Huayu: When the director changed his major

When Taylor Swift offered to play a song for Cheng Xi, the previously noisy surroundings immediately quieted down.

It's as if everyone has been sealed away.

Braun, who had just been extremely excited and felt he had made a huge profit, widened his eyes even more.

Because he could mock the Asian man in front of him.

However, he has complete trust in Taylor Swift's professional competence.

Moreover, given her personality, she would never willingly play this piece just to save face or for appearances.

The only answer is that the music touched her.

This made Braun feel very uneasy.

The people around them naturally had the same thought.

But on the other hand, it seems impossible.

Taylor Swift might have genuinely wanted to give the other person a way out because they were a young person?
Maybe Taylor Swift wants to play the piano.

Braun simply couldn't believe that the young Chinese man in front of him could write any good music.

Zhu Zhu, who had been smiling gently at Cheng Xi, suddenly felt pressured when Taylor Swift interrupted and also wanted to play the same piece.

Although Zhu Zhu's background allows her to disregard many things, her influence in Hollywood is ultimately limited.

Especially when facing Taylor Swift, one of the most valuable female singers today and a globally renowned figure, he would inevitably be at a disadvantage in terms of presence.

If someone promised to let me play, but then gave it to Taylor Swift instead, how embarrassing would that be?

However, she also understood that the original purpose was to ask Taylor Swift for help, and she had no reason to add obstacles to the matter or make things difficult for Cheng Xi.

So she glanced at Cheng Xi, feeling slightly awkward.

If Cheng Xi hesitates, then she should consider withdrawing voluntarily to avoid an awkward situation.

But to everyone's surprise, Cheng Xi decisively rejected Taylor Swift:

"Excuse me, Taylor Swift, it's first come, first served. I think it would be better to let Miss JuJu play."

Taylor Swift's eyes flashed with surprise for a moment, but she maintained a polite smile and said:
"of course."

It's been a long time since anyone has rejected me so directly, especially with so many eyes watching. I feel like I've lost to an actor who came to Hollywood to make a living.

Taylor Swift couldn't help but laugh at herself.

Braun glanced at Taylor Swift's expression and, based on his understanding of her, could certainly see the disappointment hidden beneath her smile.

Is this song really that good?
I do not believe.

So he eagerly asked for confirmation:
"Mr. Cheng, why don't you let Miss JuJu play it right away and let us see your masterpiece!"

"Hold on."

After saying this, Cheng Xi held up the sheet music and faced Zhu Zhu, then began to communicate with her in Mandarin as if no one else was around.

The main point was to remind them of some important details.

Zhu Zhu listened patiently and attentively, occasionally asking questions.

Just as everyone was about to lose patience with the garbled Mandarin, Cheng Xi finally finished explaining.

So Zhu Zhu, confident and radiant, walked in her high heels to the piano at the banquet.

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on Zhu Zhu.

She wore a wine-red deep-V long dress, exuding sexiness and elegance, even prompting Taylor Swift to exclaim in admiration.

"Cheng, is she your lover?"

Cheng Xi didn't expect Taylor Swift to ask such a question. Is this the kind of directness that Westerners are known for?

"She is not anyone's lover; she is herself."

Taylor Swift seemed to understand something and nodded, saying:

"You're lucky."

After speaking, he turned to look at Zhu Zhu, who was not far away. Under everyone's gaze, Zhu Zhu adjusted her voice briefly and then gave Cheng Xi a seductive smile.

Then her fingers began to rest on the piano keys, her high heels stepped onto the pedals, and the slit in her skirt revealed her fair and healthy legs, attracting the attention of all the men in the room.

Zhu Zhu took a deep breath, her fingers twitched slightly, and her demeanor changed instantly as she began her performance.

First came a few crisp, short piano notes, which invigorated everyone.

Then a series of notes flowed out smoothly.

The song written by Cheng Xi is "City of Stars," an interlude from the movie "La La Land."

This song was composed by Justin Hurwitz and sung by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.

If it were to be released a few years later, it would definitely be Cheng Xi's original work now.

Cheng Xi remembers that this song, which became popular along with "La La Land," won many professional awards, especially the Academy Award for "Best Original Song."

It can be said that the quality is quite good.

"Welcome to New York" is about New York, while this song happens to be about Los Angeles.

Due to time constraints, Cheng Xi just wrote the chorus, which can be considered a demo.

At first, everyone at the banquet seemed normal, chatting quietly.

But gradually everyone quieted down, completely captivated by the piece.

As the gentle piano melody flows in, incorporating some jazz elements, the song takes on a somewhat melancholic tone.

Braun couldn't help but shut his mouth and listen attentively.

Suddenly, he realized something was wrong and came to his senses.

Looking at the crowd around him, he saw that everyone was engrossed in the conversation, realizing that it wasn't Cheng Xi, the young Chinese boy, who had embarrassed himself this time.

It was myself.

No wonder Taylor Swift wanted to try playing it just now; she was clearly drawn to this song.

I blame myself for being too hasty, which led me to act blindly.

But deep down he just couldn't bring himself to admit that this was truly an original composition by someone of Asian descent.

As Taylor Swift's manager, Braun's appreciation of popular culture is beyond question.

If it were a regular song, he might say that the other person was lucky to have gotten a good piece of music.

But he absolutely refused to believe that a young man could compose a piece of this caliber.

What's more, he's Chinese!
It was definitely bought! Or it wasn't original!
While the others present looked down on Chinese people with yellow skin from the bottom of their hearts, they were still knowledgeable in music appreciation.

So they quickly realized the charm of the song and were greatly shocked.

But like Braun, they also didn't want to admit it.

If one admits it, wouldn't that be going against one's own fundamental principle of being a "white person"?

They would rather acknowledge the talent of Black people in rap and dance than acknowledge a yellow-skinned person.

This is a fundamental disagreement based on underlying logic.

But some people find it pleasant to listen to, and this contradictory feeling has made them uncomfortable.

The first chorus was played quickly, and Zhu Zhu sang along as she played the second time.

Cheng Xi's eyes lit up as well.

Previously, he only knew that Zhu Zhu had released albums and worked as a singer.

But subconsciously I felt it must not be very good.

Otherwise, there wouldn't have been such a lack of buzz.

But Zhu Zhu's singing voice, especially paired with her fluent English, was truly a treat for the ears. (End of Chapter)