Chapter 58: Chapter 57: Bursting with Inspiration 1
Translator: 549690339 —
Two million for a song.
What kind of concept was that?
Harrison Clark was simply dumbfounded.
A stable music creator would usually produce one to two songs per month, unless they faced a bottleneck period of inspiration drought.
To earn four million in a month and forty-eight million in a year.
Round it up to a hundred million!
By now, Harrison had deeply understood the good intentions Avril Green had when introducing him to Ward Owen.
This guy was ridiculously rich and foolish with his money.
The way Harrison looked at Ward had changed.
If he were to let go of this easy money, he would be even more foolish than Ward.
Anyway, Ward didn’t lack money. To him, two million and one million were like two hundred and one hundred dollars to ordinary people – neither painful nor itchy.
As long as he sold the song to Ward, he would have saved face, and Ward could pursue his dreams. It would be worth the favor.
A solid deal.
Just then, Harrison’s phone rang. It was Leah Clark calling to discuss purchasing his songs.
After hanging up, Harrison told Ward they would discuss their deal later, and he needed to go upstairs to talk with Leah first.
Ward immediately refused to let Harrison go without him and insisted on going upstairs together.
As they walked, Ward wrapped Harrison’s arm, “Mr. Clark, please, I came here first. Can you write one for me first?”
Harrison was merciless, “I’m sorry, but Leah is definitely first. We agreed last month.”
“Is that so? What a pity.” Ward scratched his head, “Can I pay more to cut in line?”
Harrison almost slipped, “No.”
“Alright then.”
Ward sighed in disappointment, thinking what a man of principle Harrison was. This must be the vibe of a true master composer.
Upon reaching the second floor, Leah and her agent had already prepared a contract.
Everyone else was there too.
However, the room didn’t have a strong business atmosphere. It was relaxed, as everyone present were friends.
“Mr. Clark, you’re here?”
Leah’s agent greeted him enthusiastically, “Please, have a seat.”
Harrison sat next to Leah, “Thank you.”
“Mr. Clark, you really aren’t considerate.” Leah pinched her smile and gently poked Harrison’s shoulder.
This was the closest form of affection she could express. She couldn’t be as bold as those younger girls.
Harrison actually found her behavior more suitable, “Leah, I don’t understand what you meant. Can you please tell me how I’m being inconsiderate?” Leah hummed softly through her nose, “I was the first to buy your songs, but you gave others three already, and I have none. Even if my initial bid was’ low, you could’ve at least given me a chance to increase my offer!”
Harrison felt a little embarrassed by her words, and he apologized repeatedly. “Actually, I didn’t think too much about the price at the time. It wasn’t the main factor in my decision. My main criterion for selling songs is whether or not they fit the singer. The previous three songs weren’t tailored for you, so they didn’t suit you. But now I’m here to talk with you, right?”
Leah finally let it go.
“Alright, since you apologized sincerely, I’ll let go of the past. This time you better not stand me up. The contract is right here. Sign it. Your next song must be for me. I won’t take advantage of you on the price, one million! How about it?”
Leah showed her sincerity immediately.
Despite her casual tone, she carefully observed Harrison’s attitude since this price was the highest the company would allow her to bid. Anything higher would be beyond her control.
Little did she know, Harrison was actually paying attention to Ward’s reaction on the side.
This guy just offered double the price for a song, so when he heard Leah offering a whopping one million, he would have to pay two million. Harrison wondered how Ward would react.
Ward appeared calm and collected.
Harrison was secretly delighted.
As expected from Mr. Owen, he really couldn’t feel the difference between one million and two million!
“Mr. Clark, give me your thoughts now.”
Leah pressed him nervously as he stayed silent.
“Oh! I was just recalling Leah’s iconic works and analyzing her style.”
Harrison lied with his eyes wide open.
“Really? Did you get some ideas?”
Not only Leah, but everyone else also got a bit excited.
Harrison thought, since he was going to sell three songs in a row, he might as well be more bold.
He had already become quite arrogant today, so there was no need to be deliberately low-key.
“Yes, I have a feeling.”
“That’s great!”
Leah clapped her hands in amazement.
Harrison took a deep breath, and pretentiously showed an inspired look, “Could someone pass me a pen and paper, please? I’ll write the first song for you.”
“First song?”
“Yes! I’m feeling quite inspired right now. I could probably write three songs in a row. That way, I could also make up for not selling you my previous songs. You can choose the ones you like. If you like all of them, I’ll sell them all to you. If not, I can try to sell them to others later.”
