Although Sister Li hadn't said it outright, both Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er knew that her invitation to dinner that evening wasn't just a simple welcome-back meal.
Because Zhang Junzhi's "Little Tiger Group" was about to debut!
The Little Tiger Group was a boy band formed at Lu Chen's suggestion. Its members were Zhang Junzhi, Hu Yiran, and Yue Yang, three teenagers all under seventeen, targeting the post-2000 generation market.
As the saying goes, "Parents' hearts are the most tender under heaven." Sister Li had poured her heart and soul into creating this group. Not only did she find two suitable partners for her son, but she also spared no expense in sending all three boys to the Star Destiny Art Academy in Capital City for comprehensive professional training.
The three boys lived up to her expectations. What was originally supposed to take a full year of training, they completed in just six months through sheer hard work, successfully graduating and meeting all debut requirements.
For any artist, debuting marks a major milestone in life. Although Zhang Junzhi had already gained attention in the entertainment industry through "Autumn in My Heart", Sister Li considered this to be his true debut.
She couldn't tolerate even the slightest flaw in the group's first public appearance. So even though she knew it might seem a bit inappropriate, she still couldn't wait to invite Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er, freshly returned from abroad, to join them for dinner.
After all, without Lu Chen, there would be no Little Tiger Group.
Without Lu Chen, their debut would lack its shine!
"Teacher Lu, hello!"
"Hello, Teacher Chen!"
At 6 p.m., in the Golden Rose Hall of the Imperial Deluxe Restaurant, three handsome young boys respectfully greeted Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er as they entered the private room.
Lu Chen smiled. "Hello, everyone. It's been a while."
The last time he had seen the Little Tiger Group was half a year ago at the Star Destiny Academy. In that time, though they still retained a youthful innocence, the three boys now carried themselves with a budding performer's poise, and a touch of star quality.
The Star Destiny Art Academy's ability to train new talent was, after all, renowned throughout the industry.
Chen Fei'er, however, deliberately feigned a stern expression. "Why are you calling me Teacher too? Do I look that old to you?"
Her playful "complaint" left the three boys momentarily speechless, Had they addressed her incorrectly?
Fortunately, Zhang Junzhi reacted quickly and corrected himself: "Fei'er-jie!" (Sister Fei'er!)
Hu Yiran and Yue Yang immediately followed his lead.
"Good boys!" Chen Fei'er's stern face melted into a bright smile, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Here, I've got something for you."
Knowing the three members of Little Tiger Group would be present, she had prepared three gifts, souvenirs she'd brought back from Korea.
"Thank you, Sister Fei'er!" the boys chorused gratefully.
After the greetings and gift-giving were done, it was time to move on to the real purpose of the evening.
Sister Li didn't rush, though. She first gestured for Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er to sit and then began to shower Lu Chen with praise:
"Lu Chen, you really made our country proud in Korea this time! Everyone's been talking about you, giving you a big thumbs up! You're amazing!"
Zhang Junzhi nodded eagerly. "Yeah! My classmates saw the video and said they want to learn martial arts now!"
Both Hu Yiran and Yue Yang looked at Lu Chen with eyes full of admiration.
In their hearts, Lu Chen was the definition of a true idol, he could write songs, sing, act, and even fight. Talented in both the arts and the martial disciplines, he seemed almost larger than life.
After all, what boy didn't dream of being a hero?
Lu Chen chuckled. "Sister Li, please, don't exaggerate. When are Junzhi and the others officially debuting?"
Sister Li beamed. "On the 28th, they'll appear on 'New Star Show', Channel 2 of Capital TV. After that, we're preparing for June's 'Singing China'!"
Lu Chen immediately understood.
The term "debut" could mean many things in the entertainment industry, releasing a first single, appearing in a film or TV show, performing on a variety program, or even making a first public announcement. Basically, any first appearance meant to introduce an artist to the public could be considered a debut.
However, different artists and different agencies approached debuts with very different strategies.
Ordinary new artists and carefully groomed rookies were two completely separate categories.
Sister Li had only one precious son, Zhang Junzhi, and she also ran her own talent agency with deep connections in the Capital City entertainment circle. Naturally, she was determined to spare no effort or expense to ensure his success.
Capital TV's Channel 2 variety program "New Star Show" was a highly-rated entertainment show that introduced rising stars in the industry, combining interviews and live performances.
It aired every Saturday during prime time, and typically, anyone who managed to appear on "New Star Show" was already someone who had begun to make a name for themselves in the entertainment world.
Getting that slot was no small feat.
Even for a brand-new group like Little Tiger Group, with Zhang Junzhi already having a small degree of fame as their leader, without proper PR work from Sister Li, it would've been difficult to even get them a slot on the show, and even if she managed it, the timing might not have been ideal.
To debut officially on New Star Show was already a strong start, a high-profile, classy platform. Then, following that up with an appearance on Singing China, Sister Li's roadmap for Little Tiger Group's rise to fame was crystal clear.
As for Lu Chen, he could appear on New Star Show to personally support and endorse the group.
Sister Li didn't hide her intentions, nor did she worry about owing Lu Chen a favor. In fact, she was even thinking about getting Chen Fei'er involved.
After all, in the second season of Singing China this year, Chen Fei'er remained one of the four main judges!
The first season of Singing China had performed exceptionally well in ratings last year, even surpassing Xiangnan TV's The Strongest Singer. As Capital TV's first-ever large-scale reality talent show, its success had been phenomenal, and after tasting that success, the network was eager for more.
So this year, the promotional push for Singing China was even stronger than before!
Originally, Capital City TV had invited Lu Chen to serve as a judge during the audition stage, which was already a gesture of great respect back then.
But now, that role no longer suited him, his current status and influence had far surpassed that level.
If the contracts for the four main judges hadn't already been finalized, Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er could have easily appeared together on the main judging panel.
As for Sister Li's request, Lu Chen agreed without hesitation.
After all, Sister Li had been helping the two of them manage the Chen Fei Charity Fund from the very beginning, handling everything with dedication and integrity. Under her leadership, the foundation had already partnered with several top-tier hospitals across the country, providing direct aid to leukemia patients in need, ensuring every donated yuan was used effectively and transparently.
For that alone, Lu Chen felt a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude; he couldn't possibly refuse her.
The dinner that night ended with everyone in high spirits.
When they returned home to Zicheng Garden, Lu Chen closed the door behind them and immediately pulled Chen Fei'er into his arms.
Her eyes were soft and teasing as she laughed quietly. "Take a shower first."
Lu Chen chuckled, shaking his head. "Do you know what day it is today?"
Chen Fei'er blinked in confusion. "What day?"
Lu Chen sighed dramatically. "What's today's date?"
"May... 20th?" she said, puzzled, then realization dawned.
"Ah! 5/20... Internet Valentine's Day!"
"Correct!" Lu Chen grinned. "And there's a prize for the right answer."
He made a magician-like gesture, producing a small jewelry box covered in purple velvet.
Chen Fei'er's delicate face flushed pink, her eyes shimmering with warmth and allure, soft, radiant, and filled with affection.
Boundless tenderness.
(End of Chapter)
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