I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 816 Somos

The second season of "Hello by the Fireplace" is much more open than the first season.

After all, the first season was a Michael Jackson special, so the conversations mainly revolved around Michael Jackson's life and music. Everyone tacitly exercised restraint regarding overly heated topics.

This season is clearly different; there are no restrictions.

Say whatever comes to mind, as long as it doesn't involve politically correct topics, feel free to chat.

They talked about music, emotions, experiences, gossip...

Celine Dion is also a very good conversationalist; once the topic turns to gossip, she can talk on and on.

Liu Jin even went so far as to discuss her marriage with her directly.

It's worth noting that Celine Dion's marriage was actually somewhat taboo.

It seems the French all like this kind of thing; Sophie Marceau married a man several cycles older than her, and Macron also married a woman two cycles older than him.

The same applies to Emmanuelle Béart and Isabelle Adjani.

Celine Dion is not French; she is Gamala.

But it seems I've picked up this habit too.

When she was 12, she fell in love with René Angélil, who was 26 years her senior.

Angeli, on the other hand, had already been through two marriages and had three children.

He discovered Celine Dion and, when she was only thirteen, mortgaged his house to help her record her first album. Ten years later, in 1991, Celine Dion was making her mark on the international music scene, but she secretly got engaged to Renée... Two years later, the two announced their relationship and got married at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal.

This can be described as a model of a couple who support each other through thick and thin.

In 99, René was diagnosed with throat cancer.

Celine Dion was at the peak of her career with the Titanic theme song, but she took a break from her career to take care of René.

In 01, Celine Dion successfully conceived through frozen X-ray and gave birth to her eldest son, Charles.

"I remember it was January 25th? Is that right?"

"Yes!"

Alizee said with a smile, "I remember it very well because that day was also the day my first album sold over 150 million copies."

Liu Jin thought for a moment and smiled, "That day was the day when the sales of my first novel, Amélie, in France officially exceeded 100,000 copies."

Haha, so January 25th is actually a good day!

Celine Dion and Alizee both nodded repeatedly.

"Amos, how exactly did you and Alizee meet?"

At this time, it was already dusk.

The sky was dark, yet stubbornly gleamed with a final, lingering light.

The sea breeze howled, and the flames in the fireplace crackled and flickered incessantly.

The three of them sat on the terrace, enjoying the sea breeze and drinking wine, all of them slightly tipsy.

"She wanted to commit a crime that day."

"what?"

"Can I tell you?"

Alizee nodded with a grin.

Her story with Liu Jin is already well-known.

To be honest, the entertainment industry in Europe and America is better than that in China in this respect; they don't hide their relationships.

Of course, there's also hype involved.

But unlike China, it doesn't keep engaging in ambiguous relationships.

At her age, she's always getting involved in scandals with this person today and going to a hotel with that person tomorrow.

In the end, it turned out to be all a complete publicity stunt...

It's baffling that there are so many people analyzing this so seriously.

Take Liu Jin, for example. He's a blatant scumbag, what we'd call a "property collapse" in China. If he were an entertainer, he might not even be allowed to appear on stage.

But in France, everything seemed to fall into place so naturally.

If feelings are still there, then be open and honest; if feelings are gone, then goodbye!
It doesn't matter whether the breakup is a "cherish each other while you can" or "we can still be friends," or even a bitter, messy fight that ends in court.

Anyway, it's just on the table.

Madonna is a prime example; she has been with countless men throughout her life, yet she never cares about outside opinions.

Now, in Madonna's words: "It's perfectly normal for me to be with any man."

"She was not even eighteen years old at the time and wanted to drink."

But as you know, restaurants in Paris actually care a bit about this.

It's one thing if you say it secretly, but to ask for beer in front of so many people, and then claim you're underage...

This woman is a bit of a drunkard, and she came to me asking me to buy her a drink!

Did you invite them?

"I invited him, otherwise we wouldn't have met."

"He also taught me to dance, the dance to the song 'Moi...Lolita'."

Celine Dion immediately became interested and started coaxing Liu Jinlai into saying something.

Alizee was still egging them on from the sidelines.

