QU Entertainment is a weekly magazine, fifty-two issues per year, specializing in surveys and polls about the entertainment industry. Wang Yuan had purchased some issues from Japan. The package had just arrived and was brought directly from Shanghai to Chengdu, finally giving them the right opportunity.
Combining last year's fifty-two issues with the current year's, the box was thick.
On the flight at Narita Airport, Wang Yuan heard Xiao Jiu mutter, "QU Entertainment Weekly is kind of interesting. Second place…"
"Sister Wang, this…" Chu Zhi looked at the large box in front of him, a little confused.
"Isn't A-Jiu interested in QU Entertainment? I just had someone send a few copies over," Wang Yuan said.
Chu Zhi, playing the Emperor Beast, couldn't remember mentioning this to anyone. Shrugging it off, he thanked her: "Thank you, Sister Wang."
"By the way, A-Jiu, what do you want for Christmas this year? Is there anything you need?" Wang Yuan asked.
"Last year's blueberry jam was perfect. I really love it," Chu Zhi said.
Really love it—three words that spoke volumes. Wang Yuan was delighted. After all, she, who had never touched cooking before, had spent a lot of time learning.
Some people can learn cooking easily from online tutorials. Some struggle no matter how hard they try. Wang Yuan was the latter.
Nothing felt better than having one's efforts recognized. And if that recognition came from one's idol, it was even more special.
"I learned a new method for jam, a rare pomegranate jam. I'll let A-Jiu try it at Christmas," Wang Yuan said happily.
In reality, she hadn't fully mastered it. Pomegranate jam was far more complex than blueberry jam. Wang Yuan's culinary talent was less than that of a novice in the dark cuisine world, but since A-Jiu praised her, she had started bragging a little.
"I've never tried pomegranate jam. I'm really looking forward to it," Chu Zhi said.
Chu Zhi had never cared much about company perks like mooncakes, zongzi, or gift cards, often selectively ignoring such things.
For example, Wang Yuan's chronic pharyngitis got her a few jars of autumn pear syrup. Fei Ge had started photography recently, and Chu Zhi gifted him a DSLR for his birthday.
There were countless examples. That was why Chu Zhi's team was notoriously hard to bribe in the paparazzi and influencer circles. Even if money was thrown around, there was no juicy scoop.
Wang Yuan and Chu Zhi chatted in the dressing room of Chengdu City Concert Hall, located roughly in Wuhou District.
"Teacher Chu, it's your turn on stage."
"Thank you."
Following staff directions, Chu Zhi, the Emperor Beast, moved backstage to wait. Once the host announced the award and the BGM played, he would step on stage.
During his contract with Taiyang Chuanhe, he had also signed with Douyin as an endorser and remained [Chief Douyin Reviewer].
Of course, endorsement fees had steadily risen, multiplying roughly 2.5 times over two years.
"Our Chinese civilization is profound and extensive, forming the foundation of contemporary culture and linking Chinese people globally. Douyin, as a socially responsible company, also facilitates better exploration of this treasure. Over the past year, our platform has featured many works reflecting Chinese culture," host Pan Ying said.
Pan Ying was the leader of Mango TV's Everyday Group and a pillar of the platform. ByteDance had become one of the three major internet companies, with both influence and money. Who could they not invite?
Do not think the Douyin Gala only hosted influencers. Their awards, like "Most Popular Artist of the Year," drew first-row celebrities: Lin Xia, Xi Yao, Lin Weiran, Tao Luo, Wei Ziqing, and other top-tier stars.
The second and third rows featured influencers with tens of millions of followers. Many earned more than the celebrities beside them.
For example, Douyin's top female influencer, Quan Mei, solidified her status with Learn to Meow and Love You at 105°C. Her live-streaming sales earned her company over two billion annually.
"Now, please welcome our award presenter… Oh, this guest is impressive. Member of the Chinese Ancient Books Protection Association, honorary ambassador; honorary president of the Hanfu Promotion Association; honorary chair of the Traditional Music Association; beloved singer—Chu Zhi. Please welcome Teacher Chu to present the award," Pan Ying read out the lengthy list of titles.
