What Should I Do if My Best Friend Is a Green Tea? [Transmigrated Into a Book]

Yan Xi, though working as a supervisor, was essentially still an intern. Starshine had a one-month internship period, and she hadn't completed hers yet.

But since it was all about making money, Yan Xi knew Fang Yue wouldn't refuse, and the project department was happy to take on such tasks, especially since securing investments meant a commission!

When Fang Yue received the message from Yan Xi (actually from the system), she instantly grasped the idea: an online concert by an idol group from H country—a perfect project to attract investors and rake in sponsorship fees!

Fang Yue first contacted Watermelon Video.

"Together on a Journey" had signed an exclusive broadcasting agreement with Watermelon Video. The live broadcast of the show, subsequent recordings, and even future related videos would all be streamed on Watermelon Video.

As soon as Watermelon Video got wind of Zhou Qingyu planning a concert, they immediately began preparations. They had estimated that once the concert's live stream opened, the traffic would be immense, likely even surpassing the popularity of "Journey"!

It was at this moment that Fang Yue's call came through, succinct and to the point: if Watermelon Video wanted exclusive rights to the concert, it would cost them.

Tang Yi, the head of Watermelon Video, was stunned. "Didn't we already sign a contract with 'Journey'? This is also a derivative project of the show, and we have the broadcasting rights!"

Fang Yue laughed, "Tang Yi, that line might work on a newbie, but not on me. The contract only specifies the broadcasting rights for 'Journey' related videos. The concert will use dedicated cameras that won't capture any variety show-related personnel or items, just the stage. So, this is a completely independent project. Do you think just because a show guest is performing at the concert, you own the exclusive rights to that concert? How wishful are you thinking? The exclusive rights to the concert have always been with the organizers, and in this case, they should rightfully belong to Miss Zhou Qingyu."

Tang Yi gritted his teeth; she was right.

During the recording of the variety show, if a guest participated in a concert, the show team would either purchase the rights to broadcast it or not film the concert at all. This time, however, the concert's organizer was Zhou Qingyu, and Tang Yi had overlooked this detail. Reluctantly, Tang Yi asked, "How much do you want?"

Fang Yue: "Thirty million."

Tang Yi: ???

"Why don't you just rob us! The exclusive rights for 'Journey' were also thirty million!" "That's because you made a fortune off 'Journey'! We asked for too little back then!"

On the other end of the phone, Fang Yue shifted to a more comfortable sitting position, idly playing with her fingernails, as she continued to haggle with Tang Yi, "We're only at the second stop of 'Journey', and it's already the hottest variety show currently airing in the country, even breaking the record set by its first season. You've made plenty already."

"On this basis, Miss Zhou Qingyu is funding her own concert, what a publicity stunt! The hype is only increasing. How many ads can you insert? Even having our hosts mention it during the broadcast would work. And you still think this is a loss?" Fang Yue said, ready to hang up the phone.

"Wait!" Tang Yi quickly stopped her. Thirty million was indeed a lot, but Fang Yue was right; this concert was a huge spectacle.

Usually, it's the stars who hold concerts with fans attending and an online version being recorded. But Zhou Qingyu's concert was unique—she was paying out of her own pocket and had both boy and girl groups performing for her. This kind of spectacle was unprecedented; no one had ever held a similar concert before, and perhaps no one would have the courage to do so in the future.

Thirty million, for exclusive broadcasting rights to a concert, was indeed expensive. But considering the advertising revenue and the commercial spectacle the concert would bring, it was definitely a huge profit!

If Watermelon Video lost the exclusive rights to another site, that would be a real loss!

"Thirty million it is!" Tang Yi gritted his teeth. "I'll have the legal department draft the contract right away, you get it stamped!"

Fang Yue laughed, "Why the rush?"

Tang Yi roared, "How can I not rush? Your Miss says it's going to rain, and it rains! She mentioned watching a concert at noon and by evening, it's happening. We didn't even have time to prepare!"

"No more talk, I still need to contact other sponsors!"

If they delayed any longer and secured fewer sponsors, they wouldn't break even!

Meanwhile, Yan Xi contacted Qiao Yan.

Qiao Yan also knew about Zhou Qingyu's concert. Fang Yue had already gone to the legal department to get the contract stamped, and she hadn't expected this matter to involve her as well.

Yan Xi asked, "I remember that Starshine has a few trainees in Han City, they have an agent in H country, right?"

Qiao Yan replied, "Wen Rou is with them. She's currently an intern agent, very efficient and a quick learner. Once these trainees debut, I plan to promote her to handle affairs in H country."

Yan Xi breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have someone competent on the job, rather than having to step in herself or send someone else from Han City.

