Chapter 43: I want to produce an album for you.
Qiao Yichen continued standing in the kitchen until his breathing steadied. Then, he walked over to Ding Meng’s room and knocked on the door, “Does this mean that you love me?”
Earlier, he had told her to kiss him if she loved him.
Ding Meng’s voice came from inside the room and sounded as if it was muffled by a pillow, “You’re thinking too much. It was just a thank you kiss!”
“Ah.” Qiao Yichen responded softly as he stared at the door, “Do you usually thank people like this?”
Ding Meng, “…”
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, okay!
Ding Meng buried her head even deeper, as if that would stop her cheeks from heating up.
“Since you’re not saying anything, I’ll interpret it as I like.”
Ding Meng, “…”
Didn’t she explain herself already?!
She felt a deep regret. She shouldn’t have caught a brain fever and ran out to kiss him. He was obviously a wolf Goudan!
The sound of a door opening and closing came from far away. Ding Meng lifted her head and glanced at her door which was shut tightly. Had he returned to his room?
She breathed out in relief.
That night, Ding Meng tossed and turned in bed for quite a while before she finally managed to fall asleep. On the other hand, Qiao Yichen who was in the other room didn’t sleep for the whole night. Even though he did a hundred push-ups on the floor, he still didn’t feel tired at all.
He felt as though there was a fire burning inside of him, and it was hot enough to scald a person.
Even though Qiao Yichen didn’t sleep the whole night, he was still in great spirits the next day. Perhaps, a better way to describe his mood would be excited. The sound technician silently pursed his lips when he saw Qiao Yichen grinning without restraint.
He smelled the sour stench of love.
On the other side, Ding Meng began her collaboration with Gu Xin today. Jiang Man specially arranged for her to go to Gu Xin’s company for a face-to-face meeting.
Gu Xin had already finished writing their collaboration song. Ding Meng took a look and found that it was a very moving soft rock song called With You.
The music was definitely Gu Xin’s style, and the lyrics…were actually a bit too provocative for Ding Meng.
She could feel her cheeks burn up just by reading them.
“What do you think?” Gu Xin, who was sitting across from her, asked after he saw that she had finished looking it over.
“Ah, the melody is really great, but…” When her eyes swept across the music score, one line of lyrics in particular jumped out at her.
Have you realized my affections, baby don’t tell me we’re going too fast, I just want to quickly immerse myself in your love.
Ding Meng, “…”
“But what?” Gu Xin asked.
Ding Meng felt a bit too embarrassed to speak. After all, she couldn’t say that the lyrics were too provocative for her to sing…
She struggled internally for a long time, but she still ended up saying, “It’s just that these lyrics are rather bold.”
Gu Xin stared blankly for a moment before he let out a burst of laugh.
Ding Meng, “…”
She felt like her face was burning up even more!
Gu Xin’s eyes held the hint of a smile as he spoke leisurely, “If you think that the lyrics are too bold, I can alter them to be a little more reserved.”
“Eh…” Ding Meng thought for a bit, “Will changing the lyrics negatively affect the overall style of the song?”
“There will definitely be some effects, but I will contain the effects to a certain degree. These are all small problems. It would be a big problem if you weren’t able to sing the song.”
Ding Meng, “…”
He had actually seen through her…she suddenly felt as if she was being really unprofessional.
Gu Xin looked at her and laughed as he comforted her, “Don’t worry. Many actors and actresses also feel very embarrassed the first time they act out a kissing scene.”
Ding Meng, “…”
Don’t use kissing scenes as an analogy. Kissing scenes were way more embarrassing than this… She was probably destined to never be an actress.
“I can finish changing the lyrics today. I’ll send it to your inbox when I’m done.”
“Sounds good.” Ding Meng looked at him and asked him rather weakly, “What made you think of collaborating with me?”
Without a doubt, the biggest winner in this cooperation was Ding Meng. Honestly, this didn’t even benefit Gu Xin that much.
Gu Xin looked up at her as he put away the music scores. Instead of responding directly, he asked a question instead, “Do you know how many singers right now don’t actually know how to read sheet music?”
