Chapter 26: Writing Songs

The coffee shop's atmosphere was awkward.

Gao Yuanyuan glared at Wang Tianxiao, who continued sipping his coffee leisurely.

She had come all the way from Jingcheng, only to meet a greenhorn?

Not only was Gao Yuanyuan angry, she was furious herself!

When she first saw the quality of this lyric and melody, Wang Tianxiao had been utterly awed by its author.

Lyrics and melody belong to entirely different systems; someone who writes excellent lyrics isn't necessarily skilled at composing music.

This godlike creator of such lyrics and melody—she must seize the chance to build a close relationship with him.

If possible, Tianhai must keep him in the company—even if he demanded company shares, it wouldn't be out of the question.

As a "veteran" who had weathered the music industry, she understood better than anyone the importance of lyrics and melody.

In every era, music education has always been a more niche discipline compared to literary education.

This meant that composers with sustained, industrial-level skills were often fewer than lyricists.

This was even more true in modern society, where literacy levels had generally risen.

Since people had stronger command over language, adjusting lyrics to fit a melody was often simpler.

Even non-professional lyricists could write classic lyrics.

But in her understanding, "Cheng Chen" was that kind of god who wrote both lyrics and melody as one.

The lyrics and melody were perfectly fused, unlike single lyricists or composers who needed to negotiate with each other.

But…

If she hadn't known Gao Yuanyuan for so many years, she would've walked out long ago.

This was probably why greater hope led to greater disappointment.

"I think I understand what Manager Wang means. Waiter, please bring some paper and pens."

Cheng Chen wasn't foolish—he knew Wang Tianxiao's strong reaction stemmed from doubting his true talent and suspecting he was conspiring with Gao Yuanyuan to deceive her.

Cheng Chen picked up pen and paper and began writing.

Both of them found Cheng Chen's actions puzzling, but neither asked a question.

After about ten minutes, Cheng Chen put down his pen and handed the manuscript to Wang Tianxiao.

Wang Tianxiao glanced at him, then casually picked up the paper—she wanted to see what trick this young man was pulling.

"'Blue Lotus'?"

At just the opening lines, Wang Tianxiao shed her casual expression and sat upright, reading intently.

"Nothing can block your longing for freedom.

"Your life, wild and unrestrained, your heart unburdened.

"Through dark years, you once felt lost…"

The manuscript included melody and rhythm; Wang Tianxiao hummed along softly.

"This… this is campus folk?"

After a long silence, Wang Tianxiao emerged from the emotion of the lyrics and melody, stunned.

"Correct," Cheng Chen nodded.

"Campus folk…"

In the 1980s and 1990s, campus folk had once been wildly popular.

But back then, its themes were either about campus life or expressing adolescent emotions.

This folk style was called "Campus Folk," with a predominantly young audience.

Representative works included melodies etched into countless people's DNA, such as: "Childhood," "My Desk Mate," "Dandelion," and others.

With economic development, the new generation's thinking grew more liberated, and their desires for love and progress intensified.

Singers like Maye, Song Pangzi, Chen Li, Yao Shisan, and Zhao Lei all secured their places in the folk music scene.

Their songs mostly centered on love and life, perfectly aligned with the times.

Folk music finally secured a pivotal position in the Chinese-language music industry.

When Zhao Lei's refrain from "Anhe Bridge"—"Walk with me down the streets of Chengdu"—played, countless passersby would turn around.

But now, in 2002, folk music was still in its early stages of growth,

merely a hobby among niche groups.

Niche meant low popularity, but those who liked it loved it intensely.

"The entire song carries a profound Zen flavor; though lacking an uplifting melody, it shakes countless hearts and gives strength! It's utterly unique in today's market, with exceptional completion and quality!"

Wang Tianxiao praised it—she herself was a folk enthusiast and had zero resistance to such works.

Cheng Chen nodded without comment and handed Wang Tianxiao another manuscript: "Take a look at this."

"Another one?!"

Wang Tianxiao took the manuscript in surprise.

"'Autumn Does Not Return'?"

"Early autumn's cold night, memories slowly creep in.

True love is like falling leaves—why must we part?

Gray sky, wandering alone, the city's old place."

…

"Let the autumn wind carry my longing, carry my tears.

I still quietly wait at our appointed place…"

Again, a manuscript with lyrics and melody, identical handwriting.

Wang Tianxiao looked at the boy sitting before him with a complex expression, his heart churning with mixed emotions.

"Manager Wang, what do you think of this song?"

Wang Tianxiao's throat tightened as he struggled to speak slowly:

"Good, very good—the lyrics are catchy, the melody melancholic, exactly the kind of sad love song the masses love.

In terms of popularity, 'Autumn Does Not Return' might even surpass 'Blue Lotus' in reach."

Two songs, two utterly different styles.

Yet both came from the same person, written right under her nose.

This… how could this be possible!

"Th-this… all these songs are your compositions?"

"What else?" Cheng Chen smiled at him.

Are you a monster?

Wang Tianxiao nearly blurted out those words.

"If Manager Wang doesn't believe me, I can write two more right now!"

Cheng Chen said.

"No, no more writing!"

Hearing this, Wang Tianxiao panicked and quickly stopped him, nodding frantically:

"I believe you! I believe you!"

Wang Tianxiao sat back down in his chair, looking at Cheng Chen across from him and finding him more likable by the second.

This kid—no, this immortal—was utterly charming!

"What's going on between you two?"

Gao Yuanyuan, sitting nearby, was baffled—Cheng Chen had just written two songs, right?

Her usually haughty best friend had changed her attitude so drastically.

"Are these two songs really that good?"

"Good? They're classics within classics! Yuanyuan, you don't get it—I'd stake my entire career on it: these two songs by Master Cheng will be massive hits!"

Wang Tianxiao said, his voice filled with excitement.

Instantly, the other customers in the café looked at him as if he were a lunatic.

"Master Cheng?"

Though Wang Tianxiao was ecstatic, Gao Yuanyuan caught the detail.

"Master Cheng, Grandmaster Cheng, I was wrong—I shouldn't have judged you by appearances. Please, have mercy on me—take these three songs, all of them, and sell them to me?"

As he spoke, Wang Tianxiao's expression turned awkward, and he smiled:

"If possible… Master Cheng, would you consider joining Tianhai Records? I can't promise everything, but our top singers will be at your disposal anytime, and all resources will be directed your way—what do you say?"

…