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The National Day Gala of CCTV!
These six simple words seem to possess a certain magic, causing those present to gasp in surprise.
In the country, China Central Television (CCTV) is undoubtedly a dominant presence, representing the highest level of official television broadcasting. Its strength and heritage are unmatched by all the satellite TV stations combined!
To perform at a CCTV gala is the dream of countless artists, especially the annual Spring Festival Gala, which boasts a viewership rating of over 90%, making it a shortcut to success.
Of course, the National Day Gala cannot be compared to the Spring Festival Gala, but it is still a top-tier stage that newcomers like Lu Chen can only aspire to. Without sufficient connections and qualifications, one should not even think about stepping into it.
Now, Lu Zhengzhi actually asked Lu Chen if he wanted to go up on stage, shattering glasses all around!
Is this too exaggerated?
Gao Zhixue couldn't believe it— Director Lu, what kind of joke is this?
Gu Rui was left dumbfounded!
Could it really be that CCTV was going to snatch him up?
There have indeed been instances where CCTV has intercepted programs from Capital City TV, given the complex relationship between the two! But Lu Chen was not swept away by the excitement.
He felt an instinctive wariness towards this big-bellied leader and did not believe that the other party would make it so easy for him.
After a moment of thought, Lu Chen asked, "Excuse me, leader, is it just my work?"
Because he was clear-headed enough, he grasped the core of the issue.
'Is it about people, nevertheless, or just the work?'
The difference is too significant!
Gao Zhixue and Gu Rui reacted and looked towards Lu Zhengzhi in unison.
Lu Zhengzhi smiled and said, "Comrade Little Lu, your song is great. I believe it deserves a bigger stage, but all the performers for our CCTV National Day Gala are already in place, Hehe."
His meaning was clear: the people cannot be changed, but changing the song is no problem.
Lu Zhengzhi wanted to intercept the song "I Love You, China"!
As for Lu Chen wanting to step onto the CCTV stage? That would just be a….
To be fair, having Lu Chen's work appear at CCTV's gala is already a significant honor. Even if Lu Zhengzhi wanted to change the song, it would take some effort.
He had his own calculations.
Despite being stared at by Gao Zhixue and Gu Rui, Lu Zhengzhi remained calm and composed, exuding confidence.
He did not believe that Lu Chen would refuse his suggestion.
Such an opportunity to connect with the prestigious CCTV, unless one is a fool, would not be missed.
In comparison, what is Capital City TV? Moreover, if Lu Chen does not sing "I Love You, China," he has another song!
Of course, that song must be renamed; having the same name is out of the question.
However, no matter how thoroughly Director Lu Zhengzhi thought, he did not understand Lu Chen.
Lu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you, leader, but I would like to sing this piece on the Capital City TV stage!"
His attitude was polite, but his tone was incredibly firm! Lu Zhengzhi being a leader at CCTV surprised Lu Chen to some extent.
And the suggestion made by Lu Zhengzhi also made Lu Chen's heart flutter for a moment.
This is CCTV!
But Lu Chen quickly calmed down.
What Lu Zhengzhi wanted was merely his work, and his condescending attitude made Lu Chen feel repulsed.
Most importantly, if Lu Chen were to give up "I Love You, China" for immediate benefits, it would be a slap in the face to Capital City TV and would undoubtedly disappoint Gu Rui, who had always supported him!
Thus, it was destined that Lu Chen could not agree.
Perhaps others would see his decision as foolish, but Lu Chen had his own principles and beliefs to uphold.
As a man, one must have things they will not do and things they must do!
Even if it might offend this CCTV leader.
Lu Zhengzhi's smile instantly froze.He had never expected Lu Chen to refuse so straightforwardly, without even considering it.
This left him feeling quite embarrassed.
However, Lu Zhengzhi was very shrewd and quickly smiled, "Well, that's fine, the decision is yours."
Though he said this, his eyes nevertheless revealed a hint of displeasure.
Truly ungrateful!
Gao Zhixue and Gu Rui exchanged glances, both surprised that Lu Chen was so bold.
Gao Zhixue cleared his throat and said, "Lu Chen, then you should go back and prepare your music quickly."
He was ready to be slapped in the face by Lu Zhengzhi, but the outcome was truly unexpected.
The young and fearless! At this moment, both Gao Zhixue and Gu Rui felt a newfound admiration for Lu Chen.
If such a young talent does not falter along the way, his future is boundless!
Lu Chen bowed and left the stage.
His rehearsal for the day was already over, so after retrieving his belongings from the backer, he exited.
Just as he stepped out of the television station's main entrance, Lu Chen was stopped by someone.
The person was sharply dressed in a suit, exuding competence, and spoke politely: "Mr. Lu Chen, Miss Chen Fei'er would like to see you. May I ask if you are available now?"
"Sister Fei?"