The question took Ding Meng by surprise. Even though she had just entered the industry, she had heard Qiao Yichen mention this before. He felt that finding a satisfactory singer to record an album with was becoming more and more difficult precisely because of the current state of the industry.
Seeing that Ding Meng didn’t speak, Gu Xin continued, “Your voice is very good, but I appreciate your attitude towards music even more. I’m sure that Qiao Yichen has also noticed that aspect about you.” He finished putting his things away and stood up from the couch. “This song’s MV will require some dancing. I’ll invite a dance instructor to arrange a routine, and I’ll talk to your manager to discuss what time works best.”
“Okay.” Ding Meng also stood up and smiled at him, “I hope our collaboration goes smoothly.”
Qiao Yichen grinned and lifted his hand to rub her hair before walking out of the meeting room.
Ding Meng, “…”
She actually thought, should she tell Gu Xin she was already married? However, that seemed to be a little presumptuous.
Two days later, Ding Meng’s debut song I’m here was finally released. On the first day of sales, both the number of CD sales and download hits on every music app surpassed those of Tang Shiran’s Kiss Kiss.
For that reason alone, Ding Meng was ecstatic for an entire morning.
The reception to the song was unanimously positive regarding both the skill of the singer and the song itself. Without a doubt, I’m here was an excellent piece of work. Fan mail and gifts for Ding Meng rained down like snowfall.
Ding Meng came out of Jiang Man’s office carrying a huge pile of stuff to take back home.
Qiao Yichen had already returned home and was in the middle of making dinner. Even though Ding Meng had spontaneously kissed him the other day, the interactions between the two hadn’t actually changed very much.
Ding Meng had gradually pushed the matter to the back of her mind. Unknown to her, Qiao Yichen was like a hunter, just waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
“Goudan, I received so much stuff. All of it was sent to me by my fans!” Ding Meng set everything down on the living room coffee table, sat down on the floor, and began to tear open the envelopes one by one.
Qiao Yichen came out of the kitchen and began opening the mail along with her. “This one even has a CD.”
“Let me see.” Ding Meng took it and looked it over. There was a cute sticker on it with the following words written in colored pen:
The Little Lemons respectfully salute Leader Meng.
There was even a large red heart drawn on the side.
Qiao Yichen turned on the DVD player and put the CD in, ”Let’s play it and see what’s inside.”
An image of Ding Meng participating in the Heavenly Voice preliminary round quickly appeared on the TV. After she and Qiao Yichen finished watching, she realized that this CD contained bits and pieces of recordings from when she started the contest to when she participated in the concert.
At the end of the video, there was a very long caption stating that the clips had been collected by Little Lemons all over the country. Following that, it also displayed the names of all the Little Lemons who had contributed footage.
At the very, very end, Little Lemons from all over gathered together to lift up a banner and shout, “Leader Meng, we will always support you.”
This was Ding Meng’s first time realizing just how large her fan base had become. In her memories, her fan base was still just those ten friends and family members that Jiang Nanqing had brought to the competition finals.
She was so moved that her eyes reddened, “Goudan, what should I do? I really feel like crying right now.”
Qiao Yichen turned around to look at her, and then generously opened his arms wide, “Come here.”
Ding Meng, “…”
In the end, she still threw herself into Qiao Yichen’s embrace. Right now, she just felt like hugging somebody.
As Qiao Yichen hugged Ding Meng, he lightly sniffed her hair. Her body was so soft that he felt as if using just a little bit of force would break her.
He felt his heart soften.
After hugging him for a while, Ding Meng sniffled her nose and withdrew. Qiao Yichen was unsatisfied, “You’re not going to stay a little longer? I can provide 24 hour hugging services.”
Ding Meng, “…”
What the heck!
She sat off to the side and continued looking at the mail, but Qiao Yichen snatched away the letter in her hand and stood up. He spoke, “Eat first. You can continue reading after dinner.”
“Ok.” Ding Meng obediently washed her hands and ate.
Even though Ding Meng was currently taking courses at the company’s training center, Qiao Yichen’s special training continued just as before.
