A band, or a battleground?

The funniest part of this episode was when Master Qi returned. The expressions on everyone's faces when he came back after just finishing his shift and clocking out were absolutely hilarious.

[I just happened to be passing by and got dragged into this mess. What does this game have to do with me... It's a murder mystery game, but it's not just that. Isn't that how I am at work?]

[The production team invited someone else, then assigned a minor character—what's the meaning of this? Are they trying to mess with him?! Do they think our Qi Yuan is easy to bully?!]

[I've been scrolling through short videos lately, and that song "Big Boy" has been stuck in my head every day. When I clicked into this episode, I discovered that Qi Yuan actually wrote and played the song live on the show!]

[My God, how can someone write songs this well? The production team has really messed up!]

Looking at the trending comments below the show, Qi Yuan tried to put himself in the director's shoes. If he were the director, what would he do to reverse public opinion and prevent temporary criticism from becoming long-term negativity?

Just as he was thinking about this, the director called.

Qi Yuan went to the end of the corridor again and listened to the other person repeat what they had said. It was no different from the story that Shen Yihan had relayed not long ago, except that the tone was more polite and the story was told in a more professional manner.

After the other party finished speaking, Qi Yuan sighed: "Everything else is fine, but there's one thing you might have misunderstood."

The director's voice immediately became tense: "What did I misunderstand?"

Qi Yuan: "Do you think that writing songs is like playing a murder mystery game, something you can do whenever you want?"

The director quickly replied, "Of course I don't think that way! So, I can offer you a few different themes. You can decide when you feel inspired and write the song."

Qi Yuan countered, "Is there no time limit?"

Director: "How long does it take you to write a song?"

Qi Yuan: "That's hard to say. It can take less than an hour for some songs, and more than a week for others. Besides, my songwriting speed is already considered very fast."

“I understand, I understand…” the director sighed. “If your appearance fee for your next cameo role were to increase to the same level as Ms. Shen Yihan’s, would you be able to write it faster?”

Qi Yuan was somewhat surprised: "Is this a sincere offer?"

The director explained, "Because what we want is not just to change public opinion. Your song has had a great cross-cultural impact. Although there has been a lot of controversy in the latest episode, the increase in play count is quite good, and the momentum is particularly strong."

Qi Yuan: "I understand. So you want me to sing another song, maybe the next episode will get a lot of views, is that right?"

The director laughed and said, "Yes, that's right."

Variety shows aren't afraid of controversy or criticism, as long as they can generate viewership. And if such controversy can subsequently turn the tide, then they become even more coveted.

This is not just a remedy, but a strike while the iron is hot.

Qi Yuan also began to ponder.

If there were a platform where I could release new songs, and not under the name of the Haruhi Kage band, but under my own name...

He said, "I can consider it. Could you please send me the script topics you can choose from? However, I have one more condition."

The director quickly asked, "What are the conditions?"

Qi Yuan: "Besides me, can the other members of our band appear on the show?"

The director thought for a moment and asked, "How long will it take you to write your song? Is half a month enough?"

Qi Yuan: "Then there shouldn't be any problem."

The director decisively said, "Our recording and broadcast cycle is half a month. The next recording is this weekend, which is only four or five days away. If you can't make it to this episode, you can have your teammate come first. The appearance fee will be calculated separately, 100,000."

Qi Yuan: "And then in the next recording, will you let me go on again?"

Director: "Yes, that's about twenty days from now, once your song is ready. Your appearance fee is 500,000, how about it?"

Qi Yuan said leisurely, "That's really quite sincere."

The director's voice carried a hint of helplessness: "Please believe in the production team's sincerity; we also have KPIs!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"So, that's the situation. Who wants to go and have some fun?"

After school, before Qi Yuan led his three teammates out of the school gate, he explained the director's conditions to them.

Jiang Yi was the first to shake her head: "I definitely can't do it! Watching others play murder mystery games is fine, but to play it myself, especially in front of a camera, thinking about being seen by so many people... no, no, just thinking about it makes me breathless."

Ning Qianyu smiled and said, "I knew you would be nervous. It's okay, I'm fine."

Qi Yuan looked at the silent girl on the other side: "Where's Mengxue?"

Qiu Mengxue said slowly, "Compared to participating in this kind of program, I would rather focus on music and my studies."

