Chapter 29: Riding Coat-tails

What Ren Shiyu could deduce was probably that Mengmeng had some significant connections.

Because of these connections, Pan Jun, as the associate director, had to exercise some restraint.

He not only took the initiative to give Mengmeng nearly all the perks comparable to a main guest, but the final cut also featured him prominently. Even the little highlights that couldn’t be saved for the main show were stuffed into the behind-the-scenes clips without exception.

This was entirely understandable. To thrive in Inner Entertainment, one had to be perceptive.

So, what was Mengmeng’s background?

Ren Shiyu mentally ran through the list of celebrities in the industry known to have powerful backers, making rough guesses: either a relative of a top platform executive (like the scale of Whale, Tide, or Hundred Blossoms), or a rich second generation (at least A10 level to barely justify letting their kid mess around), or perhaps Mengmeng had an incredibly formidable, renowned teacher that commanded respect throughout the industry.

Best-case scenario was just that.

But reality proved that her idea of “significant connections” was still sorely lacking in imagination!

After the dress rehearsal, Pan Jun pulled Ren Shiyu quietly aside and warned her:

When she and Mengmeng formally performed, major leaders from the city and the TV station would come to the front to watch. During the performance, she should be warm and gracious but not overly flamboyant or reckless. After the performance, don’t do anything extra (like shouting to solicit votes) and come down directly to meet the leaders. Be mindful of her phrasing when speaking, and maintain her poise and expression when silent.

Following the procedure, the big city leader would speak first. Don’t randomly interject.

Wait until the station’s own leader started talking before offering a line or two in response…

“On how to pick up the conversation with the leaders, you should have a sense of propriety.”

Having reached First Sister’s status, how could she not have experience facing important figures?

He spoke simply, but Ren Shiyu still needed a moment to digest his words. “Then who responds when the city leaders speak? Director Pan, you?”

Pan Jun had indeed prepared a bellyful of words, but it wasn’t his turn.

He cleared his throat. “You don’t need to worry about that. Everything is arranged in advance.”

At this point, pressing further wouldn’t yield any more information. Ren Shiyu didn’t overthink it and focused all her energy on the final two hours of preparation.

However, during the hair and makeup stage, Zhou Ling also arrived on the scene in a full suit.

“What are you doing here?”

“Not just me. All the upper management Tide could spare will also be here. I just went to check on Mengmeng’s side; they’re almost ready. Find a moment to take several indoor ‘waiting room’ photos together.”

Zhou Ling was about to be promoted to Senior Vice President of Whale’s entertainment sector in the third quarter.

His presence alone spoke volumes.

Ren Shiyu took a deep breath.

At this point, she had no need to flatter herself—

Why did the major leaders choose to observe them on-site? Why wasn’t someone like Ma Du, with his great seniority, deep experience, and upright image, chosen for the reception honors? Instead, it was she, a pop singer seemingly with many years in the business but actually lacking sufficient clout, who got the audience opportunity. No one actually thought being born in G City and being diligent in charity work alone earned such an honor, right?

Turns out it was her, Ren Shiyu, riding on some powerful coat-tails!

Zhou Ling offered a word of guidance. “Adjust your mindset and put on a good performance.”

Ren Shiyu slowly let out a breath and nodded. “I will.”

~

Past the hottest point of the afternoon, a breeze drifted over Spirit Gathering Lake, making it feel slightly more comfortable.

Nearly ten thousand audience members had rushed to G City within 24 hours. As they queued to enter, sunlight just happened to sprinkle on the iconic ribbon-shaped dome of Spirit Confluence Hall. The vaulted interior, an egg-shaped arch, reflected the overhead lights of Blue Ocean TV being fully turned on, like a blue gemstone being carved, quietly shimmering by the lakeside.

Though the weather was scorching, the venue was beautiful.

The aesthetic of the older generation architects was undeniably impressive!

Mengmeng had posted rehearsal photos in the morning, one of which featured the uniquely angled blue ribbon of Spirit Confluence. Those audience members not yet inside simply started lining up in long queues to take pictures at that same Mengmeng-spot.

“So satisfying! Watching the live show today, and tomorrow, Friday, I can watch the second performance again.”

“Why does Mengmeng take such great photos?”

“Based on the height of this tree, Mengmeng should be around 181-183 cm.”

Nearby, security guards held megaphones to maintain order: “Tourists coming to take photos and check-in, please line up properly. One by one, no pushing, no shoving. Stand at the red tape mark. Raise your phone to a 45-degree angle while activating the rear camera to obtain a Mengmeng-style photo. Tourists coming to take photos…”

Those who could make it to the venue were either fan club members of the guests, die-hard fans of “Sing My Heart Tonight,” or even loyal viewers of Tide or Blue Ocean TV—i.e., G City natives.

They had grown up watching Blue Ocean TV. Those with money and free time often came to Spirit Confluence Hall for performances in the past.

Spirit Confluence Hall was old, yes, but the old had its charm.

The vintage, nostalgic atmosphere it held could never be replaced by cold, modern technology.

