Chapter 34 Audition

Chen Gu had consumed a meal of "high-nutrition synthetic food" the previous night and felt its effects this morning; completing the training program was a tad easier than yesterday. Teacher Ouyang’s comrade-in-arms is something else, Chen Gu thought. Not only were the effects immediate, but the taste wasn’t bad either. He opened the website again and decided to order some more. After that, Chen Gu had his bodyguards take him to his son’s house. His granddaughter, upon receiving a phone call and learning that Chen Gu was about to arrive, immediately ran to the door to welcome him. "Hello!" Chen Qingyu’s voice was clear and crisp—indeed that of a budding singer. She was dressed in a white T-shirt today, layered with a small vest, and wore tight jeans. A baseball cap sat on her head, her long ponytail poking out from the opening at the back, making her look lively and adorable, brimming with youthful vigor. "Ready to go?" Chen Gu asked with a smile. "If you’re ready, then let’s set off." Xiao Jiangxia came out with Chen Zili and said with a smile, "It won’t disturb you if we all go together, will it?" Chen Gu had already mentioned this over the phone, but he emphasized again, "It’s fine. Even if it disturbs Gao Mengjiu, he’d be furious but wouldn’t dare say a word." Chen Zili, still harboring some resentment towards Chen Gu, pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, "Blowing his own trumpet." Chen Qingyu, worried that her brother’s careless words would spoil her good opportunity, glared at him and chided her younger brother, "No one is begging you to go!" Chen Zili wanted to retort with, "I don’t care about going anyway!" but thinking of the famous singers at Heavenly Dog Records, especially Man Suling—the leader of the new generation’s Four Little Jade Ladies, whom he really liked—he couldn’t bring himself to actually miss out. Chen Gu glanced at his grandson. This boy still hasn’t learned his lesson, he thought. It seems the punishments at school weren’t enough. "Then let’s go." Chen Gu noticed that the veterans accompanying them as bodyguards seemed rather indifferent to his family, simply following orders and safeguarding the villa. ... Heavenly Dog Records was located in an arts district. This area had once been a factory zone during the "early development" stage of Empire River Star. Several enormous metal tanks, thousands of meters tall, stood in the central area, and various metal pipes were visible everywhere, filling the entire district with the heavy, decadent atmosphere of a post-industrial era. Over the years, the rent here had skyrocketed; being able to establish a company in this location was a testament to its strength. Gao Mengjiu of Heavenly Dog Records had been irritable lately. Man Suling’s new album was critical. If successful, it could solidify her foundation, allowing her to shed the "Little Jade Lady" label and make a bid for diva status. If it failed... all her previous efforts might be wasted, and she could even fall into the ranks of second or third-tier singers. He personally had high hopes for Man Suling. She was hardworking and disciplined, not plagued by the messy troubles and chaotic private lives common among many well-known singers. However, while the album was nearly ready, with even the promotional plan finalized, the lead single was still undecided. Gao Mengjiu had written a few songs but felt they were lacking something. Man Suling, on the other hand, didn’t rush him. She knew a creator’s inspiration wasn’t something that could be forced out on demand—the saying "squeeze and you’ll always get some" refers to water in a sponge here, definitely nothing illicit. If there wasn’t a good song, she would rather postpone the new album’s release. Gao Mengjiu planned to go out tomorrow to seek inspiration. Chen Gu’s car parked in the district’s general parking lot. A disadvantage of such districts was the inconvenience; individual companies didn’t have their own private parking areas. Chen Gu and the others got out of the car. Ken had already arranged for an assistant to meet them. When they arrived at the company, Ken tossed aside the manuscript he was working on, ruffled his messy hair, and said, "Come on, I’ll show you around." From the moment she stepped through the main entrance, Chen Qingyu’s usual vivacity subsided. She approached the visit with the reverence of a pilgrim; this place was her dream! Ken could see she was a bit nervous and lightly patted her shoulder. "Relax, kiddo. Your grandfather and I go way back. I brought you here to give you an inside look, to show you that this industry isn’t just about the glitz and glamour that comes after fame. There’s also..." He led them to the trainees’ practice room. Gesturing towards it, he continued, "...countless beads of sweat and tears shed before achieving fame." Inside the practice room, trainees were diligently practicing their dance routines. The slightest mistake would draw loud reprimands from the instructor, as well as sarcastic remarks and complaints from other trainees in their group, accusing them of dragging down progress and telling them to quit if they couldn’t keep up. This was a place of naked competition for entry into the world of fame and fortune. Most of the time, what it revealed—once all pretenses and masks were torn away—was the most direct, undisguised malice. After they witnessed this harsh reality, Ken took them to the recording studios. Heavenly Dog Records had deep pockets; the company housed twelve high-standard recording studios. Among them, one named "Island in the Sky" was the largest and equipped with the most expensive gear. "Throughout the entire Confederation, this setup is absolutely top-tier. This one recording studio, built for two hundred million Starshield, is used by only one person," Ken said slowly. Chen Qingyu guessed, "An Huini?" Ken nodded. An Huini was Heavenly Dog Records’ biggest star, an undeniable super-diva, the record label’s "ace." Every major record company has such a figure, someone who alone can carry the entire company. "This is the kind of treatment one gets after truly making it big!" Ken pointed to Island in the Sky and said to Chen Qingyu. Then Ken said to her, "Alright, you’ve seen pretty much everything. Let’s go have you try singing a piece." "Ah!" Chen Qingyu was taken aback, a mix of excitement and unease flooding her. Chen Gu had only told her they were coming for a tour; he hadn’t said anything about an audition. This was an audition at a major record label, personally overseen by its owner and top producer! So, what a newcomer would consider an invaluable opportunity, one they’d be willing to trade everything for, was just a whim for a true industry titan, decided with a single word... "What’s wrong?" Ken asked. Chen Qingyu quickly replied, "Nothing, nothing, I... which song should I sing?" Ken casually flipped through some sheet music and handed her a page. "How about this one." Chen Qingyu took it and was stunned. "This... this is a new song?" "Right. It was originally written for Man Suling, but I’m not quite satisfied with it and don’t plan to use it. You give it a try." Chen Qingyu realized something. If I sing this well, will this song be mine? she thought. Her body trembled slightly, a mix of nervousness and eager anticipation. Chen Gu, however, remained unconcerned. Ken is being a true friend, he thought. I’ll definitely find a way to repay him. Xiao Jiangxia, however, looked at her father-in-law in astonishment. He has *this* much influence? she thought. That’s a song by Gao Mengjiu, and Ken’s just giving it to Qingyu after meeting her for the first time? Among everyone present, only Chen Zili was slow to react. He was still looking around, lost in a daydream, imagining an unexpected encounter with his idol and goddess, Man Suling, in some corner of the company... Chen Qingyu took a moment to prepare before entering the recording studio. Ken reassured her, "Don’t be nervous. It’s just a trial run. You’re Chen Gu’s granddaughter; you’re always three steps ahead of other girls." Chen Qingyu nodded, did a quick vocal warm-up, and then her clear, agile voice flowed out like a mountain spring. Chen Gu’s expression suddenly changed, but everyone’s attention was on Chen Qingyu, so no one noticed. By the time Chen Qingyu finished singing, Chen Gu’s composure had returned to normal.