AFVSIBS Chapter 234: Plans for Opening the Chinese Market by Artists from Country A
Cheng Qiang still had one ace up his sleeve: the news about Zhou Chen refusing the Spring Festival Gala invitation. His original plan was to release this news at midnight on the first, shocking everyone online. However, now he changed his mind.
He learned a lesson from Wei Wentao's failure, realizing that sometimes doing nothing is the best choice.
So, he immediately said, "No need to bother with that. We don’t need to do anything right now."
"Got it. I'll go prepare for the premiere on the first."
With that, Cheng Qiang's assistant turned and left. At this moment, Cheng Qiang could kick back, cross his legs, and leisurely enjoy his tea.
Meanwhile, Zhou Chen planned to go fishing again today. Yesterday’s luck wasn’t great; he only caught three crucian carp. Today, with no other plans, he could spend the whole day fishing. As for tomorrow, he would be participating in the "International Music Festival" and wouldn’t have time.
"Zhou Chen, are you going to the practice room to rehearse 'Blue and White Porcelain' later?" Wan Fangfang asked.
"No need. I’m already very familiar with the song. I’ll just do a simple run-through in my room tonight." Zhou Chen replied.
"Alright. By the way, I forgot to tell you, 'Music 2023' has been postponed."
"Yeah, I expected that. It doesn’t affect us, so let’s not worry about it."
"How do you always know these things? Sometimes I really wonder if you’re a prophet."
"I’m no prophet; I just follow basic logic."
"Well, you’ve been right about a lot of things. I can't help but be impressed."
"You can keep being impressed. I’m off to fish. Bye."
After packing his things, Zhou Chen headed out. Learning from last time, he had prepared snacks in his bag so he wouldn’t have to interrupt his fishing to eat.
Zhou Chen returned to the same fishing gear shop as before, rented the same equipment, and greeted the girl at the shop, who was his fan. Zhou Chen appreciated her keeping his visit a secret.
"Thank you," Zhou Chen said.
"Why are you thanking me?" The girl looked puzzled.
"Thank you for keeping my secret. It’s nice that no one knows I came here to fish yesterday."
"Oh, that! I’m a person of my word. I said I wouldn’t tell, and I didn’t. But I’m curious, you have a show tomorrow night. How do you have time to fish today?"
"It’s fine. Just look forward to the new song tomorrow night. It won’t disappoint you," Zhou Chen said confidently.
"Great! I’m really looking forward to it."
As a loyal fan, the girl was very happy. After a brief chat, she handed Zhou Chen a bottle of mineral water and then went back to her work.
Zhou Chen found a new spot by Nanliu River and began his day of fishing. As a top star in the entertainment industry, living so leisurely was unprecedented.
On the other side, Japanese artists Kawashima Koyuki and Inobe Saburo were practicing their songs in a rented karaoke room. Kawashima Koyuki's song, "What a Piece of Porcelain," was adapted from the popular Japanese song "Love Goes Left." Inobe Saburo's song, "This Porcelain is Beautiful," was also adapted from a Japanese song.
They believed Japanese songs were excellent, and they just needed to replace the lyrics with ones related to porcelain. As creative artists, writing songs was not difficult for them, which was why they decided to change their plan from covering Chinese songs.
They were aiming to break into the Chinese market, so the content of their songs was tailored to appeal to Chinese audiences. To do this, they hired a professional consultant in China, Li Qingtian.
Li Qingtian had studied in Japan years ago and was fluent in Japanese, making communication easy.
"Mr. Li, how should we behave on the show to win over the Chinese audience? We need your guidance," Inobe Saburo asked humbly.
"Yes, Mr. Li, this is our first step into the Chinese market, which is why we hired you," Kawashima Koyuki added.
"Rest assured, I’ve got it all planned. After your performance, bow politely and thank the audience in Chinese. I’ll teach you how to say it, and you’ll pick it up quickly," Li Qingtian replied.
"Great. What else should we do?"
"In addition to thanking the audience in Chinese, express how friendly you find China and how much you enjoy the environment and a particular Chinese food. I’ll help you choose the food and write down what it’s like to eat it, even if you haven’t tried it. Just say what I write," Li Qingtian instructed.
"No problem. Thank you, Mr. Li. Anything else?" Inobe Saburo continued to ask.
"Most importantly, you need to say that you love Chinese culture and believe it’s one of the greatest cultures in the world."
"What! Say that Chinese culture is one of the greatest in the world?"
Both Inobe Saburo and Kawashima Koyuki were reluctant. They believed Japanese culture was the greatest.
"Yes, you must say it. Only then can you quickly open the Chinese market and win over Chinese audiences," Li Qingtian firmly replied.
"But..."
"No buts. I know what you’re thinking. You’re saying it’s one of the greatest, not the greatest. If you want to make money in the Chinese market, you have to cater to Chinese tastes. This is the best way. You decide. After all, you hired me for my advice," Li Qingtian explained.
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