This time, the treasure chest's quality had been upgraded, from a silver treasure chest to a golden one. The next item should be even more powerful, right?
In fact, Lin Chudong had a decent understanding of these treasure chests. Although the system had been unbound, the treasure chests and the system's previous items were mostly the same.
Previously, Lin Chudong's sign-ins had always yielded various basic, intermediate, and advanced items. Only when reaching a milestone, such as ten days, a month, or a year, would he get something good. Many of the hall-level skills were obtained during those times.
However, the items within the remaining treasure chests were too diverse, and the difficulty levels of these items were entirely dependent on the system's mood. Therefore, Lin Chudong could only rely on luck and couldn't figure out any patterns.
His biggest hope now was to make a big profit from the start, then Lin Chudong would open dozens of treasure chests and reach the pinnacle of life.
Currently, what he needed most were acting skills. He had a good script and could direct, but he had to watch others perform; it made him envious.
But acting was probably a relatively precious item. He was only at the twelfth treasure chest; he didn't know if he could get it within the first hundred.
If that didn't work, Lin Chudong planned to study it himself. Although he was very busy now, taking some time to self-study acting shouldn't be a problem.
Activated.
[Countdown: 13 days]
[Acceleration requires amount]: 130,000
The countdown was really long. He'd definitely open a few once he made some money, just to get a feel for it.
Deng Siqing and Cheng Huanhuan hadn't gotten up yet. Both were night owls, so Lin Chudong didn't disturb them, quietly finishing his washing up.
He called Director Sun to arrange today's rehearsal time.
Xu Feng and Lin Chudong were both mature singers; a day of rehearsal was enough.
"Brother Sun, we didn't drink enough last night. How about I treat you to another meal tonight?"
Sun Xuan on the other end of the phone was surprised, "Da Fei, you're really something. You're feeling it now, aren't you? We're going to drink until we drop tonight!"
During the day, they rehearsed at the station for several hours and ate in the cafeteria at noon.
Xu Feng was full of praise for Lin Chudong, "Da Fei, your understanding of music really amazes me. A singer like you, why did Da Fei Band kick you out?"
Lin Chudong said, "Because I don't do variety shows or accept advertisements."
"Ah? Why?"
"I want to devote myself to studying music."
"Then why are you participating in a variety show now?"
"I'm done studying, haha!"
Lin Chudong brushed it off, and Xu Feng didn't press him further. He just felt that Da Fei Band had lost more than just a lead singer.
Sun Xuan said, "Shen Jianbin is very good at playing the bureaucracy game. He's quite different from Da Fei; I don't like him."
In the past, Sun Xuan had been very disgusted by their methods. However, out of respect for those old bosses, he couldn't avoid contact and could only endure his annoyance to socialize.
"Da Fei, will you come with me to check out the audit this afternoon?"
"Sure, I've been free these past few days."
"Alright, there are a few language programs this afternoon; you can take a look too."
In the afternoon, Lin Chudong sat in the audience, behind Director Sun and the others.
On stage, a wave of comedians began performing their programs.
Although the classic skits were gone, these people's performances were also decent. Sometimes, Lin Chudong would even be amused, but the directors in front were completely expressionless, as serious as could be.
Suddenly, a program caught his attention.
It was a skit by Mao Feifei and veteran artist Zhao Jinrong.
He had seen Mao Feifei before, who had performed at the Modu Mid-Autumn Festival Gala and shared the stage with him, though they hadn't spoken.
Mao Feifei's performance style clearly came from a traditional arts troupe, mainly focusing on being awkward, but also carrying a bit of positive energy.
Zhao Jinrong was very impressive, a woman in her sixties. She came from a traditional opera background, spoke in a down-to-earth manner, and her acting was very natural. The punchlines were mostly delivered by her.
The program was called "Kung Fu Decree". Zhao Jinrong played an old kung fu woman, while Mao Feifei played her frail son, creating a contrast to generate laughs.
After the program finished, several directors stood up and applauded. After all, she was a veteran artist, and support was necessary.
Qiu Chengdong said, "Teacher Zhao, the concept of this program is very good, and the jokes are decent too. However, it's a bit long. I'd like to shorten it, ideally within ten minutes. And the final song, 'Great Kung Fu', that you all sing together, isn't quite up to par."
"Although the song is about Kung Fu, it's a rap song. The rhythm is fast, and it sounds a bit awkward when Teacher Zhao sings it."
Zhao Jinrong said humbly, "You're right, Director Qiu. Could you give us some guidance?"
Qiu Chengdong frowned. "I'm not the best person to advise on this. It's actually fine to have a skit without songs and dances, but..."
