Out of the eight songs, they managed to pass six. One was rejected because its melody clashed with other compositions, while another was deemed too cheesy in terms of lyrics.
The boys expressed their gratitude and bid farewell to the producer and director teachers, and then immediately started blaming each other in the elevator.
“I told you not to use the word ‘baby’ so many times in the lyrics!”
“Well, that song only used a 4536251, of course it would clash with others!”
“Thank you for making such a lazy and basic mistake.”
“Captain, I’m so tired of writing, I really want a break…”
As the elevator ascended to the sixth floor, it chimed, and a handsome and sunny boy stood at the door, blinking his eyes.
The six of them fell silent for a second, then stood up respectfully and said, “Hello, senior!”
Respecting seniority was necessary for this industry.
The boy waved his hand with a smile and walked into the elevator, standing in the middle.
He was fifteen years old this year and had already debuted for a year, continuously evolving in terms of temperament.
Everyone remained silent as they waited for the elevator to ascend, simultaneously taking in the appearance of this boy.
“Qi Lin,” Xie Lianyun called out, “Are you releasing a new album this year?”
“It’s almost finished,” the boy replied in a relaxed manner, “It’s a full English R&B album, just as planned.”
On instinct, Bo Jue asked, “Did you write it yourself?”
“Yeah,” Qi Lin smiled, “I took a chance and wrote it myself. I have no idea how it will turn out.”
The elevator chimed again as it reached the tenth floor. Qi Lin waved goodbye to his older brothers and said, “Let’s hang out when you have time.”
Once Qi Lin had walked away, the elevator continued its ascent.
“How did he do last year?”
“He exploded,” Xie Lianyun felt immense pressure, “Five of his songs became hits from just one album. His songs are playing everywhere in our company’s supermarkets.”
“He’s only fifteen?” Mei Shengyao couldn’t believe it, “He hasn’t experienced voice breaking?”
“Baby, you’re only fourteen,” Bo Jue reached out and ruffled his hair, “Stay calm.”
Mei Shengyao’s competitive spirit emerged, “We’re going to become famous too!”
“Let’s not worry about becoming famous for now,” Huo Ren remained calm. He pressed the elevator button and waited for them to enter the seventeenth floor one by one, trailing behind them, “We’ve passed the initial auditions and entered the formal production phase. We still have at least six songs to create.”
“It’s not just about finishing the lyrics and music. We also need to prepare the arrangements and mixing,” Xie Lianyun stood in front and opened the door, “We only have three months left.”
The group simultaneously trembled and hurriedly rushed into the living room, picking up the pace.
“Let’s have a meeting first,” Huo Ren knocked on the door frame, “Don’t rush to write—— Yun-ge, put down the candy.”
Xie Lianyun had already unwrapped the candy and argued, “I’ve been using my brain too much lately and need a boost.”
“You can have some multigrain porridge,” Huo Ren shook his head, “Put down the candy.”
Xie Lianyun pushed up his glasses coldly, “I should have competed for the position of captain.”
“Then our average weight would be 150 kilograms,” Bo Jue replied coolly, “That would be great, a perfect match with you.”
Chi Ji helped Huo Ren bring out the whiteboard, and the group continued to ponder their creative plans.
“We need to submit the drafts in June, so by early May, we should have rough versions of all the songs, leaving a month for arrangements and revisions,” Huo Ren wrote quickly on the whiteboard, his handwriting bold and spirited, displaying great character. “First, let’s talk about the two songs that were rejected. What do we plan to do with them?”
“I think we can make two more love songs,” Xie Lianyun sucked on a straw to satisfy his craving, “And maybe one more slow song. For the rest, we should aim for energetic and joyful styles.”
Long Jia suddenly spoke up, “What about a battle song?”
“A battle song?” Huo Ren turned to look at him, “What do you mean?”
“It’s different from the nightclub style,” Long Jia jumped off the sofa and took the pen to write down keywords, “It’s a song dedicated to everyone in a fighting state… They might be studying for exams or pulling all-nighters for projects.”
“For example, my brother is starting a business and has to work on plans until three or four in the morning every day,” he said earnestly, “If there’s an inspiring and motivating song, it would give him more drive.”
