"Eric, I just found out that China has a mascot every year."
"Tiger, snake, rabbit, ox, sheep, turtle, cheetah."
"Wait! Who told you about the turtle and cheetah?"
Hearing Michael explain things to him with his fingers, Eric's eyes went dark.
"Huh? Isn't it a turtle and a cheetah? I don't remember clearly, they said there are twelve animals, and these twelve animals rotate every year, completing a cycle every twelve years."
"And there's also a dragon. Can a dragon be considered an animal? Isn't a dragon a fantasy creature?"
"First, tell me where the turtle and cheetah came from?"
"There's no turtle and cheetah? What about cats and dogs? It seems I remembered incorrectly."
Eric waved his hand: "There's a dog but no cat. The twelve animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig."
"They are arranged in a fixed order, using a very ancient counting method that I cannot express in English, called Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches."
"Eric, you have such a deep understanding of Chinese culture. Can you help me figure out what my mascot should be?"
Michael was born in 1958, but Eric didn't know how to use the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches calculation. Although his junior high school teacher had taught it, he had forgotten it due to lack of use.
He used the most fool method: since this year was the Year of the Monkey, he would count backward year by year.
A super-rich man and the King of Pop, the two sat in the car counting on their fingers.
After calculating for a long time, Eric finally said with certainty: "Dog, Michael, your mascot is a dog."
Hearing this, Michael smiled and nodded: "A dog is great too, although I think a chimpanzee is better."
Eric chuckled. He knew Michael loved chimpanzees very much. He even left several million dollars for his pet chimpanzee, in case something happened to him and no one would take care of it.
"What's its name?"
"What?"
"What's the name of that mascot dog?"
"It doesn't seem to have a name, but it must be a good dog."
"Hmm."
As they spoke, the car arrived at the Spring Festival Gala rehearsal venue.
At this time, there were still three days left until the broadcast of the Year of the Monkey Spring Festival Gala. Rehearsals had already gone through several rounds, and various performers had also participated in several rounds.
Some were successfully selected, while others were eliminated after barely making it through a few rounds.
Therefore, the actual program list had not yet been announced. It was still the old tradition: it would only be released a few hours before the start of the gala on New Year's Eve.
Some programs would even be cut just hours before then.
So, while this gala brought joy to audiences across the country, the process behind it was actually extremely arduous and difficult.
Those who managed to make it to the broadcast were already exhausted, despite their excitement.
And it was a live broadcast, so one mistake would be infinitely magnified, putting immense pressure on the performers.
In language programs, there was often controversy over who would go first.
Firstly, because the pressure of going first was high, and secondly, at that time, many people hadn't even finished eating and weren't in the mood to fully focus on the TV.
After finally getting a chance to appear on the Spring Festival Gala, naturally, they hoped to receive the most attention.
And this heavy responsibility often fell on the shoulders of the veteran artist Feng Gong.
Feng Gong's reason was that he had a better mindset, could withstand pressure, and by performing earlier, he could go home to celebrate the New Year with his elderly mother.
Outside, a large number of media outlets were staking out. Since the program list was not announced, they could only judge the programs based on the celebrities who came for rehearsals.
There had long been rumors that this year's Spring Festival Gala would invite an international superstar, but it was unclear who it would be.
Some said it was Leonardo DiCaprio, others Michael Jackson, and there were also rumors of Celine Dion.
A more outrageous rumor was David Beckham. Many people online were wondering, would Beckham be invited to play football on the Spring Festival Gala stage?
That image, when thought about, seemed too strange. At most, they would invite him to send a blessing.
Until recently, the rumors of Michael Jackson grew louder, but CCTV never responded.
Seeing several unfamiliar license plates, reporters keenly realized there was a new development. Perhaps the mystery was about to be revealed, and everyone's eyes focused on the car door.
Creak
The car door was pushed open, and Eric walked out.
"Hmm? A foreigner. Quick, identify which big star it is."
"So young, such a handsome foreigner."
"Who is this? Does anyone know him? He looks a bit familiar, but I can't put a name to the face."
"Xiao Zhang, aren't you known as the expert on Europe and America? Now's the time for your hobby. Quickly, who is this young man? A singer or an actor?"
"Brother Wang, it seems to be Eric Cooper."
"What pants? What does he do?"
