Chapter 228: Fans

The so-called dating shows are actually just meant to satisfy the public's voyeuristic curiosity, like "Rose Appointment," which started airing in 1998.

Twelve handsome men and beautiful women took the stage at the same time; its premiere pioneered dating shows on mainland television.

Of course, it also created a ratings miracle for Xiangnan TV, all the way until this year...

In the meeting room of Lingxi Jewelry, Cheng Chen held a laser pointer and gestured at the projector screen.

Seated below were the senior executives of Lingxi Jewelry.

Lingxi Jewelry mainly made its fortune in diamond jewelry, has overseas backing, is very strong, and belongs to the high-end segment domestically.

However, it has always kept a low profile and isn't very well known in the country.

In first- and second-tier cities, diamonds remain the top jewelry choice for young people.

Especially in the marriage and dating market, ever since 1947, when an advertising professional named Frances had a flash of inspiration and came up with:

"A diamond is forever."

This slogan fully embodies the emotion and timeless romance one obtains from owning a diamond.

And it uses the eternity of diamonds to reflect the eternity of love and commitment.

Over the past nearly fifty years, this slogan, widely recognized as the most classic and resonant advertising line, has not only fully embodied the love and commitment symbolized by diamonds.

It has also influenced popular culture and connected hundreds of millions of consumers with the promise of eternity.

In 1999, this iconic slogan was selected by Advertising Age magazine as the greatest advertising tagline of the 20th century.

It transcended geographical and cultural barriers and spoke to a shared aspiration of people around the world:

To love and be loved, unwavering, holding eternity in one's hands.

Against this backdrop, diamonds became tied to love in the eyes of the world.

But when the market sinks down to third- and fourth-tier cities, even to county towns and rural areas, the situation changes.

Isn't there an old Chinese saying:

"Love is stronger than gold."

Gold still holds the mainstream position in these markets, and has even remained strong over the following twenty-plus years.

It splits the entire Chinese marriage and dating market with diamonds.

Therefore, Lingxi Jewelry's top priority right now is to push its diamonds out and into third- and fourth-tier cities, even county-level markets.

They chose Cheng Chen, who is hugely popular among young people, as their brand spokesperson.

But they were told that Cheng Chen had an even better promotion plan, which is why today's meeting is happening...

"Your company's next step is to use diamonds to open up today's young people's marriage and dating market.

And dating variety shows are the best way to tie in with diamonds. After all, in the eyes of young people, diamonds represent love.

Nowadays, Xiangnan TV's 'Rose Appointment' has been gradually declining.

This is due both to the show's inaction and its formulaic, templated approach, and to the audience's fatigue with dating variety shows and loss of freshness.

So launching a program that both satisfies the public's voyeuristic desire and is refreshingly novel and full of freshness is especially important..."

The Lingxi Jewelry executive in the audience exchanged a glance with the colleague beside him.

Cheng Chen spoke at length for half an hour, from the current market analysis of the diamond industry to the state of dating variety shows.

It was clear he had done his homework on this, and linking diamonds with dating variety shows is the right idea.

The Lingxi Jewelry executive acknowledged this point.

Now it all comes down to whether Cheng Chen can come up with a plan for a show that is both fresh and eye-catching and can promote the brand.

Cheng Chen switched to a new slide, one with a pink image as the background.

A poster with the youthful, vibrant title "Let's Fall in Love" appeared before everyone.

The first thing that caught the eye was the line on it: "Celebrity romance reality show."

Celebrity romance, and a reality show at that?

Who could resist that?

Just those few words alone give off a strong whiff of gossip and an irresistible urge to see the show's content right away.

All along, celebrities' romances and marriages have been kept hidden, as if they were absolutely forbidden from being revealed.

If on a variety show,

you saw your favorite celebrity dating someone, sure, some die-hard fans would be heartbroken.

But it's fake! It's a show!

Besides, being able to peek at how celebrities treat love and behave when they're dating—how could that not be exciting?

So, when Cheng Chen switched to this slide, the Lingxi Jewelry executives were immediately stunned.

"Mr. Cheng, your proposal is really... too shocking."

A man in a suit, refined and scholarly-looking, exclaimed.

Cheng Chen remembered him—he was the head of external publicity at Lingxi Jewelry.

He was mainly responsible for reaching out to Cheng Chen to be the brand spokesperson and for arranging this meeting.

Zhang Bing.

Cheng Chen smiled faintly, thinking this was only the beginning.