As he watched Ding Meng run on the treadmill, he spoke pensively, “I want to produce an album for you.”
Ding Meng froze for a second. Then, she turned off the treadmill and stepped off to look at him, “What?”
Qiao Yichen spoke, “I’ve wanted to record another album for some time now, but singers these days prefer singles or EPs, which can rapidly raise their popularity, over albums, which require a long production period. In the past, I could find people like Mo Zhen or Gu Xin, but since Mo Zhen’s work is focused overseas now, he doesn’t have time to record an album. Gu Xin has his own musical goals. As for Sima Xiaoxiao…” When he mentioned that empress, Qiao Yichen frowned, “She hasn’t released a new song in two years now. Even though it’s obvious she doesn’t have much talent for acting, she still insists on sticking her foot in show business.”
Ding Meng, “…”
Though she had also previously watched dramas that Sima Xiaoxiao had performed in, she had to admit that Sima Xiaoxiao’s acting was mediocre. However…was it really okay to roast the empress like this? orz
Qiao Yichen looked up at her with eyes that were as calm as pool of water, “Are you willing to record an album?”
At that moment, Ding Meng felt like he was a spirit capable of stirring up people’s emotions.
She looked at him quietly for a moment. Then, a warm smile blossomed on her face, “Yes, I’m willing.”
Qiao Yichen stared blankly for a moment before he also smiled, “Thank you.”
The next day, he informed Ding Meng’s manager Jiang Man about the matter, but he was faced with strong opposition. “I don’t approve of Ding Meng recording an album right now. Since her popularity is currently increasing, she should release a new solo or perhaps an EP to continue strengthening her popularity. If she starts recording an album right now, how many fans will still remember her when her album comes out?”
Qiao Yichen spoke, “Doesn’t she have a collaboration song with Gu Xin? That will give her more exposure.”
“So what if there’s a collaboration? We can’t be sure that Gu Xin’s fans will accept her.” Jiang Man looked at Qiao Yichen and then spoke, “I know you have wanted to produce an album for quite some time now, but you can’t take away Ding Meng’s future to achieve your own ambitions.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyebrows furrowed. Standing by his side, Ding Meng glanced anxiously over at him.
His eyebrows quickly relaxed and he spoke coldly, “I believe that you, as a manager, should be more farsighted. Releasing a single or EP absolutely cannot compare to the success brought by releasing an album.”
Jiang Man laughed and then looked towards Ding Meng, “What about you? Do you also want to record an album?”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes also fell on her.
Ding Meng pursed her lips. As a rookie who had just debuted, she knew that she shouldn’t rebel against her manager, but…
She took a deep breath and looked at Jiang Man, “I also want to record an album.”
Jiang Man was silent for a moment. Then, she scoffed, “Whatever makes the two of you happy. In any case, you were the one who threw her at me. In the future, why don’t you go ahead and take care of all her matters? I’m done.”
Qiao Yichen looked at Jiang Man. Then, without a word, he pulled Ding Meng out of the office. Outside, quite a few people had surrounded the office and were almost pressing their ears against the door to eavesdrop. When they saw Qiao Yichen and Ding Meng coming out, they all separated and pretended to be extremely busy.
Qiao Yichen pulled Ding Meng all the way until they entered the elevator before finally releasing her hand. After the elevator door closed, Ding Meng tried to appease him with a smile, “Goudan, don’t be angry. That’s just Jiang Man’s personality.”
Qiao Yichen turned to look at her and spoke seriously, “Do you also think that I want you to record an album simply to fulfill my own ambitions?”
“Of course not. I know that everything you do is for my benefit.” Standing on her tiptoes, Ding Meng used a bit of effort to reach the top of his head with her hand and ruffle his hair. “Even if it was to fulfill your ambitions, I wouldn’t mind.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes flickered. He grabbed Ding Meng’s hand and pressed it against his chest, “Believe in me. I will definitely make this album a success.”
Ding Meng looked at him and their eyes met. She smiled, “Okay. Our Goudan is the best!”
