Chapter 10: What Is the Name of This Song?

Chapter 10: What Is the Name of This Song?

“Chen Ping, you’re back. Come on… let’s go home.”

“Mm.”

Chen Ping nodded. “Sister Wu, why don’t you ask how it went?”

“Generally speaking, even if the director’s team has chosen an actor, they wouldn’t announce it so quickly.”

“That’s true.”

“Of course, that’s not why I’m saying this.”

Wu Yu smiled as she spoke, “I believe you’ll get this role.”

“So sure about that?”

“Absolutely… we might even have to celebrate once we get home.”

“I’d like that too.”

To be honest, Chen Ping was quite hopeful. This was the first time he had landed such a significant role. Though for many stars, it might not mean much, during the audition with the director’s team, Chen Ping had truly enjoyed the feeling of acting. It felt exhilarating.

...

“Roman, there’s a new project at the company. Want to take a look?”

“I’ve said I won’t be taking on any roles for a while.”

“But there hasn’t been much breakthrough with your singing either... If you don’t appear in public for a long time, your popularity will take a serious hit.”

“I just want some peace.”

Roman, the actress, had been feeling anxious lately. Perhaps many couldn’t understand why. In others’ eyes, she was a leading actress, with immense popularity and a devoted fanbase. At her level, she was already among the industry’s elite.

Yet despite all this, Roman had many worries. She wanted to go further—to become a legend.

Until now, her company had been supportive of her ambitions. They had hired several of the world’s top composers to craft hit songs tailored for her. Unfortunately, despite their elite status and high-quality compositions, the releases had been lukewarm at best.

Master Nakajima had already given some advice. Even though her song “Clear Stream” was top-notch in melody and lyrics, Nakajima, not being a native of Huaguo, felt that if the lyrics were rewritten with equally exquisite words, the song could truly take off.

Roman, the company, and her manager Lu Yiwen all understood this. However, many still believed that the melody was the most important part of a song. While that was generally true, there was an old saying in the industry: the melody determines the song’s baseline, but the lyrics define its peak.

How high a song can soar depends on its lyrics.

But even talented lyricists can’t always produce words that leave people in awe.

Sometimes, it requires inspiration.

Or perhaps, an emotion.

An emotion that resonates deeply with the audience.

...

“I want to go outside for a walk.”

After telling her manager, Roman put on her sunglasses. She wanted to stroll, breathe in the fresh air... and think of nothing.

The day was beautiful; the sun was gentle, and a soft breeze brushed past her. It lifted her spirits significantly.

From somewhere on the street, a beautiful piano melody drifted out.

Roman smiled softly. She knew this song—it was her own “Clear Stream.”

“What a beautiful melody.”

“Pity it never caught on…”

Yet as the song played, Roman noticed something strange.

[After the storm, the sky isn’t always clear
Not every sunny day brings a rainbow
So your innocent face doesn’t mean you’re naive…]

These weren’t the original lyrics of “Clear Stream.”

Had someone online rewritten them?

Surprised, Roman’s mind raced, but she quickly stopped dwelling on it.

Because the next lines opened her heart wide.

[May your eyes see only smiles
May every tear you shed move others
May every dream you have never be in vain
Heaven and earth
If they’re truly worth praising
It’s because of you that they become lively
The vast world
Is more blurry than you imagine
I can no longer bear to deceive you—may you understand…]

Closing her eyes, she listened intently.

Suddenly, she understood what Master Nakajima meant by “emotion.”

These lyrics touched a universal chord, evoking a profound and mysterious feeling in everyone.

“Boss, may I ask what this song is called?”

“It should be Clear Stream.”

“No, those aren’t the original lyrics.”

“Oh… I don’t know. I just thought it sounded good, so I kept listening.”

“Thank you…”

At that moment, Roman’s excitement surged uncontrollably.

She knew she had to find the lyricist who had rewritten this song as soon as possible.

...

“Are you Ms. Wu Yu from Shengteng Entertainment?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Congratulations. After unanimous agreement from the ‘Eternal Night’ director team, we believe your company’s contracted actor Chen Ping is a perfect fit for the role of Xiao Shu. Filming for ‘Eternal Night’ will begin next month. I will send an official letter to your company shortly. Please have Chen Ping join the crew three days in advance.”

“Alright, thank you very much.”

After hanging up, Wu Yu spread her arms wide. “Chen Ping, come on.”

“Sister Wu, what’s going on?”

“Don’t you get it?”

“Did I pass the audition?”

“What do you think?”

Joy surged wildly within Chen Ping as he embraced Wu Yu tightly.

“Thank you, Sister Wu.”

“No need to thank me. This is your talent. Besides, we only helped make the connection; you earned this yourself.”

“I know.”

This time, he also owed thanks to President Jiang.

“Alright, stop hugging me. Don’t try to take advantage.”

“Uh… Sister Wu, I didn’t mean to.”

A bit embarrassed, Chen Ping stepped back from Wu Yu. But the warmth of that moment still felt soft and pleasant.

“Go ahead. I won’t come to your apartment. Go share the good news with those two.”

“Okay.”

Watching Wu Yu leave, Chen Ping hurried back to his apartment.

There, Lin Guansen and Aria were snacking.

As soon as Chen Ping walked in, they jumped up excitedly.

“Chen Ping! Chen Ping! How was it? How was it?”

“What do you mean?”

“The audition, how did it feel?”

“Just so-so.”

“What did the director say?”

“She didn’t say much, told me to wait for news.”

“Oh, I see.”

They nodded and resumed snacking.

But then they noticed Chen Ping’s sly grin. Lin Guansen grabbed him.

“Alright, you’re hiding something from us, aren’t you?”

“No, no.”

“Don’t lie. I can tell by the look on your face… Spill it!”

“Okay, okay. Sister Wu just got a call. My audition was successful.”

“Holy crap…”

“What…”

The entire room erupted into a sea of joy.

“Chen Ping, Chen Ping, here, eat this.”

“Aria, can’t you say it properly? It’s ‘Brother Ping.’”

“Yes, yes, my bad. Brother Ping, Brother Ping… I’ll give you a back massage.”

“Hey, you two…”

Chen Ping could only shake his head at their antics.

After their excitement settled somewhat, Chen Ping said, “Alright, it’s just a small role, no need to get so worked up.”

“Get lost and give me your role.”

“Sure, we’ll go together. You can ask Director Yang Yang.”

“Tch… You just love showing off. Anyway, congrats.”

“Thanks.”

Chen Ping expressed his gratitude sincerely.

(The End of This Chapter)