Perfect Superstar.

Xiangnan TV is the reigning king of family entertainment on domestic television. Its variety shows, such as 'A Big Happy Family', 'Celebrity Couple Tied Together', and 'The Everyday Life Show', consistently dominate the ratings, maintaining a position of superiority over its competitors for years. 

Since 2008, Xiangnan TV has also launched a series of talent shows, including 'Super Girl', 'Super Boy', and 'All New Idol', all of which have achieved massive success. 

These programs produced a wave of popular idols and sparked a nationwide trend, inspiring other major networks to mimic their format and ushering in an era of mass entertainment. 

Although Lu Chen doesn't watch much television, the name Xiangnan TV is still one he knows well. 

So, when he returned home, the first thing he did was search online for information about Xiangnan TV and 'The Strongest Singer'. 

What he found was indeed surprising. 

'The Strongest Singer' is a talent show for singer-songwriters that Xiangnan TV launched just last year. With its highly professional standards and intense competition, it quickly became the top-rated variety show of the season. 

The winner of the first season, Fan Meilin, is now one of the country's top stars and a leading actress under Orange Field Entertainment. Not long ago, she released her first solo album. 

Lu Chen thoroughly researched the rules and process of 'The Strongest Singer' and watched several episodes of its first season. He realized that this competition couldn't be more suitable for him— it was a shortcut to fame. 

With the wealth of original songs he had, Lu Chen was confident he could shine on 'The Strongest Singer'! 

Even if he didn't win the championship, the show's high viewership would still provide excellent exposure, greatly benefiting his future career. 

The auditions for 'The Strongest Singer' were scheduled to start on June 20th—just the day after tomorrow. Even better, he wouldn't have to travel all the way to Xiangnan to register because there was a sub-audition venue in the capital! 

If it hadn't been for Jin Hongwei's reminder today, Lu Chen might have missed this opportunity. 

But after the initial excitement faded, Lu Chen couldn't shake the feeling that something about his meeting with the industry mogul didn't sit right. 

It had been too easy. 

Jin Hongwei had offered generous terms and presented a ready-made contract. When Lu Chen rejected it outright, Jin had shown surprise but no anger. He didn't even try to persuade him further and amicably ended the meeting. 

This version of Jin Hongwei didn't align with the image Lu Chen had formed from the online reputation of the so-called 'godfather of entertainment management'. 

Of course, Lu Chen's impression was purely based on online information, which could be flawed since he had never met Jin before today. 

Feeling uneasy, Lu Chen decided to call Chen Jianhao. 

Before opening his bar, Chen Jianhao had been part of the entertainment industry, and there was a chance he had dealt with Jin Hongwei and could provide more insight. 

"Little Lu?" 

Chen Jianhao's voice sounded a bit tired, as if he had just woken up. "What's up?" 

Lu Chen recounted his encounter with Jin Hongwei and the offer to sign a contract. 

Chen Jianhao listened quietly and then let out a cold laugh. 

"Little Lu, do you know what they call Jin Hongwei in the entertainment industry?" 

Lu Chen asked, "What do they call him?" 

"They call him 'Golden Tortoise'." 

Chen Jianhao spoke slowly, "On the surface, his shell looks shiny and enticing. But if you try to get close and benefit from him, he'll latch onto you and never let go— he won't release you until he's taken a piece of your flesh." 

"Big Qing and Sister Na's albums were produced at Heavenly Sound Studio, and you're the songwriter. Jin Hongwei is sharp-eyed and knows you're currently independent and vulnerable. Of course, he wants to sink his teeth into you." 

Lu Chen felt a chill run down his spine and found himself momentarily speechless. 

He could hear the deep disdain in Chen Jianhao's tone toward this industry giant. 

Chen Jianhao continued, "So, refusing to sign that contract was the right move. Jin Hongwei doesn't give away advantages easily. The better the conditions he offers now, the harder he'll squeeze you later. He has countless ways to keep you from ever breaking free." 

"I once knew a young man— brilliant, like you. Jin Hongwei saw his talent and signed him." 

"Do you know where that young man is now?" 

Before Lu Chen could ask, Chen Jianhao answered his own question. 

"He's in a rehab center. His life is ruined. Do you know how he got addicted? This industry is too dark and too deep. You're better off going solo." 