Liu Jin didn't act coy; he stood up and twisted around a few times.

Then, Celine Dion, Alizee, and Leslie, who was on the side as a band member, laughed so hard they almost fell over.

But a song suddenly flashed through Liu Jin's mind.

He quickly stood up, walked to the piano, and began to play a melody.

"What's up with him?"

Celine Dion was curious and asked softly.

Alizee laughed and said, "I guess I got some inspiration."

He often does this; he'll be talking for a while, and then suddenly start spacing out...

A bit neurotic!

"So, do you accept his neuroticism?"

"Why not accept it? Several of my songs were created by him in this state."

At first, it was a little hard to accept... After all, the sudden jump scares were a bit frightening.

But later... I got used to it!

Celine Dion leaned back on the sofa, smiling as she looked at Alizee.

Back then, she and René were in the same situation, gradually emerging from various inexplicable states and working together step by step.

When Celine Dion sees Alizee, she always feels a sense of familiarity.

After her debut, she experienced many crises, but René stood in front of her, shielding her from the wind and rain.

"You just need to sing happily, I'll handle everything else."

Alizee's experience is so similar to hers.

She faced attacks when she first debuted, but fortunately, Liu Jin wrote a song for her called "BD" which helped her overcome the crisis.

Incidentally, it will also completely destroy Daniel Porter.

After that, Daniel Porter lost his spark and gradually faded into obscurity.

Now, we almost never hear any news about him anymore...

However, under Liu Jin's care, Alizée gradually became a rising star in the international music scene, and she became more and more outstanding.

Hmm mhm
I don't wanna be alone tonight
('Lone tonight)

It's pretty clear that I'm not over you
(Over you)

I'm still thinking 'bout the things you do
(Things you do)

So I don't want to be alone tonight alone tonight alone tonight
Can you light the fire…”

Liu Jin quickly finished composing the melody and had a brief exchange with Leslie and the others before playing the piano and beginning to sing.

Alizee and Celine Dion also stopped talking and turned their attention to Liu Jin.

Today, Liu Jin sports a full beard.

He was wearing a custom-made silk shirt and silk trousers, and he was barefoot.

He was very happy, playing the piano and singing at the same time.

“Ooh baby baby I'm dancing with a stranger
Look what you made me do I'm with somebody new
Ooh baby baby I'm dancing with a stranger
Dancing with a stranger…”

Alizee couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Amos, your singing was so sexy!"

"Hey, Ali, your part is next."

"Oh, is there anything else I need to do?"

Listen carefully...

I wasn't even going out tonight
(Out tonight)

But boy I need to get you off of my mind
(Off of my mind)

I know exactly what I have to do
I don't wanna be alone tonight alone tonight alone tonight..."

Alizee and Celine Dion both stood up and walked to the piano.

In the studio, director Tim Burton looked at the monitor and couldn't help but issue various commands to make the camera start rotating.

"This is amazing, this episode is going to be a hit!"

"Tim, did Boss create this on the spot?"

"Of course, our program has no script and is entirely based on real recordings."

Tim's eyes lit up.

He turned to his assistant and asked, "Mia, does the boss do this often?"

Mia pouted. "Didn't Ali already say that the Boss can be quite neurotic sometimes?"

I've met him a few times; once when he was composing *Great Expectations*, and another time a while ago when he was composing *The Legend of 1900*.

I haven't seen it.

"It's just finished, but it hasn't been published yet."

As the assistant spoke, he looked through the glass of the workroom at the people on the terrace, his eyes filled with admiration and respect.

……

On the terrace, Liu Jin played the piece twice.

Celine Dion and Alizee quickly mastered the lyrics to the song.

By the time the band started playing for the third time, the song was basically complete.

Liu Jin stopped playing the piano and stood up to sing again.

This time, however, he gave off a very languid feeling, his body swaying slightly in sync with his steps, which added a touch of flamboyance.

Alizee and Celine Dion couldn't help but laugh and sway to the melody.

