Chapter 139: Making an Appearance on the Show

The record holder for the highest 24-hour sales is the Taiwanese singer Li Qing, whose highest sales across the three major domestic platforms reached an impressive four million copies. His sales on the overseas iTunes download charts are also remarkable, with the download numbers of many of his songs consistently ranking first among Chinese artists. He is the undisputed and unshakeable king of Mandopop.

Even though Zhou Tingting is hailed as the premier talent show star, and even though the Seven Sons of Empire are traffic idols each boasting hundreds of millions of fans, Li Qing’s presence easily towers above them all.

Of course, aside from Li Qing, the albums of the second-tier Seven Sons of Empire, the third-tier Zhou Tingting, and others easily achieve platinum and double-platinum certifications. For instance, as long as Zhou Tingting reaches 500,000 sales in six hours and breaks one million within 24 hours, platinum certification is a guaranteed certainty. However, pushing beyond that to gain even another 10,000 sales becomes exceptionally difficult.

This is because among the buying crowd, many fans register multiple or even dozens of accounts to support their idols' works. Propelling an idol's album to platinum sales is a steadfast mission for many dedicated fans.

Even for the Seven Sons of Empire, having an album break double platinum is already considered phenomenal news.

However, even when reaching sales of two million copies, the inflation and artificial padding within those numbers are heavily discounted.

As a newcomer, Song Bailing managing to secure 27,000 album sales in a mere six hours relied primarily on the momentum driven by her pre-release single, "Fairytale Town." Most users who willingly spent ten yuan to purchase the album were simply trying something new.

Yet, these users were mostly native users of the Caiyun app, independent of fan club wars. Therefore, as long as the music is good, word-of-mouth will naturally attract a growing number of listeners.

For haters, spending even a single dime to support Song Bailing is entirely out of the question. Moreover, leaving a comment on any song in the "Fairytale Town" album requires purchasing the track first to unlock commenting privileges.

Consequently, one can observe that the entire comment section is filled with glowing praise, while haters are completely barred from speaking unless they pay to purchase the album tracks.

Of course, if one can patiently wait two months, the entire album will become available for free streaming, at which point the incoming wave of slander will become quite obvious.

Meanwhile, with the assistance of Executive Director Liu Hai, Song Bailing embarked on the first promotional schedule of her life.

Yet, even she never imagined that her very first television appearance would be on *Produce 101*!

East China Film and Television Base.

A Mercedes-Benz MPV belonging to Little Yellow Fish slowly pulled over to the side of the road. After verifying their identities, Song Bailing, Xiao Peng, and Liu Hai walked toward the shooting location of *Produce 101*.

Xiao Peng had been temporarily assigned to assist Song Bailing, serving a dual role as assistant and bodyguard.

Finding the experience very novel, he frequently consulted Liu Hai on work details along the way.

As for the sole artist signed under Little Yellow Fish, Fu Yuntao naturally showed a certain degree of care. After inquiring carefully about Song Bailing, he had the show's writers custom-craft a guest role tailored specifically for her.

"The production team has invited Teacher Huang Qingsong to serve as a guest. As for you, you will act as the co-guest, assisting Teacher Huang in his work and providing some spiritual guidance to the contestants."

After setting Song Bailing's role, the show's writer stated bluntly: "You don't need to talk too much; just follow the conversational rhythm set by Teacher Huang. In a moment, I'll speak with Teacher Huang so you two can sing a song together, and then we will transition into your own song. Sound good?"

"Okay," Song Bailing agreed.

The writer nodded and turned to leave.

Soon, the well-known actor Huang Qingsong walked over. After glancing around the lounge, he walked straight up to Song Bailing: "Miss Song?"

"Yes, my name is Song Bailing. Hello, Teacher Huang," Song Bailing greeted him hastily.

Huang Qingsong nodded and smiled: "You're here to promote your new album, right?"

"That's right," Song Bailing nodded.

"I'm different from you. I'm here to promote a movie."

Huang Qingsong chuckled, easily lifting the conversational atmosphere: "Writer Dai already told me earlier. Here is what I'm thinking: we'll start by singing an old song together, then I'll praise your singing, and after that, you can perform one of your new songs. How does that sound?"

Song Bailing quickly expressed her gratitude: "Thank you, Teacher Huang."

Huang Qingsong waved his hand and smiled: "I've listened to your 'Fairytale Town.' It's very good. You and Liao Yuan are truly a match made in heaven."

"You should say a flawless combination of distinct talents," Song Bailing corrected.

Huang Qingsong was momentarily stunned, his old face growing slightly warm. He gave a small cough, briefly discussed the shooting concept, and then turned and left.

After Huang Qingsong departed, Xiao Peng, who was standing nearby, finally spoke up: "Xiaobai, you really are as blunt as a straight-arrow."

"What?" Song Bailing asked, puzzled.

"So straightforward!" Xiao Peng gave a thumbs-up.

"Thank you."

Song Bailing thanked him sincerely, then asked, "Xiao Peng, were you and President Liao colleagues before?"

"Yeah, I used to be Brother Yuan's phone editor and part-time broadcast director. You have no idea how harsh our conditions were back then..."

Once Xiao Peng started on this topic, he couldn't hold back. Saliva flying everywhere, he began eagerly recounting their glorious history: "Yet, even under such difficult conditions, *Candle in the Tomb* was completed smoothly. Now, its online streaming views have exceeded one hundred million, and not only has it been published in both simplified and traditional Chinese, but even its film and television adaptation rights were bought by Director Fu Yuntao! As soon as *Produce 101* wraps up, he'll immediately launch the *Candle in the Tomb* filming project!"

Song Bailing listened attentively.

She picked up on a detail: "Was President Liao very decadent in the past? His talent should be obvious to everyone; why would things turn out like that?"

Xiao Peng was slightly stunned, recalling carefully: "Hmm... It must have been... Ah, right! The reason probably lies with Director Xi!"

"Director Xi?" Song Bailing asked out of curiosity: "Who is she?"

"Xi Yun! Brother Yuan's former—bah, his former girlfriend!"

Xiao Peng gave a light cough, pouring out all the various versions of gossip that had once circulated around the East China Broadcasting Station. Finally, he said through gritted teeth, "If it weren't for this Xi Yun, Brother Yuan probably would have achieved fame at a very young age. Damn it, thinking about it now makes my lungs hurt with anger!"

Song Bailing pursed her lips and said, "If he could become that decadent just because of a woman, I would actually look down on him. Good thing he is no longer the man he used to be!"

Xiao Peng laughed: "Yeah, Brother Yuan is truly not what he used to be. If I were Xi Yun, my intestines would be turning green with regret right about now!"

Having learned a portion of Liao Yuan's history, Song Bailing's heart was filled with strange emotions, but before she could ponder further, a floor manager pushed the door open and instructed, "Miss Song, the filming is about to start."

"Oh, okay!"

Recovering her wits, Song Bailing hurriedly began applying makeup and powder.

She was originally accustomed to going bare-faced, but appearing on television is different from ordinary outings. For characters under the camera lens to have distinct, full facial features that viewers can clearly see, foundation is a must; otherwise, heavy shadows will make the face appear very dull and gloomy.

Xiao Peng stood helplessly to the side, completely unable to help.

Soon, the makeup application was complete, and under the arrangement of the floor manager, Song Bailing began the first performance of her life.