"I need to sign an artist. If Wen Rou is capable, let her handle the signing."

Qiao Yan was curious; she knew Yan Xi had a good eye. The previous artist she signed, Shen Xinghe, was a very promising talent. She was curious about who Yan Xi had her eye on this time. Yan Xi said, "It's an artist from K Company, still under contract." Qiao Yan's expression turned serious immediately, "That company is notorious for signing a lot of artists and then making money off breach of contract fees! I suggest not going down the route of paying the breach fee. I'll have Wen Rou negotiate a transfer of the artist's contract to Starshine, which will be much more cost-effective."

Yan Xi didn't understand the complexities of agency contracts, but fortunately, Qiao Yan and Wen Rou did. Yan Xi informed Qiao Yan about "Han Shu," entrusting her to handle it. However, after watching Han Shu's performance video, both Qiao Yan and Wen Rou fell into a prolonged silence.

Previously, Shen Xinghe's performance in "Lian Cheng Jue" wasn't stunning, but it was noteworthy. He played a dying soldier, and the director had to call "cut" to apply dark makeup on him, worried he might steal the spotlight from the lead actor.

This Han Shu... what was that! Were Yan Xi's eyes damaged by cannon fire? Yan Xi smiled, "Trust me, sign her, it's a sure win." By 6:50 PM, everything was ready.

Yan Xi and Zhou Qingyu changed into playful casual outfits, holding glowing support sticks, and wearing headbands that read "Go for it." Although it was just the two of them attending the concert, the ceremonial feel was still full! Stepping out of the villa, they were greeted by another world—a massive concert stage appeared before them, with dazzling lights weaving a dreamlike interplay, illuminating the entire area.

Colorful beams danced in the night sky, sometimes forming splendid patterns, sometimes streaking like meteors. The surrounding sound equipment emitted deep, rumbling sounds, as if warming up for the upcoming performance.

Soft sofas were placed on the lawn in front of the stage, serving as the audience seating for this concert.

Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi sat in the center, and soon, Yaozu and Lu Beiyu, who had just finished their walk, joined them. Zhou Qingyu casually fed Yaozu a small dog treat, and Yan Xi placed a shiny "Go for it" headband on Yaozu. The live stream room on Watermelon Video was packed with viewers, with the heat and viewership numbers still rising, everyone eagerly anticipating this unique concert. At 7:00 PM, the concert officially began!

All lights suddenly went out, plunging the lawn in front of the villa into darkness. Yaozu yelped in fright and burrowed into Lu Beiyu's arms, his fluffy tail tucked behind him.

Spotlights fell on the stage—

The opening act was a boy band from Starshine, trainees who had been preparing for their debut for two years. At this moment, the five boys were uniformly dressed in white shirts and tight pants, their simple outfits accentuating their tall, lean figures. All over 180 cm tall, under the spotlights, it was all about long legs. The music started, and the strong rhythm pounded the air like drumbeats, the boys' movements were synchronized, each dance step full of power and rhythm! The greatest charm of the concert lay in the intense light effects and the booming music, vibrating eardrums and making hearts pulsate. Being in such an environment, it was easy for the audience to get swept up in the surrounding emotions, their eyes following the glowing young men on stage.

Yan Xi could already feel the fervor of the concert, instinctively waving her support stick in time with the music.

And the audience in the live stream room went wild—

【Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!】

【Such handsome young men!】

(Brother! Brother! Look here! Look here!)

Wow, the Starshine boy band is really good! They have a promising future~ (That blue-haired guy just winked at the camera! And it wasn't even sleazy!

I'm dead! So handsome!

The opening act by US was a success, as this was one of their main songs they were set to perform in the future, and they had practiced the dance many times.

After the performance, they didn't leave. While the host was reciting the commercial script, they approached Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi.

Today, their intern manager Wen Rou had told them that they would only perform the opening song and then go to the audience to watch other idols perform as a learning experience. Zhou Qingyu had just been screaming excitedly like Yan Xi, but when she saw the members of US approaching, she reverted to her usual cool, tsundere demeanor. She glanced at the US members and then asked Yan Xi, "What do you think of their performance?"

The members of US immediately stood up straight, not daring to breathe heavily. Yan Xi thought for a moment, "Not bad, but they could still work on their muscles. They should look slim in clothes but muscular without. It's important for a boy band!"

The blue-haired member was the youngest in US, standing at the back. He carefully lifted a corner of his shirt and sneakily glanced at his abs, "I already have a six-pack! Isn't that enough?"

The director quickly captured this moment, broadcasting the blue-haired member's abs live. [He lifted his shirt too quickly! I didn't see clearly!]

