"Something good happen?"
"Brother Wu, is it that obvious?"
"It's written all over your face."
Shen Lang told Wu Zhoutong about the radio station helping him release an album, since the announcement would be made soon anyway.
"Wow, you actually convinced the Director?" Wu Zhoutong never expected their casual conversation to become reality. He gave Shen Lang a thumbs-up. "You're amazing!"
After chatting for a while, Shen Lang returned to his workstation.
He finished his current tasks.
Then he began selecting the remaining eight songs for the album.
This album was crucial, as it would lay a solid foundation for his future career.
The radio station wanted to name the album Radio Love Songs.
Shen Lang didn't find it particularly appealing, but since the station was funding it, he conceded.
Since a debut album's primary goal is to establish the singer's name, it's common practice to use the artist's name in the title.
Ultimately, the album was named Shen Lang: Radio Love Songs.
As for the songs themselves, the radio station left the selection entirely to Shen Lang.
"Got it!"
An idea struck Shen Lang.
Since it was a love song album, why not include ten songs, each representing a different facet of love?
Main Track:
"Ten Years" - A love filled with regret and helplessness.
Chart-Climbing Tracks:
"Jiangnan" - A tragic and beautiful love.
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms" - A bittersweet love.
Other Five Tracks:
"That Girl Told Me" - A secret crush.
"Absolutely Devoted Heart" - Unrequited love.
"It's Not That Simple" - A hard-won love.
"Just Once" - Cherishing love.
"Dear, That's Not Love" - A complex and contradictory love.
"Perfect!"
Shen Lang looked at the tracklist.
A royal flush with four twos and four aces.
How could he possibly lose?
The next day, the finance department wired the money.
Shen Lang went to the bank to check his passbook.
A full 170,000 yuan.
This was the first time he'd had money since transmigrating.
Without hesitation, he withdrew 20,000 yuan, wrapped it in a black plastic bag, and rode his old bicycle through winding streets to a recording studio called "Blue Che."
The place was hard to find, but he had no choice if he wanted to save money.
Zhang Zhong, a radio station director with connections in the industry, had recommended it. He claimed that among Beijing's small and medium-sized studios, Blue Che had the best reputation, equipment, and prices.
"Hello, I'm Jin Hai, the owner. What can I help you with? Recording songs, creating accompaniments, mastering... we offer all those services."
"Hello, I'm Shen Lang. Zhang Zhong recommended me."
"Ah, you're the Shen Lang who saved people by singing original songs on the radio! Please, come in!"
Shen Lang nodded with a smile.
He was here to get accompaniments made.
He'd record the songs at the station's studio to save money.
"Those two songs of yours are fantastic!" Jin Hai was incredibly enthusiastic, pouring tea and offering fruit. "Lao Zhang already told me what you need. Don't worry, I used to be in a band myself. Blue Che is actually our band's name. Our instruments and equipment are top-notch. Why don't you check out our work first? If you like it..."
"What about the price?" Shen Lang asked, more concerned about this. Losing 30,000 yuan would strain his finances.
"No problem. You're Lao Zhang's friend, so I'll give you the bottom price. How about this per song?" Jin Hai gestured.
"Thank you, Boss Jin," Shen Lang replied. It was the price he had hoped for, so he didn't haggle further.
"Great! I love doing business with straightforward people," Jin Hai said with a smile, his enthusiasm growing. "Let's go. I'll show you to our recording studio."
"Thank you for your trouble," Shen Lang said politely.
In this day and age, making money was tough in every industry.
The music industry was no exception.
While the top singers enjoyed immense fame and fortune, they represented only a tiny fraction of the whole.
The vast majority of musicians lived in basements, ate bread and steamed buns, busked on the streets, and played gigs in bars, their lives a constant struggle.
Jin Hai himself had started the recording studio to make ends meet and support his musical dreams after his band's income fell short.
He treated every client with equal enthusiasm, regardless of the size of the project.
That's how he built his reputation.
Shen Lang waited in the recording studio for a while as Jin Hai went to gather the band members.
"Shall we just play something random for you?" Jin Hai asked.
"How about we try one of my songs directly?" Shen Lang suggested.
"Even better," Jin Hai replied with a smile.
Shen Lang pulled out the prepared music arrangement from his backpack and handed it over. Jin Hai distributed copies to the band members and examined it closely.
There were no lyrics or song title. Understandable, given the need for secrecy.
Analyzing the arrangement, it was clear this was the work of a master. The instrumentation was rich, featuring a prominent strings section, blending classical instruments with modern pop elements.
"The strings and some of the synthesized parts can't be fully demonstrated right now, but they'll be ready for the official recording," Shen Lang explained.
"No problem. Just play what you can," Jin Hai nodded, confirming with the band before starting.
To the untrained ear, it might sound like a simple performance. But Shen Lang knew from the opening bars that they were up to the task, meeting his standards.
"How was it?" Jin Hai asked after the song finished.
"Excellent. Let's sign the contract," Shen Lang replied with a smile.
Wow, that was quick.
Jin Hai was thrilled. He dreaded working with amateurs who tried to dictate to professionals.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
"Pleasure doing business with you."
Shen Lang handed over the music arrangements for ten songs to Jin Hai, specifically urging him to complete them as soon as possible.
Yes, it was urgent.
The radio station was preparing to launch its publicity and promotion campaign.
After Shen Lang left, several band members gathered around Jin Hai. "Hai Zi," one of them asked, "what level do you think this is?"
Jin Hai stared at the ten strikingly diverse and stunningly brilliant arrangements. After a moment of silence, he replied, "If you want my honest opinion, this is absolutely top-tier level in the Chinese music scene."
"What an awesome person!"
"Is this guy really only 22?"
"Damn it, now I'm dying to know the titles and lyrics of these ten songs!"
Friday.
7:00 AM.
"Listen First is Fast, music's the best, Listen First is Fast, all the way through!"
"Good morning, everyone! I'm Bai Jie, host of Listen First is Fast..."
"As we wrap up today's show, I have some exciting news to share. Yanjing Music Radio is partnering with Shen Lang to release a music album titled Shen Lang: Radio Love Songs. Stay tuned for more details!"
Saturday
Noon.
"Noon, City-Wide Song Request! Let's share a little more emotion!"
"City-Wide Song Request, where Han Li and you can enjoy the beauty of music together..."
"It's time to say goodbye again. Love songs express the softest parts of our hearts. Our debut radio album, Shen Lang: Radio Love Songs, features ten tracks that explore ten different flavors of love—its sweetness, bitterness, and everything in between. Stay tuned to Yanjing Music Radio."
Sunday.
7:00 PM.
"All of China is listening—who can beat my original hits!"
"Welcome to the Chinese Pop Chart. Liu Qing brings you the latest music rankings from China Entertainment..."
"Good times always pass too quickly, but great music never fades. Tune in at midnight for Midnight Melodies, where Shen Lang will perform the title track from his debut album, Shen Lang: Radio Love Songs!"