CHAPTER 37: CHAPTER 33: PREMIERE BROADCAST

Ultimately, everything boiled down to profit. If the stakes were high enough, negotiation was unnecessary; he would even stoop to begging for it himself. After all, making money wasn’t shameful. How much was face worth, anyway?

By that time, Xu Qingqiu had understood what the director meant. She wasn’t foolish; on the contrary, she was very smart.

The director could have approached her sooner or later, but he chose this particular time. The reason is as clear as day—my performance must have truly exceeded his expectations.

With this thought, the disappointment in her heart from the director’s words unexpectedly lifted.

If I’m not allowed to sing original songs, then I won’t. Since it’s a competition, I’ll compete fair and square. I believe in my abilities. So what if it’s not an original? Competing with true skill doesn’t scare me.

"Okay, I’ll follow the director’s arrangements."

Seeing how readily she agreed, the director also felt an unexpected delight.

"It’s good that you understand. Don’t worry, I’m not an unreasonable person. Our show’s team is very fair. Your previous achievements will still count. Furthermore, if you have any new original songs in the future, you can give me a heads-up. If they’re suitable, it’s not out of the question to feature them."

At this moment, that statement might have sounded comforting. However, had Xu Qingqiu not agreed, the same words could have easily been a threat.

What did "previous achievements still count" imply? It meant that if she didn’t agree, they would change the rules and re-record.

Make no mistake, the chief director, if truly determined, was entirely capable of such an act.

And as for "giving a heads-up in advance," and "original songs being possible if suitable"?

It meant that if she informed him beforehand, the decision to air it was his. When would it be "suitable"? The chief director knew best, of course: when the initial hype died down. This would depend on the show’s feedback after the first episode aired.

If her songs genuinely caused a significant stir, this would be a valuable trump card. In any case, Xu Qingqiu was merely a pawn in his hands—and a compliant one at that.

So-called negotiation and approachability were nothing more than means to manipulate pawns.

She naturally understood this. But given the current circumstances, some things were better left unsaid. Without the power to overturn the situation, she had no choice but to play by their rules.

Chu Tian, who had been observing the entire exchange silently, narrowed his eyes and watched calmly, a sudden wave of empathy washing over him.

Does it hurt? Is it sad?

He watched the young woman, barely in her twenties, force a smile and feign compliance with the director, awkwardly and pitifully navigating the world’s various schemes.

An unexpected pang of heartache struck him, and he suddenly understood why Sister Hua had such an explosive temper.

Thinking back to his previous life, wasn’t his agent’s explosive, hair-trigger temper—like a hedgehog’s quills—just a facade, a way to appear strong to protect him?

When he first debuted, he was utterly clueless. In everyone’s eyes, what difference was there between him and a little white rabbit? He had no power to resist, completely at their mercy.

Wasn’t Xu Qingqiu now just like he had been back then?

She was shouldering the studio’s pressure, burdened by external debts, and enduring suppression from Baise Entertainment.

Every day, she had to feign composure while managing the studio, rush around to secure appearances and earn money for everyone’s salaries, all while enduring others’ disdain, suppression, and ridicule...

It wasn’t until this moment that Chu Tian finally put himself in Xu Qingqiu’s shoes and truly considered how incredibly difficult things were for her.

If he remembered correctly, hadn’t she gone two years without returning home for the New Year? A girl who started out in this industry at sixteen—how much effort must she have poured in, and what kind of courage and determination had sustained her to reach this point?

Looking at the chief director’s beaming face, for some reason, a feeling of disgust welled up from the pit of his stomach, as if he were filled with suppressed anger with no outlet.

Playing tricks? Using power to oppress others? Not allowing original songs?

Hmph, very intimidating? What was all this about? Wasn’t it just because Xu Qingqiu lacked backing, status, and power?

If she couldn’t release original songs here, on the show, then doing so outside the show wouldn’t be a problem, right?

But the most crucial point was, if she couldn’t sing originals, where would *his* Reputation Points come from? Without Reputation Points, what about *his* throat?

Blocking someone’s path to fortune is like murdering their parents.

If this road is blocked, then find another. If she can’t sing on the show, she’ll sing off the show. If her status is low, she’ll just have to sing more songs.

Chu Tian refused to believe it! With the riches of another world and the system backing him, he couldn’t cultivate a Queen? Impossible!

With the resources he possessed, casually building up a top-tier industry giant shouldn’t be hard, right?

Previously, he’d maintained a playful attitude, not even taking his own life seriously. And now someone dared to push their luck with him? Who gave them the audacity?

A mere show director, where did he get this sense of superiority?

The angrier he became as he mulled it over, the more a complete plan began to form in his mind.

Their discussion was almost over. The director took his leave, stating the results would be announced during the next recording session. The recording for this segment was nearly finished, and as it was approaching midnight, everyone began to disperse.

Chu Tian, sullen and silent, followed behind, patiently waiting for the right moment.

...

Time trickled by. In the blink of an eye, a week later, the premiere day for the first episode of "The Sound of Nature"’s third season arrived.

No one at the studio worked overtime today; everyone had gone home early, Xu Qingqiu included.

This was her first appearance on a show in many years, and her long-awaited return to a major stage. The outcome hinged on the post-broadcast reaction, so she was particularly focused.

"Sister Hua, it’s about to start! Quick, come over!"

Inside Xu Qingqiu’s home, she and Yiyi were sitting on the sofa watching television. Li Chunhua was on the balcony, on a call. Hearing Yiyi’s shout, she quickly wrapped up her conversation and hung up.

"It hasn’t even started yet, always so impatient."

Entering the living room and seeing the TV still on commercials, Li Chunhua, annoyed, playfully tapped Yiyi on the head. Then, she sat on the sofa and began to munch on the snacks Yiyi held.

But after a couple of bites, she couldn’t eat anymore. She tossed the snacks back to Yiyi and picked up some grapes from the coffee table instead.

Yiyi pouted, looking aggrieved. Xu Qingqiu, unable to bear it, popped a slice of apple into her mouth, which made her feel a bit better.

"Look, it’s starting!"

On the TV, the first episode of the third season of "The Sound of Nature" officially aired.

"Teacher Zhu Yan, how are you feeling today?..."

Interspersed with clips of daily routines and behind-the-scenes footage, the show officially began. After a series of edits, the scene finally shifted to the stage.

"Hello, our dear viewers..."

After the host briefly introduced the rules for the third season, the show truly got underway.

When Xu Qingqiu stepped onto the stage, everyone watching their televisions held their breath, listening intently.

"Perhaps I cannot contend with heaven and earth,"

"Perhaps I’ll lower my head and weep,"

"Perhaps the bright sun and snow will fly into my heart."

"This... Has Xu Qingqiu changed her style? Why does it sound so depressing?"

Initially, the audience showed little reaction; even those familiar with her found her style somewhat alien. But as the first verse of her song concluded, many people in the audience erupted.