What a bunch of "CCTV son-in-law" nonsense! These people really just love to stir things up! Deng Siqing's face flushed slightly, like a peach, utterly adorable.
When they arrived at the station, Lin Chudong went to Studio Four. Zhao Jinrong, Mao Feifei, and a woman under thirty were already waiting.
"Teacher Zhao, Director Qiu, Teacher Mao, sorry to keep you waiting."
Zhao Jinrong smiled, "Da Fei, you're here! I've read your script, it's fantastic. We'll be relying on you this time to direct."
Lin Chudong said, "No problem. It's my honor to direct for you."
Qiu Chengdong said, "Alright, let's skip the pleasantries. I've read Da Fei's script. This skit is quite good, but the singing part in the middle, Da Fei, could you give us a demonstration?"
Lin Chudong nodded. "Alright, teachers, I'll go through it for everyone."
Directing a skit isn't easy. Unlike directing a film, a skit is performed on stage, requiring a high density of jokes, ideally one every thirty seconds, with no breaks in the laughter.
And it has to be done in one take. When delivering the jokes, you can't let others steal the show.
With Teacher Zhao there, the punchlines will definitely be centered around her.
Mao Feifei was still satisfied with this script. It was practically tailor-made for Teacher Zhao. He also had a few jokes, but they were just supporting roles.
But having Da Fei direct still made him feel a little uncomfortable.
A singer, directing their comedy troupe? What qualifications did he have?
Moreover, after reading the script, Mao Feifei was very dissatisfied with another actress.
This actress was named Bai Guixiang, from the drama troupe. She was of average appearance, and he didn't have a close relationship with her.
Mao Feifei's wife was also an actress. While not a comedian, she was more than capable of performing a skit.
His wife should be the one doing the performance. They were already playing a couple in the skit. It was only natural to keep the benefits within the family.
During a break after several rehearsals, Mao Feifei found Lin Chudong.
"Teacher Da Fei, I have some ideas about Bai Guixiang's role."
"Here's my wife's profile. Take a look. I think she would be a great fit. We have good chemistry together."
Lin Chudong took Mao Feifei's phone and looked at it for a while, then frowned.
Mao Feifei's wife, Chen Ya, was a somewhat well-known actress who had appeared in several TV dramas.
Most of her roles were villains. She had a certain "tea" vibe, but she was pretty. Her aura, however, was a little like a green tea.
Lin Chudong said, "Teacher Mao, with all due respect, your sister-in-law's temperament isn't quite suited for comedy."
"She's too beautiful and would steal the show. Bai Guixiang is very suitable, and she performs well. I don't think we need to change."
Bai Guixiang had a plain appearance, which looked very cheerful. Just standing on stage was comedic.
Her role was meant to be a supporting one, not to be too high-profile.
If Chen Ya's 'seductive temperament' were to go on stage, the effect would definitely be much worse.
Mao Feifei's face turned grim, looking very displeased.
"Teacher Da Fei, are you targeting me? Why do you reject all my requests?"
Lin Chudong said, "Teacher Mao, you misunderstand. I'm doing this for the show's effect, to let everyone see a more excellent performance. I'm not targeting you."
Last time they worked on the Kung Fu Order, Mao Feifei was already very displeased with him. If anyone was targeting him, it was probably Mao Feifei.
During the afternoon rehearsal, Mao Feifei had a stern face several times.
Even Zhao Jinrong couldn't help but speak up.
"Xiao Mao, what's wrong? Are you in a bad mood?"
Mao Feifei said, "No, I just think the effect of this program is so-so. I'm afraid the punchlines won't land."
Qiu Chengdong frowned, "Xiao Mao, these punchlines will definitely land. The several directors on site laugh every time they see it. You don't have to worry. Just cooperate with Da Fei."
Mao Feifei said with a blank expression, "Director Qiu is right."
The program basically took shape after an afternoon of rehearsals. The coordination was good. They had two more days, and the program would be recorded in the evening. There was definitely enough time.
In the evening, Lin Chudong had dinner with Director Qiu.
Director Qiu was very happy. "Da Fei, you really have a talent for comedy. I have a show in a while, specifically inviting comedians to compete. How about you be my planner and host?"
Lin Chudong thought for a moment and said, "Can I participate?"
Qiu Chengdong was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Sure, if you want to participate, no problem, but I don't have any inside dealings. If you get eliminated, don't blame me."
"Don't worry, I won't blame you."
The two of them had a few drinks, and Lin Chudong said, "Director Qiu, is there any magic in the Lantern Festival Gala?"
"Not at the moment, do you want to perform one?"
"I have an idea."
