Chapter 115: The Art of Making Friends

Following Nan Fang’s lead, Shen Yumeng continued the conversation: “If Teacher Huang gets into this circle and is tossed around by all sorts of chaotic things, could his talent be drained just like that Chen Xiaobao you mentioned?”

“Maybe. But I have to say, this uncle’s choice to only play music outside the industry is really wise. He won’t be disturbed by any troubles, able to freely enjoy the music he loves—that’s the highest state every musician dreams of.”

“That’s because his family is wealthy, so he doesn’t need to enter this circle to make money. Of course, life is easier for him.”

“It’s not just about money. Many people in this circle come from rich families, yet they still fight tooth and nail to break into it, all for fame. But Teacher Huang feels different—he seems truly indifferent to fame and fortune.”

“I don’t think he’s that indifferent. Isn’t he doing a music special to promote his brother’s film? He’s involved as the music producer, so that’s kind of a roundabout way of promoting his music.”

“That’s true. But honestly, with his musical talent, there’s no need to rely on some online film to promote his work.” Nan Fang tapped on his phone and told Shen Yumeng, “Listen to this song ‘Stories of Time.’ I’ve played it nearly thirty times, and I never get tired of it. I can’t really critique it, but I want to keep listening over and over. Not everyone can write such a piece, nor sing it the way he does. Forget about promoting it through some online movie—once this song hits the music scene, it will definitely ignite a wave of collective nostalgia among the seventies, eighties, and nineties generations.”

“You’re praising this song so much, are you trying to buy it from Teacher Huang?”

“I wouldn’t dare buy it. Even if I wanted to, he definitely wouldn’t sell. He’s not short on money. This song is clearly a labor of his heart and soul; unless he’s gone mad, he wouldn’t sell it to me.”

Shen Yumeng could tell Nan Fang loved the song deeply. She liked it too—it had the potential to be a hit. If Nan Fang could get his hands on it and sing it, he might become an overnight sensation.

Thinking of her man, Shen Yumeng offered an idea: “How about I talk to Zhao Jing and see if Teacher Huang is willing to sell the song? Since he’s not really involved in the industry, maybe he’d let you perform it just as a friendly gesture.”

“You say that lightly. Do you think I’m the president of the United States? Teacher Huang would use such a masterpiece to make friends with me?”

Shen Yumeng tried to persuade him again, but Nan Fang cut her off with self-awareness: “Stop it. Even if Teacher Huang really gave me the song, I wouldn’t dare take it. Once you hear his version, you’ll understand where the charm lies. If I were to sing it, I’d have to knock off at least thirty percent. I just can’t capture his way of carving time into music.”

“Don’t be so lacking in confidence—you’re a great singer,” Shen Yumeng encouraged.

“That depends on who I’m compared to. Against you guys, I’m godlike. But compared to Teacher Huang, I feel like I’ve just stepped through the door of singing.”

Shen Yumeng exaggerated her expression: “This is the first time I’ve seen you so awed by someone. Teacher Huang must be really amazing!”

Nan Fang smiled helplessly and playfully patted Shen Yumeng’s remarkably firm backside. He teased, “Stop pretending and don’t be afraid of discouraging me. You have solid musical fundamentals and your ear is no worse than mine. Can’t you tell just how rare a genius Teacher Huang is? Someone like him—you’ve never met before!”

Shen Yumeng smiled warmly. Since Nan Fang saw through her act, she stopped trying to save face for him and excitedly said, “I really have never met such a talented musician as Teacher Huang. I have to admire Zhao Jing—where on earth did she find this legendary figure? In my personal opinion, Teacher Huang has the strength to establish a new school in the Chinese music scene. In this era when great masters are fading, he might be the last master of the old generation and the first master of the new. Setting aside whether the industry’s restless environment would affect him, one thing I’m sure of: if he enters this circle, he will definitely carry the banner for Chinese music and might even ignite a golden renaissance!”

Nan Fang was secretly surprised: “So you’re even more optimistic about Teacher Huang than I am?”

“Of course! I’m not deaf. Listen to the few songs he sings—could they be the work of an ordinary person? I didn’t say this before to avoid discouraging you, but Teacher Huang is only two years older than you. Yet listen to his voice and look at his compositions—they all radiate the aura of a master! Zhao Jing was spot on. Darling, he’s miles ahead of you!”

“Hey! You’re deliberately teasing me! Looking for a beating, huh?” Nan Fang said, then pressed Shen Yumeng’s delicate figure beneath him.

Shen Yumeng pressed her thigh against Nan Fang’s most sensitive spot, lifted her chin seductively, and taunted, “I’m mad at you. Come punish me.”

“Bring it on! Who’s afraid of who!”

