Full-time actor

"coming!"

Zhao Benshan's voice was tinged with laughter, and his eyes were full of appreciation.

Chen Yu met the gaze of the person in front of him and nodded accordingly. As for Liu Yifei, she had already waved to greet Zhao Benshan.

Before we could have a deep conversation, Jin Yue, the director of the Spring Festival Gala, walked over to us.

"Brother Xiaoyu, we've been waiting for you to come back."

Facing this benefactor who had once saved his career from dire straits, Jin Yue was filled with emotion.

In the past, the Spring Festival Gala wouldn't be complete without Zhao Benshan.

As the pillar of support on New Year's Eve, they are always the most supported by everyone.

From some point onward, Chen Yu gradually took over this position.

Whenever he appears on the Spring Festival Gala, he easily becomes the focus of attention, especially during the time slot when the show airs, which always results in a surge in viewership.

"Director Jin, it's been a long time."

Chen Yu responded politely.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group began the final full-scale rehearsal for the Spring Festival Gala.

This is Jin Yue's fourth time directing. Compared to his previous clichéd programs, this time he specifically proposed to use young actors and singers to create something new.

As two pillars of the Spring Festival Gala.

Chen Yu and Zhao Benshan's program was naturally scheduled for prime time.

One after the other, just like in previous years.

Everyone sat together chatting, and the time spent waiting for their turn to go on stage wasn't boring at all.

"Hahaha--"

Liu Yifei's laughter rang in Chen Yu's ears; she was clearly amused by Zhao Benshan and couldn't stop smiling.

Chen Yu couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated.

As expected, the only flaw of the "Fairy Sister" is that she has a low threshold for laughter.

Compared to Zhao Benshan's previous sketches, this year's "Donation" has fewer jokes and even the comedic effect is somewhat weakened.

The repeated mockery surrounding the word "widow" is particularly vulgar.

Zhao Benshan has clearly entered a creative bottleneck period, which ultimately led to criticism from the audience that he lacks depth and has run out of ideas.

He officially bid farewell to the Spring Festival Gala stage in 2012.

In general.

The entertainment industry is constantly changing, and those works that once amazed people will gradually become collective memories for future generations.

Thinking about it this way, Chen Yu felt a bit emotional.

Even Zhao Benshan, who is hailed as the king of sketch comedy, was ridiculed and criticized for his works in 2010 and 2011.

No one is perfect.

Those who persevere are perhaps all driven by passion.

"Wake up~"

Liu Yifei waved her hand in front of Chen Yu, and only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the person in front of her had reacted.

"Get ready, we're about to go on stage."

After saying that, Liu Yifei suddenly moved closer to Chen Yu.

"What were you thinking about just now? You seemed so engrossed."

"I called you several times, but you didn't answer."

It was rare to see Chen Yu lost in thought at work, and his state just now was rather unbelievable to Liu Yifei.

"nothing."

"Let's go backstage and get ready."

Chen Yu put his arm around Liu Yifei's waist and walked towards the backstage area. Their makeup and costumes were strictly in accordance with those for the Spring Festival Gala, and no mistakes could be made during the entire process.

"People all over the world should love and care for one another."

"Though we travel thousands of miles, our hearts remain united."

"Tonight, when every household is lit up."

"..."

Snapped!Snapped!Snapped!
As Chen Yu and Liu Yifei finished singing, the entire audience erupted in thunderous applause.

Jin Yue repeatedly praised it.

This is when you can best experience the ways of the world.

Given Chen Yu's current status and power, who wouldn't want to curry favor with him?
His domestic resources are beyond question, but his international fame and influence alone are enough to make people envious.

If one can get close to Chen Yu, that would be the key to reaching the pinnacle of one's career.

***
"Are you ready?"

Shen Xiaoqin took off her apron and plopped down on the sofa.

The sounds of people playing mahjong and laughing among children filled the air.

The whole family gathered together in a lively atmosphere, waiting for the Spring Festival Gala to begin.

"Is it still the same order as before?"

Liu Xiaoli popped a peeled orange into Shen Xiaoqin's mouth. The two are now so close that they're inseparable.

"Yes! After Uncle Benshan comes out, it's our Xiaoyu and Qianqian."

The sweet juice burst in her mouth, while Shen Xiaoqin stared intently at the television in front of her.

"The host has changed?"

"Yeah, I always feel that the Spring Festival Gala is a bit less lively without Li Yong."

