DAEYTT Chapter 046: A Cold Scene and Singing Rehearsal.

Actually, Wang Qian only learned the name of the movie, "Unnamed Life," from Zhao Lei's Weibo post last night. Before that, he hadn't really paid much attention to it.

Directors generally work behind the scenes, and TV directors have even less exposure than film directors. Wang Qian occasionally hears about some popular film directors in entertainment news, like Ma Da Pao, who is similar to Feng Da Pao, or Zhang Guo Shi, similar to Zhang Guo Shi. But as for TV directors, he really hasn't heard of any.

The last time he met Zhao Lei, he didn't have the nerve to ask. Zhao Lei's Weibo only had over 200,000 followers, which is quite low for a successful director who has made a few popular TV dramas. So, Zhao Lei's continuous promotion of his new movie on his Weibo had very limited effect. Wang Qian didn't notice it either.

This movie was a small investment, featuring second-tier actors with good acting skills. The production company had already used a lot of resources to get the cast on a few big variety shows for promotion. However, the promotional effect was mediocre, and there was little buzz about the movie online, far less than the promotional effect of Li Qingyao's events.

Here, the production team had reached a cooperation agreement with the mall. The crew came to promote the film, and the mall and the cinema were fully cooperating. A stage was set up in the central area with a large poster of the movie behind it.

However, not many people came. Only a few dozen people were scattered around, watching the excitement. Compared to Li Qingyao's fan meeting outside, this was dozens of times smaller. The so-called media presence was just some self-media bloggers filming with their phones.

No one noticed Wang Qian when he arrived. The onlookers didn't pay attention, assuming he was just another spectator. The crew didn't notice him either, as no one except Zhao Lei had met him before. Even though Wang Qian was now somewhat famous as an online celebrity, no one recognized him here.

This was normal. Without prior large-scale promotion, who would know who he was? Those videos of some online celebrities and stars being surrounded by crowds on the street were all the result of prior publicity, not accidental encounters.

Of course, even if Wang Qian had promoted in advance on Weibo, it might not have had much effect. He hadn't been famous for long, and without hyping his persona or looks, he hadn't reached the level of attracting brainless fans.

"Hello, who are you?" A staff member stopped Wang Qian as he was about to go on stage and asked cautiously.

"Hello, I'm here for the event, with them," Wang Qian pointed to the crew on the stage.

The staff member looked back and saw another staff member on stage shaking his head, indicating he didn't recognize Wang Qian. The staff member extended his hand and said, "Sorry!" Without saying anything unpleasant, the message was clear: leave, they don't know you.

Wang Qian was speechless. Without explaining further since it wouldn't help, he took out his phone and called Zhao Lei.

The call was answered after one ring. "Director Zhao, I'm here. Can you come and get me?" Wang Qian said directly.

Zhao Lei walked over, holding his phone, and saw Wang Qian. "I see you, come on up!"

Wang Qian pointed to Zhao Lei approaching and asked the staff, "The director is here to get me. Can I go up now?"

The staff looked back and, seeing it was indeed the director, smiled apologetically. "Sorry, you can go up."

Zhao Lei came over, shook hands with Wang Qian, and apologized, "Sorry, they don't know you. Come on, the event is about to start."

Wang Qian nodded. "It's okay. Actually, I don't have to be here. I'm not that famous and haven't contributed much. The crew doesn't really need me for the promotion, right?"

Zhao Lei replied, "You contributed the theme song, which is a big deal. I searched for months for a satisfactory theme song. If it weren't for your two songs, I would have had to settle, and the effect wouldn't have been what I wanted! Come, let me introduce you..."

The event hadn't started yet. Everyone was resting, organizing, or putting on makeup backstage. No one was idle. There was no sight of people playing on their phones while others worked.

Wang Qian noticed that everyone was quite dedicated. "Director Zhao, no need to introduce me. Everyone's so busy; I don't want to bother them."

Zhao Lei laughed, "Then you rest for a bit. I'll introduce you when they're done."

Wang Qian nodded and sat on a chair in a corner. Zhao Lei went back to his busy tasks, talking to many people who were bustling around.

Wang Qian, feeling bored, picked up a promotional booklet from the crew and looked at the movie.

