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Chen Guodong doesn't have a massive following on Wave Blog, with just over 200,000 fans, making him a "Small V."
However, within the pop music industry, he's well-known for his contributions to multiple music websites and magazines and has extensive connections in the entertainment scene. As a result, many celebrities and industry insiders follow and engage with his blog.
When "The Silent Majority" was released, it quickly gained traction, racking up a significant number of shares.
High-profile figures such as music superstar Tan Hong, pop diva Chen Fei'er, Flying Stone Records' music director Lin Zhijie, renowned artist Zhang Zhirong, and popular radio host Shu Ping all gave it glowing reviews, amplifying its reach across social media.
By the following day, September 16th, "Lu Chen," "My Old Classmate," and "The Silent Majority" simultaneously landed on Wave Blog's trending list!
Many bloggers also shared short videos from their schools' welcome parties, where student performers were seen singing and playing Lu Chen's songs live.
A guitar, a charismatic performer, and a heartfelt folk song.
Most of these videos were recorded on mobile phones, with shaky visuals and subpar audio quality, but the vibrant atmosphere more than made up for it. They clearly showcased the growing popularity of Lu Chen's music among students.
Industry professionals were shocked to realize that Lu Chen's "campus folk" style had, with the release of just one album, quietly gained immense traction among young audiences.
When Lu Chen first introduced "campus folk," many dismissed it as a gimmick— just another attempt to chase trends and grab attention.
Now, it seemed poised to leave a lasting mark on the history of domestic pop music!
Sensing a lucrative opportunity, several entertainment labels began eyeing the market and planning releases in the same style.
Meanwhile, Lu Chen's Wave Blog following skyrocketed by several hundred thousand.
That same day, September 16th, "My Old Classmate" surpassed 300,000 sales on WeChat Music— completely shattering expectations!
In the digital music market, an independent singer-songwriter's sales typically peak within the first week, especially during the first three days, before gradually declining. Piracy is an unavoidable reality—once an album gains popularity, unauthorized copies flood forums and WeChat groups, making it nearly impossible to curb free downloads.
Even top-tier artists struggle against this trend.
"My Old Classmate" had been available on WeChat Music since September 8th. By the 16th, a full eight days had passed— well beyond the prime sales period. Normally, numbers should have been tapering off, transitioning into a slower accumulation phase.
But no one could have predicted that on September 16th, the album would defy industry norms and sell an additional 50,000 copies in a single day.
It was utterly mind-blowing— an industry-defying phenomenon!
This unprecedented success further validated Chen Guodong's insight about "the silent majority."
By this point, most of Lu Chen's existing fan base had already purchased the album. The fact that sales continued surging meant his music had tapped into a much broader audience.
The unexpected rise of "My Old Classmate" reignited interest in Lu Chen, with entertainment agencies and advertisers scrambling to reach out. Offers poured in— live performances, endorsement deals, and song purchase requests— leaving Lu Xi overwhelmed with calls and meetings.
Lu Chen, however, left all business negotiations in his sister's capable hands.
He trusted her to handle everything.
As for himself, he had his own commitments.
At 1 PM on September 17th, Lu Chen arrived at the Capital City TV building for rehearsals for the National Day Gala.
Capital City TV hosts four major televised galas each year: the Spring Festival Gala on Lunar New Year's Day, the New Year's Eve Gala on December 31st, the Anniversary Gala on June 8th, and the National Day Gala on October 1st.
Among these, the Spring Festival Gala and New Year's Eve Gala are the station's flagship events, drawing massive audiences. The Anniversary Gala and National Day Gala, while still prestigious, receive relatively less investment and typically garner lower viewership ratings.
However, given its status as the nation's capital broadcaster, Capital City TV wields considerable influence. Even a lower-rated event like the National Day Gala remains highly sought after, with actors and independent musicians eager for a chance to perform— even if just for a few minutes of airtime.
Lu Chen's invitation to perform at the National Day Gala was originally secured thanks to his song "Walking While Sing." After winning the "Singing China" competition, his place on the lineup became even more justified, silencing any critics.
Otherwise, as a newly emerging independent artist with limited industry connections, getting a spot would have been nearly impossible.
Lu Chen took this opportunity seriously and arrived at the TV station ahead of schedule.
With the invitation letter and ID issued by the station, he smoothly passed security and made his way to Capital City TV's T1 studio.
This state-of-the-art studio had only been in use for two months, boasting a seating capacity of 3,000 and a massive 3,500-square-meter stage. Lavishly designed and outfitted with cutting-edge technology, it was among the most advanced in the industry.
