1novels Chapter 60 Unexpected Popularity
Chapter 60 Unexpected Popularity
The lengthy group interview finally came to an end.
The reporters packed up their equipment, satisfied, and left to rush to their respective press release deadlines.
The five gold medal winners breathed a sigh of relief and said goodbye to each other.
Lin Hanjiang quickly walked to Jiang Tao's side as he was about to leave.
"Brother Jiang Tao, want to chat for a bit?"
Jiang Tao was a little surprised: "What's up, Brother Lin? Why are you being so mysterious?"
Lin Hanjiang immediately said, "It's about the same thing I asked before, the Guangdong New Song Chart. Are you sure you want to go? When are you leaving? I've already made my plans, I'll be in Guangzhou before the end of the month. If the timing works out, we can look out for each other on the way."
Jiang Tao frowned slightly, not expecting Lin Hanjiang to be serious this time.
Those who sing folk songs should go and sing pop songs.
Jiang Tao reached out and touched Lin Hanjiang's forehead.
"Are you delirious from a fever?"
Lin Hanjiang chuckled and slapped Jiang Tao's hand away: "I'm not kidding, I've already had someone register me."
"Holy crap! You're serious?"
Jiang Tao still couldn't understand why Lin Hanjiang would do this.
Lin Hanjiang was too lazy to explain. He had originally thought that having more companions would make it easier to travel together.
"When exactly are you going?"
Jiang Tao calmed down a bit, revealing a hint of practical worry: "I definitely want to get on the new song charts, and I have to beat that kid Mao Ning. But the timing is really hard to say. To be honest, I've taken on two or three small jobs in the last few days."
"Commercial performance?" Lin Hanjiang asked.
"Hey, what do you mean by commercial performance?"
Jiang Tao waved his hand casually, but there was a hint of shrewdness and helplessness honed by life in his eyes.
He's living a rather tough life now, with his family in Beijing, all for the sake of his dream of singing.
This time they've finally turned things around.
"It's through a friend's introduction. I go to some company party or a new shopping mall opening celebration to sing a song or two. The pay isn't much, maybe three or five hundred, but at least it's cash, which can help in an emergency."
Jiang Tao explained with a wry smile that it wasn't a lot of money, but it was enough to live on for a while and improve their living conditions.
"As you know, we're in the popular music scene, which is quite different from your folk or bel canto styles. You guys have the right path, and the ones targeting you are mostly galas and performing arts groups. Our livelihood is closer to the market. After the competition, the buzz only lasts a few days, so we have to cash in quickly. Otherwise, relying solely on the prize money, we'll struggle to even afford rent and food in Beijing."
Lin Hanjiang listened silently and nodded.
He understood Jiang Tao's situation.
In 1992, this was the living condition of artists outside the system: opportunities were uncertain and income was unstable.
Jiang Tao doesn't have a prominent background; he relies entirely on his good voice and enterprising spirit to achieve his current success and the channels through which he gets work.
"That's a good thing. It's better to have work than to be idle," Lin Hanjiang said sincerely. "It seems that you're quite adept at this approach, Brother Jiang Tao."
"What's so lively about it? Just messing around."
Jiang Tao sighed, then grinned, a smile that held both satisfaction and anticipation for the future.
"However, winning the gold medal this time should make things a bit better. I've already been in contact with two good performing arts troupes, hoping to get into one. With a stable job and performance opportunities, life will be much more secure. And who knows, maybe I can even be like those big stars and perform on the Spring Festival Gala... Hey!"
As he spoke, his eyes lit up, clearly showing his anticipation for appearing on the Spring Festival Gala.
Lin Hanjiang knew that for many singers of this era, the Spring Festival Gala was the ultimate dream, a symbol of fame and status.
Jiang Tao has both the ambition and the potential.
Moreover, the CCTV Spring Festival Gala is the best opportunity to become famous.
No matter which TV station it is, they will all broadcast the Spring Festival Gala.
In this day and age, when it comes to viewership ratings, the Spring Festival Gala is second to none.
"You'll definitely make it," Lin Hanjiang said confidently. "With your talent and popularity, appearing on the Spring Festival Gala is just a matter of time. When that happens, don't forget to give me a hand."
"Haha, you little rascal, are you making fun of me?"
Jiang Tao laughed loudly and patted Lin Hanjiang's shoulder forcefully.
"You're the real dragon. You won the gold medal in folk singing, and your works are so solid. Your future is much brighter than mine. But seriously, Brother Lin, aren't you really considering joining the troupe? It's such a pity to miss that opportunity from the General Political Department."
Lin Hanjiang didn't know where Jiang Tao got the information from.
It seems someone has leaked the information.
