Volume One: Rising to the Pinnacle at Debut Chapter Thirty-Eight: Snow and Moon—"I Want to Give You Everything"

Chen Jing shook his head and smiled at Xue Yue, saying, “Sister Xue Yue, this is what I ought to do. Since I promised to help you produce your album, I will certainly give it my full attention. That’s the principle of doing things properly; you don’t need to thank me for it.”

Xue Yue was at a loss for words, hesitated, and then said, “You can’t put it that way. The success of my album’s release this time is all thanks to you, Ah Jing. If I only followed the terms of our contract, I really wouldn’t feel right about it. So…” Her lively eyes looked at Chen Jing, “I want to give all the profits I make from this album to you.”

The contract Chen Jing had signed with Xue Yue previously was for fifty thousand per song, and the production fee for each song was also fifty thousand. So, for an album of ten songs, the total payment to Chen Jing would be one million. Ten days ago, Chen Jing’s songs were worth about that much, but now, they are certainly worth more. Judging by the album sales, Xue Yue would likely earn several million from profit sharing alone, and now she wanted to give all of it to Chen Jing.

Chen Jing forced a bitter smile and hurriedly stopped Xue Yue’s idea. “Sister Xue Yue, what are you saying? The contract is clear; we just follow it as it is. There’s no need for excess payment. If you gave me your share, you’d get nothing yourself, wouldn’t you? That’s not how albums are released.”

Xue Yue frowned, “How can you say I get nothing? At least I gain the popularity I deserve. If this opportunity were given to another singer, I believe many would accept it without asking for a share.” Her words were true—many artists wanted to work with Chen Jing on their albums now, offering generous terms.

Chen Jing shook his head. “It can’t be understood like that, Sister Xue Yue. You can’t judge things from the outcome and ignore the beginning.” He sighed, his tone somewhat stiff. “Anyway, I won’t accept your proposal. If you insist, I won’t make an album for you next time.”

“But…this…” Xue Yue looked at Chen Jing, unsure what to do. Hearing that he would never produce another album for her, her eyes reddened immediately.

Seeing Xue Yue’s eyes brim with tears, Chen Jing felt a headache coming on. Thankfully, the dance studio was empty; otherwise, he would have been unable to clear his name.

Xue Yue lowered her head in grievance and stood there silently. Chen Jing sighed. She was just a girl in her twenties, while he himself had nearly fifty years of life experience; there was no need to nitpick with her.

Chen Jing comforted her, saying, “Sister Xue Yue, please don’t cry. It’s not that I don’t want to accept it—who wouldn’t want a few million more? But there are rules in this industry. We signed a contract, and it should be honored. If I accept your offer and word gets out, I won’t be able to establish myself in this circle, would I?”

Xue Yue quickly waved her hand, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

Chen Jing felt a surge of exasperation; that wasn’t the issue he was worried about.

Left with no choice, Chen Jing said helplessly, “It’s a matter of principle. I really won’t accept your proposal. If you feel indebted, just treat me to a good meal, and next time, give me a better deal when you ask me for songs or anything else.”

Xue Yue understood Chen Jing’s meaning and nodded quietly.

The two said nothing further. After Xue Yue agreed to treat Chen Jing, Lin Xi, and Lin Zitan to dinner after work, she parted ways with Chen Jing. He watched her leave in silence, shook his head helplessly, and went to shower.

After showering, Chen Jing returned to his office and had just sat down when Lin Xi walked in.

Lin Xi waved her notebook at Chen Jing, “Are you sure these twelve songs are the final tracklist for your album?”

“Yes, why? Is there an issue?”

Lin Xi shook her head. “No problem, just wanted to confirm. The title track is ‘Fireworks Fade Easily,’ right? No changes?”

“No changes.” Chen Jing replied, then thought for a moment. “Actually, maybe change the name to ‘Jialan Temple’. I prefer that name.”

Lin Xi considered it. “Alright, since your album fuses traditional Chinese elements with pop, ‘Jialan Temple’ is indeed a better name.” She paused, then continued, “I wanted to ask—should the title track be ‘Lanting Prelude’ instead? I think its lyrics are more distinctly Chinese in style.”

Chen Jing shook his head. “No need. I’ll shoot a music video for ‘Jialan Temple’ and weave in a good story, which will leave a deeper impression.”

“Fine.” On major decisions, Lin Xi always deferred to Chen Jing; she simply helped him with details. If there was anyone in the company whose musical judgment she acknowledged as superior, it was certainly Chen Jing. She had learned a great deal from him.

Having just showered, Chen Jing gave off a faint scent of body wash. Standing beside him, Lin Xi’s cheeks unconsciously reddened.

