Chapter 43: An Invitation from the National Television Network

"Su Bai, your mid-event escape has had a negative impact online!"
"If you choose to release your songs now, it might significantly affect your results!"
"My advice is to wait a bit, let this misunderstanding clear up, and then release your songs when you’re riding the wave!"
Song Liang earnestly tried to persuade Su Bai, who was stubborn in his determination to release new music.
He truly couldn’t understand why Su Bai didn’t simply reveal the truth of the matter.
He had seen through those people’s true faces: ruthless in pursuit of their goals, stopping at nothing and employing any means necessary.
Even something as heinous as kidnapping was within their reach.
He dared not imagine what other schemes they might employ!
Su Bai shook his head, adamant in his resolve.
"We’ll release them now!"
"First of all, the schedule for the Forbidden City’s 600th anniversary cultural promotion is set!"
"We must ensure our songs are released before filming the promotional video."
"Otherwise, we can’t authorize free use; they can’t use them without charge."
After he finished speaking, both Su Bai and Song Liang couldn’t help but laugh at themselves.
After everything that had happened, it was uncertain whether the Forbidden City’s cultural team would choose ‘Dragon Scale of Heaven and Earth’ as the anniversary theme song.
Still, preparations had to be made.
You couldn’t wait until the Forbidden City confirmed it was ‘Dragon Scale of Heaven and Earth’, then tell them, ‘Could you wait a bit? Our song hasn’t been released yet! We can’t authorize it! Let us release it first, then we’ll grant you permission.’
That would be truly foolish!
Song Liang knew that if ‘Dragon Scale of Heaven and Earth’ was used for the Forbidden City’s cultural promotion, their company would make a name for itself overnight.
Though not a sensation in the industry, at least they’d have a place at the table and earn recognition from some circles.
Su Bai’s fame was already established.
But some people were obstinate, only looking at concrete achievements.
They didn’t care how popular you were at the moment.
They’d seen too many overnight internet sensations, who quickly faded and, within two years, went from being universally known to walking the streets unrecognized.
These days, the profession of internet celebrity is fraught with uncertainty.
Collaborations are only made when immediate benefits are visible.

Su Bai and Song Liang debated fiercely for a long time.
In the end, Song Liang couldn’t win over Su Bai’s resolve.
They decided to release ‘Dragon Scale of Heaven and Earth’, ‘The Lone Brave’, ‘The Actor’, and ‘You Once Were’ together!
Songs already exposed countless times would lose their heat if hidden any longer.
It was better to play all their cards at once with a bang!
"By the way, Mango TV’s ‘Who Is the Singer’ wants you as a backup singer!"
"Mango TV is known as a star-making stage. There are definite advantages, though you might not get much attention."
"The producers say backup singers have a good chance to perform on stage."
"To be frank, you may perform, or you may not."
"If you don’t, it might have a negative impact on your reputation."
"Right now, I can’t be certain if those people have their hands in Mango TV."
"I can’t tell if this is a setup by those behind-the-scenes players."
Su Bai fell into deep thought.
If it really was a trap set by Liu Siyen’s side, it would be a blow to him at this moment.
No doubt the internet would explode with headlines like ‘Internet celebrity Su Bai, desperate for a break, shamelessly lands on the backup list for Who Is the Singer but never gets to perform.’
The consequences would be easy to imagine!
"There’s another variety show, ‘Who Is the Ace’, which is very popular lately and has launched many stars."
"They’re inviting you as a guest! They say you’ll have 15 seconds to showcase your talent."
Su Bai gave a wry smile at the mention of 15 seconds.
How could anyone display their talent in just 15 seconds?
Presenting only a snippet would surely invite criticism.
"Of course, there are plenty of ordinary commercial performances, but given your current situation, I advise against it."
"Live streaming would be more worthwhile than commercial gigs."
"In fact, Su Bai, if you want to clear up rumors about your piano skills, you could do so directly in a livestream."
"With your current popularity, if the platform doesn’t restrict traffic, breaking tens of thousands would be easy!"
"Even breaking a million is possible!"
Su Bai nodded in agreement.
"Brother Song, let me consider everything. Don’t rush to reply to anyone yet."
Every option had its pros and cons; none were perfect solutions.
But with no better alternatives, doing nothing would invite speculation that he was guilty and evasive.
The phone rang.
It was from an unfamiliar number.

"Hello, this is Su Bai!"
"Hello, Su Bai. This is Yu Lan."
"The evening after tomorrow at six, I can temporarily host a CCTV program called ‘Entertainment Focus’."
"First, to explain what happened yesterday."
"Second, prepare your talent performance. It’ll give you a chance to clear up the rumors circulating online."
Su Bai was overjoyed.
He’d been worried about how to clarify his current predicament.
Yu Lan had just provided the perfect opportunity.
In terms of pure entertainment, ‘Who Is the Singer’ and ‘Who Is the Ace’ were certainly more lively.
But in terms of credibility, nothing surpassed a CCTV channel!
Besides, he wasn’t seeking more popularity.
He was already popular enough.
He didn’t need any more hype.
What he needed now was a reputable media outlet as his platform.
Only then could he resolve his fans’ doubts and break the web of rumors.
"Great! Wonderful!"
"Thank you, thank you, Teacher Yu!"
Su Bai was so excited that he didn’t know how to express his gratitude.
Yu Lan’s tone on the phone was neutral, betraying no emotion: "No need to thank me. This helps you, and it helps me."
"And, Tongtong really likes you. Don’t let her down."
With that, she hung up.
That night, after Su Bai and Yang Mengke left, Ji Jingxian heard from A Fu about Su Bai’s rescue of Yang Mengke and Liu Ruotong.
Thinking back to Liu Ruotong’s behavior that night, she could understand why Liu Ruotong liked Su Bai so much.
Perhaps the scene, so similar to one five years ago, stirred up memories in her heart.
Subconsciously, she overlapped her brother’s image with Su Bai’s.
She didn’t want Liu Ruotong to worry about Su Bai, nor did she want Su Bai to become an indelible figure in Liu Ruotong’s heart.
That was why Ji Jingxian made her decision.
Yu Lan would temporarily host ‘Entertainment Focus’ with Su Bai as the guest!
Only Ji Jingxian could move Yu Lan to take such a bold step.