Chapter 183: Sky, It's Raining Sand

Chapter 183: The Sky is Raining Sand

The Double Eleven Gala, also known as the TM Carnival Night, stands as the grandest stage for brand exhibition, creatively bridging the gap between television and the internet economy. Since its inception, it has consistently engaged top-tier directors, production teams, hosts, and guest lineups. Broadcast simultaneously by a major satellite channel and multiple video platforms, it is a massive live event, drawing viewership that rivals the New Year’s Eve concerts of major networks.

What is this?

It is the world’s largest temple fair!

A sacrificial ritual performed before the great "hand-chopping" shopping spree!

If one could appear on it, even for a fleeting moment, the exposure would be staggering. I dare not say too much, but one minute on that stage would surely equal half a month of regular livestreaming traffic.

Meng Fan felt it was worth looking into.

Among the band members chatting nearby, two were slated to perform as accompanists for the gala. They also mentioned that one of the backing vocalists from Bai Zhi’s concert would be joining the Double Eleven show, and that both Bai Zhi and Su Qingcen were confirmed guests!

This was a point to highlight—double-underlined.

Meng Fan took off his hat and headed toward Bai Zhi—Su Qingcen had left shortly after the dinner began. After shielding Bai Zhi from two rounds of drinks, she seized the opportunity to pull him aside, using the excuse of having something to discuss to escape the toasts.

"Phew. That’s a bit much."

Bai Zhi ordered a glass of plain water. Despite her claim of having had enough, she was still in good spirits, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. In any case, it was impossible to get truly drunk at a dinner like this.

After a few words, Meng Fan steered the conversation toward the Double Eleven Gala: "Sister Bai, I heard you’re a guest at the upcoming gala?"

Bai Zhi nodded, smiling: "Why, do you want an admission ticket? I think I have a few left."

"I do."

Meng Fan grinned and nodded. Putting everything else aside, just getting into the venue would be enough. He felt that with his presence, it was a certainty that he would be caught on camera as an audience member during the live broadcast. Even if it were only for a second or two, that alone would translate to massive viewership.

As for performing on stage, Meng Fan wasn’t arrogant enough to think his singing skills were up to that level; that was basically impossible.

His singing wasn't truly top-tier, and his fame was limited to the livestreaming circle. The organizers would have to be insane to invite him to perform.

A duet with Bai Zhi?

This wasn't Bai Zhi’s private concert. Even if she were willing to bring him along, the organizers wouldn't agree. Of course, if she insisted, they might not refuse outright, but that would only work if she felt Meng Fan was desperate to be there. Otherwise, she wouldn't dream of putting the organizers in such a difficult position.

And Meng Fan, even if Bai Zhi were his own sister, would never make such an unreasonable request. It was too much to ask.

Furthermore, when Bai Zhi immediately offered him an admission ticket, it signaled to Meng Fan that this was a delicate matter.

It wasn't that she was trying to shut down his hopes, but rather that it hadn't even crossed her mind that he would want to perform on the Double Eleven livestream.

That subconscious reaction was telling.

Looking at the musicians chatting nearby, Meng Fan felt a pang of envy. If only he played an instrument—as long as he was decent—he might have the nerve to ask Bai Zhi or Su Qingcen to pull some strings. Or if he could sing backup, that might work too. But backing vocals weren't the same as lead singing, and due to the nature of his voice, he wasn't suited for it; backing vocals were meant to support the lead, whereas his voice tended to steal the spotlight.

Accompaniment and backing vocals were important, but they were roles where one could "passably fill the count." If he were decent enough, it wouldn't be an unreasonable request.

Being a supporting player was fine, but trying to be a lead singer was out of the question.

Besides accompaniment and backing vocals, what other supporting roles were there?

That left backup dancing!

Damn it, there was no way to "fill the count" there!

While Meng Fan’s image wasn't exactly "handsome," he was undeniably striking; he couldn't hide in the background even if he tried!

Forget it, give up. Just be a quiet audience member who happens to get on camera, and enjoy the show. That was good enough.

"Xiao Fan."

Bai Zhi’s phone rang—a video call. After a brief exchange, she called out to Meng Fan and turned the screen toward him. A disheveled, chubby face appeared on the other end, startling Meng Fan before he burst into laughter. It was none other than Meng Caiwei.

"What are you doing? Did you fall into a mud pit?" Meng Fan asked.

"Just finished filming, haven't taken off the makeup yet."

Meng Caiwei didn't care about her appearance in the slightest. Even in such a state, she radiated a dazzling brilliance, still carrying that air of "even if I crawled out of a mud pit covered in filth, I’m still the most beautiful woman in the world."

"You brat..."

Meng Caiwei had just seen the short video sent by Su Qingcen and had browsed the news about Bai Zhi’s concert. There was so much information about Meng Fan that she had a rough idea of what he had done. She was increasingly curious about how he had learned to sing so well, but with Bai Zhi watching, she swallowed the rest of her words. She glared at Meng Fan and said, "You brat, drink less. And make sure your Sister Bai doesn't drink too much either. I’ve got a few scores to settle with you once I’m done here."

Meng Fan chuckled: "Shouldn't your first priority after filming be losing weight? Settling scores with me will only delay your progress."

Meng Caiwei sneered: "Of course I’ll lose weight. I’ve already planned the method: boxing is great for weight loss, and it won't stop me from beating you up."

Bai Zhi watched the siblings bicker, thoroughly amused.

How enviable!

As an only child, Bai Zhi truly envied those with brothers, sisters, or siblings!

As the dinner drew to a close, Bai Zhi left a little early, and Meng Fan followed. The hotel where Bai Zhi was staying was nearby. She had intended to book a room for him, but upon hearing he wanted to go home, she arranged for a driver to take him back.

He had drunk quite a bit, but it wasn't a major issue. Sitting in the backseat, he felt a bit drowsy. The driver noticed and turned on some music at a moderate volume.

"I feel that love makes people cruel / The one you once wanted to love becomes a needle in your heart..."

As Meng Fan listened, his eyes suddenly snapped open. He asked the driver, "Brother, what song is this? It sounds familiar."

The driver smiled, answering with a touch of humor: "This song has a special connection to our Hangzhou. The title is a place in our city: Xiasha."

"The sky is raining sand / Laughing at me for being too foolish..."

Listening to Yu Hongming’s transcendent, casual voice turn the song into a grand, romantic anthem, Meng Fan couldn't help but grin foolishly. Wasn't he just being too foolish?

If he couldn't play an instrument, sing backup, or dance, couldn't he just draw?

Making up for yesterday’s missed update.

(End of chapter)