In his previous life, "Let's Fall in Love" was a Chinese version of a variety show jointly launched by South Korea's MBC TV and China's Jiangsu TV.

The original Korean show was the hit "We Got Married," which was hugely popular with fans as soon as it aired.

That's right, this is yet another imported variety show.

One has to admit that in entertainment, Japan and South Korea have always been ahead of China, leading the way.

At the time, the Korean side sent the original team to participate in the show's production throughout.

Jiangsu TV sent a professional team, bringing in top domestic directors and screenwriters to ensure the localization of the show's content.

In its presentation, "We Are In Love" retains the classic scenes from the original version.

For example, it includes familiar moments like family reunions, mutual set visits, and meeting parents, while adding elements more deeply rooted in Chinese traditional culture and regional characteristics, making it more resonant with Chinese audiences.

Compared to the original program, the greatest distinctive feature of "We Are In Love" is the redefined role positioning of the celebrities.

Instead of portraying "couples," they now portray "romantic partners," shifting the program's focus to celebrity romance.

Moreover, the emotional pairings and levels have also been restructured and upgraded from the original.

To avoid being perceived by authorities as promoting unhealthy trends, "We Are In Love" positions itself as celebrity romance.

The core philosophy the production team aims to convey is "Believe in Love, Practice Love, Enjoy Love."

It seeks to let viewers, while dreaming alongside the celebrities' beautiful romances,

also practice the skills of love and comprehend its meaning…

Cheng Chen briefly outlined the program's flow, and several senior executives from Lingxi Jewelry nodded frequently.

They were very satisfied with Cheng Chen's concept.

"My report is complete. Overall, this program has one major drawback…"

At the end, Cheng Chen posed another question.

Hearing Cheng Chen's words, Zhang Bing responded:

"What drawback?"

Cheng Chen looked at Zhang Bing and joked:

"Since we're inviting celebrities to participate, the production costs might be quite high, Manager Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bing's expression flickered with surprise, then he exchanged a glance with his colleague and suddenly laughed.

Cheng Chen knew full well that, as a jewelry group with foreign investment backing, money was no issue for them.

But it's better to state the unpleasant truth upfront.

"Money isn't an issue…"

Zhang Bing waved his hand grandly, exuding an air of limitless spending.

As the head of the group's external publicity, Zhang Bing was well aware of the fees demanded by mainland Chinese celebrities.

The group's annual external publicity budget was sometimes left unused.

"I look forward to our cooperation," Cheng Chen said with a smile.

…

After temporarily securing the collaboration with Lingxi Jewelry, Cheng Chen immediately headed to the set of "Langya Bang."

The filming schedule of "Langya Bang" was not slow; when Cheng Chen met Kong Sheng, they estimated it would be completed in roughly four months.

For a large-scale historical drama, as long as the pre-production preparations are sufficient, filming generally proceeds without major issues.

Moreover, Kong Sheng had arranged for three crews to work simultaneously—speed was undeniably fast.

"Alright, cut! Good work,"

the B-unit director called out, and the actors on set immediately stopped performing.

"This young girl's acting is quite impressive."

On another side of the set, Kong Sheng and Cheng Chen stood watching the scene unfold.

Following Kong Sheng's pointing finger, Cheng Chen saw Guo Zhenni.

To be honest, this girl's acting was truly impressive; though her role was small, she was the type who could master any character.

Though still slightly unpolished, she already had spirit—given time, she would surely rise another level.

"I wonder if this girl has an agency yet. Could we sign her?"

Cheng Chen thought to himself.

Cheng Chen was looking for an excuse to ask her, when she suddenly ran over.

"Brother Cheng, how was my performance just now?"

The girl was about Cheng Chen's age, but in the entertainment industry, those with higher status were addressed as "brother" or "sister."

Cheng Chen smiled and gave a thumbs-up:

"Excellent—the director himself just praised you."

"Really! Thank you, Director Kong—I didn't hear it, hehe."

Guo Zhenni giggled, delightfully mischievous.

Cheng Chen suddenly recalled the role she played in the tragic drama "The Mute Bride"—a jealous, villainous character.

Indeed, if an actor portrays a role too well, viewers inevitably become immersed in it…

Indeed, if a person plays a role too well, others will genuinely become immersed in it...

"Brother Cheng, you can just call me Ni Ni."

Guo Zhenni smiled.

"Then I'll call you Ni Ni. Have you signed with an agency since your debut?"

