Chapter 52: The Recording Begins

...After having breakfast with the boss, the two of them strolled idly through the streets. With no tasks assigned by the production team, they found themselves at a loss for what to do.

Ji Ya thought for a moment, grabbed Lin Yu, and led him forward. “Perfect timing. The copyright issues for ‘Love Song’ and ‘Dignity’ have been settled. Why don’t we go record both songs now?”

“This way, you’ll be ready to release them on OO Music at any time. From then on, as long as someone listens to your songs, you’ll have income.”

“Don’t worry about getting the songs published—there are professionals handling that. You don’t need to concern yourself with a thing.”

Lin Yu looked at Ji Ya with gratitude. Without her guidance, he truly wouldn’t know what to do after graduation. Although the current entertainment industry wasn’t exactly flourishing, it still relied on talent scouts. If he’d fallen into the hands of a shady agency, he might have ended up as nothing more than an unpaid workhorse.

With the boss treating him so well, Lin Yu vowed never to forget. The day his career soared, he’d repay her kindness twice over.

Lin Jia had given him this paid opportunity to work and have fun with a girl. He’d thought it was just a joke and hadn’t prepared at all. Now, after recording, he wondered what he should do with Ji Ya next.

On any other day, Ji Ya would have simply called a car and contacted friends to begin recording. But with the production team forbidding the guests from seeking outside help, Lin Yu had to rely on his own resourcefulness. He rode his little electric scooter, following the directions to a nearby recording studio.

It was his first time in such a place. Lin Yu glanced around at the array of professional equipment, dazzled by the unfamiliar surroundings.

The owner of the studio was a middle-aged woman dressed in hip-hop attire, looking lively and energetic. She embraced Ji Ya warmly, overflowing with enthusiasm. “Hi, bro!”

Ji Ya asked with practiced ease, “Is it two thousand per hour here?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

It was early morning, and few people had come to record. Most of the booths behind the glass were empty. The owner led the way, introducing the studio’s facilities with animated flair, even weaving in a bit of rap, making her explanations lively and engaging.

She turned and asked, “Bro, did you bring your own backing tracks?”

Lin Yu looked puzzled—this was his first time recording and he didn’t really know the procedures. Thankfully, Ji Ya stepped in smoothly.

“These are original songs. We’re here to record singles for release.”

The owner’s expression turned dramatically surprised. She’d been in business for over a decade, had seen countless clients, and even many industry professionals. But it was rare for artists to come in person to record their own original songs; most relied on their companies to purchase rights and provide lyrics.

“Instruments or vocals first? Which do you want to prioritize?”

“Do you need us to provide instrumental accompaniment?”

Lin Yu now realized what was being asked. After a brief reflection, he recalled that besides delivering food in his past life, he’d had little interest in anything else. Fortunately, his university major had required him to learn some basic knowledge of musical instruments.

Though his understanding was mostly theoretical with little practical experience, Lin Yu was willing to try it himself—he wanted to complete his own songs from start to finish.

You never know until you try, after all.

“I can handle the instrumental parts myself. What kind of instruments do you have here?”

The studio owner immediately led them to the instrument room. “Whatever you want, I’ve got it, bro!”

The staff helped Lin Yu select the appropriate instruments and moved them into the recording booth. The recording engineer discussed the desired effects with Lin Yu to confirm the details.

Their communication was effortless, and the owner’s guidance was spot on. Once the microphones were set up, Lin Yu donned the headphones and got ready.

Despite having set aside his musical talents in his previous life, Lin Yu was surprised to find that his first attempt at playing the instruments went remarkably smoothly. He was astonished by his own aptitude.

Was he truly born to be a singer? And an all-rounder at that.

Even the recording engineer was visibly amazed. Hearing that Lin Yu was Ji Ya’s newly signed artist and seeing such versatility, he was thoroughly impressed.

Compared to past collaborations with professionals, this was far less work.

“Bro, are you ready? Let’s start recording the vocals!”

The owner was beyond delighted. In less than an hour, Lin Yu had completed the entire instrumental recording, and as she watched him, her gaze brimmed with admiration. She decided right then to follow this young man on social media—such rare genius was bound for stardom!

They moved to the vocal booth. After adjusting his breathing and emotions, Lin Yu cleared his throat. He recalled the cold betrayal of his ex-girlfriend from his former life—how she’d taken his money to dote on another man. Rage surged within him, but soon settled into a deep sorrow, which grew steadily.

Both “Dignity” and “Love Song” were sorrowful ballads: the first about a dignified breakup, the second about letting go and starting anew.

Both songs required the singer to immerse himself in utter sadness; without that, the sense of rebirth through pain would be lost.

The livestream followed Lin Yu and Ji Ya throughout. With Ji Ya’s permission, the cameraman even entered the recording booth. She had her reasons: she wanted the audience and fans to know that Lin Yu was hands-on in every aspect of these songs—a true musical prodigy. This, too, was a way to generate buzz.

Sure enough, after witnessing Lin Yu’s impressive instrumental performance, the livestream chat erupted just as Ji Ya had expected.

“Oh my god! Are we finally getting to hear the recording? Can you put the song up tomorrow? I can’t stand a single day without it!”

“No way—are the songs I’ve been waiting for finally about to drop?”

“This song is incredible! And Lin Yu can play so many instruments—he’s amazing!”

“How does Lin Yu look like an introvert? How does he write so many emotional songs?”

...

Meanwhile, at the villa—

The guests now living alone had to endure further torment from the production team. Temporary stages were being set up on both floors, and these poor souls had to serve as manual laborers.

If Lin Yu and Ji Ya knew what was happening, they’d probably rush back to see what new ideas Lin Jia was coming up with. At that same moment, their recording session was nearly complete.

The studio owner couldn’t take her eyes off Lin Yu. The young man shone brilliantly while singing, his unique voice unforgettable, and his lyrics more beautiful than she could have imagined.

The more she listened, the more captivated she became, a wave of sorrow sweeping through her.

“Why do I feel like… I’ve seen you before?” The owner looked at Ji Ya, a sense of familiarity washing over her. After a moment’s thought, she exclaimed in surprise, “You’re Ji Ya, aren’t you?!”

“You’re even more beautiful than on TV! And your aura—so regal and cool!”

“Thank you.”

The session lasted about two hours. The owner, impressed, offered them a discount—charging only half the price.

Lin Yu, however, found himself in a bind. He didn’t have enough money on hand to pay. Embarrassed, he glanced at Ji Ya—the deposit for the release was still with the company, and he hadn’t received it yet.