Chapter 33: Lead Single

Albums typically contain around ten songs on cassette or CD.

But Cheng Chen only recorded five songs; the remaining five were filled in with previous hits from Tianhai Records.

These are commonly called filler tracks.

To package Cheng Chen, Wang Tianxiao specially hired a photography company to take several photo shoots of him.

Cheng Chen was initially reluctant, but as Wang Tianxiao put it:

"You're this handsome and you won't show your face? That's a waste of talent! You might even attract a wave of fanboys—this is part of the promotion!"

This reasoning left Cheng Chen speechless.

Afterwards, Cheng Chen saw the album cover designed by the art department:

Cheng Chen gazed sadly forward with a melancholy expression, behind him a desert rendered in Photoshop, matching the lead single "Wolf in Love with a Sheep."

Yes, under Wang Tianxiao's exceptional musical taste, she chose "Wolf in Love with a Sheep" as the lead single of this album.

After all, compared to the other songs, "Wolf in Love with a Sheep" better fit the current market mainstream.

It was also the most intense and most screaming song among them.

Alongside it, the copy read:

A gentle voice, hoarse but not harsh, an unconventional rendition of a legendary love story, worthy of attentive listening.

…

It was now July 2002, three months since A Du's debut album "Dark Night" had been released.

In these three months, A Du had become a sensation—his songs played everywhere, on every street and alley.

"He Must Love You," "Tear the Night," "Farewell," "Dark Night," with his unique voice and heart-wrenching lyrics.

His restrained, screaming vocal style instantly injected new energy into the music scene, rapidly sweeping across all major charts.

Not long ago, Zhou Jielun also released his third album "Octave Space."

After the groundwork laid by his albums "Jay" and "Fantasy," "Octave Space" immediately demonstrated terrifying dominance, dethroning "Dark Night."

By December 2002, "Octave Space" had sold 350,000 copies.

Meanwhile, her "Beautiful New World" followed closely with 280,000 sales.

Later, Sun Yanzi's "Self-Selected Collection" built momentum from January to December, finishing third with 260,000 sales.

At that time, A Du's "Dark Night" had been pushed out of the top ten, ranking eleventh with 157,000 sales.

Gods fighting did not stop Cheng Chen from watching the spectacle; though the giants each showed their own power,

Cheng Chen knew the strength hidden in his own album.

Though it was unrealistic to completely dominate the others, he still had the ability to stir up chaos.

Tianhai Records, conference room.

"The distribution channels for 'Wolf in Love with a Sheep' have all been set up—all former partners of Tianhai Records…"

Here, Wang Tianxiao glanced at Cheng Chen and continued:

"When each distributor learned the singer was not Zhang Guangfeng but a newcomer, every one hesitated—that's completely normal.

Given this situation, we only pressed a small quantity to test the market, and I've also instructed the factory to be ready to replenish at any time."

Cheng Chen nodded—he was a newcomer and naturally couldn't compare to a veteran like Zhang Guangfeng.

It was clear that these distributors still chose to partner with Tianhai Records despite Cheng Chen's complete lack of fame, purely out of respect for Wang Tianxiao's reputation—this too demonstrated Tianhai Records' strength.

"Meanwhile, I've arranged radio promotion—specifically with a traffic radio station in Jingcheng called 'Hip-Hop After Work.' Their audience is around four or fifty thousand; promotion begins tonight at six."

As she spoke, Wang Tianxiao checked her watch and turned on the radio already prepared in the conference room.

After a brief advertisement, a sweet voice soon came through:

"Good evening, listeners, this is FM xx point x,

Welcome to 'Hip-Hop After Work,' I'm Xiao Yue'er. By the way, while you were at work today, did you ever…"

Traffic radio stations usually broadcast road conditions and chat with listeners, occasionally playing a few songs as warm-ups.

"The 'Hip-Hop After Work' program lasts an hour and a half, during prime time, with five songs inserted in between.

I submitted all five main promotional songs from our album.

Afterwards, to create a promotional window, we'll play the lead single once daily for five consecutive days."

While the radio host chatted with listeners, Wang Tianxiao explained aloud.

Cheng Chen nodded—securing a prime-time radio program and monopolizing the entire show for his album's promotion was no longer a matter of money.

Coupled with Gao Yuanyuan's earlier remark that Wang Tianxiao had deep connections, Cheng Chen instantly felt he was resting under a mighty tree.

"Alright, next up, a brand-new song—'Wolf in Love with a Sheep.' Doesn't the title already make you curious?

Xiao Yue'er was truly moved by this newcomer, Cheng Chen. No more words—please listen…"

"The north wind howls, snowflakes drift and fall,

Suddenly a gunshot rings out—the wolf is badly wounded,

But he barely escapes; the one who saves him is a sheep,

From then on, they vow three lifetimes, confiding their deepest feelings…"

Cheng Chen's sorrowful, low voice drifted from the radio into the ears of every listener tuning into "Hip-Hop After Work."

His weathered voice, melancholy melody, and story-like lyrics swiftly touched everyone.

Some listeners quietly memorized "Wolf in Love with a Sheep," planning to buy the album the next day at work.

Simultaneously, a newcomer named Cheng Chen was also remembered by chance.

"Wasn't that lovely? Xiao Yue'er will let you in on a secret—this newcomer, Cheng Chen, is truly amazing.

He has another song coming up on our station—don't go anywhere,

Let's take a short break, then back to the main topic: ahead, traffic is congested—drivers, please drive carefully…"

As a radio host, Xiao Yue'er's professional skills were unmatched; her sweet voice firmly held listeners, while also promoting Cheng Chen.

…

Nothing can block your longing for freedom.

Your life soars freely, your heart unburdened.

Through dark years, you once felt lost.

When you lower your head, you realize the path beneath your feet.

The free world within your heart is so clear, so vast and high.

Blooming with eternal life, Blue Lotus…

On the bus, a man in his thirties, dressed in a suit, wore headphones and leaned wearily against the glass.

Outside the bus, the bustling neon lights of Jingcheng occasionally flashed across the windows, striking the numb faces of everyone inside the dim cabin.

The man loved listening to "Hip-Hop After Work," its light and cheerful tone helping him relax after a full day of work.

But when the headphones played "Blue Lotus," his body jolted sharply, as if his heart skipped a beat.

Nothing can block your longing for freedom.

As he listened, tears streamed down his face.

…