Chapter 95: The Urge to Call You Godfather
Finding Zeng Yi was not difficult.
Shen Qing had already informed Zhang Lu of Taihe Rye Music to contact him.
Regarding the other two, Elva Hsiao had more say; she understood the current state of the music scene better than Shen Qing.
After a moment of thought, Elva Hsiao recommended two people to Shen Qing—Jay Chou and Wilber Pan.
She said there were many musicians in the country who played hip-hop.
But in the past few years, only these two had truly made a name for themselves; everyone else was a bit lacking.
Who was the most skilled?
Jay Chou was the top recommendation.
Jay Chou’s rap did not focus on rhyming, rhythm, or speed. He was completely different from the fixed 8-beat flow common to most rappers. He paid more attention to the organic integration of rap and music itself, offering a very rich auditory experience. His rap philosophy was ahead of its time.
In other words~
His purpose in rapping was to sound good, not to rap for the sake of rapping.
It was not forced or artificial.
Conversely, some less skilled rappers, singing ordinary lyrics with ordinary melodies, would forcefully try to rhyme and rap.
This was also why many people disliked rap and rappers.
They felt they were too pretentious, taking songs that were already unpleasant and trying to make them sound epic.
But when listening to Jay Chou’s rap, or Wilber Pan’s rap, one rarely felt awkward or annoyed.
For example, Jay Chou’s five released albums included rap songs like 《Indian Old Turtle Dove》, 《Lady》, 《Clock in the Opposite Direction》, 《Milan’s Little Blacksmith》, 《Ninja》, 《Nunchucks》, 《Chaotic Dance of Spring and Autumn》, 《By the Name of the Father》, and so on…
Of course, this was only a portion of them.
The other unlisted songs were also quite brilliant.
Furthermore, in September of this year, Jay Chou was about to release his sixth album 《Still Fantasy》, which included the peak masterpiece of his rap career, 《The Seventh Chapter of the Night》, as well as the widely popular 《Listen to Mom’s Words》 and 《Compendium of Materia Medica》.
As for Wilber Pan…
He also had three popular duet songs that combined rap and R&B: 《Must Love》, 《Happy Worship》, and 《I Want to Understand You More》.
Especially the duet 《Happy Worship》 with Angela Chang, which showcased Pan Xiaoshuai’s strong rap skills.
Additionally, his album 《Turn Around the Earth》, to be released in June this year, featured the title track 《Turn Around the Earth》, which was also very strong and well-liked by many.
…
Shen Qing said, “Sister Xuan, Jay Chou and Wilber Pan are indeed amazing, but you want me to find them? Hahaha, you think too highly of me. I don’t know them at all…”
Hearing Shen Qing ‘admit defeat,’ Elva Hsiao’s expression visibly brightened with joy and excitement.
For the past couple of days, she had felt unable to hold her head up in front of Shen Qing, as he surpassed her in both looks and talent…
The female instinct of admiring strength made her feel very insecure.
Now she could finally find a bit of confidence, thinking to herself, “It feels so good to be needed by him. I must show off my connections!”
Just after getting off the plane.
She immediately called Pan Xiaoshuai.
This guy was a genuine player.
Previously, he had boasted on a TV show that his lips were ‘top-grade fatty beef,’ very comfortable for kissing, with a great enveloping sensation that girls loved.
When the call connected, he said with a laugh, “Hello, Elva, calling me so early, do you miss me? I’m busy with a date today and can’t see you.”
Elva Hsiao retorted, “Miss your head! Aren’t you dating Selina? Be careful, I’ll tell her you took advantage of me.”
Pan Xiaoshuai glanced at the D-cup young model on the bed, covered his mouth, and asked in a low voice, “Just kidding, what’s up? Want to go out for a drink?”
Elva Hsiao said, “I want to introduce you to a music genius.”
Pan Xiaoshuai asked, “Who?”
Elva Hsiao replied, “Of course, the creator of 《Moonlight》!”
Last year, when Angela Chang’s 《Moonlight》 reached Taiwan, Wilber Pan was so impressed he bowed down five times. He then bought Angela Chang’s compilation and listened to it, feeling jealous and envious of Shen Qing.
Damn, how could he write so well?!
A few days ago, Angela Chang’s new album’s title song 《In My Song》 was charting on Taiwanese radio again. Wilber Pan listened to it and gained a new understanding of Shen Qing’s creative ability.
He really wanted to meet such a music genius.
This was because his album 《Turn Around the Earth》, to be released in June this year, had few songs he was satisfied with, leaving him very anxious.
As for next year’s album, he had no connections at all.
After all, hit songs were a singer’s lifeline. If they didn’t have any good works for several years and relied on their past successes, they would soon be forgotten.
Wilber Pan immediately got out of bed and said decisively, “Although I wasn’t nominated for next month’s annual Fengyun List, I’ll shamelessly go to get a song from Shen Qing. Hahaha, if reporters ask, I’ll say I’m accompanying Jay…”
Elva Hsiao said, “Exactly, I wasn’t nominated either.”
Having secured Pan Xiaoshuai, Elva Hsiao then called Jay Chou.
…
Meanwhile.
Long Danni returned to Dragon TV and reported the new plan to Chen Gang.
Subsequently, Chen Gang, along with Long Danni, reported their work to Vice Station Director Liu Chunshan. The three discussed for half an hour and finally approved Shen Qing’s plan.
Liu Chunshan stated, “This Shen Qing has a lot of ideas. Adjusting the competition format according to his plan has indeed elevated the standard and will have a greater subsequent impact. The subsequent competitions will follow this format… By the way, what about the theme song?”
