Xige held out both hands and struck a hip-hop star's pose. "Hold on, hold on! Look at the host!"
The host stood in the middle area, microphone in hand.
Once everyone had turned to look, Xige said to Tang Zhi Chu, "Add me on WeChat. Don't forget."
Tang Zhi Chu nodded. "I'll add you once we're done recording."
The host glanced at his cue card and gestured for everyone to quiet down. "Does everyone remember the rules for choosing projects? That's right. Except in the first episode, in every subsequent round, the losing alliances get first pick of the projects, and then the winning alliances send out the main players you'll have to face."
After explaining the rules, the host pointed to the large screen behind him. Ten projects were neatly listed on the task board.
The highest fee was six million, and the lowest was two hundred thousand—and those amounts were after tax.
That was why so many musicians were willing to come. Setting aside all the show's various rules, even as a purely commercial gig, the rates were excellent by industry standards.
Penguin Video had essentially brought everyone together by pooling its resources.
"The losing alliances in the second episode are Wildfire Alliance and Sunflower Alliance. The two alliances' points are tied, so let's be cautious. Teacher Shen, Sister Wei, why don't you settle it with rock-paper-scissors?"
"Uh..."
"You're being way too cautious!"
Shen Jianxin got up and walked over to Sunflower Alliance.
The founder of Sunflower Alliance was Bai Xiwei, more than a decade younger than Shen Jianxin. She was the only female alliance founder, but she certainly had the credentials: one of the most accomplished female musicians in Hua Country, with more awards than she could count. In terms of popularity, she far surpassed Shen Jianxin.