Although the latest recorded episode of "Music Express" hadn't aired yet, news that Murphy had performed a new song by Mu Zi'ang during the show had already spread, with many entertainment media outlets reporting that Mu Zi'ang had written twelve songs for Murphy.
This was quite shocking!
A nosy tabloid reporter even went to Chen Yijie's doorstep to ambush him about it. Chen Yijie, a devoted husband dressed in baggy shorts and a loose T-shirt ready to go shopping with his wife, looked a bit bewildered.
"What do you think about the songwriter Mu Zi'ang, who previously collaborated with you, now writing songs for Murphy?" The question felt like someone holding evidence of infidelity and confronting a wronged young wife.
Fortunately, Chen Yijie was used to dealing with these reporters and quickly recovered, smiling as he said, "This is great news, of course! If the rumor is true, I'm happy for Murphy. Mr. Mu Zi'ang writes excellent songs, and Miss Murphy is a singer with a solid vocal foundation. I really like it and look forward to their collaboration."
"Mu Zi'ang wrote twelve songs for Murphy but only two for you—no, actually, it should be just one and a half. Chen Yijie, don't you feel betrayed?" the tabloid reporter pressed relentlessly.
Chen Yijie, good-natured as ever, laughed and said, "How could I? Songwriters don't serve just one singer, especially someone as talented as Mr. Mu Zi'ang. He must be receiving plenty of offers! Of course, I'd still like to tell Mr. Mu Zi'ang that if he has any good male vocal songs, he should save some for me! I don't need twelve—just one would make me very happy! Even though I don't have plans for a new album yet, it's better to be prepared!"
Chen Yijie's involvement stirred up quite a buzz around Murphy's new song. Many fans of Mu Zi'ang and Chen Yijie, as well as some former fans of Murphy who had given up on her, started following the series of news stories, eagerly anticipating the broadcast of that episode.
What kind of "spark" would the collaboration between Murphy and Mu Zi'ang create?
...
In Shanghai, Li Manman had her agent review her self-recommendation email to Mu Zi'ang countless times, scrutinizing every word before sending it out.
The email was full of sincerity, not only introducing herself and expressing her admiration for Mu Zi'ang but also attaching a few of Li Manman's most representative songs. Of course, the audio files were far from studio quality—even more exaggerated than her released albums—having undergone meticulous post-production tuning...
"Sister Yi, do you think this will work?" Li Manman asked her agent with some concern.
Yi Qi was her sixth agent, a top-tier one assigned by the company after Li Manman started climbing the ranks. She adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and smiled calmly, "Of course it will. Take it step by step, one bite at a time. Don't rush. First, build a connection with Mu Zi'ang, then slowly ask him for a song!"
Indeed, following Yi Qi's guidance, Li Manman's email had removed any hint of wanting Mu Zi'ang to write her a song. It simply sent her audio and asked for his feedback on areas for improvement—no extra requests at all!
From the current news about Mu Zi'ang, Yi Qi analyzed that he didn't seem like someone who craved money or fame. If Li Manman pushed too hard, it might backfire and turn him off.
"Manman, Sister Yi doesn't need to spell it out for you—it's the same logic as hooking a wealthy man. We women can't shamelessly throw ourselves at them. Being too eager will backfire, and even if it works, the man won't value you."
Yi Qi cupped Li Manman's alluring face and smiled, "Instead, if you play hard to get and give him subtle hints, feeding his ego, he'll chase after you like a cat drawn to fish. Then, won't he be at your mercy?"
Li Manman flashed a sweet smile. Whether she felt disdain or gratitude inside was unclear, but at that moment, she looked like an innocent girl being guided, blushing and laughing with joy.
"That's right! Men who haven't seen the world will definitely fall for you..." Yi Qi said with a grin.
...
At Jiangcheng Media University, in a large meeting room of the Student Activity Center, a group of students was heatedly discussing the program lineup for the freshman welcome party.
"The submitted singing programs are forty percent more than dance and instrumental performances, and there are only three skit programs. That won't do. If it's all singing, the content of this party will feel very repetitive!"
After a clear but authoritative voice spoke up, the buzzing chatter in the room died down.
If Guo Ziyi had been there, he would have recognized the speaker as the beautiful senior he pined for day and night—Du Yuanlei!
"Director Du, but this is a student-organized party. Aside from those with professional backgrounds in instrumental music or performance, the rest naturally lean toward singing. That's normal. As for skits, having three is already good; in previous years, there was only one," a male student beside her said.
Director Du—yes, Du Yuanlei was the general director of this freshman party. Though she was also a freshman, she had already completed a four-year undergraduate degree in directing at Jiangchuan Media University, having directed numerous parties, student films, and even a small documentary that aired on a satellite TV channel!
No one could question her credentials!
"When we produce programs, we must strive for excellence to achieve breakthroughs. If we keep comparing ourselves to past results and relax our standards, we'll only get worse!" Du Yuanlei said coldly. Usually observant and quiet, she was fierce when directing, instantly silencing everyone else.
"Huatao, go discuss with the leaders of those three skit programs to see if we can merge their performers into one. Xiaoyan, find the opera department teachers and ask them to pick a few talented students to put on a play. And Liao Chaoyi, don't you know magic? You'll do a number!" Du Yuanlei arranged things decisively.
Huatao and Xiaoyan quickly nodded, but Liao Chaoyi hesitated.
"Is there a problem?" Du Yuanlei looked at him.
Liao Chaoyi felt a suffocating pressure under her almond-shaped glare and quickly waved his hands, saying, "No, no problem."
"Good. Xiaoyan, while you're at it, ask the piano department to find a student to accompany Liao Chaoyi. Just performing magic alone is too monotonous..."
"Yes!" everyone chorused in agreement.
"As for whoever suggested inviting Qianli Chuanshu to do a warm-up act earlier?" Du Yuanlei scanned the room.
A girl timidly raised her hand and said softly, "Actually, we don't have to invite them. They're not freshmen, and they only sing..."
"No, no, we should invite them! I know the group Qianli Chuanshu. Have them come and perform their representative songs!" Du Yuanlei smiled slightly. "As a student group recently signed by an entertainment company, people should have high expectations for them!"