Nan Fang was genuinely exhilarated tonight. He quickly shifted gears, and they raced through the streets again.

This time, the thrill lasted over half an hour.

After this round, not only was Shen Yumeng utterly exhausted, even Nan Fang was nearly spent.

Seeing Nan Fang reach for her phone again, Shen Yumeng exclaimed, “You’re kidding? You want to watch Teacher Huang sing again?”

Nan Fang smiled tiredly: “Just a little more. His singing is so beautiful.”

Shen Yumeng teased, “You’re hooked, aren’t you?”

“Hey, I admit it—I’m a bit addicted to his music. I really want to ask him to write a few songs for me.”

Shen Yumeng laughed, “I knew you had ‘ulterior motives’ all along.”

“What ulterior motives? I genuinely admire Teacher Huang’s creations.”

“Well then, I’ll ask Zhao Jing to invite Teacher Huang out for a proper chat with you. You should also bring your manager and your company’s music producer. Everyone sit down and talk.”

Nan Fang said pessimistically, “It’s not easy to get my company to help me invite Teacher Huang to write songs. Given Teacher Huang’s talent and background, his songs won’t come cheap. My company definitely won’t pay for it.”

Shen Yumeng was taken aback: “So you’re planning to pay Teacher Huang yourself?”

Nan Fang replied, “If Teacher Huang’s willing to help, I’d pay out of my own pocket without hesitation.”

Shen Yumeng hesitated a moment and said, “If you’re short on money, I have some savings. I can talk to Zhao Jing and ask her to help negotiate a better price. Maybe we can get a few songs written for you more affordably.”

Her willingness to offer financial support moved Nan Fang slightly. He pulled Shen Yumeng into his arms and caressed her wide hips lovingly. He said, “Money isn’t the key issue right now. Teacher Huang and I are strangers. Why would he help me? Even if you begged him, he wouldn’t be too invested. To get Teacher Huang to sincerely help us, we first need to help him—to make him feel we’re real friends. Only then can things move smoothly.”

Shen Yumeng nodded, agreeing with Nan Fang’s perspective.

“Later, you ask Zhao Jing if Teacher Huang needs any help. If there’s anything we can assist with, we should do our best. But don’t mention asking for songs right away. Asking for songs when you’ve just met him seems too transactional—not how friendships are built. Teacher Huang seems like a trustworthy person, worth befriending. Whether or not he composes for me, he has so much I could learn from. If we can interact more with him, I believe my music will reach new heights.”

Tracing small circles on Nan Fang’s chest, Shen Yumeng softly said, “You’re thinking long-term. Teacher Huang is indeed reliable in both word and deed. It would be great if we could really become friends. …Ah! I think I might be able to help Teacher Huang with something!”

Nan Fang pressed, “What kind of help?”

Shen Yumeng’s excitement deflated in an instant: “Actually, probably not much help.”

She then told Nan Fang about Zhao Jing’s suggestion to recommend Teacher Huang for their program.

“Teacher Huang is focused on promoting his brother’s movie, right? If he appeared on our show, the publicity would be excellent. But I doubt our editor-in-chief would approve. If she heard I suggested some unknown music teacher for the show, she’d probably curse me out.”

Nan Fang saw an opportunity and encouraged her, “Even if she curses you out, you should still try! Teacher Huang isn’t completely unknown—he’s the music producer for that online film, so he’s half in the circle.”

Shen Yumeng rolled her eyes at Nan Fang in disbelief: “You’re joking, right? Even a somewhat famous singer like you can’t get on our show. How could someone like Teacher Huang, an obscure music producer for an online film, catch our editor-in-chief’s attention? She’d reject me without even looking.”

“That high-and-mighty, old maid editor-in-chief is a pain. Forget her. Try talking to the male host of your show—he might be more open.”

“You mean…” Shen Yumeng teased coquettishly, “You want me to use my charm?”

“Slap!” Nan Fang smacked her on the butt, scolding, “Be serious. I mean just talk normally to him. Or you can ask your show’s host—he’s pretty supportive of you. Show them the video and tell them about Teacher Huang’s music. He’s having a special concert at the Duck Club tomorrow night with an online live stream. If they don’t believe you, let them watch the concert. I’m sure anyone with a bit of musical taste will be won over by Teacher Huang’s music!”

“Well… I’ll do my best. But I still don’t have high hopes. If you could give me a little more encouragement, maybe the chances would improve.”

Nan Fang was momentarily stunned: “You’re still not satisfied? I’ve already cheered you on twice!”

“The second time didn’t count…”

“Alright! You’re ruthless! Come on, come on! It’s just cheering! Tonight I’m going all out for you!”