Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen: Forging a New Path

“Brother Huan, you’re too polite. But from my perspective, there are more beauties from China. Just look at the young ladies here—they’re all quite charming!” Jin Xishan’s words not only pleased Liu Huan but also brought smiles to the faces of the girls nearby.

They all knew Jin Xishan was a major star, and now they gathered around her, chattering excitedly with questions.

Liu Huan didn’t hold back either. He directly extended his hand to Liu Qingshan. “Did you bring the hard drive? How about a live demonstration? Luckily, Teacher Erbao is here today too; he’s a musical genius with impeccable taste and ear for music.”

Liu Qingshan called Jin Xishan into the recording studio, while Xu Danni stayed outside in the control room to deliver the gifts Liu Huan had brought.

Knowing Liu Huan’s fondness for red wine, Liu Qingshan had brought not only cigars but also two bottles of expensive French wine.

They put on headphones. Their first performance was a duet of "Do You Know," chosen as an opening to help Jin Xishan warm up her voice.

The headphones were necessary because the studio recorded on separate tracks. While singing, they heard the accompaniment and their own voices, but the recorded track captured only the vocals for later mixing. Playing the accompaniment through speakers would have caused it to be picked up by the microphone, complicating post-production.

Liu Qingshan seized every opportunity to record in the studio, especially since Jin Xishan’s singing skills still needed refinement. Capturing live performances allowed them to identify weaknesses and address them promptly.

“Do You Know” was undoubtedly a beautiful song. After the first chorus, everyone in the control room gaped in stunned silence.

Liu Huan and Erbao looked equally shaken, as if they had seen a ghost.

Erbao, cigar in hand, nearly forgot to exhale the smoke, letting the tendrils swirl around his head and face.

After the first song, Liu Qingshan didn’t leave but whispered a few words and stood aside to listen.

The next five songs seemed even more popular than “Do You Know.” The control room was crowded now, with many passersby drawn in by the music.

Fortunately, the unique recording environment forbade applause, so the dozens of people sat or stood in every corner, their eyes reflecting the bliss of being immersed in beautiful music.

After the five songs, a slightly weary Jin Xishan was helped out of the studio by Liu Qingshan.

He was unconcerned about their closeness being seen; those who frequented Huayin were at least half of the entertainment circle, and they understood the unspoken rules.

Besides, their openness only reduced suspicion.

Only then did Liu Huan rise to dismiss the irrelevant crowd. Then he said, “Miss Jin’s voice is sweet, and her singing skills are decent, but she lacks a distinct style. She sings youthful heartaches well, but big songs filled with life’s insights might be beyond her.”

Erbao whispered to Jin Xishan, “Brother Huan is always blunt, especially with friends. He says whatever’s on his mind without hiding anything.”

Jin Xishan didn’t take offense; being personally instructed by a master musician was a rare opportunity.

“Now I understand. Miss Jin intends to act first and sing second. Brother Qingshan tailored an entire album for you, didn’t he?” Liu Huan asked.

“Yes, Brother Huan. Shanzi wanted me to make some breakthroughs in singing and composed some lyrical songs suited to my vocal range, with moderate difficulty,” Jin Xishan replied.

“Hmm, each song has the quality of an album’s lead single. While you were singing, I complained to Erbao about how terrifying Qingshan’s creativity is,” Liu Huan remarked.

Erbao chuckled, “He’s complaining because none of these great songs are his own compositions. He’s a bit jealous!”

“You’re the more jealous one, aren’t you?” Liu Huan teased, flashing a grin. “Some people live off one good song their whole lives, but you’re stealing others’ livelihoods for generations.”

His last comment was directed at Liu Qingshan, as he handed him a cigar. “I suppose this is me borrowing flowers to present to the Buddha?”

Liu Qingshan accepted it and lit it. This gesture clearly meant he felt accepted by Liu Huan, and his mood brightened.

Erbao, still eager, told Jin Xishan, “My favorite is ‘Ningxia.’ The melody is catchy and beautiful, with a pure, clear, and unpretentious atmosphere. It’s sure to become widely popular.”

“I prefer ‘Courage,’” Jin Xishan said. “It conveys a profound message about loving yourself and ignoring others’ opinions.”

“Hmm, when you sang ‘Courage,’ your breathing was even and steady, your diction precise. You understood the emotions the song conveys. It clearly moved you,” Liu Huan observed carefully. He believed that among Jin Xishan’s songs, this one was performed at the highest level.

“I can tell your other songs have some flaws, which is due to the lack of professional vocal coaching. Now I understand your eagerness to find a mentor,” he added.

He looked at Liu Qingshan again. “Brother, I have a suggestion. Would you like to hear it?”

Liu Qingshan eagerly nodded; this was a topic he had long awaited.

“All the songs have been recorded. I hope you don’t mind?”

Liu Huan did not launch straight into his advice but first mentioned the recordings.

“Brother Huan, it’s an honor for your approval of our work,” Liu Qingshan quickly replied.

“My suggestion is to take a different approach. Don’t mention the mentorship at all. Otherwise, my master might develop other ideas. Let her bring it up herself. But her real goal isn’t Miss Jin—it’s you, Brother Qingshan.”

At this, everyone immediately understood. Liu Huan was advising Liu Qingshan that with his creative talents, he should seek recognition from Master Gu Yun.

Who else had delivered these works to her if not Liu Huan himself? Otherwise, why record several songs just to admire them?

“Everyone knows my master cherishes talent, loves nurturing it, and enjoys supporting the younger generation’s careers. With your level of creativity, Brother Qingshan, it wouldn’t be surprising if he earned my master’s special favor.”

Jin Xishan understood too, clutching Liu Qingshan’s hand excitedly, completely forgetting this was still a public setting.

She wasn’t upset about being overshadowed; compared to her partner’s compositional skills, her own singing was indeed modest.

She also knew Liu Huan would continue to guide her, using Liu Qingshan’s eventual recognition to address her own shortcomings.

Sure enough, Liu Huan continued, “As long as you can enter my master’s tutelage, Miss Jin’s matters will be settled. The principle of loving the house and its belongings doesn’t need further explanation, right?”

However, his tone suddenly shifted, growing serious.

“Since this matter began with me, I have to vet my master’s protégés carefully. I cannot afford to overlook the true abilities of those I recommend. How about this, Qingshan—can you compose a song for me right here, right now? You have up to an hour.”

The challenge was laid down.