“There are probably many students who listen to albums, right?” Chi Ji caught on, “Or people who are at a crucial stage in their lives and need encouragement to move forward.”
“I think that’s great,” Huo Ren nodded in agreement, making annotations next to Long Biao’s writing, “The music should have a grand and passionate feel.”
“How about one song with electronic music and another incorporating symphony?” Mei Shengyao smiled, “This can also prove our group’s commercial value and strength. Creating music with an epic movie-like atmosphere, combining popular and classical elements, should have a good effect.”
“I happen to know someone who specializes in this,” Xie Lianyun suddenly said, “We don’t have class this afternoon. Shall we go and talk to her?”
Xie Lianyun and Mei Shengyao were familiar with electronic music, but they needed expert guidance for symphony and harmony.
Huo Ren thought it was a reliable idea and called Uncle Jiang to report the matter.
“Okay, be careful when you go out,” Uncle Jiang’s voice came through the phone as he yawned, covering his mouth, “The driver is out for something. The spare car key is in the third shelf corner of your bookshelf. Ask Long Jia to drive.”
Huo Ren realized belatedly, “Long Jia has been practicing with us all year. When did he get his driver’s license?”
“He got it during the Lunar New Year,” the sound of a lighter flicking came from the other end, “This kid has been flying with his dad since he was ten. He’s reliable, trust him.”
Huo Ren quickly handed the car key to Long Jia, his eyes filled with admiration without reservation.
“Did Uncle Jiang tell you about the driver’s license?” Long Jia asked curiously, “I’ll drive you guys this afternoon.”
“Bro,” Huo Ren whispered, “You actually know how to fly…”
“It’s just a helicopter, nothing difficult,” Long Jia laughed as he helped him move the instrument stand, “It’s not difficult at all. If you want to learn, I can teach you in the future.”
Huo Ren smiled like a little white wolf wagging its tail.
They collectively put on their masks and headed out, following Xie Lianyun’s directions, and before long, they arrived at the Shidu Conservatory of Music.
“Let me see if my friend is here…” Xie Lianyun sat in the passenger seat and reached out his hand. “Zhu-jie, over here!”
A stylishly dressed woman with long hair waved at them and got into the nanny car at the entrance of the school.
“Good afternoon, let’s go to the Shidu Theater. My orchestra is rehearsing there.”
Long Jia smoothly responded, taking the steering wheel. Huo Ren sat in the second row and handed her a bottle of water. “Thank you for guiding us.”
“Let me introduce you. This is Zhu Yin, the head of the conducting department. She’s forty-three this year.”
Everyone: !!!
“You look like you’re in your twenties,” Chi Ji instinctively commented. “I didn’t mean to flatter you…”
“No kids, no disasters, no illnesses.” Zhu Yin smiled proudly. “Compliments are fine, I like hearing them.”
She was one of the leading figures in the Shidu Conservatory of Music and also responsible for conducting rehearsals for the Shidu Philharmonic Orchestra. She leaned more towards the academic style in orchestration but also listened to popular music in her spare time.
Professor Zhu led them to her private office at the Shidu Theater. After understanding their general requirements, she took out a few books and handed them to Huo Ren. She then demonstrated several common musical styles on the computer.
Xie Lianyun used eye contact to signal the captain to put away the orchestration teaching materials. He then squatted beside them and listened to the majestic and grand symphonic music.
“We want to express a sense of grandeur with the prelude and chorus melodies,” Mei Shengyao had already entered work mode and showed her some demo sections he had thought of earlier. “But the arrangement may still incorporate electronic music to maintain a popular feel.”
“Traditional instruments can be just as popular,” Zhu Yin propped up her chin and twirled her pen. “You want to use electronic elements to control the rhythm and evoke emotions. You’re concerned that the violin and piano might sound too rigid and mediocre, right?”
Mei Shengyao froze for two seconds then leaned towards Huo Ren, silently observing her.
Is this woman a monster?
Huo Ren sat in the front row, his eyes lighting up. “Are you suggesting…?”
