Singer

Chapter 21 - Sad Character

Translator: Lynn

During this period, the company was extremely busy, as they had to release albums for two new artists and a boy group, in addition to handling the established artists’ album production. Jian Jie, however, wasn’t scheduled for debut yet, so his current job was relatively easy. He accompanied Tong Liangliang to a radio music program, primarily promoting the song “Hope” and Tong Liangliang’s upcoming album. The company wanted to maintain Jian Jie’s air of mystery, so he wouldn’t participate in other announcements for Tong Liangliang to avoid overexposure. With more than a month until the release of Ding Jiangyu’s album, Jian Jie could still enjoy some leisure time.

On the other hand, Long Zichen was much busier and sadder. As the music director, he was responsible for all aspects of album production and was running around like a spinning top. In the company’s recording room and studio, his anxious and frenzied scolding could often be heard. Because of this, Long Zichen had earned the nicknames “Dragon Zombie” (inhuman), “Dementor” (his scolding could drain one’s soul), and even “Charizard” due to his intimidating presence. Whenever Long Zichen appeared, people would retreat, fearing his powerful scolding skills.

Jian Jie was one of the few who remained immune to Long Zichen’s outbursts. Knowing how hard Long Zichen had been working, Jian Jie often brought drinks and snacks for him and the staff. Just his presence alone could instantly transform Long Zichen’s anger into a smile. Thus, Jian Jie was like a little angel, worshipped by everyone, and they hoped he would visit more often to calm Long Zichen’s temper.

Although Long Zichen was busy every day, he managed to carve out an afternoon on Wednesday to relax with Jian Jie. Jian Jie kindly informed him that his afternoon class was with Deng Lun, so skipping it wouldn’t be a problem. They had lunch together, and afterwards, Long Zichen drove Jian Jie to the outskirts of the city.

“Mr. Long, where are we going?” Jian Jie asked curiously. He wasn’t aware of any entertainment venues in the outskirts.

Long Zichen had been mysterious since earlier, and he smiled, saying, “You’ll know when we get there! It’s a place full of fairy tales.”

Could it be a children’s playground? Jian Jie felt a bit embarrassed and refrained from asking further questions.

“There’s juice in the cup holder, drink it if you get thirsty,” Long Zichen said, complaining a bit about work, “I’m really working like a dog right now. It’s so pitiful. Once we’re done with this issue, the new artists’ albums will have some results, and the company will be on the right track. Then I won’t have to work so hard anymore. But those newcomers, their singing is worse than tone-deaf! They start crying after saying a few words. It makes me want to cry even more! In any group, there will always be a few members responsible for showing their faces. Why did I end up with all of them?” Long Zichen grew more agitated as he talked about these things.

Jian Jie knew the skill level of the newcomers. If they were true audiophiles, they wouldn’t have been signed by a music company. He smiled and said, “You’re being too demanding. I think Chen Hang, Tao Qianrui, and Xiao Liang are all talented. Fang Fei is also very good.” Fang Fei was a female singer the company was focusing on training, and the upcoming newcomers had nothing to criticize when it came to their singing abilities. The only problem was that they encountered Long Zichen as their producer, leading to their fate of being pushed to their limits.

“Oh, so you know them well. Do you have a good relationship with Fang Fei?” Long Zichen asked repeatedly, clearly shifting his focus.

“We’re all in the same company, so we’re acquainted,” Jian Jie said. Jian Jie didn’t mention that Fang Fei had asked him to sing with her, but after Long Zichen issued the ban, the matter was dropped. As for Fang Fei’s obvious affection, the oblivious Jian Jie didn’t sense it at all.

Long Zichen simply responded with an “Oh” and casually asked, “Have you been in contact with Qianqian these days?”

“No, why do you ask?”

“Oh, just curious. Haha, the weather is really nice today!”

Seeing that Jian Jie didn’t seem interested in composing any love songs with a beautiful girl, Long Zichen felt relieved. He didn’t delve into the reasons for his desire to protect and monopolize Jian Jie (what?), and one couldn’t help but feel sorry for a certain older male youth who only focused on his music career and had never been attracted to anyone, let alone in a relationship.

After a bit of banter, Long Zichen looked ahead and said happily, “We’ve arrived!” He stopped the car, and Jian Jie looked up to see the words “Anping Children’s Welfare Institute” on the gate.

Seeing Jian Jie’s surprise, Long Zichen chuckled and said, “They’re all children, and isn’t childhood full of fairy tale colors? Didn’t you think I, who am noble and kind, would bring you here? Do you think my image has suddenly grown taller? Or maybe they want to sing me a heroic hymn!”

“Well, not exactly…” Jian Jie’s initial surprise was completely dispelled by Long Zichen’s joke, and he continued, “But I really didn’t expect Mr. Long to bring me here as a volunteer?”

“I’ll take you to see the blossoms of our country and experience innocence and fun. By the way, come and meet my mother,” Long Zichen replied in a playful tone. As he spoke, he opened the trunk and took out two large bags—one filled with stationery, notebooks, and pens, and the other containing small toys. Jian Jie stepped forward to help, and Long Zichen handed him the bag of toys, saying, “Take this one, it’s lighter.”

Jian Jie nodded, his mind still lingering on Long Zichen’s earlier comment. Long Zichen mentioned seeing his mother here. Could it be that he grew up as an orphan in this orphanage? In an instant, countless tragic scenarios played out in Jian Jie’s mind—a wealthy abandoned child burdened with a painful past. Jian Jie couldn’t help but look at Long Zichen with sympathetic eyes. Just as Long Zichen turned his head to speak, he noticed Jian Jie’s gaze, immediately understanding what was going through his mind. Long Zichen smiled and said, “What kind of look is that! I know what you’re thinking. Put away those sympathetic eyes! I’m here to see my own mother—she’s the director here.”

“Oh, I see!” Jian Jie smiled awkwardly. “I’m sorry, Mr. Long.”

“It’s alright.” Long Zichen continued to smile and sighed, “Kids these days have quite the imagination.” No matter how much his mysterious demeanor led to misunderstandings, it was all part of his charm.

Jian Jie followed Long Zichen through the orphanage gate. The security guard warmly greeted Long Zichen, clearly familiar with him. Jian Jie looked around. The children’s welfare home was quite spacious, not much different from a regular school. Since the children were in class at the moment, the yard was empty.

Long Zichen led Jian Jie to the director’s office with ease. The office door was unlocked, so they entered directly. Placing the gifts on the table, Long Zichen said to Jian Jie, “How does it feel being here?”

“It feels similar to the school I used to attend. It’s beautiful, with lush greenery and a clean and tidy environment,” Jian Jie answered honestly.

“It does look great now. When I was a child, this place was dilapidated. The classrooms had no lights or desks, and three children would often squeeze onto a single bench. Thanks to my capable and well-managed mother, Ms. Guanfen, who worked tirelessly to transform this place into what it is today,” Long Zichen proudly praised his mother. Then he turned to Jian Jie and said, “I brought you here today mainly for you to see and connect. After all, you’re going to become a public figure in the future, and it’s best to establish a positive image. I also hope that if you have the opportunity, you can engage in charitable activities. Don’t worry about what others say about showmanship or hypocrisy. Doing something good is always the right thing to do.”

Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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