Qiu Chengdong nodded. "Your magic tricks were indeed quite精彩 before, but they were just little tricks. They don't count as a complete act. If you have a good piece, you can give it a try."
Da Fei had performed magic tricks twice before, and the audience was already anticipating it. Seeing Da Fei perform magic tricks at the gala now didn't feel out of place at all.
A singer doing magic tricks seemed normal for him.
Lin Chudong said, "I have an act, but I need Sister Deng's cooperation. You see, I have a coin in my hand..."
A few minutes later, Qiu Chengdong's eyes widened in shock.
"Are you fucking kidding me? Is this magic?"
Qiu Chengdong picked up the coin and the cup and carefully examined them, but he couldn't find any flaws.
"Is there a mechanism in this prop?"
Lin Chudong smiled. "There's definitely a trick to it. I'm not a magician. It's an illusion, a close-up magic trick. You're sitting so close, and you can't even see the flaw, right?"
Qiu Chengdong nodded. "That's right. This program is good; it can be included."
"During the gala recording, you'll start with a song, then do a magic trick in the middle, and finally, let Teacher Zhao be the finale."
Qiu Chengdong was a little excited. These three programs were his trump cards. A lot of the audience hadn't had enough of Da Fei's Rubber Band Through on the Spring Festival Gala. This time, they could enjoy it at the Lantern Festival Gala.
"After the magic trick, you and Sister Deng will guest host for a bit and rhyme for everyone. It would be best if you could recite a poem or guess some riddles. No problem, right?"
Lin Chudong said, "Director Qiu, you're really supporting me."
Qiu Chengdong laughed heartily. "We're helping each other out, haha!"
January 13th, the Lantern Festival Gala recording site.
Wang Zhi and the others had also arrived at the central station. Liang Yin asked, "Da Fei, how many programs do you have this time?"
Lin Chudong smiled wryly, "Is that how everyone asks now? Isn't one program enough?"
Although the Lantern Festival Gala wasn't as important as the Spring Festival Gala, it was still an annual event. Many artists wanted to perform on stage; just getting one chance was good enough. The boss lady just came up and asked how many programs he had. Did she really think he was the station's favorite?
Liang Yin said, "It would be enough for others, but not necessarily for you; you have too much talent."
"Let's say three. A song, a magic act, and the final skit, which I directed."
"Impressive!"
The recording of the Lantern Festival Gala wasn't that tense since it was pre-recorded. They could edit or re-record if there were problems.
Wang Zhi pondered. This time, he couldn't stand too far in the corner, or the logo would still block him. He was getting smarter now; as long as he stood beside Da Fei, he'd definitely be in the shot.
Lin Chudong said, "I'll be playing piano and singing today. Xiao Jia will be on the keyboard. Everyone pay attention to your positions and follow the director's arrangements."
"Understood, Fei-ge."
At nine in the evening, the program recording began.
Qiu Chengdong said, "Countdown to the Lantern Festival Gala recording, 3, 2, 1! Begin!"
"Deng-jie, you're up."
The show opened with a large-scale dance performance, followed by the six hosts singing as they walked onto the stage.
"In the first month, the first month is the right month, the fifteenth day of the first month hangs red lanterns..."
Then came several lively group songs, and the program's effect was quite good.
A few minutes later, Qiu Chengdong spoke into the walkie-talkie.
"Da Fei, get ready."
On the stage, a white piano was already set up.
"The Spring Festival holiday is over, did you spend enough time with your family?"
"A year has passed in the blink of an eye. Sometimes I wonder, why isn't there enough time? I want to spend more time with my family, but time flies by so quickly."
"Where Did the Time Go?"
"Next, let's invite the Liang Music Band to perform the song, 'Where Did the Time Go?' Please give them a round of applause!"
After Deng Siqing announced the performance, the camera focused on Lin Chudong's hands.
Lin Chudong pressed his hands on the piano keys, and a beautiful melody began to play, accompanied by Lin Chudong's magnetic voice.
"New buds sprout on the old tree in front of the door,
Flowers bloom again on the withered wood in the yard.
So many words accumulated in half a lifetime,
Hidden in the full head of white hair.
The little feet in memory,
The chubby little mouth,
A lifetime of love given to him,
Just for that one word, 'Dad' and 'Mom'…"
The song's melody was filled with sadness, and the lyrics were easy to understand. The audience's reaction was excellent; they were all immersed in the music.
Qiu Chengdong directed several cameramen to film the audience's reactions.
Da Fei had heard this song several times. Each time he listened, he felt the urge to cry.
Previously, "My Chinese Heart" had moved the Xianggang compatriots to tears at the Spring Festival Gala, and the effect was very good. Therefore, Qiu Chengdong's request was for Da Fei to perform another tear-jerking song.
