Chapter 32 A Song That Makes You Happy
Chapter 32 A Song That Makes You Happy
The program recording process in the studio is clearly defined. First, everyone rehearses and checks their positions. Only after all the steps are checked and confirmed to be correct will the actual filming begin. This time, there are a large number of children participating, so the overall recording schedule is particularly long. If you are unlucky and are scheduled for the later part, the contestants and their companions will have to sit in the waiting area of the studio for most of the day before it is their turn to perform on stage.
This is also the core reason why Xiao Cai insisted on arranging priority recording sessions for Xie Anran and Qianqian. Xie Anran is physically weak and cannot withstand such long hours of sitting. If she really spends the whole day in the noisy and exhausting studio, she might be so tired that she has to be hospitalized before the recording is even over.
Soon, the rehearsal officially began. The company had already finalized the performance song "Learn to Meow" for Xie Anran and Xixi. This song has a cheerful and lively style, a brisk rhythm that is well-suited to the stage presentation, and is full of emotional appeal, making it very suitable for the two children to perform together. In addition, there is another song with a similar style, "Little Frog," which is also suitable for children's stage performances, as an alternative.
Sisi wore a soft, pink princess dress, topped with an adorable cat-ear headband. Her makeup was delicate and elegant, and her eyes were bright and expressive. She looked like a finely crafted little doll, sweet and endearing. Xie Anran also wore a similar sweet outfit. Combined with her pretty and delicate face, her gentle and sweet temperament evoked a sense of warmth and tenderness in anyone who saw her.
Lovely and pure people and things can easily heal the heart, bringing a sense of happiness and beauty. Xie Anran and Qianqian standing together possessed this healing magic. Zhang Yun and Liu Xiaoli, who were accompanying them, quietly watched the two soft little ones, and their originally calm mood inexplicably became relaxed and joyful. No one knew that at this moment, the two seemingly well-behaved little girls were huddled together, whispering and discussing rehearsal details.
"Anran, what's the first thing we do when we go on stage?" Qianqian clenched her little hands, leaned close to Xie Anran's ear, and asked timidly in a low voice.
"Just bow and say hello first," Xie Anran said softly, unable to help but laugh at her nervousness.
"Oh... Anran, I'm so flustered, I'm a little nervous." Qianqian pursed her lips and whispered her worries, her eyes full of apprehension.
"It's okay, I'm actually quite nervous too." Xie Anran teased her on purpose, trying to ease the girl's anxiety.
"What? You're even afraid of An Ran?" Xixi's eyes widened instantly, her face full of surprise, before she exclaimed seriously, "It seems this stage performance is really difficult."
Xie Anran was speechless when she saw that Qianqian had completely relaxed after saying just a few words. She really hadn't expected her comfort to have this effect.
"Don't be afraid, Anran, I'm here! I'll sing with you." Qianqian puffed out her small chest, patted her thin chest, and said with a serious and determined look.
"Okay, whatever you say." Xie Anran's lips twitched slightly, feeling both helpless and amused. This little girl's mind changed too quickly.
The two walked side by side onto the stage. It was only the rehearsal stage, and only one recording camera was quietly operating. The rest of the staff were busy adjusting the sound system, lighting, accompaniment, and other equipment. The atmosphere wasn't tense. Xie Anran adjusted his in-ear monitor behind his head and gently tested the microphone. His voice came through clearly. However, after listening, he inwardly sighed; the equipment was rather ordinary, far from the professional recording equipment praised online. He couldn't help but silently complain, "Is Jiangcheng TV station really that strapped for cash?"
Before Xie Anran could even finish his thought of complaining, the performance accompaniment started right on time. He immediately composed himself, straightened his expression, and quickly got into performance mode. Beside him, Qianqian reacted exceptionally quickly, singing along to the rhythm of the music without the slightest hesitation.
Let's learn to meow together, meow meow meow meow, stretching out our little paws and stomping our feet, the little kittens are so well-behaved, holding hands, playing and smiling, meowing meow meow meow every day.
