My Years as a Copyist in Taiwan

Teresa Teng stood facing the microphone, her off-white skirt fluttering gently in the cool breeze of the studio, her figure elegant and graceful.

She put on her headphones, closed her eyes slightly, and took two seconds to regulate her breathing.

The person who was just a moment ago was quite playful, but the moment they opened their mouth, their voice instantly became deep, gentle, delicate, and tender. There was no showing off; it was just the most simple and moving way of telling a story.

Where would I be if I hadn't met you?

How are you living your life? Should you cherish it?

......

Her soft, sweet voice flowed gently, filling the entire recording studio. Her profound empathy was so tender it brought tears to my eyes.

When she sang the line Zhao Wen had repeated countless times, "Though time flies by, I only care about you," the diva's breath control was as steady as flowing water, her mixed voice flowed seamlessly without a trace of hesitation, and every dynamic and vibrato was perfectly controlled...

Zhao Wen stood quietly to the side, listening with only one thought in his mind: This is what "I Only Care About You" should have been like.

The song ended.

Teresa Teng took off her headphones, turned around and looked at Zhao Wen, her eyes crinkling, with that slightly mischievous look again.

"How's it going, Mr. Snail? I didn't ruin your piece, did I?"

"...I was completely stunned! Sister Lijun, your version is the best version ever!"

To express his admiration, Zhao Wen even used some of the most exaggerated praise in later generations.

"What do you mean by 'the strongest on earth'? Hahaha, little snail, you're so funny!" The diva was indeed delighted and even changed how she addressed Mr. Snail.

Since Tony the music teacher was there, Zhao Wen went along with it and chatted with her about arrangement and drum beats. The diva was naturally cheerful and easy-going, and Zhao Wen gradually relaxed from his initial nervousness. When the conversation got interesting, he simply played her several demos that he had recorded a couple of days ago.

From the clear nostalgia of campus folk songs to the delicate sentiments of lyrical ballads, one song after another was played, and the control room gradually quieted down.

Teresa Teng leaned back in her chair, her small hands clasped to her chest, the smile on her face slowly fading, leaving only surprise and admiration in her eyes.

She has sung for so many years, but there are actually not many songs that she can truly admire. Many of her mediocre works have become national hits because of her unique and hardcore vocal skills. For example, "The Moon Represents My Heart" and "Small Town Story" are examples of this.

But these ten or so songs in front of her were all amazing to her – catchy melodies, touching lyrics, and each one had the potential to be sung by everyone. Any one of them could be a hit song.

What's even more remarkable is the down-to-earth quality in the lyrics and music, which has both the sincerity of a young person and the gentleness of someone who has seen through the ways of the world. It's completely unlike what a teenager could write.

"Brother Wen, these songs of yours..." Teresa Teng, heeding Zhao Wen's correction, stopped calling him "Snail Brother": "They're really amazing! This A-side is too ruthless, all ten songs are hit singles. Other singers can split them into three albums, but you've crammed them all into one!"

Zhao Wen was a little smug, his tone unusually mischievous: "Sister Lijun, there's a hidden surprise track at the end, not printed on the cover. Listen to it after we finish recording, it'll be a surprise."

The pop diva pressed him for details, but he just smiled. Some fun is only truly appreciated once the final product is released.

Looking at the young man before her, whose talent was already overflowing and flying everywhere, she already had a plan in mind:

"If you don't mind when you finish this album, I'll write a few words of recommendation for you and help you find a market in Southeast Asia. Such good songs shouldn't only be popular on the island."

Zhao Wen is truly happy now, his idol has taken the initiative to endorse him!

He looked at Teresa Teng's gentle features and smiled:

"Sister Lijun, I really intended to dedicate the song 'I Only Care About You' to you. From the day I wrote it, I felt in my heart that this song should be sung by you. From now on, the right to perform this song is entirely yours, unconditionally."

Now it was Teresa Teng's turn to be stunned.

She turned and exchanged a glance with Weng Qingxi, both of them seeing surprise in each other's eyes—they both knew the significance of this song; it was more than enough to support a new artist's album, let alone be used as the title track of her own album.

Weng Qingxi chimed in, "This song paired with Teresa Teng's voice is a match made in heaven!"

Teresa Teng snapped out of her reverie, smiled, and nodded, her tone light and cheerful: "Good brother! Then I'll consider it a big favor I owe you!"

That's true vision! Not a single bit of hesitation!

Zhao Wen laughed and said, "But there's a problem, Sister Lijun, wouldn't it be inconvenient for your company to include this version in my album? I mean, what about your company..."

"What's inconvenient about it? It's just a formality. You send me a formal cooperation letter and give me a top-tier hit song. You might not even have to pay the cooperation fee. I'll handle the coordination with the company!" The diva was very confident.

Zhao Wen knew very well that at this time, the diva was being pampered by PolyGram Hong Kong and PolyGram Japan. Even if this was a normal business collaboration, as long as it wasn't a serious breach of the rules like betrayal or job-hopping, the company would definitely accommodate her.

Keep in mind that the diva's total record sales over her lifetime were approximately 5000 million copies. What does that mean? It's fair to say that half of PolyGram's revenue during that era was generated by the diva. What reason do you have to make things difficult for her?

After many twists and turns, this classic song, etched in the memories of generations, has returned to where it rightfully belongs. To be able to witness Teresa Teng sing this song in person, and to have it included on her debut album—this trip to Taipei couldn't have been more perfect!

Seeing that Teresa Teng had no intention of leaving, Zhao Wen simply took out the unfinished version of "The Fox" and recorded it.

As soon as the accompaniment started, Weng Qingxi and the diva were both stunned—completely different from the previous melodies, this one started with a bright and lively electronic rhythm, extremely carefree, making people unable to help but sway to the rhythm.

Zhao Wen put on his headphones and stood in front of the microphone. He no longer restrained himself. Instead, he swayed his shoulders gently to the beat of the drums, closed his eyes slightly, and moved freely to the rhythm. There was no rules or order to it. He was just relaxed and carefree, which was unique to young people.

After finishing the verse, just as the chorus began, he suddenly cleared his throat and began imitating the sound of a fox, each note higher than the last, with a strange and captivating tone.

Teresa Teng was taken aback, then slowly the corners of her mouth turned up, and she finally covered her mouth and laughed out loud, her eyebrows curving into crescent moons.

At first, Weng Qingxi held back with great restraint, but when she heard the chorus, she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The pop diva smiled so much that her eyes were tinged with a blush. She had sung gentle lyrics and music for half her life, and she had never heard such a whimsical song that made people smile.

Her laughter, along with Tony's, broke Zhao Wen's composure, causing him to burst into laughter as well, ruining the entire recording. He took off his headphones and peeked out, only to see Teresa Teng leaning on the control panel, laughing uncontrollably: "Is that how your fox calls?"