At first, Lin Xia and other first-row stars remained unmoved, thinking the guest must be some professor or expert.
But hearing beloved singer—Chu Zhi surprised them.
All eyes turned to the stage. The spotlight guided the guest forward. That figure…
"Jiu-yé?" Quan Mei's sharp eyes recognized him within steps of appearing.
It was like a whack-a-mole malfunction; everyone in the front row influencers stood up.
"I adore Jiu-yé."
"A dream lover, love him."
"Brother Jiu rarely appears on variety shows now, fewer performances."
"Of course, he's focused on music. Otherwise, how would the Divine Album come about?"
Influencers with millions of fans instantly became cheering fans. Not only they, but the first-row stars were shocked as well.
"Wow, a cheat code appeared!" Lin Xia stood to applaud.
"The music industry is too small to contain him, so he's going into ancient books and traditional music."
"The host must have planned this, listing all those titles. Just say singer Chu Zhi, everyone knows him."
"Endorsed Douyin for two to three years. Didn't appear the first two years. Surprising that he's here this year."
In short, everyone stood. No matter if influencer or celebrity, even those envious of Chu Zhi had to applaud with a smile as media cameras clicked.
Chu Zhi's current status reached the point where people could dislike him, but had to welcome him with a smile.
For a moment, it was as if he were surrounded by stars.
Every gesture became a focal point. Chu Zhi, used to it, stepped on stage and greeted the host.
"Let's see who won the 2022 Douyin Live Gala [Annual National Style Anchor]—Zi Wu."
He took a card from the envelope and read:
"Zi Wu's short videos focus on ancient architecture, restoring mortise-and-tenon structures. His work is a powerful contribution to promoting classical culture. Congratulations, Zi Wu."
With eight million followers, Zi Wu was ecstatic, clutching her chest before walking on stage and hugging Chu Zhi immediately.
Chu Zhi froze briefly at the sudden hug, then recovered quickly. His hands stayed controlled, and he whispered:
"Your work is excellent. My grandfather was a carpenter. Female carpenters are so cool. This award is well deserved."
The hug had bypassed Zi Wu's brain at first. Hearing her idol praise her, she quickly regained rationality.
She took a deep breath, reluctantly letting go.
The award presentation continued. Chu Zhi handed the trophy to Zi Wu, who was overjoyed—whether from winning or hugging her idol, she didn't know.
"Thank you for presenting me this award. I've loved working with wood since childhood, apprenticed as a carpenter, and I'm fortunate to work in a field I love," Zi Wu said.
The reason Chu Zhi hadn't been invited the first two years wasn't arrogance. He always believed in "pay for what you get."
Douyin preferred to maintain some mystery with the only Asian superstar of the 21st century. Hence, advertising and other shoots were plentiful, but he wasn't invited to events—until this year, as award presenter.
The "Annual National Style Anchor" award was newly added, perhaps because Chu Zhi embodied national style yet didn't affect his mystique.
After Zi Wu left the stage, influencer COCO asked, "How does it feel?"
"The trophy is heavy, but probably just gold-plated," Zi Wu replied, passing it along to let COCO feel the weight.
COCO, a makeup blogger sporting heavy makeup, frowned. "Who asked about the trophy? I asked about hugging Jiu-yé."
"…I was too close to my idol, so my mind went blank. I just went for it. Didn't feel anything."
COCO was envious. She also wanted to hug her idol and feel nothing!
Others around glanced too. They had been watching first-row stars, noting that earning a lot didn't guarantee status in the industry.
The awards lasted two hours. Lin Xia wanted to invite Chu Zhi to dinner, but didn't see him.
Lin Feifei, chatty as ever, loved mooching meals, especially good ones.
Quan Mei, earning over a billion annually, also wanted to invite him, but couldn't.
Many influencers had tax scandals; she didn't. That earned her loyalty.
As an award presenter, Chu Zhi's day didn't end here. After finishing his schedule, it was ten thirty at night.
