AFVSIBS ### Chapter 153: What It Feels Like for Zhou Chen to Sing a Catchy Song

Zhao Liang was also thrilled upon hearing the news.

After all, achieving a 4.0 rating at the beginning of a show is unprecedented for any variety program.

Although Zhou Chen had recently helped many variety shows reach or exceed a 4.0 rating, none had achieved this at the very start.

Now, his fully-directed show "Our Music" had done it, which was an impressive feat to boast about.

However, despite his excitement, Zhao Liang was aware that once Zhou Chen and Wu Heng stepped down, the ratings would likely drop.

Fortunately, he had prepared himself mentally for this. Even if the ratings did fall, although it would be a pity, he could accept it.

After all, reaching a 4.0 rating for a program was a distant dream for many directors.

Over at Jiang Lin and Lu Jie’s side, their expressions were extremely grim.

Especially Jiang Lin, who had been insisting that Wu Heng wouldn't perform well tonight. His reasoning was that Wu Heng’s singing skills were lacking, and the theme of this episode of "Our Music" was challenging for creating a good catchy song.

Who could have guessed that Zhou Chen's "Desert Camel" would slap him in the face, making him look utterly defeated?

"Jiang Lin, what should we do now? Wu Heng's 'Desert Camel' seems to be performing well," Lu Jie began to panic and whispered in Jiang Lin's ear.

"This outcome was unexpected, but don't worry. Even if Wu Heng's live performance of 'Desert Camel' is well-received, it's still just a catchy song. The song I wrote for you, 'Spirit of the Camel,' is a classic. As long as you perform well tonight, you can compete with him."

At this point, Jiang Lin remained confident in his song "Spirit of the Camel."

"Don't worry, with my experience, how could I not perform well?" As a seasoned singer, Lu Jie had confidence.

"Then there's no need to panic. Let them bask in their moment for now. Once we win the best performance and highest score, let's see how smug they still are."

Encouraged by Jiang Lin’s confidence, Lu Jie began to relax.

Meanwhile, Wu Heng continued to sing "Desert Camel" calmly and earnestly.

His one strength was his composure; he wouldn't be easily swayed by the live situation.

"Thank you, everyone. My song performance is complete."

After singing, Wu Heng bowed and thanked the audience as usual.

Instantly, thunderous applause filled the venue again.

These applauses were for both Wu Heng and Zhou Chen, the creator of "Desert Camel."

Without Zhou Chen’s creation, Wu Heng wouldn't have had such a joyful and catchy song to perform.

"Thank you for Wu Heng's performance. Now, let's once again welcome the creator of 'Desert Camel,' Zhou Chen, to the stage with applause."

The host came out at this moment, following the program's procedures.

Amidst the applause, Zhou Chen slowly walked to Wu Heng’s side and took the microphone handed to him by the staff.

"Zhou Chen, it's a pleasure to meet you on this stage again. This time, our program has made a slight change to the event's details. We would like the creators to sing a few lines of their songs. What do you think?"

This decision was made by the program team just yesterday afternoon, and they hadn't informed Zhou Chen.

When the host mentioned it, Zhao Liang realized he had forgotten to tell the guest artists about it.

For other guest artists, it might not be a problem, but Zhou Chen was known for being eccentric.

The audience in the venue, as well as those watching on TV and in the live stream, had a completely different mindset. Upon hearing the host's suggestion, they all got excited.

"Great! Finally, a chance to hear what it feels like when Zhou Chen sings these catchy songs. I wonder what it will be like when he sings 'Desert Camel.'"

"Hahaha, you know, I'm also curious about how Zhou Chen will sound singing 'Desert Camel.'"

"The production team and the host really know what they're doing, catering to the curiosity of us viewers by arranging this segment."

"Isn't it possible that if Zhou Chen actually sings 'Desert Camel,' Wu Heng's performance will pale in comparison? After all, Zhou Chen's singing skills are much better than Wu Heng's."

"That's not necessarily true. It depends on who the song is suited for. Maybe 'Desert Camel' is just perfect for Wu Heng, and Zhou Chen singing it might not have the same effect."

...

At this moment, it wasn't just the audience and online viewers who were curious. Even Zhou Chen's manager, Wan Fangfang, was suddenly intrigued.

After all, she had never heard Zhou Chen sing a catchy song. Whether it was "Little Apple" before or "Desert Camel" now, Zhou Chen always had Wu Heng sing them. He had never sung them himself.

"Sorry, I won't sing."

But just when everyone was eagerly anticipating Zhou Chen singing "Desert Camel," he flatly refused. His refusal was so straightforward and decisive.

"This…"

The host was taken aback by his response and was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

Zhao Liang frowned upon hearing Zhou Chen's refusal. Although he had anticipated that Zhou Chen might be different from other artists, he still felt a bit disappointed when Zhou Chen actually declined. He knew very well that if Zhou Chen had agreed and sung a few lines of "Desert Camel" on the spot, the show's attention and ratings might have reached a new high.

Backstage, Wan Fangfang couldn't sit still. She was genuinely worried that Zhou Chen's refusal might offend Zhao Liang. She knew how well-connected Zhao Liang was in the entertainment industry, and offending him wouldn't be good for Zhou Chen.

"Well, it looks like we'll be disappointed this time. Zhou Chen doesn't want to sing 'Desert Camel.'"

"Yeah, Zhou Chen really has his own personality. Even if it's arranged by the production team, he won't sing if he doesn't want to."

"Maybe that's what sets Zhou Chen apart from other artists. We might not have a chance to hear him sing a catchy song."

"It looks like the host thought Zhou Chen would sing a few lines of 'Desert Camel' too. Now she looks really awkward."

...

The audience and online viewers were also surprised by Zhou Chen's refusal and couldn't help but feel disappointed.

But Zhou Chen didn't care at all. He wouldn't easily change his mind, nor would he do anything just to please others.

To hell with social niceties, he didn't want to live such a burdensome life.

"It seems you're not comfortable singing 'Desert Camel' at this moment. Could you tell us how you came up with the idea for this song? Where did the inspiration come from?"

Recovering from her awkwardness, the host quickly smiled and smoothly moved on to the next question.


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