"Not pants, Eric Cooper. He won Best Screenplay at the Golden Globe Awards a while ago."
"Screenwriter? From the film and television industry, but no, what is CCTV inviting a screenwriter for? To write scripts? To perform calligraphy live?"
"Brother Wang, screenwriting is just his hobby. His main job is the boss of MGM, a top Hollywood mogul. Do you know Oriental MGM?"
"I know it. Isn't it going to film meg, and the selection of the female lead caused a huge stir? Wait, MGM and Oriental MGM, is this kid's company a joint venture with China Film Group?"
Xiao Zhang nodded: "That's him. Don't let his age fool you, he's only in his twenties, but his net worth is over 5 billion US dollars, ranking 77th on the world's richest list. A true super mogul."
"Brother Wang, those stars you just mentioned, strictly speaking, they're only fit to carry his shoes."
"Holy crap! That awesome!"
"That's how awesome he is! But since he's here, I can most likely confirm that Michael Jackson will also appear."
"Why?"
"Because anyone who follows the European and American circles knows that these two are close friends, so close they 'wear the same pair of pants.'"
Ah!
Ah!
"Michael Jackson!"
"Michael Jackson!"
"It's really Michael!"
"CCTV really invited Jackson, oh my goodness!"
"Wow, so the rumors were true. CCTV is really awesome this time, to be able to invite Michael Jackson to the Spring Festival Gala, holy cow!"
When Michael got out of the car, the reporters who had been observing rushed over in a swarm.
Xiao Zhang and Brother Wang had just exchanged a few words with their heads down. When they looked up and realized the situation, there was no space left to squeeze in.
"Brother Wang, Brother Wang, hug me and lift me up, I'll take pictures."
"You brat, I'll let you take advantage this one time."
"Hehe... I told you it was Michael Jackson. This year's Spring Festival Gala has something to look forward to. Besides Zhao Benshan, there's another highlight."
A group of reporters surrounded them, snapping photos frantically and asking questions in Chinese.
Unfortunately, Michael didn't understand a word, so he could only smile and nod at them.
Eric, however, understood, but he was too lazy to answer. If he answered one question, more would follow.
If he really wanted to be interviewed, it wouldn't be too late after the rehearsal.
Seeing their boss surrounded, a dozen tall backup dancers wanted to come to the rescue.
Eric waved his hand, signaling them not to bother, and they couldn't anyway. In this small area, CCTV had the final say.
Sure enough, a moment later, several men and women with work badges rushed over.
"Move aside, everyone move aside!"
"Don't push, everyone, let them out first."
"Which newspaper are you from? Still pushing!"
But Michael's popularity and stature were simply too immense. For many, the chance to see him in person might only come once in a lifetime.
So the reporters completely ignored instructions and continued to raise their camera lenses, snapping photos like crazy.
Seeing that polite words were ineffective, the bespectacled man leading the group roared.
"Everyone step aside! Otherwise, from now on, you will never be allowed to set foot in CCTV again. Think about it!"
Only after this harsh warning was issued did order gradually return to the scene.
"I told you, why don't you understand the rules? We're busy with rehearsals. Do you know how tight the schedule is inside? Who will be responsible if things are delayed!"
Some chuckled, some bowed and scraped.
"Teacher Zhou, we were just excited. CCTV's move this time is too grand. I never even dreamed that one day I'd be able to stand face-to-face with Michael Jackson."
"Yes, yes, that's Michael Jackson, not a domestic star. We never get excited when we see domestic stars."
"We got carried away, Teacher Zhou, please bear with us."
Teacher Zhou thought, I never even dreamed that one day I'd see Michael Jackson. He's the King of Pop! Who knows how such a big name was invited?
It's said it only cost 100,000 RMB, incredible, simply incredible.
Under the guidance of Teacher Zhou, the group finally left smoothly.
As soon as they entered the building, they once again drew countless stares.
"Michael Jackson, it's Michael Jackson!"
"The rumors were true! He even brought backup dancers, so there really is a performance."
"Go, go, go, hurry up and get autographs and photos! What are you standing around for!"
Seeing that the situation was about to get out of control again, Teacher Zhou quickly shouted: "Teachers, leaders are in a hurry, can we discuss any requests later? Don't delay things!"
Hearing that the leaders were in a hurry, everyone stopped, their eyes fixed on Eric and Michael as they departed.
