Chapter 156: Sorry, I'm Changing My Song Too

Modu.

Wang Mo was sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching Mango TV together with Yuan Xiong.

At this moment, as he looked at the radiant Cheng Yonglan on the stage, even in his eyes, there was a flash of astonishment.

"This song is of an exceptionally high standard!"

After listening for a while, Wang Mo said to Yuan Xiong.

Yuan Xiong nodded, "Normal. Look at the information on the big screen. That is the work of Wu Rui."

"Wu Rui?"

Wang Mo did not know much about this person.

Yuan Xiong explained, "Wu Rui is one of the top composing masters in the music industry, having written songs for quite a few kings and queens of pop, with a pile of classic songs under his belt. Back when the status of composers wasn't high, Wu Rui's status in the industry was already transcendent, and he was respectfully addressed as Teacher Wu by many singers. Now that the status of composers has greatly improved, today's Wu Rui can sit entirely on an equal footing with the kings and queens of pop."

Saying this, Yuan Xiong's tone changed.

"However, Wu Rui doesn't easily write songs for people, especially in the past year or two, during which he has basically retired from active writing. I didn't expect him to write two songs for Cheng Yonglan all at once. It seems Cheng Yonglan's backing agency intends for her to carve out a certain height in the music world as well."

Wang Mo asked, "Just like Sister Qi's idea?"

Yuan Xiong nodded, "Yes. Many people reach the pinnacle in the film and television industry and then want to make a dash for the music scene; there are also quite a few who, after reaching the summit in music, go into acting. After all, only through all-around development can one reach the ultimate throne of Heavenly King or Heavenly Queen. Who can resist the temptation?

This time, Cheng Yonglan's idea is very clear: she wants to use the influence of Mango TV to make a stunning debut at the gala, and completely overshadow the radiance of Xu Mengqi, who is also an award-winning actress.

In this way, she will achieve widespread fame in the music scene and bypass many detours.

It's just a pity that Cheng Yonglan's luck is not quite good..."

When mentioning poor luck, the image of Xu Mengqi recording "Legend" flashed through Yuan Xiong's mind.

He shook his head and thought to himself: *Legend*... Originally, no matter how well Xu Mengqi sang, it would only amaze people. But with Cheng Yonglan's performance preceding hers, Xu Mengqi this time is probably going to truly forge a path to a legend.

...

The Minor New Year's Eve Gala of Mango TV was not only broadcast live on television, but also simultaneously streamed across major online platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, and Mango TV.

At this moment, online, netizens were already in a state of turmoil because of the new song "Fish Tears" performed by Cheng Yonglan.

"Cheng Yonglan sang a new song on Minor New Year's Eve?"

"I came for her, but ended up captivated by the new song."

"Damn, this move totally shocked me."

"Indeed, absolutely breathtaking!"

"Anyone who didn't know would think the award-winning actress was participating in some music variety show."

"Oh mother, the new song sounds genuinely amazing."

"Actress Cheng switching songs like this is simply too showy. Everyone else's programs are completely eclipsed before her!!!"

"Our entire dorm couldn't even care about playing *PUBG*, we're all frantically cheering for Actress Cheng in the livestream room."

"..."

From the reactions of the netizens, one could tell what a massive psychological impact Cheng Yonglan singing a new song on stage had brought everyone.

If everyone cannot empathize, let me give an example: if Yang Mi suddenly sang a "new song" whose quality was no less than a classic during the Mango TV New Year's Eve countdown concert, and the standard was still solid, it would probably turn the entire entertainment industry upside down.

When Cheng Yonglan finished singing her song, Weibo trending searches were already dominated by her in the top three:

[Cheng Yonglan New Song]
[Award-Winning Actress Cheng Yonglan Displays the Demeanor of a Pop Queen]
[Fish Tears]

Following all of these trending searches was the character "EXPLOSION," indicating that the popularity was skyrocketing at this moment.

However, an even bigger explosion was yet to come.

Just a few minutes later, Mango TV's official Weibo account updated in real-time: "Glad Tidings: Tonight during Mango TV's Minor New Year's Eve Gala, in the time slot when actress Cheng Yonglan performed 'Fish Tears,' our station's ratings surged from 2.12% to 2.85%, and maintained this peak rating of 2.85% for as long as two minutes. This rating has broken Mango TV's highest gala ratings record in the past three years!"

As soon as the news came out, cries of exclamation rose one after another.

"Awesome!"

"Broke the highest gala ratings record of the past three years?"

"Good grief, this ratings boost is too terrifying."

Netizens could only feel shocked.

However, looking across the industry, many people were dumbfounded by these ratings.

One must know that in today's era of a flourishing culture and entertainment industry, many local TV stations in China hold galas for Minor New Year or New Year's Eve. It can be said that as long as the ratings of these galas exceed 0.5%, it is considered a success.

Yet Cheng Yonglan, by her single effort, pulled Mango TV's gala ratings up by 0.73%.

Doesn't this mean that Cheng Yonglan alone possessed higher appeal than the entire galas of many TV stations?

Thinking of this, many insiders in the industry felt their hearts trembling.

But soon, quite a few people thought of a fact: there was still another award-winning actress on Mango TV tonight who hadn't taken the stage yet!

That was: Xu Mengqi.

Instantly, discussions broke out everywhere in the industry.

One person said, "Originally I thought tonight would be two award-winning actresses shining brilliantly alongside each other on stage, each blooming with their own splendor. But Cheng Yonglan's new song just now was too outstanding. With things like this, when Xu Mengqi goes on stage later, I'm afraid she will be overshadowed by Cheng Yonglan's brilliance and appear utterly dim and lackluster."