Sun Xuan suddenly stood up and said,
"Speaking of songs, we have professionals here. How about we ask Da Fei for some help?"
Qiu Chengdong was stunned, thinking this Director Sun must be related to Da Fei, recommending him so strongly.
"Alright, let's have the professionals take a look."
"Da Fei, you say something."
Lin Chudong stood up and walked to the front.
"Director Qiu, Teacher Zhao, I watched the program. It's pretty good. As for the song, it's really not suitable. This song is a bit niche and doesn't fit the theme of Chinese martial arts."
"The jokes Teacher Mao Feifei told didn't land either. I think you held back a bit. You should be a bit more campy; it would be funnier."
Mao Feifei frowned, his tone a bit displeased.
"You were asked to talk about the song, and that's what you should have done. Are you even qualified to comment on the skit?"
Lin Chudong was stunned. He hadn't expected Mao Feifei to have such a temper. He was just offering a friendly suggestion. They didn't seem to have any previous conflicts, did they?
Qiu Chengdong said, "Da Fei is right. I also think Xiao Mao could perform better. As for the song… Da Fei, do you have any recommendations? Something that fits the theme?"
Lin Chudong said, "There doesn't seem to be one at the moment. However, I have an original song that isn't finished yet, and it's very suitable for this skit. Would you like to listen to it?"
Qiu Chengdong and the others exchanged glances. "Shall we give it a listen?"
Sun Xuan nodded. "Yes! Da Fei, do you want the band? They're still on stage."
"Yes, keep the suona and the tanggu for me. Just a short section will do."
Then, Lin Chudong walked over to Zhao Jinrong and said,
"Teacher Zhao, please come on stage with me, so we can perform for the leaders?"
Zhao Jinrong nodded, "Alright, I'll follow your lead, young man."
Zhao Jinrong clearly didn't know Da Fei. At her age, she didn't pay much attention to pop music. However, the old artist had no airs and went on stage with Da Fei.
After a simple briefing with the musicians, he hand-copied a score for them. Then, Lin Chudong picked up the microphone and said,
"Teacher Zhao, just make some moves, and I'll provide the music."
Zhao Jinrong nodded and began to move her hands, striking a Kung Fu pose.
And Lin Chudong's voice came from the speakers.
"Lying down, like a drawn bow!"
"Standing, like a sturdy pine!"
"Motionless, unyielding, sitting like a bell, walking like a gust of wind!"
"Southern Fist and Northern Leg!" "Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu!"
"Tai Chi Bagua Lianhuan Palm, China has amazing Kung Fu!"
As Da Fei opened his mouth to sing, several directors' eyes immediately lit up.
This song…
Sun Xuan raised an eyebrow at Qiu Chengdong, the look of pride on his face undisguised, as if saying, "The person I recommended is not bad, right?"
With the music, Zhao Jinrong waved her hands a few times, quite the style of a master, full of spirit.
After singing a few lines, Zhao Jinrong also revealed a hint of surprise.
"Young man, what's the name of this song? Are you a singer?"
"Teacher Zhao, this song is called Chinese Kung Fu. I'm just a small singer, not worth mentioning."
Qiu Chengdong clapped his hands, "Da Fei, don't be modest. It seems the title of music genius wasn't just blown by netizens. This song really fits the theme perfectly, Teacher Zhao, what do you think of changing to this song?"
Zhao Jinrong laughed, "That's great, let's go with this one."
Qiu Chengdong said, "Da Fei, record this song quickly later. Although it's not the full version, there will still be some copyright fees. They'll be given to you along with your performance fee. What do you think?"
Zhao Jinrong quickly said, "Director Qiu, this program is mine, I should pay the copyright fees."
"Teacher Zhao, don't be so polite. It's not much money, the station will cover it." As a national treasure-level artist, her treatment was naturally different.
Lin Chudong also didn't stand on ceremony. The Spring Festival Gala performance fees weren't much, maybe ten or twenty thousand at most. There was no need to refuse.
Qiu Chengdong also began to look at Lin Chudong with some respect. This kid really had some accomplishments in music. No wonder there was so much buzz online.
"Da Fei, tell me more about the performance style you just mentioned."
Originally, Lin Chudong was just a singer and had no say in the sketches. However, his song just now had made Qiu Chengdong look at him with respect, and he was quite interested in the suggestions he made.
Lin Chudong said, "I think Teacher Mao's performance should be a bit more delicate to create a stronger comedic effect."
"For example, Teacher Zhao says, 'Stand tall and proud!'"
"Then Teacher Mao does a flamboyant version of, 'Stand tall and proud!'"
