CHAPTER 299: CHAPTER 219: SHE ACTUALLY WANTS TO FOSTER A GROUP OF KINGS AND QUEENS

After taking a day off to relax, Xu Qingqiu and Chu Tian immersed themselves back into their busy work.

"How’s it going, Sister Hua? Are the time and the guests all arranged?"

These days, Chu Tian had practically become a fixture in Xu Qingqiu’s studio, helping her with arrangements and patching up any oversights. After all, having held countless concerts in his past life, he was more familiar with many such matters than Li Chunhua, thanks to his extensive experience.

"Everything has already been arranged," Li Chunhua replied. "Why? Do you have other ideas?"

"Not really, it’s already fine. I just wanted to ask where my song has been placed?"

Looking at Chu Tian’s expectant face, Li Chunhua always felt he was showing off their love, which made her feel like an unwilling third wheel to their romance. Despite that, she also found the situation quite amusing—not because of Chu Tian’s current expression, but because of the arrangements she had secretly made.

"Don’t worry," she said reassuringly. "I’ve arranged everything for you, definitely at the most suitable time!"

The most suitable time? Chu Tian wondered. What does she mean by ’the most suitable time’? I simply want to sing a song for Xu Qingqiu, and I’ve only prepared a little surprise; I don’t have any specific requirements for the timing.

While he was puzzling over this, Li Chunhua interrupted his thoughts. "Do you have anything else? If not, I need to step out for a bit; some documents need to be stamped."

"No... ah, wait, there is one more thing. Those new singers who recently joined us, haven’t you planned to give them a chance to appear on stage?"

This thought had occurred to Chu Tian earlier that day when he encountered the recently recruited singers. According to the usual practice of entertainment companies in his previous life, to quickly establish newcomers, they generally adopted a method of having established stars endorse new ones. Seniors would give newcomers a spot to show their faces during programs or concerts. This way, the public could quickly remember a new person’s name or work, facilitating their future development. After all, apart from unscrupulous companies that only profited from breach-of-contract fees, most entertainment companies signed new talent to make them famous and then earn money.

Moreover, in this new era, efficiency was paramount. The old-fashioned method of slowly gaining fame by collecting songs, releasing records, and relying on word-of-mouth had long been phased out. Not only was it inefficient, but it was also costly, and few companies were willing to undertake such thankless tasks. But now? With the internet so pervasive, even just being seen with a major star could spark widespread discussion. In short, newcomers could swiftly rise to fame simply by riding on their seniors’ popularity. This approach not only quickly established a foothold but also allowed for rapid screening. If discussions were sparked, it indicated potential for fame, and more resources would be invested in their development. If there was no significant buzz, the person would generally be dropped after two or three attempts.

Anyone who watched variety shows knew that many programs often featured newcomers whose names were quickly forgotten. Some gradually gained better resources over time, while others quietly faded into obscurity, never to be heard from again. This was a process of selection.

This world was no different, and Chu Tian asked the question to understand Li Chunhua’s plans.

Considering his question, Li Chunhua pondered for a moment before saying, "I’ve thought about this before, but I ultimately decided against it."

"Why? Isn’t now the best opportunity?"

"Indeed, it’s a rare opportunity, but I have my reasons." Feeling it was too tiring to talk while standing, Li Chunhua found a chair and sat down, handing one to Chu Tian as well. The two of them sat and chatted.

"Here’s what I’m thinking," Li Chunhua began. "Firstly, I feel they are talented and have potential, but their fundamentals are too weak. Even if we push them out now, and even if they become popular, it would be difficult for them to go far."

"Moreover, Xu Qingqiu’s status isn’t completely stable yet. Rushing to promote new talent now would be detrimental to both her and the studio. Not only would fans complain, but public perception could also decline."

After Li Chunhua finished, Chu Tian couldn’t help but nod. He had to admit her considerations were very comprehensive.

Frankly, Li Chunhua was rather traditional. She disliked the current market’s "fast-food" approach: hastily training talents for a few years, or even just a few months, then eagerly pushing them into the market to make money. Then, in less than two years, they would fade from popularity or linger in the lower tiers of fame. What she wanted was to pursue a path of quality, much like with Xu Qingqiu. For Xu Qingqiu’s development, Li Chunhua had willingly sacrificed her own career, focusing all her energy on her and not taking on new talent for several years. It was the same now. Though the studio had grown, her thinking hadn’t changed.

In other words, Li Chunhua’s ambitions were immense. She didn’t just want a few top-earning celebrities; she wanted every artist from her studio to be a King or Queen in the industry.

That idea is audacious, perhaps even arrogant, Chu Tian thought. Yet, he genuinely admired her choice—her ability to go against the current, maintain her original intentions, remain undriven by profit, and wholeheartedly progress towards her own goals.

No wonder, then, that fate had brought her and Xu Qingqiu together; their mindsets were identical. Xu Qingqiu wholeheartedly aspired to reach the pinnacle through singing, with no interest in the so-called comprehensive development across film, television, and music. Similarly, Li Chunhua aimed to nurture a batch of high-quality artists, equally disdainful of the current mainstream "popularity is king" attitude.

It has to be said, their vision is rather shortsighted, Chu Tian mused. This is an era dominated by money, where the spirit of diligent, unseen hard work often isn’t financially rewarding; people don’t see the efforts made behind the scenes. And yet, I also have to admire their classic approach. Time will prove that popularity is fleeting. After the extravagant hype dies down, only four words will remain: True skill reigns supreme!

"I understand now, and I agree with your ideas," Chu Tian said. "I must say, Sister Hua, you’re incredible! Your vision is absolutely top-notch!"

Watching Chu Tian give a thumbs-up and lay on the flattery thick, Li Chunhua couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Yet, a smile she found surprisingly hard to suppress tugged at her lips.

"Alright, that’s enough flattery," she said. "Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything perfectly for you. After all, I too hope you and Qingqiu will stay together for a long time, and I want to help create happy and romantic memories for you both."

After saying this, she stood up, turned, and walked away, casually waving over her shoulder without pausing. "I’m off now! Don’t you slack off; get busy."

"But, this..."

Chu Tian watched Sister Hua’s retreating figure, a response caught in his throat.

What I just said was all heartfelt! How did that turn into flattery? he thought, frustrated. This Sister Hua... really judging a gentleman by her own petty standards. No discernment at all!

"What are you doing here? I’ve been looking all over for you."

Just as he was internally complaining, Xu Qingqiu unexpectedly found him.

"Ah? Oh, I was just discussing the concert arrangements with Sister Hua, about those new talents."

"Oh, that. I mentioned it to Sister Hua before too, and she said it wasn’t the right time."

"Yes, that’s what she told me as well, and I think it makes sense. Why, is there something you needed?"