The opening of China Entertainment Group gave Jay Chou a head-on confrontation

Chapter 996 Spring Festival Gala Performance Stage

With recording cameras and flashing flashes faithfully documenting everything, Zhou Yi strode confidently to the very end of the red carpet, barely lingering, completely ignoring the media reporters on the periphery.

No matter how hard they shouted, it didn't work.

Xiao Yaxuan, who accompanied Zhou Yi to the event, wore a dark brown French velvet dress, exuding elegance in her words and actions.

Zhou Yi, who was about to accept the pen and sign the poster, hadn't even had time to uncap it when his old acquaintance Eva Green appeared before him with the main cast and crew. Her smiling gaze swept over Xiao Yaxuan, interrupting the signing process.

Director Martin Campbell, along with producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, displayed remarkable initiative, embracing and hugging each other, clearly overjoyed.

As Sony Pictures' most anticipated and highly successful new installment, *Casino Royale* naturally required Sony (China) to assist with its promotional tour in China. However, even with the arrival of Sony (China)'s elite artists such as Wang Lihong and Mo Wenwei, their performance wasn't quite as impressive as expected…

Flattery?

No, calling it flattery might be a bit of an exaggeration and disrespectful, but the difference in attitude was undeniably obvious. Zhou Yi didn't even need to move; instead, Martin and the others surrounded him like stars around the moon, engaging in lively conversation.

The camera lens captured the scene, focusing entirely on Zhou Yi himself; anyone unfamiliar with the situation might have thought it was his show tonight.

“Ms. Elva, I really like your songs. 'Because Of You' was my song of the year.”

"My pleasure……"

"I'm serious, I'm heartbroken by what you've been through..."

"..."

Actually, Xiao Yaxuan herself wasn't particularly proud of her achievements in Europe and America, nor did she feel any particular attachment to the character she portrayed, since she wasn't actually as miserable as depicted in those European and American stories.

It's a business necessity.

When she and Zhou Yi were invited into the room by the film crew, the foreigners who had been chatting amongst themselves, who had stopped talking to the Chinese stars after their social engagements, either stood up or immediately stopped their conversation.

They greeted him with almost fawning smiles: "Spike,..."

"Spike..."

Spike.

"Spike..."

Sony (USA) has truly learned its lesson from Zhou Yi; they understand this man's terror better than their counterparts in the Chinese entertainment industry.

That unknown Singaporean female singer's EP album is still selling like hotcakes!
The entire Western music industry is now in turmoil over the struggle for discourse power because of Zhou Yi's words before he left. The declining environment has intensified the conflicts between many singers and producers, which Zhou Yi happened to ignite.

Zhang Ziyi, who had previously been smug about her high-level treatment, could only stand aside and watch as the group of foreigners she had to fawn over kept crowding around Zhou Yi.

I immediately felt quite uncomfortable.

All her years of hard work were inadvertently shattered by the I Ching at this moment.

Male celebrities like Huang Xiaoming and Deng Chao were filled with envy – they didn't even have the thought of "I can take his place" – it was just too damn difficult.

Even their conversations were limited to simple greetings like "hello," "hi," and "nice to meet you." The female lead, Eva Green, practically clung to Zhou Yi, chatting and laughing so much that you'd think she was his girlfriend.

Ok?
No, more like a girlfriend?
Didn't Brother Yi bring Xiao Yaxuan with him?

Even though everyone knows what your reputation is, isn't this a bit too blatant?
Since getting a girlfriend, Sun Li, Deng Chao has become less free in this regard. He subconsciously looked at Xiao Yaxuan, only to find that the latter was still holding a glass of red wine and chatting with Mo Wenwei. When her gaze swept over Eva Green, she didn't pay any attention to her at all.

He's just a foreigner.

Although it was indeed quite good in the movie.

It must be admitted that Eva Green's performance in "Casino Royale" was outstanding; she deserved a share of the applause after the premiere.

"This 007 movie is the most unique one I've ever seen, and I really like it."

The new 007 premiere in Beijing was a sensation! Bond girl Eva Longoria captivated Eva Longoria!

The disparity in status is obvious; the I Ching dominates the entire room!

"Zhang Ziyi and the Book of Changes, the Fake Western Paradise and the Real Great Sage: The Most Direct Manifestation of the Supremacy of Strength"

The diverse reactions at the premiere: Zhou Yi's attendance delighted foreigners!

