This celebrity is absolutely wicked.

Chapter 66 Going to the Boss's House for Dinner

Lu Ran was worried that the recording would be edited and the footage would be cut.

Since we're already live-streaming, what's there to be afraid of?

To put it bluntly, if yesterday's recording mishap had happened during a live broadcast, the show would have been canceled.

If it's pre-recorded, there shouldn't be much of a problem.

With his vocal abilities, only live streaming can truly showcase his skill level.

As for the so-called off-site audience voting, that's what Lu Ran is least worried about.

He believes that most viewers have bright eyes.

You guys go ahead and rig the votes, I'll just win with the real votes from the audience.

For Lu Ran, it's not that he's afraid of you setting up these kinds of rules, it's that he's afraid of you using underhanded tactics.

Once this is brought into the open, he is no longer afraid.

Xu Zi and Li Quan both thought they had misheard.

Kid, are you crazy?
How can you win if everyone's voting off-site?
You're not popular enough yet.

Don't be fooled by Lu Ran's current online popularity; it's all temporary.

In today's internet age, people receive so much information that someone might gain far more attention than a top influencer every day.

But that doesn't mean this person is a top influencer.

On Earth, there are countless internet celebrities who become wildly popular and then disappear without a trace.

For a celebrity in the entertainment industry, maintaining exposure is the most important thing, which means constantly appearing in front of netizens.

That's why celebrities have to participate in variety shows, and even occasionally make headlines for trivial things – it's a way to maintain their exposure.

When Mao Buyi was on "The Coming One," Xue Zhiqian said, "You need this stage more than anyone else. If you rely on that superstar's song to release an album, you'll fail miserably."

This is why Lu Ran wants to win the championship.

Ultimately, it all comes down to exposure and popularity.

Exposure and popularity can bring resources, influence, and commercial value.

Of course, the healthiest way is to bring excellent works to the audience, let the works stay in the audience's hearts, and you as a person will naturally stay in the audience's hearts as well.

After the second performance aired, Lu Ran released three songs.

But not enough.

In reality, most casual fans won't have the time or inclination to help you climb the charts every day.

In the off-site voting, Lu Ran definitely can't beat those who have companies.

This is the consensus of Xu Zi and Li Quan.

Unless Lu Ran can get the silent majority to stand up and vote for him.

Li Quan, meanwhile, was figuring out how much it would cost to boost his ranking.

If all else fails, Chang'an Entertainment will sell everything they own to boost Lu Ran's ranking.

Xu Zi said in a serious tone: "In addition to the change in voting rules, the fourth performance has also been changed to a guest performance system, where contestants need to find a singer to perform with them."

Li Quan's heart sank to the bottom.

What the hell is this!
If the opponent simply invites a top singer to perform with them, wouldn't that be a disaster?

With Star Shine Media's resources, hiring a top singer or queen of pop to perform with them would be a piece of cake.

I don’t even want to act anymore!
So you're only after popularity, not talent, right?
"This has its pros and cons for you. The advantage is that Lu Ran's true skill level can be shown in the live broadcast, but the disadvantage is that Lu Ran has no advantage in the off-site voting." Xu Zi said with some regret.

It was her idea to change the program to a live broadcast format; she had deliberately kept this in mind when she first planned the program.

Live streaming is also the best way to reflect a singer's ability.

This is good news for talented singers.

Judging from the current situation, even if Lu Ran can still produce good songs, he can only last until the fourth performance.

The introduction of the guest performance system immediately eliminated Lu Ran.

The key is that you can't say this competition format is inappropriate; it's common in variety shows.

It's just that you can't get a top-notch singer to sing with you, while others can.

Li Quan sighed, "Making it to the fourth place is already quite an achievement."

Reaching the fourth round means being among the top 20 in the country, which isn't bad news.

At this moment, Lu Ran asked, "Shouldn't this rule be changed?"

Xu Zi also sighed, "It's impossible to change it now. After what happened yesterday, the authorities will be watching every move of the future King of Singers."

"I can rest assured that."

Xu Zi and Li Quan were both taken aback.

They didn't quite understand what Lu Ran meant.

Is he really that confident?
"Director Xu, the off-site voting won't be rigged, right? Like, changing the votes directly or something?" Lu Ran asked.

"No, we can monitor the voting data. If the Orange Video backend is modified, we can detect it," Xu Zi said.

"Okay, then it's okay."

Lu Ran was completely relieved.

Vote rigging?

I'll show you the power of the people!
There are also guest singers?

Does that mean everyone is looking for a king or queen of pop?

Even if they are the king or queen of singing, Lu Ran is not afraid.

He has already figured out what to do.

"Lu Ran, how come you're alright?" Li Quan asked curiously.

"I have a way to win."

Xu Zi and Li Quan had no idea where Lu Ran's confidence came from.

However, neither of them wanted to dampen Lu Ran's enthusiasm.

"You can make the arrangements; the preparation time this time is relatively long."

Xu Zi finished speaking and exited the voice call.

Li Quan asked curiously, "What's your idea?"

"Just sing. If you sing the best, you won't be eliminated."

"What song can you sing that's so awesome?"

Li Quan said, "I have never seen it."

"I'll show you something new during the live stream."

"You're crazy."

Li Quan simply didn't believe it.

At this stage of the competition, the contestants will definitely have to show their true skills.

It's not difficult for other companies to prepare a few good songs for the contestants; they can even cover songs if they don't have original ones.