Lu Chen vaguely remembered that this suited man was an aide to Chen Fei'er and did not think much of it: "Where?"
Under the guidance of the suited man, Lu Chen arrived at the television station's parking lot.
The suited man opened the door of a silver-gray extended Mercedes-Benz business car and gestured for him to enter.
Lu Chen nodded and climbed into the car.
The suited man promptly closed the door.
The interior of the business car was surprisingly spacious, with luxurious decor. Two rows of leather sofas faced each other, equipped with a coffee table, a small bar, a refrigerator, a television, and other amenities.
There was no unpleasant odor in the car; instead, a faint, pleasant fragrance wafted through.
Chen Fei'er sat alone on the sofa. Upon seeing Lu Chen enter, she smiled brightly and said, "Lu Chen, I hope you don't mind me inviting you here. There are quite a few reporters outside."
Today marked the first rehearsal for the National Day Gala at Capital City TV, and many star artists had come, resulting in a significant presence of entertainment reporters, commonly known as paparazzi, lurking outside the television station.
If Chen Fei'er had waited for Lu Chen at the entrance, being photographed by reporters could have led to unfounded rumors.
The parking lot of the television station was managed with restricted access, so there was no need to worry about paparazzi cameras here.
Lu Chen understood: "Sister Fei, please go ahead. If there's anything I can do, just let me know."
Chen Fei'er was a senior artist with many years in the industry and a prominent figure in the show business community.
Most importantly, she had looked out for Lu Chen.
He always remembered this favor and feared he might not have the opportunity to repay it.
After all, the gap in status between them was significant.
Chen Fei'er smiled and said, "You speak so nicely; you must be good at charming girls in your daily life, right?"
This Heavenly Queen of Sweet Songs was truly stunning. Today, she wore light makeup, but her exquisite features showed no flaws. Her bright eyes and radiant smile created an inviting atmosphere.
Moreover, she displayed no airs of a big star in front of Lu Chen.
It must be noted that she was a fully mature woman, yet she blended a youthful innocence, creating a unique and alluring charm that was magnified in the confined space of the car.
Lu Chen's composure was strong, yet sitting across from her, he felt a bit breathless.
In response to her teasing, Lu Chen could only smile wryly.
Chen Fei'er laughed and said, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. I just wanted to ask if the song 'I Love You, China' you sang earlier is your original work?"
Lu Chen was surprised: "Sister Fei, you watched my rehearsal?"
Chen Fei'er nodded: "Yes, I could see from the VIP room. I was actually about to leave, but your song kept me here. Both songs were excellent and captivating."
Her eyes sparkled: "I particularly liked the second version of 'I Love You, China.' You sang it beautifully!"
Being gazed at so closely by this Heavenly Queen of Sweet Songs made Lu Chen feel a bit pressured: "Thank you."
Chen Fei'er laughed heartily: "So, I wanted to ask if you could authorize me to cover this song?"
So that's what it was!
Lu Chen understood and replied without hesitation: "I don't have any problem with that. In fact, Sister Fei, just have someone call me about it!"
Chen Fei'er said earnestly: "That's not the same."
Lu Chen was indeed a newcomer, but the talent he displayed in songwriting had already surpassed many well-known songwriters, making her view him with respect.
In the industry, the status of a singer has always been high. If Lu Chen could maintain his creative inspiration and produce more quality works, he would undoubtedly achieve a high status.
Chen Fei'er was not so close and friendly with all newcomers, especially not with males.
Lu Chen's songwriting ability earned her respect.
Especially with the song "I Love You, China," which had left a profound impact on her!
Although Chen Fei'er still maintained her reputation as the Heavenly Queen of Sweet Songs, she was acutely aware that her sweet songs and love ballads were losing their market among the new generation.
If she did not want to fade into obscurity, a transformation was necessary.
However, this was not an easy task.
People had grown accustomed to her image, her voice, and her style; if her transition failed, the consequences would be severe.
Lu Chen's song "I Love You, China" could not immediately facilitate her transformation, and she had no intention of shifting towards mainstream vagabond singer styles just yet, but at least it presented a potential path, and she once again recognized Lu Chen's extraordinary talent.
Chen Fei'er was a very astute woman, decisively inviting Lu Chen for a private discussion, hoping to acquire the rights to cover the song.
What she truly desired was to establish an important collaborative relationship with Lu Chen.
Lu Chen did not disappoint her.
Chen Fei'er instantly felt elated: "That's wonderful."
She pondered for a moment and said, "How about I treat you to dinner tonight? You promised to write a song for me."
"We can chat while we eat."
"Why don't you choose the restaurant, and I'll pick up the bill?"
"Did you drive here?"
Lu Chen: "Uh..."
He was completely unable to keep up with the thought process of this Heavenly Queen of Sweet Songs. ——
(End of Chapter)