Chapter 582

In 2003, despite top-tier musicians having released personal new albums and the generational shift having quietly completed, when it came to true dominance, it still belonged to that man who had not yet released an album—

On almost all medium and large radio charts and music rankings, the song ranked number one was always "SuperStar" written by Zhou Yi; the throne remained unshakable.

And in the chart data listed by Taipei Voice, Taiwan's most famous music radio station, the combination of Sun Yanzi, Xiao Yaxuan, Zhang Shaohan, and Zhou Yi directly dominated the entire Taiwan music scene for over half a year—even the aggressively arriving Jay Chou could not challenge them, with "Sunny Day" forced to take second place.

After Sun Yanzi's new album was released, the popularity of "Meet" surged with added fan heat, directly pushing Jay Chou from the second spot down to third.

"SuperStar"

"Meet"

"Sunny Day"

"Spring Mud"

"July Seventh, Clear Sky"

"Little Dimples"

"Lonely Season"

"Today You Marry Me"

"Li Bai"

"Fairy Tale"

On Taipei Voice's authoritative chart, the top fifteen included ten Zhou Yi songs; the other five were by Jay Chou, Sun Yanzi, Xu Huixin, Yu Chengqing, and Tao Zhe.

This situation should have been impossible; after all, no matter how strong Zhou Yi was, he couldn't perform live songs, and moreover, these were all songs from last year. But it couldn't be helped that a blockbuster hit drama starring Zhou Yi, "The Pink Lady," premiered in Taiwan at the end of last December.

The explosive ratings of "The Pink Lady" in Taiwan reignited Zhou Yi's popularity; "Li Bai," clearly inferior in quality to the other songs, forcefully squeezed into the top ten.

On this fertile ground that birthed the idol drama dynasty, after the first broadcast round of "The Pink Lady" ended, it began frequent reruns this year. Warner, seizing every opportunity, pushed Zhou Yi merchandise to the limit—photo books, posters, selling them desperately—

After a historic breakthrough at the Grammys was written up in detail, and with the added sweep of this year's delayed Golden Melody Awards, Zhou Yi once again achieved the terrifying legend of not being in Taiwan while still dominating the Taiwan music charts.

Sun Derong, nearly choked into internal injury by Su Limei, felt a sense of powerlessness for the first time, as if drawing his sword and looking around in confusion.

With him not in Taiwan and no album released yet, he had already achieved this state; he dared not imagine that after Zhou Yi actually released a new album, the charts would become a battlefield ruled solely by Zhou Yi.

"The times have changed. I advise you to better change your mindset; do not oppose Zhou Yi, or at least do not oppose the current Zhou Yi."

Su Limei, who also saw Taipei Voice's latest chart data, showed no surprise: "Since Zhou Yi is willing to protect her, then I will definitely cast her as the female lead of the new drama."

She still hoped to introduce her idol drama to the mainland.

If Sun Derong persisted in his own way, then she would not hesitate to turn on him and forget old ties.

"Damn it, must we just let him run wild like this forever? Is there no one who can control him?"

"The nickname of the singer in Taiwan who dared to write Zhou Yi into a song to curse him was either 'Pet Dog' or some other dog. In a song called 'Korean Wave Attack,' he not only satirized Zhou Yi but also cursed Utada Hikaru and Li Wen, offending three families at once."

"The consequence was that the fans of Utada Hikaru and Li Wen did not drive him to a mental breakdown, but instead, Zhou Yi's fans drove him to depression. As soon as he entered the discharge process, he went to see a doctor. There were even cases where Zhou Yi's fans formed a group offline, put a sack over his head, and beat him severely, ruining his promising future; he cannot debut again for now."

Su Limei snorted, disdainfully saying, "If you also want to be beaten with a sack over your head, you can try it yourself."

"..."

……………………………………

"Try it, then try it!"

In the Imperial Capital, Wang Baoqiang, whose voice was trembling, forced himself to calm down and said loudly.

"Good, then prepare yourself; I will come over shortly to take you to meet someone and audition."

