"Dingfengbo" is set to start filming in June, and with nearly three months left, Zhou Lan doesn’t want Zhou Yun to have any gaps, so she discusses with Zhou Yun about taking on a few guest appearances on variety shows. You can’t leave your schedule empty, even if Zhou Yun herself doesn’t want to make money, the company needs her to.
Zhou Yun is on the rise, and it’s not possible for her to stop at this time. Opportunities come and go; others won’t wait for you.
"There’s a variety show about actors’ acting skills, and they’re offering us a very high price, almost double that of other programs," Zhou Lan starts with the first proposal, "Such acting competition shows have been quite popular these past few years, and nearly all the ones made have been hits. We don’t have to compete until the very end; participating in four to six episodes should be enough."
Zhou Yun shakes her head and says, "I better not embarrass myself with my acting skills. I’ve watched shows one; only experienced veteran actors gain favor. Young actors hardly get any applause. Not only that, Sister Lan, haven’t you noticed? These kinds of shows have never made any contestants famous; it’s always the mentors who get the fame."
Zhou Lan bursts out laughing.
"That’s true, so let’s not consider this one." Zhou Lan brings out another proposal and says, "This one, ’Geology Talk,’ you know how long-running this program is. I’ve talked to their producers, and they really want to invite you as a guest for four episodes."
"’Geology Talk’?" Zhou Yun frowns unconsciously, "I feel like I’m totally incompatible with this show."
Of course, Zhou Lan knows what Zhou Yun means.
Zhou Yun had two encounters with this show. The first time, she went to film the show, but the director had an accident and was hospitalized, leading to a hiatus in the recording of that episode. The second time, the director of the show had an accident, and she was slandered to have slept with the director during the show, which caused a lot of trouble. Given the two past encounters, it was best for Zhou Yun to stay away from this show.
Zhou Lan says, "But the content of ’Geology Talk’ is relatively easy-going for you, with no physical sports or competitions, just eating and drinking."
Zhou Yun shakes her head, "Then I’d rather participate in a celebrity sports event."
"If we’re talking about a celebrity sports event, indeed, there are sports-themed shows that have approached us, but such shows are hard to become big hits and have limited attention, unable to maintain the exposure we need," Zhou Lan says, "In June, you’re joining the cast of ’Dingfengbo,’ and in October, you’re filming ’Gentle Little Horse.’ One project after another, if we don’t manage to keep you in the public eye, to be honest, your popularity will drop quickly, and the brands you collaborate with won’t be satisfied."
Zhou Yun asks, "Isn’t there any other show? It doesn’t have to be a variety show; other types of shows are also fine."
Zhou Lan says, "Sweetheart, right now, apart from variety shows, other types of shows don’t make much of a splash."
Having Zhou Yun appear on variety shows is not merely about making money. From Zhou Yun’s perspective, she’d rather earn less, as long as the gig can bring her what’s most important right now—popularity and public favor.
After much deliberation, Zhou Yun and Zhou Lan review more than a dozen variety show propositions but still can’t come to a conclusion. Picking variety shows is actually harder than selecting scripts. With over a dozen scripts in front of you, after reading them all, you will know what makes a good script and what makes a bad one. However, it’s not the same with variety shows; they don’t have a fixed standard of measurement, and there’s no guaranteed formula for success. Good concepts do not necessarily make good show designs, and good designs might not match the right celebrities who can highlight the bright spots of the show.
"The safest option is actually ’Geology Talk,’" says Zhou Lan.
Indeed, "Geology Talk" has been around for many years, enduringly successful with a large fan base. Zhou Yun choosing this show is the safest option, low risk, and high attention.
"Then let’s do this show," says Zhou Yun.
Zhou Lan says, "I have to remind you, Su Yan is a regular guest on this show."
"She doesn’t record every episode, does she?" Zhou Yun asks.
Zhou Lan says, "That’s hard to say. She usually takes a break when she joins a drama cast, but not otherwise. She just finished filming ’Heart Inquiry’ and hasn’t been reported to have taken on a new role."