The two sisters chatted casually, but didn't seem particularly interested in the opening performances.

"The Spring Festival Gala is getting more and more boring."

In the past, people watched the Spring Festival Gala for the excitement, hoping to catch the year's hit songs and laughs.

Watching the Spring Festival Gala now is purely for nostalgia; it's about getting the whole family together for a reunion.

The TV is on.

But it was clear that everyone's attention was not on the contents.

"Whoo~"

At the same time.

Liu Yifei had just touched up her makeup and was sitting in the audience with Chen Yu watching today's program.

Every now and then, people would come over to chat with her, mostly asking about the progress of "Mulan" or congratulating her on taking on this important role.

After a brief respite, it was almost time for her and Chen Yu to go on stage.

On the stage right now.

The conversation between Zhao Benshan and Wang Xiaoli drew a few chuckles from the people in the room.

Compared to previous programs, this year's program is indeed a bit more ordinary.

"I feel that Uncle Benshan's sketches are not as interesting as they used to be."

Liu Yifei couldn't help but mutter a few words. After hearing his girlfriend's words, Chen Yu smiled and shook his head.

During the rehearsal, I don't know who was laughing so hard they were doubled over.

"Finally, it's our turn to perform! After that, we can go home and have a reunion dinner with our families!"

Liu Yifei straightened her dress.

Joy was evident in every word they spoke.

She was a little worried when she first went to participate in the training camp for "Mulan".

They were afraid they wouldn't give her any time to rest. If she were left to spend the New Year alone overseas, she would probably cry secretly in bed at night.

Fortunately, the situation was quite humane, and the scenario she had imagined did not occur.

Jin Yue stroked his chin.

Looking at the ratings in front of me, I couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

Zhao Benshan's "Donation" surprisingly achieved the same viewership ratings as Little Tigers' "Reunion".

Especially now, the comments in the live stream are almost all criticizing Zhao Benshan's skit.

"There are just too many product placements."

"A poor single mother receiving donations is carrying an expensive bottle of wine? Is that appropriate?"

"This is truly the worst skit in the last five years!"

"Why keep making fun of the widow's identity? I don't find it funny at all."

Netizens chimed in with their own comments.

The fluctuations in viewership ratings depend entirely on everyone's complaints.

It's worth noting that Zhao Benshan's sketches have been heavily criticized since 2008, and their viewership ratings have been lower than Chen Yu's.

This year, the show even achieved ratings on par with the Little Tigers.

It seems that this legendary ratings phenomenon is about to come to an end.

So far, the show's ratings have stopped at 51.6%.

The fluctuations are not significant.

Compared to last year, there were even fewer surprises. Jin Yue was in a real bind; this would be his last time directing the Spring Festival Gala, and naturally he hoped to achieve a brilliant ending.

only.

Given this trend, we can only place our hopes on Chen Yu.

Chen Yu and Liu Yifei have arrived at the preparation area.

Their hands were clasped tightly together, and the feeling that the whole world consisted only of each other made them feel incredibly happy.

"Next, please enjoy the song performance 'We Are Family'."

Performers: Chen Yu, Liu Yifei.

boom--

As soon as Zhang Zequn said this, the entire audience erupted in thunderous applause.

It was just an introduction, yet it was able to elicit such a fervent reaction.

"Promoted! Promoted!"

The backstage area right now.

The staff member couldn't help but shout, looking quite excited.

"director!"

"The real-time data is out. The peak exceeded 60%, and the market share surpassed 81%."

what?
Jin Yue's expression instantly brightened.

It's important to note that this achievement was made before Liu Yifei and Chen Yu even appeared on stage.

"Good good!"

Jin Yue breathed a sigh of relief.

"Notify all positions that no mistakes can occur during this process."

Whether they can turn the tide in tonight's battle depends entirely on Chen Yu and Liu Yifei.

Last year's Spring Festival Gala also relied on Chen Yu to turn the tide.

As for this year, the two top-tier contestants will each bring their stunning works that have captivated audiences both domestically and internationally, which will undoubtedly cause an even greater sensation.

Projections of Chen Yu and Liu Yifei appeared on the stage.

The screams from the audience were deafening.

In addition, the number of comments on the live stream also doubled.

Jin Yue knew Chen Yu's strength, but he never expected it to be this outrageous.

The ratings jumped by 9% just from announcing the name. Looking around the entire entertainment industry, only Chen Yu could achieve such a level.