As the phone hung up, Wang Baoqiang, finally unable to suppress his excitement, did a carp leap from the bed and threw a few punches in the air.

Although "Blind Well" did not make him rich, it indeed expanded his connections, helped him win the Golden Horse Award for Best Newcomer, and brought him into the sightlines of many big directors in the industry.

See, the opportunity has arrived.

After being recommended by industry insiders, relying on his outstanding performance in "Blind Well," he entered Feng Xiaogang's sightlines. They said there was a script to collaborate on, but when he went to meet the person, he couldn't control his emotions and, while offering a toast, stubbornly drank red wine as if it were plain water.

Wang Baoqiang, knowing he had messed up the first meeting, originally thought there was no hope, but today he received a notice to go to the set for a screen test.

Although there was competition, at least there was still a chance.

"Come on, you can do it."

After grooming himself thoroughly, Wang Baoqiang, under the deputy director's lead, entered the preparatory set of "A World Without Thieves."

And it was here that he first saw those big shots he could only see in dreams from afar—Feng Xiaogang, Liu Dehua, Fan Bingbin, Li Bingbin, Zhou Yi...

Huh?

Wait a minute—

Zhou Yi???

Wang Baoqiang, dreaming back to the days when he first heard "Drifting North," froze.

"So, why did you call me over? Isn't this just a formality? An audition? Isn't that a bit like deceiving yourself?"

In a separate dressing room, Zhou Yi, who clearly hadn't slept enough, lazily yawned, glanced sideways at Fan Xiaopang who was happily looking at her ordinary makeup in the mirror, and weakly complained, "I am very busy, okay?"

"Busy buying a wedding dress with that Taiwanese female star?" Fan Xiaopang rolled her eyes: "If I didn't drag you here, I'm afraid Hua Yi and the others would think I've lost favor with you."

After Chen Qiao-en's news was widely reported by the media, she immediately sensed a crisis—stronger than the crisis Li Bingbin brought her at the premiere of "Left Turn, Right Turn" back then.

With a nearly identical pattern, she, who had been immersed in Zhou Yi's gentle embrace for a long time, instantly woke up.

She had a very clear understanding of herself, and also a very clear understanding of Zhou Yi.

Since she couldn't stop him, she would try her best to improve her reputation, power, and influence within the industry within the limited time. That way, if Zhou Yi ever got tired of her in the future, she wouldn't instantly have nothing left.

"To be honest, she isn't as good-looking as you." Zhou Yi, lying in a rocking chair with his fingers interlaced behind his head, chuckled lightly upon hearing this: "You must have confidence in yourself."

"Good looks have an expiration date; I want to be a woman with substance."

Fan Xiaopang, privately absolutely confident in her looks, solemnly declared: "I can't trust you, you big heartless radish; who knows when you might abandon me. I still need to borrow your tiger skin to establish a few companies to support myself as soon as possible..."

Only when facing Zhou Yi would Fan Xiaopang unreservedly reveal her already formed ambition.

Looking at the few long-term rumored partners around Zhou Yi, every single one had their own career.

Competing with Zhou Yi was impossible, but competing with the other women around Zhou Yi still held hope—

As long as she defeats everyone else, she will be the final victor!

Fan Xiaopang felt good, believing her future was utterly bright.

"Fine, fine, fine, then I'll call you Boss Fan in advance."

Zhou Yi lazily rolled over: "When Boss Fan gets rich later, don't forget to give little brother a hand."

As the two were bantering, the dressing room door was knocked upon—

Liu Dehua's appearance caused Fan Xiaopang, who had just been grinning and looking forward to the future with Zhou Yi, to immediately stand up and politely greet him: "Brother Hua."

"Long time no see, Bingbin."

Liu Dehua smiled kindly, then turned his gaze toward Zhou Yi, who had also risen from the rocking chair to greet him: "I heard from the crew that you, A-Yi, are here too; I didn't expect it to be true."

"Hey, I was just dragged over by her; she said the audition was too nerve-wracking and wanted me to come bolster her courage."

