AFVSIBS **Chapter 219: Zhou Chen Directly Refuses the Spring Festival Gala Invitation**
Not only Wan Fangfang, but Zhang Ziwen also believed that Zhou Chen had no reason to refuse. In other words, if he invited any artist to the Spring Festival Gala, none would decline.
"Sorry, Director Zhang, I might not be able to accept your invitation."
However, without even thinking about it, Zhou Chen directly refused.
"What??"
The other three in the room were all shocked and incredulous.
This was the Spring Festival Gala, after all. And it was the chief director himself who had come to invite him.
Zhou Chen actually chose to refuse?
Was he out of his mind?
Even if he wanted to slack off, no one would slack off when it came to the Spring Festival Gala!
"Zhou Chen, you must be joking with Director Zhang, right? You have this habit of suddenly joking around sometimes. There are times I can't see it coming," Wan Fangfang said with an awkward smile.
"No, I'm not joking. I'm serious. First of all, I appreciate Director Zhang coming personally to invite me to the Spring Festival Gala, but I really can't accept your invitation," Zhou Chen firmly replied.
Zhou Chen wasn't oblivious; he understood social niceties. In his past life, he even understood them better than most people.
But now, he just wanted to live his life and take care of his feelings.
He didn't want to flatter or curry favor with anyone.
He said what he felt. Whether Zhang Ziwen understood or felt offended didn't matter to him.
Even if Zhang Ziwen used his connections and status to cut off Zhou Chen's acting career, he wouldn't care, as he had never considered pursuing acting as a path.
"Why is that? Zhou Chen, do you realize how many artists would jump at the chance to perform at the Spring Festival Gala? Let me tell you, since I entered this industry, I haven't seen any artist refuse an invitation to the Spring Festival Gala. Even if they were sick, they would still accept without hesitation. So, I want to know your reason for refusing," Zhang Ziwen said.
What Zhang Ziwen said was true. Last year's Spring Festival Gala, Chen Xiaoyu performed despite catching a cold and fever during rehearsals, enduring with IV drips and medication just to appear on the show.
Therefore, Zhang Ziwen couldn't understand why Zhou Chen would refuse such a great opportunity without hesitation.
Wan Fangfang was also full of questions but couldn't ask too many in this setting. She hoped to hear Zhou Chen's reasoning.
She still hoped Zhou Chen would participate in the Spring Festival Gala, as it was very important for an artist.
"My reason for refusing is simple. There's too much work for the Spring Festival Gala, including various rehearsals, working overtime, and staying up late. Moreover, the broadcast time conflicts with my early-to-bed, early-to-rise principle. Unless you can agree to air the Spring Festival Gala at six o'clock, it's difficult for me to accept," Zhou Chen explained.
In this world, the Spring Festival Gala starts at nine in the evening, different from Earth's version. This timing was one major reason for Zhou Chen's refusal.
Having experienced setbacks in two lifetimes, he no longer cared much about appearing on the Spring Festival Gala.
He valued his healthy lifestyle more.
Hearing Zhou Chen's explanation, Wan Fangfang suddenly understood.
Previously, Zhou Chen had emphasized needing the time changed to six in the evening for other variety shows he was invited to. She thought he would make an exception for a significant show like the Spring Festival Gala.
However, Zhou Chen remained true to his principles.
But this worried Wan Fangfang. Zhang Ziwen was different from other variety show directors. His status and connections in the industry could completely block Zhou Chen from acting if he wanted to.
So, she quickly explained:
"Director Zhang, Zhou Chen has had this time requirement for other variety shows before. It's not targeted at the Spring Festival Gala; it's a consistent principle for all shows. Zhou Chen still cherishes the opportunity to perform at the Spring Festival Gala and appreciates you coming personally."
"Yes," Zhou Chen nodded, agreeing with what Wan Fangfang said.
Zhang Ziwen was shocked that Zhou Chen used this reason to refuse the Spring Festival Gala invitation.
Before coming, he knew about Zhou Chen's time requirement for other shows from his assistant's report. But like Wan Fangfang, he thought Zhou Chen would make an exception for the Spring Festival Gala.
After all, who would refuse the Spring Festival Gala?
But Zhou Chen stuck to his principles.
"Mr. Zhou, let's do this. Go back and think it over. We'll wait for your reply in three days."
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Zhang Ziwen's assistant spoke with a smile.
"Director Zhang, Zhou Chen and I will think it over and get back to you. We'll reply as soon as we decide."
"I..."
Zhou Chen was about to say there was no need to think it over, but seeing Wan Fangfang nudge his sleeve, he decided to let it be.
Three days was fine. He would refuse again in three days anyway.
"Alright, we'll wait for your message in three days. Here's my business card. Contact me whenever you're ready."
With that, Zhang Ziwen handed his business card to Zhou Chen.
"Thank you."
Zhou Chen took the card out of courtesy and thanked him.
"Thank you, Director Zhang. We'll be leaving now. Let's chat more another day."
Wan Fangfang thanked him and left with Zhou Chen.
The room was arranged by Zhang Ziwen and his assistant, so they stayed behind.
After Zhou Chen and Wan Fangfang left, Zhang Ziwen's assistant said in confusion:
"Director Zhang, this Zhou Chen is truly unique. I've never seen an artist dare to refuse an invitation to the Spring Festival Gala, especially with you inviting him personally. He refused without even thinking. What is he thinking? Doesn't he know the importance of the Spring Festival Gala for an artist?"
"Zhou Chen used the same reason to refuse other variety shows. I didn't expect him to refuse me as well. But I am confident he will eventually accept our invitation."
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