Ning Qianyu retorted, "There are no reporters here, you don't need to make it sound so high and mighty. Don't you want the extra appearance fee?"

Qiu Mengxue swayed her high ponytail: "The appearance fee is quite tempting, but I'm not really interested in murder mystery games. If Qi Yuan hadn't gone, I wouldn't have watched that show. So I think even if I went, I probably wouldn't perform very well. It's better to let you go. The better the show goes, the more popular our band will be, and the easier it will be to get similar opportunities next time."

Ning Qianyu blinked: "Are you on such a high level that you're considering things from the perspective of the band's development?"

Qiu Mengxue smiled and said, "My level has always been very high. Did you only realize that today?"

Ning Qianyu patted her chest: "Okay, then this mission is mine!"

The four walked out of the school gate, with Qi Yuan and Qiu Mengxue in front, and Ning Qianyu and Jiang Yi behind.

Jiang Yi suddenly leaned close to Ning Qianyu and whispered, "Your task isn't just to perform well on the show."

Ning Qianyu's spirits lifted: "You mean..."

Jiang Yi: "Yes, we need to observe Sister Yihan and test her."

Ning Qianyu: "Understood, we shouldn't let the good stuff go to outsiders!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Bai Xingye was having dinner when he received the call from his agent. But one sentence on the phone completely killed his appetite.

The agent said, "The director has already informed me that you won't be in the next episode."

Bai Xingye, holding his chopsticks, said, "If not next time, how about the time after that?"

Agent: "No, not at all."

Bai Xingye slammed down his chopsticks and roared, "They can't do this! We clearly agreed on this before this season started!"

The agent sighed, "The director said that there's a clause in the contract that says we can't interfere with the show's recording."

Shirahoshino: "I didn't interfere!"

The agent said, "The director said that stirring up trouble counts. I suggest you give up, at least don't completely break ties with them. Otherwise, if they expose that you lied and caused trouble for Qi Yuan, you'll be the one who suffers. The company won't fall out with Tianhua Entertainment, the production team, or the Chunri Ying Band for your sake."

Bai Xingye: "He has no evidence, how can he make it public..."

The agent sighed again: "There is no evidence, but do those Chunri Ying fans who are standing up for Qi Yuan online need legal evidence? As long as the director says it was you, and Qi Yuan says it was you, what do you think will happen? After all, it was you in the first place."

Bai Xingye: "..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Calling her "Mommy" would be better if she were 174cm tall.

This Saturday morning, the four members of the band arrived at the recording studio.

Qi Yuan hadn't finished the vocals for the first song yet, but Ning Qianyu had already got the drums for the second song sorted out. So, when lunchtime came, she could show off again.

"When I return in triumph, will you be able to catch up with my pace?"

Qiu Mengxue retorted, "The phrase 'returning in glory' is something others use to praise you; how can you boast like that?"

Qi Yuan sighed: "Besides, you'll only be gone for a day or two, and you'll be back tomorrow. Moreover, playing drums and gongs is much simpler than singing, which is much more difficult."

Ning Qianyu pointed at him, but was no longer provoked by the words "beating drums and gongs". Instead, she pouted and said, "Fine, considering that this opportunity to earn appearance fees was secured by Brother Gun, I won't say anything."

Qi Yuan raised his teacup: "Alright, have a safe journey!"

Jiang Yi and Qiu Mengxue also raised their teacups.

Ning Qianyu raised his teacup, clinked glasses with the three men, and then drank the tea in one gulp, saying, "My dear ministers, please excuse the formalities and wait for my return!"

She tried to strike a bold pose, but on her petite frame, it just looked rather cute.

Qiu Mengxue smiled and said, "Since you're going to make money, then this lunch..."

Ning Qianyu waved her hand: "Nothing to say, of course it's on me! Okay, don't try to take it from me, I'll go pay the bill now."

At this moment, Jiang Yi stood up.

Ning Qianyu quickly asked, "Yiyi, are you going to try and take the order?"

Jiang Yi: "My money is managed the most strictly, how could I possibly compete with you for it? I'm going to the bathroom."

"Oh, that's all."

Ning Qianyu stood up and walked out of the private room with Jiang Yi.

However, after leaving the private room and getting out of Qi Yuan and Qiu Mengxue's sight, Jiang Yi did not go to the restroom.

