31: Chapter 31 Program Spots Secured

Chen Shaoping's expression grew solemn; if he didn't answer well, he might be kicked out.

"Old Cai. I did indeed write that poem, and besides that one, I've written a few others."

Cai Guoqiang's expression softened considerably; he saw sincerity in Chen Shaoping's eyes.

This meant that, at the very least, the poem was real, even if there was another motive behind it.

He was just a bit young and frivolous. One would be lucky to produce a poem like that once in a lifetime, yet he claimed to have written several.

He certainly had a big mouth!

In his heart, Cai Guoqiang had already categorized Chen Shaoping as an arrogant person whose tail would wag in the air at the slightest bit of success.

"You came to find me for a slot on the program, didn't you? But how did you find out? I've been trying very hard to keep the news under wraps."

Chen Shaoping grinned, stood up, picked up the teapot, and added a bit of tea to Cai Guoqiang's cup.

"Old Cai, you're impressive. You saw right through my little scheme at a glance."

"As for how I got the news, please forgive me for keeping that a secret."

He couldn't exactly tell Cai Guoqiang that his intelligence system had informed him. If he did, he'd probably be treated like a lab rat and never see the light of day again.

Cai Guoqiang picked up his teacup and took a sip, his tone much improved. "Impressive, my foot. I don't know you, but I certainly know Zhang Ying."

"Who brings a female singer along to discuss poetry, especially one dressed up so beautifully?"

Chen Shaoping suddenly realized that Zhang Ying was indeed his biggest flaw.

Zhang Ying smiled and said, "Sorry for the intrusion, Old Cai."

"You want to participate? Even if this girl is qualified, what about the composer and lyricist?" Cai Guoqiang asked.

Chen Shaoping stood up once more. "Old Cai, let me reintroduce myself. I am the songwriter, Young Master Ping."

"According to the program rules, the two of us will participate. However, the singer won't be Zhang Ying, but Wang Bo, who sang 'the only one'."

"Zhang Ying is currently preparing for her album and doesn't have time for now."

"Besides, in her words, I feel like winning would be too easy and there'd be no pressure."

Cai Guoqiang looked sharply at Chen Shaoping, as if trying to see right through him.

"Confidence is a good thing for a young man, but arrogance is just annoying."

"The songs you wrote, 'the only one' and 'later', are indeed classics, but how long did you spend polishing them?"

"On the program, the themes are assigned live and you have to submit your work on the spot. They won't leave you much time."

Chen Shaoping thought to himself: "As long as I have enough paparazzi points, it won't even take me a minute to write a song. I actually think the program gives too much time."

"Old Cai, I can guarantee that every song I write on the program will be no worse than those two."

"I won't say they'll surpass them, but they will definitely be on the same level."

"Not enough. That's not a good enough reason," Cai Guoqiang continued.

Chen Shaoping thought for a moment and then continued.

"The purpose of this program is to revitalize Dragon Country's original music. You can't just have famous songwriters; there should be a few young newcomers like me as well."

"I do have some achievements in original music."

"Today, our company's male singer—the Wang Bo I mentioned who's going on the show—is in Hang City signing an endorsement contract with the Wahaha Group. I wrote the commercial song."

"We also sent a demo for the theme song of Director's animated film. Once he hears it, he'll definitely choose us."

"I wrote that theme song too."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip to moisten his throat, and continued.

"If Old Cai wants to see those two songs right now, that's fine too."

Chen Shaoping finished with a smile and a proud expression.

Hearing Chen Shaoping's words, Zhang Ying was astonished. She hadn't expected such good things to happen after being away from the company for just one day.

She secretly resolved to spend more time at the company in the future.

Cai Guoqiang pondered for a moment. He had to admit that Chen Shaoping's words made sense, but it still wasn't enough.

"Still not enough. While there are fewer young songwriters with achievements, they aren't non-existent. Why must I use you?"

Chen Shaoping was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to respond for a moment.

Seeing Chen Shaoping like this, Zhang Ying wanted to speak up for him, but before she could open her mouth, Cai Guoqiang waved his hand to stop her.

The core figures of this program were actually the songwriters; the singers were more like tools.

His eyes remained fixed on Chen Shaoping, wanting to see what other reasons he could make up.

Chen Shaoping took another sip of tea to break the awkward atmosphere.

"Old Cai, given my conditions, why wouldn't you use me?"

Cai Guoqiang was taken aback, then he laughed. "It's not that I can't use you."

He glanced around his study, his gaze landing on three paintings on the wall.

"There are three paintings in this study. Choose one of them and compose a poem for it. If you get my approval, that'll do."

"Fine."

Chen Shaoping stood up and carefully observed the paintings.

The first one had a bit of a Western sculpture feel to it.

Didn't like it; skip.

The second was an ink wash painting of plum blossoms.

The third was a landscape painting with mountains, water, and birds.

If he chose the second one, there were too many poems to choose from, and he found it hard to pick.

On the contrary, the third one only made him think of one.

"Old Cai, I've already made my choice, and I've already composed it."

"Oh!"

Besides shock, Cai Guoqiang's face was written all over with disbelief.

He suspected Chen Shaoping was just giving up and taking a 'whatever' attitude.

It hadn't even been ten minutes since he started looking at the three paintings, had it?

"Which one did you choose? No need to rush; you can take your time to think."

He reminded Chen Shaoping.

"Old Cai, I chose this one," Chen Shaoping said, pointing to the third painting.

"I thought you would choose the 'Plum Blossom' one."

Chen Shaoping cleared his throat and recited the poem he had thought of.

"Painting."

"From afar, the mountains show their colors; up close, the water makes no sound."

"Spring departs, yet the flowers remain; a man approaches, but the birds are not startled."

Although Zhang Ying hadn't studied classical poetry, she was a university graduate after all, so she could tell the good from the bad.

She found herself less and over less able to understand this 'simp' in Li Qian's words. How could his ex-girlfriend bear to abandon such talent?

She couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for Chen Shaoping.

Cai Guoqiang's mouth hung open in shock. Everything this young man said was true; he wasn't being arrogant at all.

He simply had the strength to back it up.

This poem, 'Painting', perfectly matched the artwork. Yet its ingenious conception, profound artistic conception, and concise language went beyond what the painting itself could convey.

His previous prejudice against Chen Shaoping had long since vanished.

He said very politely, "Young Friend Chen, you have great talent. There's a slot for you on the program. I'll send you an invitation in the name of the production team later. Once you agree, it will be considered a binding contract."

"If you withdraw midway or engage in fraud during the program, it will be considered a breach of contract. In serious cases, you'll be blacklisted by CCTV. You'd better think it through."

"Old Cai, thank you! I've already thought it through," Chen Shaoping replied with a smile.

"Young Friend Chen, um... could I trouble you to write down both poems? I'll grind the ink for you." Cai Guoqiang felt a bit embarrassed, his old face flushing slightly as he spoke.