Chapter 43: I want to produce an album for you.
Qiao Yichen continued standing in the kitchen until his breathing steadied. Then, he walked over to Ding Meng’s room and knocked on the door, “Does this mean that you love me?”
Earlier, he had told her to kiss him if she loved him.
Ding Meng’s voice came from inside the room and sounded as if it was muffled by a pillow, “You’re thinking too much. It was just a thank you kiss!”
“Ah.” Qiao Yichen responded softly as he stared at the door, “Do you usually thank people like this?”
Ding Meng, “…”
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, okay!
Ding Meng buried her head even deeper, as if that would stop her cheeks from heating up.
“Since you’re not saying anything, I’ll interpret it as I like.”
Ding Meng, “…”
Didn’t she explain herself already?!
She felt a deep regret. She shouldn’t have caught a brain fever and ran out to kiss him. He was obviously a wolf Goudan!
The sound of a door opening and closing came from far away. Ding Meng lifted her head and glanced at her door which was shut tightly. Had he returned to his room?
She breathed out in relief.
That night, Ding Meng tossed and turned in bed for quite a while before she finally managed to fall asleep. On the other hand, Qiao Yichen who was in the other room didn’t sleep for the whole night. Even though he did a hundred push-ups on the floor, he still didn’t feel tired at all.
He felt as though there was a fire burning inside of him, and it was hot enough to scald a person.
Even though Qiao Yichen didn’t sleep the whole night, he was still in great spirits the next day. Perhaps, a better way to describe his mood would be excited. The sound technician silently pursed his lips when he saw Qiao Yichen grinning without restraint.
He smelled the sour stench of love.
On the other side, Ding Meng began her collaboration with Gu Xin today. Jiang Man specially arranged for her to go to Gu Xin’s company for a face-to-face meeting.
Gu Xin had already finished writing their collaboration song. Ding Meng took a look and found that it was a very moving soft rock song called With You.
The music was definitely Gu Xin’s style, and the lyrics…were actually a bit too provocative for Ding Meng.
She could feel her cheeks burn up just by reading them.
“What do you think?” Gu Xin, who was sitting across from her, asked after he saw that she had finished looking it over.
“Ah, the melody is really great, but…” When her eyes swept across the music score, one line of lyrics in particular jumped out at her.
Have you realized my affections, baby don’t tell me we’re going too fast, I just want to quickly immerse myself in your love.
Ding Meng, “…”
“But what?” Gu Xin asked.
Ding Meng felt a bit too embarrassed to speak. After all, she couldn’t say that the lyrics were too provocative for her to sing…
She struggled internally for a long time, but she still ended up saying, “It’s just that these lyrics are rather bold.”
Gu Xin stared blankly for a moment before he let out a burst of laugh.
Ding Meng, “…”
She felt like her face was burning up even more!
Gu Xin’s eyes held the hint of a smile as he spoke leisurely, “If you think that the lyrics are too bold, I can alter them to be a little more reserved.”
“Eh…” Ding Meng thought for a bit, “Will changing the lyrics negatively affect the overall style of the song?”
“There will definitely be some effects, but I will contain the effects to a certain degree. These are all small problems. It would be a big problem if you weren’t able to sing the song.”
Ding Meng, “…”
He had actually seen through her…she suddenly felt as if she was being really unprofessional.
Gu Xin looked at her and laughed as he comforted her, “Don’t worry. Many actors and actresses also feel very embarrassed the first time they act out a kissing scene.”
Ding Meng, “…”
Don’t use kissing scenes as an analogy. Kissing scenes were way more embarrassing than this… She was probably destined to never be an actress.
“I can finish changing the lyrics today. I’ll send it to your inbox when I’m done.”
“Sounds good.” Ding Meng looked at him and asked him rather weakly, “What made you think of collaborating with me?”
Without a doubt, the biggest winner in this cooperation was Ding Meng. Honestly, this didn’t even benefit Gu Xin that much.
Gu Xin looked up at her as he put away the music scores. Instead of responding directly, he asked a question instead, “Do you know how many singers right now don’t actually know how to read sheet music?”
