157: Comrade Xiao Chen, once sold, no returns or exchanges are allowed

Tang Chen turned off the video on his phone that made him exclaim Chen Fang was a born sword seed, and walked out of the office with him. After a few pleasantries, Tang Chen said against his conscience, “Chen Fang, this child, is very excellent and serious. From creation to recording, he strives for perfection in every detail. No matter how busy or tired he is, he always maintains professionalism and dedication. Not only is his professional attitude good, but he is also very friendly in his daily interactions… Even with staff he isn’t familiar with, he is especially polite.”

Tang Chen smiled and continued, “He always saw you in textbooks before. This time, having the opportunity to collaborate with you, he is very excited. Even if it’s just to learn from you, he considers it a gain.”

Shen Si was amused and laughed, “Haha, I am also very honored to collaborate with him. Before, Director Cai Ping also praised him everywhere, saying he was exceptionally talented, and that the new generation would surpass the old. I didn’t expect to have the chance to collaborate so soon.”

Tang Chen walked into the elevator with him and smiled lightly, “You flatter him.”

Saying that, Tang Chen pressed the first-floor button.

He wasn't lying; everyone could receive a 'friendly treatment experience card' from Chen Fang. As for when it expires, that's hard to say.

First, trick him into coming over. Once Chen Fang is 'sold,' there are no refunds or exchanges.

The two walked out of the elevator and headed towards the company entrance.

Tang Chen casually chatted, “Teacher Shen, why are you at the company today?”

Shen Si sighed, “The Animation Department is going to release a wuxia animation. You’ve heard about this, right?”

“I’ve heard of it. It’s called ‘qin dynasty storm,’ right?” Tang Chen pushed open the company’s main door.

This wuxia animation and “legend of fong sai-yuk” were both initiated and invested in by the owner of a technology company.

The patron is only in his forties this year. He was a wuxia fan in his youth, and seeing wuxia gradually fade from public view, he was unwilling. Two years ago, he proposed to revitalize wuxia and fulfill his long-cherished wish. So he found partners, invested a portion, and collaborated with film and television companies to make movies and animations.

The animation part was handed over to Tianji Entertainment’s Animation Department.

Shen Si nodded, “Yes, they want to release a trailer in November and need a suitable soundtrack. But the Music Production Department has given them six or seven demos, and they’ve all been rejected, saying they’re all ‘a bit off.’”

“That doesn’t warrant inviting you, does it?”

“No, it’s because I’ve composed similar styles of music before. Today, they asked me to come and brainstorm with four composers to see if we can spark some inspiration.”

Shen Si smiled and continued, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Speaking of which, Chen Fang is a creative singer, and the songs he released before were also of good quality. Why did he think of collaborating with us?”

“Creation is often a flash of inspiration. Some young singers only produce a masterpiece every three to five years; it’s a matter of luck. But Chen Fang is only 22 now, and I discussed with him that while he’s young, he should release more songs.”

Tang Chen knew Chen Fang’s plan; he wanted to climb quickly, which meant he had to release as much music as possible.

Asking others to write songs, first, gives him more intensity.

Second, he doesn’t want to limit how long Chen Fang must take to produce a song, fearing it might be counterproductive. Demanding a new song every few months could put pressure on him and affect his enthusiasm.

So, his attitude towards Chen Fang writing songs is: write whatever you want, relax, there are resources to fall back on anyway, no need to be anxious.

Tang Chen pushed open the company door, “To maintain stable output, we still need to collaborate more with excellent music industry seniors like you, Teacher Shen.”

Shen Si smiled and waved his hand, “Stop praising me so much. I asked that question only because I think he has a lot of creative talent, and it shouldn’t be wasted. Is he still writing songs?”

“Yes, I heard from his executive agent that he’ll be singing a new song on the variety show soon,” Tang Chen glanced at his watch; it was already 7:58. “He’ll probably be on stage in forty or fifty minutes. Want to listen together then?”

“Oh? Sure,” Shen Si teased, “Maybe after listening, you won’t need me to write anymore?”

“No, no, you’re being too modest.”

…

“Look at Xie Yunxuan, that show-off, he doesn’t know how to be humble at all, his tail must be wagging up to the sky, right?”

Backstage at the amusement park theater, Zhao Jin looked at the exit of the lounge and complained to Chen Fang.

Chen Fang followed his gaze and saw Xie Yunxuan with a high smile on his lips, swaying on his tiptoes.

Chen Fang asked, “Does he have a solo dance?”

“Mm, the fifth one.” Zhao Jin patted his shoulder, “You’re sixth, stay strong!”

Chen Fang opened his phone and flipped through the program list.

There were a total of seven performances tonight, with groups one and two alternating on stage. The finale was an activity prepared by the production team, where both groups would sing “Youth” together to conclude today’s campus-themed event.

It was eight o’clock now, and on stage, He Xing should have already started his opening remarks.

Teacher Yue and Tang Xiaoyu, who were first to appear, should also be waiting backstage.

He would only appear with his teammates for the fourth performance, so he could continue resting for now.

…

Forty minutes later, Chen Fang and his three teammates finished their group performance and walked off stage. Chen Fang quickly went to change for the last performance.

The other three walked off stage, looking at the smug Xie Yunxuan waiting backstage, feeling a wave of frustration.

The three of them felt depressed inside, but maintained a slight smile for the camera, and sat down in the second row.

Shen Wantang moved closer to Zhao Jin next to her, gathered her chestnut curly hair to one side, and whispered, covering her mouth, “Are we going to be at the bottom again today?”

Zhao Jin sighed, “Definitely. Group one has Teacher Yue, and from the performance of the previous few acts, they should have won as well.”

Shen Wantang pursed her red lips slightly, lowered her eyes, and the light in them dimmed.

Indeed, if the full score was one hundred, and she were to score it, then…

Teacher Yue and Tang Xiaoyu’s first adapted song duet could get 90 points. The two of them merged two of their songs, changing them into a duet, which was very innovative.

Group one’s stage play performance was mediocre, getting 70 points.

Xie Yunxuan’s solo dance probably could get 85 points.

And on their side.

Her own performance with Bai Wenbin and Zhao Jin was prepared very hastily, getting 70 points.

The skit performed by the four of them together was decent, getting 80 points.

Unless Teacher Chen performed exceptionally, and single-handedly outshone Teacher Yue and Tang Xiaoyu’s adapted song, they wouldn’t be able to turn the tables.

But… their duet incorporated two successful songs that audiences were already familiar with.

Teacher Yue’s singing skills were also very solid and distinctive.

To surpass this performance, the difficulty was simply too high; it could be said to be an almost impossible task.

Shen Wantang quietly asked, “You’re still in school, do you do housework?”

“A little bit, just for weight loss.” Zhao Jin sighed helplessly, “Darn it, this grouping is too unfair, putting singers in one group and actors in another.”

Bai Wenbin asked in confusion, “Wasn’t it decided by drawing lots?”

“Then… then it’s still unfair.” Zhao Jin showed a sweet smile to the distant camera.

“Then how is it fair?”

Zhao Jin thought for a moment, “Give Teacher Yue to me, and Xie Yunxuan to me too. For the last one, let’s have Tang Xiaoyu; she’s quite good at the knowledge quiz segment.”

Bai Wenbin and Shen Wantang’s mouths twitched, barely suppressing the urge to kick her away.

Goodness, you’ve optimized all three of your teammates, haven’t you?

When you have the advantage, it’s fair; when the other side has the advantage, it’s unfair. Classic.