Chapter 48: The Most Perfect Answer!

Liu Xiayu seemed to see right through Garen’s thoughts at a glance and immediately said, “I know what you’re worried about. You’re thinking that all you’re doing is producing an album for me, but you’re getting such a large share of the company—it makes you feel a bit uneasy, doesn’t it?”

“Uh…” Garen stared blankly at Liu Xiayu. He had to admit, that was exactly what he was thinking.

Seeing his expression, Liu Xiayu let out a soft laugh. “When I was abroad, a team of nearly three hundred people worked on my albums, and even then, it was only one per year. My first Chinese-language album after returning home was said to take two years, but in fact, I’d been collecting songs and preparing for it years in advance.”

“My requirements aren’t easy to meet. I strive for perfection—any detail I’m not satisfied with must be redone from scratch! Do you still think it’s easy to produce an album for me?”

“It’s not easy at all!” Garen nodded in agreement.

“Do you still think ten percent of shares is an effortless reward?”

“Definitely not!”

“So, are you willing to accept this challenge?”

“I…” Garen glanced at Liu Xiayu, “That’s exactly what worries me—I’m afraid I’m not talented enough!”

“That’s all right!” Liu Xiayu replied. “I’ll give you a deadline of five years—one album in five years. I can wait. How about it?”

“Well…”

Seeing Garen’s indecision, even Li Ronghao couldn’t stand it any longer. “Garen, just agree! I only have five percent of the shares myself. If you take this, we’ll be partners, and whatever difficulties you have, I can help you!”

Garen said nothing. Wu Chaoyang coughed lightly. “Honestly, this isn’t a bad deal. You have five years to prepare, and you’d be producing an album for a superstar! Garen, think about it—how many top producers would kill for this chance!”

After much hesitation, Garen finally spoke up, “I’ll sign the contract! But I have one condition!”

“What condition?” Liu Xiayu’s eyes widened, and a subtle gleam of delight flickered in her gaze.

“I want that ten percent of shares transferred to me in one lump sum, immediately after the contract is signed—no other conditions.”

As soon as Garen finished, Li Ronghao and Wu Chaoyang exchanged glances and muttered quietly, “That might not be possible…”

“There’s no precedent for that…”

To their surprise, Liu Xiayu burst out laughing. “Okay! It’s a deal!”

With that, she called her secretary in to draft a new trust agreement, and instructed the finance department to immediately prepare the share transfer contract and make all necessary arrangements.

“Now you can set your mind at ease,” Liu Xiayu said to Garen. “Once you sign, starting from midnight tonight, you will officially own ten percent of Rainy Day Music, and you’ll begin receiving dividends from those shares.”

“That’s a relief!” Garen smiled, picked up the pen, and signed his name with a flourish. Then he said, “Now that the contract’s done, Sister Liu, I have a question for you!”

“The reason I chose you is because I have faith in your music. I want to try something new and challenging too!” Liu Xiayu smiled with quiet confidence.

But Garen shook his head. “That’s not what I wanted to ask. I have confidence in myself too! What I want to know is: what type and style of songs do you want for this album?”

“Pop rap is a must!” Liu Xiayu replied without the slightest embarrassment. “You can listen to my previous songs—Western-style pop is indispensable as well. And I want songs that are challenging—the greater the challenge, the more passionate I become!”

Garen thought for a moment. “All right. I’ll write a few songs first. If you’re not satisfied, I’ll write more.”

“Good!” Liu Xiayu smiled gently. “There’s no need to rush. For now, focus on your own album. The company will be recruiting new singers and artists soon, so most of my work will be reviewing their material.”

Garen’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Then, can I recommend a band?”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

“The Zodiac Band.”

“Haha, I knew it!” Liu Xiayu laughed. “No problem, I’ll send my secretary to talk to them. If they’re willing, the company will absolutely sign them!”

“Thank you so much!” Garen beamed.

After giving a few more instructions, Liu Xiayu got up and left.

As soon as she was gone, Li Ronghao let out a long breath. “Today was truly eye-opening!”

“What do you mean?” Garen asked, puzzled.

“What do I mean?” Li Ronghao forced a laugh. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen Liu Xiayu talk so much! Normally, even when she gives us instructions, it’s just a few words. If you ask anything extra, she makes you figure it out on your own. But today was really something else. More importantly, she’s letting you produce her new album and giving you ten percent of the company. That’s unbelievable!”

Even Wu Chaoyang clicked his tongue in amazement. “If the media found out about this, it’d be explosive news!”

Garen didn’t have time to worry about any of that. The most important thing now was to hurry home and start working on his songs.

Just as he was about to leave, Wu Chaoyang spoke up again. “By the way, you know about ‘Dream Star Show,’ right? The company plans to send you to challenge the arena, so get ready!”