Just as they finished their discussion, someone knocked on the office door. Chen Jing called out, “Come in.” Lin Zitan entered. “Ah Jing, Sister Xi, have you finished discussing?”

Seeing them nod, Lin Zitan grinned, “Great, time to clock out.” She pointed to her wristwatch. “Tonight, Sister Xue Yue is treating us to dinner. Shall we head out?”

“Alright, let’s go.” Chen Jing packed his things, adding, “Speaking of Xue Yue, you two need to help me talk to her.”

Lin Xi looked at Chen Jing in confusion. “About what?”

Chen Jing gave a wry smile. “She came to me today and wanted to give me all her album profits. No matter how I reasoned, she wouldn’t budge, so I had to be blunt. Now things between us are awkward.”

“Oh, so that’s why Sister Xue Yue sounded odd when I called her just now.” Lin Zitan looked at Chen Jing, full of curiosity.

“Alright, leave it to me,” Lin Xi said calmly.

As the three left the office, Lin Zitan asked, “Aren’t we picking up Molly?”

“She’s with Teacher Zhang, no need. Besides, she doesn’t like public places.”

Since Zhang Jingzhi started taking care of Molly, both lunch and dinner were handled by her, so Chen Jing didn’t need to bring Molly out anymore.

They arrived at a five-star hotel. Xue Yue had already booked a room. Knowing Chen Jing and the others were coming, the dishes were perfectly timed to be served as they sat down.

“Wow, this is sumptuous, Sister Xue Yue, you’re really splurging tonight,” Lin Zitan exclaimed, delighted as a child.

Xue Yue smiled and shook her head, but said nothing, glancing at Chen Jing. He looked at her, then quickly turned his gaze to Lin Xi.

Chen Jing naturally picked up his chopsticks to eat, but he sighed inwardly.

Lin Zitan kept chatting, while Xue Yue said little, and Chen Jing and Lin Xi simply ate in silence. A strange atmosphere spread through the room.

Gradually, Lin Zitan sensed something was off, glanced at Chen Jing, then at Xue Yue, her expression odd, before quickly lowering her head to eat quietly. The room fell silent.

Chen Jing smiled bitterly to himself. What a situation. If possible, he truly wished the four could return to the lively mood of their first meal together.

“Xue Yue.”

At last, Lin Xi spoke.

“Huh?” Xue Yue, who was engrossed in her meal, was startled and looked up. “What is it, Sister Xi?”

“What are your plans for your next album?”

The question made Xue Yue lower her head in silence.

“Will you look for songs yourself, or do you want Ah Jing’s songs?”

“I…” Of course she wanted Chen Jing’s songs, but she felt too indebted, and paying him extra was inappropriate.

Chen Jing heard this and, not knowing Lin Xi’s intention, followed along, “If Sister Xue Yue still likes my songs, just ask me for them.”

“I like them…” Xue Yue interrupted before Chen Jing could finish. She genuinely loved his music, and even without the phenomenal sales of her first album, she still wanted his songs.

If only her first album hadn’t sold so well—because of its success, she felt she owed Chen Jing too much.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll use Ah Jing’s songs.” Lin Xi added, “Ah Jing might need your help next time. How about this: he’ll write a few duet songs, and you two record them together. It’ll be good for both of you, and since Chen Jing’s songs will include his performance fee, you won’t need to pay him extra. You can split the album profits between you.”

Xue Yue’s eyes brightened at Lin Xi’s suggestion—was this possible?

Chen Jing thought it over and agreed readily. It didn’t harm him, and it could resolve the awkwardness between him and Xue Yue. Why not?

“I’m willing, just not sure about Ah Jing…” Xue Yue promptly replied, looking at Chen Jing.

He nodded and smiled, “Of course. I happen to have a few duet songs and was struggling to find the right female singer. Having you, Sister Xue Yue, is perfect.”

Hearing his words, Xue Yue smiled happily at him, “I’m looking forward to singing with you, Ah Jing.”

Seeing Xue Yue smile at him again, Chen Jing felt relieved. The atmosphere was finally back to normal—no easy feat. He shot Lin Xi a grateful look.

Lin Xi, seeing Chen Jing’s admiration, gave him a sidelong glance and smiled, as if saying it was a trivial matter. To Chen Jing, it seemed like a casual gesture.

With things back to normal, Lin Zitan breathed a sigh of relief and resumed chatting away with the others.

(A tribute: Jay Chou’s “Jialan Temple” and “Lanting Prelude”)

Author: I absolutely love Jay’s songs—anyone else feel the same?