Sisi's performance far exceeded Xie Anran's expectations. Although the young girl's singing skills weren't professionally outstanding, her stage presence was exceptionally bright. Naturally free and unrestrained, she let loose throughout the performance, singing with confidence and ease. She even playfully made cute cat paw gestures to the rhythm of the lyrics, making her both lively and endearing. Xie Anran, watching from the sidelines, was stunned, secretly wondering if this girl was born for the stage.
Soon it was Xie Anran's turn to sing, and she immediately got into the rhythm and began to sing. ["Fluffy little fur, happy every day without worries, little ears gently swaying, fine whiskers slightly upturned..."] The revised lyrics of "Learn to Meow" are more in line with the playful style of children. The two children's tender and sweet voices, accompanied by the lighthearted melody, are incredibly infectious. The busy staff members listening couldn't help but smile, their hearts filled with warmth. The soft, innocent voices of children can easily soothe fatigue and lift one's spirits.
After the rehearsal performance ended, Director Zeng nodded repeatedly, deeply moved. As expected of the company's meticulously trained professional reserve group, their singing skills, stage presence, and song suitability were far superior to the ordinary children selected through auditions.
Although Sisi's singing skills are a bit immature, her sweet and cute appearance perfectly makes up for all her shortcomings. Xie Anran, on the other hand, scores full marks in singing skills, looks, and overall condition. With the strength of these two little ones, even without taking the priority green channel, they can easily advance to the main competition through the regular channels, and even challenge for the championship of the show without any pressure.
"Great! Very good!" Director Zeng had many thoughts flashing through his mind before he stood up, clapped, and loudly praised the two performers. Xie Anran and Qianqian exchanged a smile, bowed politely in thanks, and then turned and walked off the stage side by side. The rehearsal had come to a successful end, and now it was time to move on to the most crucial part: the official recording.
"Xixi, Anran, you two did a fantastic job!" Liu Xiaoli quickly stepped forward, clapping and praising the two little ones with a smile.
"Mommy, wasn't I super awesome just now!" Sisi raised her little head high, grabbed Xie Anran beside her, and looked smug and excited.
"Our Qianqian is the best!" Liu Xiaoli gently echoed the little girl's praise. Xie Anran looked at Qianqian, who was beaming from ear to ear, and her own mood became increasingly cheerful. Emotions are always contagious; her initial calm was instantly lifted by Qianqian's happiness, making her feel relaxed and carefree as well.
"Sisi, you're so cute." Xie Anran reached out and gently pinched Sisi's soft little face.
"You're cute too!" Sisi retorted, reaching out to pinch Xie Anran's cheek as well. The two playfully teased each other, creating a heartwarming scene.
"Alright, alright, stop fooling around. Quickly adjust yourselves, we're about to start recording." Zhang Yun gently patted Xie Anran's hand and reminded the two of them. Xie Anran let go of her hand with a wry smile, inwardly complaining that even though the two of them were just playfully fighting, his mother only scolded him, completely ignoring Qianqian's little antics. Who was the real son here?
Amidst laughter and conversation, staff members approached to inform them to take their positions, and Xie Anran and Qianqian immediately returned to the side of the stage to wait. After receiving a wave from the director, the two were guided back onto the stage by staff. This time, the stage effects were fully activated, with dazzling lights illuminating the entire venue, and dozens of cameras pointed at the stage to capture the performance from all angles.
After the rehearsal, Sisi had completely adapted to the stage rhythm and atmosphere, and was in excellent form during the actual performance, performing with ease and without any stage fright. The two worked together seamlessly, completing the entire stage performance in a near-perfect manner. After the performance, the staff in the audience applauded and cheered, and several senior judges also praised them repeatedly, highly recognizing the two children's performance.
The performance concluded successfully, and the subsequent procedures were no longer relevant to the two girls. As soon as they stepped off the stage, they were eager to leave and rest, but they were quickly stopped by someone as soon as they took a step.
"Don't rush off! There's still a follow-up interview." Staff member Xiao Cai quickly stopped Liu Xiaoli and her group, smiling and reminding them, "The TV reporter will ask the two children a few simple questions later. Just let them answer truthfully and normally. Don't be nervous."
"Oh, there's going to be an interview?" Xie Anran was taken aback, feeling a surge of excitement. Having lived two lives, this was her first time being interviewed by a formal media outlet, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity.
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