Back at the hotel, he opened the box Wang Jie bought: QU Entertainment, full of bizarre Japanese entertainment news. For example: [Member of Seina 77 prefers not to wipe after using the toilet].
Chu Zhi only wondered: how did the paparazzi find out? Peeking nearby? Some things were better left unconsidered.
Soon, he found a 2021 issue (#30) that had conducted a poll: "Which artist's concert are you most looking forward to?" Nearly ten thousand Japanese subscribers participated. Chu Zhi ranked second.
First place was C-position Kanou Suzuki of Oak 21, who sang and acted, starring last year in the hit drama Control, beloved by otaku as the perfect wife.
Recognizing the name and photos, Chu Zhi remembered: if not mistaken, she was Koguchi Yoshihiro's friend and had come to China for I'm a Singer-Songwriter as a backup singer.
Coincidentally, Kanou Suzuki was also one of Chu Zhi's aesthetic fans.
"Then it's fine," Chu Zhi murmured, not feeling competitive but curious since Wang Jie had bought it.
He flipped through a few more surveys, roughly one per ten issues:
Most desirable male artist for a date
Male artist in white shirt rankings
Male senior figure as personal ideal
If choosing a male artist for a one-night stand without protection, who would you pick
Odd and sometimes risqué questions.
Strictly speaking, QU Entertainment's polls defaulted to Japanese stars. Chu Zhi's Japanese popularity was so high he was ranked anyway.
"What songs should I sing at Summer Sonic?" After browsing, he rested before attending to serious work.
Chu Zhi wanted to record a Japanese EP, but time was limited. His first full English album was queued for Europe.
Next best plan: attend Summer Sonic next year as a guest and perform two songs.
Strawberry Music Festival participation would be discounted, but Summer Sonic didn't need negotiation. Major Asian festivals could afford the cost.
Creative Minds Production agreed to Niu Jiangxue's quotation without bargaining.
Having all arrangements in order gave him security.
Another day without clear sunlight.
But the studio was bright.
"Electronic music… Brother Jiu, don't mind me speaking frankly. This is real electronic music. The previous two electronic albums felt like pop songs with effects," Lao Qian said after they finished recording A-Shen's The.Nights.
"This track will definitely appeal to the West. Rhythmic, powerful," Lao Qian said. "Why not Grammy? Peak of life next?"
"The first full English album. Don't expect too much," Chu Zhi said, tempering his goals. Western markets could be anti-Chinese.
"Based on current recording pace, the album will take a few more months," Lao Qian said. "Anyway, not before Chinese New Year. Brother Jiu, don't rush. You start at 8:30 a.m., finish past ten p.m., about twelve hours daily."
"That's even more intense than 996. We have rotation days off. Brother Jiu, you hardly rest," Lao Qian said.
"No, considering my annual income, I earn three to four million per day. Twelve hours, twenty hours, who cares?" Chu Zhi waved.
"Exactly. Busy with this income is fine," Chu Zhi said.
Lao Qian was speechless. Chu Zhi truly didn't consider himself a celebrity.
===
Because my babies have been clamoring for me to pick up another yuri novel, I decided to do it right now (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ Since I already finished translating "The Invincible Money-Grubbing Fairy," that freed up one slot. This new project will be a modern setting yuri, and just like "My Cold-Hearted Boss Wants to Marry Me," it's another short novel.
That said, I should be honest with you: yuri isn't my main focus. I'll still translate yuri, but the frequency won't be that high. If you'd like me to add more yuri projects, I'll definitely consider it—but only if the requests reach my "minimum slot." How many requests do I need? That's a secret of course (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
On another note, I'm also starting a new apocalypse-themed project, since "Mom's Apocalypse Survival Log" is almost fully translated. The difference this time is that the new novel is one of my personal favorites. I've literally reread it 5–6 times already, and it has over 1000 chapters serialized!
Both of these newly picked projects are still going through the book vetting process. I'll update you all once they're approved and available on my profile. Please look forward to it~ (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