Chapter 42: A Rising Tide: New Releases and Unforeseen Success

Seizing the opportune moment, Qin Yu’s studio swiftly partnered with Tencent Music to release an announcement on Weibo.

Lin Ziyao would be releasing ‘Invisible Wings’ tomorrow, available on Tencent Music. Simultaneously, Qin Yu would also drop a new song on Tencent Music.

As for the title of Qin Yu’s new song, neither party had revealed it. It would remain a mystery until the official release tomorrow.

This news immediately propelled a new entry onto Weibo’s trending topics: ‘Qin Yu, New Song!’

It was widely known that Qin Yu maintained exceptionally high standards for her music ever since her debut. Her self-composed debut track had even managed to surpass foreign artists on the new song charts.

Now, many held high expectations, hoping Qin Yu would once again suppress the momentum of international singers.

Some astute netizens, however, noticed an easily overlooked detail.

‘Lin Ziyao and Qin Yu are actually from the same studio!’

This small, seemingly obscure studio, home to two artists with astonishing potential, caught the attention of several large companies, sparking their desire for acquisition.

They subtly probed to uncover the identity of the studio’s mysterious owner, yet their efforts yielded nothing. However, when they boldly attempted to bribe staff members for Qin Yu’s new song, they were met with a stern warning from Tencent.

A Tencent representative personally conveyed a message from higher-ups, delivering a concise, five-word caution:

‘You cannot afford to provoke them.’

This warning promptly extinguished their ambitious notions. If a giant like Tencent dispatched a warning, they understood the gravity of the situation. For now, they shelved their crooked schemes, opting to quietly observe the operations of the small studio.

Unaware of the intricate power plays between companies, Lin Ziyao had returned to her room after the premiere, clutching the contract Qin Yu had handed her.

Her signature was boldly inscribed on the Party B line.

“Now we’re colleagues!” She handed the contract to Qin Yu, who was beside her.

There was still some time left before the mission’s completion, so even after returning to her room, she still kept Qin Yu close.

Qin Yu took the contract from Lin Ziyao, gave it a quick glance, and then tucked it away.

“Mm!” She nodded, agreeing with Lin Ziyao. “We are colleagues now.”

“Tomorrow is the final day of filming for the show. Have you considered your future development?”

Lin Ziyao found herself momentarily speechless, unable to answer Qin Yu’s question. Originally, her plan after finishing Director Chen’s program was to continue working odd jobs to earn money for her grandmother’s medical expenses.

However, with the System’s appearance, that goal was no longer an issue. Whether it was the show’s impending popularity or the attention her soon-to-be-released songs would garner, everything pointed to her embarking on an extraordinary path.

She lowered her head, her mind replaying her experiences since her transmigration.

‘It’s time to seriously consider the path ahead.’

“Perhaps I can offer a suggestion: would you consider developing your career in Magic City?” Qin Yu proposed.

Magic City was home to numerous celebrity studios and major entertainment agencies. Many variety shows and TV dramas were also filmed there.

Given Lin Ziyao’s popularity after the show aired, she would undoubtedly find many opportunities in Magic City.

“It’s still too early to talk about that. Even if I go to Magic City, it would have to wait until Grandma’s condition improves.”

She had seriously considered Qin Yu’s suggestion, but even after ‘A Week with the Stars’ concluded, there would still be music video shoots.

It would likely be a while before she could head to Magic City.

Right now, however, she faced a more immediate problem.

“What are you doing?”

She watched Qin Yu naturally lift the bedsheet, a wary look in her eyes.

Just then, the System’s voice announced the completion of a mission.

‘I can’t let her sleep in the same bed with me tonight. After all, she treats me like a bolster, and it gets really hot.’

“You still have a fever today. Dr. Jiang specifically reminded me to monitor your condition tonight.”

Qin Yu reiterated Dr. Jiang’s instructions.

Upon hearing that it was Dr. Jiang’s specific orders, Lin Ziyao deflated like a punctured ball, turning her back to Qin Yu.

A moment later, she muttered, “Well, aren’t you getting in?”

After exchanging goodnights, Qin Yu turned off the room light and reached out towards Lin Ziyao. Lin Ziyao merely shifted slightly, then quickly gave up any resistance.

They both settled in for a good night’s sleep.

Meanwhile, Director Chen had a sleepless night.

Every time he tried to doze off, a manager from Tencent Video would call, excitedly informing him that they had broken another record for single-episode variety show viewership.

Their quarterly viewership targets had seemed unattainable, yet Director Chen’s very first episode had already helped them achieve the majority of it. The remaining goal was now well within reach with a bit more effort.

Good news: Their quarterly bonuses were secure.

Bad news: Their targets for the next quarter had just significantly increased.

He then ordered his data team to monitor the viewership surges all night, and they delivered astonishing news.

Director Chen’s first episode alone had not only shattered Tencent’s single-episode variety show record but had also propelled it to a terrifyingly high number.

Crucially, the show’s reach was expected to grow over time. Maintaining this momentum could easily make it the hottest variety show of the year.

Beyond the Tencent Video managers, numerous sponsors also called late into the night, eager to secure any remaining advertising slots for the upcoming episodes, even if it meant just a few seconds in the opening credits.

Many of these were brands that Director Chen had politely declined when he was initially seeking investment. Now, thanks to Lin Ziyao, they were lining up to offer him money.

However, to avoid cluttering the opening credits with too many advertisements and affecting the audience’s viewing experience, Director Chen had to reject them all.

He savored a feeling akin to ‘thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river.’

“All the data has far exceeded my expectations.”

He reviewed the data compiled by Xiao Li several times, occasionally letting out a silly chuckle despite the dark circles under his eyes this morning. His haggard appearance couldn’t hide his inwardly smug satisfaction.

“Let me check Tencent Music’s arrangements.”

Director Chen was naturally aware that Lin Ziyao’s and Qin Yu’s songs were slated for release today at noon, which would generate a second wave of buzz for the show.

Perhaps it was due to the online fermentation overnight, or perhaps it was the impressive results from Tencent Video.

Tencent Music decided to temporarily reallocate resources, elevating the promotional level for both artists’ upcoming songs.

Upon opening the Tencent Music app, users were greeted by a full-screen splash advertisement featuring both artists. Simultaneously, a countdown for pre-orders and release unlock was prominently displayed in the most conspicuous area of the software.

The number of pre-orders had already reached fifty million and was continuously climbing.

Even before the songs were unlocked, the comment sections were buzzing with excited conversations. Many users were still focused on last night’s episode of the show.

This prompted some of Qin Yu’s fans, who typically didn’t follow variety shows, to head over to Tencent Video to watch the program and pass the time while waiting for the songs to unlock.

Indirectly, this provided further publicity for the show, boosting its viewership and bringing Tencent Video another step closer to their quarterly bonuses.