### Chapter 53: The KangKang Dance Invades Our Lives
“There’s something about this.”
Lin Tian analyzed and said, “Compared to interrupting our video mid-sequence to read lines for someone else’s product, at least soft ads don’t ruin the quality of our content.”
In truth, Lin Tian also cared about Gān Yǎnyǔ; he knew she wouldn’t want unrelated elements muddling her art.
It could be considered a good time to seize the moment. Back in the day, before short videos took off, self-media creators would just tack on a “sponsored by x*x*x” at the start.
If ads popped up halfway through, viewers would likely hate it.
Now, things are different. Ads have evolved—sneaky, crafty, popping up when you can’t guess.
Even chatty vloggers do this, but actors who perform skits? Not cool, man.
A real-life _The Truman Show_.
But from another angle, it’s because ads are so seamlessly integrated into short videos that the industry booms. Countless people now survive on video creation.
So, why resist?
“How do you feel?” Lin Tian turned to Gān Yǎnyǔ, mainly seeking her input.
Gān Yǎnyǔ tapped her lip, pondering,
“Are they going to send us the instruments so we play with theirs?”
“Technically, yes,” replied Lin Tian.
“Using their instruments?” muttered Yǎnyǔ.
“What’s wrong? Are you only used to your own cello?”
Lin Tian suddenly remembered there are artists who stick to their own gear.
Like warrior knights with their swords or calligraphers with their pens.
Scary, isn’t it?
“No—not that. I’m wondering if they only send the instrument once we agree to the promotion.”
“Yep,” Lin Tian confirmed.
Most Western instruments were like luxury goods to him.
Shipping them would cost a fortune, and promoting luxuries? Not easy.
“What if their instruments aren’t any good? We need to check before we promote them, right?”
Yǎnyǔ lifted her chin, concern etched on her face,
“It’s a hassle moving these instruments around. If we find out it’s subpar, we obviously can’t take on this ad.”
Silence.
Good point!
Though obvious, it hadn’t crossed Rantian’s mind.
An internet casualty, his priority was how much the ad pays, not quality.
Embarrassed, looking at Yǎnyǔ he felt guilty.
“I’ll check.”
“Yeah,” she leaned in, serious, “make sure to get all the details.”
“Alright.”
Lin Tian messaged them. Talks went smoother than expected.
When asked to test the instrument first, they eagerly agreed.
Léntiān Qinxíng, a chain store with some presence nationally, still obliged, even offering door delivery.
Truly classy!
Lin Tian showed Yǎnyǔ their responses.
She smiled, relieved,
“Okay, now it works!”
“Yeah, they’re sending the instrument. We wait for that.”
“Good.”
Even if the instrument was a dud, they could find another deal. Kang Kanga and Māo had control.
Whatever, they’d make money next video.
Time to leave, Yǎnyǔ was going home.
As she left, she recalled something.
Turning back to Lin Tian,
“By the way—Mr. Gao asked us this weekend if we’re free, he wants to check our performance readiness.”
“Check?” Lin Tian realized it was a mini-exam. Gāo Zhènyáng, as part of a music committee, could influence their standing.
Without passing him, no concerts.
“Okay.”
“He’ll see if we’re ready…”
“You got this,” Lin Tian raised a thumb, “trust our bond!”
“Bang!”
Lin Tian didn’t finish his sentence, she blushed and left.
Regular Friday, the busiest time for high schoolers with weekends ahead. Classes were more lively.
Qīngzhōu No.7’s relaxed rules let senior students enjoy full weekends until ‘100 days till college exam.’
Only those who’ve been through it appreciate weekend gold!
Nearby Qīngzhōu No.18 had strict rules early on, early classes, late evenings.
During breaks, chaos reigned.
Lin Tian, napping, saw girls in the adjacent building jumping something recognizable.
“Woo!” He pointed, “What’s up?”
“Douyin, duh,” replied Xu Yong, quickly recognizing the trend,
“I think it’s called KangKang dance.”
Lin Tian chuckled, remembering Gān Yǎnyǔ refusing to join.
He needed her to learn; trends couldn’t be missed.
“Seems pointless—no boob-swinging, no hip-twist. Weird.”
Xu Yong frowned,
“Popularity is bizarre, I haven’t seen the original—probably just borrowed from Tang.”
And thus concludes chapter fifty-three!
