Chapter 124: Special Guest at the "Qingge Competition"

The third, fourth, and fifth songs were sung one after another, and Gu Yun’s expression grew increasingly rich and vivid.

When the final note fell, she suddenly stood up. Wang Mansa was about to go over and support her, but her husband stopped her.

To everyone's surprise, Gu Yun did not approach Jin Xishan or Liu Qingshan, but Liu Huan instead.

“I don’t care what means you use—get Xishan an auditor’s pass for the center immediately. Forget about the formal admission qualifications from now on. Consider this a notice to all your senior brothers, sisters, and juniors: on National Day, I will officially recognize Xishan as my goddaughter!”

Without waiting for Liu Huan’s response, she then came to Jin Xishan’s side. “My dear girl, I didn’t consult you and made this decision on my own. I hope you won’t blame me?”

Jin Xishan was stunned speechless. Having never encountered such a situation and being unfamiliar with the customs of Huaguo, she was at a loss for what to do.

Liu Qingshan was quick to act. As he stood up, he grabbed Jin Xishan and whispered in her ear, “You have to kneel and pay respects.”

Jin Xishan, flustered, tried to perform the kneeling ceremony but was promptly stopped by Gu Yun. “We’re family; there’s no need for such formalities. From now on, just call me Mom, like Qiu Ai and Mansa do.”

Unconsciously, tears brimmed in Jin Xishan’s eyes as Gu Yun held her hand and sat back down on the sofa.

“It’s not easy being away from home. From now on, consider this your home. I’ve said before I won’t take on disciples anymore, and now it’s too late to retract that. So I’ll take you as my goddaughter instead. I can still teach you many things!”

Then she looked toward Liu Qingshan. “I entrust my daughter to you from now on, but let me be clear: if you ever wrong her, many people won’t stand for it!”

Liu Qingshan smiled broadly and nodded. “She usually bullies me, so now I have more confidence—I dare not provoke her!”

Jin Xishan chuckled softly, a bittersweet smile on her lips. “Mom, Shanzi treats me well. He’s my lifesaver!”

“I’ve heard about that. Shanzi is a good man. When you have children, I’ll help look after them!”

“Mom, please say less. Look how red Xishan’s face is!” Wang Mansa stepped forward to help Jin Xishan out of the awkward moment, pulling her into another room to discuss something.

Taking the opportunity, Liu Qingshan called out to Qiu Ai as “brother,” since he still didn’t know the attitude of his biological son.

Qiu Ai showed no surprise, and his attitude toward Liu Qingshan was warm. “Now our family will be lively. I do have a sister, but she married far away in Denmark. There are only the four of us at home all year round. My mother’s students come and then push me aside—there really isn’t much fun!”

After a round of laughter, Gu Yun gestured to the seat beside her and invited Liu Qingshan to sit down.

“Do you know why I was so eager to establish this godparent relationship? One reason is that I truly like Xishan. Another is that I have faith in you. To bind you firmly by her side as soon as possible, I made this decision on a whim!”

Everyone suddenly understood. Even Liu Qingshan hadn’t expected Gu Yun to use such a method to fiercely protect Jin Xishan’s future happiness.

But evidently, her son Qiu Ai had already guessed much of it. Hearing his mother reveal the secret, he chuckled, “I really do know my mother. From the way her eyes change while listening to music, I had guessed about thirty percent!”

Liu Huan interjected, “The teacher’s warm heart and love for the younger generation are like this—she won’t tolerate anyone’s criticism and often acts first, speaks later. Her style has always been so domineering!”

Gu Yun raised her hand to wave him off, and Liu Huan reflexively ducked his head from a distance. His head was already large, and with his long hair tied back, the sight was comically amusing.

After the hearty laughter, Gu Yun’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Shanzi, I listened to the songs you wrote. To be honest, I’m not as good as you!”

Before Liu Qingshan could rise in alarm, she pulled him back down.

“Don’t rush to argue. What I mean is that times have changed. Back then, being a disciple was an opportunity created by the era. Every time I took on a student, I considered it carefully—not everyone is suited for music. Nowadays, such favorable conditions rarely exist. Besides, I’m old now and my thinking can’t keep up. Like the few songs you composed, some rhythms and arrangements are very forward-looking.”

She then pointed at Liu Huan. “Perhaps Huanzi has this creative ability, but his style leans toward serious music. The overall tone is elevated, but the social impact is gradually shrinking. Huanzi, do you agree with what I’m saying?”

Liu Huan stepped forward. “That’s the fact. Today’s music market is completely dominated by Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even Western works. Our mainland truly lacks flagbearers for pop music creation!”

“Right. Without more good works, how can you protect the mainland market? Even if Huanzi one day wins a Grammy, it would be appreciated by only a few connoisseurs. Popular music will always remain mainstream because it directly influences the ideals and ambitions of the next generation. Interests and hobbies come second.”

“The mainland market indeed needs musicians like Shanzi. At least the seven songs he’s written so far are all on par with those imported pieces!”

“Hm? Huanzi, you mean there are two more songs?”

“I’ll play them for you, but only one for now.”

Liu Huan hurriedly took out his hard drive, and the melody of “Do You Know? Do You Know?” flowed out slowly.

After just a few minutes, Gu Yun’s attitude was unsurprising. “I didn’t expect your lyrics to be so mournful and beautiful. Your understanding of classical poetry is profound.”

Liu Qingshan dared not be arrogant. “You flatter me. Without the brilliance of Mr. Li Qingzhao’s work before me, no matter how hard I try, I can’t come up with the later parts. Also…”

Gu Yun suddenly interrupted him. “Shanzi, do you have time the day after tomorrow afternoon?”

“For the next ten or fifteen days, I don’t have any engagements.”

The “Kill Wolf” crew from Hong Kong had called, scheduling his shoot to begin in about ten days.

“That day, bring Xishan to Studio Nine at National Television. They will be filming a live broadcast of the elimination round for the ‘Youth Song Contest.’ I’ll be a judge on the program. You two will be special guests and perform ‘Do You Know? Do You Know?’ live on stage.”

Liu Qingshan’s heart skipped a beat. The Youth Song Contest, also known as the “Youth Singing Competition,” was established in 1984 and held biennially. By 2004, it had successfully run ten sessions.

He knew the show’s ratings were very high, having launched several well-known singers.

“To my knowledge, the Youth Song Contest has never had special guests perform live on stage before,” Liu Huan asked skeptically.

“This year is different. After ten editions, National Television is striving for innovation. I’ve been a judge for several sessions and have the authority to make some changes,” Gu Yun said with strong, commanding presence.

“We have no objections. We just hope it won’t cause you any inconvenience!”

Liu Qingshan did not hesitate, knowing this was a rare opportunity.