Long Danni replied, “Director Liu, I was just about to report. Little Shen has already written two songs, here are the lyrics.”
After reading the lyrics, Liu Chunshan gave a positive evaluation.
However, he didn’t know if they sounded good.
Long Danni seized the opportunity to say, “Shen Qing just told me he’s having trouble selecting singers; the ones he wants are difficult to invite.”
Liu Chunshan frowned.
There are people difficult to invite even for us at Dragon TV?
Tell me who they are!
Long Danni replied, “Jay Chou and Wilber Pan.”
Liu Chunshan said calmly, “Chen Gang, is it difficult to invite them?”
Chen Gang immediately replied with a smile, “Director Liu, it’s just a word from you, not difficult at all!”
Liu Chunshan nodded, “First, have Little Shen record a demo and send it over. If it’s satisfactory, then have the public relations department contact Jay Chou and Wilber Pan.”
After the meeting.
Long Danni couldn’t wait a moment longer. Like a primary school student who received a good report card and needed parental praise, she called Shen Qing, “Shen Qing, let me tell you, Director Liu he…”
Hearing Long Danni’s sweet voice from the phone, Zhang Liangying scolded irritably, “An old ox wanting to eat tender grass, how shameless and slutty!”
…
In the following days.
Shen Qing and Zhang Liangying spent all their time in the recording studio.
They recorded songs almost from morning till night. Half of the remaining six songs for the new album were already recorded, and they estimated they would be finished in a few more days.
The pace was much faster than previously anticipated.
Additionally, the 13 music videos planned by Shen Qing and filmed by MV directors hired by Taihe Rye Music were also recently completed, awaiting the songs to be recorded and pressed onto CDs.
On the morning of April 1st.
The three members of GALA Band stood nervously at the entrance of the recording studio.
Lead singer Su Duo asked, “Am I really not dreaming?”
Guitarist Wang Zi swallowed and looked at the recording studio’s sign, saying, “It shouldn’t be a dream. This is indeed the best recording studio in Beijing; Faye Wong and Sun Nan have recorded here.”
Bassist Xingxing Mo said, “I hope the pie falls into our laps.”
Yesterday.
Someone from Taihe Rye Music suddenly approached them. Su Duo thought they were going to be signed by the company and excitedly drank several bottles of beer.
He only found out this morning after meeting Zhang Lu…
It wasn’t about signing, but about singing.
Su Duo was stunned at the time, his nose stinging. He had been told his singing skills were poor for a year.
Now, Taihe Rye Music, one of Beijing’s music giants, was inviting him to sing?
Su Duo proudly raised his head: Has my talent finally been discovered!?
At this moment,
The three of them arrived outside the recording studio, standing like mere subordinates.
Zhang Liangying saw them through the glass, looking slightly surprised. How could these three unremarkable-looking individuals be chosen by Shen Qing? I understand now, they must have excellent singing skills!
When she followed Shen Qing outside, the three members of Su Duo were dumbfounded. “My heavens, is that Zhang Liangying? Then this young man must be Shen Qing?”
Su Duo felt like he was about to take flight.
He was actually invited by Shen Qing to sing?
Could it be to sing songs from Zhang Liangying’s new album?
This is too awesome!
We GALA are really going to fly, oh yeah!
Shen Qing said, “I’ve heard a lot about you. Your song 《Young For You》 has a unique style, and I like it very much…”
Su Duo replied, “Thank you, we are truly flattered. We never expected to be invited by you to sing. Honestly, my singing skills are average, but I will work very hard…”
Shen Qing said, “What are you talking about singing skills? That’s not important… What I want is your style. Come on, let’s start. Don’t be afraid of breaking your voice; a broken voice has more flavor!”
Su Duo: ???
I want to cry~
I wasn’t invited because of my singing skills, and Shen Qing even said singing skills aren’t important and wants me to break my voice. Sigh, this is tough…
I accept my fate!
Should I just go all the way down this path?
Sing out my own unique style. It wouldn’t be bad to become one of a kind in the Chinese music scene in the future.
Thinking this, Su Duo felt a bit better.
Recording studio.
Shen Qing played them the demo he and Zhang Liangying had recorded and began teaching them on the spot, instructing them line by line on how to sing and what key points to pay attention to…
Meanwhile, Zhang Liangying sat aside, playing with the newly learned harmonica. She thought to herself, “Indeed, you can’t judge a book by its cover. This Su Duo looks… and his singing skills are also average, but his tone is so unique. He truly is my Officer; he has a discerning eye!!”
Half an hour passed.
Su Duo was completely won over by Shen Qing.
He felt an urge to bow down and pledge allegiance.
He finally understood why those ancient civil and military officials were so loyal to their lords! This 《Chase the Dream》 is practically tailor-made for us GALA!
We’ve never met, yet you value us so highly!
From now on, you, Shen Qing, are our GALA’s adopted father!
Su Duo’s gaze was fervent and sincere.
Shen Qing’s backside tightened: “Uh, how about you practice first? I’ll come back in half an hour to guide your recording.”
Su Duo nodded vigorously, “Okay, Father… I mean, we’ll familiarize ourselves with the song as quickly as possible and definitely won’t let down your high regard. We’ll record it today!”
“Alright, relax, don’t be nervous, believe in yourself… Oh, right, the sixth Pepsi Music Fengyun List is being held the day after tomorrow. If you sing well, I can let you perform on stage.”
GALA: “(⊙ω⊙)!”
After Shen Qing and Zhang Liangying left and went to the backstage lounge, Liangying was about to comment on her impressions of the three when she saw on the monitor that Su Duo and the other two were jumping around like monkeys.
Zhang Liangying laughed, “Officer, are they monkeys?”
