Chapter 72: Hah, Women

Although she possessed perfect pitch, Lin Weiyin’s rendition of “Summer” was still lacking in finesse when it came to flawlessly recreating the piece in such a short time. Compared to Liao Yuan, she was clearly a step behind. Even so, her performance was enough to astonish him. To memorize every note perfectly after hearing a piece just once was, in Liao Yuan’s eyes, already a remarkable feat. He had always held a soft spot for naturally gifted pianists who truly loved their craft, like Gao Feiliu; so now, as he looked at Lin Weiyin, he felt this child had tremendous potential.

With the final act concluded, the gathering soon came to an end. Liao Yuan bid farewell to the banquet guests and took Zhang Chao’s car, heading home.

“Mr. Liao, the ‘Emperor Wu of Han’ trailer will air on CCTV in the next couple of days, and the theme music is ‘Journey to the Western Regions,’” Zhang Chao said enthusiastically. “With ‘Journey to the Western Regions’ as your signature piece, and your outstanding performance tonight, I believe more and more people will seek you out. Your works will become widely known, and I’m sure the opportunity to hold your own concert is just around the corner.”

Liao Yuan asked with curiosity, “The post-production was finished so quickly?”

“It’s not that fast, actually,” Zhang Chao chuckled. “‘Emperor Wu of Han’ wrapped filming four or five months ago. The last shoot was just to patch up a few scenes. As soon as we got the theme song, the team submitted the series for approval. After all, it’s a historical drama for CCTV, so the process was relatively smooth, which is why it can be broadcast so soon.”

Liao Yuan nodded in understanding. “Then let me wish you great ratings in advance.”

After a pause, Zhang Chao said, “Mr. Liao, I heard recently that you sold the screen rights for ‘Ghost Blows Out the Light’ to Fu Yuntao?”

“Yes, that’s true,” Liao Yuan replied.

“I thought so. To tell you the truth, Director Zhang has also been interested in your novel lately.” Zhang Chao sighed. “But unfortunately, Fu Yuntao beat us to it.”

Liao Yuan thought for a moment, then said, “I only sold the rights to the first part. ‘Ghost Blows Out the Light’ consists of eight series. Filming them separately won’t affect audience interest. Of course, if Director Zhang is interested in making a film adaptation, we can discuss the movie rights.”

Zhang Chao laughed heartily. “In that case, I’ll let my uncle know about this right away!”

“But Mr. Liao…” As the car stopped at the entrance of Liao Yuan’s building, Zhang Chao continued seriously, “Have you considered changing your agent? I believe professional matters should be handled by professionals. Miss Fu is just a broadcaster, with no experience as an agent. She’s quite young, and as a woman, if she can’t command respect in this industry, she might suffer some setbacks.”

Liao Yuan responded thoughtfully, “Thank you, Mr. Zhang. I’ll consider it.”

When Liao Yuan arrived home, he found a young woman with a ponytail, dressed in a black business suit, leaning against the corner by his door, dozing with her handbag in her lap. When she heard him approach, she raised her head sleepily and said lazily, “You’re back?”

Liao Yuan frowned. “What are you doing here?”

Fu Xiaoci stood up and stretched, her generous curves straining against her tight white blouse, making her figure appear full and rounded. Perhaps the shirt was too tight, for with a snap, a button popped off and flew away, leaving her black brassiere fully exposed before Liao Yuan’s eyes.

The sudden display of white, proud and delicate, left Liao Yuan momentarily dazzled.

Fu Xiaoci froze, her hands still raised mid-stretch. Slowly, she looked down at the scene before her chest, her mind going blank.

I… I didn’t mean to…

He won’t think I did it on purpose, will he…?

But I really didn’t mean to…

Fu Xiaoci’s face burned, turning bright red. She tried to act nonchalant, clutching her handbag to her chest to cover herself. She lifted her head, about to explain, only to see Liao Yuan calmly press his finger to the lock, open the door, and enter as if nothing had happened.

It was as though nothing at all had occurred.

Fu Xiaoci’s mind went blank once more.

After a while, she pulled herself together and followed him inside. “Your ‘My-Soul’ that you released last week has climbed to number one today. Also, I’ve received the electronic invitation for the Mercedes-Benz Arena—the first round of the competition is in a week.”

Liao Yuan acknowledged her with a simple “Oh. Anything else?”

Back in work mode, Fu Xiaoci opened her tablet and read with excitement, “This time, the Emperor and Four Kings Piano Competition has caught the attention of Mars Productions. They’ll be filming and editing the entire Emperor and Four Kings series in the China division, so we’ll need to give it our absolute all.”

“What do you mean?” Liao Yuan asked, puzzled.

“Mars Productions is a well-known company producing variety shows and dramas. Apart from CCTV and the four major TV stations’ in-house studios, Mars is the only one that can compete with them,” Fu Xiaoci explained rapidly and precisely. “This means the Emperor and Four Kings competition will not only be streamed live on J Channel, but Mars Productions will also join in. Their edited programs will be featured on the top three video platforms, turning this piano contest into a nationwide sensation!”

She patted Liao Yuan’s arm, beaming. “As long as you stand out in this competition, the whole world will be watching you!”

Liao Yuan frowned. “A variety show producer? Did they get permission from J Channel?”

“Of course. They had to pay J Channel a hefty licensing fee,” Fu Xiaoci said excitedly. “Mars Productions will handle the entire competition’s production. Their variety shows are some of the best—always topping the charts in ratings and clicks.”

Liao Yuan simply replied, “Oh.”

He understood that once capital became involved in an international competition like this, it was no longer just about the music. Liao Yuan was well aware of the power production companies held in the industry. Since Mars Productions specialized in variety shows, they would surely prioritize drama and entertainment over professionalism. Inevitably, this would lead to friction among contestants.

He shook his head, set those thoughts aside, and casually opened his laptop. After typing for a moment, he turned and asked, “Is there anything else?”

“Huh?” Fu Xiaoci was startled, then shook her head. “No, that’s all.”

“Are you staying here tonight?” Liao Yuan asked, his gaze shifting inadvertently to that tremulous whiteness again.

Fu Xiaoci blushed furiously and hurried out, clutching her bag to her chest.

Liao Yuan turned away, picked up his cup, and took a slow sip. “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

Fu Xiaoci paused, made a mock clawing gesture at the back of his head, then stomped off in a huff, deliberately slamming the door behind her.

Thud.

… Women!