Ning Qianyu: "So you really still want to steal the order?"

“How could that be…” Jiang Yi lowered her voice, “I have something I want to tell you, something I don’t want them to hear.”

Ning Qianyu's expression turned serious: "What do you want to say?"

Jiang Yi: "Do you know what else we need to do besides recording the show?"

Ning Qianyu: "I understand. We still need to test Sister Yihan."

Jiang Yi nodded: "Even from a rational career perspective, we must nip the rumors in the bud. But if Sister Yihan doesn't have this idea, or if she already has someone else she likes, that would be great."

Ning Qianyu understood immediately and replied, "But if she doesn't have anyone else in mind, or if she really has feelings for Qi Yuan, then I'll have to find out. We'll discuss what to do when we get back. Don't worry, I'll make sure Qi Yuan doesn't date anyone other than you!"

Jiang Yi couldn't help but laugh, grabbed her hand, and said with emotion, "Qianyu, you're so kind."

Ning Qianyu: "Just stop scratching me all the time in the future."

Jiang Yi immediately said, "Don't worry, as long as I can get it done, I promise I won't scratch you anymore! Not only will I not scratch you, you can scratch me however you want while I'm lying down!"

Ning Qianyu couldn't help but be moved: "Is your determination really that strong?"

Jiang Yi nodded emphatically: "Yes!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

On Sunday morning, the first song of the Spring Shadow Band's album, "Blue Lotus," was finally recorded.

Qi Yuan had lost count of whether he had sung the song dozens or hundreds of times. But when he heard the sound engineer say in his headphones, "Now we definitely have enough material," he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

After taking off his headphones and returning to the control room, he saw the recording engineer looking at him and asking, "Considering you can only come on the weekend, my suggestion is to start recording the second track today, and then I'll slowly adjust and polish the first track from Monday to Friday. What do you think?"

Qi Yuan nodded: "Okay, the bass drum for the second song is already recorded, so what's next, bass?"

The sound engineer said, "That's right, bassist, go in and get ready. Lead singer, get some rest."

Qiu Mengxue asked at the opportune moment, "Would you like another massage of your shoulders and neck?"

Sound engineer: "Of course! Bass, are you ready?"

Jiang Yi: "...Okay."

Her "okay" sounded somewhat forced.

During the last recording session, Qiu Mengxue gave Qi Yuan a massage, but because Jiang Yi and Ning Qianyu were watching, she only massaged him briefly twice before stopping. Now, Jiang Yi couldn't help but wonder how long Qiu Mengxue would massage Qi Yuan if she went to the recording studio to play bass.

The girl, her mind a jumble of thoughts, walked heavily into the recording studio.

Qiu Mengxue observed the recording studio's view, dragged a chair to a place where Jiang Yi couldn't see her, patted the back of the chair, and smiled, "Sit down."

Qi Yuan sat down.

Qiu Mengxue blushed, bent down, and whispered in his ear, "Mommy will give you a massage."

Qi Yuan couldn't help but shrink his neck and turn around to look at her with a surprised expression.

Qiu Mengxue explained in a low voice, "Because it was my mom who gave me the massage, so I learned her technique and her lines too."

Qi Yuan: "...Is it necessary to learn so much?"

Qiu Mengxue: "Oh, never mind that, just turn your head back and sit still."

Qi Yuan did as instructed. Immediately afterwards, he felt two cool little hands land on his trapezius muscles.

The trapezius muscle is the muscle that connects the neck and shoulders. When singing or doing exercises like push-ups, these two muscles often unconsciously compensate by using force. Massage, naturally, aims to relax them, preventing the muscles from pulling on the vocal cords and allowing the vocal cords to truly relax as well.

Qiu Mengxue pinched the trapezius muscles on both sides of his neck with both hands and gently kneaded them.

She did the same thing last time, but this time it felt completely different for Qi Yuan. Perhaps it was because there were no other girls watching, so she was able to concentrate on operating the device and no longer just pressed a couple of buttons and stopped.

Qi Yuan felt that the pressure on his shoulder was gentle, yet not weak. It was the powerful fingers that could pluck guitar strings and press the keys to create complex melodies on stage. There were some calluses on the fingertips, but the palms felt soft to the touch, and although the rhythm was slow, the force reached deep into the muscles, causing waves of tingling.