“It’s simple. Take this demo, for example,” Zhu Yin turned a page of sheet music and pointed to the beat that Mei Shengyao had written. “Do you know what the effect would be like if this section were performed using a triangle and plucked strings?”
Everyone was stunned. “…A triangle?”
Zhu Yin smiled and didn’t say anything, leading them directly to the rehearsal hall where her orchestra practiced. She briefly explained the situation to her subordinates.
“I’ll lead a section, and you guys play along with the main melody,” she took the first violin effortlessly and lifted her bow. The resilient and bright sound of the violin rose and fell, and the others immediately lifted their instruments, creating a resonant sound with the brass and woodwinds accompanying her violin.
The small section of demo that Mei Shengyao had casually written became passionate and generous in the simultaneous performance of dozens of people, surpassing their imagination in its sharpness and innovativeness.
Zhu Yin handed the violin back to the concertmaster, picked up the triangle, and twirled her wrist.
The delicate metallic sound suddenly transformed into countdown-like footsteps, as if being chased by a horde of demons, abruptly accelerating forward with a mix of panic and urgency, vividly portraying various emotions.
The symphonic music circled back to repeat this section, and she picked up the mallet, standing beside the tubular bells, playing the silver bells in harmony with the passionate music.
The bell-like tone of the tubular bells not only had great penetration but also gave the ensemble a fantastical and bizarre luster in an instant. Upon closer listening, it possessed endless charm.
Unbeknownst to them, they had been in the rehearsal hall until late at night.
Xie Lianyun and Mei Shengyao were both inspired by listening to the symphony. While listening to Zhu Yin’s explanations, they feverishly scribbled with their pens. Before leaving, they took notes, eagerly waiting to return home and continue their orchestration.
Huo Ren, who had no prior experience in this field, had been constantly catching up since entering the conservatory. His mind had opened up a vast space for storing and assimilating knowledge. Before leaving, he returned the borrowed books, feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
“If you need any help with your other songs, feel free to contact me,” Zhu Yin said with a smile as she bid them farewell. “Xiao Xie, take me out for a drink when you’re free. It’s been a long time since we last met.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Xie Lianyun said energetically. “Once the album is finished, I’ll have more free time.”
Long Jia drove them back to SPF, and the three in the backseat immediately fell into a deep slumber.
It had been a while since Bo Jue had played the piano here, and he had the itch to perform with someone. He played several pieces by Bach and Chopin with others, and on the way, he stopped by the adjacent musical theater group, almost getting recognized by fans.
Huo Ren sat in the passenger seat, reviewing the main melody they had written that day. He gently traced his fingertip over the staff, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
This song was too good.
It had the aura of splitting mountains and crossing seas, the heroic spirit of charging forward relentlessly. The prelude alone could captivate people’s ears. Listening to this song, one could charge into battle without any fear, even if it meant shedding blood and breaking bones.
It didn’t rely on the artificial stimulation of electronic music to provoke nerve-like pleasure. It had visuals, tension, and a fluctuating narrative. The moment the seven instruments harmonized, it could make one’s blood boil and tremble with excitement.
“I love this song too,” Long Jia said, looking at the changing traffic lights in the distance. “We can consider this style, the fusion of classical and modern, for the second album. It will definitely be well-received.”
“We will,” Huo Ren and Xie Lianyun said simultaneously.
They exchanged glances and smiled broadly.
“We definitely will.”
-2-
Writing songs was fun, but meeting deadlines was a nightmare.
After finally completing and passing the review for ten songs, they were stuck and unable to come up with the last two.
Mei Shengyao, at the end of his wits, rolled on the carpet with a pillow in his arms. “I want pizza, pizza, pizza—”
Xie Lianyun slumped on the sofa, feeling utterly defeated. “I never want to do music again in my life.”
Chi Ji crouched nearby, fanning them both. “Wake up, you still have six days until the deadline.”
“Chi Ji, are you a devil?!”
They split into two groups and tackled the problem simultaneously. But whether it was the melody sounding too mundane or the lyrics not fitting, no matter how they struggled, it all felt strange and peculiar.
