Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 112 Brother and Zhang Bozhi

The two walked to the front of the banquet hall.

Zheng Donghan was holding a glass of whiskey and talking quietly with Chen Shaobao, the current president of Universal Music Hong Kong.

Upon seeing Zheng Hui approach, Zheng Donghan immediately broke into a wide smile, grabbed Zheng Hui's arm, and said to Chen Shaobao, "Come on, our biggest hero of the night has arrived."

Chan Siu-bo is also a veteran in the music industry. He looked at Cheng Fai with a smile and said, "Fai, your album 'Half a Lifetime' has made me depressed."

My office phones have been ringing off the hook with calls from distributors all over Asia these past few days, all demanding more stock. You're not releasing an album, you're printing money!

"Mr. Chen, you're too kind. It's all thanks to the company's excellent distribution channels," Zheng Hui replied politely.

"Alright, let's stop flattering each other."

Chen Shaobao turned around and waved to the rest area not far behind him: "Hui Zai, besides our internal celebration tonight, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to two new colleagues."

They are all artists I've already negotiated with, and they'll be officially signing contracts to join our Universal family soon.

At Chen Shaobao's call, a man and a woman walked over from the rest area.

When Zheng Hui, who had been maintaining a calm smile, saw the person's face clearly, a slight fluctuation flashed in his eyes.

The man walking in front had a gentle smile on his face, and his every move exuded elegance.

Leslie Cheung.

Following behind him was a young girl. She had delicate features and a beauty that blended innocence and allure.

Cecilia Cheung.

Zheng Hui was secretly amazed. Zhang Baizhi in 1999 was indeed blessed by God. No wonder she was able to emerge into the Hong Kong film industry with her beauty and talent and was hailed as the "Jade Girl Leader".

However, Zheng Hui's attention quickly shifted from Cecilia Cheung to Leslie Cheung.

As someone who has been reborn, if he has any feelings for Hong Kong singers, Leslie Cheung is definitely an insurmountable figure among them.

"Lesilie, Cecilia, come here, let me introduce you. This is Zheng Hui, Hui-zai, who has kept the entire Asian music scene up at night these past two days," Chen Shaobao introduced enthusiastically.

"Hello, Brother Hui, I'm Cecilia Cheung. I really like your song 'The Brightest Star in the Night Sky.'" Although Cecilia Cheung was new to the industry, she had a very cheerful personality and took the initiative to shake hands with Zheng Hui.

"Hello, Ms. Zhang, welcome to Global." Zheng Hui smiled and shook her hand gently before politely letting go.

Then, Leslie Cheung stepped forward.

"Hui-zai, I've heard so much about you." Leslie Cheung's eyes were gentle, without the slightest bit of superstar airs, but rather like a friendly older brother next door.

"I've been hearing your song 'A Person Like Me' everywhere I go these past few days. The helplessness in the song is really hard to imagine coming from such a young person like you. You're a force to be reckoned with."

"Brother, you flatter me." When facing Leslie Cheung, Zheng Hui was less formal and more sincere.

After exchanging pleasantries, Chan Siu-bo took Cecilia Cheung to greet the other executives, while Leslie Cheung stayed behind and chatted with Cheng Fai in a corner.

Zheng Hui said, "Brother, I consider myself a fan of your movies and songs. I've watched your 'Farewell My Concubine' at least ten times. The character Cheng Dieyi is so 'one can't live without being obsessed,' and you brought the essence of him to life."

Upon hearing Zheng Hui mention "Farewell My Concubine," Leslie Cheung's eyes lit up slightly, and a surprised smile appeared on his face.

"You actually like 'Farewell My Concubine'?" Leslie Cheung swirled his wine glass. "That film is too heavy. Many young people nowadays find it boring and can't watch it."

Cheng Dieyi was a pitiful person; he couldn't distinguish between reality and fiction. After filming that movie, I couldn't get over his emotions for several months.

"Because ultimate beauty is often accompanied by destruction."

Zheng Hui softly replied, "Just like your song 'The Wind Continues to Blow,' I have made you happy, and you have made me infatuated."