"Unnamed Life" tells the story of an ordinary boy who leaves the mountains, struggles in the city, and eventually returns to the mountains. Judging by the plot summary, it was clearly an art film.

This is a common choice for directors making their first film. Art films can build some industry reputation. If the box office doesn't lose money, it's a win. Winning some awards would be a big win.

Many people think directors who make art films are impressive for creating deep movies. In reality, making commercial films is much harder than making art films. The so-called depth is subjective and relies on media praise. However, box office success is concrete and hard to fake.

The production manager, Li He, approached Zhao Lei. "Old Zhao, Li Qingyao is holding an event outside in the mall square. Everyone's drawn to her, so our promotional effect is weakened."

Zhao Lei asked, "Did the mall inform us in advance?"

Li He nodded with a bitter smile. "They did, but they didn't specify clearly. They just said a star would hold an event today. I didn't take it seriously... I didn't expect it to be the currently hot Li Qingyao. If I had known in advance, I would have changed the venue."

Zhao Lei looked back at the main actors of the crew, including Liu Jifeng, and asked, "When does Li Qingyao finish?"

Li He replied, "Soon, I think! I've heard she has to go out of town to record a show this afternoon, so she'll leave by noon at the latest."

Zhao Lei said, "Then let's wait a bit. We still have time. For now, let's have Liu Jifeng and the others go up and say a few words to warm up the crowd, maybe do some performances."

Li He agreed, "Alright, I'll arrange it! By the way, you called Wang Qian here to sing the theme song, right? How about letting him perform now?"

Zhao Lei looked at Wang Qian, who was sitting in the corner and looking around, and nodded, "Sure, let him sing."

Zhao Lei was fond of Wang Qian's work and wanted to include him in the promotion to increase Wang Qian's exposure. Wang Qian's work was currently popular and could also help boost the film's attention. A win-win situation!

Zhao Lei stopped Li He, who was about to approach Wang Qian. "I'll go tell him myself."

Zhao Lei walked up to Wang Qian and asked, "Wang Qian, are you interested in going on stage to sing the movie's theme songs? Just two songs: 'Once You' and 'Ordinary Road.'"

Wang Qian had no objections. "Of course, no problem. That's my duty."

Since the songs' rights were purchased, he naturally felt obligated to help promote the movie.

Zhao Lei patted Wang Qian's shoulder and smiled, "Great. Do you need makeup or anything?"

Wang Qian glanced at the young actors getting their makeup and styling done and shook his head. "No need! I can go on stage anytime!"

Zhao Lei was very pleased with Wang Qian's attitude—no airs, no trouble. He gave Li He an okay sign.

The event host walked onto the stage, maintaining a passionate voice despite the sparse crowd. "Hello, everyone. Today marks the release of the movie 'Unnamed Life.' The crew will soon meet with you here. First, let's welcome the performer of the movie's interlude 'Once You' and the theme song 'Ordinary Road,' the gracious gentleman, Qian Qian Junzi, to sing these two songs for us! A round of applause, please..."

Many in the audience showed surprise and delight. 

Among the crew, Liu Jifeng was a new generation actor not good at hyping or appearing on variety shows. Trained in formal acting, his popularity was average, barely second-tier. Hence, there were only a few fans holding his support signs, and they weren't even shouting—likely hired by the crew or the agency.

The rest were just curious onlookers. 

Now, hearing the host announce that Qian Qian Junzi would perform "Once You" and "Ordinary Road," some passersby were pleasantly surprised.

Because a few people there had downloaded these two songs.

A young woman shouted, "Boss, go for it!"

People around her gave her odd looks, but she didn't care, keeping her eyes on the stage. She told those around her, "These two songs are great. You'll know when you hear them!"

She began promoting enthusiastically.

Claps started to scatter around.

For Wang Qian, this was his first time performing at such an event. He walked onto the stage with a microphone, feeling a bit awkward seeing the sparse crowd. However, he was pleasantly surprised when someone shouted "Boss" in support. He waved to the young woman and softly said, "Thank you..."

The music began!

Wang Qian's fresh and calm voice followed.

"Once dreamed of wielding a sword to roam the world,

To see the splendor of the world...

