Master Wu’s attitude seemed cold and stubborn, but his last words, “Perform well on stage,” surprised those around him.
Did this mean that Master Wu actually cared about the performance of an eighteenth-tier artist on stage?
The other artists who were waiting to see Qi Feng scolded by the old man were puzzled, though they respectfully saw Master Wu off as he left.
Qi Feng smiled softly, “Master Wu, please walk slowly.”
With the successful conclusion of the rehearsal, everyone tensely but orderly waited for the live broadcast to begin.
The viewership and ratings for City A1Here we go again with the author’s inconsistency, anyway I will be following the raw because I’m also confused whether this is a typo or not. TV Station’s Music and Art Grand Stage show’s primetime slot needed no elaboration, and the concurrent live internet stream and appearances of several top celebrities had already stirred up heated online discussion even before the show had started.
【Ahhhh, all my favorite gege are here today. Good luck, gege! 】
【They even managed to invite that girl group from X Country, the production team really went all out this time. 】
【There’s also that national treasure level master of classical music. Looks like the show is placing more emphasis on our country’s musical culture now. 】
【Music Grand Stage never fails to impress. 】
Scattered amongst the many comments were some about Qi Feng:
【I feel like I saw Qi Feng’s name there. Did they invite him to promote classical music? 】
【Who’s he? Some new face in the music industry? 】
【What new face in music! Just an 18th-level star who broadcasts Guqin and Guzheng, and he dares to share the stage with Master Wu? Aren’t the producers afraid he’d degrade Master Wu’s status? 】
【His guzheng and guqin when live streaming were pretty good though. 】
…..
After a commercial break, the show officially started.
The host first introduced today’s lineup of guests and ending performances, as well as expressed gratitude towards today’s sponsors.
Past sponsors on this channel were typically skincare brands, beverages, music apps, etc., catering to the target audience, but shockingly nestled amongst the usual food and beverage sponsors today was financial giant Donghai Investments.
Attentive audience members noticed the Donghai Investments logo during the sponsor acknowledgments and were greatly astonished: The Music and Art Grand Stage was able to attract such a huge sponsor?!
Sure enough, when the host thanked the sponsors, special emphasis was placed on Donghai Investments.
“Our deepest thanks to the financial giant for their support of our show, and even more thanks to…..”
The host intentionally left them hanging in suspense before suddenly pointing to an aloof man sitting in the frontmost VVIP seats, “Deepest thanks to Donghai Investments’ President Pei Yan for gracing us with his presence tonight! Let’s give him a warm welcome!”
Many artists who were going to perform today were gathered in the waiting area behind the scenes. When they heard the name “Pei Yan”, they were all surprised and couldn’t help but stretch their heads to look at the front row seats.
“For real? Donghai Investment’s President Pei really came? Now that’s an impressive face he’s showing.”
“We’ll get to see what he actually looks like, right? I heard he’s even more handsome in person than on TV!”
“25 years old, 187 cm tall, visuals good enough to directly debut as a celebrity, net worth in the billions…..”
The entertainment industry placed utmost importance on looks, fame, and money. And both Donghai Investments and Pei Yan himself were the epitome of money. Money that could buy fame, status, and a lifetime of riches.
A few of the younger female celebrities harbored ulterior motives, secretly taking out their mirrors to tidy up their elegant dresses and outfit ribbons. After all, someone like Pei Yan, even just managing to make his acquaintance, could bring them sufficient wealth.
Amidst the lively chatter backstage, the overlooked Qi Feng in the corner softly sighed.
Below the dazzling and glamorous stage lights, Pei Yan slightly nodded to the audience’s applause and attention. His expression was cool yet not discourteous, exuding an extraordinary aura.
After the applause gradually died down, the host smiled and said, “President Pei, having you on our stage today brings great honor to all of us.”
“But may I ask, what merited your precious time to watch our show live?”
Pei Yan stood up from his seat, drawing even more gazes to his tall and striking figure, further accentuated by his fine custom-tailored suit under the stage lights. People couldn’t help but look up and admire his appearance and figure.
“Because today…”
Pei Yan’s voice was rich and magnetic.
“…One of my favorite artists is participating in this show. It would also be an honor for me to see his performance live.”
Before Pei Yan could finish his words, the audience was in an uproar.
“Oh my god, the billionaire president actually chases stars too?!”
“He not only sponsored the show and came to watch live just to see his idol, but?!”
“Whoever President Pei favors must be a super popular A-list star, right?! Which first-tier celebrity is guesting today?!”
“Man, so curious to know who?!”
…..
Hearing this, the backstage artists grew even more secretly excited.
They were all thinking: Could it be me?!
If so, that would be amazing!!
Even the girl group members started whispering fervently in their own language, secretly anticipating the possibility.
In stark contrast to the earlier clamor, backstage was now bizarrely silent. Everyone held their breath, tense yet expectant as they strained to listen to the onstage dialogue.
On stage.
The host was even more shocked, hurriedly asking Pei Yan, “Wow, President Pei, are you saying one of tonight’s guests is your idol? I would never have expected you to chase stars, too! Could you tell us which star it is that you like?”
“A male artist skilled at playing the guqin.”
