"OH~ the brightest star in the night sky, please guide me closer to you!"
In the living room of a hotel business suite, Zhang Junzhi had just finished singing a song.
It was Lu Chen's "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky." Chen Fei'er was the first to applaud, giving him a thumbs-up and praising, "Xiao Zhi, that was really good!"
This "Little Shu Tiger" was 15 years old, and just past the voice change period. His voice was still quite decent, and clearly, this song had been practiced; he hit the right notes, and the emotional delivery was quite on point.
At his age, performing at this level was indeed worthy of praise. But if measured by professional standards, Zhang Junzhi still had a long way to go.
Lu Chen could tell, and so could Chen Fei'er. Even Sister Li herself was fully aware.
"Fei'er, don't spoil Xiao Zhi," Sister Li said frankly. "He's just having fun with something new and exciting. He doesn't have the kind of talent needed to go far."
She continued calmly, "He just wants a chance to try, to see whether he's cut out for it."
If Zhang Junzhi were an ordinary kid, trying to make it as a solo singer would be nearly impossible. His voice lacked any particularly memorable qualities; in the circles of Beijing's entertainment scene, he'd be a nobody.
But Zhang Junzhi wasn't just anyone; both of his parents were well-established figures in the entertainment industry. As long as they were willing to invest in him and push him forward, even people with less talent than him could be turned into stars.
Lu Chen thought for a moment and asked, "Xiao Zhi, are you seriously planning to pursue singing?"
Zhang Junzhi nodded seriously. "Yes! I want to be a triple-threat superstar in film, television, and music!"
Being a triple-threat, successful in acting, singing, and TV hosting, is the dream of countless entertainers.
But very few actually achieve it.
Not just anyone can be called a true all-around star.
"Hmm, it's good to have ambition," Lu Chen smiled. "But you'll have to work harder than everyone else."
He didn't criticize Zhang Junzhi for aiming too high as there's nothing wrong with young people having dreams and aspirations. And Zhang Junzhi did have a certain foundation and the resources to back it up.
After pausing for a moment, Lu Chen said to Sister Li, "If I may offer a suggestion, I don't think Junzhi should debut as a solo singer."
Sister Li's eyes lit up. "You mean… as part of a group?"
Lu Chen nodded. "Exactly. I suggest you sign two more newcomers around Xiao Zhi's age and style, and form a boy band. I think it could really work in the current market."
In today's domestic pop scene, there are dozens of boy and girl groups. On the boy band side, Japanese and Korean influences are especially strong, with many group members even coming directly from Korea or Japan.
So the boy band market is still massive, particularly with huge appeal among young fans. Most importantly, putting Junzhi in a group would help cover his weaknesses and highlight his strengths.
Chen Fei'er nodded in realization. "Like MSN?"
At the mention of that name, the "Heavenly Queen" shot Lu Chen a sideways glance without a word.
Lu Chen caught it and gave a wry smile. "Yes."
Sister Li still had concerns. "But for a boy band… isn't Xiao Zhi still a bit too young?"
Most domestic boy band members come from trainee programs, going through extensive vocal and dance training. They usually debut at 18 or 19, and reach maturity in their early twenties, which is currently the most popular age range.
At just 15 years old, Zhang Junzhi seemed too immature, would even young fans accept that?
Lu Chen said, "He is a bit young, but there's a post-2000s market!"
Those born after 2000, the oldest among them are just about 15. This market is typically only catered to with children's music. Almost no boy bands actively target this demographic.
Lu Chen's idea was clearly quite innovative.
Sister Li frowned, deep in thought.
Chen Fei'er smiled. "I think it's a great idea. You could even have songs tailored specifically for this age group."
"Xiao Zhi, what do you think?"
Ultimately, the decision had to come from Zhang Junzhi himself.
Zhang Junzhi beamed. "I love the idea of being in a group! That way, I'll have teammates! Mom, what should we name ourselves?"
He was already eager to pick a cool name for the group.
Lu Chen's suggestion had clearly won him over.
Sister Li sighed. "Your mom's getting old, I don't understand you young people's taste anymore."
So Zhang Junzhi turned to Lu Chen again. "Brother Lu Chen, can you come up with a name?"
Lu Chen smiled. "Then let's call it Little Tiger Group. Like MSN, you'll have three members. Your nickname will be Little Shu Tiger, the others can be Xiaofei Tiger and Little Cute Tiger. How's that sound?"
"Little Tiger Group?"
Zhang Junzhi looked like he'd just been struck by lightning, stunned. "Little Shu Tiger… that's me?"
At his age, this was exactly the kind of thing he was obsessed with. Adults might think it was childish, but for kids like him, it was utterly irresistible!
Little Tiger Group? Little Shu Tiger, Xiaofei Tiger, and Little Cute Tiger?
Chen Fei'er and Sister Li exchanged a look, neither of them quite knew what to say.
Chen Fei'er was, after all, a heavyweight in the show business world. It only took her a moment of thought to grasp the brilliance of Lu Chen's wild yet clever idea. "That sounds great!"