Bo Jue, in his irritable state, played Canon at four times the speed, causing the piano to tremble.
Huo Ren stared blankly at a stack of books, and suddenly, Long Jia knocked on his head. “What are you thinking, Captain?”
“I was thinking…” He momentarily lost his grip on the books, bending down to pick them up as he stuttered, “What was I thinking?”
“Captain’s brain has crashed,” Mei Shengyao protested. “It’s just that Uncle Jiang’s deadline is too short! This can’t happen!”
“I was thinking…” Huo Ren picked up a couple of dropped books and suddenly snapped back to reality. “Do you guys think that writing lyrics is similar to writing poetry?”
“Poetry used to be the ancient version of lyrics for a long time,” Xie Lianyun lazily maintained his slouched position. “But our album is leaning towards a modern Western pop style. It would be out of place to include a classical-style song.”
“What about Western poetry?” Huo Ren instinctively said. “We could write a slow song, with a touch of English sentiment?”
“Huo Ren, the reading machine, have you already thought of something suitable?” Bo Jue immediately sat up. “Shakespeare?”
Huo Ren handed him the Sonnets. “The 18th one is the most famous.”
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
…
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
He sat at the table and recited the entire poem, and there was a brief silence in the living room for a few seconds.
“I have reason to believe,” Xie Lianyun said matter-of-factly, “that you’re looking for an opportunity to slack off.”
Huo Ren tilted his head and looked at him. “No one can question Shakespeare’s writing.”
If even the words written by Shakespeare weren’t moving enough, then high school students like them wouldn’t have much room to work with.
“It’s well-written… but there are too many adjectives in some places,” Bo Jue flipped through a few pages before and after. “Will it be rejected again for being too cheesy?”
“That’s when we should add English,” Chi Ji chimed in without hesitation. “He sings the first half, and the rest of us harmonize with English lyrics. We can create overlapping and repeating effects with a reprise.”
He jumped off the sofa and inserted the soundtrack CD of “The Awakening of Spring” into the TV, fast-forwarding to the progress bars of the songs “Touch Me” and “The Song of Purple Summer.”
“Do you guys think this arrangement style suits reciting poetry?” he asked.
It was gentle and tender, with a lingering charm, and it had a strong sense of time and space.
Bo Jue beckoned. “It sounds good. Let’s play it again.”
Xie Lianyun finally sat up, attempting to reason with them. “But when we usually write love songs, we don’t…”
Bo Jue looked at Mei Shengyao. “What do you think?”
Mei Shengyao nodded. “It works.”
Huo Ren grabbed his access card and changed his shoes at the door. “I’ll go ask the Legal Affairs Department if this involves copyright infringement.”
Long Jia returned to his room and turned on the computer. “I’ll search for similar adaptations from overseas.”
Xie Lianyun fell back again.
“…You guys are really ruthless.”
Even when he was procrastinating on his manuscript, he didn’t dare to play like this.
But that’s how it went.
The Legal Affairs Department didn’t expect a trainee to approach them, holding a collection of Shakespeare’s poems, and quickly gave a positive response regarding the related copyrights.
The twelve songs gradually moved from the initial drafts to the final arrangement stage. SPF also negotiated a collaboration with the Love Orchestra, scheduling the accompaniment recording for July to August.
Zhong Fengyu brought his team to accompany them for the adaptation and mixing simulations, spending over half a month immersed in the recording studio, wearing headphones every day until his ears ached.
It was at this point that Uncle Jiang finally reappeared.
He had been running ahead for the resources and schedule arrangements for the next year for half a year. When they met again this time, he directly called the six members into the nanny car and drove towards the International Exhibition Center.
Huo Ren only noticed after getting in that Pei Ruye was sitting in the passenger seat. Surprised, he asked, “Teacher Pei is here too?”
“I have arranged a task for you. Practice today, rehearsal tomorrow, and live performance the day after tomorrow.”
“A task?”
“Yes.” Uncle Jiang pushed his sunglasses up and his voice turned icy. “This weekend, Feng Jin will hold a concert. You will go there to dance as her backup dancers and gain some experience. It’s also a way to switch things up.”