"Two Evas Competing for One Husband? Who is Zhou Yi's Favorite, Eva or Ava?"

Bond is dumped, and a Bond girl is seen holding hands intimately with him!

The Book of Changes: What Makes a True International Superstar?

"..."

"Damn, after seeing so many foreign celebrities come to China and be fawned over by domestic celebrities, Zhou Yi suddenly reversed the situation, and I really didn't react at all."

"That's more like it. Can't we learn from the Book of Changes and be a little more assertive?" "What are you thinking? They think they're worthy?"

"Exactly, the title 'international superstar' has been overused. It's the I Ching that has restored its value, understand?"

"Zhou Yi, stop neglecting your duties! Where's the album?! The New Year is almost here!"

"Oh right, there's been a sudden drop in news about the I Ching lately. Is this guy only now starting to stay home and write an album?"

"Not even a single pre-release track?!"

"Didn't you just make a big fuss about recruiting actors to shoot a music video? Don't you guys read the news?"

"If you've taken the photos, shouldn't you just post them? Zhou Yi is known for his quick reflexes!"

As is customary with the I Ching, the comments sparked by the premiere news the following day quickly went astray—

Putting the movie aside for now, why don't you tell us about this album of yours that hasn't made much of a splash yet?

Sun Yanzi is coming back from abroad next week, are you still playing around?!
"Uh, I don't think it's appropriate to answer these kinds of questions at someone else's movie premiere, which is why I'm too lazy to do interviews on the red carpet."

On February 1st, Zhouyi's domestic blog made a rare appearance—

"My new album is in post-production and will definitely be released as scheduled after the New Year. Also, would you like to hear my new songs on this year's Spring Festival Gala?"

It was a very official announcement, but not a very official conclusion.

Netizens who initially thought it was just a preview of the album's progress were suddenly stunned.

Not what you mean?
What was the last new song performed by Zhou Yi at the Spring Festival Gala?

Oh, "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Wishing you prosperity).

Is this another "Wishing You Prosperity" song?
"No way, I don't want to hear such a cheesy song like 'Gong Xi Fa Cai'. Can't you at least sing some songs from your old albums? There are so many good songs from your old albums that you never sang on the Spring Festival Gala."

"The Spring Festival Gala is finished, it's lost its appeal, so you're using your new song as a gimmick, right?"

"Do you think the Spring Festival Gala is just a stage for performing songs? Do you think I believe that?"

"As long as it's not 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' (Wishing you prosperity), it's fine. I listen to 'Ying Chun Hua' (Welcoming Spring Flowers) and 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' every day now, and it's giving me a headache."

"..."

Despite the verbal criticism, when it comes to the words "new song," it's undeniable that Zhou Yi's influence is still enormous.

The Spring Festival Gala previews, which had been declining year after year and receiving constant criticism, saw a surge in discussion and anticipation after February 1st.

What is there to say?

Anything produced by Zhouyi is guaranteed to be of high quality.

That's enough to make us look forward to it.

This pleased director Jin Yue, who had been struggling to improve the approval rating of this year's Spring Festival Gala.

Their production team had already heard the first demo of "Because of Love" sent by Zhou Yi's team in advance. It's a very beautiful love song that will definitely not be out of place on the Spring Festival Gala stage, and it also has the gimmick of the "Warner Twins" reunion.

This is the first time Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi have collaborated on the Spring Festival Gala stage in all their years in the industry.

Even the Book of Changes is playing along with this hype, what more can be said?

The only remaining mystery is what Zhou Yi's solo song will be for the Spring Festival Gala.

As one of the top singers in China today, it would be unacceptable for Zhou Yi not to have a solo performance on the Spring Festival Gala. However, just as Zhao Benshan's team has yet to submit their revised script, Zhou Yi's solo piece has also not been submitted.

However, Jin Yue wasn't in a hurry about this.

Years of experience have proven the value of the I Ching; his current lack of activity is almost certainly due to his extremely high standards for himself.

"Director, Warner Bros. has sent over Zhou Yi's solo demo."

Before Jin Yue could even think about it, a phone call from her subordinate immediately perked her up: "Send it over, what kind of subject matter?"

"Uh, it's a... folk song?"

what?
Jin Yue was stunned for a moment.

Although he doesn't know much about music genres, wasn't Zhou Yi previously criticized by the domestic folk music circle for forgetting his roots?

Why is he singing folk songs on the Spring Festival Gala?
"What's the song called?"

"The Fragrance of Rice".

(End of this chapter)