Pei Yan held the microphone and spoke seriously. His gaze seemed to rest on the host onstage, yet with an absent quality as if envisioning someone else entirely.
“I have watched his live broadcast, and he plays very well. So, I came here today to see him play with my own eyes.”
Just who was this mystery male guqin artist?
Which guest today incorporated guqin playing?
The moment he uttered those first words, the audience beneath the stage swiftly combed through their programs.
There were only two guqin performances listed – one was national treasure level master Wu Wenjun, the other was…Qi Feng? Never heard of him.
Could Master Wu possibly be President Pei’s idol?!!
…..President Pei’s artistic preferences are quite refined indeed.
When the artists behind the scenes heard the ‘playing the guqin’, they knew it was not them, and they all felt disappointed. The entire waiting area was permeated with resentment.
At the same time, they started speculating on the guqin player’s identity.
Master Wu?
Qi Feng?
….. It’s definitely Master Wu!
Just as everyone was hazarding guesses, Pei Yan’s deep intonation rang out from onstage.
“Yes, he’s Qi Feng.”
The steady voice suddenly softened when calling out that name at the end.
All eyes instantly swiveled towards the overlooked youth in the corner. Envy, disbelief, envy.
Qi Feng had been tuning his instrument the entire time. Glancing up briefly at the unconcealed expressions aimed his way – incredulous, envious, even somewhat jealous.
He heaved a muted sigh, bowing his head once more to pluck the guqin strings.
“How could it be him? Is he that good?”
“He does have nice looks, I guess. Still, isn’t he far too lucky?”
“Hmph, just sheer luck. Right now, it’s live in front of an audience and online viewership of tens of thousands. Thanks to this, the name Qi Feng is broadcasted everywhere now. Who wouldn’t envy this level of exposure?”
“Isn’t he signed to Yifan Entertainment? I remember that company excels the most at marketing gimmicks. Mark my words, hot search terms like #BillionaireTycoonChasingStars #QiFeng are sure to trend soon.”
“Right, what merit does he have? Is he worthy?”
…..
Low whispers filled with jealousy and unwillingness quietly spread among the artists behind the scenes.
Yet the subject of their discussion remained as calm as still water, sitting in the corner indifferently, playing his guqin as if it had nothing to do with him. This makes some jealous artists even more annoyed.
In contrast to the performers’ envy and loathing, the regular audience and netizens only cared about the shocking twist of a financial tycoon having a celebrity crush?!
As a result, extremely intrigued by the name Qi Feng, they took out their phones and started looking up videos of his guqin performances.
The sudden surge of searches for Qi Feng swiftly pushed related terms to trending status.
And that wasn’t all.
Ever adaptable, the director noticed both the enthusiastic audience response and an opportunity to curry more favor from an influential sponsor like Donghai Investments. He promptly informed the host to add another segment to their program.
Over here, a staff member found Qi Feng backstage and said, “Qi Feng, we’ve added an extra portion for you, an idol fan meetup. The director says to have you go onstage with President Pei, shake hands, and take a picture together.”
Qi Feng: ……
“Is this really necessary?”
The staff member enthusiastically replied, “This is great exposure for you! Take advantage of the heat and go onstage together with President Pei! You’re guaranteed to shoot to fame after tonight!”
Fang Cheng understood Pei Yan’s intentions.
By doing this so publicly in front of an audience of millions, Pei Yan was openly confessing his feelings to Qi Feng. Afterward, they could righteously and justifiably be together without fear of judgment or the need to hide.
But as for Xiao Feng himself…..
Fang Cheng didn’t think too much before tugging Qi Feng’s sleeve and responding to the staff on his behalf, “Yes, I’ll get Xiao Feng ready to go onstage now.”
The staff member shouted in acknowledgment and dashed off to signal the host.
On stage.
Receiving the “Qi Feng agrees” OK hand sign, the host excitedly exclaimed into the mic, “Upon hearing President Pei’s words just now, our production team has specially arranged an exclusive fan meetup!”
“Our guest artist Qi Feng will personally come onstage to shake hands and officially meet President Pei face to face! And if possible, we’d love to capture this special occasion with a photo together!”
“Is that really okay?”
The man who had always been cold and calm in the audience had his eyes shining with anticipation and his face became reserved, as if he was a die-hard fan who had finally realized his dream.
“President Pei, please come onstage now.”
The host smilingly called towards the backstage area, “We also welcome today’s special guest —- Qi Feng! Let’s all bear witness to this extraordinary fan meetup event tonight!”
Amidst the roaring applause, Pei Yan slowly got up from his seat and ascended the stage steps, tall and dignified in a meticulously tailored suit. The focused stage lighting and cameras served only to enhance Pei Yan’s natural good looks and powerful charisma, letting him easily hold his own amongst any of the celebrity guests tonight.
Whereas backstage, an elegant and refined youth gradually came into view.
Slender yet tall, his facial features so gorgeous they could only be described as exquisite. But most eye-catching were his intoxicating peach blossom eyes, seemingly nonchalant yet bewitchingly mesmerizing.
As he drew closer and closer to center stage, all eyes converged on the youth.
So, this was Qi Feng?
He’s so…..so handsome!!
Many couldn’t find the vocabulary to describe his temperament and beauty, only able to inwardly gasp in admiration.
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