A youthful heart always has some confusion,

Now you are at home everywhere..."

The sound spread throughout the mall via the audio system.

Many people shopping in the mall were noticeably surprised when they heard the song.

"Is the original singer performing live? I downloaded this song and really like it. Let's go check it out."

"Boss is singing? Let's go, let's go!"

"Is it the boss...?"

"Who's the boss? The mall's boss?"

"No, it's the Hai Di Lao boss singing. He sings really well. I want to see him live."

"I heard the boss is joining a crew's promotion here. Is it here?"

"Let's take a look. Who's singing this song? It's pretty good."

Gradually, more people gathered around the stage.

By the time Wang Qian finished the song, about two or three hundred people had gathered, with around twenty people shouting support for the boss.

The rest seemed to be listening attentively, likely hearing the song for the first time.

Zhao Lei and Li He both visibly relaxed at this sight. If no one had come, it would have been embarrassing—a bad omen right from the start. Though it was an art film with low box office expectations, complete neglect would have been unacceptable.

Luckily, Wang Qian's singing saved the day.

"Boss, sing another one!"

"Boss, any new songs? I love your new songs."

"Boss, sing 'Not So Simple.'"

Voices came from the crowd.

Wang Qian smiled and said, "Thank you all for your support. I'll sing 'Ordinary Road' next."

The music began.

Wang Qian's voice remained as captivating as ever.

Even before he finished singing "Ordinary Road," the surrounding crowd had grown to over four or five hundred people, forming a dense throng.

"Go, Boss!"

"Boss, one more song..."

"Boss..."

Among the crowd, the voices supporting him had noticeably increased.

...

Li He walked over to Zhao Lei, saying excitedly, "I contacted the property management and connected the outdoor plaza speakers. Now, Wang Qian's singing can be heard outside too. It should draw in even more people."

Zhao Lei laughed, "Are you trying to steal Li Qingyao's audience? Be careful, she might hold a grudge. Our little crew can't compare to her influence."

Li He shrugged, "We're not targeting her specifically. We're just promoting normally!"

Liu Jifeng approached, watching Wang Qian sing. Curiously, he asked, "Director Zhao, Mr. Li, who is he?"

Zhao Lei explained, "He's the original artist of our movie's theme song. He's been very popular in the music scene recently. Haven't you heard his songs?"

Liu Jifeng smiled sheepishly, "I've been too busy lately to pay attention. I'll make sure to listen when I get a chance."

Zhao Lei added, "Wang Qian now has one and a half million followers on Weibo, not far behind your two million. His four new songs are climbing the new song charts rapidly!"

"Four songs on the new song charts simultaneously?" Liu Jifeng asked in surprise.

Zhao Lei nodded.

Liu Jifeng quickly pulled out his phone to check and found four songs by the same artist—Qian Qian Junzi—on the new song charts.

"Is it him?" Liu Jifeng asked.

Zhao Lei nodded again, "Yes, that's him. Qian Qian Junzi is his stage name."

Liu Jifeng immediately downloaded all four songs, planning to listen to them later. He praised, "Impressive! But since we're competing with Qingyao, should we go communicate with her first?"

Zhao Lei thought for a moment and gave Li He a look.

Li He nodded and turned to leave.

...

Outside in the plaza.

Li Qingyao was signing her photos and CDs, with over a thousand people still lined up. She had already signed for over a thousand fans, her hand numb, but she maintained a smile, thanking and encouraging each fan in line.

"I once crossed mountains and seas, and also through crowds of people."

"I once owned everything."

"In the blink of an eye, it all vanished like smoke..."

Suddenly, a song came through the plaza speakers, spreading across the entire square and the surrounding pedestrian street.

Many people looked towards the mall.

On the large screen above the mall's main entrance, the ongoing stage performance inside was being broadcast.

There, a man in ordinary clothes held a microphone and sang "Ordinary Road."

"It's the Boss!"

"The Boss is singing live, let's go see!"

"It's a live performance of 'Ordinary Road.' Let's check it out!"

Voices rose around the plaza.

Many people shopping on the pedestrian street quickly headed towards the mall.

Li Qingyao, hearing the song, paused her signing and looked back at the big screen.

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