Chapter 111: Moving In Together

Outside the recording studio, two people were surrounded by a crowd of listeners.

Hearing Liu Qingshan’s words, the sound engineer expressed his opinion: “Yes, I have the same feeling. Miss Jin’s vocal condition seems to have improved significantly, especially in her emotional expression!”

This was the genuine impression behind Liu Qingshan’s earlier remarks. Perhaps because the song "Courage" perfectly resonated with Jin Xishan’s current state of mind, it allowed her to fully immerse herself emotionally for the first time.

For an amateur singer, experiencing such a deep emotional connection while performing a song can spark a fresh understanding of vocal technique.

One could even say it marked a complete transformation from purely amateur status. Liu Qingshan could vividly sense that her vocal quality had leapt from the 70s range to the 90s.

On the Super Star Maker’s scale, a perfect score of 100 in vocal condition marks the beginning of a professional singer’s journey.

He was confident that after Jin Xishan personally encountered different singing styles, her vocal skills would undergo a qualitative leap.

Only when she truly reached a professional level would he dare to let her begin recording her debut album.

Unsurprisingly, Jin Xishan felt somewhat insecure—after all, she was not yet a professional singer. “The songs I have now are all ballads. Can I handle rock-style songs?”

Liu Qingshan smiled and explained, “It’s not the pure rock you imagine. Besides, that kind of screaming style doesn’t suit your voice. This will be a light rock song, which should complement your sweet vocal tone.”

His next song would be “Swallowtail Butterfly,” featuring a glamorous rock style, following the theme of being madly in love—perfectly fitting the concept of Jin Xishan’s debut album.

He was in no rush to release the album, preferring to wait until after the official premiere of “Myth” to strike while the iron was hot, thereby solidifying Jin Xishan’s fresh, high-profile status in Huaguo’s entertainment circle.

“Shanzi’s approach is sound. Your vocal quality risks being typecast by a single song. Appropriately experimenting beyond ballads will help broaden your vocal range!”

As a professional, the engineer’s comment succinctly summed up Liu Qingshan’s production plan.

Jin Xishan’s relatively simple sweet voice couldn’t compare to those of pure professionals who could tackle any style.

Liu Qingshan undoubtedly chose an easier developmental shortcut for her. More importantly, Jin Xishan had the enormous advantage of having a dedicated producer crafting her work.

Moreover, every song Liu Qingshan had composed so far was of exceptionally high quality.

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The sound engineer perceptively recognized this and spoke with a hint of envy.

In the following days, Liu Qingshan successively “created” “Breathing Pain” and “Pity It’s Not You.”

In that recording studio, he recorded relatively complete demos for these five songs so that at an appropriate occasion, Jin Xishan could deliver a stunning performance.

As for “Do You Know,” he recorded a formal version, fulfilling a small wish of Jin Xishan’s.

Returning to the capital by late September, it was the first time Jin Xishan accompanied Liu Qingshan to his new home.

Her slightly flushed cheeks revealed a mixture of nervousness and excited anticipation, accompanied by a charming shyness.

Others wisely chose to stay away—Park Hye-jin and Yu Yi, who had returned early, only called but did not visit.

Chen Zuming, who had his own room, also called to say he had gone back to Xiangjiang early, subtly indicating he would avoid intruding.

From the moment they stepped inside, Liu Qingshan was repeatedly surprised.

First, in the dressing room, he saw many change-of-clothes items Jin Xishan had prepared in advance—he understood the significance immediately.

Jin Xishan shyly led him to the kitchen. “Everyone says your cooking skills are excellent. Tonight, I intend to put that to the test. I even prepared some red wine especially for this meal!”

The fridge held ingredients she had bought days earlier, evidently well-prepared for this occasion.

Liu Qingshan deeply understood her intentions—after all, this was their first truly private moment together.

For a woman, the sense of ceremony was indispensable. Beyond sweetness, their upcoming cohabitation carried greater significance, including hopes for the future.

While Liu Qingshan busied himself in the kitchen, Jin Xishan took a shower and changed into a dressy evening outfit rather than casual homewear.

In truth, Liu Qingshan’s mind was no longer on cooking; his eyes furtively tracked Jin Xishan’s every movement.

After all, he was still a pure virgin, and restraining certain desires was a tremendous psychological torment.

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Feeling the earnestness in her man’s eyes, Jin Xishan struggled to suppress her smile, playfully commanding Liu Qingshan to do this and that.

When a full table of dishes was laid out, she urged him to take a shower, even preparing changes of clothes for him.

Unbeknownst to him, as he cheerfully hummed in the bathroom, the woman in the hallway blushed deeply, her eyes filled with longing as she stared at the closed door blocking her view.

Though they did not exchange explicit declarations, both knew that a natural emotional bond was far more profound than any grand vows.

About twenty minutes later, Jin Xishan, gazing at Liu Qingshan dressed with exquisite taste, teased him: “Was your outfit a gift? I’ve seen the brand—I know you wouldn’t have spent so much on yourself!”

Liu Qingshan ignored her teasing. “Xishan, are you nervous and trying to change the subject to avoid awkwardness?”

Feigning annoyance, Jin Xishan gave him a sharp slap, then gently stroked the spot. “Always teasing your sister. Isn’t it fun to be caught?”

“Alright, I admit I’m a bit uneasy,” he chuckled.

“How did we end up together? When I think about it now, it feels unreal. And I’m older than you by a few years.”

“Xishan, age isn’t an issue. Us being together can only mean fate. You can’t keep worrying about it.”

“I know, but I always worry people will bring it up as a topic.”

“We live for ourselves. Why care about others’ opinions? To me, you’re not just a lover’s passion or familial warmth—you are the steadfast anchor for all my feelings. Honestly, I don’t fully understand love, but what you give me is what I most want.”

At some point, tears welled in Jin Xishan’s eyes, brimming with love.

“This must be love, right? I don’t know, but I feel so happy now—so happy I just want to shout it out, otherwise I can’t find a way to release these feelings.”

As her words faded, Liu Qingshan stepped forward gently, lifted her rosy face, and pressed his lips softly to her forehead, eyes, and the tip of her nose.