The question took Ding Meng by surprise. Even though she had just entered the industry, she had heard Qiao Yichen mention this before. He felt that finding a satisfactory singer to record an album with was becoming more and more difficult precisely because of the current state of the industry.
Seeing that Ding Meng didn’t speak, Gu Xin continued, “Your voice is very good, but I appreciate your attitude towards music even more. I’m sure that Qiao Yichen has also noticed that aspect about you.” He finished putting his things away and stood up from the couch. “This song’s MV will require some dancing. I’ll invite a dance instructor to arrange a routine, and I’ll talk to your manager to discuss what time works best.”
“Okay.” Ding Meng also stood up and smiled at him, “I hope our collaboration goes smoothly.”
Qiao Yichen grinned and lifted his hand to rub her hair before walking out of the meeting room.
Ding Meng, “…”
She actually thought, should she tell Gu Xin she was already married? However, that seemed to be a little presumptuous.
Two days later, Ding Meng’s debut song I’m here was finally released. On the first day of sales, both the number of CD sales and download hits on every music app surpassed those of Tang Shiran’s Kiss Kiss.
For that reason alone, Ding Meng was ecstatic for an entire morning.
The reception to the song was unanimously positive regarding both the skill of the singer and the song itself. Without a doubt, I’m here was an excellent piece of work. Fan mail and gifts for Ding Meng rained down like snowfall.
Ding Meng came out of Jiang Man’s office carrying a huge pile of stuff to take back home.
Qiao Yichen had already returned home and was in the middle of making dinner. Even though Ding Meng had spontaneously kissed him the other day, the interactions between the two hadn’t actually changed very much.
Ding Meng had gradually pushed the matter to the back of her mind. Unknown to her, Qiao Yichen was like a hunter, just waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
“Goudan, I received so much stuff. All of it was sent to me by my fans!” Ding Meng set everything down on the living room coffee table, sat down on the floor, and began to tear open the envelopes one by one.
Qiao Yichen came out of the kitchen and began opening the mail along with her. “This one even has a CD.”
“Let me see.” Ding Meng took it and looked it over. There was a cute sticker on it with the following words written in colored pen:
The Little Lemons respectfully salute Leader Meng.
There was even a large red heart drawn on the side.
Qiao Yichen turned on the DVD player and put the CD in, ”Let’s play it and see what’s inside.”
An image of Ding Meng participating in the Heavenly Voice preliminary round quickly appeared on the TV. After she and Qiao Yichen finished watching, she realized that this CD contained bits and pieces of recordings from when she started the contest to when she participated in the concert.
At the end of the video, there was a very long caption stating that the clips had been collected by Little Lemons all over the country. Following that, it also displayed the names of all the Little Lemons who had contributed footage.
At the very, very end, Little Lemons from all over gathered together to lift up a banner and shout, “Leader Meng, we will always support you.”
This was Ding Meng’s first time realizing just how large her fan base had become. In her memories, her fan base was still just those ten friends and family members that Jiang Nanqing had brought to the competition finals.
She was so moved that her eyes reddened, “Goudan, what should I do? I really feel like crying right now.”
Qiao Yichen turned around to look at her, and then generously opened his arms wide, “Come here.”
Ding Meng, “…”
In the end, she still threw herself into Qiao Yichen’s embrace. Right now, she just felt like hugging somebody.
As Qiao Yichen hugged Ding Meng, he lightly sniffed her hair. Her body was so soft that he felt as if using just a little bit of force would break her.
He felt his heart soften.
After hugging him for a while, Ding Meng sniffled her nose and withdrew. Qiao Yichen was unsatisfied, “You’re not going to stay a little longer? I can provide 24 hour hugging services.”
Ding Meng, “…”
What the heck!
She sat off to the side and continued looking at the mail, but Qiao Yichen snatched away the letter in her hand and stood up. He spoke, “Eat first. You can continue reading after dinner.”
“Ok.” Ding Meng obediently washed her hands and ate.
Even though Ding Meng was currently taking courses at the company’s training center, Qiao Yichen’s special training continued just as before.