That subtle sorrow at parting, without any heart-wrenching screams, can slowly and painfully break a person's heart.

Leslie Cheung truly felt Zheng Hui's keen sense of art and his ability to empathize.

"Fai, you are truly special," Leslie Cheung exclaimed sincerely.

He asked with a hint of curiosity, "Actually, I've been wanting to ask you something all evening. I read in the newspaper that your album 'Half a Lifetime,' with eleven songs, was really written and recorded in just four days?"

"Although the media likes to exaggerate, I am a musician myself, and I know how terrifying the arrangement and lyrics of those songs are."

To write such a timeless album in just four days—that's truly hard for me to imagine.

Looking into Leslie Cheung's inquisitive eyes, Zheng Hui smiled modestly: "Brother, you've been in this industry for so long, you should know that creation is sometimes like heaven suddenly opening a window."

"Those few days in the hotel, looking out at Victoria Harbour, countless images of ordinary people struggling at the bottom of society suddenly flooded my mind."

When inspiration strikes, it's unstoppable. Musical notes and words seem to grow legs and race onto the paper. I just happened to be able to record them during those four days.

"It was just a good inspiration, plus a little bit of luck," Zheng Hui gave a polite and appropriate answer.

After listening, Leslie Cheung nodded thoughtfully, then laughed heartily: "What a brilliant idea! Since God has blessed you with this talent, you should cherish it. If I have the opportunity in the future, I hope to sing one of your songs."

"That would be my honor. I'll provide the lyrics and music whenever you ask," Zheng Hui replied with a smile.

As time went on, the atmosphere in the banquet hall reached its climax.

The emcee enthusiastically announced the start of the celebratory banquet. Amidst thunderous applause, the hotel's head chef pushed a food cart draped in red silk to the center of the hall. On the cart was a roast suckling pig, roasted to a golden brown, crispy perfection, and exuding a wonderful aroma.

In Hong Kong tradition, slicing roast suckling pig is an indispensable part of any major celebration or opening ceremony, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Zheng Donghan stood in front of the food cart, turning his head to search through the crowd.

"Hui! Come here!" Zheng Donghan shouted loudly, waving to Zheng Hui.

Under the watchful eyes of all the executives, superstars, and rising stars in the audience, Zheng Donghan pulled Zheng Hui to the very center of the stage and shoved the porcelain plate into Zheng Hui's hands.

"You created tonight's miracle, so you're the one to cut the first plate!"

Zheng Hui did not refuse. He held the porcelain plate and forcefully cut open the roast suckling pig.

"Great! A huge success! A long-lasting hit!"

Thunderous cheers erupted throughout the hall, champagne corks were pulled out one after another, and golden liquid sprayed into the air, turning the entire banquet hall into a sea of ​​revelry.

After the suckling pig was cut up, the formal socializing began.

Holding a wine glass, Zheng Hui was pulled by Zheng Donghan as they weaved among high-ranking officials and established singers. One glass of champagne and red wine after another sipped, and the sounds of mutual flattery, compliments, and probing remarks filled his ears.

"Cheers, Hui-zai! Take good care of me from now on!"

"Zheng Sheng, you absolutely have to reserve some good jobs for our department for the next album!"

In this arena of fame and fortune, everyone wears a mask, and behind every smile lies a desire for resources and profit.

Zheng Hui maintained a smile, dealing with each person who came to offer a toast as if he were handling it with ease.

But that doesn't mean he likes these kinds of occasions.

After drinking seven or eight glasses of wine in a row, and feeling a slight warmth in his stomach, Zheng Hui took advantage of the moment when Zheng Donghan was pulled aside for a talk by several managers from the Taiwan branch to quietly slip away from the center of the crowd.

He bypassed the noisy dance floor and the bar where people were drinking, and went straight to the VIP lounge at the innermost part of the banquet hall. This was a reserved area for Zheng Donghan and a few other top executives, but it was currently empty because everyone was busy socializing in the main hall.

Zheng Hui exhaled a breath of alcohol and plopped down on the sofa.

"Boss, are you alright? Have you had too much to drink?" Lin Dashan, who had been watching from the edge of the area, immediately stepped forward and asked with concern.

