Chapter 721 - 493: Preparing for X Night

(After a year-long hiatus, I’m back to see if I can finish...)

(I forgot the storyline of the South Korea variety show in the last Chapter, so I’m skipping that part)

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On March 9th, Wu Mu finished recording "Casual Shooting." He originally planned to stay in South Korea for two more days to relax before returning to the country, but Sun Yueqing video-called him.

"Mu, have you finished the show? When are you coming back?"

"Just finished, haven’t decided yet. What’s up?" Wu Mu was curious and sensed something in Sun Yueqing’s words.

"Oh, I’m returning to Beijing tomorrow, and we haven’t seen each other for a while. I’ll treat you to dinner." Sun Yueqing appeared nonchalant.

But behind Wu Mu, listening closely, Shu Mei’s "bad woman" radar went off instantly.

Dinner?

Her brother had just broken up with Director Lin not long ago, and recently Mo Mo had also invited...

At this time... you better just have dinner!

Wu Mu thought about it. Indeed, it had been a while since they last met. They had planned for a meal during Lunar New Year, but he went to Shen City to record Bili Bili’s New Year festival, missing the chance.

"Alright, I’ll head back today. Give me a call once you arrive."

After hanging up, Sun Yueqing didn’t call again, but another call came in.

"Wu, Wu." On the screen, Lu Yao, dressed in a white down jacket and looking like a penguin, excitedly waved at Wu Mu.

Wu Mu looked at the thick snow behind her, curious, "Yao, where are you?"

"Swiss St. Moritz." Lu Yao saw his interest and showed him around with her phone, "My aunt took me skiing, hehe, it’s really fun."

Wu Mu clicked his tongue; people online say he’s lazy, but he felt Lu Yao lived more carefreely. Every time she finished recording a show, she traveled all over.

Lu Yao, slightly diverted, happily chatted for half an hour about her adventures over the last few days, then suddenly remembered her purpose, "Wu, these days..."

She paused halfway, as if recalling something, trying hard to adopt a solemn expression, "Wu, is your friend who was heartbroken feeling better now?"

Wu Mu: "...should be better."

Lu Yao nodded earnestly, face serious, but her eyes still stole glances at him, "Then if someone wanted to invite him to dinner these days, would he accept?"

Wu Mu speechless, "You’re coming back these days too, want to treat me to dinner?"

Lu Yao didn’t connect it, just surprised, "Eh, Wu, how did you know?"

Wu Mu puzzled, "Why is everyone returning now? Is there something happening recently?"

Lu Yao was steered away again, "It’s the X Night; they contacted me to perform on stage."

Wu Mu realized the significance, although X might be diminishing in influence yearly, it’s still a leading social media platform. X Night is still highly regarded both within and outside the industry.

Seeing this, Sun Yueqing was likely invited back for X Night too, which is why their schedules clashed.

Lu Yao completely unaware someone else had called before, proudly continued, "They want me for the opening performance; I’m the first one."

Wu Mu looked at her mischievously, "How much did they pay you for performing?"

Lu Yao gave a look like "Wu, you’re so naive," "X Night doesn’t pay performance fees; they only cover travel, makeup, and clothing expenses."

For industry celebrities, X is the stronghold, as they all rely on X for exposure. Much like the Spring Festival Gala, they invite guests and only give a symbolic few thousand for travel, makeup, and clothing.

Wu Mu looked at her, "Oh, it’s like that for you, different for me. They invited me for the grand finale with a 6 million fee."

Lu Yao: "???"

Lu Yao: "!!!"

"Not fair!" Lu Yao was stunned for several seconds, then angrily exclaimed, wondering why they wouldn’t pay her but offered so much to Wu!

Even if it’s Wu... that’s not right!

"I demand a performance fee from them too!" Lu Yao clenched her small fists.

"Hahaha." Wu Mu laughed aloud, "I’m heading back today; for dinner, I should have time the day after tomorrow at the latest."

Indeed, X Night had invited him long ago. When he announced his relationship and caused a stir on X, they worked out he’d do the finale program with a 6 million fee, and even gave him freedom over the performance.

And that was just the start.

That evening, Wu Mu had just returned to Beijing when someone contacted him.

It was Fan Gaowen, the event manager he met before on X Night.

"Wu Mu, we’ve scheduled X Night for March 25th. Is your program ready? We might need you for rehearsals a few times." Fan Gaowen was enthusiastic.

"Ready, when for rehearsals?" Wu Mu hadn’t really prepared much. Still, his music library has enough songs; picking one offhand suffices.

"Rehearsals could be on the 12th if you’re available?" Fan Gaowen paused, tentatively asked, "I heard the Spring Festival Gala invited you as well? You specially prepared a song for them?"

Wu Mu puzzled.

Indeed, he was invited by the Spring Festival Gala and planned to sing "tomorrow will be better." Though he didn’t attend due to Lin Qingyue’s matter, he submitted the demo and score; has this leaked?

"That happened. Do you want me to sing that song?" Wu Mu asked bluntly.

Fan Gaowen was excited, "Yes, yes. Would you be able to?"

Who doesn’t know Wu Mu’s singing prowess? His impromptu songs are always superb masterpieces. This song, crafted purposely for a grand platform like the Spring Festival Gala - how high must its quality be?

Not to mention his source was the deputy director of the Spring Festival Gala, regretting as if Wu Mu missing the festival was a huge loss.

This chance might be lost for the Spring Festival Gala, but X Night can’t miss out!

Wu Mu pondered for a moment.

Performing "tomorrow will be better" at X Night?

Seems like a waste for the song.

The quality of "tomorrow will be better" is indisputable, Luo Dayou composing, lyrics by Zhang Dachun, Li Shouquan among others, sung by over sixty celebrities. In past life on Earth, it was an era memory, almost a cultural symbol.

Though in pure song quality, "tomorrow will be better" doesn’t surpass other songs he sings. But it’s incredibly distinct in its type.

Sing a romantic song, regardless of quality, might just be ordinary background music; plenty of great love songs exist.

Yet a charity song, celebration track... few are outstanding in this category. One remarkable song means it’ll be played at various charity events and official celebrations ceaselessly.

The impact these two create is entirely different.

Wu Mu thought for a moment, shaking his head intending to decline.

But on the other end, Fan Gaowen seemed to anticipate this, rushed to say, "Wu Mu, we can increase payment!"

"Double it, we’ll give you double the fee."

Twelve million?

Wu Mu was surprised but still shook his head, "Type doesn’t fit; my song is a charity track, unsuitable for X Night."

However, unexpectedly, Fan Gaowen quickly added, "Wu Mu, charity songs are perfect. X Night annually features charity awards and initiatives. This year we plan several new charity campaigns, which could align with your song at X Night!"

"Also, this year we’re inviting Hua Country’s Inspiring Person of the Year to announce the annual Influence Award at X Night, perfect to complement your song!" Fan Gaowen was eager.

This...

Such sincere effort?