Entertainment: 1990

Chapter 174 New Year’s Eve
The next morning.

Zhang Yan pushed away Chen Hong, who was like an octopus, put on his pajamas, went into the bathroom to wash up, and when he came out, Chen Hong was still fast asleep in bed.

Zhang Yan's intimidating presence last night was the best aphrodisiac for her, and the two tossed and turned until after 1 a.m.

Seeing that Chen Hong wouldn't wake up anytime soon, Zhang Yan didn't disturb her. He put on his clothes and shoes and prepared to go downstairs.

However, just before leaving, he turned back. He first glanced under the bed, then lifted the blanket, took off Chen Hong's two high heels, and casually threw them on the floor.

Chen Hong usually likes to go barefoot at home, but last night she suddenly pulled out a pair of high heels and put them on, mysteriously saying they were the same style as Anita Mui's.

Zhang Yan wasn't really a fan of Anita Mui—mainly because Anita Mui's makeup in the last two years had been a bit tacky—but seeing Chen Hong's enthusiastic attitude, she didn't refuse.

To be honest, doing squats in high heels does have a unique feel to it.

After quickly cooking some thin noodles to fill his stomach, Zhang Yan drove alone to the rehearsal site—after what happened yesterday, he naturally had to come and inspect it today.

"boss Zhang!"

"boss Zhang."

After last night's incident, both those within Yuanmeng and the singers attending the rehearsal have developed a greater sense of awe towards Zhang Yan.

It's estimated that after the party ends, this incident will gradually become a strange and anecdote passed down among people in the industry, much like the 'death rock' in the morgue.

In the game, that's equivalent to +1 to legendary status.

"boss Zhang."

Upon hearing that Zhang Yan had arrived, Wang Zhongqi hurriedly came out from backstage to greet him, saying somewhat apologetically, "It's all my fault for not handling things well yesterday, otherwise..."

To be honest, his performance yesterday was rather mediocre. If Wang Jinghua had been in charge, she certainly wouldn't have put herself in such a passive position.

But after all, he was an old friend, and judging from the logistics and organizational arrangements, Lao Wang performed quite well. It's just that after spending so much time in government offices, he had lost some of his chivalrous spirit and ability to handle emergencies.

Therefore, Zhang Yan did not criticize him harshly, but instead encouraged him a few words.

"boss Zhang."

At this moment, Xu Yuejin jogged over and whispered to Zhang Yan, "As you instructed, I have seen Zhang Mi and her boyfriend off—we also ran into Manager Li from New Era at the airport, and it seems he is also preparing to return to Guangzhou."

Zhang Yan countered, "What about Mao Ning and Yang Yuying?"

"They should be resting at the hotel."

"Then we don't need to worry about it."

Although Zhang Yan's main target last night was New Era, he would never tolerate or condone Zhang Mi and Guo Dawei, who physically assaulted people.

This morning, he arranged for Xu Yuejin to escort the two of them out of the country.

Seeing that the usually arrogant New Era was being humiliated by Zhang Yan, the two men were sensible enough not to say a word and obediently packed their bags and returned to Guangzhou.

It's estimated that the two sides will continue to fight, but that's beyond Zhang Yan's consideration.

At this moment, Li Chunbo took the initiative to come over and asked with a smile, "President Zhang, are you still short of people for your Dream Realization project?"

"What, Teacher Li changed her mind?"

Zhang Yan was somewhat surprised because a month ago, after Li Chunbo auditioned singing "A Letter Home" and received good feedback, he had extended an invitation to Li Chunbo, but Li Chunbo had not given a positive response, so he thought Li Chunbo had rejected him.

"Hehe~"

Li Chunbo scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly and said, "I've figured it out now. Realizing our dream has a better future."

Originally, since he had always been developing his career in Guangzhou, he preferred to sign with a record company there. However, the incident last night where New Era Records was suppressed by Zhang Yan made him start to waver. These days, having a boss who can handle things is still quite attractive to singers.

After a sleepless night, Li Chunbo finally decided to join Dream Records.

Zhang Yan, of course, wouldn't miss this opportunity again.

Although Li Chunbo's songs are not well-received by professionals, both "Xiao Fang" and "A Letter Home" have a strong vitality among the people—the latter only had a few roadshows before it spread throughout the Economic Development Zone.

So Zhang Yan called the company's newly hired lawyer, and the signing ceremony was completed in front of everyone at the rehearsal site.

He did this on purpose to show others. It's hard to say about those singers with big companies or large song and dance troupes behind them, but some solo singers and singers who are dissatisfied with their record companies, after what happened yesterday, seeing Li Chunbo sign a contract on the spot and realize their dreams, are secretly getting restless.

At this moment, Mao Ning's agent finally arrived with Yang Yuying.

Upon seeing Zhang Yan present, he initially appeared somewhat intimidated, then forced a fawning smile and proactively approached, saying, "Mr. Zhang, Mao Ning isn't feeling well, so these past two days..."

Zhang Yan waved his hand dismissively and said, "After all, you're injured. It's understandable that you need to rest for a couple of days, but it's best not to miss the performance."

He had anticipated this, after all, he sang on stage with tears streaming down his face yesterday, and anyone would be embarrassed to show up so soon.

"No way, no way!"

Mao Ning's agent bowed and scraped, showing none of the arrogance of yesterday. Seeing that Zhang Yan had nothing else to say, he walked backstage as if he had been granted a pardon.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly realized something was wrong. He turned around and found Yang Yuying still there, curiously looking at Zhang Yan.

The agent hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed Yang Yuying's sleeve, and, while smiling apologetically at Zhang Yan, pulled her quickly into the backstage area.

"My goodness!"

As soon as I got backstage, my manager said irritably, "Didn't I tell you to come backstage first? What were you doing standing there just now!"

Yang Yuying twirled her hair and said awkwardly, "I was just curious. I met him a few days ago and I thought he was a very amiable person—I didn't expect that Mr. Zhang, who is so young, would be so scary when he gets angry."

For some reason, seeing Zhang Yan's domineering side yesterday, Yang Yuying felt not only fear but also a restless desire to learn more about him.

Perhaps she's just naturally drawn to this type.

Hearing Yang Yuying say this, the agent had no choice but to back down. Manager Li thought that Zhang Yan was young and had a "literary background," so he wanted to make a big fuss and profit from the chaos.

As a result, the kick landed on a steel plate.

When he returns to Guangzhou in a sorry state, he'll probably have to go through a lot of trouble to get through this.

Through this scare tactic, the rehearsals for the New Year's Eve concert became much more organized.

When Zhang Yan later invited singers to sign a proposal on the industry's fee structure, everyone eagerly volunteered, afraid of falling behind.

And just like that, time quickly came to December 31, 1992, the day the New Year's Eve concert was officially held.

A total of 12500 spectators came to the newly built Tianjin Sports Center that evening.

Because the weather was quite cold and the venue had not yet been equipped with heating, the drumbeats on the central stage had not yet started, and the sound of the audience stomping their feet to warm up blended together.

The rumbling sound seemed to strike the hearts of the Housing and Construction Bureau and the contractors with every step.

Fortunately, the stands at the sports center ultimately withstood the test.

At eight o'clock sharp.

Accompanied by the live music of the Overload band, the stunningly beautiful Chen Hong, dressed in a gorgeous gown, gracefully walked onto the stage and opened the concert with a song titled "Sing If You Want to Sing"...

(End of this chapter)