Chapter 192: Striving for Perfection

Chapter 192: Striving for Perfection

Bai Zhi and her entourage left the hotel after lunch, but reporters had been lying in wait, so they slipped out through the underground garage.

Bai Zhi splashing juice in Zhu Yu’s face was naturally a major scoop; the press had caught wind of it, and it would have been a miracle if they hadn't swarmed.

Who leaked what happened inside the hotel?

There are no walls without cracks in this world, and since more than a few people had witnessed the scene, it would have inevitably surfaced through some channel, even if no one spoke directly. Such gossip is a common currency used to curry favor with reporters or media outlets, and there were plenty of people willing to trade in it.

As for Zhu Yu, he truly wanted to issue a press release, or at least post on Weibo, but his agent and the company blocked him immediately, strictly forbidding him from making any public response—not even a single word.

In the past, when Zhu Yu piggybacked on Bai Zhi’s popularity, the company had chosen to turn a blind eye, sometimes even speaking up for him to Bai Zhi. The reason was simple: profit.

Zhu Yu was under a long-term contract with them for another five years, and they were happy to see any growth in his popularity or name recognition during that time.

Moreover, scandals are just scandals; they are easily clarified and rarely damage a star of Bai Zhi’s stature, often even bringing her more traffic. Although Bai Zhi was deeply displeased and had reprimanded them many times, the company had always just laughed it off.

This time, the company’s stance was also dictated by profit.

This incident, no matter how you looked at it, would tarnish Bai Zhi’s reputation; the company would have to be insane to let Zhu Yu continue.

In terms of fame and earning power, Zhu Yu was simply no match for Bai Zhi.

Zhu Yu felt aggrieved and resentful, but the company’s answer was blunt: endure it.

As for Bai Zhi’s side, the company hoped the matter would end there. They had initially suggested that Meng Fan, who had pushed Zhu Yu, offer a private apology, but after seeing Bai Zhi’s firm refusal, they let it drop.

Regarding Su Qingcen, the company even had Zhu Yu’s agent apologize in person. Although the matter had nothing to do with her, she had been present, so the agent used the excuse of "disturbing their meal" to offer an apology.

If Su Qingcen had been under the same management, it would be one thing, but she wasn't, and who knew what she was thinking?

Why were they being so cowardly?

There was no other reason: they simply couldn't afford to offend the parties involved.

As for the outside world, the news couldn't be contained, but there were no pictures or videos—at least, none of the juice-splashing incident. They could speculate all they wanted; as long as the parties involved didn't respond, no one would care in a couple of days.

...

The rehearsal schedule before the Double Eleven Gala was quite generous, allowing for rehearsals upon arrival. After all, not all the stars were performing music or dance; only about a dozen were actually taking the stage for such acts.

Every singer appearing on stage was an A-list star, each a major name.

Of course, the final dress rehearsal would be strict; unless you were big enough to skip it, you had to follow the schedule.

Bai Zhi’s group arrived early, just after lunch, and since no other stars had appeared yet, the directing team arranged for them to start immediately.

The directors were surprised by the sand artist, who looked far too young—he couldn't possibly have graduated from university yet. However, seeing how familiar Bai Zhi and Su Qingcen were with him, and how they explicitly stated they were willing to accommodate his schedule—meaning they were happy to adjust for however long he needed—the directing team, having plenty of time, had no objections.

It was only when the young artist said the previous two videos weren't good enough and wanted to replace them that the directors grew annoyed.

Replacing the videos was a minor matter, but such an attitude was a taboo.

Were they playing games?

"Hmm?"

After watching the new videos with some impatience, the directing team collectively changed their tune.

Director Sun, who was in charge of the song and dance rehearsals, was puzzled and asked Meng Fan, "Did you record the previous two as well? They aren't even in the same league!"

If the highly discerning Director Sun had found the first two videos merely average, he was ready to give a thumbs-up to these new ones. They were of top-tier industry quality!

Looking up again, he found it surreal—the artist was so young.

Meng Fan didn't lie: "The first two were recorded on a whim. Later, when Brother Shan Jin and Sister Bai invited me to rehearse, I thought about it carefully and recorded two more to bring along."

Director Sun reluctantly accepted this explanation and asked curiously, "You're still a student, right? Who is your teacher?"

Meng Fan replied truthfully, "I'm a student at the China Academy of Art, and my sand art teacher is Wen Wan."

"Wen Wan?! No wonder! A great teacher produces brilliant students!"

Director Sun had not only heard of Wen Wan but had collaborated with her on several shows. He muttered to himself, "I needed a sand artist for a gala two months ago and asked her for recommendations, but this name wasn't on the list she gave me. She kept him well hidden!"

He only muttered it to himself; after all, they had only worked together a few times, not enough to justify a phone call to ask.

"Let's begin, then."

Director Sun had his staff make arrangements while he discussed performance details with Meng Fan to ensure coordination. He also showed Meng Fan the positions of the rear-projection screens; since there were multiple screens at different angles, the visual effect of the sand art would vary, and Meng Fan needed to be aware of this.

Bai Zhi’s duet partner hadn't arrived yet, so they rehearsed Su Qingcen’s song first.

After one run-through, Su Qingcen’s vocals and stage presence were impeccable, and Meng Fan’s sand art performance was a success, though some adjustments were needed for the angles.

About half an hour later, Bai Zhi’s partner arrived. They ran through the song, and Meng Fan’s performance remained brilliant, drawing nods of approval from the directors.

Having absorbed so much of Wen Wan’s performance experience yesterday and practicing intensely all night, Meng Fan’s skill conversion was at least 18+, and combined with his imagination, narrative ability, and astonishing hand speed, the visual effect already surpassed Wen Wan’s.

Director Sun felt this deeply. After two runs, he felt Meng Fan’s performance was even better and more captivating than Wen Wan’s.

A superstar in the world of sand art was clearly rising!

After another round of rehearsals, the directing team discussed and decided to pair the sand art with Su Qingcen’s song. They didn't state the reason, but several people present could guess: the male star singing with Bai Zhi was holding them back.

In terms of cohesion and overall effect, Su Qingcen’s performance was superior.

Of course, the directing team also considered that the gala needed a breakout hit, and Su Qingcen was a potential star; naturally, they wanted to give her more weight, and the biggest weight right now was Meng Fan’s sand art.

Bai Zhi felt a pang of regret but said nothing. She would discuss it later; in any case, Meng Fan would have to collaborate with her in the future—no, at least seven times!

Having spent several hours with nothing to show for it, the male star was frustrated, though he kept a smile on his face and expressed his regrets.

Truth be told, he had hoped to be paired with the sand art too!

Once the decision was finalized, they rehearsed twice more before leaving.

On the evening of the 9th, the first round of dress rehearsals took place.

Only about half of the guests participated in this round; others would appear for the second round on the morning of the 10th and the final round in the afternoon.

"What? You want to change it again?"

On the morning of the second round, just as it was Su Qingcen’s group’s turn, Director Sun’s eyes widened at Meng Fan’s words.

Meng Fan felt a bit embarrassed, but his skill had reached 20+ now, and he had to voice his bold ideas. Striving for perfection, after all.

"We're already at the dress rehearsal! Are you playing games? I can't make this call—ask the chief director!"