America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 219, Section 218: Under the Spotlight

"Hello Mr. Cooper, I am Jay Chou."

Eric nodded at Jay Chou, who was still quite young and hadn't yet become chubby from drinking too much milk tea.

"Hello, I'm Eric Cooper."

"Wow, just like the rumors say, your Mandarin is even more standard than mine."

Eric smiled; most people wouldn't dare to greet him first.

Foreigners naturally have a sense of distance; how many people in the room were confident that their English was up to par?

They just didn't expect that Eric spoke fluent Chinese, even better than many actors with heavy accents.

"Mr. Cooper, I'm a fan of yours. Transformers is super cool and awesome. It's just that Blues of Adele isn't imported to mainland China or Taiwan, so I can only buy the DVD."

"If I had known I would meet you, I would have brought my treasured figurines to get your autograph."

Hearing the word "fans" from Jay Chou's mouth somehow felt a little satisfying, and Eric couldn't help but smile.

2004 marked Jay Chou's first appearance on the Spring Festival Gala, and he was a major focus of the show's promotion, given his immense popularity across China.

Moreover, even within East Asia, Southeast Asia, or even the whole of Asia, Jay Chou at that time had a certain influence, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the little king of Asian pop music.

In particular, last year's album "Ye Huimei" included classic songs such as "In the Name of the Father" and "East Wind Breaks".

The song "In the Name of the Father" was played simultaneously on dozens of radio stations across Asia, reaching hundreds of millions of listeners at the same time.

Whether foreigners can understand the lyrics is one thing, but the beauty of the melody and the operatic elegance captivate many.

That year, catchy tunes like "Mice Love Rice" were still circulating throughout the streets and alleys of China, and Jay Chou truly delivered a game-changer.

Last year, he also graced the cover of Time magazine, which was undoubtedly an affirmation of his influence in the Chinese-speaking world and Asia.

Even though Eric isn't a music enthusiast, he can sing Jay Chou's famous songs such as "Blue and White Porcelain," "East Wind Breaks," and "Far Away."

Do you like Transformers? Which character is your favorite?

"Megatron, buy a bed! Its transformation is so cool, it's awesome!"

"Is that giant model MGM made still there? The talking Megatron? I went to Shanghai to see it, but the one in Shanghai was a roadblock. It's a pity I didn't buy a bed."

"Yes, they're all at the MGM filming location."

"Really? Can I go and see it sometime?"

"Well... that area isn't open to the public, but my friend can. I remember you were on the cover of Time magazine last year, right?"

The young Jay Chou was both proud and shy: "Actually, that cover photo wasn't very good."

"Haha. I watched that episode, and I've heard some of your songs. It's a very unique rap style, quite different from the American style, but it sounds really cool."

Praised, Jay Chou grinned and said, "For this year's Spring Festival Gala performance, I'm still planning to rap, performing 'Dragon Fist' from 2002. Wait, will you watch it?"

Eric nodded: "Probably. I don't think CCTV would be stingy with a ticket for me."

"Wow, your Mandarin and sense of humor are even better than mine, a Chinese person! Mr. Cooper, how about we take a picture together?"

"No problem, I don't participate in the performance, I have plenty of time."

"Zhe, take a picture for me, make sure you look handsome!"

The shutter clicked, and Jay Chou quickly asked, "How did it turn out?"

Only after his assistant gave him an OK sign did he thank him with satisfaction.

"Aren't you involved in rehearsals?"

Eric looked at him curiously, sensing that he seemed rather relaxed.

"I've been on stage almost ten times already. The first time I sang on stage, those older leaders looked at each other and their expressions were hilarious."

"Is it because you can't hear the lyrics?"

Upon being teased, the young Jay Chou immediately covered his head and shook his head slightly.

"It's okay. I can't understand a single word of those American rappers either. That's normal, that's just the style of rap."

"Hehehe, the main problem is that Vincent Fang's lyrics are too hard to remember. When I forget the lyrics, I can only mumble them down."

"Mr. Cooper, I just heard that you came with Michael Jackson?"

Eric nodded. "Let me guess, your next sentence is that I'm also a Mike fan, right?"

"Of course, everyone in the world who plays music is his fan!" Jay Chou suddenly exclaimed excitedly, his eyes widening.

"He's rehearsing in Hall 3 right now, we can go check it out together."

"That's great! I was worried about how to talk to my idol and take a photo with him."

"Hmm? So that's your reason for approaching me?"

"Hehe. A little bit, but I really like your movies. Actually, I've also been a bit fascinated by the film and television industry. I've acted in a few movies and TV series, and to be honest, I'm pretty good as an actor."

Jay Chou is a typical example of an actor who crossed over into acting due to his immense popularity. However, his achievements in film and television have been relatively lackluster due to his overwhelming success in the music industry.

If Eric remembers correctly, he will star in his first film, "Initial D," next year, and will also participate in Chinese films such as "Curse of the Golden Flower," "Kung Fu Dunk," "The Treasure Hunter," and "True Legend."