[Si Ye, I don't believe you have a six-pack unless you let me lick it!][The person above... well said! Let me lick it too, otherwise I won't believe it!]

Si Ye didn't understand why the staff around him suddenly started laughing. When he stretched his neck to see the live chat on their phones, Si Ye's face turned red.

He quickly smoothed down his shirt, buttoning it up to the very top! [Si Ye, you can't take a joke!]

[What's wrong with boys showing off their abs for a bit! Stingy!]

[Abs are meant to be shown off! Otherwise, why bother working out!] Yan Xi and Zhou Qingyu couldn't help but laugh.

Young boys can be quite amusing at times.

Lu Beiyu, listening to their conversation, also secretly felt his own stomach under his T-shirt.

Oh no, I used to have a six-pack, but lately it's almost down to one! I definitely need to hit the gym after the concert! After a bit of chit-chat, the host finished the commercial break, which was mainly for the live audience, especially since Watermelon Video had spent thirty million for exclusive broadcasting rights, so they had to insert some ads to make their money back.

After the opening dance, it was time for the idols from H country to take the stage. Various groups made their dazzling appearances: handsome young men, queen-like fierce ladies, and sweet girls that made you want to fall in love... Initially, only Zhou Qingyu and her two friends plus a dog were in the audience, but then the US members and some staff joined, warming up the atmosphere. Everyone screamed along with the dances, cheering for the idols on stage. The concert was thoroughly enjoyable, and two hours passed quickly.

In the end, only LMN had not performed yet.

LMN, watching the performances of their seniors backstage, felt a bit dazed. Even the US boy band, composed entirely of trainees, seemed out of their league. But if those trainees could perform on stage, why couldn't they? Just being seen on camera by more people could be their chance to become famous!

It was LMN's turn to take the stage. Dazzling lights shone on them, and the heat made everyone sweat profusely.

It was their first time on such a formal stage, and the members of LMN were not used to it. When the music started, some of them couldn't keep up with the beat.

【What's with this girl group?】

【They're not on the same level as the previous acts, just muddling through】【Piao Baoyuan, thumbs down! How could you bring such a sloppy girl group?】【Who recommended LMN? Their performance is so bad!】The five-minute performance ended.

Like other idols, LMN was preparing to leave under the stage manager's direction when suddenly, "Wait,"

Zhou Qingyu grabbed the microphone next to her, specially prepared by Piao Baoyuan to let her shout out to the idols on stage. It was meant as a backup, but unexpectedly, it came into use.

The members of LMN, hearing Zhou Qingyu's voice, turned around. They didn't understand Chinese and asked Han Shu what it meant. After getting the answer, their faces lit up with surprise.

They didn't know how their performance went and couldn't see the comments, but Zhou Qingyu suddenly calling them out—could it be that she was pleased with their stage?

If so, could this mean more opportunities for them to be seen in the future? The members of LMN were more thrilled than ever.

After Zhou Qingyu called out to LMN, she started scolding them, "Are you even a girl group? Or just some random assembly from a village? Such a poor performance, even our company's rookies are better!"

The "rookies" nodded vigorously like pounding garlic, "Yes, we dance better than them!"

Zhou Qingyu glared at them, "I'm not complimenting you!" US boy band"

The members of LMN, after Han Shu's explanation, finally understood.

Their faces turned awkward, some of them shamefully bowed their heads.

But Zhou Qingyu continued to scold, "Had I known the performance would be this bad, you might as well have stayed at home and not embarrassed yourselves!"

The leader, Cui Mengyan, retorted, "We tried our best!"

"We... just lack the stage."

Yan Xi suddenly said, "Then let's perform individually, and see who's the worst."

In a group performance, the uniformity of the stage is most apparent, and LMN as a whole was not synchronized, making it hard to pinpoint the problem. But with solo performances, it would be easier to see the full range of skills, strengths, and weaknesses.

Zhou Qingyu was interested in this, having seen enough of the good concerts earlier, she was curious to see how bad these performances could be.

The members of LMN took turns performing.

Being infamous is still a form of fame; for these young artists, being criticized is better than being ignored. Any opportunity to be seen by the public was a chance for them to make a name for themselves.

The girls hurried, each eager not to be the last.

The members took the stage one by one, revealing their lack of rigorous training. Dance, song, ra... and even facial expression management quickly showed their weaknesses to the audience. Previously, the LMN girl group would perform edgy dances at malls to attract viewers, with men ogling them with lecherous eyes.

But on such a formal stage, performing those dances seemed particularly vulgar and greasy.

Zhou Qingyu watched the previous performances with a frown.

She regretted it, what was all this?!