Garen had heard about this just yesterday. He hadn’t expected the company to notify him so quickly. He asked, “When do I go?”

“The soonest would probably be next Saturday. Don’t worry, just treat it as having some fun,” Wu Chaoyang replied.

“I know!” Garen smiled. “The music festival organizers already gave me a heads-up yesterday, so I’ll just go along with the company’s arrangements.”

“Perfect. Prepare a song in advance, and I’ll contact you once we schedule it,” Wu Chaoyang said. “There’s nothing else on the agenda for the next few days except for a performance at the Blueberry Music Festival tomorrow. Just handle it as you see fit.”

“Got it!” Garen nodded. “I’ll head home then.”

“Sure. Your girlfriend’s still at home, right?” Wu Chaoyang suddenly grinned. “Got plans for lunch? If not, come to my place. My wife’s a fantastic cook!”

“Uh…” Garen was about to respond when Li Ronghao interjected, “Hey! Old Wu, we’ve known each other for so long and you’ve never invited me for your wife’s cooking. But Garen’s only known you a few days and you treat him this well? Hmph!”

“Oh, come on, are you jealous now?” Wu Chaoyang laughed helplessly. “Fine! If Garen and his girlfriend are coming, I’ll invite you too. We’ve worked together for ages but never sat down for a proper meal together.”

He looked at Garen as he spoke.

Garen didn’t mind. Seeing both Li Ronghao and Wu Chaoyang staring at him expectantly, he nodded. “All right, I’ll go. But I need to swing by and pick her up first.”

“No problem! Take my car,” Li Ronghao suddenly became very generous. Normally, he treated his car like a wife, but today he handed Garen the keys without hesitation. “Hey, today I’ll get to ride in someone else’s fancy car for a change!”

Compared to his, Wu Chaoyang’s car really was a luxury vehicle. He laughed, “Don’t tease me! Let me tell my wife first.”

“Okay, I have a few things to finish up. Wait for me.”

The two of them chatted away while Garen took his leave.

Driving Li Ronghao’s compact car home, Garen found Chen Yingying already awake, stretching on the balcony. Her supple body twisted into a strange posture, yet it was mesmerizingly enticing.

Walking over, Garen took one look at her alluring figure and couldn’t help himself. “So, when did you get up?”

“As soon as you left!” Chen Yingying looked up, tugged at her clothes, and bounced to her feet. “You’re back early?”

“Yeah, I drove,” Garen replied, his eyes still lingering on her captivating curves. “I’m taking you to my agent’s for lunch. Better get ready.”

“Huh? Won’t that be a bother for them?” Chen Yingying was busy mopping sweat from her brow and hadn’t noticed Garen’s gaze. Hearing his words, she looked over in surprise, only to catch him staring at her with obvious intent. She blushed furiously. “You… you rascal!”

With that, she fled toward the bedroom.

Garen quickly followed, but just as he was about to enter, the door slammed shut with a thud.

“Ouch!”

Clutching his nose, Garen pretended to be in agony. “That really hurts!”

“Oh no, are you okay?” Chen Yingying hurriedly opened the door, only to see Garen’s mischievous grin. In the next second, he swiftly pulled her into the bedroom and closed the door with his foot.

Before she could react, Garen pressed her against the wall, trapping her between his arms.

“Mmm…” Meeting Garen’s wicked smile, Chen Yingying let out a soft protest, closed her eyes in embarrassment, and parted her lips willingly.

Seeing this, Garen was overjoyed. No longer content with just a kiss, his hand crept up to her soft curves.

But Chen Yingying suddenly tensed, bit down hard on Garen’s tongue, glared at him fiercely, and tried to push him away—all in one fluid motion.

“Ouch!” Garen gasped, sucking in a breath as he pulled back, his tongue throbbing in pain.

Chen Yingying’s eyes were full of reproach, but seeing she’d actually bitten him hard enough to draw blood, she felt a pang of guilt and asked softly, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine!” Garen forced a brave face. “Why are you so cruel?”

“Hmph!” Chen Yingying feigned an eye roll. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Uh…” Garen embraced her, his voice full of tenderness. “I don’t know why, but I just can’t control how I feel—just like I can’t control my love for you.”

Chen Yingying’s cheeks burned even hotter. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Nonsense! If you really mean it, why treat me like this? What do you take me for?”

Garen hurried to explain, “Don’t misunderstand. I know you’re a good girl. After all this time, you should know I only do this because I like you so much!”

“Do you really love me?” Chen Yingying stared at Garen, unwilling to let go, her gaze earnest and urgent.

“I do! I love you!” Garen gave her the most perfect answer.