You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395
After graduating from university, Lei Lei became a reporter and has spent the last three years working as an entertainment journalist in the industry. While she may not have the experience of seasoned veterans, she has interviewed quite a few stars and idols.
Among them, newly debuted artists are the most common.
But Lei Lei has never encountered a newcomer like Lu Chen before. He is already well-known in the entertainment world and has gained considerable popularity, yet he remains humble and unpretentious in her presence. His words are polite but genuine, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Moreover, he is very handsome— not in the overly polished, pretty-boy way that's currently in vogue, but with a strong, masculine presence!
Listening to Lu Chen share his story felt more like hearing a friend recount his life experiences.
Unconsciously, Lei Lei let go of her professional instincts and began to listen intently, deeply moved.
Lu Chen's story wasn't very long. He wrapped up after explaining the origins of his creative style.
Lei Lei came back to her senses and couldn't help but say, "You're very lucky."
In life, having even one good teacher and friend is a great fortune, but Lu Chen has three.
Lu Chen replied candidly, "Yes, I am very lucky!"
That long dream from that night was undoubtedly a miracle and a stroke of good fortune.
Lei Lei sighed, "No wonder you can create such outstanding works. So, how do you handle others' doubts?"
Lu Chen answered without hesitation, "Go your own way and let others talk!"
In the entertainment industry, if you can bear great honors, you should also be able to endure great slander.
"Go your own way, let others talk!"
Lei Lei's eyes lit up, "You've read Dante's 'Divine Comedy', haven't you?"
Lu Chen smiled, revealing a perfect set of white teeth.
Lei Lei felt a bit dizzy; his smile was as bright as sunshine.
She couldn't help but blush slightly and quickly changed the topic, "So, what are your plans for the future..."
The rest of the interview returned to a more routine rhythm.
Lei Lei asked Lu Chen about his future career plans, and whether he intended to release an album, and even brought up Chen Fei'er.
In October, Chen Fei'er will hold a concert in Capital City, and Lu Chen is one of the scheduled guests.
She even inquired about Lu Chen's height, weight, hobbies, and his criteria for choosing a girlfriend.
Lu Chen answered as much as he could, but when it came to his privacy, he simply smiled without elaborating.
Lei Lei wasn't annoyed, and the atmosphere of the interview remained very harmonious.
By the time the interview concluded, it was already 4:30 PM.
Lu Chen stood up and said, "Lei Lei, let's have dinner together tonight. There are some great restaurants nearby."
Lei Lei smiled and replied, "I'd love to, but I have to go back and finish the article, so maybe next time."
Seeing that she wasn't just being polite, Lu Chen didn't press the issue.
He called Lu Xi, and the two of them escorted Lei Lei downstairs.
Before parting, Lu Xi discreetly handed Lei Lei a red envelope— a customary gesture in the industry.
Inside the envelope were ten crisp bills.
If it weren't for Chen Jianhao's guidance, she wouldn't have known about this custom or how much to give.
Different reporters receive red envelopes of varying thicknesses.
Lei Lei didn't refuse, but she would definitely say more good things about Lu Chen when she got back.
She even came up with a headline for the exclusive interview: "Go Your Own Way, Let Others Talk!"
After seeing the WeChat Music reporter off, Lu Xi let out a soft "hmph" and said to Lu Chen, "From now on, if there's nothing important, try to avoid dealing with this woman."
Earlier, when Lei Lei was interviewing Lu Chen, Lu Xi wasn't present. However, when they were seeing her off, her keen intuition as a woman made her notice that Lei Lei seemed to have a certain fondness for Lu Chen.
This discovery made her feel a bit wary.
She didn't want to interfere with Lu Chen's love life, but the entertainment industry is chaotic, and there are many opportunistic women. If Lu Chen got entangled with one of them, it would lead to endless trouble.
Lu Chen forced a smile and said, "Sis, Reporter Lei isn't a bad person. I know my limits."
Lu Xi rolled her eyes at him. "I'm just reminding you. Just be careful, that's all. Also, don't forget, tomorrow you're signing the contract with Baidi Culture Agency. Is the work ready?"
"It's been ready for a long time!" Lu Chen said confidently, "Just wait to collect the money!"
...
In contrast to Lu Chen's strong confidence, Wen Zhiyuan was feeling much more apprehensive.
Two days ago, he had been pushed to the brink by Zhang Qiong and agreed to Li Zhigao's request to apply for funds to buy a song.
As a result, after pulling some strings, Wen Zhiyuan actually managed to secure a budget of 100,000 yuan.
Such speed is usually reserved for top-tier artists in the company.
But Wen Zhiyuan wasn't the least bit happy.
After calming down, he realized he had been too impulsive.
Now, Wen Zhiyuan was completely tied to Tang Qiaoqiao and Li Zhigao. If they prospered, he prospered; if they failed, he failed. If the work Lu Chen provided was worth the money, that would be fine. But if it was just mediocre...
Then Wen Zhiyuan could forget about keeping his position as a manager.
Just look at who was sitting in the listening room today!