Lin Hanjiang shook his head, offering no further explanation, only saying:
"Everyone has their own ambitions. I still want to follow my own pace and see. Well, Brother Jiang Tao, since you can't finalize your commercial performance schedule, what about the trip south?"
"Don't worry, I'll definitely be at the New Song Chart. As soon as I finish my work here, I'll buy a ticket and head south to meet you. See you in Guangzhou. It's a deal, we'll meet up with Mao Ning and his gang together then."
As Jiang Tao spoke, he extended his hand.
"Okay, see you in Guangzhou."
Lin Hanjiang smiled and extended his hand.
Two hands clasped tightly together, a promise between colleagues, and a pledge to go to another battlefield together.
Jiang Tao left.
Lin Hanjiang was somewhat envious of him.
He met a wealthy woman who was willing to endure hardship with him.
However, Jiang Tao's life will get better after he participates in the CCTV Young Singers Competition, appears on the Spring Festival Gala, and joins the performing arts troupe.
Lin Hanjiang also had to go back; practicing pop songs was different from practicing folk songs.
Changing careers is not that simple.
As Lin Hanjiang stepped out of the CCTV building, a wave of heat immediately enveloped him.
"It's hot in town in the middle of summer, but it will be even hotter in Guangzhou."
Lin Hanjiang wiped his forehead as he shouted.
It's midday now, and I'm getting a bit hungry.
Along the bustling Chang'an Avenue, high-rise buildings stand side by side, but turning into a narrow alley leading to a bus stop, another vibrant side of Beijing comes into view.
At the entrance of the alley, a small shop facing the street.
An old-fashioned noodle shop specializing in steamed buns and twisted rolls, with huge steamer baskets stacked one on top of another.
The freshly steamed noodles exude a pure wheat aroma.
There was already a queue of about ten people in front of the shop.
Most of them were employees returning home from get off work nearby, housewives carrying grocery baskets, and a few men in work clothes who had just finished physical labor.
Everyone lined up quietly, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones, clutching their spare change in their hands.
Lin Hanjiang silently walked to the end of the line.
He was dressed plainly and was not particularly noticeable in the group.
However, when he stood still and turned slightly to look at the steaming bamboo steamer.
A young female employee in front of him lingered on his face for a few seconds.
Suddenly his eyes widened, and a look of disbelief and surprise appeared on his face.
She tugged at her companion's sleeve, lowering her voice, which trembled slightly with excitement: "Hey, Xiaojuan, look, doesn't that person behind me look familiar?"
Xiao Juan's companion turned around and looked Lin Hanjiang up and down.
Lin Hanjiang noticed their gazes and subconsciously looked up, meeting their eyes.
Upon making eye contact, Xiaojuan let out a soft "Ah!", covered her mouth with her hand, and then nodded vigorously.
"It's so similar, so very similar! Last night on TV, the singer in the Young Singers Competition sang that... that song 'Entering the New Era'! What was it called again...?"
Although their whispers were not loud, they were quite noticeable in the quiet line.
The people in front of them in line turned around when they heard the noise.
A middle-aged man carefully examined Lin Hanjiang, and a look of realization dawned on his face:
"Oh, it really is him, Lin Hanjiang. I watched the competition last night, he sang well!"
Now everyone at the front of the line knew what was happening and turned to look.
Then the discussion spread:
"Is that really him? He looks even younger and more handsome than on TV."
"Is it 'Entering the New Era'? My parents were moved to tears when they watched it, saying the song really touched their hearts."
"This kid's got potential; he wrote his own songs!"
"To win a gold medal on CCTV at such a young age, that's incredible..."
Lin Hanjiang was caught off guard.
He anticipated the program would have an impact, but he didn't expect to be recognized by ordinary citizens while queuing to buy steamed buns in such a back alley.
This feeling is strange, unlike the formal atmosphere of being surrounded by media in the CCTV building.
This is a more direct way of being seen.
Even though he had been a boss in his previous life, he couldn't adapt all at once.
His face felt a little hot, but he quickly calmed down and nodded slightly to the citizens.
He gave a somewhat reserved but sincere smile as a greeting.
"You're too kind, everyone."
"Good job, young man."
An elderly man at the front of the line gave him a thumbs up.
"That song is well-written and well-sung; it brings honor to our country."
"Thank you, thank you so much," Lin Hanjiang said quickly.
……
Seeing the growing crowd around him, Lin Hanjiang didn't dare to linger.
When he was about to leave, the owner of the steamed bun shop gave him a big bag of steamed buns.
He said it was a gift for him and didn't need any money.
But Lin Hanjiang wouldn't accept it; he just slipped two yuan to the shopkeeper and left.
"Oh, you silly child!"
"Look at him, honest, talented, and doesn't take advantage of others, that's a good man."