can you guess who it is?"

"Who is it, Teacher He?"

Xie Na asked quickly.

"Let me tease you a bit—Wei Jia, do you know?"

He Jiong glanced at her and asked Wei Jia.

"Oh, I get it! You mean that recently popular singer who just finished his concert..."

"Cheng Chen!"

!

Before Wei Jia could finish, the audience below the stage shouted loudly.

In the control room, the director looked at the screen and spoke into the microphone:

"Good, the live atmosphere is intense—shoot more audience reactions, remember to add some extras in post-production."

"The guest is coming out—focus on Cheng Chen's reactions and expressions."

Onstage, He Jiong gestured to quiet the crowd and said in surprise:

"How smart you are! That's right—the guest today is Cheng Chen! Let's give a warm welcome to the Heavenly King singer, famous actor, and Producer, Cheng Chen!"

Here, Cheng Chen was required by the production team to sing a song upon appearing.

So before he even stepped out, Cheng Chen sang "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky."

After the song ended, the entire recording studio echoed with Cheng Chen's voice.

"Wow, that was amazing! No wonder he's a Heavenly King singer—so beautifully sung! Let's welcome Cheng Chen!"

He Jiong immediately cheered.

"Hello everyone, I'm Cheng Chen!"

"Aaaaaa!"

"Boss, boss, I love you! Just like Mouse Loves Rice!"

"Boss, I really like you!"

Although there was some performative exaggeration, the audience below reacted with extraordinary frenzy.

Even the three hosts onstage couldn't help but be secretly astonished.

Big-name stars had appeared on Happy Camp before, but such an explosive scene was truly rare.

"Teacher He, this is what they call popularity exploding—our studio ceiling might just burst from the fans' madness!"

"In my memory, I can't recall any guest whose arrival ever made the audience this wild!"

Wei Jia said while clapping to welcome him.

Xie Na, standing beside him, immediately interrupted:

"Wei Jia, don't you remember when I came to Happy Camp with Teacher Zhang Weijian? Back then, the fans were even crazier!"

"I remember several female fans were so excited they cried!"

In 1999, Zhang Weijian brought Xie Na to Happy Camp to promote Young Hero Fang Shiyu.

On the show, Xie Na's wild, image-unconscious behavior caught He Jiong's attention.

Later, when Happy Camp wanted to rebrand and needed a comic foil to liven up the atmosphere, He Jiong recommended Xie Na to the production team.

One could say that without Zhang Weijian's guidance, Xie Na would never have connected with Happy Camp.

But here's the problem.

Cheng Chen and Zhang Weijian's feud has stirred up a storm in Gang Sheng; although news is somewhat blocked in Mainland, you've surely heard something about it, right?

Fine, even if you didn't know—do you think it's appropriate to say this now?

While another star is basking in audience cheers, you suddenly say, "Don't get too cocky—someone's even more popular."

???

This isn't just careless—it's brainless!

Upon hearing Xie Na's words, the lively atmosphere suddenly chilled.

Some audience members below glared at her angrily.

Wei Jia beside her froze—those words weren't in the script!

Only now did Xie Na realize she'd spoken wrongly, and she quickly looked toward Cheng Chen.

Fortunately, Cheng Chen still wore a smile, his expression unchanged.

He Jiong, standing nearby, desperately wanted to salvage the situation—but this topic was dead.

"Hmm, as far as I know, Cheng Chen came here with a mission, right?"

If it can't be salvaged, then don't salvage it!

It's recorded anyway—just cut out Xie Na's line in post-production.

All he could do now was silently pray that Cheng Chen wouldn't blame the production team because of Xie Na's words.

Cheng Chen still smiled and said:

"I came here today with my Crazy Stone crewmates."

"Teacher He, could you let them come out and greet the audience first?"

"No problem! Let's give a warm welcome to the Crazy Stone crew! Director Ning Hao, actors Guo Tao, Xu Zheng, Huang Bo—welcome!"

From Ning Hao to Huang Bo, each one greeted the audience.

Among them, Xu Zheng had the highest recognition, compared to the lesser-known Guo Tao and Huang Bo.

At this time, Xu Zheng had already finished airing several hit dramas: Spring Light Shines on Zhu Bajie, Li Wei Official, and Love Across Time.

Each of these dramas was among the most popular and beloved of the year, and their lead actor, Xu Zheng, was deeply etched into viewers' memories.

Every one of these dramas was the most explosive, most beloved work of its year back then, and the lead actor Xu Zheng was deeply etched in viewers' memories along with them.

"Oh, so they're all from the *Crazy Stone* crew. Has everyone remembered that?"

"Remembered!"

The audience shouted loudly from below.

"Teacher He, what you just said wasn't right. It should be the *Crazy Stone* starring Cheng Chen in a hilarious performance, premiering on the third day of the first lunar month."

Cheng Chen added from the side.

"Oh, I understand. Let me say it again: the *Crazy Stone* starring Cheng Chen in a hilarious performance, premiering on the third day of the first lunar month."

He Jiong, baffled, repeated it once more.

Cheng Chen smiled faintly and nodded:

"Right, what Teacher He said wasn't wrong—it's starring Cheng Chen in a hilarious performance…"

Cheng Chen repeated the same lines once again.

Only now did everyone suddenly realize—this guy was sneakily advertising his own movie on the show.

A line that only needed to be said once had somehow been repeated by him three times.

"Friends in the audience, have you remembered? Tell me loudly—who is starring in the hilarious performance…"

"Starring Cheng Chen in a hilarious performance, premiering on the third day of the first lunar month…"

Watching Cheng Chen interacting with the audience, He Jiong and Wei Jia exchanged a glance and thought wryly:

This guy's way of advertising is way too unusual, way too… brainwashing!

…