“Feng Jin?” Mei Shengyao instinctively said, “My dad’s martial sister?”
“She’s SPF’s veteran queen. She’s a good person, but that doesn’t mean you can mess up and dance the wrong steps at her concert.” Uncle Jiang turned his head and scanned the six of them. “Dance well this time, get familiar with the concert venue’s lighting arrangements. The next time you step on stage will be in the second half of the year.”
This year, Huangguan Entertainment was working on an album, and they had already signed a strict confidentiality agreement. The melodies of those songs had to be kept strictly confidential before their debut, as it was one of the trade secrets.
Uncle Jiang ordered a cigarette for himself, looking at the passing scenery outside the window. “In the second half of the year, I’ll arrange for you to perform at other senior artists’ concerts. By then, you won’t be just background dancers and choreographers, but will perform independently on the big stage, giving the seniors time to change clothes, drink water, and rest.”
Huo Ren snapped back to his senses and quickly replied.
They were truly getting closer to their debut.
“Oh, one more thing.” Uncle Jiang took a drag of his cigarette, slowly exhaling. “I’ve almost finished planning your schedule for next year.”
He had aged countless years in the past year, and his workload for the next year would double.
“Uncle Jiang… It’s only May now,” Mei Shengyao yawned and said, “You’re too eager.”
“The debut variety show time has already been arranged. You will participate in ‘I Am the New King’ in the Chinese New Year time slot. The recording will be on February 1st, and it will be broadcasted on February 10th.”
“From February to May, you will go through the promotion and performance process, rotating through several stages. In June and July, you will film variety shows and shoot print advertisements. In August, there will be fan meetings and album production arrangements. In September, you will embark on a national tour concert, with at least four shows.”
“In November and December, you may have to participate in the OSC Asian Music Awards ceremony, and the arrangements for other awards will depend on your performance.”
“The OSC Awards ceremony!” Xie Lianyun suddenly woke up from his drowsiness. “The Crown group must win the Crown!”
Huo Ren blinked. “What?”
“And there’s ‘I Am the New King’!” Long Jia quickly added, “Fifi Group held the champion record for nine consecutive months, right?!”
“No,” Bo Jue shook his head. “Qi Lin broke the record when he appeared on the show, but he debuted as a solo artist. Fifi dominated the group rankings.”
Huo Ren was a little confused.
Uncle Jiang looked at him with a complex expression. “Don’t you usually watch variety shows?”
“The captain is busy with work, and when he’s done, he reads books and practices the piano… He only started browsing forums and online communities this year.” Mei Shengyao helped to ease the situation. “Anyway, the company will provide plans in advance before those events. Don’t worry, it’s fine.”
“You all seem to be aware of these things. Make sure to pull him to watch TV in your free time,” Uncle Jiang advised, somewhat concerned. He continued discussing the main topic with them. “Long Jia passed the TOEFL exam in advance two years ago, so you don’t have to worry about his enrollment.”
“Bo Jue is a foreign citizen, and he has recommendation letters and internal referrals, so he should be fine.”
“Xie Lianyun has been pursuing this career his whole life and never planned to go to university. His parents and I agreed on that a long time ago.”
Uncle Jiang looked at Huo Ren and Chi Ji, taking off his sunglasses with a meaningful look. “You will soon turn eighteen.”
“There are certain things that must be done, but you don’t have much time left.”
Huo Ren realized he was referring to the college entrance examination.
Chi Ji quickly said, “I’m already preparing my application materials for UC Berkeley.”
“Submit it in November. The early admission can have interviews in January next year. It’s best to finish these things before your debut.” Uncle Jiang nodded. “Swift action. You have a strong ability and recommendations from several Broadway and West End professionals, as well as an A card. I don’t think there will be any issues.”
He then turned to Huo Ren, his tone hesitant.
“Captain, I know you don’t feel much pressure about this matter, and you’re sharp-minded.”
Huo Ren showed no fear. “Are you suggesting that I take the exam early this year?”
Even if he started studying now, he would have plenty of time. He was born on September 17th, so technically he should take the exam in his senior year, next year.