Everyone was astonished in unison, “Three songs?”
Harrison looked dead serious, “Yes, three songs.”
Even Carrie Thomas, who had extensive knowledge of Harrison’s talent, couldn’t be sure if he was joking or not at this moment.Writing a song isn’t like writing an essay, as inspiration often comes in the form of just a melody.
A complete song requires rhythmic and lyrical coherence, and almost no one can pull it off in one go.
Even if someone could barely manage by a burst of inspiration, meticulous adjustments would still be needed afterward.
Only when there is nothing left to adjust does a song become complete. Throughout history, only the true grandmasters of their craft have been able to visualize a complete piece in their mind before putting pen to paper.
This skill may seem simple, but countless hours of cumulative experience and meticulous practice lie beneath it – the depth of which is difficult to fathom.
Though Harrison Clark is undoubtedly talented, effortlessly composing three songs was simply too shocking for the others to believe, let alone accept.
Harrison didn’t bother explaining, and started writing as soon as he had paper and pen in hand.
Lines of text poured onto the plain notebook like a waterfall.
His writing had almost no pauses, making it seem like he didn’t need to think at all.
Several heads huddled behind him, their faces and eyelids pressed against each other.
No one dared to make a sound but silently read his lyrics in their hearts.
After six lines of lyrics were written, the onlookers were left in awe.
Smooth, exquisite rhythm, perfect melody and emotion, each word carrying weight.
This was indeed a perfect pop song that suited Leah Clark’s style!
Not only did Leah feel this way, but Carrie Thomas and Avril Green also fell in love with the lyrics at first glance.
As they discreetly watched the expressionless Harrison Clark, completely engrossed in his writing, they didn’t know how to describe their feelings.
Ten minutes later, Harrison’s hand came to a halt.
“Finished,” he declared.
Leah’s mouth was just inches away from Harrison’s ear as she asked, “What about the composition?”
Harrison casually replied, “I’ve thought about the complete score as well. Since we don’t have much time, I’ll sing you a simple version for now. You can decide whether you like it or not, and well discuss the score later. I’d better hurry and write the other two before my inspiration fades.”
The others were rendered speechless.
He was really doing it!
Since he was already going for it, there was no turning back.
Despite his mediocre singing voice, Harrison began performing in front of the music industry giants.
Admittedly, he sang quite ordinarily, barely hitting the right notes.
However, those present could easily imagine their own voices in the new song, feeling a powerful impact in their minds.
As the only male in the room besides Harrison, Ward Owen stood on the opposite side, unable to crowd behind Harrison because of his size and gender.
But the look in his eyes as he watched Harrison had gone beyond ordinary admiration.
He was gazing upon a god!
Unbelievable!
One hour passed…
During that time, Avril Green briefly stepped out.
Though reluctant, as hostess, she had to see her guests off, in accordance with etiquette.
However, once her guests left, she didn’t dare linger outside, and quickly jogged back upstairs.
She returned just in time to hear the last notes of Harrison’s final song and Leah’s exclamation.
“I want these songs, Harrison! All three of them! I want them all!”
Avril hesitated, feeling a sense of loss.
She begrudgingly admitted that, as someone who had always created her own work, at that moment, she was jealous of Leah’s good fortune.
Missing out was missing out.
But to have a chance to sing Harrison’s songs with her own voice – just imagining it made her heart race.
Seeing everyone’s awe-struck faces, Harrison felt incredibly satisfied.
With Leah demanding all three songs, the three million dollars were as good as his.
Next on his agenda was the six million dollars Mr. Owen would potentially part with.
He snuck a glance at Carrie Thomas.
He wondered if she would suffer a mental breakdown after he snatched three songs away from her.
“Ah!” Suddenly, Carrie let out a loud cry.
Harrison’s heart skipped a beat, thinking trouble was on its way.
But then, Carrie paid him no mind and turned to face Avril at the doorway.
She asked, “Avril, do you have a practice room here?”
Avril nodded, “Yes, why do you ask?”
Carrie rushed over, “Please, take me there. The impact of Harrison’s songs is too strong! I need to write a song of my own right now! I’ve been too cautious before. I need to trust myself more. I should be like Harrison. If inspiration strikes, I should write immediately!”
Harrison’s eyes widened.
You must be some kind of monster!
What happened to breaking down?
How did you get inspired too?
My stealing your songs can’t even subdue you?