Chapter 57: Starfire Entertainment

"Dear viewers, welcome to today's morning news bulletin. I'm your host Huanhuan. We all know music has boundless power; when feeling down, listening to music can bring a serene and peaceful state of mind."

"Music holds the joy of success, the despair of failure, and the tears of grievance."

"Today, let's talk about the power of music—how a single song can save a living soul. How did this happen? Let's find out…"

Wang Tianxiao turned off the TV with the remote, smiling at Cheng Chen.

"Not bad at all. How come I never noticed you had a talent for being a life coach?"

Cheng Chen yawned. "I've got plenty of talents. You'll find out if you stick around long enough."

After last night's broadcast of 'Hip-Hop After Work' ended, his phone never stopped ringing.

Somehow, tabloid reporters had gotten his contact info and called him one after another, opening with:

"Are you Cheng Chen, the one who saved a suicidal boy with a song? I'm a reporter from XX Newspaper…"

All of them wanted interviews. His phone kept ringing until 11 p. m., until he finally turned it off in frustration.

Honestly, Cheng Chen had no interest in dealing with these tabloids right now. Even if he refused interviews, given the viewership reach of 'Hip-Hop After Work,' they'd definitely run the story tomorrow.

Sure enough, when Cheng Chen went out for breakfast this morning, the newspapers carried stories about his live broadcast from last night.

Most were entertainment tabloids. As for official media, with so many events happening daily worldwide, Cheng Chen's story didn't even rank among national priorities.

Only after getting the exact time and an interview with Cheng Chen might the official press publish a tiny article summarizing the whole affair.

"Pfft, keep joking." Wang Tianxiao rolled her eyes. After spending so much time with this guy, she hadn't seen much in the way of talent—but his carefree attitude? She'd definitely learned plenty.

"Honestly, the words you spoke to that boy yesterday—I heard them on the radio and got choked up. Most of all, the song 'Youthful Ambition'—its lyrics and melody are incredible."

"It struck straight at people's hearts, created instant resonance, and packed every detail of the lyrics! Too bad we can't include it on this album—if we did, with the story behind it, the album would sell out!"

Wang Tianxiao sighed, then glared at Cheng Chen, who was grinning at her.

"You said on your live stream yesterday that you'd written this song long ago—why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Cheng Chen shrugged. "How could I have known there'd be an unexpected moment during the broadcast and prepared that song in advance? Even if I had told you earlier, the album was already printed and sent to the factory—there's no way to change it now…"

Before Cheng Chen finished speaking, Wang Tianxiao lunged forward, staring intently at him.

"You mean that song was composed live, right then and there?"

"Yeah, not bad, right?"

"Not bad?! Are you kidding?!"

"Slap!"

Wang Tianxiao slammed a newspaper onto the table—it was from a tabloid called 'Daily Entertainment Fresh News.'

The entire front page was devoted to Cheng Chen, clearly detailing his dual identity as actor and singer.

It listed the two TV dramas he'd acted in and the songs he'd released as a singer.

These publicly available facts were mentioned briefly; the article then focused in depth on 'Youthful Ambition' and yesterday's radio incident.

It even declared: "Cheng Chen undoubtedly composed 'Youthful Ambition' live and saved the boy," then elaborated his viewpoint with analysis from every angle—so convincing it felt undeniable.

Moreover, the article used countless internet memes, including Cheng Chen's own "golden lines"—humorous yet precise—

Not only that, this report used a large number of internet memes, including those "golden lines" Cheng Chen said—humorous yet still rigorous,

Cheng Chen read the entire paper, then glanced at the author's name: Mu Gua. Probably a pen name.

"The person who wrote this article is definitely a talent."

Cheng Chen said excitedly.

Wang Tianxiao glanced at him. "Because they're kissing your ass?"

"No, that's not it. This writer has serious writing skills—highly persuasive. Most importantly, he's definitely a netizen."

"Otherwise he wouldn't use so many internet terms. He's a master of public opinion!"

After last month's blog incident, Cheng Chen had grown even more aware of the power of public opinion. Though he had future experience and insight,

he couldn't sit glued to his computer all day—he needed a helper. Thinking of this, he asked:

"By the way, how's that company setup I asked you to handle?"

"Give me your ID and the company name, and I'll get it done this afternoon."

Wang Tianxiao replied frankly.

"The company name… call it Xinghuo. Xinghuo Entertainment."

"Got it. One more thing—your second album went on sale today. Based on your current popularity, I had the factory print extra copies. Learning from last time, the distributors are cooperating fully. Just sit back and count your money!"

Though immersed in the entertainment industry, Wang Tianxiao was fundamentally a businessperson, measuring success by market and money.

"How soon does the Huayu Yinyuehui's Singer Competition start?"

"I'm very confident leaving the album to you. When does the Singer Competition organized by the Huayu Yinyuehui start?"

"Tomorrow morning at eight. I heard they've partnered with Jingcheng TV—finals will be broadcast live, and TV crews will record the preliminary rounds too."

"They used my and A Du's popularity to hype this event, and now they've hooked up with official media. These old guys really know how to play their cards."

Cheng Chen crossed his legs, grinning.

Wang Tianxiao hesitated. "It's not all like that. My uncle said the chairman of China Yinyuehui is close friends with the head of the 2nd Cultural Channel."

"The Cultural Channel has long wanted to launch a music program to rival Hunan TV's 'Yinyue Buduan Geyouhui.'"

"Their goals align perfectly. It's not that China Yinyuehui partnered with official media—it's more like they got absorbed. We'll know the truth tomorrow."

Cheng Chen nodded. In 2002, TV music programs were rare. The first season of 'Chao Nu' wouldn't air until 2004, and CCTV 15 Tao Yinyue Pindao launched the same year.

Blue TV's 'I Love Singing Lyrics' came even later, premiering only in 2007.

For Jingcheng's Cultural Channel to have this idea now was quite ahead of its time.

"I get it. When the competition starts, let me know—I've already paid the entry fee, so I've got to go perform. That's it, I'm off."

The cultural channel in Jingcheng having this idea is still quite forward-thinking.

"I think I get it. When the competition happens, let me know—I've already paid the registration fee, so I've got to go up and give it a try. That's it, I'm off."

Before leaving, Cheng Chen also took the newspaper "Daily Entertainment Fresh News" with him.

……