Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen-Chapter 500 - 326: Urging for Updates from Peers

Although she had resigned herself to being busy for a while, Xu Qingqiu didn’t want to start right away.

"Shooting a music video is fine, but do we have to rush it?"

Seeing her hopeful expression, Chu Tian opened his mouth, really wanting to nod and give her a reassuring answer.

Unfortunately, reality didn’t allow it, and he could only sigh gently.

"Ah, I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. The concert is about to start, and after it ends, you have another important task. I’m preparing a variety show for you."

Chu Tian hadn’t finished speaking when he saw Xu Qingqiu become visibly dejected. Before she could vent her feelings, Chu Tian’s devil-like voice continued.

"Moreover, if everything goes as planned, you’ll have to release at least one album this year, and then there’s a bunch of music videos to shoot."

"What? More? Can’t I just sing without shooting music videos..."

Looking at the disheartened Xu Qingqiu, Chu Tian could only give her a helpless expression, then rubbed salt into the wound.

"Not only can you not avoid it, but you might need to start preparing now because people are already pushing for it."

"Pushing? Who is pushing exactly?"

Xu Qingqiu really didn’t understand. Isn’t listening to songs enough? Who would push for music videos?

Unfortunately, the answer involved people she couldn’t afford to offend.

"Many people are pushing for it. First, there are the netizens. Some have complained online that your album only has songs and no music videos, claiming you lack sincerity.

"Besides the netizens, some fans are also pushing. After all, many people like watching music videos when they listen to songs. It allows them to fully immerse themselves, a unique habit of music fans.

"Lastly, there are your colleagues..."

"Colleagues? How so? Why would my colleagues push me to shoot music videos?"

If it were about the netizens and music fans, Xu Qingqiu could understand, but what’s with the colleagues?

If it weren’t Chu Tian who had spoken, she would never believe it.

Even so, there was a moment when she wondered if Chu Tian was joking with her.

But Chu Tian looked dead serious.

"What exactly is going on?"

Faced with Xu Qingqiu’s questions, Chu Tian could only organize his thoughts and explain.

"Well... it’s not exactly pushing for the music videos, but rather your physical album..."

After his explanation, Xu Qingqiu finally understood the situation.

Simply put, the first album was produced exceptionally well, and the high quality of the songs elevated its collectible value.

But clearly, physical albums are now antiquated relics, not produced on a large scale anymore.

The only remaining reason they are still around is for collecting and memorabilia, with some singers using them to boast, colloquially known as "trophy albums."

This has become a small unspoken agreement in the industry, where anyone releasing an album would produce a batch of physical copies for gifting or keepsake.

But the quality of physical albums varies, and only the high-quality, valuable ones become targets for collectors.

The low-value ones typically end up in the trash or the second-hand market, like at Panjiayuan—a place for trading old goods.

As it happened, Xu Qingqiu’s album, with its high-quality songs and superior production, became a target for many collectors.

At the same time, another problem arose. Precisely because physical albums are outdated, most people only produce a small quantity, and only in one batch.

Xu Qingqiu’s initial production was quite numerous due to demand.

But when the popularity faded, there were no subsequent productions; not even the molds were saved.

This resulted in that album being limited to just that one batch. Despite the high quantity, because the quality was so outstanding, it became a divine album.

Therefore, its collectible value only increased.

As Xu Qingqiu’s popularity and status continued to rise, the value of that physical album skyrocketed.

By the time others wanted to buy it later, the price had soared and it was hard to obtain.

Everyone is no fool. It’s obvious that as long as Xu Qingqiu doesn’t falter, holding on to that album for three to five years could multiply its return.

It’s not that there are none on the market, but the circulating quantity is very low, and the number of original, unopened copies is even lower, each one exorbitantly priced.

That aside, since everyone in the industry prides themselves on being musicians, when facing this album, nobody lacks money—they all want the best.

And what’s better? Naturally, it’s the most expensive collector’s edition.

Better than the collector’s edition is a collector’s edition personally signed by Xu Qingqiu.

Everyone maneuvers in the same circle. Who doesn’t want to save face?

Oh, we all have the same album, mine is a collector’s edition, yours too, but yours is a personally signed edition, and mine isn’t—how can that be shown off?

That’s not the point. The point is, Xu Qingqiu is gradually showing signs of sprinting towards becoming a top domestic singer.

Especially since the release of her two divine albums, and with Sister Hua having spread the word recently, "Youmeng" can start accepting some song projects.

When these two pieces of information are put together, that signed album becomes even more coveted.

Is that an album? That’s a stepping stone!

With this item in hand, others will see, "Oh wow, you actually have a signed album by Diva Xu? You are so cool! How did you get this?!"