Jin Yue felt somewhat fortunate.

Since last year, he has adjusted the program order, placing Chen Yu's performance as the finale.

Fortunately, Chen Yu has the ability.

Just then, Chen Yu's mellow and warm voice resounded throughout the venue.

"Not bad, not bad!"

Shen Xiaoqin stared intently at the television screen in front of her. The sight of her son and future daughter-in-law standing hand in hand on the stage made her unable to resist taking out her phone to film them.

"They are truly a match made in heaven."

Liu Xiaoli clapped.

Completely different from the songs of the previous two years, today's song is noticeably more grand and majestic, yet still retains a sense of warmth.

"My niece's husband is truly multi-talented."

"Writing lyrics, composing music, singing, screenwriting, directing, acting—is there anything he's not good at?"

Hearing Liu Xiaodong praise his son, Shen Xiaoqin's mood clearly improved.

"It sounds so nice."

"On New Year's Eve, you should listen to songs that fit the mood."

"Was this song written and composed by Xiaoyu again?"

Grandpa Chen asked casually, as someone from the older generation, the style and melody of this song were indeed very much in line with their era.

"Yes, it was Xiaoyu who made it."

As Chen Yu and Liu Yifei sang, the audience began to follow along automatically.

This song is very catchy, especially the chorus with its lyrics about loving each other. You can basically hum along after just one listen.

"My God, this song is so magnificent!"

"It has to be our Brother Yu. This song is so evocative."

How can there be so many talented people?

"From the mountains and rivers to the lights of every home, I have fully felt the love and affection between the country and the family."

The comments from netizens had already filled the live stream.

The viewership ratings exploded to 71.2%, reigniting Jin Yue's dying hope.

"awesome!"

The staff looked toward where Jin Yue was.

Chen Yu and Liu Yifei's song is nearing its end, yet it still represents an achievement that others cannot match.

"Director Jin, the ratings results are in."

"The highest viewership rating for 'Love and Affection' reached 71.2%, with an average rating of 60.7%."

Thank goodness!

Jin Yue really wanted to kneel down before Chen Yu.

At least his reputation was preserved this time. As it was his last time directing the Spring Festival Gala, this result was a relief for him.

"Amazing! Really amazing."

As soon as Chen Yu and Liu Yifei stepped off the stage, they noticed Jin Yue walking towards them.

"Brother Yu."

"Their strength remains as formidable as ever."

"I really want to thank you so much for saving tonight's ratings."

ha?
Chen Yu and Liu Yifei exchanged a glance, not expecting Jin Yue to react so strongly.

"You're too kind, Director Jin."

"It is my honor to be invited by you to stand on the Spring Festival Gala stage."

This was indeed Chen Yu's true feeling.

Jin Yue invited him to the Spring Festival Gala for the first time. Under the circumstances at the time, the fact that he was able to stand against the opposition and protect him did give his career a great boost.

As for now.

The two of them are more like complements to each other.

If it weren't for Chen Yu's intervention today, Jin Yue would probably have been severely criticized as soon as the Spring Festival Gala ended.

Noticing Liu Yifei and Chen Yu leaving the stage, the rest of the people present also gathered around.

"Happy New Year, Brother Yu!"

As Chen Yu's program was counting down, many people came over to greet him.

They were eager to make themselves known to Chen Yu.

"Happy New Year."

"If there's nothing else, Yifei and I will be leaving now."

"My family is waiting for me to come home for the New Year's Eve dinner."

Chen Yu explained the situation to everyone present, and upon hearing this, they naturally expressed their understanding.

Liu Yifei took Chen Yu's hand, and the two walked straight out of the CCTV building.

Outside.

Scattered fireworks dotted the New Year's Eve sky.

This is their eighth year together. People often talk about the seven-year itch, but it seems that things have never been dull between them.

There will be a very, very long time to come.

They will always be together.

Happy New Year! My dearest fiancé~

Liu Yifei's eyes sparkled and shone brightly under the fireworks.

At this moment, all she could see and thought about was the man in front of her.

"Happy New Year!"

Chen Yu smiled as he looked at the person in front of him, seemingly no longer satisfied with the title Liu Yifei.

Now I just hope to finish filming "Joker" and "Mulan" as soon as possible.

Only by fulfilling their agreement can Liu Yifei be completely bound to his side.

"Going home for the Chinese New Year!"

The car slowly drove away, and a new year of happiness and challenges awaited them! (End of Chapter)