Lin Chudong acted it out, and several directors burst out laughing.
Zhao Jinrong clapped her hands and said.
"Good, this is a great idea!"
"Xiao Mao, you should learn from this... Da Fei, yes, learn from Da Fei."
Mao Feifei was a little unwilling, but he had to admit that Da Fei's performance was indeed quite funny.
"Alright, I can learn it, no problem. But isn't the song a bit long?"
Mao Feifei was a little displeased. The skit was only about ten minutes long in total, and Lin Chudong's song was going to take up over a minute of it. Wouldn't that be stealing the show?
Qiu Chengdong said, "The timing is fine. Just change it according to Da Fei's suggestion. Let's try it first, and we can discuss it again if it doesn't work."
Mao Feifei: "Director, this..."
"What, not happy, Xiao Mao? Your performance as it is now either needs a major overhaul or to be scrapped altogether. You have a ready-made solution, and you don't want to change it?"
Qiu Chengdong was polite to Director Zhao, but Mao Feifei was just tagging along, so there was no need to be too polite.
To put it bluntly, Director Zhao would definitely be on the Spring Festival Gala, but whether Mao Feifei would be, was another matter.
Mao Feifei was immediately speechless and didn't dare to argue.
"Alright, let's change it as he said."
Qiu Chengdong patted Lin Chudong on the shoulder. "Young man, you're very talented. No wonder Director Sun has his eye on you."
Then, he said in a low voice to Sun Xuan, "Are you guys drinking tonight? Can I join?"
Sun Xuan replied, "Sure. Should we invite the chief director too?"
"That...drinking with the chief director is too much. But whatever, we can relax after the second review."
That night, Lin Chudong followed Sun Xuan, Xu Feng, and Qiu Chengdong to the roast duck restaurant where they had drunk before.
Qiu Chengdong was also very interested in Lin Chudong. "I didn't realize Da Fei is also quite knowledgeable about comedy. Have you ever considered pursuing this field?"
Lin Chudong smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Director Qiu. My acting skills aren't up to par. I'll have to study up on them later."
Qiu Chengdong nodded. "Acting is something that relies on talent and formal training. You're starting late, so it'll probably be hard to go the comedic route. But you should be pretty good as a screenwriter or music director."
Lin Chudong chuckled. He really didn't have any acting skills, but he had treasure chests! He didn't believe he couldn't get some acting skills after spending millions. Even the basic ones would do!
Sun Xuan said, "I contacted Director Ma. He'll be here soon."
Sun Xuan said to Lin Chudong, "Tonight, I'll introduce you to the chief director, Director Ma Youfu. He's very famous in the industry."
Lin Chudong nodded. "I've heard of him."
"He's not just famous for his directing skills; he's also famous for his drinking capacity. You might be throwing up until the sky turns dark tonight."
Lin Chudong was taken aback. "Director Ma can drink a lot?"
Qiu Chengdong said, "More than a lot. He's really good. Director Ma is from Shandong. Not only can he drink, but he also has a lot of rules. I'm scared."
Lin Chudong smiled slightly. If he'd been somewhat apprehensive yesterday, today he was ready for anything.
A few minutes later, Deng Siqing and Ma Youfu arrived, one after the other.
Seeing Deng Siqing there, Qiu Chengdong was surprised. He nudged Sun Xuan with his hand and whispered, "You and Sister Deng are on the same side?"
The leaders at CCTV also had their own rivalries. Many hosts would take sides, appearing friendly on the surface, but secretly supporting different people.
Sun Xuan laughed. "Come on, don't say that. We're just friends."
The more Sun Xuan said that, the more Qiu Chengdong believed it.
In all his years at the station, he'd never seen Deng Siqing at the same social gathering.
Who's ever heard of Director Deng drinking with a leader?
Sun Xuan is quite the operator, managing to rope in Director Deng!
Deng Siqing came and sat directly beside Lin Chudong, leaving the main seat for Ma Youfu.
Ma Youfu looked to be in his forties, a bit on the chubby side, with a decent amount of hair. He seemed like a friendly guy.
"Director Ma, this is my brother, Da Fei."
Lin Chudong shook hands with Ma Youfu, "Director Ma, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Ma Youfu smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries before taking his seat.
Looking at the liquor on the table, his eyes lit up.
"You all worked hard today in the second review. I'll be here personally for the third review, so you can all relax then."
"Thanks, Director Ma."
Ma Youfu said, "Now that the second review is over, let's have a good drink. Your capacity for alcohol is directly proportional to your workload, right? Everyone's up for it?"
"Since Deng Siqing is here today, she can serve us. Let's drink freely, no holding back!"
-----------------------
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