Lu Chen had been here before and was quite familiar with the place.
Backstage was already bustling with performers, many of whom Lu Chen recognized— well-known independent singers from the entertainment industry. The lineup for this gala was undeniably impressive.
A TV station staff member guided him to his reserved seat.
The backstage dressing area was meticulously arranged. Top-tier superstars had their own private VIP suites. First- and second-tier celebrities were assigned semi-private spaces near the stage entrances and exits, separated by partitions.
Lower-tier artists down to those barely making a name for themselves were placed in shared dressing rooms.
Meanwhile, backup singers and dancers had to stand around in the corners or wait in the outer hallways, where even getting a bottle of water was a challenge.
During "Singing China," where contestants were relatively few, the backstage area had felt spacious. Now, with a full gala lineup, the place was packed and buzzing with activity.
The station staff had to use electronic megaphones to give directions; otherwise, their voices would have been drowned out by the noise.
Lu Chen settled into his seat without fuss, pulled out his phone, and started scrolling through it, completely at ease.
Since this was just the first rehearsal, there was no need for makeup or costume changes— just a simple run-through of his song.
"Senior Lu Chen!"
Just as he logged into WeChat, a surprised voice called out nearby: "You're here!"
Lu Chen turned and smiled. "Xiaochu!"
The person greeting him was none other than Mu Xiaochu.
A sophomore at Capital City Foreign Language College, Mu Xiaochu was only 19 years old, making her Lu Chen's junior.
Despite her delicate and shy demeanor, she had made it to the top ten in "Singing China" with her sweet and melodious performance of "Little Town Nocturne," earning a score of 91.68 and narrowly defeating her competitor, Gao Zhanpeng from Bihai.
In the national finals, this soft-spoken girl with a beautiful voice secured fourth place and subsequently signed with Flying Stone Records.
Seeing her again after nearly a month brought a smile to Lu Chen's face. He stood up and asked warmly, "When did you get here?"
Mu Xiaochu replied with a shy smile, "I just arrived, with Senior Brother Zhang Haohai."
At that moment, Lu Chen noticed the young man standing next to her, dressed in a stylish black jacket.
He appeared to be around 24 or 25, a bit shorter than Lu Chen but undeniably good-looking, exuding the polished charm of an idol. However, his expression seemed a little tense.
"Brother Zhang."
Lu Chen extended his hand. "Long time no see. How have you been?"
Zhang Haohai, another top ten contestant from "Singing China," hailed from the mountain city. He had since moved to Beijing to pursue a career as an independent singer. Talented in both singing and dancing, he had finished third in the finals and, like Mu Xiaochu, signed with Flying Stone Records.
While he and Lu Chen had competed against each other, there had been no personal animosity between them. Yet, Zhang Haohai's distant attitude now puzzled Lu Chen.
"Singing China" was over, after all.
"Not bad," Zhang Haohai replied indifferently, shaking Lu Chen's hand lightly. "Not as good as you, though. You've already released an album."
Lu Chen chuckled. "I am just lucky."
Sensing Zhang Haohai's cold demeanor, Lu Chen didn't push for more conversation.
Mu Xiaochu, on the other hand, spoke earnestly. "Senior Lu Chen, it's not just luck; it's your talent!"
"I bought several copies of your album to share with my classmates. They all love it and really want to meet you!"
With a shy but hopeful smile, she added, "Would you be willing to have dinner with us sometime?"
Zhang Haohai's expression darkened slightly at this and Lu Chen immediately understood the situation.
It seemed Zhang Haohai had feelings for Mu Xiaochu and wasn't pleased with her enthusiasm toward him.
Internally, Lu Chen shook his head but responded casually, "Of course! You have my number— just let me know when, and I'll treat you and your classmates to dinner."
Mu Xiaochu's face lit up. "Really?"
Lu Chen nodded firmly. "Of course. As your senior, I wouldn't lie to my junior."
Mu Xiaochu giggled. "Thank you, Senior!"
As they continued chatting, Zhang Haohai finally had enough. He muttered, "You two keep talking— I'll be over there," before walking away.
Neither Lu Chen nor Mu Xiaochu said anything to stop him.
After he left, they exchanged knowing smiles.
Lu Chen could tell that Mu Xiaochu wasn't interested in Zhang Haohai— she was simply being polite.
Mu Xiaochu then said again, "Thank you, Senior."
The same phrase, yet its meaning in this context was entirely different.
(End of this chapter)