Hearing this, Director Kong tactfully said:

"You two chat—I'll go check on the set."

"Goodbye, Director Kong."

Guo Zhenni waved to Kong Sheng, then turned to Cheng Chen:

"Not yet. My previous roles were all recommended by classmates and teachers. Why? Are you guys going to sign me?"

"Not yet—previous roles were all recommended by classmates and teachers. What's up, Brother Cheng? Are you guys going to sign me?"

Uh…

Uh…

This girl is pretty good at the direct approach.

Cheng Chen nodded and said:

"That's right, I have an entertainment company. Just as you've seen, *Nirvana in Fire* was invested in by my company."

Guo Zhenni thought for a moment, then said:

"If I refuse Cheng-ge, will you kick me out of the crew?"

"Uh… probably not."

"Hahaha, just kidding. I know Cheng-ge isn't that kind of person. Got it, then I'll sign with your company."

Guo Zhenni said with a smile and a nod.

Cheng Chen was startled by the girl's decisiveness and hurriedly asked:

"Don't you need to think it over, or discuss it with your family, classmates, teachers, that sort of thing?"

Guo Zhenni waved her hand dismissively and said:

"No need to discuss. No one can make decisions for me — unless I'm willing. Cheng-ge, let me show you something…"

Guo Zhenni ran into the shed, took out her little bag, and pulled out her phone from inside:

"Ta-da!"

Guo Zhenni opened her phone like she was presenting a treasure. It was a small flip phone.

Opening the phone, the screen, where you could almost see the pixels, 赫然 displayed a photo.

It was Cheng Chen.

The phone's screensaver was a photo of Cheng Chen being interviewed.

Then she pulled out a small notebook she used for taking notes from her bag, and tucked between the pages were photos with Cheng Chen's autograph.

"That's not all. My bedroom wall at home has your posters too. Hehe, don't worry, I'm not some sasaeng fan.

I just like you — the kind of liking you have for an idol… So, when I found out *Nirvana in Fire* was your investment,

and that you were starring in it, I didn't hesitate to turn down another drama to come audition.

Originally I auditioned for the role of Nihuang, but I didn't expect Director Kong to cast me as Qin Bore instead…

But that's pretty good too — at least I get to see my idol on set, hehe."

Hearing her words, Cheng Chen was both touched and amused:

"I didn't expect celebrities to chase stars too. You've really opened my eyes."

Guo Zhenni pouted and said:

"Who says celebrities can't chase stars? Besides, I don't really count as a celebrity yet.

Although I've filmed one drama, it hasn't aired yet. Although I've taken on some commercial shoots,

those are all unknown small brands. But I'm already very satisfied — because I'm about to be signed by Cheng-ge's company, after all."

Cheng Chen rubbed his nose and said helplessly:

"Hearing you talk like this, I'm already considering whether to keep signing you."

"Huh?"

Guo Zhenni's mouth fell open, her eyes went wide, looking utterly shocked.

"Relax, I'm just kidding. Bring your ID tomorrow, I'll have someone prepare the contract for you."

Cheng Chen said with a smile.

Signing an artist who turns out to be your own fan — that takes the cake.

"Okay!"

Guo Zhenni laughed and excitedly ran off to the set.

Watching her full-of-energy figure, Cheng Chen smiled slightly, feeling quite moved.

Xinghuo Entertainment, aside from its top actress Yan Danchen, was about to gain another female performer.

Mm, with more people, time to hurry up and make money.

"What are you grinning about?"

Speak of the devil — Cheng Chen's shoulder was patted, and the person was none other than Yan Danchen.

Cheng Chen got a fright and said:

"My dear Sister Chen, your surname must be Cao, right? I was just thinking about you in my head, and here you are!"

"Because I felt your inner thoughts, so I came right over."

Yan Danchen said with a charming smile.

"Hahaha, Sister Chen, that sounds great — if you're good at it, say more."

Cheng Chen said with a grin.

"Boring."

Yan Danchen shot him a glare.

"What were you chatting with her about just now?"

Yan Danchen asked casually.

"Nothing much. I just saw she's a good actress and wanted to sign her to the company. I knew this girl was my fan,

but I didn't expect her phone screensaver and notebook to both be full of my photos. It's a bit…"

"A bit secretly pleased?"

"Mm, a little… ah, no, there's nothing to be happy about, being thought about by people all day."

Cheng Chen felt a chill down his spine and hurriedly said.

But he saw Yan Danchen still smiling sweetly — just a little coldly.

"……"