Another person said, "Indeed that's the case. Xu Mengqi is a bit unlucky this time. Originally her fame was no weaker than Cheng Yonglan's. But Cheng Yonglan's performance was far too stunning. When the time comes, Xu Mengqi's performance on stage will definitely be suppressed mercilessly by Cheng Yonglan."

Someone else spoke up, "I remember Xu Mengqi once mentioned having the idea of breaking into the music scene, right? If she takes a heavy blow from Cheng Yonglan this time, I'm afraid her confidence will be completely shattered, won't it? Besides, I've seen the 'rehearsal' clips circulating online. The song Xu Mengqi is singing at this gala is 'Peach Blossom Vow'. Although this song is pretty good, at most it's on the same tier as 'Dream Heart'. It's completely incomparable to 'Fish Tears'."

Xu Mengqi's situation was a bit grim.

This was the internal thought of almost all industry insiders.

Of course, these industry insiders knew very well: Cheng Yonglan suddenly singing a new song and displaying matchless strength had a 90% probability of being intended to suppress Xu Mengqi. It seemed the competition between the two award-winning actresses was omnipresent.

And this time, it appeared Cheng Yonglan had the upper hand.

...

After finishing her song, Cheng Yonglan did not retreat backstage. Wearing her mermaid dress, she came down to the guest area in the audience, instantly becoming the focal point of the venue.

"Sister Lan, the new song sounds amazing!"

"Sister Lan, you were fantastic."

"Sister Lan, you actually sang a new song, and sang it so well—you kept it a secret from us for so long!"

All the guests in the guest area who had finished their performances came over to greet her one after another.

Cheng Yonglan responded to everyone with a smile and then sat down in her own seat.

Her manager hurried over almost instantly, lowering her voice excitedly: "Mango TV just released the news. During your singing earlier, the gala's ratings went up by 0.73%, setting Mango TV's highest gala ratings record in three years."

"Mmm."

Cheng Yonglan blinked, indicating that she understood.

She smiled slightly and said to her manager, "Go ahead and pick three top-tier brands that Xu Mengqi is preparing to endorse. Starting today, they belong to me."

The manager asked, "Shouldn't we wait until Xu Mengqi finishes singing before making a decision?"

Cheng Yonglan cast a faint glance at her: "Is there any need?"

Are you kidding me!

Her own achievements in the music scene were already higher than Xu Mengqi's, plus Teacher Wu Rui's work—it was equivalent to herself equipping divine gear to sing.

How could she possibly lose?

Did you think Xu Mengqi was a legend? A legend that could instantly kill divine gear?

"Got it!"

Hearing Cheng Yonglan's rhetorical question, the manager hesitated no longer and hurriedly went to get busy.

As for Cheng Yonglan, her gaze returned to the stage.

The next program was a sketch comedy.

Xu Mengqi was not scheduled to appear first right after her; instead, she would take the stage half an hour later.

Unless Mango TV's directors were out of their minds, they would never let the two award-winning actresses go on stage one after another. Only by spacing out their appearance times could they generate the greatest reaction.

At this moment, Xu Mengqi, sitting backstage, checked the time, took a deep breath, stood up, and walked toward the director's team.

Time was almost up.

When Xu Mengqi arrived at the director's desk, upon seeing her, the director showed no surprise in his eyes, as if he had long guessed she would come.

"Mengqi, come... sit."

The director pulled up a chair, warmly greeted Xu Mengqi, then gave a light cough and said, "I know, you're definitely here because of Cheng Yonglan singing her new song."

Xu Mengqi did not speak; she just stared at him.

The director's expression turned slightly awkward as he continued, "Cheng Yonglan told me a few days ago that she wanted to sing a new song at the gala, replacing her previous song 'Dream Heart'. However, she had one more request: the matter of changing to a new song had to be kept strictly confidential so that it could give everyone a surprise. Therefore, her new song rehearsals were conducted in secret, and she didn't reveal it to anyone until today.

Regarding this matter, I hope you won't take it to heart."

As he spoke, the director felt somewhat apprehensive in his heart.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Cheng Yonglan changing her song was aimed directly at Xu Mengqi.

Therefore, he knew that upon learning of Cheng Yonglan's song change, Xu Mengqi would definitely come to find him.

At this moment, the director also felt a bit gloomy: *The competition between you two award-winning actresses—don't drag me into it. I just want the gala program to be more exciting.*

Moreover, changing songs was not forbidden at the gala, as long as the guests didn't flee at the last minute.

Therefore, he had no reason to reject Cheng Yonglan's request.

What's more, after listening to "Fish Tears" back then, the director also felt that this song was better. Allowing Cheng Yonglan to change her song meant the live stage effect would definitely surpass "Dream Heart."

Tonight's surge in television ratings verified his judgment and made him glad he let Cheng Yonglan change her song.

Yet right now...

How was he to appease the dissatisfaction in the heart of the other award-winning actress present, Xu Mengqi?

Just as he was racking his brains to find a way, Xu Mengqi suddenly smiled.

"Director Ding, I didn't take it to heart."

The director was stunned: "Huh?"

Xu Mengqi said calmly, "What song Cheng Yonglan wants to sing is her freedom. What opinion could I possibly have?"

"This..."

For a moment, the director couldn't tell whether Xu Mengqi's words were true or false, so he had to ask, "Then what is the purpose of your coming here?"

The purpose of coming here?

Xu Mengqi smiled faintly and said, "Because... I am also going to change my song."

(End of chapter)