After shaking hands, the now-serious Zhou Yi tilted his head toward the well-behaved Fan Xiaopang and joked: "I'm still filming an MV myself, yet she dragged me in as a conscript."

Liu Dehua, long since polished into a seasoned veteran, showed no senior airs toward Zhou Yi; as the two chatted amiably, they casually headed toward the audition room, with Fan Xiaopang trailing closely beside Zhou Yi, listening to their exchange on human relations and worldly wisdom.

Feng Xiaogang, who had been chatting with his wife, saw them arrive, immediately stood up with a beaming smile and welcomed them: "Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao appears. Welcome, welcome, Zhou Yi."

Knowing Zhou Yi was coming today, he had been warmly welcoming—

Because he wanted to request a song.

Whether it was for the theme song, an insert song, or a promotional track, he was unwilling to miss this rare opportunity to connect with Zhou Yi.

Zhang Yimou's marketing of the promotional song for "Hero" back then had left him utterly craving it.

However, knowing how difficult it was to request Zhou Yi's songs, he naturally needed to build a good relationship with him first before bringing up such matters.

"I heard you're going to Shanghai later for a cameo in 'Kung Fu'?"

"What cameo? That's all false news; I'm going to film an MV; my schedule is too packed to break free."

"..."

Under Feng Xiaogang's deliberate flattery, the atmosphere of the group's conversation seemed extremely harmonious; the former even earnestly invited Zhou Yi to stay and watch the audition, then have a simple meal together afterward, so he could fulfill his duties as a host.

And it was under these circumstances that Wang Baoqiang walked into the audition room and performed his audition.

Suddenly seeing Zhou Yi, the sole holder of a pure white-gold body in China's future entertainment industry, his expression showed slight surprise.

"What's wrong?"

Noticing the subtle change in Zhou Yi's expression, Fan Xiaopang found it strange and curiously leaned close to his ear, whispering: "Do you know this person?"

Know him? He knew him very well indeed.

The only man in China's entertainment industry whose agent and wife combined couldn't find a single black mark; a top-tier star so positive in image it seemed almost unbelievable; an absolute person of integrity, a model taxpayer who wouldn't forget to pay taxes even when borrowing money from friends to sue someone.

This resume was too solid.

Especially with the various demons and monsters of the entertainment industry as a backdrop, its value was maximized.

"No, I just think his acting is quite impressive."

Zhou Yi shook his head slightly and casually replied.

This wasn't exactly speaking against his conscience.

In terms of acting talent, Wang Baoqanger clearly belonged to the type blessed by heaven, capable of playing both virtuous and villainous roles.

Feng Xiaogang, who had clearly heard Zhou Yi's words and was about to comment on Wang Baoqiang's performance while he waited for feedback, heard this remark and immediately laughed: "Not bad, Baoqiang; you're the first person today to make Zhou Yi unable to hold back his praise."

"Th-thank you!"

Although he didn't know why Zhou Yi was here, this didn't stop Wang Baoqiang from becoming visibly excited upon hearing those words.

"Let me introduce you; this is Wang Baoqiang, who just won the Golden Horse Award for Best Newcomer. Baoqiang, this is Zhou Yi; I think you should know him."

"Know him, of course I know him. I even learned Mr. Zhou's songs before; that song 'Drifting North' was written so incredibly awesome; almost every extra in our batch back then could sing it, howling that song every day."

Wang Baoqiang, who felt Feng Xiaogang's attitude toward him become even more friendly since Zhou Yi started speaking, immediately nodded vigorously.

Although the cassette tape he listened to back then was given to him by someone in the crew who didn't want it, and because it was damaged, two songs couldn't be played, he still learned "Jiangnan" and "Drifting North" by following that tape.

"Since even Zhou Yi has been moved by you, I won't beat around the bush; go back and prepare."

Feng Xiaogang, who was already somewhat inclined to let Wang Baoqiang play the role of "Silly Root," straightforwardly did Zhou Yi a favor right in front of everyone, causing a slight shock in the hearts of some people present—

Holy crap!

With a single sentence from Zhou Yi, this rustic-looking Wang Baoqiang had "changed his fate"?