Moreover, due to his immense popularity in Chinese-speaking regions, he has also starred in films such as "The Green Hornet" and "Now You See Me 2".

Furthermore, he has consistently followed the tradition of actors becoming directors, directing films such as "Secret" and "Pandamen," which were of acceptable quality.

Thinking back to my last trip to Japan for promotional activities, I was in talks with several manga publishers about collaborations, hoping to acquire the film and television adaptation rights to some popular manga.

Once the collaboration is finalized, the film and television series will definitely be distributed globally. Some of the roles would actually be quite good if Jay Chou played them.

After all, Japanese manga is more suitable for actors with Asian faces.

"You want to be an actor. Are you interested in anime?"

Jay Chou nodded: "Of course, I especially love watching 'Detective Conan,' do you know it? I love the male protagonist, Shinichi Kudo."

"Conan, the elementary school savior who's forever stuck in second grade? MGM is negotiating with Japan about adapting some of their manga into films and TV series."

"If you're interested in entering the film and television industry, I'll contact you then."

Jay Chou was a little surprised; he was just a fan, and now he'd even developed a character based on his idol.

His assistant quickly nudged him, and he nodded hastily, "That's great! I really enjoy acting. It would be even better if I had the chance to film a Hollywood movie."

"Then take that as your agreement. I will contact you when the time is right."

As they spoke, they arrived at Studio 3. Seeing Eric with his entourage, the staff dared not stop them and obediently let them in.

Just kidding, the station director just came over to meet with them personally. You can't afford to mess with such a big shot, you really can't afford to mess with him.

Upon entering, one could see Mike communicating with CCTV personnel with the help of a translator. His forehead was covered in fine sweat, and the backup dancers around him were also panting and resting, clearly having just finished their performance.

"Looks like your luck is a bit bad, Mike's performance is over."

Jay Chou didn't answer, his eyes were already shining as he stared at Mike. If it weren't for the fact that they were talking, he probably would have pounced on him immediately.

"What's wrong? Are you having trouble communicating?"

Michael shook his head slightly: "They seem a little unhappy with my dance moves, and we're communicating with them."

"Aren't your demands too high? You dance and they're still not satisfied?" Eric was surprised.

"No, it's not that I'm dissatisfied, it's just that I feel one of my actions was not civilized enough."

As he spoke, Mike made a signature hip thrust.

"This is it. The TV station is worried that it might have a negative impact on children."

Eric rolled his eyes; he was speechless.

The reason for implementing a film rating system is understandable. If it were deregulated, it would be difficult to control ideology. Many directors would definitely make a lot of R-rated and NC17-rated films, which would have a significant impact on people's thinking.

It's just a gesture, and many celebrities do it; it can't possibly have any negative impact.

Everyone's attention will definitely be focused on Mikey as a whole. Who would have bad thoughts about this thing, especially since it was made by Mikey?

It's just a bunch of firecrackers going off all at once; you're overthinking it!

"I'll talk to them."

Feeling a bit annoyed, Eric decided to personally talk to these old fogies.

Just as I was about to walk over, they suddenly nodded.

"Mr. Jackson, after discussion, we believe that your moves do not need to be changed. Please dance as you wish, and we will cooperate accordingly."

Jay Chou, who was watching from the sidelines, looked at these guys in astonishment, thinking to himself that he had been harassed a lot during rehearsals, and this was it?

Before he could finish his surprise, the other party continued, "Mr. Jackson, regarding your request to sing live, we also agree."

"I just watched your live performance, and to be honest, I was deeply impressed."

"Wait a minute, I'd like to sing live too, is that okay?" Jay Chou asked casually.

Then, the other party decisively refused. His "Dragon Fist" was not liked by these old fogies in the first place, and it was already good enough that he let you on stage.

You want to sing live? Do you even have the skill? It would be more reasonable to read the lyrics clearly before discussing this issue.

"Eric, who is this?"

Michael looked at Jay Chou, who quickly introduced himself.

Eric added that the young man was a very popular singer in Asia and had even appeared on the cover of Time magazine.

Michael couldn't help but feel a little excited: "I'm looking forward to seeing your performance."

This statement put Jay Chou under pressure, but he still managed to get an autograph and a photo.

The signature was directly on his jacket, and the young Jay Chou kept muttering that he would treasure the jacket when he got back.

"Heaven sends blessings, earth sends blessings, and I send my blessings to everyone."

"Bring blessings to every place, bring blessings to every household."

"May the elderly receive this blessing and enjoy a peaceful and happy old age."

"When a child receives good fortune, he will be overjoyed and become a great blessing."

The 2004 Spring Festival Gala officially began amidst lively and grand opening music.

Dozens of beautiful young women danced on the stage, waving their wide skirts, while Xie Xiaodong, Sun Li, and others sang the opening song, "Blessing Spring."

Eric and Mike were seated in the front row, near the back, offering a commanding view and excellent visibility.

Looking at the lively scene on the stage, Mike was participating in this type of gala for the first time, and the experience was completely different from the events he usually attended.

