Huayu: From the Era of Ringtones to Becoming a Legend

"Looking for Li Huizhen?"

The album title that Lu Jiuge announced made everyone at the table pause in surprise.

"This name is direct, catchy, and perfectly reflects the theme of Hye-jung's comeback!"

Wu Ziming was the first to react and tried to smooth things over with a smile.

Lu Jiuge gave him a grateful look and continued:

"Not only did I come up with the album title, but I also came up with a song idea based on Sister Huizhen's characteristics, which I felt was very suitable for Sister Huizhen's temperament and voice."

As he spoke, he cleared his throat and began to hum softly:

I absolutely loved yesterday.

I vow to shatter your face

Everything can never go back to the way it was before.

Beautiful scene

I absolutely loved yesterday.

Watching your hypocritical performance.

Only then did I realize how far away I am from you.

……

After the chorus finished, the box fell silent.

Li Huizhen's eyes widened slightly, her fingers unconsciously tapping a rhythm on the edge of the table.

"This song..."

She hesitated before speaking, her voice tinged with liking:

"This is completely different from the 'Song of Zhenguan' we just heard!"

"Of course not!"

Lu Jiuge said frankly:

"The Song of Zhenguan is the theme song for a historical drama, so it needs to be grand and profound!"

"But your solo album needs to showcase your vocal qualities, emotional expression, and personality!"

He looked at Liu Feng and the others:

"What do you teachers think?"

Qiu Jian crossed his arms and pondered for a moment:

"The melody is catchy, and the memorable parts of the chorus are cleverly designed. But commercial success can't be judged by just one part; the overall integrity and listening experience are more important."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jiuge understood Qiu Jian's meaning. Having already redeemed the complete version from the system shop, he remained calm and said casually:

"Teacher Qiu is right, one chorus can't tell the whole story. So, since all the teachers are here, and Sister Huizhen is here too, I'll hum the parts that's formed in my head, and please listen and give me your feedback!"

After pretending to think for a while, Lu Jiuge continued from the chorus and clearly outlined the melody and structure of the verses by humming.

Although it was still an a cappella performance and the lyrics were deliberately omitted, the complete structure and clear transitions of a pop song were already presented to the audience.

After humming the song, Liu Feng stared at him, his surprise deepening.

"These are all things you were thinking about just now?"

Lu Jiuge nodded calmly:

"This is how inspiration strikes. Of course, I'll need to work with Professor Liu to refine the details when I get back."

Upon hearing Lu Jiuge's reply, Liu Feng put down his teacup, his tone becoming serious:

"Your inspiration is phenomenal, the kind of genius I've never seen before! I think you should seriously consider his company, Huizhen!"

All eyes on the table turned back to Li Huizhen.

She was silent for a few seconds, then looked up at Lu Jiuge:

"Professor Lu, may I ask you a question?"

"you say."

"If I sign with Qianxing Entertainment, what are your plans for this album?"

Lu Jiuge knew that this was the most crucial question.

"Three months!"

He held out three fingers:

"Complete the recording and release of the album within three months. The main song is 'I Loved Yesterday,' and the other songs are of no lower quality than this one!"

Lu Jiuge looked at Wu Ziming:

"With the promotion of Director Wu's big-budget TV series 'The Song of Zhenguan,' coupled with Qianxin Entertainment's unique promotional model compared to other record companies, I can't guarantee a successful release, but I can assure you that this album will propel you back into the ranks of top singers!"

Su Jianghe and Liu Feng exchanged a glance.

"Three months is a tight schedule!"

Su Jianghe said slowly.

"It might be tight for others, but for me, it's enough!"

Lu Jiuge answered and looked at Li Huizhen, waiting for her answer.

After listening, Li Huizhen's gaze lingered on Lu Jiuge's face for a moment before turning to her teacher, Su Jianghe.

Seeing Su Jianghe nod slightly, she took a deep breath and turned to Lu Jiuge:

"Teacher Lu, I've seen your talent and your plans, and I believe in them!"

"But I can't make this comeback on impulse. How about this: I'll visit the company tomorrow, take a look in person, and meet Mr. Liu Sixi. Then we can finalize this!"

