CHAPTER 427: CHAPTER 291: RELEASE EARLY, START BUILDING MOMENTUM

Chapter 291: Preemptive Release, Starting the Hype

Sister Hua’s phone call sent a wave of turmoil through everyone in the car.

The Spring Festival Gala is arguably the nation’s top stage.

Honestly, if luck would have it, even an unknown could become an overnight sensation across the land after appearing on the Spring Festival Gala. Anyone who can hold their own on that stage is at least a top-tier star, and doing well might just skyrocket them to fame. If it came to that, it would be equivalent to surpassing decades of others’ efforts in just one night.

Thus, every year, the Spring Festival Gala is practically the most talked-about event in the entertainment industry and the ultimate aspiration for everyone in it.

Moreover, Xu Qingqiu was in a rising phase of her career. With the boost from the Spring Festival Gala, even with Chu Tian—who was like a human ’cheat code’ for her career—by her side, she could still save at least three to five years of effort.

Who wouldn’t be moved by that?

"I won’t go home tonight. I’ll stay with you and wait," Chu Tian said. Although he had the system and was backed by the cultural wealth of an entire world, he wasn’t arrogant enough to disregard everything in this world.

At least regarding the Spring Festival Gala, he understood its significance more than anyone and valued it greatly.

"Okay..." Xu Qingqiu nodded absently, glanced at the scenery outside the car window, her expression a mixture of worry and some other unreadable emotion.

She leaned against Chu Tian, appearing to drift off to sleep, but her eyes remained open.

Back home, Yiyi silently prepared dinner. After a bland meal, the three of them sat in the living room, chatting desultorily.

Finally, a little after eleven at night, they heard the sound of a car pulling up outside.

Yiyi quickly stood up and went to check.

Soon after, she saw Sister Hua bursting in, energetic as ever, with Yiyi hurrying behind, dragging a suitcase.

"Qingqiu..."

"Chu Tian, you’re here too? That’s good."

Sister Hua had just stepped inside and was about to speak when she noticed Chu Tian. Surprise flickered across her face, quickly followed by a look of understanding.

"What’s wrong, Sister Hua? What happened?" Xu Qingqiu hadn’t dwelled on it, but seeing Sister Hua pause mid-sentence, she asked anxiously.

"Sister Hua, please sit down. Let’s talk slowly. What is it?" Chu Tian stood up, poured her a glass of water, handed it to her, then turned to reassure Xu Qingqiu before speaking.

Sister Hua sat down across the coffee table, took a sip of water, and said, "Phew, it’s nothing serious. I’ll tell you slowly."

"I don’t need to tell you how important the Spring Festival Gala is. Preparations for this year’s Gala actually started quite some time ago."

This didn’t surprise Chu Tian. Preparations for the Spring Festival Gala typically began about six months in advance, usually around September. These initial preparations weren’t about finalizing everything; they were more about confirming the director, outlining some performance content, and coordinating schedules with certain artists.

Of course, these early arrangements were just expressions of intent and didn’t guarantee anyone would be chosen for the final lineup. There had even been instances where directors were replaced late in the year. When a director is replaced, the program content naturally changes. It’s like the saying, ’a new ruler brings new courtiers’—perfectly normal.

However, that’s a rare occurrence. Most of the time, things proceed as planned, and those who were initially contacted are usually selected.

"This business trip of mine was actually to discuss an endorsement project with an international luxury brand.

"There, I met a director I have a connection with, and we had dinner privately a few times.

"This director told me that this year’s Spring Festival Gala director was decided some time ago, though it hasn’t been publicly announced yet. But it will be soon, as people always start paying attention to this towards the end of the year.

"And this year’s preparatory work began as early as June. The director has been continually adjusting the lineup and selecting suitable candidates.

"Many artists were actually notified a long time ago to keep their schedules free around the Spring Festival, as they would likely have performance opportunities."

Having said so much in one breath, Sister Hua paused to take another sip of water and catch her breath.

Xu Qingqiu, however, listened for a while but didn’t see how any of this concerned her.

"Sister Hua, does this have anything to do with me? Or is the Spring Festival Gala director considering me?"

After all, since Sister Hua had brought it up, it was highly likely related to Xu Qingqiu. It wasn’t surprising she’d think that; who wouldn’t harbor such a hope?

To her surprise, Sister Hua shook her head decisively.

"No, I haven’t received any invitation for you."

At Sister Hua’s words, a flicker of disappointment crossed both Xu Qingqiu’s and Chu Tian’s faces.

Indeed, who wouldn’t be disappointed? This was the Spring Festival Gala, an event everyone in the entertainment industry would kill to be a part of.

"But..."

"Hmm?"

That "but" was perfectly timed.

Chu Tian and Xu Qingqiu, who had just been crestfallen, instantly looked at Sister Hua, their faces full of questions.

"Really, Sister Hua, we’re all close here. There’s no need for such dramatic pauses, is there?" Chu Tian glanced at Xu Qingqiu beside him, whose expression had just rollercoastered through hope and disappointment, and couldn’t help but tease with a wry smile.

Sister Hua paused, then, realizing her slip, she chuckled. She was just accustomed to speaking that way and hadn’t realized it would cause such an emotional stir.

"Alright, it’s not that there’s no chance at all."

Realizing the impact of her delivery, Sister Hua quickly composed herself and began to explain more directly.

"That director told me that, in fact, the Spring Festival Gala director *is* interested in Qingqiu. However, nothing is confirmed yet.

"One reason is that there are many singers similar to Qingqiu, both established figures and rising talents."