My Years as a Copyist in Taiwan

The equipment in the studio had already been tested and adjusted. From the control panel to the microphone, everything was personally overseen and tested by Weng Qingxi. Even the harmonies were handled by a top-notch team from the island. They were just waiting for the recording to begin the next day.

That evening, Zhao Wen spread out paper and pen in the hotel and carefully checked the final version of the 12-inch vinyl record tracklist again.

The ten hard-to-find songs released between 86 and 87, plus two more, "Those Years" and "My Deskmate," make up a total of twelve official tracks. He divides them into two sides, A and B, according to style and positioning.

Side A features ten timeless classics: the opening track is "Love Trap," a catchy and energetic song, followed by "Half Moon Serenade" and "Sleepless Nights," one gentle and the other strong, each with its own unique charm.

Luo Wen's "How Much Wind and Rain" remains a staple background music for countless inspirational videos on Douyin decades later. Although it's in Cantonese, Adam Cheng's "Chor Lau Heung" has already sparked an unprecedented nationwide frenzy in Taiwan with its premiere on CTV these past few days!

It was this drama that made Cantonese classics play on repeat throughout the streets and alleys of Taiwan. Most people couldn't understand the lyrics, but that didn't stop people from being obsessed with Cantonese songs.

Beyond's "Really Love You" is passionate and sincere, Princess's "A Thousand Songs" is the finale with lyrical emotion, followed by "About in Winter", "A Game, A Dream" and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", and finally Teresa Teng's "I Only Care About You" to end the performance.

The ten songs cover a wide range of styles, including upbeat, ballad, rock, and inspirational. Each song could stand alone as a hit, and together they form a truly powerful lineup.

Side A is a bombshell that hits the industry – whether you're a seasoned producer or a discerning music critic, after listening to these ten songs, you'll have to admit the album's significance!

Side B only contains "Those Years" and "My Deskmate".

These two songs form the core of his work, tied to his novel's IP. They feature a youthful, campus-themed style that resonates with students across Taiwan, and their inclusion in this album is like a bonus.

Zhao Wen thought for a moment and then added a line of very small text: Hidden Track - The Fox.

This idea suddenly popped into his head on the train. This deliberately meaningless song, even thirty years later, is still considered to have a unique and imaginative concept. Back then, it spread like a virus, far exceeding the reach of Psy's "Gangnam Style".

This ridiculously absurd song was incredibly ahead of its time in 1982. He didn't intend to print it on the tracklist; instead, he hid it at the very end of the vinyl record, as an Easter egg that only patient listeners and those who delve into the album could discover.

To put it bluntly, this was a somewhat awkward compromise he made with his eighteen-year-old body.

In the days since he transmigrated, this old online novel writer, now in his fifties or sixties, has acted and thought with a maturity far beyond his years. He often feels like an old hand in the skin of a teenager, completely out of place with the vibrant energy of an eighteen-year-old.

This quirky and unconventional hit song is just right. In public, he is a genius songwriter capable of creating masterpieces, but in private, he hides a carefree and quirky boyish personality. The contrast is huge, which is both a surprise for fans and a little fun for himself—as if he can get a little closer to the age of eighteen.

The first two days of recording went exceptionally smoothly. The musicians in the studio were all veterans who had worked with Weng Qingxi for many years. Zhao Wen only needed to hum the melody once and express the emotion, and after a few repetitions, they could match it perfectly.

On the afternoon of the third day, only Zhao Wen and the recording engineer remained in the studio, recording "I Only Care About You". This song was deliberately left until the very end for polishing, aiming for a relaxed yet comforting feel.

He stood in front of the microphone wearing headphones, repeatedly saying, "No matter how time flies, I only care about you," when the door to the control room was gently pushed open.

Weng Qingxi walked in front, followed by a woman in a beige dress with gentle features and shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth—Teresa Teng!

Oh, Queen of Pop! Zhao Wen's heart skipped a beat.

Another idol!

Moreover, she was an idol who stood shoulder to shoulder with Luo Xiaozuo in Zhao Wen's heart. Now, standing in front of him in person, her demeanor was even gentler and more approachable than on television. Suppressing his excitement, he smiled and greeted her, "Hello, Sister Lijun."

These days, there aren't many people who dare to casually call someone "Sister Lijun." But Zhao Wen did it, and it felt completely natural.

Teresa Teng had just returned from Singapore. She was working on arranging music for several ancient lyrics in "Light and Elegant Feelings." As soon as she entered the room, she heard Zhao Wen's voice and stood behind the glass in the control room, quietly listening to the entire chorus.

After the song ended, Teresa Teng's eyes lit up, and she turned to Weng Qingxi with a smile, asking, "Tony, where did you find this kid? Did you write the song? He's so gentle, and his voice is so clear."

"He's Mr. Snail, and he wrote the song himself!"

As they got closer, the superstar sister saw that Zhao Wen was handsome and even had a bit of a feminine look, much like her younger brother when he was young, and she suddenly felt much more fond of him.

"So you're Mr. Snail!" Teresa Teng replied to Zhao Wen with a smile. "The book 'Those Years' is so well-written! I bought both the book and the CD! What's the name of this song? It's so beautiful!"

"Of course it sounds great! This is originally your song, Queen of Pop!" Zhao Wen chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly shy and polite.

"Sister Lijun, how about giving 'I Only Care About You' a try? I don't think my singing skills are good enough for this song."

Teresa Teng paused slightly upon hearing this, then her dimples appeared, revealing a soft and gentle smile. She naturally possessed the approachability of a girl next door, without a trace of the airs of a music diva.

She took two steps forward, her gaze falling on Zhao Wen, her eyes slightly curved at the corners, carrying a hint of cunning, incredibly lively.

"Mr. Snail is really good at talking!"

Her pronunciation was soft and gentle, like a spring breeze:

"You wrote your own song, how could you not be able to handle it? I just listened to it outside, and your voice is full of youthful energy, which is a different kind of beautiful. It's just that this song is too gentle and needs a bit of maturity. You're young, so it's not that you sang it badly, but it didn't quite fit the original gentleness of the song."

After speaking, she tilted her head slightly, a hint of playfulness hidden in her eyes:

"However—since you're so insistent on letting me sing, I won't hold back. Wouldn't Mr. Snail feel bad about taking one of your hit songs?"

"I don't feel bad. This song was meant to have Teresa Teng's style."

Zhao Wen vaguely understood what the Empress meant. She wanted to record a special version and put it on his disc. With her current status, even if he were a pig, let alone a time traveler, she could carry him to the top, right?

Teresa Teng gently raised her hand to tuck a stray hair behind her ear and said:

"You're so good with words!"

"Then I'll give it a try and record a special version just for you. The melody of this song is very good, and I'll sing it according to your mood."

Teacher Tony chuckled to himself as he watched this scene. He knew Teresa Teng all too well. She was known for her exceptionally high standards; she wouldn't even listen to a single line of an ordinary song, let alone offer to help with the recording, let alone act like a spoiled child.

Mr. Snail is indeed a very talented person.