This was already a very sincere statement. Lu Jiuge felt reassured and immediately said:

"Of course! You're most welcome! I'll be waiting for you at the company tomorrow morning."

After speaking, Lu Jiuge looked at Liu Feng and the other two:

"If the three of you have time, I would like to invite you to Qianxing Entertainment tomorrow to provide guidance. Firstly, to give Sister Huizhen some feedback, and secondly, to catch up with Teacher Liu!"

Su Jianghe, Liu Feng, and Qiu Jian exchanged a glance and smiled:

"Haha, now that we're on Old Liu's turf, of course we have to pay him a visit!"

"Xiao Lu, ask around and see when Teacher Liu is free!"

"Okay, I'll call right now! Teacher Liu will be so happy to know that an old friend is here!"

Lu Jiuge cursed under her breath, calling him an old fox, and took out her phone to dial Liu Sixi's number.

When the call connected, he first briefly explained the situation before handing the phone to Liu Feng.

During the phone call, although Liu Sixi was unclear about Lu Jiuge's true intentions, he knew that Lu Jiuge must have something to say, so he went along with it and invited Liu Feng to the company.

With each party having their own agenda, Liu Feng readily agreed and arranged to meet at Qianxing Entertainment at 10:00 AM the next morning.

……

The next day at 10:00 AM, Qianxing Entertainment.

After Lu Jiuge explained the course of events and the purpose of the matter, Liu Sixi and Chen Bin took it very seriously. All three of them arrived and waited at the door for Liu Feng and the others to arrive.

"Liu Feng? Qiu Jian? Old Su?"

After waiting for a while, seeing the three people walking towards him from a distance, Liu Sixi excitedly stepped forward to shake hands:

"How did you all end up together?"

"This is for Xiao Wu's TV series. They wanted us to check out the music, so we arranged to come along!"

To clarify, Liu Feng took Liu Sixi's hand and led her towards the company:

"Old Liu, quickly show me around your company!"

"Yesterday, Xiao Lu's rendition of the Zhenguan Song got me all excited, I can't wait to try it out!"

"Okay, please come in!"

Liu Sixi introduced Chen Bin to the group, explaining as he led them on their way.

Lu Jiuge walked behind, following beside Li Huizhen.

After wandering around, the group arrived at the recording studio, where they happened to hear the sound system that Liu Sixi had forgotten to turn off, playing the song "There's a Kind of Love Called Letting Go" on a loop.

There is a kind of love called letting go

Giving up forever for love

If staying together means you have to give up everything.

Let true love take me away

……

The chorus playing on repeat in the stereo is simple and straightforward, with a brainwashing magic.

As Liu Feng listened, his brows furrowed slightly at first, then gradually relaxed.

After listening to the entire song, Liu Feng looked at Lu Jiuge:

"Is this your latest work?"

Lu Jiuge nodded:

"The new song I'm preparing to respond to Lo Chih-chiang's bet is going for a pop style!"

Qiu Jian shook his head and chuckled to himself:

"You little rascal, your style is way too wild. Just a moment ago it was that grand and majestic 'Song of Zhenguan,' and now it's this... well, a song with a simple and crude melody!"

"But after listening to it once, isn't the chorus already imprinted in your heads?"

Lu Jiuge asked with a smile.

Su Jianghe nodded helplessly:

"It's not just imprinted in my head, I want to hum along right now. This song's spread will probably be terrifying."

Liu Feng paced back and forth in the recording studio, then suddenly stopped, turned to look at Lu Jiuge, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Xiao Lu, I finally understand why Lao Liu was willing to partner with you!"

"Your thinking is completely different from most people's. If this song is released, it's bound to be controversial."

Lu Jiuge smiled calmly:

"Controversy is also a form of buzz! What I want is for everyone to discuss it, whether they like it or criticize it."

Liu Feng stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly sighed, as if he had made up his mind:

"I don't understand your strategy, but the data and the market will provide the answer!"

Okay, if this song needs some, well, academic-level, controversial discussion later on, I can step in and say a few words on your behalf!

He said it subtly, but the meaning was clear:

He's willing to help if needed to generate buzz or endorse something.