"Sure, it might be tough and exhausting, but at least you'll have the freedom to make your own choices!" 

Lu Chen nodded and said, "I understand now. Thank you for the warning, Boss." 

Thankfully, he had made that call. Otherwise, he might have been oblivious to Jin Hongwei's dark reputation and mistakenly thought he was a decent person. 

''People like that are best kept at a distance.'' 

Chen Jianhao seemed fully awake now and asked, "Are you planning to join 'The Strongest Singer'?" 

Lu Chen was surprised. "Boss, how did you know?" 

"Stop calling me 'Boss.' It's annoying," Chen Jianhao said with mild irritation. "You're not a waiter at Daylily anymore. Just call me 'brother.'" 

Lu Chen chuckled, "Alright then, Jianhao-ge." 

Chen Jianhao was satisfied and continued, "You're a good fit for 'The Strongest Singer', but you should understand— it's not just about having talent or skill. That alone won't make you stand out in a popular show like this." 

"Last season's winner, Fan Meilin, signed with Orange Field Entertainment before the competition. Only then did they push her to the top. Do you get it now?" 

Lu Chen gave a bitter smile. "I get it." 

His biggest issue was fighting alone. He didn't have the backing others did. The entertainment industry has its own rules— whether they're hidden or explicit. To gain something, you first have to pay the price, often much more than expected. 

Orange Field Entertainment is a partner of Xiangnan TV and is directly involved in the production of 'The Strongest Singer'. 

This gives the company significant influence over the show. 

"Jin Hongwei has deep connections with Xiangnan TV. His company, Juxing, has long-term business ties with Orange Field Entertainment. Rumor has it they even hold shares in each other. You rejected Jin Hongwei, and now you still want to join 'The Strongest Singer'?" 

Lu Chen finally understood. "Then I won't go." 

The industry is terrifying. For now, he'd stick to streaming, earn some money, and release an album later. 

"No, no!" 

To Lu Chen's surprise, Chen Jianhao said, "I support you going to the auditions. Bring your best work. If you don't make it, that's fine— on the 25th, Capital City TV is holding auditions for 'Singing China'." 

"I'll help you get a recommendation letter so you can skip the initial screening and go straight to the live-stream audition." 

In talent shows like 'The Strongest Singer' and others, auditions are usually split into two parts. First, there's the mass pre-selection, where applicants are screened, and the hopeless ones are eliminated. 

Typically, 90% of the contestants are filtered out in this first round. Only then comes the live-streamed audition. 

Sometimes, to enhance the show's entertainment value, the organizers deliberately allow a few eccentric contestants to make it through, providing material for both entertainment and hype. 

If you want attention, you can't be too concerned about dignity. 

"Capital City TV isn't as big as Xiangnan TV, but it's less complicated and more suitable for you," Chen Jianhao added. 

Finally, he said with a mischievous grin, "Honestly, I'd love to see you get eliminated from 'The Strongest Singer'. That would be quite amusing." 

He burst out laughing. 

Lu Chen asked, "Jianhao-ge, do you have a grudge against Jin Hongwei?" 

Chen Jianhao's laughter abruptly stopped. 

After a long pause, he said, "Remember that young man I mentioned earlier? The one who ended up in rehab? He used to call me 'Boss' too. I've always regretted not stopping him from signing with Juxing. At least now I can stop you." 

Lu Chen fell silent. 

After ending the call with Chen Jianhao, Lu Chen thought for a moment. He opened the webpage for 'The Strongest Singer' auditions and filled out the online application form, following the instructions. 

'The Strongest Singer' allowed online registration, so once he submitted the form, he would be eligible to participate in the initial audition on June 20th. 

… 

Two minutes after Lu Chen submitted his application, in an opulent VIP room on the upper floor of the luxurious Sanlitun Golden Glory Bar, Jin Hongwei was reclining on a sofa, sipping red wine. 

Suddenly, his expression shifted, as if waking from deep contemplation. 

He put down his wine glass, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his phone. 

After reading a newly received text message, the industry mogul's lips curled into a satisfied smile. 

It was the smile of a hunter who had just seen his prey fall into a trap. 

'(End of Chapter)'

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