54: How many companies are going to miscalculate on this year's list?

Just then, a low, deep melody emanated from the monitoring speakers.

Tang Chen paused his pen-twirling.

Huh? This isn't “The Courage to Be Disliked”?

As the prelude gradually ascended, Tang Chen's heartbeat subtly quickened, and his gaze sharpened.

“You wish for me to be mad, and you wish for me not to live alone and isolated.”

The moment the first line was sung, Tang Chen's eyes widened slightly, and he straightened up, his gaze intently fixed on the figure across the glass.

Had Yue Qingzhu adjusted her vocal tone?

Another ten seconds passed, and he couldn't help but shiver.

By the time the chorus reached its climax, he had unconsciously opened his mouth, his eyes filled with shock. Even when a message popped up on his phone screen, he ignored it. His mouth remained agape until Yue Qingzhu finished the last line.

As the music ended, the first thought that popped into Tang Chen's mind was—

This year's Hot List, how many companies are going to miscalculate? In the past two years, music has emphasized emotion, and this song not only easily evokes empathy but also allows for emotional release when sung. It will definitely be a hit!

And the second thought was that the decision to replace the mentors for “The Voice of Nature,” which would air during the summer vacation, was likely to put them in an awkward position.

Just as he thought this, Yue Qingzhu walked out of the recording studio and placed the folded lyrics on the mixing console.

Tang Chen stood up and praised, “That was truly excellent, Qingzhu. Your style adjustment is incredibly refreshing.”

“Tang Ge is too kind,” Yue Qingzhu replied with a faint smile.

Tang Chen probed, “As expected of Qingzhu, to be able to contact such a master composer for help. Whose work is this, Senior?”

Anyone who could compose and write lyrics for Yue Qingzhu was definitely a top-tier composer. He wondered which senior had attempted such an innovative style.

He should seize this opportunity to network with such a person.

Moreover, he had recently been considering signing Chen Fang. If he truly signed him, with Chen Fang's voice and talent, his growth should be very rapid. Perhaps in two years, this senior would also be willing to compose a piece for him? Although the probability of both things happening simultaneously was small, what if?

“Ah?” Yue Qingzhu had just finished embodying the dual roles of “the disciplined” and “the rebel,” and was still immersed in the sense of relief after venting her emotions. When he asked this, she was momentarily stunned.

Master composer? This term, when applied to Chen Fang, made her a bit slow to react.

Seeing her strange expression, Tang Chen thought he had spoken too much. “It's fine if it's inconvenient to say.”

“No, this is Chen Fang's song,” Yue Qingzhu stated frankly. Chen Fang had mentioned in the memo that he didn't mind Yue Qingzhu revealing he was the lyricist and composer, so Yue Qingzhu didn't hide it.

Tang Chen blinked, instantly suspecting he had misheard. “Who did you say? Chen Fang?”

Yue Qingzhu nodded.

Tang Chen's brow furrowed, then after half a second ofstunned, his eyes quickly lit up. “Thank you, Qingzhu. You're busy; we'll be going now.” With that, he hurried toward the door.

Jiang Haotian instantly understood: His boss was going to sign Chen Fang, wasn't he?

Thinking of this, Jiang Haotian felt a little excited. Good! Finally, someone was coming to share the burden of Tang Sanzang's chanting with him!

Jiang Haotian quickly followed, closing the door behind him and greeting casually, “Sister Qingzhu, you're busy.”

Tang Chen left the company, sat alone in his car, and dialed a mobile number. The call connected quickly.

“Old Liu, help me look up someone. Yes, as soon as possible.”

...

The day passed quickly.

The next day, Sunday morning, there was another major talent show variety live broadcast. To avoid direct competition, “the adventures” production team did not arrange any attention-grabbing major activities, but instead organized a culturally rich Hand-Waving Dance experience.

At twelve noon, the production team ended the live broadcast.

Everyone returned to the platform outside the guesthouse, preparing to walk along the side path towards the restaurant.

The Director's voice came from the road nearby, “Four of you, please wait.”

Chen Fang turned around to see the Director jogging over.

The Director slowed his pace, breathlessly sitting down on a wicker chair by the round table at the edge of the platform. “Four of you, please sit.”

Chen Fang walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down. The other three also took their seats.

The Director rubbed his shoulders, accepted drinks from a logistics staff member, and placed them in front of the four. “Tired, aren't you? Have a drink, and we can chat while you drink.”

“We only have six days left for our show. Monday to Friday won't be a big deal. The key is Saturday. Next Saturday during the day, we will hold a corpse driving ceremony. Teacher Tian will tell you the specific procedures in a couple of days.”

Chen Fang and the others already knew about this segment and nodded in agreement.

“Our original plan was to hold a bonfire party in the evening, but yesterday I saw Zhenzhen, the child who cooked with you, and decided to add a segment. At the bonfire party, we will chat and talk with the children from the mountains. You can think in advance about what to talk about.”

The Director toyed with an unlit cigarette, a smile in his eyes, as his gaze swept over the four.

He had to admit, the decision to come to the mountains for the corpse driving was truly correct. There was celebrity contrast, cultural collision, and life comparison, and it could even make everyone pay more attention to the lives of the mountain children, adding meaning to the show.

Chen Fang's suggestion was really good.

Thinking of Chen Fang, the Director's smile stiffened. He looked at Chen Fang and said, “But Teacher Chen, you... don't ask anymore. Be more restrained, okay?”

Chen Fang was puzzled: “What's wrong with me?”

“Your mouth, it can't even pass security checks. Don't go poking at the children's hearts,” the Director sighed helplessly.

He had heard from the Assistant Director that when the two of them went to Star City, Chen Fang repeatedly stabbed the Assistant Director in the heart. It was one thing to stab adults, but don't try to fool children again like yesterday.

Once the line was crossed, it would bring negative attention to himself and to the production team. If they were going to mess up, they definitely shouldn't do it on the last day, as there wouldn't even be a chance to make amends.

Currently, Group Three was the most popular group among the three groups of “the adventures,” and the leaders of the Kiwi Fruit variety department also highly praised him. He just wanted a smooth landing now.

“Teacher Chen, you should just talk less. Let...” The Director's gaze swept over the four people, finally settling on the two on the left. “Let Teacher Zhao and Pan Laoshi ask. Teacher Zhao is a girl, and Pan Laoshi is more approachable. You two just provide support, okay?”

Xie Yunxuan was a little unhappy, but since it was his own thoughtless question to Zhenzhen yesterday, he would just be the straight man.

“Teacher Chen and Teacher Xie, if you have any good questions, communicate with me beforehand, and you can ask them, okay? The four of you, please go for your meal and get some good rest.” The Director yawned, stood up, waved his hand, turned, and left, pulling out his lighter to light his long-desired cigarette.

Chen Fang and the other three continued walking towards the restaurant.

The four of them picked up their lunch and sat at a small table by the window to eat together.

Although all four were quite introverted, being on a variety show, besides showcasing themselves to the audience, also had an important task of expanding their network and fostering relationships, and eating was a very good opportunity. So the four of them would occasionally eat together, or sit in the restaurant and chat with the Director, Assistant Director, and Producer.