Why bother writing songs? Fast forward to the "Don't Laugh Challenge"

Chapter 21 Xia Shen stole my chance
Does Xia Shen really have any talent? Why does the company value him so much? Even giving up opportunities that should have been his to someone else?
His collaboration with Yu Meng was already a sure thing.

Only a rising star lyricist and composer with such strong abilities as myself should be able to handle this job.

Who is Xia Shen? Has anyone heard of him? And who is he from, some obscure place?

Moreover, he had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. If he could get to Yu Meng now, and spend every day together during the cooperation period, he would definitely have a great chance.
As Zhang Hao thought about it, sparks practically flew from his eyes. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and his eyes were filled with anger.

That's right, Zhang Hao is an exclusive songwriter signed by July Records with the highest-level A-level songwriter contract. He graduated from Berklee College of Music, one of the world's top music schools.

As a high-achieving graduate who returned from Berkeley, Zhang Hao has always had a unique sense of superiority over domestic musicians and songwriters.

In his view, he received the most cutting-edge Western art education and had seen the most advanced things.

He's someone who has seen the world with his eyes open!

Compared to America, a world leader in the music industry with a booming career, the current state of the Chinese music scene means that his return would be a devastating blow.

He might even become a top producer in the near future.

This is something he is very confident he can achieve. In fact, he doesn't even consider it a goal, but rather a given fact.

Compared to most creators who are still struggling at the bottom and can't even fill their stomachs, he received an offer from July Records as soon as he returned from graduation, and even got the best contract.

He did not disappoint the company. Two years have passed since his return, and he has created a total of six hit singles, which were even sung by the company's famous singers, especially the biggest name, the queen of pop, Song Anqi.

This is enough to prove his outstanding abilities.

Furthermore, there are only three months left until this year's Golden Melody Awards.

He is very confident that if he puts in the effort, he can win the Golden Melody Award for his songs!
And this opportunity lies with Zhou Yumeng!

He also had some connections within the company, and he had heard some of the news.

For example, the company's next focus is actually on Zhou Yumeng, and they may invest all available resources in promoting her.

This was actually confirmed after Zhou Yumeng was signed by the company.

Zhou Yumeng used the best recording studio, the best practice room, and all kinds of top-of-the-line equipment. Even her team was formed before she even debuted!
Moreover, the team configuration is extremely outrageous, with a team of thirty-eight people!

All these people serve her alone!
From the moment he learned about this, Zhang Hao had a plan.
Perhaps part of the reason is that Zhou Yumeng is indeed very talented, and her voice is truly a gift from God, with her singing skills being incredibly strong.

But that's definitely not the real reason why she was able to enjoy so many resources as soon as she entered!

The underlying reason must be Zhou Yumeng herself; she is not a simple person, and there is only one explanation for that.

To put it bluntly, at least in the current state of the Chinese music scene, this is not a game for the gifted.

It's a game for the rich, a game of capital chasing profits and vying for dominance.

China has 14 billion people, and there are so many talented people, they are as numerous as hairs on a cow, and there are even quite a few with top-notch talent.

Talent isn't as valuable as people imagine.

Let's put it this way: there are countless talented people who come to July Records every day hoping to get a chance, but in the end, they all end up with a miserable result.

If we wanted them all, the company wouldn't be able to hold them all.

Let me give you another example, and you'll probably understand it better.

For example, is it really true that out of 14 billion people in China, there aren't even 11 people who can play football?
No, there are plenty of people who can play football, and plenty of talented people too.

But it's not like just because you can play football or you have talent, you have to be in that position. It's frustrating, but that's reality.

Zhou Yumeng may be able to get into July Records based on her talent.

However, she will definitely not enjoy this kind of treatment from the very beginning!
Therefore, Zhang Hao keenly perceived the crux of the problem.

In addition, Zhou Yumeng is indeed very beautiful, and she is exactly his type.

In his view, only a girl as outstanding as Zhou Yumeng was worthy of him.

Originally, he had already prepared to release a song for Zhou Yumeng during the finals to help her win the championship.

Then you can leave a deep impression on the other person, and the other person will inevitably be impressed by your talent.

But just as he was about to confidently present his long-treasured work, Xia Shen suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Zhou Yumeng won the championship directly with his song.

Moreover, the effect was very good, even more popular than his previous best song, which he wrote for the queen of pop, Song Anqi.

How could he accept this?

Who is Song Anqi? She's a queen of pop; in terms of status, she could easily be a mentor on "The Voice of China."

Zhou Yumeng is just a newcomer who has just debuted. Although she has a lot of resources, she hasn't even gained much recognition.

Even so, "The World That Gave Me" was still incredibly popular.

Then, just as he was convincing himself to be patient, because his opportunity was coming soon—that was the opportunity presented by "The Legend of Immortals and Demons"—he finally found it.

This opportunity is surely his, right? No one can compete with him, right? After all, with so many singles being released, and even the company's senior songwriters prioritizing artists with higher profiles, isn't he the only one left to get them?
So it's not too late, and I still have a chance to get to know Zhou Yumeng.

Then, a poignant and moving story of a talented scholar and a beautiful woman is about to begin.

result!!!

Not long after, he received a message from the company.

The company decided to sign Xia Shen as a contracted songwriter and have him participate in the production of Zhou Yumeng's new album.

And, the collaboration with Kelida Films on the production of the soundtrack LP for "The Legend of the Immortals and Demons"!
This immediately sparked his dissatisfaction.

"Such an important collaboration cannot be treated lightly! How can we let such an unknown junior with no experience handle it?"

He was furious.

Although "The World That Gave Me" was a huge hit.

But who can be sure that this is Xia Shen's normal level, or simply an exceptional performance?
Doesn't it seem more appropriate for me, a top student from Berkeley?
"You really think everything will be fine once you get into the company? Come on, huh!" Zhang Hao sneered.

So Zhou Yumeng has connections and influence? He got into the company without any personal connections or resources of his own?

Anyway, Xia Shen has completely offended him. It would have been better if he hadn't come. If he had actually come...

There are plenty of ways to get back at him!
Then we'll force him to leave on his own! We won't compete with him for this opportunity anymore!
The entertainment industry is a game of interpersonal relationships and social skills. It's a place of fame and fortune, and not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can easily navigate it!

(I'm posting the first chapter a little early today because I had a small gig to do, so I didn't have much time to write it tonight. But the second chapter will be posted tonight.)
(End of this chapter)