Start by Spending One Billion [Entertainment Industry]
Start by Spending One Billion [Entertainment Industry] Chapter 116.2

Chapter 116 2/2

Since she now had two billion people available and the staff count was affordable even if it were ten times more, it was normal to make extensive preparations.

Of course, Sheng Quan’s thorough preparations weren’t limited to the number of staff.

***

“So many photographers?”

“So many lighting designers?”

“So many makeup artists?”

During his tour of the program group, Ji Shan’s eyes remained wide in shock.

He understood why almost every contestant on “Crossing the Starry Sea” was in such great condition. The meticulous preparation, even for ordinary participants, could create an impressive image!

He even recognized some industry-famous figures. Wasn’t that photographer the renowned and hard-to-hire Miss Wang?

And those makeup artists, all top-notch figures, were now discussing how to highlight the contestants’ advantages through stage makeup.

Ji Shan completely understood why “Crossing the Starry Sea” had become unprecedentedly popular: Starlight was using the quality of film production to create a talent show.

The audience wasn’t blind, and naturally, they would support such efforts.

However, he couldn’t fathom how Starlight managed to gather top figures from all sectors of the entertainment industry for a talent show.

It was nothing short of a miracle.

Wu Ying remained calm throughout. It was only after Ji Shan praised everything, including the trees along the road, that she pulled out the prepared contract.

Ji Shan hesitated. “I’m still unsure about changing jobs. I might need some time to consider…”

Wu Ying smiled. “No problem, Mr. Ji; take your time to consider. Take a look at the contract first. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, we can discuss and adjust.”

Ji Shan:…

He slowly, very slowly, swallowed a gulp of saliva.

Ji Shan: Finally, I understand why so many big shots are willing to come here.

He coughed lightly. “Well, it’s good; it’s really good. I’ll leave now.”

“It seems your program group is quite busy. I’ll go to the company to complete the resignation procedures and come to work immediately in the evening.”

“I have an idea in mind, which I’ll prepare and send to your email on the way. Let’s strive to achieve six billion views for our program!”

***

The contestants were unaware that the program group was actively recruiting.

The six hundred participants were divided over two days, each performing for one minute before being arranged to rest in the dormitory. The initial dorms were four-person rooms, clearly designated by the program group.

Everything seemed normal until they left the venue and encountered a crowd of photographers on the way to the dormitories.

Inexperienced contestants were excited, with lively personalities even making various gestures towards the photographers. Those who had participated in other programs remained in shock.

“I participated in ‘Soaring Voice,’ and even with such a big production, there were only twenty photographers.”

Contestant Ming Qin couldn’t help but keep glancing at the photographers on both sides of the road, whispering to his roommate:

“We’ve seen at least forty photographers just on our way here, and that’s only on the road.”

His roommate, also observant, marveled after a few glances:

“They’re using io cameras. These cameras are known to be expensive but excellent. I can’t afford one even if I combine my entire wealth. Each ‘Crossing the Starry Sea’ cameraman actually has one.”

Another roommate, confused, asked, “Is this a good thing?”

“Of course, it’s a good thing. These cameras have excellent shooting capabilities. Look at the lighting designers, their positions, and the number of people. The results will be outstanding.”

They came to participate in the show to get exposure. With so many people dedicated to shooting, who would worry about not getting enough exposure?

Ming Qin nodded in agreement. “Exactly. I can attest that good lighting is crucial.”

Many talent shows initially neglected giving ordinary participants good lighting and didn’t focus much on makeup. They only put effort into a few already famous contestants, leading to others becoming mere background.

Ming Qin wasn’t famous, having participated in two programs where he was responsible for supporting other contestants.

However, that’s how the industry works. If you don’t stand out, no matter what you do, it’s expected.

This time, when applying for “Crossing the Starry Sea,” he just wanted to show his face. Being on such a program was enough for him, and he was prepared to once again support the central contestants.

Unexpectedly, after entering the program group, he was…

He was first shocked by the large number of makeup artists on “Crossing the Starry Sea.”

