Tong Shuang was stunned, truly stunned. Who was the person in front of her? That was Liao Xudong, who had handled the entire post-production for countless classic songs!
She had often felt pity for Lin Beina, pity that Liao Xudong focused more on post-production than on composing songs. Otherwise, with his relationship with Lin Beina, how could Lin Beina not become popular?
She had never doubted Liao Xudong’s judgment. Since he said it was good, then it must be good. She looked at Lin Beina, who was practicing repeatedly in the recording studio, and her eyes were filled with anticipation.
With each practice, Lin Beina became more familiar with the song and sang it better and better.
As if sensing Lin Beina was a bit tired, Liao Xudong said, “Xiaona, you can come out first. I’ve gotten a clear understanding of the song’s general structure and emotional details. If you’re in a hurry, you can come back later. Give me some time to get the accompaniment ready, and then we’ll officially record.”
Lin Beina nodded and walked out.
She said apologetically to Teacher Liao, “Teacher Liao, I’m really sorry for rushing you like this. I’ve troubled you. The accompaniment must be ready as soon as possible. No matter how late you finish, you can call me, and I’ll come over.”
Liao Xudong smiled slightly, “It’s not our first time working overtime. Alright, no need for formalities. You two can go out for a stroll with the young man. If it’s ready, I’ll call you. This song has a high degree of completion, which can save a lot of time.”
After thanking him again, Lin Beina left with Ye Xiao and Tong Shuang.
In the car, Lin Beina said to Ye Xiao, “Ye Xiao, I don’t know why you’re in such a hurry, but even if we record it tonight and release it, it won’t make it onto this month’s new talent chart, because the new talent chart requires that the composer and singer cannot be established artists. I clearly don’t meet that requirement. So, the fastest we can release it is for the B-level monthly song chart, which is less than ten days away. Does that work for you?”
Ye Xiao didn't understand what a B-level monthly song chart was, but before he could express his opinion, Tong Shuang, who was beside him, exploded when she heard the words “B-level.”
She completely ignored Ye Xiao, who was still in the car, and immediately burst out, “Nana, are you crazy? Debasing yourself to the B-level chart! Is that where you should be? You could clearly participate in the A-level chart! If you just wait another half a month, this song will definitely get good results. Even I, an outsider, can tell. Did this kid drug you or something?”
Lin Beina also felt helpless upon hearing this. Of course, she knew what Tong Shuang said was the best option, but there wasn't enough time, because the A-level chart required registration a month in advance to be eligible to participate. This was also a balancing measure to prevent a rush of good songs from affecting results.
Just as Tong Shuang was still chattering on, Ye Xiao weakly asked, “Excuse me, what’s the difference between A-level and B-level?”
This question surprised the other two in the car. Tong Shuang even asked with a horrified expression, “You don’t know?”
Ye Xiao shook his head.
This reaction stunned the two of them. It was hard to imagine that the young man in front of them didn't know the difference between music charts, let alone being a young composer who had written a finished song.
Lin Beina slightly composed herself and patiently explained, “The so-called a chart and b chart are actually both new song charts, but the channels are different. The b chart is open to songs from all musicians. Of course, no threshold means it’s a mixed bag, with good songs and parody songs. In short, all kinds of songs are there, and listening to them is also free with no threshold.”
“The a chart, however, has a threshold. At least one of the composer or singer needs to have achieved success on the new talent chart. In other words, the songs on the a chart are meticulously produced by major entertainment companies, so they are more professional and more highly regarded. Of course, listening to them also requires a fee.”
Ye Xiao understood. Simply put, one was professional, and the other was amateur. The difference was indeed significant.
He had secretly checked online just now and knew that Lin Beina in front of him was a true Song Queen. Although it seemed she was past her prime, she was still a Song Queen. Having a Song Queen take a song to a free chart indeed seemed a bit undignified.
He said apologetically to Sister Lin, “Sister Lin, I’m sorry, but I’m really in a hurry. How about I let you sing the next song? Next time, I might not be in such a rush.”
Lin Beina smiled and nodded, appearing not to mind at all, because she was already very grateful to Ye Xiao for letting her sing this song. If she originally wanted to regain popularity with this song, now she just wanted to sing this song and let more people hear it, nothing more.
Tong Shuang’s eyes were red at this moment. She looked at Lin Beina and felt a surge of anger: “How many times have I told you? You’re just too kind-hearted, promoting this one, helping that one. In the end, what benefits do you get? How many losses have you suffered? Why don’t you ever learn?!”
“Now you’re going to the B-level chart for this kid. Don’t you care about your reputation? What will your fans think? What will you do in the future? Even if we take a step back, are you just going to drop into the B-level chart like that? Don’t you need a warm-up? Are you betting your entire singing career on this kid? Are you betting it all on this one song?”
Lin Beina also knew that what Tong Shuang said was true, but she had no choice. She took a deep breath and said something that shocked both Tong Shuang and Ye Xiao: “Xiaoshuang, I’m tired too. I want to take a gamble, just this once. I’ll bet on this song. If it fails, I’ll retire. Maybe you’re right, this industry really isn’t for me!”
At this moment, Ye Xiao felt a lot of pressure. How did this suddenly escalate to a question of retirement or not?
However, he was also somewhat moved. After all, having been in the Entertainment Circle and seen all the deceit, Ye Xiao had to admit that Lin Beina in front of him was truly a breath of fresh air in this circle. But a clear stream was destined to face difficulties.
He thought that he would accept this favor and help her out whenever he could in the future!
It was already late at night when they returned to the studio. The accompaniment was ready, and Lin Beina wasted no words, walking straight into the recording booth.
At this time, Lin Beina was full of energy, as if she wanted to pour all her passion for music into this song.
Outside the recording booth, Ye Xiao put away his playful attitude and kept his eyes fixed on Lin Beina in the booth, occasionally offering pointers: “Sister Lin, raise the emotion a bit more here.”
“This transition isn’t natural. Sing it like this, yes, don’t worry about being off-key, just transition exactly as I sing it, yes, yes, yes.”
“Oh, don’t use so much force here. The next line, yes, let it out here, yes, yes, yes.”
Listening to Ye Xiao’s very amateur guidance and the extremely off-key sounds that occasionally came through, Tong Shuang couldn’t bear it anymore and wanted to step forward to stop him, but before she could speak, she was stopped by Liao Xudong beside her.
Tong Shuang said angrily, “Teacher Liao, are you going to let that kid mess around too?”
Liao Xudong raised an eyebrow: “Mess around? Do you know that I didn’t even notice those few problems he pointed out? Moreover, his suggestions were so good that I wanted to open that kid’s head and see how his brain is wired!”
Tong Shuang looked at the young man who was wildly gesturing at Lin Beina, somewhat unable to believe that he had actually given very valuable guidance.
She heard Liao Xudong beside her say earnestly, “I am an outsider and shouldn’t say too much, but I truly wish Xiaona well. If Xiaona wants to soar again, she must hold on tightly to the young man in front of her. Don’t ever let go!”