To propel Changying Motors onto the global stage as quickly as possible, Ye Chen has already made plans.
Once Changying Motors establishes a foothold in the domestic market, he intends to leverage the Rejuvenation Pill to pave the way, enlisting the Rothschild family to secure production and sales qualifications in the US, acquiring a capable American automaker like General Motors or Ford, and having Bernard Elnott facilitate the acquisition of a brand like France’s Peugeot to establish Changying Motors’ overseas production bases.
Although Ye Chen lacks expertise in car manufacturing or sales, he knows that this brand, named after his father, must be driven with utmost effort to become the world’s premier automotive brand.
During this Spring Festival Gala, Changying Motors’ presence was not as pervasive as previous sponsors.
They didn’t resort to constant product placements, relentless host shout-outs, or red envelope giveaways to boost visibility.
Despite spending the same amount, Changying Motors opted for just two advertisements: one was the host’s announcement of the new vehicle’s launch date, and the other was a silent Changying logo displayed at the end of the programme list.
Low-key and restrained was the tone of Changying Motors’ sponsorship.
The programmes flowed one after another, moving steadily and precisely like an assembly line.
Although the Gala’s comedic segments have declined year after year, the novelty of celebrating New Year’s Eve in a restaurant with dozens of compatriots created a strong sense of freshness for everyone.
Moreover, sometimes, people’s sense of humour lowers as the crowd grows.
This explains why watching a stand-up comedy video alone on a phone feels underwhelming, while live audiences burst into laughter, amplified by the atmosphere.
What Ye Chen didn’t expect was a mysterious programme, its name undisclosed in advance.
When the host appeared on screen, he smiled and said, “In previous years, we’ve always released the full programme list before the Spring Festival Gala begins. This time, however, we kept one programme under wraps because our team was still negotiating for it just two days before the live broadcast. I’m thrilled to announce that this programme will finally grace the Gala stage tonight!”
The host’s words sparked excitement among the audience.
The Spring Festival Gala, regardless of its quality, is meticulously organised. To ensure the New Year’s bell rings precisely at midnight, every programme is timed to the second. Any performer who deliberately extends or shortens their segment risks being blacklisted by the production team, never to return.
Thus, the Gala’s programme list and timing are typically finalised over two weeks in advance, followed by repeated rehearsals.
What could this mysterious programme be, secured just two days before the broadcast?
This was a significant risk, starkly contrasting the Gala’s usual cautious approach.
As the audience buzzed with curiosity, the host continued, “Recently, a song has frequently topped trending lists across major platforms. That song is *Assassin*, performed by our talented Chinese singer Gu Qiuyi alongside international superstar Tavana Sweet. Those familiar with Miss Gu know that she plans to retire from the entertainment industry after completing her farewell concerts this year. Our production team made several attempts and finally succeeded in inviting Miss Gu to perform on the Gala stage one last time before her retirement!”
The live audience erupted in screams and gasps.
Such fervor was rare on the Gala stage in previous years.
Viewers at home were equally thrilled.
Who could have imagined Gu Qiuyi would perform at the Gala again?
The host smiled and said, “Please welcome Gu Qiuyi to perform *Assassin*.”
The stage transitioned to an ancient Chinese aesthetic, and Gu Qiuyi, dressed in a flowing ancient-style gown, took the stage.
Even in the restaurant on this Maldives island, many audience members clapped enthusiastically.
Xiao Changkun raised both hands, clapping vigorously, and said with a laugh, “This song was insanely popular recently! Just yesterday, Miss Sweet performed it at the bar!”
Xiao Churan pursed her lips, her expression complex, saying nothing.
Ye Chen, too focused on the screen, didn’t notice Xiao Churan’s expression. He stared curiously at Gu Qiuyi’s red shawl.
Perhaps it wasn’t a shawl but more like a long, red ribbon, its silk-like material draped over her shoulders, flowing down both sides of her arms, with long red silk fluttering behind her.
This was Changying.
Ye Chen knew that Gu Qiuyi was paying tribute to his father in her own way.
This moment might have been meaningful only to Ye Chen, but what he didn’t expect was that Xiao Churan, sitting beside him, also understood Gu Qiuyi’s intention.
Their families were old friends, bound by an engagement, and Gu Qiuyi had searched for Ye Chen for years. Xiao Churan felt that, at this moment, Gu Qiuyi, adorned with the Changying ribbon on stage, was Ye Chen’s true emotional home…