"It's nothing, I just found it a bit noisy, so I wanted to find some peace and quiet." Zheng Hui rubbed his temples and glanced at the group of men and women still partying in the banquet hall.

Those stars who shine brightly on stage, under the influence of alcohol, reveal the weariness and vulgarity of ordinary people.

"Brother Dashan, do me a favor. Go find the hotel staff and tell them not to serve alcohol. Get me a Kung Fu tea set and some tea leaves, preferably Tieguanyin."

"Okay, I'll go right away." Lin Dashan nodded and turned to find someone.

A short while later, the waiter brought over a set of purple clay teaware and several packets of tea leaves, placing them on the tea table in front of Zheng Hui.

They also introduced the types of tea available, including the Tieguanyin tea that Zheng Hui wanted.

Zheng Hui waved for the waiter to leave.

He sat alone in a dimly lit corner, washing his cup, brewing tea, and making tea all by himself.

Holding a cup of freshly brewed tea, the fragrant aroma wafted to my nose, washing away the lingering smell of alcohol.

Just as he was about to take a sip of tea, the sound of high heels approached.

"Brother Hui, it's so lively outside. You're definitely the leading man tonight, so why are you hiding here drinking tea all by yourself?"

""

With a slightly hoarse voice, Cecilia Cheung walked over.

Having just risen to fame for her role as Liu Piaopiao in Stephen Chow's "King of Comedy," she is currently riding high on her success.

The entire Hong Kong entertainment industry is going crazy for this new generation of "Jade Girl Leader". Even though she has just signed with Universal Music, the company's top management is definitely giving her top-tier attention.

Zheng Hui took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, looked up at the uninvited female celebrity, and gave a polite smile.

"It's too noisy outside. I just finished a social gathering and drank quite a bit, so my stomach is a little upset. I came here to find some peace and quiet."

Zheng Hui made up an excuse on the spot, then politely extended his hand: "Miss Zhang, would you like to sit down and have a cup of tea to sober up?"

This was originally just a polite social remark. According to general social etiquette, if someone says they want to be alone and have some peace and quiet, they usually just say hello and leave tactfully.

But Cecilia Cheung is clearly not the type of person who plays by the rules.

"Great! I was just starting to feel the champagne outside was making my mouth sour too."

Instead of refusing, she sat down very naturally on the single sofa next to Zheng Hui.

She crossed her legs gracefully, her eyes fixed intently on Zheng Hui.

Zheng Hui shook his head inwardly with a sigh. This woman really was just like the rumors of later generations: bold, straightforward, and acting entirely on her immediate intuition and whims.

But he remained outwardly calm, took a clean teacup, used tea tongs to hold it, rolled it in boiling water to sterilize it, then poured in seven-tenths full of Tieguanyin tea and gently pushed it in front of her.

"Please, this is just regular Tieguanyin tea. I don't know if it suits your taste."

"Thank you, Brother Hui." Cecilia Cheung picked up her teacup, blew on it to cool it down, and took a small sip.

"Hmm—it's a bit bitter, but it tastes quite good in the mouth after swallowing." She put down her teacup and gave a straightforward evaluation.

Zheng Hui smiled, picked up a cup and drank it all in one gulp: "That's how tea is, bitter at first, then sweet."

However, for Ms. Zhang, your acting career has skipped the difficult phase entirely; it's all sweetness right from the start. With just one film, *King of Comedy*, who in the Hong Kong film industry doesn't know the name Liu Piaopiao?

When Zheng Hui mentioned his masterpiece, Cecilia Cheung raised her chin slightly, her brows revealing undisguised pride.

"Brother Hui, please stop joking with me. I was just lucky to run into Stephen Chow who was willing to teach me." Although she spoke modestly, she couldn't hide the pride in her tone.

However, she changed the subject and looked at Zheng Hui: "If we're talking about good luck and strong ability, who in all of Asia can compare to you? More than 800,000 copies sold in two days!"

When Mr. Chen said that, my jaw almost dropped. You're not releasing records, you're printing money!

"Moreover, I listened to all eleven of your songs. I literally cried while listening to them, especially the song 'A Person Like Me,' the lyrics are so well written."