As he watched Ding Meng run on the treadmill, he spoke pensively, “I want to produce an album for you.”
Ding Meng froze for a second. Then, she turned off the treadmill and stepped off to look at him, “What?”
Qiao Yichen spoke, “I’ve wanted to record another album for some time now, but singers these days prefer singles or EPs, which can rapidly raise their popularity, over albums, which require a long production period. In the past, I could find people like Mo Zhen or Gu Xin, but since Mo Zhen’s work is focused overseas now, he doesn’t have time to record an album. Gu Xin has his own musical goals. As for Sima Xiaoxiao…” When he mentioned that empress, Qiao Yichen frowned, “She hasn’t released a new song in two years now. Even though it’s obvious she doesn’t have much talent for acting, she still insists on sticking her foot in show business.”
Ding Meng, “…”
Though she had also previously watched dramas that Sima Xiaoxiao had performed in, she had to admit that Sima Xiaoxiao’s acting was mediocre. However…was it really okay to roast the empress like this? orz
Qiao Yichen looked up at her with eyes that were as calm as pool of water, “Are you willing to record an album?”
At that moment, Ding Meng felt like he was a spirit capable of stirring up people’s emotions.
She looked at him quietly for a moment. Then, a warm smile blossomed on her face, “Yes, I’m willing.”
Qiao Yichen stared blankly for a moment before he also smiled, “Thank you.”
The next day, he informed Ding Meng’s manager Jiang Man about the matter, but he was faced with strong opposition. “I don’t approve of Ding Meng recording an album right now. Since her popularity is currently increasing, she should release a new solo or perhaps an EP to continue strengthening her popularity. If she starts recording an album right now, how many fans will still remember her when her album comes out?”
Qiao Yichen spoke, “Doesn’t she have a collaboration song with Gu Xin? That will give her more exposure.”
“So what if there’s a collaboration? We can’t be sure that Gu Xin’s fans will accept her.” Jiang Man looked at Qiao Yichen and then spoke, “I know you have wanted to produce an album for quite some time now, but you can’t take away Ding Meng’s future to achieve your own ambitions.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyebrows furrowed. Standing by his side, Ding Meng glanced anxiously over at him.
His eyebrows quickly relaxed and he spoke coldly, “I believe that you, as a manager, should be more farsighted. Releasing a single or EP absolutely cannot compare to the success brought by releasing an album.”
Jiang Man laughed and then looked towards Ding Meng, “What about you? Do you also want to record an album?”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes also fell on her.
Ding Meng pursed her lips. As a rookie who had just debuted, she knew that she shouldn’t rebel against her manager, but…
She took a deep breath and looked at Jiang Man, “I also want to record an album.”
Jiang Man was silent for a moment. Then, she scoffed, “Whatever makes the two of you happy. In any case, you were the one who threw her at me. In the future, why don’t you go ahead and take care of all her matters? I’m done.”
Qiao Yichen looked at Jiang Man. Then, without a word, he pulled Ding Meng out of the office. Outside, quite a few people had surrounded the office and were almost pressing their ears against the door to eavesdrop. When they saw Qiao Yichen and Ding Meng coming out, they all separated and pretended to be extremely busy.
Qiao Yichen pulled Ding Meng all the way until they entered the elevator before finally releasing her hand. After the elevator door closed, Ding Meng tried to appease him with a smile, “Goudan, don’t be angry. That’s just Jiang Man’s personality.”
Qiao Yichen turned to look at her and spoke seriously, “Do you also think that I want you to record an album simply to fulfill my own ambitions?”
“Of course not. I know that everything you do is for my benefit.” Standing on her tiptoes, Ding Meng used a bit of effort to reach the top of his head with her hand and ruffle his hair. “Even if it was to fulfill your ambitions, I wouldn’t mind.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes flickered. He grabbed Ding Meng’s hand and pressed it against his chest, “Believe in me. I will definitely make this album a success.”
Ding Meng looked at him and their eyes met. She smiled, “Okay. Our Goudan is the best!”