However, according to the schedule Uncle Jiang provided, they would be at their busiest during the college entrance examination next year. They would just have debuted and would need to perform on various stages and TV shows, while also preparing for variety show concerts and a new album.
It was common practice in the industry to pass the exam and enter university, then complete the necessary paperwork to retain student status.
—Keeping a degree as a backup was enough, and no one really cared about delaying graduation or the like.
“No,” Uncle Jiang said meaningfully. “If you accept, I want you to take the college entrance examination next year.”
It meant taking two days out of their busy debut schedule to participate in the college entrance examination.
“I know you don’t plan on attending an art school, so your preference might lean towards the top two, like Shi Du University.”
“As long as you pass the exam, the top trending spot on Weibo will be yours for the entire day.”
Xie Lianyun instinctively said, “But aren’t the trending topics on Weibo determined by natural searches from netizens?”
How could something like that be guaranteed? It was a symbol of the overall trend. How could they decide it and even determine the duration?!
“That was the case when this software was just launched last year.” Uncle Jiang glanced at him lightly. “Times are changing.”
As the promotion of 4G signals was underway, the number of mobile internet users was rapidly increasing, and the price of data was constantly dropping each month. In the future, it might become unbelievably cheap.
Portal websites, entertainment forums, and official television stations were already subtly losing their advantages. The era of nationwide frenzy was likely to arrive soon.
“Do you think that in the past six months when I didn’t even return to the company, it was all for the sake of negotiating those endorsement opportunities for variety shows?”
Pei Ru sat silently in the co-pilot seat, playing with the silver mock-woodgrain pen exclusive to company directors, his eyes filled with contemplation.
Uncle Jiang put his sunglasses back on and spoke calmly.
“Capital is playing against the game rules.”
Several entertainment companies were maneuvering and competing for the new battlefield. The past few months had seen more games of strategic maneuvering between them than in the previous years combined.
“Captain.”
Huo Ren immediately looked up at him, his knuckles clenched tightly.
“I know that even if you start preparing this year, you’ll have many things to face simultaneously.”
Uncle Jiang looked at him again, without any reservation.
“Teacher Pei has already told you, but I need to say it again.”
“After entering this circle, everything about you, from your appearance, physique, singing voice, to your private life, exam results—-everything can become the target of hype.”
The battleground of the old era was limited to television stations and headlines in entertainment magazines.
Now, it was highly likely to change, to the point that even the heavens would change along with it.
The other five members remained silent, looking at the two of them. The car was so quiet that only the muffled sound of the engine could be heard.
They never expected that Uncle Jiang would plan to this extent—-nor had they ever thought of using the college entrance examination as a bargaining chip to support their idol group.
Pei Ruye also raised his eyes and glanced at the rearview mirror, observing Huo Ren’s expression at this moment.
“Uncle Jiang has one more thing to say to you.”
“If you’re unwilling, then focus on your preparations this year, take the exam calmly in June, and don’t worry about anything else.”
“If you’re willing to bet, Uncle Jiang, I’ll use my team and resources to gamble with you.”
At that moment, Huo Ren could read the determination and fierceness in Uncle Jiang’s eyes, like that of a commanding general behind the scenes.
“Debut in February, college entrance examination in June.”
“If you don’t perform well in the exam, you won’t have a chance to turn things around for the next few years, and the company may not even be able to free up vacation time for you.”
The manager’s voice was hoarse and resolute, with unabashed ambition.
“But as long as you can get into the top 2, the top trending spot on Weibo will be yours for the entire day.”
All the exposure and attention will be yours, propelling you to the highest point of the trend.
“Huo Ren, do you want to bet?”
Huo Ren suddenly smiled.
“I do.”
He stared directly at Uncle Jiang, his smile revealing a sharp edge.
“If I don’t go, then who will be the top scorer at Shi Du?”
Author’s Note:
Red envelopes will be sent to the top twenty comments!
Enjoy this burst update of seven thousand words~ Have a great time reading!
T/N: I don’t! Author, where’s my red envelope?
Huo Ren is so handsome when he’s confident 🫶🥺
i thought he would still choose to go harvard