Huayu 1992: Starting with the CCTV Young Singers Competition

Chapter 91 That young, sweet girl celebrates graduation.

The excitement of the party had not yet faded.

In the audience seats, people were leaving in an orderly fashion, with a murmur of discussion rising up.

In the front row, a middle-aged man wearing a fine light-colored jacket and gold-rimmed glasses did not immediately stand up.

He is Wang Zhongxiang, an editor at Guangzhou New Era Audio-Visual Company.

Sitting next to me was a young woman with a sweet face and a fresh temperament.

Yang Yuying became famous throughout China with her sweet songs such as "Blessings for Love" and "I Don't Want to Say".

Their trip north was to discuss some collaborations and record programs.

Wang Zhongxiang made a special effort to attend this graduation gala, with a clear goal: to see Lin Hanjiang perform in person.

But I never expected someone who sings folk songs to also sing pop songs.

This was indeed something Wang Zhongxiang hadn't expected; he had originally thought it was one of the two songs he was supposed to sing at the CCTV Young Singers Competition.

When the host introduced the song, he was taken aback, thinking that "Ode to Young China" was also a folk song.

But when Lin Hanjiang started singing, he realized it was a pop song.

This surprised him greatly.

"Yuying, what do you think of him?"

Wang Zhongxiang tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his chair, his gaze still fixed on the now empty stage, as if the songs still lingered there.

He was referring to Lin Hanjiang, who was the last to perform and sang "Ode to Young China".

Yang Yuying brushed her hair behind her ear, pondered for a moment, and spoke in her usual soft voice, but with the caution of a professional singer: "Old Wang, his singing skills are indeed beyond question. He has a strong foundation in folk music, and when he switched to pop singing, the power and control of his voice were very strong. The arrangement of this song, 'Ode to Young China,' is very grand and inspiring, especially the drumbeats and string progression in the middle section, which is very motivating."

"Yes, that's right."

She furrowed her delicate brows slightly.

"However, the lyrics use an article by Mr. Liang Qichao. Although it has profound meaning, it may not be as easy for the average listener in Guangdong to listen to as a straightforward love song like 'Heart Rain.' The market seems to prefer songs that are more about romance and easy to sing along to."

Wang Zhongxiang nodded, then shook his head: "You're right about market preferences. Hong Kong and Taiwan songs have had a huge influence in recent years, and love songs are the mainstream and the easiest to sell. But our mainland pop music can't just follow the tail end of love songs forever. We started late, so we need to have our own backbone and try more diverse approaches."

He paused, lit a cigarette, and the smoke drifted into the gradually emptying audience seats: "This song has ready-made classic lyrics, which has a certain threshold, but it is precisely this threshold that gives it a unique style and a wide audience. I estimate that it will not become a catchy pop song that everyone sings on the street, and its sales may not be as good as those classic love songs."

At this moment, Wang Zhongxiang changed the subject, a businessman's shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"But there is a market on campus, among young students and intellectuals. Selling tens of thousands of boxes should not be a problem. It is a niche market. If done well, the profits can be considerable, and it can also enhance the company's image."

He then concluded, "The melody is really good, it has the potential to become popular, and it's also very powerful. As for the lyrics—they do require listeners to have some cultural background to be widely disseminated. However, this song isn't my main focus this time."

"You mean 'The Story of Spring' and 'Entering the New Era'?" Yang Yuying understood.

"right."

Wang Zhongxiang affirmed.

"Those two songs are the real goldmine for the masses. The melodies are catchy, the lyrics are both profound and relatable, and the themes are right on point with the times. I had Mao Ning inquire about them, and this young man hasn't signed a record contract with any record company yet. Judging from tonight's performance, his live talent is outstanding, and his stage presence is amazing. If managed properly, and those two songs are made into album singles, the sales will definitely be huge."

He didn't give a specific number, but his eyes said it all.

"Let's go. We just got off the train and rushed over here. We haven't had a good rest yet. Tomorrow, we'll find an opportunity to meet this Lin Hanjiang."

The two got up and left the concert hall with the last of the crowd.

Wang Zhongxiang had already begun to plan the price quote and contract details in his mind.

Outside the concert hall, in the crowd leaving the venue.

Several students, clearly from a music academy, were still excitedly discussing: "Did you hear that? That last song, 'Ode to Young China,' was so inspiring! It's much more energetic than those soft, sentimental love songs."

"Would you say Brother Lin has successfully crossed over into a new field? He won a gold medal in folk singing and is also quite adept at pop songs."

"The lyrics, 'When the youth are strong, the nation is strong,' gave me goosebumps. This is what you call cultured pop music."