The biggest figure was the Deputy General Manager of Baidi Culture Agency, Song Xun, who was also the direct superior of Wen Zhiyuan's immediate boss.
Then there were the manager of the management department, the manager of the public relations department, and two other managers from the management department.
Wen Zhiyuan knew very well that these two peers of his were definitely here to watch him fail!
In addition, there was also Wan Xingguo, a music consultant from Heavenly Sound Workshop.
Wan Xingguo is a well-known musician in the industry, having produced multiple albums. He serves as a consultant for several entertainment and music production companies and is good friends with Song Xun.
Song Xun invited Wan Xingguo here, ostensibly to evaluate Lu Chen's work, but the real purpose was unclear.
Just one song didn't need to be such a grand affair, even if it was worth 250,000 yuan.
Also present were Zhang Qiong and Zhang Shuhui.
According to the rules, these two shouldn't be here, but Zhang Qiong has strong connections!
Wen Zhiyuan knew very well that if others were here to watch him fail, then Zhang Qiong was here to hammer the final nail into his coffin. She had been eyeing his position for a long time.
As for Li Zhigao, he didn't even have the qualification to sit in the listening room and had already retreated to a corner.
What a grand scene!
Even though the air conditioning in the listening room was set low, Wen Zhiyuan was sweating profusely.
"Manager Wen, how much longer do we have to wait?"
After sitting for just a few minutes, Zhang Qiong asked sarcastically, "The managers don't have that much free time."
'Damn it, did I invite them here?'
Wen Zhiyuan cursed inwardly, wishing he could slap this woman to the ground and teach her a lesson!
Of course, he only thought about it. Instead, he had to force a smile and explain to Song Xun, "Manager Song, I'll go and hurry them up."
Lu Chen had arrived with his team at 1 PM that afternoon, and they had already signed the formal copyright transfer contract. The song had been handed over to Tang Qiaoqiao— she had paid 100,000 yuan herself.
As the songwriter, Lu Chen had acted very professionally. He didn't just sell the song and wash his hands of it. Instead, he specifically provided Tang Qiaoqiao with personal guidance on how to perform the song.
After all, only the original creator can fully express the essence of the work.
After the guidance session, they had to go to the trial performance. Lu Chen had even prepared the backing track.
What Wen Zhiyuan didn't expect was that Song Xun would show up with a whole entourage at this time. He didn't interfere with the exchange between Lu Chen and Tang Qiaoqiao but instead sat in the listening room waiting to hear the new song.
The ever-present Zhang Qiong also brought her niece along.
At that moment, Wen Zhiyuan felt like ten thousand grass-mud horses were galloping through his heart!
But what's done is done, and even if he wanted to back out, it was too late.
The manager of the management department felt truly disheartened. All his hopes now rested on Lu Chen.
If he had to blame anyone, it was himself for being too impulsive.
"No need to rush..."
Song Xun waved his hand gracefully and said, "Let's not disturb their work. We'll wait a bit longer."
The Deputy General Manager of Baidi Culture Agency, Song Xun, is in his 30s, scholarly and graceful, but decisive and sharp. He has the trust of the parent company's board of directors and holds considerable prestige within the company.
Sitting next to him, Wan Xingguo adjusted his black-framed glasses and said, "Your company is really willing to spend. 250,000 yuan for one song is quite a big move. But this Lu Chen does have creative talent. Let's hope it's worth the money."
Wan Xingguo and Song Xun are old friends. When he heard that Baidi Culture Agency had paid a high price to commission a song from Lu Chen, he became very interested and came to see for himself, wanting to meet this rising star.
He didn't know the inside story but felt the price was too high, so he couldn't help but be critical.
"In Spring" and "My Old Classmate" are good works, but Lu Chen is a newcomer!
For a newcomer to try to reach the top in one step, where does that leave the seniors in the industry?
In Wan Xingguo's view, Lu Chen's approach was somewhat breaking the rules.
Of course, it's normal for young people to rely on a bit of talent and not know how high the sky is. Currently, there's a lack of original talent in the country, so Lu Chen's rise is also a good thing. It's still best to encourage him!
After all, big names like Tan Hong and Chen Fei'er both appreciate Lu Chen.
Wan Xingguo was lost in his thoughts, while Song Xun smiled without saying a word. This matter of the company buying a song from Lu Chen was quite complicated, even involving internal power struggles. He had brought people here mainly to serve as a deterrent.
You guys can fight among yourselves, but if it affects the company's development, beware of me turning against you!
Song Xun's gaze quickly swept over Zhang Qiong and Zhang Shuhui, who were sitting nearby, with a hint of warning.
Zhang Qiong noticed and immediately put on an ingratiating smile.
This woman!
Song Xun let out a soft "hmph" in his heart.
At that moment, the door to the listening room was pushed open, and a young man in a T-shirt and jeans walked in with a girl in a white dress.
Seeing the room already filled to capacity, both of them were momentarily stunned.
Wen Zhiyuan, however, felt as if he had been granted amnesty and quickly stood up to greet them, "Teacher Lu Chen..."
(End of Chapter)