Huayu: Starting with living with a girl from Taiwan

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

Lin Mo brought Zeng Peici to JVR Music Company, located in Songshan District, Taipei City.

Zeng Peici is free this Sunday and doesn't have to attend classes.

Of course, it was with Jay Chou's consent.

The company is quite large, and its interior design leans towards a minimalist style.

The staff led them inside through the door. There weren't many people inside, and it was rather quiet.

On the sofa in the reception area, Jay Chou was reading a magazine with his legs crossed, while Liu Genghong was slowly pedaling on a single exercise bike next to him, keeping himself active.

There was also a young girl in a white dress and a shawl sitting next to them, with a pure and innocent air about her.

"Chairman Zhou, Coach Liu," Lin Mo greeted them.

Zhou Jielun looked up, saw Lin Mo, and then glanced at Zeng Peici, who was curiously looking around beside him. A smile appeared on his face.

"Amo, this must be your girlfriend, Pei Ci, right? I've heard you mentioned often, Amo."

Zeng Peici wore a light-colored dress today, looking sweet and lovely.

Hearing Jay Chou say that, a happy smile bloomed on her face. She nodded vigorously and naturally took Lin Mo's arm.

"Hello Jay Chou! Hello Will Geng! I'm Zeng Peici!"

"Hello Pei Ci, long time no see." Liu Genghong also got off the exercise bike and greeted him with a smile.

Jay Chou pointed to the girl in the white dress next to him: "Let me introduce you. This is Jiang Yuchen, the female lead in the music video for my new song 'The Longest Movie'."

The girl looked up and gave Lin Mo and Zeng Peici a slightly shy smile: "Hello."

Lin Mo remembered.

This is the girl who later became known as "U-Love-Me Girl". Lin Mo still remembers the GG lyrics from the song; they are deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Zeng Peici was very perceptive and knew what Lin Mo had come for. Now that she saw a girl of similar age, she immediately became interested, let go of Lin Mo's arm, and went over to chat with Jiang Yuchen.

The two girls soon started whispering and laughing.

Jay Chou gave Lin Mo and Liu Genghong a wink, and the three of them headed upstairs to the recording studio.

Pushing open the heavy soundproof door, a professional music production space atmosphere immediately greets you.

It's less of a recording studio and more of a nest filled with music.

The shelves around the room were filled with countless vinyl records.

In the middle of the room are the mixing console and control equipment.

Lin Mo then noticed that the room was extremely quiet.

It is a near-vacuum silence, enveloped by top-quality soundproofing materials.

The world outside the window seemed to be completely shut out.

However, the atmosphere here was somewhat stagnant at the moment.

A thin man wearing a baseball cap and sporting a small mustache was sitting on a high stool at the mixing console with his back to them.

Several sheets of paper covered in writing were spread out in front of him, a pen was clutched in his hand, and his brow was furrowed.

Lin Mo recognized the famous lyricist of Chinese pop music, Vincent Fang, at a glance.

Hearing the door open and close, Fang Wenshan turned around, glanced at it, and then nodded perfunctorily as a greeting.

His attention was completely focused on the paper, and he seemed to be muttering something to himself. Then, he suddenly became irritated, took off his baseball cap, threw it aside, and scratched his hair.

Jay Chou seemed to be used to it and didn't bother him, leading Lin Mo and Liu Genghong into a nearby cubicle.

"Ah Mo, your song 'Fireworks Fade Easily'," Jay Chou said, closing the door and beginning their discussion about music.

"The more I listened, the more impressive it seemed. Although no Chinese instruments were used in the accompaniment, the entire sound exuded a strong Chinese flavor."

"This approach is quite unique."

Lin Mo had guessed on his way here that Jay Chou might talk about this, so he thought for a moment and replied:

"Chinese culture has a long history, is profound and extensive, and has a unique inclusiveness, seeking common ground while reserving differences and embracing diversity."

Jay Chou listened, his eyes lighting up slightly, and he stroked his chin thoughtfully:

"Oh, that makes sense. Seeking common ground while reserving differences, and being inclusive—thinking about it carefully, that does seem to be true."

He felt that China had a magical power that could absorb and transform foreign things into its own flavor, sometimes even better than the original.

The more Jay Chou thought about it, the more interesting Lin Mo's perspective seemed.

"And your lyrics," Jay Chou continued, "are also very well written. I think they have that polished feel of Vincent Fang's lyrics, and paired with your little story..."

Jay Chou gave a thumbs up.

Just as the two were getting into a pleasant conversation, a commotion suddenly came from outside.

"Ah!" was Fang Wenshan's low growl, barely able to contain his frustration.

Then the chair was pushed aside, and Fang Wenshan crumpled the paper.

Lin Mo looked at Jay Chou with some confusion.

Jay Chou, with a "I'm used to it" expression, waved his hand:

"It's alright, that's how it is in Wenshan."

"He's been struggling with the lyrics for a new song lately, and he's been stuck for several days, so he's been in a rather irritable mood."

After saying that, he pushed open the door to the cubicle and walked out, followed by Lin Mo and Liu Genghong.

Fang Wenshan was standing in front of the mixing console, his hands tucked into his hair, looking pained.

"Hey Vincent," Jay Chou walked over and patted him on the shoulder, offering a lighthearted reassurance.

"Don't put yourself under so much pressure! If you can't write, just take your time. There's no rush to release the new album. Take a break, and maybe inspiration will come."

"Look, I specifically called Lin Mo over today so we can exchange ideas. Creativity needs sparks to fly!"

Fang Wenshan then raised his head, glanced at Zhou Jielun, and then at Lin Mo standing behind him.

"Is this the newcomer who wrote 'Fireworks Fade Easily'?"

Fang Wenshan's voice was a little hoarse, and his tone was tinged with fatigue and impatience.

"I listened to the song, it's alright."

He paused, his gaze returning to his manuscript, his brow furrowing once more.

"But I don't think he can help me. My problem is not something that just anyone can understand."

That's a rather blunt statement, almost like saying "you're not qualified."

Lin Mo wasn't angry when he heard that.

Since ancient times, scholars have been prone to belittling each other.

Especially those bigwigs and intellectuals at the top of their industries, they all have their own pride and temper.

They don't think much of newcomers who suddenly appear, and they often engage in heated arguments in the group of big shots.

On the contrary, those who fail are more likely to sympathize with each other.

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting a bit awkward, Liu Genghong, who was standing next to him, quickly tried to smooth things over:

"Well, Jay Chou recently wrote the melody for a new song, but Vincent Fang has been working on the lyrics for several days and is still not satisfied, so he's under a lot of pressure and is very frustrated. It's not directed at you."

Jay Chou also said with a smile:

"Yes, Vincent is very particular about lyrics, especially this song, which is why he did it this way. Don't mind it, Amo."

Lin Mo nodded in understanding.

"Alright, Wenshan, take a break first. I'll play that song again, Amo, you can listen to it too."

As Jay Chou spoke, he walked over to the playback device and pressed the play button.