Chapter 166 "Unruly"

The next day

Jingge Yashe

Jiang Haichao chose this location, aiming for a quiet and relatively private setting.

Liu Xinlang didn't come alone; he brought his newlywed fiancée, Hu Lingxi, with him.

After chatting for a while about "traditional culture," the group began to look at the plan prepared by Jiang Haichao.

It has to be said that at Liu Xinlang's age and status, what he most wants is not a leisurely retirement life of drinking tea and reading newspapers. Only when he is nearing retirement and cherishes his reputation will he simply drift through life.

He is at the prime of his life, a time to showcase his talents and make a difference. The Ministry of Culture is currently divided into two factions: one is the conservative faction, mostly comprised of those who have risen through the ranks from the bottom; the other is the reformist faction, comprised of a group of young and energetic cadres like him.

After closing the folder Jiang Haichao handed him, Liu Xinlang picked up his teacup with satisfaction and sniffed it lightly: "What fragrant tea."

Hu Lingxi knew he was interested, so she relaxed a bit: "Today's Baihao Yinzhen tea is top-quality. President Jiang has gone to great lengths."

This is what a true lady of high society looks like. At their first meeting, unsure if a collaboration would be possible, she addressed him simply as "Actor Jiang." But once she sensed an interest in working together, she immediately changed her form of address.

"Tea is something that should be appreciated by those who understand it. Otherwise, it's like casting pearls before swine. I've prepared some tea for you two to take home for your elders. Most of the older generation love tea and don't really like the coffee that's popular these days."

Small gifts, given with a touch of warmth and without being obsequious, were given to build rapport. As the matchmaker, Shishi had little room to maneuver today; she simply played the role of a quiet, unassuming woman, and her task was accomplished.

After all, the work that followed, whether it was nationwide promotion or internal cultural promotion within the Peking Opera troupe, was beyond her control. With that, she gracefully withdrew from the scene.

Before leaving, Hu Lingxi exchanged contact information with the others and then departed with Liu Xinlang.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Shi Shi couldn't help but sigh. If she hadn't known the inside story, she would have surely thought they were a loving couple who had been together for many years.

When Shi Shi returned to the company, Lou Xiaoting was already waiting for him. Having agreed to collaborate with Gao Yuanhui, she wouldn't delay. She'd called him over today for a sound audition. After all, a million-dollar sound engineer's skills weren't for nothing; nobody knew their true abilities behind the scenes.

Even when she sells songs, she focuses on using vocal characteristics that are close to her own.

To be fair, she felt Lou Xiaoting was too thin, which actually diminished his handsome features. However, considering that one looks 10 pounds heavier on camera, his weight was probably just right.

When Lou Xiaoting saw Shi Shi return, he immediately stood up, his handsome face showing a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

Shi Shi pointed to the recording equipment, indicating that he should start the sound check. Lou Xiaoting took a deep breath and began to sing. His voice was clear and magnetic, echoing in the recording studio. Shi Shi nodded slightly, letting out a slight sigh of relief; his voice was quite good!

After the audition, Shi Shi looked at Lou Xiaoting and gave her evaluation: "Your voice is good, and your pitch and rhythm are also quite good, but you can improve your emotional expression."

Lou Xiaoting nodded earnestly, her eyes full of sincere desire to learn: "Sister Shi Shi, you are right, I will try my best to improve."

Shi Shi continued, "Over the next period of time, you need to practice more on expressing your emotions, and I will also give you some guidance."

Lou Xiaoting readily agreed.

"Why isn't your manager here? What are your company's or your personal expectations or ideas for this album? You can tell me."

Since she was the client who was paying the bills, Shi Shi was still committed to ensuring the client's satisfaction.

Lou Xiaoting looked bewildered: "It's not that I don't want to talk about it, but I'm no longer sure what the market is going for. The company definitely wants some popular songs, the kind that are catchy and easy to sing along to. That way, they'll be more widely sung and easier for the majority of people to accept me."

Shishi nodded, agreeing, "Your company isn't wrong to think that way. Choosing catchy melodies and easy-to-remember lyrics will definitely help you broaden your fanbase. But..."

Shishi paused for a moment before saying, "Your company hired me, and even if it's a niche style, I have the ability to make it something that the masses like."

Lou Xiaoting recalled Shi Shi's diverse songs and knew she wasn't exaggerating; he immediately felt admiration for the woman before him. He admired Fu Zhixu even more. How could they get a divorce? His defeat wasn't unjust; after all, he wasn't as ruthless as Fu Zhixu.

"I like rock music."

Shishi nodded, indicating that she was not surprised. After all, rock music is cool, and it's normal for young boys to like it.

She took the album "Urban Savage" out of the drawer and handed it to Lou Xiaoting.

"This album is all rock music. See if you like it or not."

Lou Xiaoting took the album and placed it on the table: "Sister Shishi, I've heard this album before. That's why I'm so happy that the company wants to collaborate with you."

After saying that, he seemed a little embarrassed: "However..."

Unable to stand his stammering manner, Shi Shi said bluntly, "If you have any thoughts, just say them directly. I won't get angry over this."

He blushed slightly and scratched his head, then said to Shi Shi apologetically, "I was being petty. What I meant was, could the rock songs you wrote for me be a little more intense and passionate?"

Shishi was about to say, "What's there to hesitate about?" But then she realized that she hadn't written any really explosive songs, and maybe the other person was afraid she would misunderstand and think she was there to make things difficult, so they were just too embarrassed to say it.

"Of course. Your voice is pretty good too. We'll try your high notes again in a bit. I have a pretty good idea of ​​what to expect when I'm writing songs."

"No problem! Thank you for your hard work, Sister Shishi. The company has given this album a title called 'Unruly'."

Shi Shi scribbled notes in her notebook. Unbeknownst to Shi Shi, Lou Xiaoting revealed a mischievous smile. He was completely different from the innocent, cautious, and humble man he had been moments before. He seemed more like the personality depicted in the album title, "Unruly."

After seeing Lou Xiaoting off, Shi Shi summoned Binglu from her mind.

After exchanging for several songs such as "Wild Man", "The Train Rides Beyond the Clouds, Dreams Find Peace in the Ninth Heaven", and "Free as the Wind", I stopped paying attention to Binglu.

Ice Dew: ...

It was utterly speechless. Looking at Shi Shi's account balance of faith points, it gave a thumbs-up to this workaholic ox who only earned and never spent.

Binglu often wondered if Shi Shi had forgotten about her! She had never seen anyone so independent of the system!