As a result, Da Fei unleashed a major move; this song was too tearful.
But this kind of tearful song about family and reunion was quite suitable for the Lantern Festival Gala.
At this moment, Wang Zhi stood in the center of the stage, right next to Da Fei. His face was full of confidence. He had even gotten a handsome hairstyle today and had to show his face.
Being blocked by the subtitles at the Spring Festival Gala was simply Wang Zhi's lifelong regret.
During the rebroadcast, he only appeared for a few fleeting moments, all of which were incredibly blurry.
If it weren't for those few glimpses, he wouldn't have been able to explain it to his family.
When he sent the video to the relatives and friends' group chat, he had to specifically mention that the person who was blocked was him.
He lacked experience last time, so this time for the Lantern Festival Gala, he absolutely had to find a good camera position.
However, after the performance began, Wang Zhi found that he had been a bit too optimistic.
How many cameras were there on site?
Normally, whichever camera's light was on indicated it was filming, but now so many cameras were lit up simultaneously, all filming together. Which one should he look at?
"Where Did the Time Go? Before I could properly experience youth, I'm already old Raising children for a lifetime My mind is filled with their cries and laughter
Where Did the Time Go? ---
"Before I could even look at your eyes, they're already clouded over,
Half a lifetime spent on daily necessities.
In the blink of an eye, all that's left are wrinkles!"
As the chorus began, the audience at the scene couldn't help but burst into tears.
Da Fei's song was simply too emotional, causing those who had just left their hometowns to work to shed tears of farewell once again.
Qiu Chengdong nodded in satisfaction. Da Fei's song was incredibly solid; it was undoubtedly a classic.
Da Fei's piano skills were also quite strong. After editing it later, adding some emotional scenes, it would definitely become a classic.
There weren't many programs at the Lantern Festival Gala, which gave Da Fei enough time. The song ended after just over three minutes.
Deng Siqing took the stage, her eyes glistening with redness.
"Listening to this song, my heart felt like it was being tugged, as if I was reminded of my parents. I also want to ask, Where Did the Time Go?"
"In our busy lives, we unknowingly neglect our dearest parents, whose hair has already turned gray…"
Following this song, Deng Siqing's words brought the audience to tears once more.
Even Liang Yin backstage saw this scene and her eyes were red.
Da Fei had heard the song several times already, but still couldn't help but well up, it was just too moving.
Da Fei is really good at making people cry.
After getting off stage, Wang Zhi said.
"Brother Fei, my position this time should be fine, right?"
Lin Chudong shrugged. "I don't know either. This isn't live, so it depends on how they edit it later. But the chances of you being on camera are slim."
These kind of emotional songs usually have pictures and text accompanying them. Even Da Fei might not be on camera the whole time during these three minutes, let alone Wang Zhi and the others.
Wang Zhi said, "I was smiling at the camera the whole time. I hope the director doesn't cut me out."
The show continued. Having just experienced the stress of the Spring Festival Gala, everyone felt much more relaxed recording the Lantern Festival Gala. Actually, this show wasn't so easy to record either, it was just that the pressure of the Spring Festival Gala was too great, and most of the programs for the Lantern Festival Gala were actually rejected from the Spring Festival Gala.
There were only a few new programs, and the most outstanding ones were the programs that Qiu Chengdong had specially researched.
Deng Siqing came on stage and said, "Have you all learned the Rubber Band Through from the Spring Festival Gala? I didn't even learn it, and I was right under Da Fei's nose! This magic trick is really amazing. It's just a pity that the time was too short, we didn't get to see enough."
"This time, Da Fei is bringing us a new magic trick."
"I wonder what kind of surprise he'll bring us this time!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Da Fei, who will bring us a moment to witness a miracle!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience!
Da Fei was back!
The Lantern Festival Gala is also one of CCTV's very important galas, and its status is second only to the Spring Festival Gala.
It was a bit of an exaggeration that Da Fei could perform two official programs by himself.
Perhaps it was the Spring Festival Gala that made Da Fei an overnight success, and the Lantern Festival Gala directly arranged two programs. Everyone loved to watch.
Lin Chudong walked onto the stage and shook hands with Sister Deng.
"Hello, host."
"Hello, Da Fei. I see you've prepared some props on the table. What kind of magic will you be performing for us today?"
Lin Chudong said, "There are some common things on the table. This is a coin. I'll first ask the host to sign the coin and make a mark."
Deng Siqing picked up the marker and signed the one-yuan coin.
Lin Chudong picked up the coin and aimed it at the camera.
"After signing, this coin is now the only one of its kind in the world. Next, I'm holding two glasses. Please, host, examine my glasses carefully to see if there are any issues."
-----------------------
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