"Eric, they look really happy. This dance has a bit of a Spanish feel to it."

"Because this is a major annual event, this gala is very important to the Chinese people. No matter how sad you are inside, you must appear happy on stage."

Michael nodded: "I understand professionalism. No wonder the TV station made them lip-sync; it's actually a way of being responsible to the audience."

After the opening song and dance performance, the four hosts, Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong, and Ni Ping, walked onto the stage.

"At this very moment, as we celebrate the Spring Festival here, the spring breeze of 2004 is blowing across the land of China."

"In the past year, the Chinese nation has achieved brilliant accomplishments that have attracted worldwide attention."

"The Spring Festival of the Year of the Monkey is extraordinary. Tonight, CCTV is going all out to bring excitement and joy to audiences across the country."

"At this joyous and peaceful moment, we first extend our New Year greetings to people of all ethnic groups across the country, compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao, compatriots in Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and all Chinese people around the world!"

"Wishing all viewers at home happiness and good health, wishing our motherland prosperity and strength, and wishing all readers a bright future, family joy, and a lifetime of happiness!"

After the opening remarks, Hou Yaowen, Shi Fukuan, and others presented a crosstalk performance titled "The Twelve Zodiac Animals Greet the New Year".

Eric smiled knowingly. Although Michael couldn't understand anything, he was still infected by the joyful atmosphere around him and couldn't help but laugh along.

"Eric, is this some kind of stand-up comedy routine?"

"It's somewhat similar, but different from stand-up comedy; it should be categorized as comedy."

"Wow! I have a lot of respect for comedians. Making the audience laugh is no easy feat."

Eric thought to himself that this was nothing; when the trio appeared, the applause and cheers would be enough to lift the ceiling off the building.

Guo Da, Guo Donglin, and Yang Lei presented "Good People Don't Get Discounts," while Grandpa Yan Shunkai, Hong Jiantao, and Xiao Dingdang performed the skit "Storytelling."

The story of the grain coupons is alright, it's a bit like making dumplings, but it doesn't have the same strong flavor of later generations.

However, choosing Xiao Dingdang as a child star was a mistake. Eric has always thought he was the greasiest child star in China, especially when he played the young Yang Guo in "The Return of the Condor Heroes". His greasiness was no less than that of Huang Xiaoming.

Yang Shaohua and his son Yang Yi performed a crosstalk called "Father and Son Celebrate the New Year," while Huang Hong and Cheng Yu presented a skit called "Brothers," but the comedic effect was only so-so.

It wasn't until Gong Hanlin's skit "Urban Outsiders" that Eric remembered the catchphrase "Mother hen, mother hen" for a long time. The catchphrase was so catchy that it made the audience laugh out loud.

The highly anticipated medley of songs began, and after Leek Wei and Car Bottom Warrior A-Du sang "Warmth," the lights became dazzling, and Jay Chou appeared with his "Dragon Fist."

"Michael, he's the singer who took a picture with you and asked for your autograph the other day," Eric said, pointing to the stage.

Upon hearing this, Mike's attention became focused.

Jay Chou first played a drum solo, then lip-synced to the song.

"My right fist opened the heavens and I transformed into a dragon."

"Move the mountains and rivers back and fill the cracks."

"The sunrise in the East has been adjusted in time and space."

"Return to the primordial world to dominate and manipulate."

Somersaults, sword dances, and constant swaying create a lively atmosphere.

How so?

It was quite energetic, but also full of childishness, and seemed a bit overdone. It can only be said that the stage presence was still relatively immature.

And there was a group of backup dancers standing behind them, just standing there doing nothing. They could at least have designed some movements to make them stand out.

After Jay Chou finished singing, he made a point of glancing at Michael before leaving the stage.

Eric glanced behind him and saw many middle-aged people looking completely bewildered, probably wondering what the young man was singing. They couldn't understand a single word.

Michael, what did you think of his singing?

Mike nodded slightly: "He has a very unique personality. No wonder he became an Asian superstar. I should go and prepare."

"Um."

The gala had progressed to nearly 10:30 p.m., and the two and a half hours had already left some audience members feeling tired.

At this moment, a shot of adrenaline is needed to stimulate the brain, and Uncle Benshan, the king of comedy sketches, was born for this time of day.

The moment the trio appeared, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause.

Even though the skit "The Water Carrier" isn't considered top-notch among Uncle Benshan's works, it still brought bursts of laughter.

They were all genuine laughs, no faking it.

After a boost of energy, many viewers regained their spirits and their attention returned to the television screen.

But as the show continued, by 11:30 p.m., the audience’s attention was waning, and many were already getting tired and ready to go to sleep.

It's time for CCTV to deliver another boost.

As the host left the stage, the highly anticipated program began.

The stage lights suddenly turned a mix of black and red, instantly invigorating everyone. A stimulating background music, like the soundtrack of a 007 movie, appeared, causing many people's pupils to constrict.

The King of Pop Worldwide.

he came!

(End of this chapter)