At exactly 5 PM, the third public performance of “Sing My Heart Tonight” Season 7 officially began.

According to the draw order, the first to take the stage were Zhao Chenmin and Chou Ning’s group. The two of them, plus a guest singer of equal skill, perfectly split the three vocal parts. Their song choice was “Treading Waves of Summer,” accompanied live by a string orchestra. Greeting the emerging orange-red sunset glow, their performance was so soothing that the audience felt their whole bodies relax, comforted to the core!

Backstage, Li Tingzhou was no longer sitting.

Or rather, ever since his hair and makeup was finished, he had been standing.

Ren Shiyu stood beside him, her eyes glued to the wall-mounted screen. She, too, kept her rear off the chair to maintain her outfit’s perfect state, terrified of a sudden, ill-timed crease appearing.

“That group exceeded their own standards.”

“Yeah, much better than during the dress rehearsal.”

Because cameras constantly followed them, Zheng Bing, Junko, and the others didn’t dare speak carelessly. One followed Dai Jier’s lead; the other stuck to Li Tingzhou like glue, muttering softly to himself, silently rehearsing non-stop…

Mao Maoyu’s nerves triggered a craving for a cigarette, but he didn’t dare go out for a smoke.

In past seasons, while waiting for the scores after each performance, the host would pull the guests into a short talking segment, along with some vote-soliciting.

But this year was special. Considering the starting lineup plus two Raid groups happened to make an even number, they paired groups up. Both groups in a pair performed first, then came on stage together. This face-to-face dialogue added more tension and enhanced the competitive atmosphere, giving the live audience a stronger sense of participation.

This arrangement also timed perfectly so the third performance slot—First Sister and Mengmeng—would follow.

After the second group went on stage, the director and on-site director took turns giving standby notices.

“Let’s go—”

Ren Shiyu initiated the motivation.

“Let’s go!”

The guys roared in response.

Then, everyone headed towards the lift platforms assigned during rehearsal.

Except for Li Tingzhou and Ren Shiyu.

They had to travel from backstage, crossing a nearly thirty-meter-long passage, directly to the area beneath the center stage. Ren Shiyu’s skirt couldn’t drag on the floor at any point; her assistant carefully cradled it along the way. And to match Li Tingzhou’s height, she wore a pair of thin high heels despite her petite frame.

Li Tingzhou walked slightly ahead, his head lowered, but even with it bowed, his spine remained straight.

Ren Shiyu subconsciously glanced at him a couple of times and nearly stumbled.

“Careful!”

Once they were both in position, the makeup artist, who had rushed over sweating profusely, had to give their looks one final check. Straighten the collars, tease the hair strands a bit more with the tip of a comb.

Unlike the Wave Tower Studio Hall, where lighting effects were maxed out, eating makeup at any time, any angle, anywhere. Spirit Confluence Hall, with its open dome, was hotter. Besides stage lighting, there was plenty of natural light. This time, the guests’ makeup uniformly went for a lighter, more natural look. This was the optimal effect determined only after testing during the dress rehearsal.

How lightweight, exactly?

Li Tingzhou’s two facial moles were fully revealed this time, not covered up.

“Looking like this, he’s a bit different from the usual Mengmeng.”

Liu Lusi scrutinized him carefully. “Isn’t it the same?”

The makeup artist was speechless. You’re colleagues who see Mengmeng every day; naturally, you’re used to him in all sorts of states! For small fry like us, getting to do makeup for a big star even once is bragging rights for years—of course it’s different!

“Okay, okay, Mengmeng, take a look yourself?”

As she spoke, the makeup artist thrust a small mirror in front of his face.

Li Tingzhou hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping. The wind by the lake was strong; his hair would likely get messed up. The face makeup was much lighter, which was a good thing, or his older brother would frown again upon seeing it…

“This is fine.”

The third countdown alert came through the earpiece.

The last half-minute.

Barring any surprises, the inspection convoy should have reached the shore of Spirit Gathering Lake.

“Shiyu, Mengmeng, ready—”

~

When Li Songyi arrived on the scene, he genuinely sensed an atmosphere entirely different from outside.

It was somewhat hot, so he rolled up his shirt sleeves.

Seeing this signal, the others also silently folded back their own shirt sleeves.

The director of Deep Blue TV was an old cultural official in his early fifties. Although he held the same rank as this Mayor Songyi, his level was not comparable. The other man was like a rising sun in the east, with a bright future ahead. He, on the other hand, was a man whose path was set, resigned to his fate, destined for the political consultative conference next stop, a retiree in waiting. There was no room for jealousy, so he accompanied the inspection tour with peace of mind throughout.

“Mayor Songyi’s first time at our Spirit Confluence Hall, right? This venue has hosted many grand events for G City, G Province, and even nationwide.”

Li Songyi looked towards the stage. The big screen flashed a close-up of Li Tingzhou.

He was wearing a white shirt. His clear tone was slightly subdued, skillfully shifting into an uncommon vocal style.

There was a moderately long singing passage in the middle, a solo by Li Tingzhou.

