The song "Chi Ling" (Red Performer) achieved the number one spot on the ancient style new songs chart the very next day, thanks to Chen Rong's divine live performance.
Simultaneously, it brought considerable attention to the opera industry.
In particular, Chen Rong's stunning opera-style vocals drew widespread adoration.
Douyin internet celebrities vied to cover it, further boosting its popularity.
However, despite numerous covers online, the quality was generally low.
With Chen Rong's original performance as the ceiling, listening to the covers felt lacking in essence.
On Wangyun Music.
"Chi Ling" had already accumulated tens of thousands of comments.
"Came here by reputation!"
"After listening to the internet celebrity covers, I'm here to cleanse my ears."
"This is the first time I've realized opera vocals can be this beautiful!"
"Compared to 'Chi Ling', previous ancient style songs with opera vocals are not even worth trash."
"I proclaim 'Chi Ling' as the current pinnacle of ancient style music."
"Chen Rong truly is a national first-class actor, completely outshining these internet celebrities."
"They're from the national team, of course they're powerful!"
"By the way, did no one notice that the lyrics and music are again by Ting Yu?"
"Who is this Ting Yu? He's already released two hit songs, and now another explosive track like 'Chi Ling'."
"Not only that, but his style is so versatile. 'Hou Lai' (Later), 'You He Bu Ke' (What Can Be Done), 'Chi Ling'—three songs, three styles. This isn't just impressive, it's genius!"
"..."
The comments were almost uniformly positive.
Coupled with the current trend leaning towards ancient style music, the popularity of "Chi Ling" was unlikely to wane anytime soon.
This also led to increased public attention towards opera.
Those internet celebrity streamers, eager to perform opera vocals well, started enrolling in classes. Everyone knew that opera vocals were the current key to traffic.
...
Xinghui Entertainment.
President's Office.
Chen Yong's face was grim, his brows furrowed.
He looked at the soaring data for "Chi Ling" on the screen, almost crushing the mouse in his hand.
Just then, the office door opened.
"President Chen, what did you need me for?" Zhao Yuan entered, her tone calm.
Chen Yong didn't speak, still fixated on the screen.
Zhao Yuan had no choice but to stand opposite him, quietly waiting.
After a long while, Chen Yong took a deep breath and turned the laptop screen towards Zhao Yuan.
He leaned back in his chair, looked up at Zhao Yuan, and said in a deep voice, "Explain this."
Zhao Yuan showed no panic. She bowed slightly, glanced at the screen displaying "Chi Ling" at the top of the ancient style new songs chart.
Then, a faint smile touched her lips. "When I first heard this song, I knew it would do well, but I didn't expect it to surge to number one on the new songs chart overnight."
"Zhao Yuan, I don't want to beat around the bush. I just want to ask, why was this song only sold for two million!"
Chen Yong slammed the table and questioned.
Anyone could tell that, purely based on quality, "Chi Ling" was far above the level of a typical high-level producer.
Especially with Chen Rong singing it, it elevated the song to another level.
Therefore, selling it to the Opera Association for two million, with full copyrights, Chen Yong thought Zhao Yuan had lost her mind.
"Because the Opera Association only had a budget of two million," Zhao Yuan knew what was coming.
She pulled over a chair and sat down.
"Couldn't you have not sold it to them? Just release it as a single?" Chen Yong was furious, spitting his words. "Even if you sold it, you should have retained other copyrights..."
Zhao Yuan suddenly interrupted.
She asked with a smile, "Do you only see money in your eyes?"
Chen Yong sneered, "Of course. The company prioritizes profit."
Zhao Yuan countered, "Profit? Selling a favor to the Opera Association is better than earning that extra money, isn't it?"
Chen Yong opened his mouth, unable to refute.
He knew Zhao Yuan was right, but before making such a decision, she should have at least informed him.
Instead, he only learned the outcome after the fact.
He disliked this feeling of being out of control.
"It was Su Yu's decision, wasn't it?" he said, rubbing his aching forehead.
"No, it was my decision," Zhao Yuan shook her head and said coldly.
Chen Yong, however, chuckled. "I know you. You wouldn't make a decision like this."
"Why?" Zhao Yuan was taken aback.
"Because we are the same kind of people. It's just that you encountered Su Yu, and you have a bit more human touch than I do," Chen Yong said with a helpless shake of his head.
"Whatever you say. The deed is done, and the punishment is yours to decide."
Zhao Yuan stopped arguing and, regaining her usual cool demeanor, turned and walked out of the office.
Chen Yong didn't stop her, but stared blankly at her retreating figure, lost in thought.
...
Kyoto.
Inside a high-end villa.
"Mom, you sang one song and now you're more famous than me..."
Lin Yanyu and her mother Chen Rong lay on lounge chairs by the pool, basking in the sun.
"Heh, so you know how capable your mother is?" Chen Rong enjoyed the time with her daughter, a faint smile on her lips.
"Hmph, it's all thanks to Ting Yu. Without this song, you wouldn't be as popular as me," Lin Yanyu pouted.
"Who says? Ting Yu is indeed amazing, and 'Chi Ling' has the strength to reach the top. But to become this popular overnight also owes a lot to your dad's contribution."
Chen Rong gave her daughter a sideways glance, mentally adding, not only your man's contribution, but my man's as well.
Before the opera gala, she had already informed Lin Zhaoyang to heavily promote this song.
Therefore, a significant portion of the widespread online covers and promotional posts were issued by their own company.
Even on Weibo, many popular celebrities reposted "Chi Ling," and numerous influential bloggers wrote promotional articles.
This was the power of Dynasty Entertainment. If they wanted to promote someone, they could make them famous overnight.
Of course, this prerequisite was having the talent to maintain that fame.
Otherwise, even with popularity, it wouldn't last long.
"Yes, yes, Dad's contribution is the biggest. Satisfied now..." Lin Yanyu said perfunctorily.
She paused, then continued, "Speaking of which, Ting Yu is really amazing. Every song of his is good, and the one he wrote for me..."
As she spoke, her expression became a little strange.
"What about the one he wrote for you?" Chen Rong quickly asked.
This girl, speaking only half of what she meant.
"You'll know when the time comes."
Lin Yanyu tilted her head, a mysterious glint in her eyes.
With "Qing Hua Ci" (Blue and White Porcelain) in hand, she felt she couldn't possibly lose.
Moreover, this song might propel her to become a first-tier singer.
"However, I think you should have Dad talk to Ting Yu and find an opportunity to poach him. Otherwise, once his value increases, it will be harder to recruit him," Lin Yanyu suddenly thought that if "Qing Hua Ci" were released, Ting Yu's worth would skyrocket.
Talented individuals like him should join their company to receive better development.
After all, Dynasty Entertainment was one of the top entertainment companies in the entire country.
It possessed countless resources.
"You don't need to worry about that." Chen Rong shook her head.
"Why?" Lin Yanyu was taken aback.
"You'll know when the time comes," Chen Rong said with a smile, mimicking Lin Yanyu's tone.
This earned her another round of eye-rolling from Lin Yanyu.