"Look what you made me do I'm with somebody new
Ooh baby baby I'm dancing with a stranger
Look what you made me do I'm with somebody new
Ooh baby baby I'm dancing with a stranger
I'm dancing. I'm dancing ooh.
I'm dancing. I'm dancing.
Dancing with a stranger…”

Leslie and the others who were playing music on the side couldn't help but burst into laughter.

When the song ended, the three of them sat back down on the sofa, laughing.

"Liu Jin, your song is so sexy, and you sing it so sexy. When you dance and sway, you're even sexier."

You might as well change your name to "Somos"...

Only Alizee dares to say that.

Even Celine Dion wouldn't say something like that.

But one thing must be acknowledged: Alizee's words became the highlight of this episode...

"I do not want!

But I feel that only by singing this way can I truly feel the song.

"How about you change into a women's dress? That might look better."

"Thank you so much, Mary!"

They actually want me to dress as a woman?
Don't even think about it...

But to be honest, this song doesn't seem to achieve the desired effect without women's clothing.

"Leslie, why don't you do it?"

Liu Jin responded with a raised middle finger.

What's the name of this song?

"Dancing With A Stranger".

"So, you're going to dance with a stranger? With whom?"

Alizee's sudden question once again caused Celine Dion to burst into wild laughter.

……

"Dancing With A Stranger" is a song written and composed by Jimmy Napes, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Sam Smith, and Normani Hamilton, and performed by Sam Smith and Normani. It was released on January 11, 2019.

This is also one of Sam's sister-in-law's representative works.

At the same time, it is also Liu Jin's favorite song 20 years later in his previous life.

The recording of the first episode went very smoothly.

Celine Dion was also very happy.

Actually, she just gave birth to twin boys and is currently recuperating.

If it weren't for this reason, Liu Jin probably wouldn't have been able to book her schedule.

Privately, after learning that Alizee had also given birth to twins for Liu Jin, Celine Dion found Alizee even more agreeable.

After the recording was completed, she invited Alizee to join her for a residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas next year.

"You don't have to go there every day. Just go whenever you want to sing. The feeling there is fantastic."

"I need to have the company contact them."

"Contact what? I'll just talk to Gary when I get back."

Gary is a very nice person... By the way, his daughter is of Chinese, French, and American descent, and is a model and actress.

Lisa's fiancé seems to be an actor as well. He used to live in Hong Kong and is quite famous.

"Who is it?" Liu Jin couldn't help but ask.

"He's an American, named... Daniel Wu?"

Liu Jin turned to look at Leslie.

"Daniel Wu is even more handsome than you."

“Ah Zu, I understand now.”

Alizee turned to Liu Jin and asked, "Can I go?"

"If you want to, then go."

Liu Jin said with a smile.

……

Celine Dion, overall, is considered a celebrity who is friendly towards China.

In 2013, she will sing "Jasmine Flower" on the Spring Festival Gala in China, and she will sing it in Chinese.

Although it's not quite up to standard, it shows that you put effort into it.

It's better than some British idiot band losing to a Middle Eastern team. What does that have to do with Chinese people?
He then tweeted insults against Chinese people on X.

And that idiot Manchester City...

Liu Jin suddenly regretted not having snatched the Oasis band from his team.

However, it seems there's still time.

That bastard broke up with the Oasis band last year.

But instead of going solo, he was looking to form a second band.

It seems to be called Beady Eyes.

Liam Gallagher... As expected, there's nothing good about people named Gallagher except for the god of cards.

However, he released two albums with Bubble Eyes. The first one was mediocre and didn't quite live up to expectations, but the second album was a huge success.

Unfortunately, in his past life, Liu Jin had this album stored on his phone.

The reason Liam's song is included is because Liu Jin was quite fond of the band Oasis in his early years.

This band toured China in 07... It must be admitted that British rock bands do have some extraordinary qualities.

After that, Bubble Eyes disbanded again, and Liam went solo.

This guy did create some really great songs during his solo career.

If what happened later hadn't occurred, Liu Jin would probably have continued to like him...

But now, Liu Jin has decided to steal the deal!

Furthermore, he will try to suppress this guy, and he has the ability to do so.