He couldn’t quite distinguish if it was specifically singing or reciting, but the texture was mellow and noble, like the sound made when jade artifacts collided. It caused both a pang of heartache and a subtle sense of satisfaction.

Li Songyi, listening, just smiled.

His smile didn’t carry any particularly deep meaning. It was as if he was seeing a three-year-old Li Tingzhou sawing away at his violin before the family, then very seriously bowing and retreating backstage after the performance.

This scene, however, looked unusual in the eyes of others!

The leader must be pleased, right?

He was smiling—surely he’s extremely satisfied!

The Deputy Station Head immediately began reciting the script he had long prepared: “This song ‘Ask’ (he didn’t even mention the name ‘A Woman’s Heart’), represents the flourishing era of our G Province and G City. The cultural output of that time could be said to have swept the nation. This kind of creative ethos is saturated with the pride and identity of the entertainment industry toward that era. It’s a very important cultural symbol for G City.”

“Our young music producer has also cross-generationally understood and inherited that ethos, thus…”

Everything proceeded according to plan. Every link in the chain was flawless.

Cao Zhiping stepped forward at the right moment to advance the schedule for the leaders. “It’s about time. We should meet the performers.”

Thus, just at this coincidental moment, Ren Shiyu and Li Tingzhou, having just finished their performance and not even put down their microphones, hurried over before the assorted leaders. From the city, from the station, from the platform—all three sides formed their own groups before the official meet-and-greet session began. Three dedicated photographers documented everything.

Li Songyi met his younger brother’s forcibly composed, long-suffering expression and shook his hand.

“Entertainment work also contributes greatly. Maintain your learning spirit and cherish your talent!”

Li Tingzhou was a superb actor in such settings. “Thank you for the encouragement, leader.”

His attitude was completely up to par, even exceeding standards, but his handling was almost too practiced, even a little… well, dry. But no one could truly find fault. Had the leader not also spoken just a dozen words? You couldn’t expect someone to ramble on and on just because the leader said one line, could you?

Being able to stand tall and straight, hand steady without a single tremble, and observe all courtesies flawlessly was already remarkable enough.

Looking over at the TV station director and Ren Shiyu, it was similar—concise questions and answers.

The top leader had already set the standard. Naturally, the others followed suit.

~

Having seen off the inspection team, the Deputy Station Head and Pan Jun came sprinting back.

The name was right on the tip of his tongue, before he quickly corrected himself: “Is Mengmeng here?”

Li Tingzhou was in the waiting room watching the fourth group’s performance. He stood up, subconsciously buttoning the top two buttons of his shirt again. “I’m here. What’s the matter?”

“Mayor Li is waiting for you at Exit C. He has something to tell you.”

“But they’re almost finished singing. I need to go on stage soon.”

Pan Jun almost knelt down before this young master. Truly, the emperor was not anxious, but the eunuch was dying of anxiety. “Oh, don’t worry! With Shiyu and the others there, it’s enough! You go to the leaders first. You can come back after you’ve spoken to them.”

At worst, he’d just tell the floor director to have the host interview the fourth group first.

Even if he really couldn’t make it back in time, it wasn’t a big deal.

Could it be that without Mengmeng, Ren Shiyu alone couldn’t solicit votes?

Only then did Li Tingzhou put down his small fan, detach the microphone transmitter strapped to his lower back, and exchange a glance with Liu Lusi, who was frantically absorbing information. Then, following the Fat Fox Pan Jun, he took a backstage shortcut and sprinted towards Area C.

During this dash, some people in the audience inevitably noticed the commotion in the aisle.

Those incredibly long legs.

That extraordinarily pale neck and small sliver of chest.

Whoa, wasn’t that Mengmeng?

A wild Mengmeng, no less!

Their eyes recognized Mengmeng first; their brains hadn’t yet processed it. Mengmeng had already dashed far away. Maybe someone in the audience caught this moment on camera, but so what?

As for Li Tingzhou, a distance that would take others 4 to 5 minutes, he covered it in under 3 minutes.

The Fat Fox Pan Jun, lagging behind, was very tactful and didn’t follow.

He just watched from afar.

The Coaster bus sat quietly, gleaming with a low-key luster in the fading sunset.

That tall, striking figure, standing out like a crane among chickens, Mayor Li, just standing there exuded an imposing dignity without even trying. When Li Tingzhou ran up to his side, the two brothers were like two pieces of a paired jade, a perfect whole…

“What’s up? I have to go on stage soon.”

Li Songyi reached out and wiped a bead of sweat from Li Tingzhou’s forehead. “I have to leave tomorrow for an inspection project in another city. Remembered you’re also leaving tomorrow. I was afraid our next meeting might not be until Mid-Autumn Festival, so I wanted to see you one more time.”

“Seen me now, are you satisfied? I’m dying of heat from running.”

“You little brat… must you talk to your big brother this way?”

Li Tingzhou suddenly remembered Li Songyi cursing his love life and felt a surge of anger. “Thanks to you, your little brother is single again with no one wanting him! Don’t worry about your inspection trip; just go! I’m leaving!”