Sister Li's reaction was a beat slower. Then she clapped her hands excitedly and said, "Perfect! Let's put together a boy band for Xiao Zhi, Little Tiger Group. I'll go back and register the brand right away and get someone working on the promotional plan!"
As the CEO of a celebrity management company, the more she thought about it, the more excited she became: "The logo can be designed with three cartoon tiger cubs! Later we can license it out, custom sneakers, clothing, stationery, games, anime… we can do it all!"
Unable to contain her enthusiasm, she stood up and began pacing back and forth, her mind racing with ideas.
Both domestically and internationally, there are plenty of examples of boy or girl groups growing into massive commercial brands. Many groups launch their own fashion lines, cosmetics, or even snacks, raking in millions.
Little Tiger Group was going to target the under-15 market, and that age group actually has serious purchasing power.
Of course, Sister Li hadn't forgotten who came up with the idea.
"Lu Chen, since this brand was your brainchild, I can't take it for free. I'll give you 30% equity in exchange!"
In the entertainment industry, Sister Li was known for being bold, straightforward, and fair, a true iron lady, every bit as capable as any man. Lu Chen had merely provided a name and a concept, yet she was willing to hand over 30% ownership without hesitation. That kind of generosity spoke volumes.
But make no mistake, Sister Li was no fool.
She had clawed her way up from being a plain-looking, unknown woman from a rural inland province to becoming a major player in the cutthroat Capital City entertainment scene. You don't survive that kind of climb without being sharp.
Still, she was more than happy to be decisive.
In fact, from a strategic point of view, offering Lu Chen a 30% stake meant tying him directly to Little Tiger Group, and whether the group took off or not would be closely tied to his support.
Look at MSN, currently skyrocketing in popularity. If not for the songs Lu Chen wrote for them, would they have become famous so quickly?
Absolutely not.
So Sister Li wasn't acting out of impulse or flattery, she was serious and fully aware of the stakes.
For the sake of her son's future, she'd give up everything if necessary, let alone just 30% equity.
Chen Fei'er laughed. "Sister Li, don't forget the rule, those who witness get a share. What about me?"
Sister Li grinned. "If you're willing to get involved, I'll give you 20%. That way, you two lovebirds will hold half the company together."
Chen Fei'er playfully scolded, "Who's a couple now? I was just joking!"
Sister Li chuckled. "I'm not!"
In truth, if Chen Fei'er was really interested, Sister Li would absolutely give her a stake.
With Lu Chen, Chen Fei'er, and herself behind it, Little Tiger Group would be practically destined for success.
As for the 30% stake in her hands, Lu Chen would be lying if he said he wasn't tempted.
But of course, he wouldn't just accept it for free.
Beyond just the initial idea, Lu Chen had plenty more to offer.
He stood up and walked into the study, returning shortly with his guitar.
Since he'd be staying in Jinling for a while, he'd brought quite a few personal items — including his guitar.
Chen Fei'er's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait… don't tell me you're planning to write a song for Little Tiger Group right now?!"
After all, Little Tiger Group was still just a concept, not even in the planning phase.
She knew Lu Chen's songwriting talent was unmatched, but this was pushing things to a whole new level!
Lu Chen smiled. "Bingo, but there's no prize for guessing right!"
Zhang Junzhi only had a few scenes left to film and would be returning to Beijing soon.
Sister Li would naturally go back with him. Since the decision had been made, the formation of Little Tiger Group had to begin right away.
But Lu Chen's filming work had only just begun, and he wouldn't have time to be involved in the group's creation. So instead, he decided to write a song right now — that way, they'd already have a foundation for recruiting members or producing a debut EP.
It might sound outrageous, but in the pop industry, it's actually not uncommon, a single hit song can launch a singer or an entire group into stardom.
And with time tight and everyone present being insiders, Lu Chen didn't hold back or worry about seeming over-the-top. He sat down with his guitar, took a brief moment to gather his thoughts, and began to play.
Sister Li, ever the sharp one, didn't waste a second. She quickly pulled out her phone, opened the voice recorder app, and placed it in front of Lu Chen.
"White clouds pass over the ridge, searching hard for home.
Raindrops awaken dreaming lotus flowers, blooming with a smile.
I turn my youth into a kite, and let it climb into the sky.
Seashells crawl onto the shore, eager to see how big the world is.
Caterpillars look forward to the day they'll have beautiful wings.
A little river lies in the forest's arms, singing spring's melody.
Dreams are a butterfly's wings.
Youth is the paradise of flight.
Release the kite's long string,
And paint love across the face of time!
The heart is the strength of growth,
Just like a butterfly's wings.
The stronger the wind blows,
The louder our song will rise—!"
As Lu Chen's clear, pure voice filled the room, both Sister Li and Chen Fei'er were completely stunned.
They had expected something rough, an early sketch, after all, Little Tiger Group was a last-minute idea. It wouldn't have been surprising if Lu Chen was just playing around with some musical themes.
But what he delivered was a fully formed, complete song.
Lyrics and melody, everything was tailor-made for Little Tiger Group.
Chen Fei'er stared at Lu Chen in awe.
She found herself wondering just how many more miracles this man was capable of.
(End of Chapter)
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