Some of Lu Ran's classic songs are sung in a way that is just as good as his original compositions.

Lu Ran had been consistently presenting original works, which made everyone think that this contestant was very talented.

Original content receives bonus points.

"I'll think of something too. By the way, are you free tomorrow night?" "Yes."

"President Shen invited you to her house for dinner, and to keep you from feeling awkward, she also invited a few acquaintances. President Shen even cooked for you personally. You're the only one in the company to receive this kind of treatment." Li Quan kept exclaiming in amazement.

Shen Qingyi is the company's boss and is also seen as a goddess by everyone.

Women who are rich, beautiful, have a good figure, and have a good personality are relatively rare.

Shen Qingyi's decision to cook specifically for Lu Ran demonstrates the importance she places on him.

Lu Ran wasn't buying it at all. Through long-term study, he could see through the appearances to the essence of things.

He just asked one question.

"Does Mr. Shen cook?"

Li Quan was stunned.

good question!
"No need to answer, I understand," Lu Ran said.

"I'll have a driver pick you up tomorrow; you can go there in the afternoon."

After hanging up the phone, Lu Ran was quite curious.

He had only seen the boss's back once and thought she had a great figure and must be a beautiful woman, but he didn't feel anything else.

The main problem is that he hasn't been to the company very often.

He took out his phone and ordered some things online, scheduling them to be delivered at 4 PM the next day.

The next day at 5 p.m., Li Quan came to Qincheng University to pick up Lu Ran in his nanny van.

Lu Ran got into the car carrying a large styrofoam box.

"What is this thing?" Li Quan asked curiously.

"Don't ask, you'll know when you use it."

Li Quan was too lazy to ask.

He took out his phone and started talking non-stop.

"Tonight is the live broadcast of the folk song art festival in Guangxi Province. A lot of singers have already gone. You'll be successful when you can participate in such an event."

Li Quan picked up his phone and browsed the news.

"The song Su Qingtang sang this time is called 'The Song of the Earth,' and the lyricist and composer of this song, Shunqi Ziran, is the same lyricist and composer of 'Chang Jia Hui Kan Kan,' did you know that?"

Lu Ran nodded: "I know."

Li Quan: "This teacher, Shunqiziran, is a master. I think if I had the chance to ask him to write a song for you, it would definitely be extraordinary."

Lu Ran nodded again: "It is indeed extraordinary."

The two chatted casually, and then the van pulled up to the entrance of an upscale residential complex.

Li Quan made a phone call before going inside.

The community has a beautiful environment with lush trees and neatly trimmed greenery, giving it an artistic feel.

"This apartment costs 40,000 yuan per square meter. When you have the money, you can buy one here too."

Li Quan also introduced the neighborhood to Lu Ran on the way.

He had never been to this place before.

This is a place where only the wealthy live. The housing prices in Qincheng are not that outrageous; 41,000 yuan per square meter is considered relatively expensive in Qincheng.

Lu Ran calculated the money he had in his pocket: a little over 500,000 yuan, which was still far from enough.

He's not at the point where he can really start making money yet.

Shortly after, the two took the elevator to their floor.

The person who opened the door was Zheng Yunxiang.

Zheng Yunxiang was quite curious when he saw Lu Ran still carrying a large styrofoam box.

But Lu Ran wouldn't say what was inside, nor did he move the styrofoam box into the house; instead, he left it outside the door.

Upon entering, Lu Ran's first impression was that it was huge.

His living room alone is bigger than three of his dorm rooms. It's really good to be rich.

Meng Yichuan, Yang Fang, and Lei Lei were all there.

After exchanging greetings, Shen Qingyi came out of the kitchen.

She was wearing beige wide-leg trousers, a black short-sleeved top, and an apron around her neck.

With her slender figure and curvaceous body, this outfit made her seem even more approachable.

"Lu Ran, hello."

Shen Qingyi extended her hand and smiled at Lu Ran.

Her voice is very mature and sophisticated.

Lu Ran's first impression of this woman was that she was beautiful and had a pleasant voice.

Lu Ran extended his hand and shook it.

"Please sit down for a while, I'll continue cooking."

Shen Qingyi didn't say much and went back into the kitchen.

Meng Yichuan laughed and said, "Lu Ran, we are all able to come to President Shen's house for dinner because of you."

Yang Fang also said, "This was cooked by President Shen himself. This is the first time I've eaten this in all my years at the company."

Lu Ran said, "I think you're celebrating too soon."

Then the group sat in the living room chatting and waiting.

By 7:30, Lu Ran had finished watching the evening news on TV.

The kitchen door opened, and Shen Qingyi walked out.

Everyone was starving and was ready to start eating as soon as possible.

Shen Qingyi said apologetically, "I'm sorry everyone, I failed. How about we go out to eat?"

She was somewhat hesitant to make eye contact with everyone.

She spent hours in the kitchen, but couldn't cook a single edible dish.

She thought she could manage; she should have just hired a cook to help.

Meng Yichuan and his group were all speechless with embarrassment.

Damn it?

Lu Ran was right?

Lu Ran had anticipated this.

Without saying a word, he went outside and carried the styrofoam box inside.

He opened the styrofoam box, revealing its contents.

All kinds of packaged hot pot ingredients are boxed, cleaned, and ready to eat, with ice packs inside to keep them fresh.

"What a coincidence, I brought this with me. Let's have hot pot, no need to be shy."

[Received 5 points].

Everyone was stunned.

Is this just a coincidence?

(End of this chapter)