Chapter 181: You’re Just Lusting After His Body
Spending the ticket price for one song but hearing two, in a sense, the on-site audience made a huge profit.
They were wondering why the auditory perception of the two versions differed so greatly, only to realize they were two completely different songs…
Apart from the melody and some mimsound homophones, these two songs have basically no other similarities; their song themes are different, making them a rare type even among same tune different lyrics works.
The music type of same tune different lyrics isn’t actually new; there were plenty of early Mandarin-Cantonese mutual translation adaptations, and re-lyricizing imported foreign songs was also common.
But Yu Wei’s two songs are impressive because he handled both single-handedly, which not only requires his deep understanding of the melody but also two completely distinct themes.
Two themes, two images, two lyric structures…
Writing the first song was no different from regular original creation, which is also what Yu Wei was best at before.
But deriving the second song from the first is like dancing in chains.
If handled by someone else, second creation is actually simpler than original, since part of the material is ready-made, and one only needs to get creative with the rest.
But if the same person writes them, one melody with two completely different sets of lyrics, the creative process is understandably torturous.
Getting the problem right isn’t enough; it also requires a second solution?
Artistic creation isn’t like doing problems; human inspiration is limited after all, especially since having the first song makes the second prone to path dependency, leading the two songs to become similar or even converge.
Just like in a game’s second playthrough with changed gameplay, but still subconsciously following the first playthrough’s routines…
Many same tune different lyrics works are like this: different viewpoints but similar themes, two angles on one thing, forming two songs.
But Yu Wei is different.
“Later” and “To the Future” give the feeling that he turned the second playthrough into another game; apart from the same material, the game type has completely changed.
On the creation level, without a doubt, the latter which completely overhauls and reconstructs is more difficult.
This not only requires ample inspiration but also completely abandoning the past; only a thorough cut can birth two completely different works.
Even someone like Meng Han, who claims his creative ability is no less than others, has to admit he can’t achieve this level.
Achieving this degree of differentiation is practically like two different people; how can one so easily cut ties with one’s past self?
Forgetting yesterday when the sun rises—easier said than done…
Of course Yu Wei can’t do this either; after all, “Later” and “To the Future” were originally written by two people, so how could the differences not be huge?
In the future, better avoid using works with such obvious differences too much, or the knowledgeable ones might think he has split personality.
Little do they know Meng Han has thought this for a while already…
In his eyes, today’s two songs mark the beginning of Yu Wei reconciling with himself; after fully recognizing himself, the future Yu Wei will only be more terrifying.
Meng Han had no time for helplessness; he was the second to take the stage, and Yu Wei’s performance was too hard to follow—he felt he couldn’t handle it.
He finally waited for Yu Wei’s opening, originally thinking it would be easier to play with known cards, but who knew he threw out two cards at once.
How to play two cards?
When Meng Han took the stage, he suddenly had an epiphany: it seemed Yu Wei was still tailoring to the person; he tailored to the civilian contestant.
Who says the opening can’t reference? Bringing out two songs at once means there’s always someone ahead to reference…
This kid is cunning beyond measure; with no program ahead, he stuffed in his own, eating no losses.
When the stage’s atmosphere fell silent, Qi Yuan in the audience seat’s back row slightly bent forward and slid out from his seat.
He’d seen what he wanted; no need to watch the rest—he wasn’t interested in others’ performances.
He didn’t look back at the dazzling stage, nor heed the brief puzzled glances from nearby audience, but silently headed to the exit.
Better spend this time going back to write a new book; Qi Luo An’s sarcasm hit his sore spot—not signing, he vows not to rest…
Earlier, Qi Yuan sitting in the back saw clearly: when Yu Wei was singing, the little girl stared wide-eyed—Sima Zhao’s intentions are known to all.
Is that liking? That’s just craving his body, you slut!
Gotta stop her; please don’t hinder our Yu Wei from pursuing his career, okay?
Just as his hand touched the cold door handle, the stage erupted in another wave of enthusiastic applause and the host’s loud shouts.
Meng Han’s entry sound wave became the perfect cover for his exit, like background music seeing him off; Qi Yuan pushed the door and left without hesitation.
Yu Wei just returned to the guest seat and saw the safety door open and close— what was that? Did he sing so badly he drove someone away?
Nah, that shouldn’t be; he has perfect control, no performance slips—probably some urgent matter.
While Yu Wei was dazed, Meng Han’s performance had started; he was an elementary school teacher, not about to sing rock to kids, so he specially chose a folk song with a soothing musical style.
Rumor has it he originally planned a children’s song, but it made many kindergarten kids cry, so he switched to this one.
How to put it—Teacher Meng’s voice singing a children’s song is indeed terrifying; who knows what deep shadows those children will have…
“I thought he’d sing a new song.”
Nearby Su Xinnan smiled helplessly, “Not singing a new song is fine too; otherwise, facing your two songs, he’d be dumbfounded.”