"I just don't know if we'll be able to buy cassette tapes on the market in the future."

"It's unlikely; this song doesn't seem like it will become a widespread hit."

"Who cares? I've made a profit tonight anyway."

On the other side, several leaders and teachers of the academy were surrounded by leaders of the General Political Department, the Navy Political Department and other cultural troupes.

"Dean Fan, congratulations! Your academy has produced a true dragon this year!" A leader patted Dean Fan of the China Conservatory of Music on the shoulder with a smile.

"I don't deserve such praise. It's mainly because Teacher Jin has done a great job nurturing the child, and the child himself is also very promising." Dean Fan smiled broadly, speaking modestly, but his back was ramrod straight.

"Old Jin, your last disciple is truly remarkable!" Someone else turned to Jin Tielin, who was surrounded by people in the middle. "He sang two main melody songs with great emotion, and I didn't expect him to also make a pop song that he did so well. He's really broadened his horizons, and he's got the ideas, the artistry, and the market acumen all in place."

Jin Tielin's face remained serious as usual, but the fine lines at the corners of his eyes relaxed, clearly indicating that he was in a very good mood.

He nodded slightly: "The child has his own ideas and is willing to put in the effort. In the end, although he didn't write the lyrics for this song, he did put thought into the arrangement and singing. As teachers, we also need to study popular music and not be complacent."

That being said, his slight worry about his disciples neglecting their duties seemed to have faded somewhat after seeing the positive response from the audience tonight, including these leaders, to "A Young China's Manifesto".

Perhaps, this path isn't as crooked as he initially thought?

Backstage, actors' dressing room.

Lin Hanjiang had just changed out of his performance clothes; the suit was still too hot.

He wiped the thin layer of sweat from his forehead, and Zhang Ye and Zu Hai pushed the door open and came in.

"Hanjiang".

Zhang Ye's face was flushed, clearly still excited.

"That was fantastic! Really! 'The Story of Spring' and 'Entering the New Era' were absolutely superb, needless to say. And the last song at the graduation gala, 'Ode to Young China,' was also excellent. Listening to it from the audience, I felt my heart pounding. I never expected you to sing pop songs with such power and so beautifully; it's not just some weak, sentimental tune at all."

Zu Hai nodded vigorously, his little face full of admiration: "Senior brother, that high note you sang on stage, 'Strive for excellence, become a pillar of society and live up to your youth,' gave me goosebumps. It was so beautiful."

Lin Hanjiang smiled, took the water Zu Hai handed him and took a sip: "Thank you, Senior Sister, Xiao Hai. It's mainly because the lyrics are well-written. I just tried to sing it in a more impactful way."

He knew in his heart that the lyrics of this song came from Leung Kai-Chiu, which was an advantage of his foresight, but the attempt to integrate the arrangement and singing was indeed his current exploration.

As they were talking, there was another gentle knock on the door of the lounge, which was then pushed open.

It was Zhou Tao, who had changed out of her formal dress and was now wearing a well-fitting skirt suit.

"Did I disturb you?"

Zhou Tao smiled.

"Lin, tonight's performance was a great success, congratulations. I just came to confirm with you again that the recording of our 'Golden Melody Echoes' will be at 9:00 AM on the 27th at the third studio of Beijing TV station. Don't forget, the station leaders are paying special attention to your episode."

"Don't worry, Sister Tao, I'll definitely be there on time," Lin Hanjiang replied hastily.

"Okay, then I won't bother you any longer. You two chat."

Zhou Tao nodded, smiled at Zhang Ye and Zu Hai, and turned to leave.

As soon as Zhou Tao left, Zhang Ye immediately suggested, her face showing the care of a senior sister and the reluctance of parting: "Let's go, we must celebrate tonight, to celebrate the successful performance of Hanjiang, and also to celebrate your upcoming graduation. I'll treat you, let's go for a late-night snack, how about hot pot? There's a shop right outside that's still open at this hour."

Zu Hai immediately raised his hand: "Okay, okay, I've been hungry for ages."

Lin Hanjiang felt a warmth in his heart as he looked at the joy in Zhang Ye's eyes.

He's graduated now and about to head south; these kinds of gatherings are becoming increasingly rare.

"Okay, thank you for the expense, senior sister." He replied with a smile, "But it's a promise, when I come back from Guangzhou, I'll treat you to something even better."

"7

"Oh, quite the boast, senior sister. I'll take that to heart."

Zhang also smiled broadly, seemingly having temporarily cast aside his sorrow of parting.

"Quick, pack your things, let's go. Xiao Hai, help your senior brother with his bag."