AFVSIBS Chapter 224: The Impact of Zhou Chen's Refusal of the Spring Festival Gala

Zhou Chen's response left Luo You momentarily stunned, unsure how to continue persuading him.

After a quick moment of thought, Luo You immediately said, "Zhou Chen, are you really planning to leave the entertainment industry in three years? If you haven't made a final decision, I personally suggest you keep a good path open for yourself. Appearing on the Spring Festival Gala could significantly elevate your career."

"Teacher Luo, I understand your intentions. I know you're doing this for my sake. But I'm sorry, I won't change my mind. In three years, I will completely leave the entertainment industry," Zhou Chen answered firmly.

"Alright then, since you've decided, continuing to persuade you would be disrespectful. Sigh, I must say, you are truly an unusual person, in a way I have never seen before," Luo You said with a helpless sigh before hanging up the phone.

Although he still couldn't understand why Zhou Chen was so stubborn about his early-to-bed, early-to-rise principle, upon reflection, he realized that Zhou Chen's adherence to this was quite remarkable.

At least regarding the Spring Festival Gala, if it were Luo You, he couldn't have refused it for the sake of early sleep.

Soon, Cheng Qiang, the director of "Chinese and Foreign Music Concert," also learned through his own sources that Zhou Chen had refused the Spring Festival Gala's invitation.

This left him feeling astonished.

"This Zhou Chen is really something, refusing the Spring Festival Gala," he couldn't help but exclaim.

"Director Cheng, it's a pity Zhou Chen did this. If he had agreed to the Spring Festival Gala and then announced it, it would have definitely trended," his assistant said.

"Why?"

"Zhou Chen has only been in the industry for about two months, right? Getting an invitation to the Spring Festival Gala in such a short time would definitely trend. Once he trends, and he's also participating in our 'Chinese and Foreign Music Concert,' it would be hugely beneficial for our program," the assistant analyzed.

Cheng Qiang initially thought his assistant's analysis made sense.

But after a moment of thought, he broke into a pleased smile and said, "No, his refusal is actually more beneficial for us."

"Director Cheng, are you confused? How is it beneficial for us if Zhou Chen doesn't go to the Spring Festival Gala?"

"No, you're the one confused. You haven't grasped the essence of the entertainment industry's traffic dynamics. Zhou Chen going to the Spring Festival Gala would be surprising but logical given his recent popularity. It's a normal progression."

"Then what's different if he doesn't go?"

"The essence lies in his refusal. His refusal makes it intriguing because everyone who hears it will be shocked or find it unbelievable. Just like we did when we first heard the news, right?"

The assistant nodded, understanding immediately: "Director Cheng, now I get it. The term 'Spring Festival Gala' has been around for decades, and no artist has ever refused it. Many would pay millions to get on the Gala. But Zhou Chen outright refused. This unexpected result will definitely cause a stir online, drawing more attention and discussion than if he had accepted."

"Exactly. Sometimes traffic is driven by unexpected events. Zhou Chen's rapid rise is not just due to his talent but also his distinctive personality."

"But Director Cheng, we can't really manipulate this, can we? Zhou Chen has previously stated he rejects all hype," the assistant noted with concern.

"Think differently next time. Are we hyping him? Are we fabricating anything about him? No. His refusal of the Spring Festival Gala is a fact. It's simply the truth!"

"You're right, Director Cheng. I was short-sighted."

"So, we have no psychological burden here. Honestly, with Zhou Chen's fame, even if we don't leak it, it will be all over the internet in a day or two. In the entertainment industry, it's hard to keep secrets. Many so-called rumors are actually the truth, just labeled as rumors."

"You're brilliant, Director Cheng. I didn't think of that. I'll go take care of it right now."

The assistant was about to leave when Cheng Qiang called him back.

"Director Cheng, any other instructions?"

"Don't deliberately leak the news about Zhou Chen's refusal tonight," Cheng Qiang instructed after some thought.

"Why? Your earlier reasoning seemed sound."

"It's not that our plan changes, just the timing. We'll spread the news at midnight on the first. That way, Zhou Chen can garner more attention and traffic on the day of his performance," Cheng Qiang explained.

"Great idea. As expected, you're thorough, Director Cheng."

The assistant immediately praised him.

Cheng Qiang felt quite pleased with himself.

As for how "Music 2023" would respond, he was no longer worried, as he held the trump card of Zhou Chen.

Now he could finally relax and wait for the first.

On the "Music 2023" side, Director Wei Wentao secretly had dinner with Chen Xiaoyu that evening.

They were about to initiate their second promotional plan, which he believed was their secret weapon for increasing "Music 2023"'s attention and viewership.

"Director Wei, how's the preparation for the plan you mentioned last time? Any problems?" Chen Xiaoyu asked after dinner.

"Rest assured, everything is set. No one will suspect your charity donation. At nine tonight, our arranged people will release the news, ensuring you receive unanimous praise online tonight and tomorrow. From then on, the label of a charitable star is yours," Wei Wentao promised confidently.

"Thank you, Director Wei."

"No need for thanks. I do need your help with something. When the news goes viral, you need to post on Weibo, indicating that you're participating in a program on 'Music 2023' on the first," Wei Wentao requested.


NEXTNEXT