Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 51 Hong Kong Music Show

The plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport. The three of them followed the flow of people out of the passage and immediately saw a person holding a sign that read "Mr. Zheng Hui" at the arrival gate.

Manager Chen was standing next to the sign, with a young man behind him, who was probably his assistant.

"Mr. Zheng, Manager Li, you must be tired from your journey." Manager Chen quickly approached, extending both hands warmly. (It's very common in Hong Kong to address agents as "manager.")

Zheng Hui shook hands with him: "Manager Chen, you're too kind. You even came to pick me up in person. It's too much trouble for you."

Manager Chen had his assistant take the luggage cart from Lin Dashan: "No trouble at all, the car is already waiting outside. Let's go to the hotel first. I've arranged the itinerary, and I'll explain everything to you on the way."

The group got into the car, which then merged into the traffic.

Manager Chen took out an itinerary from his briefcase and handed it to Li Zongming.

"Time is tight, so Zheng Sheng will have to work hard these next few days."

"Three days in Hong Kong, four days in Taiwan."

"In Hong Kong, the focus of our promotion is radio: Commercial Radio's Ultimate Song Chart, RTHK's Chinese Song Chart, and Metro Radio's Hit Song Chart. These three charts are our main platforms for promoting our songs."

Li Zongming looked at the itinerary, which was densely packed with time points.

Manager Chen continued, "On the TV station side, we've only arranged one show, TVB's 'Jade Solid Gold'."

He looked at Zheng Hui and explained, "To be honest, it's extremely difficult for Mandarin songs to get onto the Jade Solid Gold charts. The Four Heavenly Kings dominate the charts, making it hard for newcomers to break through. Even Cantonese songs have to wait in line."

"Then why should I go?" Zheng Hui asked.

Manager Chen looked at Zheng Hui's face and said, "Because you have a good image, Mr. Zheng."

"Idols are popular in Hong Kong now. Patrick Tse's son, Nicholas Tse, released two albums, which received a lukewarm response, but thanks to his face, the records still sold well."

"I think you're even more handsome than Nicholas Tse, and you have a righteous air about you. You're not the rebellious type, which housewives would really like. We want you to appear on TV and attract some viewers who appreciate good looks."

"And you're not just all looks; you sold five million cassette tapes in mainland China, that's a real achievement. You have talent and good looks, that kind of persona is the most appealing, so we have to go on TV and make an appearance."

Zheng Hui nodded, indicating his agreement to the arrangement.

The car stopped in front of a hotel. Manager Chen completed the check-in procedures and handed the room key to the three people.

"I'll pick you up at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. We'll go to the Oriental Daily News and Apple Daily for photo shoots and interviews first."

"These two are daily newspapers, with the biggest influence. We'll try to get it published the next day. This afternoon we're recording 'Jade Solid Gold,' which is pre-recorded and will air on Saturday night."

Manager Chen added, "You'll already be in Taiwan on Saturday for your schedule. When the TV program airs it in Hong Kong, it will help you gain more fans and keep the buzz going."

"In subsequent radio interviews, we will use the fact that the company has sold five million copies in mainland China and will appear on the Jade Solid Gold Awards on Saturday as gimmicks to attract listeners' attention."

Li Zongming nodded. This arrangement was very professional, with each step logically connected.

"Thank you for your hard work, Manager Chen."

"Of course, you should get some rest." After saying that, Manager Chen left with his assistant.

……

The next morning, Zheng Hui and his two companions arrived at the hotel lobby on time, where Manager Chen's car was already waiting.

The first stop was the Oriental Daily News photo studio, where reporters and photographers were already ready.

"Zheng Sheng, look this way."

"Raise your chin a little."

"Make your eyes colder, yes, that's it."

The flashbulbs kept going off as Zheng Hui posed in various ways as instructed by the photographer.

The photo shoot took an hour, followed by the interview.

The reporter's question was direct: "Mr. Zheng, I heard that your album sold five million copies in mainland China. Is that figure true?"

Before Zheng Hui could speak, Li Zongming chimed in, "Of course it's true. All our production and distribution are handled by Swan Audio-Visual Publishing House. Every cassette tape is registered, and this data can be found in the relevant departments."

The reporter was taken aback; she hadn't expected the other party to directly bring up official departments.

She changed the subject: "Your song lyrics are very straightforward, and some people say they lack depth. What's your opinion?"

"My songs are written for young people who are struggling for their lives and futures. They don't have time to ponder overly profound lyrics. I just want to tell them, don't give up."

After the interview, the group rushed to the Apple Daily office building and repeated the photo-taking and interview process.

By the time the announcements from the two daily newspapers were finished, it was almost noon. Manager Chen bought three boxed lunches from a roadside vendor and put them in the car.

"Let me grab a bite first. This afternoon I'm going to Eastweek and Yes! magazines. They're weekly magazines, so they're published a bit slower, but they reach a lot of young readers."

Zheng Hui opened his lunchbox, which contained a combination of roast meats. He didn't like char siu because he found it too sweet, but he really liked the roast goose, which tasted good.

While he ate, he listened to Manager Chen making a phone call in front of him, coordinating the afternoon's announcement schedule.

After the afternoon weekly interview, the car drove directly to TVB City in Tseung Kwan O.

In the recording studio of "Top Hits", staff members are busy adjusting the lights and equipment.

Manager Chen took Zheng Hui to greet the program producer. The producer glanced at Zheng Hui, then looked at the documents in his hand, his attitude neither warm nor cold.

"Five million boxes sold in mainland China? That's impressive."

"The producer is too kind," Manager Chen said with a smile.

"Sing well, but even if you sing Mandarin songs well, the audience may not necessarily appreciate it."

"You're definitely handsome, and I hope you have a good sense of the camera." The producer patted Zheng Hui on the shoulder and walked away.

Manager Chen whispered to Zheng Hui, "Don't mind him, all TVB producers are like that, arrogant and haughty. Once you become famous, they'll be all smiles and welcoming."

Zheng Hui was taken to the backstage dressing room, and half an hour later, he changed into a simple white shirt and jeans and appeared on stage.

The director briefly explained the blocking and camera positions to him.

"Are you ready?"

Zheng Hui gave him an OK sign.

The studio lights dimmed, leaving only a spotlight shining on him.

The intro begins with "Stubborn".

"If I'm different from the world, then let me be different."

His voice was clear and penetrating, echoing throughout the recording studio.

During the chorus, he clenched his fists, his emotions building layer by layer.

"I'm clinging to my last bit of stubbornness, holding hands tightly and refusing to let go!"

While he was singing, many of the staff members on site paused what they were doing and looked at the young man on stage.

The producer stood next to the director, stroking his chin with approval in his eyes.

"This kid has solid singing skills."

The director nodded in agreement: "The typhoon was great. He wasn't stage-frightened and knew where the camera was. He's a natural-born actor."

Record it once and it will pass.

As Zheng Hui stepped down from the stage, Manager Chen and Li Zongming immediately came to greet him, with Li Zongming handing him a bottle of water.

"Fantastic! Mr. Zheng, your performance just now was absolutely stunning!"

Night had already fallen when I left TVB.