In other programs, there usually wouldn’t be many makeup artists, leading to a situation where one makeup artist might have to work on dozens of contestants. As a result, the makeup on some contestants’ faces would be perfunctory and inconsistent.

This made it easier for already famous contestants to be in the audience’s spotlight, as they often brought their own makeup artists and didn’t have to share with others. Ordinary contestants, due to rushed makeup, often appeared “abnormal” on screen.

However, “Crossing the Starry Sea” achieved the feat of giving each contestant sufficient makeup time. Before Ming Qin went on stage, looking at the radiant reflection in the mirror, he was nearly brought to tears.

Then he nervously applied tissue under his eyes with the makeup artist, carefully absorbing any tears that could ruin the makeup.

Before going on stage, the makeup artist was still adjusting details, trying to ensure that he went on in the best possible condition.

Ming Qin didn’t disappoint the makeup artist; he indeed performed at his best for one minute.

At that moment, without a phone, he had no idea that many people were commenting on the live stream, saying things like, “Is this Ming Qin? He seems to have become more handsome.” Nor did he know that his meager number of followers on Weibo was gradually increasing.

He was just very grateful that he joined this program.

And at this moment, looking at the numerous photographers and lighting designers, the feeling of gratitude reached its peak.

“By the way, what should we do next?”

The last roommate, who had been silent, spoke up: “Learn to dance under the guidance of the mentors.”

“Three days later, we will be on the holographic stage for the first time, and the audience will vote for the first time.”

Ming Qin looked at the roommate who had been quiet but attracted a lot of attention, Tu Zhu. In his heart, he was a bit overwhelmed with joy.

This was Tu Zhu; even though he had many haters, the combined fame of the three of them was still not as great as his. Although Ming Qin felt a sense of “I’ve seen a celebrity” joy, he mustered the courage to invite Tu Zhu.

“So, shall we practice together later?”

In another program, he might not have taken the initiative to invite someone like Tu Zhu, as it’s usually about grabbing the spotlight. Being with someone who looks better and is more famous could lead to trouble. But the fair treatment by the program group allowed him to relax.

Without any unfairness, negative feelings were difficult to generate. Faced with Tu Zhu, who was clearly more outstanding, he was willing to extend a friendly hand.

Tu Zhu, looking at the roommate inviting him, couldn’t quite believe it.

The last time he participated in a talent show, everyone seemed friendly on the surface, but privately, he could sense the subtle exclusion and dislike. Even though it was only the first day of the meeting, there was an underlying animosity. During that time, except on stage, he always felt a faint “Am I annoying people?” thought.

And this thought grew stronger as he fell from his peak to a low point, day by day.

But at this moment, he found that the gazes of his three roommates were filled with goodwill.

Tu Zhu felt a bit timid but also happy.

If it were in the past, he would have hesitated and might not have wanted to agree. But at this moment, thinking about the approving gaze of Director Sheng during the audition, Tu Zhu slightly lowered his eyes and nodded, “Okay.”

“Great! Let’s go! Let me tell you, I’m awesome at dancing! But I learn slowly, so don’t despise me!”

“Really?! That’s great! I’m not good at dancing; teach me, teach me!”

The liveliest roommate among the four directly stood in the middle, awkwardly putting his arms on the shoulders of the other three. “Not to brag, but I’m also good at dancing! How about we have a little competition later?”

“Sure! Let’s compete!”

The friendship among young people was always sudden and passionate. Furthermore, Sheng Quan specifically arranged three cheerful roommates for Tu Zhu.

The three sociable guys gathered together, and the conversation quickly shifted from “competition” to “changing clothes” and then to “which fabric is best for underwear” and finally to “which hot pot restaurant has the best food.”

Tu Zhu stood on the side, being led forward, listening to his roommates’ cheerful tones. He remained silent, not interjecting, just going along.

The camaraderie of the youth, the eyes of that always deep gaze, at this age, began to show a faint sparkle.

Slowly, very slowly.

His steps, involuntarily, gradually became lighter.

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