Cockroaches should hide in the shadows, fly a leaf or something, and die silently on the street, rather than shining brightly.

Take his songs and give them to Leslie or someone else, it doesn't matter.

The important thing is that we can't let him continue to enjoy his success.

We also need to find a way to completely sever his connection with the Oasis band, so that he has no chance to make a comeback.

Well, Old Joe has always been a big name in Great Britain, so he's quite a celebrity.

In particular, he has close ties with the British music scene, so he should be able to handle this matter with ease.

Liu Jin silently made a decision in his heart.

It feels so good to be able to control other people's fate!
And that damn Manchester City...

That management team appears to have been hired by the Abu Dhabi consortium.

In fact, Liu Jin was wary of the ZD Consortium... even though he had a good relationship with Kasimi, well, that's about it! Back in school, he and Kasimi didn't have many conflicts of interest, so they could get along as equals. After all, back then, Liu Jin had started from scratch and wasn't exactly poor.

At that time, Kasimi was merely a prince of Ras al-Haima and had no real power.

They are indeed rich, but that's all they are.

However, after he took over the Las Vegas Sea Horse Group, his relationship with Liu Jin was constantly changing.

At first, everyone cooperated quite well.

But later, this guy started trying to seize Liu Jin's network of connections, and the cooperation between the two parties came to an end.

It wasn't until 09, when Liu Jin shone brightly during the subprime mortgage crisis, that the two reconnected.

Liu Jin asked him to borrow the plane.

He also participated in several projects led by SNEG.

On the surface, everyone seemed to be getting along well.

But Liu Jin knew in his heart that his relationship with Kasimi could hardly return to the state it was when they were studying together.

Most importantly, ZD people are not trustworthy!

Despite possessing the world's richest resources and funds, they were beaten like dogs.

Just thinking about it makes me feel incredible!

……

After seeing Celine Dion off, we had a day to rest.

Marlene Farmer flew from Paris to Salerno a day early, and Alizee drove to pick her up.

Liu Jin didn't participate in this episode of the carpooling karaoke show; instead, he left it to Alizee, Marlene Farmer, and Laurent Boudonna, who came with Marlene Farmer. These two people are also very important in Alizee's life.

Of course, the main reason Liu Jin didn't come was because...

He can't sing Marlene Farmer's songs!

In fact, although Marlene Farmer holds an important position in the French music scene, Liu Jin wouldn't even know who she was if it weren't for Alizée.

Her songs are very popular in France.

But Liu Jin really isn't very good at singing...

He was resting at home when he opened a document and typed "Halo 3" on it.

It's September now. If I can complete two or three books on the halo system in two months, then this year's mission will be accomplished.

He could at least easily spend two months of vacation studying!
The Coolpad phone on the table suddenly rang.

Liu Jin picked it up, glanced at it, and then answered the phone.

It's Master Han!

Liu Jin wasn't worried because Han Sanye's number had been encrypted by Dania before he came to Salerno, ensuring that calls on that number wouldn't be eavesdropped on.

"Third Brother, what is it?"

"Jin, you've really put your brother in a terrible situation."

Liu Jin was taken aback, then asked with a laugh, "What did I do? Did I get you into serious trouble?"

"It's all because of your La Cinq TV station."

What's wrong with the TV station?

Liu Jin was a little confused.

"Did you purchase 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf' and 'Zheng He's Voyages' through La Cinq TV?"

"Yes, not just these two."

I also bought "Black Cat Detective," "Havoc in Heaven," and "Nezha Conquers the Dragon King" from Momo.

"Tell your brother the truth, what's really going on with your TV station?"

What's going on?

"It's about scale, influence, and things like that..."

Liu Jin was silent for a moment, then his tone suddenly changed to a southwestern dialect.

"It is currently very small in scale and its influence is not very large."

But I'm prepared to invest three to five hundred million euros in operations... Brother, I can't be too specific, but next year, you'll receive some news then."

"Three to five hundred million...that's a huge sum!"

Han Sanye hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Is the Italian thing you and Lao Ma were working on... is the Italian thing the same?"

"Yes, but the process on his end is a bit complicated and takes a long time."