Teacher Meng has a new song?
If he remembered right, Meng Han’s last new song was in the third episode; for a singer-songwriter like him, it was time to bring a new song to maintain state.
From Sister Nan’s tone, the new song was already written but not yet released; Yu Wei was quite looking forward to it.
Meng Han was a powerhouse in his youth, churning out songs every few days; a singer famous for creation couldn’t possibly be low-maintenance.
Now though his creation speed slowed, the quality and completion are leagues higher—evolved to complete form.
“Probably rock isn’t suitable for the theme.”
Yu Wei thought Meng Han’s new song was still rock music, but Su Xinnan shook her head upon hearing.
“Teacher Meng has been obsessed with folk song lately, not only listening a lot but also trying to write it.”
Folk song, huh…
Yu Wei couldn’t help recalling Meng Lei’s first round competition video: nearly got tangled in wires singing rock—clearly not the material.
His voice suits folk song though; could Teacher Meng be creating a fitting new song for his son to compete with?
His previous works were mostly rock; suddenly trying a new style makes it hard not to suspect he’s paving the way for Meng Lei.
Such things are reasonable; after all, in Yu Wei’s second round competition, resources are part of personal ability.
Meng Han’s performance was quite outstanding, but still couldn’t quite follow the momentum; a two-song momentum, how could it be easily followed…
He couldn’t do it; non-professional singers Su Xinnan and Zhou Mumu were even less able—after two songs, they vanished without a trace.
In previous episodes, their performances at least had some sense of presence; this time the audience clearly wasn’t excited.
No helping it; Yu Wei fed everyone full with two songs in a row—later performers unless exceptionally outstanding, hard to regain momentum.
If all else fails, next episode let Yu Wei be the finale again—disperse right after, no time for lateral comparisons.
Opening is too lethal, stifling them all episode.
Actually this episode they were unlucky; Yu Wei picked a banger—if he hadn’t chosen well for opening, there really could’ve been a flip.
Plus it was two at once, steadier than steady—today no matter who came, couldn’t follow this.
After recording ended, Yu Wei didn’t leave first this time, but asked Zhou Mumu about the previous proposal.
He thought of a way for Fei Hong to guest sing without showing up, wondering how their discussion went…
“He said no problem.”
Chance to prove himself, Fei Hong naturally went all out—he really wanted recognition from Zhou Mumu’s fans.
In the entertainment industry, having a romance recognized by both sides’ fans is quite hard; the two aimed for that.
“Alright, once I finish writing the song I’ll send it to you; practice it first then.”
Male-female chorus has huge selection space; as real couple no need to avoid, basically all romance love songs work.
“Thanks.”
Zhou Mumu trusted Yu Wei greatly; he was not only witness to her and Fei Hong’s relationship, but the MVP who made it happen.
Even if everyone else doubted them, she believed Yu Wei would surely wish them happiness.
“Thanks for what—it’s not free.”
All reward-type songs in Yu Wei’s program are normal cooperation; rewards just provide channels, not freebies.
He’s no fool; Yu someone freeloading for years, now get freeloaded?
Except the fake competition in his novel, he hasn’t written songs for others elsewhere; some sought commissions, but all rejected by Yu Wei.
Not entering the Soul Refining Banner yet want songs?
Yu Wei rarely had gossip chance, so chatted more with Zhou Mumu—thought his novel’s ambiguous plots were plenty, but paled against her and Fei Hong’s daily life.
So-called romance plots are nothing before a real couple; life has no censoring hand after all…
After the program ended at noon, Qi Luo An stood outside the broadcast hall, unconsciously rubbing her hat brim with fingertips.
Writing books discovered by big bro—what to do, he won’t tell parents, right?
Writing book vest exposed—what to do, must discuss with experienced; by now Yu Wei should be out.
Footsteps came from beside; Qi Luo An looked up, about to wave hello but suddenly froze.
Yu Wei did appear, but flanked left and right by two girls: familiar junior sister on left, Zhou Mumu on right.
Qi Luo An gritted her teeth—even female fans aside, plus a female star—such a terrifying combo…
How about adding a female reader?
She didn’t overthink; no dealings with Zhou Mumu but had gossiped; this one was taken.
As for the elementary school girl, just acting cute—she could learn; in writing books, Yu Wei was her senior too!
“Heading out first; call if anything.”
Zhou Mumu spotted the resentful gaze of Qi Luo An at once; as a veteran, she knew that expression too well.
She naturally knew this one; not a female star, but collaborated with Yu Wei many times, called Yu Wei’s only lead actress.
Actually everyone knows these two have a deep relationship…
Before leaving, Zhou Mumu gave Yu Wei a half-smile, thoughts drifting back to that rainy night.
Cherish the person before you—she learned from Yu Wei’s song; the strategist taught well.
Why doesn’t the strategist listen himself?