I've been thinking about this for a while now. You're about the same age as me, so how come your mind holds so much about life's hardships?

Faced with such straightforward praise, Zheng Hui simply didn't take it to heart and instead made her a cup of tea.

"Perhaps it's because I grew up in the lower class of Macau and saw a lot of ordinary people struggling to make a living."

Songwriting is simply translating what you see with your eyes and what you feel with your heart into musical notes.

Zheng Hui brushed the topic aside; he didn't want to dissect his inner world in front of a woman he had only known for less than half an hour.

Cecilia Cheung seemed to sense the distance emanating from Zheng Hui. She pursed her lips, her eyes flickered slightly, and she changed the subject.

"Actually, the reason I came to see Brother Hui today, besides wanting to share in your sales success, is that I really have something I'd like to ask you for some advice."

"Oh?" Zheng Hui adopted a respectful and attentive posture: "I wouldn't dare to ask for your advice, Miss Zhang, please feel free to speak your mind."

Cecilia Cheung said, "It's like this, the company recently arranged a song for me, and I'll be recording it in the studio in a few days."

"As you know, I haven't studied vocal music professionally, and my voice is just a hoarse, croaky voice—"

She pointed to her throat: "I'm fine singing karaoke at home, but when it comes to recording in a professional studio, I'm actually quite unsure."

Hui-ge, you are a recognized musical genius in the industry. Whether it's your singing or your production, you are top-notch.

So I wanted to ask you, for someone like me with no prior experience and unusual vocal conditions, are there any tips or tricks for recording in the studio?

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hui raised an eyebrow slightly.

Is Cecilia Cheung going to sing? Now?

"What's the name of the song you're going to sing?" Zheng Hui asked.

"It's called 'Starry Wish,' and it's a sad love song."

It really is this song!

Zheng Hui sighed inwardly, realizing that the trajectory of history was still steadily moving forward.

"Starry Wish" is arguably the most widely circulated musical work in Cecilia Cheung's entire acting career.

She released many songs later, but this song remains her unsurpassable peak.

"Starry Wish - a good name." Zheng Hui recalled the melody and emotional core of the song in his mind.

He looked at Cecilia Cheung, his tone becoming serious: "You just said your tremolo is like a duck's quack, which is indeed a disadvantage in traditional vocal music. But bel canto music is different from bel canto. The most distinctive feature of bel canto music is its unique characteristics."

"Your voice may be raspy, but it is precisely because of this raspyness that it naturally carries a sense of fragmentation and storytelling."

If you were to sing those saccharine pop songs or those high-note, technically-driven songs, you'd definitely fail miserably. But if this song, "Starry Wish," is a sad love song about parting, then your vocal range is actually the most suitable.

"Really? My Bingyin can really sing this kind of song well?" Her eyes shone with surprise.

"Of course." Zheng Hui nodded and continued, "So the only piece of advice I can give you is this: once you're in the studio, forget you're singing; treat it like you're acting."

"acting?"

"Yes, don't worry about breath control, resonance, or pitch. Those things are too difficult for you right now. Leave them to the recording engineer and post-production sound editing equipment."

All you need to do is bring out your empathy as an actor.

"When you sing this song, you should have a picture in your mind. Imagine that you have lost someone you love most, you miss him, and you tell your wishes to the stars in the dark night."

Release that sobbing, that choked feeling, that pain in even breathing, through your sobbing voice.

"As long as you are in the right mood, even if you sing a little off-key in some parts, the audience will not think it sounds bad. Instead, they will think that it is because you are too sad and have lost control of your emotions."

This is what Liuwo Music refers to as—using emotion to wrap up flaws.

Cecilia Cheung savored every word Zheng Hui had just said. She was already a highly talented actress, and when Zheng Hui used the logic of acting to teach her to sing, she understood instantly.

"Brother Hui—you're really amazing. President Chen and the others talked to me about falsetto and breathing techniques, and it all made my head spin."

Now that you've said that, I feel completely confident! I can even picture it in my mind right now!

Zheng Hui smiled and said, "I'm glad I could help you."

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