But everything is under control and moving forward.

That's all I can tell you.

"Wait a minute, you can speak a southwestern dialect?"

"What's wrong with me? I'm so smart, so talented, and I can speak the Southwestern dialect. Is there any problem?"

"No, why didn't you speak to me in the Southwestern dialect before?"

"Third Brother, I'm abroad, in Europe... Is there a problem with speaking the Southwestern dialect?"

Han Sanye's eyes flashed, "You little bastard, you're in big trouble now."

"Yes, it's very troublesome!"

"okay I know."

Despite being an artist, Han Sanye still has a certain degree of vigilance when he takes charge of China Film Group.

He understood the hidden meaning in Liu Jin's words.

Liu Jin's phone calls aren't so free right now...

"I have a question for you. Does La Cinq accept advertisements? Advertisements from Chinese companies."

"You should talk to Mela about this."

She's in charge of all these things; I'm not really aware of them.

"You son of a bitch, you're just a decoration. I should have contacted Miss Mela directly... Oh well, let's leave it at that. We'll talk later."

……

After hanging up the phone, Han Sanye hesitated for a moment before picking up the landline.

"I am Han Shanping from China Film Group. I have some information to report to my superiors."

Yes, this is a very important situation!

Okay, I'll be right there..."

……

Unbeknownst to Liu Jin, information was rapidly converging on him after his call with Master Han ended.

The following day, recording of "Music by the Fireplace" continued.

Alizee remains the main character, after all, she is more familiar with Marlene Farmer and Laurent Boudonna.

Liu Jin participated as a guest, but most of the time he was the assistant, the pianist, the guitarist...

Alizee was very happy about Marlene Farmer's arrival.

They chatted for a long time and sang many songs together.

But that's pretty much it.

After the recording ended, Alizee, Marlene Farmer, and others took a yacht out to sea, saying they wanted to see the scenery at night.

Tim stopped Liu Jin and said, "This episode is a bit even."

“I know, but Ali is happy, and that’s enough.”

It's impossible for every episode to be a breakout hit. Besides, you can't design breakout moments; they'll come naturally when they're meant to. Forcing them will just look awkward.

"I think so too. Letting things take their natural course is a good thing."

I'm just worried that you will...

"Haha, Tim, I invited you here because I trust you."

So don't overthink it, just do what we agreed on beforehand. Whether it succeeds or not, let God decide.

"Then next time..."

Who will be next?

Liu Jin turned his head and asked his assistant.

The assistant checked the tablet in his hand and saw that it was Apple's newly released first-generation iPad.

Dead heavy, dead sluggish.

However, girls like it.

Liu Jin doesn't use it much, even though he used to like it a lot in his previous life.

But throughout his life, he preferred to use a notebook to record things.

"It is Mr. Florent Pagny."

"Oh my god, it's the French singing god... I'd better prepare properly."

When will he arrive?

"Thursday, the 30th."

"There's still time..."

Liu Jin suddenly asked again, "Which issue was Edith Piaf in?"

"The sixth issue, October 8th, before her was Miss Nolwenn Leroy."

Liu Jin scratched his head, indicating that he understood.

"Tim, we need to pay close attention to Ms. Piaf's episode."

She was a legendary woman in the French music scene.

Liu Jin had met her a few times before, in order to write the script for "La Vie en Rose".

Yes, as mentioned earlier, Piaf is the inspiration for "La Vie en Rose". If you're still not familiar enough, then... well, before the final battle in the movie "Saving Private Ryan" amidst the roar of cannons and billowing smoke, when "Tu Es Partout" plays on the gramophone, the song is "You Are Everywhere" sung by the famous French female singer Edith Piaf.

That way, you might have some idea.

Liu Jin and Tim both became serious.

Both Liu Jin and Tim believe that it is not too much to give this soon-to-be legendary female singer all the respect she deserves.

Some people you can joke about.

But there are some people you have to respect...

However, after recording today's episode, Alizée will return to America to continue her Americas tour.

To be honest, Liu Jin was really a little reluctant to part with it!

……

(End of this chapter)