Singer

Chapter 40 - Going International

Translator: Lynn

On a winter afternoon, just after dinner, Sun Qianqian led Jian Jie and Jason to the rooftop garden for a tea break, enjoying the warm sun and engaging in conversation. The garden was adorned with lush greenery and blooming flowers. Jian Jie sat comfortably on a milky white armchair, sipping scented tea while listening to Jason talking about the foreign music industry.

As Long Zichen hurried to the rooftop, this was the scene that greeted him. Jian Jie’s face displayed a gentle smile, basking in the bright sunlight, resembling a pure white magnolia flower—innocent and serene. Unknowingly, Long Zichen held his breath, captivated by Jian Jie’s presence, and walked toward him, entranced.

Jian Jie had been facing away from the entrance of the garden, but upon hearing Yuan Chao and Sun Qianqian’s voices, he turned around and locked eyes with Long Zichen. Blushing inexplicably, he asked, “Brother Chen, when did you arrive?”

“Just a moment ago.” Long Zichen snapped out of his trance, feeling slightly embarrassed, and offered a timid explanation, “I came with Chaozi, what a coincidence, you’re here too, haha…”

Yuan Chao, who stood behind him, couldn’t help but complain silently. He never wanted to admit that the clueless person in front of him was his friend known for his sharp tongue. Would anyone believe such a “coincidence”?

Jian Jie didn’t think too much about it and continued, “Qianqian invited me to her house to hang out and introduced me to Mr. Jason Price. Mr. Price is a remarkable musician, and he offered valuable insights into a song I recently composed.”

Jian Jie introduced Long Zichen to Jason, and Jason glanced at Long Zichen with his pale blue eyes, saying, “So you’re Jane’s producer.”

Hearing Jian Jie’s high praise for Jason, Long Zichen’s heart felt sour, but he restrained himself from reacting emotionally. Jason greeted Long Zichen with a perfunctory “Nice to meet you” before turning his attention back to Jian Jie, asking, “You guys seemed to be having a good chat. What were you discussing?”

Jian Jie explained, “Mr. Press invited me to participate in a music biographical film he’s planning to shoot, but as Brother Chen knows, my acting skills are not great, so I’m a bit hesitant. Just now, Mr. Press invited me to participate in the Crystal Music Awards with him. He wants me to do a chorus performance with a singer from his label.”

Long Zichen was taken aback, thinking to himself, “This foreigner is so eager to invest in the music industry! Money can really make movies happen!” Despite feeling sour inside, Long Zichen would never belittle Jian Jie’s music career. He encouraged Jian Jie to agree, saying, “The Crystal Award is a significant music award with global influence. You must participate! The award ceremony will be held in mid-February, just after the Chinese New Year, and you will be available then.”

After some contemplation, Jian Jie nodded and thanked Jason, saying, “Thank you, Mr. Price, for the invitation.”

“I’m counting on you to promote the movie as well,” Jason smiled faintly. “Sun mentioned that you’re a big idol in China, and I hope to leverage your popularity to boost the box office in Asia. Of course, I genuinely admire your music as well.”

Surprised by Jason’s change in attitude, Jian Jie commented, “I didn’t expect you to like my music.”

“I always know what I like and what I don’t,” Jason replied, spreading his hands.

Long Zichen observed their interaction silently. He felt happy that Jian Jie gained recognition from a world-class musician, but couldn’t help feeling a bit frustrated. He couldn’t match Jason Press in terms of financial resources or connections. Jason’s family business was a global giant in the recording industry, capable of effortlessly elevating Jian Jie to international stardom, which was something Long Zichen could never achieve in his life.

After negotiating with Jason for a few days, Jian Jie bid farewell to Jason and Sun Qianqian. While Sun Qianqian was about to arrange for a car to take Jian Jie home, Long Zichen volunteered to give him a ride, and Jian Jie accepted the offer. Yuan Chao watched with a hint of sadness as his friends left him behind, and Long Zichen drove away with Jian Jie.

This was the first time the two of them were alone together after parting ways at the hot spring villa. Jian Jie felt somewhat embarrassed and didn’t know what to say. Thankfully, Long Zichen initiated the conversation as if nothing happened, easing the tension.

“Qianqian’s introduction to Jason Press today was a great help to you. I’ll thank you properly later,” Long Zichen said, not really caring about the social aspect, but he wanted to remind Jian Jie that he had reason to be jealous. Nevertheless, Long Zichen could manage both business and personal affairs well, and it wouldn’t hurt for Jian Jie to gain the favor of the Sun family’s eldest daughter. He continued, “I’ll inform Brother Chai about Jason Press’s invitation when we get back to the company. The company will definitely hold a meeting to plan it. It’s a big event. As for the movie, I think you might be interested in it. I read the news about their company planning a biographical film about the musical master Hein Freeman. The director and actors are all internationally renowned. It’s a profound art film. Of course, it will depend on your wishes. If you’re not interested in acting, then forget about it.”

Curious about the movie, Jian Jie replied with a smile, “It sounds intriguing, as Brother Chen described it. I don’t dislike acting in movies, but I don’t think I have the acting ability. I’m afraid I might cause trouble for others.”

“During the casting, there will be auditions, and they won’t choose you if they don’t find you suitable. If you’re selected, it means they believe in your abilities. Little Jie, have confidence in yourself. You won’t know if it works or not until you try!” Long Zichen encouraged Jian Jie.

Encouraged, Jian Jie nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll listen to Brother Chen.” Jian Jie’s self-motivation was easily ignited.

Long Zichen smiled in response.

Following Jian Jie’s instructions, Long Zichen drove him to his elder brother’s house. At the doorstep, Long Zichen reluctantly said, “Come to the company tomorrow, and we can sit down and discuss this matter together. Also, show me the song you recently wrote. Don’t let me down just because you rejected me. I might act embarrassed, but in a few minutes, I’ll be back to my usual self. Let’s go back to how things were before.”

Seeing Long Zichen’s earnestness to reconcile and his relaxed demeanor, Jian Jie felt that it would be inappropriate for him to continue worrying about the issue. So he nodded and replied, “I’ll go to the company tomorrow and discuss the new song with you, Brother Chen. See you tomorrow!”

“Sure, see you tomorrow.” Long Zichen watched Jian Jie go upstairs, his eyes filled with admiration for the young man. He knew that Jian Jie would step toward success step by step, and a beautiful blueprint seemed to unfold before Long Zichen’s eyes. Jian Jie would not only be the king of China but also a global superstar adored by millions. Even though he understood that this radiant superstar would never belong to him, Long Zichen still felt a tinge of sadness.

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

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