"Michael, do you see? Wherever you go, it causes a commotion."
Michael smoothed his hair: "I still wanted to visit the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Everyone online says you must visit these two attractions when you come to Yanjing, but it seems there might be trouble now."
Following Teacher Zhou to the studio hall, a children's program was currently rehearsing.
Dozens of children, dressed in colorful, festive clothes, danced continuously to the music.
On the large screen behind them, a medley of theme songs from "Shuke and Beita," "Journey to the West," "Nezha Conquers the Dragon King," and "Black Cat Detective" instantly brought back Eric's childhood memories.
"These children are dressed so beautifully." Michael's compassion instantly overflowed.
"When we go back, let's buy some traditional Chinese clothing as a gift for Paris. She'll definitely like it."
"That's a great suggestion."
After the children's performance ended, the leaders and judges sitting below exchanged a few words with the choreographer, and then the dozens of children left the stage.
As they passed by Michael, they looked curiously at the group of foreign adults in front of them, some even opening their mouths in surprise.
"Mr. Jackson, Mr. Cooper, it's our turn."
Led by Teacher Zhou, Eric and Michael came before these leaders. Several young people in their thirties and older ones in their fifties quickly stood up to greet them.
To ordinary people, they were leaders, bigwigs of CCTV, but in front of Eric, they were all insignificant small fry.
After a few words, another well-built man in his fifties walked over. Seeing him, the others quickly made way.
"Mr. Cooper, this is Director Chen, our station director at CCTV."
Teacher Zhou whispered a reminder. Eric, hearing that his surname was Chen, couldn't help but think of Chen Ou.
Were they relatives? Otherwise, why would Chen Ou have asked him for help back then?
Director Chen shook hands with Eric and Michael separately.
"Mr. Cooper, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've long heard your name, and today I finally get to meet you. We must thank you for being able to invite Mr. Jackson this time."
"Mr. Jackson, I am a big fan of yours. I often listen to many of your songs at home. After so many years, I finally get to see you in person, hahahaha."
"Tonight, I'll host. I'll call Old Han, Lao Zhou, and the others. We must do our best as hosts."
After chatting with Director Chen for a while, Michael's rehearsal began.
Eric was not proficient in stage matters. After watching for a while, he stopped participating and turned to walk around the studio hall, looking at things.
Several groups were rehearsing at the same time, making it lively and busy.
However, many people, seeing him, this young and handsome foreigner, couldn't help but stop and take a second look, especially the women, who showed it even more clearly.
He also noticed many familiar celebrities: Xie Xiaodong, who hadn't faded yet; Mei Ting from "Don't Talk to Strangers"; Sun Li, who hadn't become a big star yet; and Huang Yi, who hadn't yet had her dramatic split with Huang Yiqing. They were all singing a song together.
He hadn't noticed when he was a child, but it turned out that unprofessional actors had started performing songs on stage so early. Fortunately, skits hadn't yet become overabundant.
He also saw song performances by the casts of last year's hit dramas like "Pink Ladies," "the story of a noble family," and "Liu Laogen." Seeing Yan Xuejing, he smiled helplessly, realizing that her acting path had been set since the early 2000s.
There were also many comedians: Guo Da, Guo Donglin, Yan Shunkai, Hong Jiantao, Hou Yaowen, Shi Fukuan, and of course, the iron triangle of Zhao Benshan, Fan Wei, and Gao Xiumin.
Their skit was called "Renting an Old Partner." Eric thought about the title for a long time but couldn't remember the three of them ever collaborating on that one.
After watching for a couple of glances, he understood. What "Renting an Old Partner"? They probably thought the name was too vulgar, so it was changed to "The Water Delivery Man" when it went on stage.
"Bright moonlight before my bed, frost on the glass so dread, if I don't wipe it fast, it'll surely be dirty instead!"
Eric could still recite that jingle.
Uncle Benshan probably never imagined that after he left the Spring Festival Gala stage, skits would decline to such an extent.
"Hello, excuse me, are you Mr. Eric Cooper?"
Suddenly, a voice, a young man's voice, sounded from behind him.
The Mandarin spoken had an accent, clearly from Taiwan, and it sounded very familiar. Eric could already guess who it was.
"Hello, Mr. Cooper, I am Jay Chou."