Before Han Shu could take the stage, Zhou Qingyu called a halt.

"Enough, I'm not watching anymore."

Watching any more would dirty her eyes and waste her time.

The live audience deeply agreed—

【Some idols are popular for a reason!】

【My favorite once revealed that when she was a trainee, she only slept three hours a day, constantly perfecting her moves in the dance studio, so her performances are always beautiful. These people dare to say they've worked hard dancing like that?】

【I don't see effort, I just see greasiness!】

Zhou Qingyu rubbed her temples and asked Piao Baoyuan, "This is the last group, right? Their performance ends today's show, doesn't it?" Piao Baoyuan replied, "Yes, there are no more performances after this."

Zhou Qingyu stood up, "Then let's leave it at that, no need to watch the rest." Eight members had performed consecutively like this, did she really expect any surprises? Han Shu was the last to perform.

In the team, she could never grab a spot at the front. She wasn't popular enough, the company didn't favor her, and being the only Chinese member, she was isolated when she joined as the others had already formed their cliques.

Han Shu could only stay at the back.

While the others performed, she silently recited the lyrics and rehearsed the dance moves in her mind. Just as she stepped onto the stage, she heard Zhou Qingyu's voice saying there was no need to perform anymore.

All smiles froze on her face, her full expectations dissolving into nothing. Han Shu cried.

She hadn't expected to make a sensational debut; she just wanted to stand on that stage and finish singing one song, to fulfill her youthful dream. She had a premonition that she was sinking deeper into a quagmire, with no chance of leaving. This solo might have been her closest approach to her dream. Like a bright light in the darkness, the brightest cluster, drawing her forward. In an instant, that light was gone.

The stage lights around the concert went out one by one, the warm air "thudded" into the cold night, the brilliance fell, and darkness swept in, eroding and swallowing everything.

Han Shu was rushed off the stage by the staff.

The grass was soft, and Han Shu's legs gave way, causing her to fall seated on the ground. Her costume, baked by the stage lights, was soaked with sweat and clung stickily to her body. Now, as the intense light faded, the fabric stuck to her skin, bringing a bone-chilling cold.

Han Shu hugged her arms, shivering from the cold.

She just wanted to curl up and not move at all.

Suddenly, a fluffy touch came from behind, like a warm blanket, comfortable and soft, bringing a sense of security.

Han Shu turned her head and saw a white Samoyed gently nuzzling her.

"You're not..."

Han Shu remembered this dog, Yaozu, a guest on the "Travel" show. It was said that after appearing on the variety show, the dog became famous, amassing over a million followers on Weibo. Han Shu reached out and gently rubbed Yaozu's head. The dog was very well-behaved, even sticking out its tongue to lick her hand.

Suddenly, Han Shu noticed a snack basket hanging around Yaozu's neck. Inside the exquisitely woven basket from L brand, there was a wireless microphone. It was a basic model commonly seen at concerts, sleek and silver-grey, with a metallic sheen.

On stage, the host was reading out advertisements, and the others had begun to exit. The stage lights were dimming, though the live broadcast and speakers were still on.

Han Shu stared blankly at the microphone for a couple of seconds.

Her heart suddenly began to beat wildly.

Zhou Qingyu removed her fan support headband, preparing to go back to her room to remove her makeup.

The advertisements were meant for the live audience, and the cameras filming the stage wouldn't capture her, so leaving now was no issue. She and Yan Xi had just left the audience seats when suddenly, a girl's singing voice came from the stage. Her voice was penetrating, like a mountain stream or a gentle breeze in March, compelling everyone to stop in their tracks.

The host momentarily forgot his script, and everyone ready to leave did the same, turning their gaze towards the stage.

There was no one on the stage, just the melodious singing flowing from the speakers. The voice was fragile yet contained a stunning beauty. Yan Xi always believed that a truly beautiful singing voice was different from ordinary ones; just by singing, she could captivate everyone. Acting required complementary roles, talent needed a medium, but a singing voice alone was enough.

The girl forgot she was standing not on a stage, but on a simple, ordinary lawn. She was only aware of her music, perhaps singing more passionately than ever before.

Director Yu was the first to react, quickly grabbing the walkie-talkie, "Over there! Right side of the stage! By Yaozu! Shine the lights there! Cameras, follow! Quick!"

In an instant, the spot where Han Shu stood was illuminated by a spotlight. All the stage lights shifted their angles, chasing her figure, and the cameras captured her singing, her image swiftly appearing on the large LED screens and in the live broadcast.

The live audience finally saw the source of the voice.

It was a voice not of this world, as if kissed by God. The singing girl wasn't on the stage.

But wherever she sang, that place became her stage.