Chapter 60: Connections from the Military?

For someone who has to work hard to earn money, weekends are out of the question, and rest is impossible. If it weren't for the fact that the workload of a university teacher is genuinely not too heavy, her petite frame would have collapsed from exhaustion long ago.

Tuming Office

"Why are you in such a hurry to call me here? What's the matter? You didn't explain it clearly over the phone."

Song Ming was introduced by Kong Lai, so she knew a bit about Shi Shi's background. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been in such a hurry to have her come over. Her serious expression made Shi Shi nervous as well.

Do you know anyone in the military?

Without hesitation, Shi Shi quickly replied, "I don't know her. What's wrong, Sister Song?" She knew the original owner's memories and familiar faces almost by heart. There was definitely no such person.

Do you know what kind of invitation we received?

Shi Shi looked completely bewildered: "Tell me quickly, Sister Song. How am I supposed to know?"

"A custom-made military song for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army!"

No wonder Song Ming asked her that! Military strength is the cornerstone of any nation. Political strategy determines a country's development, while military strength is its foundation! That was a commissioned military song for the centenary! How could such a glorious and righteous task fall into her lap?!

"Am I dreaming? Or is there some kind of trap?" It's understandable that Shi Shi thought this way. She's indeed become very popular lately, and has made a name for herself in the industry. But which company that can survive these days hasn't had its own "trump card"? Moreover, her company hasn't even built its own network of connections yet. How did she catch the eye of a high-ranking military officer?

"No, none of that! The documents are stamped with an official seal! The notification is from official channels and can be verified! There's not a single trap! Otherwise, why would I ask you this? It's like a giant pancake has fallen from the sky! Shi Shi, even if you were given a hundred mouths, we'd still swallow this pancake!" Song Ming was incredibly excited. Once they established this connection, their small workshop would have the backing of the military. Even if they later had a falling out with others in the industry, those people would have to think twice!

"Tell me more about it."

Song Ming took the document and gestured for Shi Shi to look at it while she said, "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army, so we'll definitely have to make it a grand affair. It's not just for domestic purposes, but also to have a deterrent effect on foreign countries." After saying this, she lowered her voice a little, "I heard that this year we've invited not only friendly allies to visit, but also kings and presidents from more than 200 countries to watch the military exercises."

"Looks like we'll have to teach them a lesson." Of course, it'll be in green military uniforms.

Song Ming continued, "This time it's a bidding process, with a total of 50 slots. We are honored to be one of the 50."

"In other words, we have to overcome numerous obstacles and defeat many enemies to achieve final victory."

"Yes, the first round eliminated 30 companies' 'homework' submissions. The second round eliminated another 15. Finally, one song was selected from the five companies to serve as the military song for the entire army to sing together."

"One in fifty! That's really not easy," Shi Shi exclaimed.

"It's one in 100. Each company can submit two works. However, 10 songs will be selected from these 100 songs. The military will make a centennial commemorative album for the military. I never thought we could be the final winner, but we can give it a shot to get a spot on the album."

"Of course we'll give it our all! How much time do you want to prepare?" Shi Shi's faith points were almost used up. She needed to save them up, otherwise she wouldn't be able to exchange them for good songs.

"Less than 50 days." Shi Shi breathed a sigh of relief; that was plenty of time.

Others might not know, but Song Ming knew that Shi Shi wrote songs very quickly; she had only written those ten songs for me&me in just a few days. In Shi Shi's words, "As long as inspiration strikes, nothing can stop it."

Although she doesn't yet know which powerful figure has brought this opportunity to their small temple, she will do her best to seize it!

Fu Yingzhou kept his achievements and fame hidden.

"I'll go check on Wu Yinglei."

Song Ming was also very busy, and without even looking up, she gestured for Shi Shi to go about her business.

Wu Yinglei is a man who works his life away. Some people work to make a living, while others work to bring honor to their ancestors. To put it bluntly, everyone uses work to achieve their own goals.

But Wu Yinglei was different from them. When he worked, it was like he was on stimulants; he was completely "high".

Just like now, Shi Shi has been standing at the door for more than ten minutes. He didn't even notice.

No wonder Mr. Shi said his prized student's career was unsatisfactory. Such a good ox or horse, unless a superior has a change of heart, he's just a tool.

Today, the twins recorded "I Know," a song they planned to promote. However, Wu Yinglei was not satisfied at all. The two sisters' voices were already strained, but Wu Yinglei's cold "Let's do it again!" made the sisters a little angry.

Fan Zhuo naturally felt sorry for her artist, and she didn't think the recording was bad at all. Even as a middle-aged woman, she thought it sounded good. How could it be bad?

Upon seeing Shi Shi arrive, she said, "Teacher Wu, since you feel that the two of them sang a little off, why don't you ask Ms. Shi to demonstrate for us? My children are too young, so this would be a good opportunity for them to get a feel for it."

Fan Zhuo's words were humble and appropriate, and Shi Shi couldn't refuse. If she, as the boss, didn't manage her subordinates well, who would? In the early stages of a startup, it's impossible to find a perfect employee! Talented people are either too expensive or unruly. Capable people lack specialization. Good managers are often too slick. At least the other person should be trustworthy.

She discussed with Wu Yinglei the points that the other party was dissatisfied with, and after understanding them, she went into the recording studio.

The twins' mother and Shi Shi participated in the same variety show, so the twins knew about Shi Shi's singing ability.

As everyone knows, the live performance and the studio recording will sound completely different. When Shi Shi finished singing and came out, the two sisters didn't look too good. They probably knew where the problem lay.

This song expresses a young girl's innocent longing for love. Girls at this age love instinctively; love is an innate ability within them. Even without an ending, it doesn't matter, because they are not yet at an age to consider the consequences. Although the song is on the gentler side, it possesses a hidden quality of unwavering determination.

The twins were discovered by Sheng Hui at the age of thirteen to prepare for their debut. Although young, they had already experienced the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. In short, their singing wasn't 'pure' enough.

That's why they both looked so upset. If it were just a matter of singing technique or pitch, it would be easier to fix, but "not pure enough" is an overly conceptual problem! They know it's wrong! But they don't know how to sing it correctly!