Chapter Twenty: The Movie’s Theme Song

Liu Qingshan, somewhat anxious, opened the system’s lottery once more. The virtual wheel spun and finally stopped on a gray sector.

He pressed accept, and a song appeared in his mind—a piece titled “Beautiful Myth,” its name echoing that of the film “Myth” they were currently shooting. He received the entire melody, along with complete lyrics in both Chinese and Han dialects.

After listening to the song in silence, unable to hide his excitement, he quickly got up to find paper and pen, swiftly transcribing the lyrics and music.

Having read through the entire script, Liu Qingshan knew that “Myth” was about more than love; it also wove themes of family, friendship, war, the times, virtue, hatred, life, and loyalty. The story unfolded along ancient and modern timelines, with a treasure box serving as the connecting thread. The transitions between eras were flawless, imbued with a strong sense of classical culture.

Now, with this seamlessly fitting and timeless theme song, “Beautiful Myth” would elevate the film’s quality to the realm of the unforgettable.

Turning his thoughts to the next step, he left his room with the same urgency. At present, he could sense the acting abilities of every member of the cast, provided he focused on them.

For instance, Chen Long bore an “S” talent symbol, but the highest in the crew was actually Liang Jia Hui, marked with a double “S.” Jin Xishan also displayed an “S,” though there had been no indication of her vocal ability before.

At this moment, Liu Qingshan was eager to see whether she possessed sufficient vocal foundation. If she was at least passable, he could proceed with his newly hatched plan.

Outside the room, a member of the Chen family’s team remained on watch. Upon receiving Liu Qingshan’s gesture for silence, he returned to his seat.

Liu Qingshan walked to the door of the room diagonally opposite and knocked. It took a while before Park Hyun-ji arrived, followed closely by a drowsy Jin Xishan.

Seeing that Liu Qingshan was safe and sound, Park Hyun-ji let out a sigh of relief, clearly fearing something had happened in the middle of the night.

Stopping Park Hyun-ji from leaving, Liu Qingshan took Jin Xishan by the hand and led her to the bedside.

By now, she had noticed the sheets of paper in his hand, and when he said he’d just composed the film’s theme song, she was taken aback. “You’ve been hiding your talents well! I didn’t know you could write music!”

Liu Qingshan lied without missing a beat: “After you came back, I reread the script and was suddenly inspired to compose. I’m not sure about the melody—let me sing it for you. The Han dialect parts are full of mistakes since I can’t write them properly, but I can sing them accurately!”

This, at least, was true—he could only speak Han dialect, so he didn’t want to write it out fully lest he raise suspicion.

As a result, the Han lyrics were scribbled in a way that was neither here nor there, the writing crude and ugly.

Jin Xishan was grinning from ear to ear as she took the sheets, but as she listened to the melody, her mouth dropped open in sheer astonishment.

Liu Qingshan had already noticed that Jin Xishan’s vocal talent was marked at a staggering 76. He didn’t know what the number meant, but it was leagues above his own 12.

Not only did Jin Xishan notice this, but even Park Hyun-ji’s lips curled into a knowing, slightly amused smile.

Nevertheless, the quality of the song was extraordinary. Even Park Hyun-ji, who knew little about music, gradually grew solemn as she listened.

When the song ended, Jin Xishan hugged Liu Qingshan fiercely, prompting a yelp of pain from him.

Startled, she quickly let go, apologizing profusely.

Waving his hand, Liu Qingshan said, “You heard it yourself, my voice is terrible. This song should be a duet between you and Brother Chen Long. But first, we need to revise the Han dialect parts—otherwise, it’d be embarrassing if anyone saw them!”

The two women stifled laughter behind their hands, but seeing Liu Qingshan’s urgency, they quickly took out pen and paper and huddled together to make corrections.

Since the meaning of the lyrics had been clear during his singing, all they needed to do was transcribe them properly. The Han parts were short, so in about ten minutes, Liu Qingshan was able to finalize the sheet music, completing the task.

“Are you really planning to let me and Brother Chen sing it? This song is obviously high quality. Is this truly your first time composing?” Jin Xishan asked.

“Would I lie? See—the score only has basic do-re-mi notations, no professional markings at all.”

“Actually, your voice isn’t that bad. With some training, you could improve a lot.”

“I’d rather not. Besides, singing with Brother Chen Long will boost your fame in Huaguo enormously—it’ll help your career! Now, sing a few lines so I can hear!”

“But I’m not familiar with it yet.”

“You’ll pick it up after humming along with me a few times. We’ll just do the chorus, it’s quick.”

So the two of them sat together on the sofa, discussing the song, while Park Hyun-ji tactfully went to the kitchen to prepare some tea.

Sure enough, after ten or so minutes, as soon as Jin Xishan began to sing, Liu Qingshan was blown away. Her voice could only be described as breathtakingly beautiful—clear articulation, mellow tone, and even when she deliberately lowered her volume, the purity shone through.

After a few runs, glancing around, Liu Qingshan embraced her and kissed her fiercely. Flustered, Jin Xishan pushed him away, afraid Park Hyun-ji would see.

“Who would’ve thought your voice rivals that of professional singers? Why haven’t I ever heard of you releasing an album?”

“Is my voice really that good? I’ve always lacked confidence in this area.”

“Would you take my advice? In the future, I’ll help you produce an album. But for now, don’t rush to agree to any album deals—singles are fine, but hold off on albums.”

“Of course, I’ll follow your guidance. But can you tell me why?”

“For ordinary actors, singing is just a sideline, their voices nowhere near professional. You’re different—already accomplished in acting. After ‘Myth’ and this song, your value and fame will skyrocket. Striking while the iron is hot isn’t the best strategy for you. Ever heard of the hunger marketing approach? Keep your fans in suspense, and when I’ve gathered enough high-quality songs, you can make a stunning debut.”

“I understand, but you must have another reason—my contract, perhaps?”

“Yes. I know you signed a ten-year contract, and nine years have already passed. Your singing ability isn’t covered in that contract, so if you rush to release an album now, you’ll just get bound up in another deal.”

“So that’s it! Qingshan, you’re truly extraordinary—so thorough in your thinking! Where do you plan to sign in the future?”

“I won’t sign with any company. I plan to start my own entertainment company. When the time comes, are you interested in joining me? Of course, I won’t tie you down with any contract—you’ll remain completely free.”

“So I’d be the boss’s wife? Why go through all these twists and turns? Still, there are a lot of people and matters involved—I’ll take care of them when the time is right.”