On December 23, 2009, Chen Jingwen brought the songs he had "written" to Huayi Music to meet with Zhang Yadong.
"After we see Zhang Yadong later, I'll head back first. I still have some loose ends to tie up with Hairun," Chang Jihong said. "Starting April 1st next year, I will officially join SMI, and we'll hold a grand signing ceremony for you then."
Hearing this, Chen Jingwen nodded. "I'll listen to Sister Chang in everything."
Chang Jihong smiled and shook her head. "I think I understand your personality well enough—you should be fine. But if anything does come up, contact me immediately. Don't try to be a hero on your own, and you can always have Xiaofeng handle whatever you need."
"Okay, I got it!" Chen Jingwen nodded.
Before long, the three of them arrived at the Huayi Brothers building. As they rode the elevator up to Huayi Music, a girl stepped in.
Chen Jingwen couldn't help raising an eyebrow when he saw her. Wasn't this Zhao Xiaoying!
In his past life, Chen Jingwen had collaborated with Zhao Xiaoying, and the two even had a brief scene together, though she certainly wouldn't remember a minor extra like him.
At this moment, however, Zhao Xiaoying was still struggling in Huayi, the graveyard for newcomers, unable to see any hope at all.
It was precisely this that would eventually drive her to leave Huayi, sign with Hairun, and finally welcome the turning point that catapulted her to fame.
Chen Jingwen had no intention of greeting her, simply watching as Zhao Xiaoying stepped back out.
Soon, the three arrived at the Huayi Music floor. The elevator doors had barely opened when they spotted Zhang Yadong waiting outside.
"Sister Chang, my apologies for not coming out further to welcome you, please forgive me!" Zhang Yadong said with a smile.
"President Zhang is too kind," Chang Jihong said, then gestured toward Chen Jingwen. "This is Chen Jingwen. I've brought him for you to look at today, and as for the album, I'll have to leave it in your capable hands."
"Sister Chang, don't worry, leave it to me," Zhang Yadong smiled.
"Hello, President Zhang!" Chen Jingwen greeted him obediently.
"Xiao Chen, you don't mind me calling you that, do you?" Zhang Yadong said. "Let's head to the conference room first. Let me take a look at the songs you've written; if they're too terrible, I won't pull any punches."
"That's only right. This is my first album, and I don't want to fail miserably either," Chen Jingwen smiled. "I'll have to trouble you to put in the extra effort."
Hearing this, Zhang Yadong nodded toward Chang Jihong, his first impression clearly favorable.
After entering the conference room, Chen Jingwen signaled Xiaofeng to take out his manuscript and hand it to Zhang Yadong. "President Zhang, please give me your guidance."
"Sister Chang, then I'll take a look," Zhang Yadong said to Chang Jihong.
"Go ahead, don't mind me," Chang Jihong waved her hand.
With that, Zhang Yadong picked up the first piece of paper and began reading. Before long, he started humming softly under his breath, his right hand swaying slightly while he continuously nodded his head.
When the song ended, Zhang Yadong raised his head and looked at Chen Jingwen in astonishment. "I really didn't expect this. Did you honestly write this yourself?"
"Cross my heart, I've already registered the copyright," Chen Jingwen smiled.
Zhang Yadong chuckled and shook his head. "To be honest, I didn't hold out much hope for your songs. I've already been collecting tracks for you elsewhere, but you've really given me a huge surprise. Leaving everything else aside, this song alone is exceptionally good—no, scratch that, it's brilliant. It's fully qualified to be the title track."
Chang Jihong looked at Chen Jingwen with some surprise upon hearing this. Although she didn't understand music, she deeply respected Zhang Yadong's professionalism. For even Zhang Yadong to think highly of them meant that Chen Jingwen truly possessed creative talent!
Chen Jingwen said modestly, "You flatter me, but you can take a look at the other songs."
Hearing this, Zhang Yadong nodded indifferently, though he solemnly placed the first song to the side before looking over a few pages and picking up the second song.
Only a moment later, Zhang Yadong stared at Chen Jingwen in sheer disbelief. "This..."
Chen Jingwen simply smiled without a word.
Seeing this, Zhang Yadong smiled as he finished reading the second song, then looked at Chen Jingwen and asked, "There's more?"
"I think they're pretty decent myself." Catching Zhang Yadong's meaning, Chen Jingwen smiled reservedly.
Zhang Yadong laughed, "Well, I refuse to believe it. Did I really just stumble upon a musical genius?"
With that, Zhang Yadong picked up the third song, only to end up wearing an expression of utter bewilderment.
Unwilling to give up, he then picked up the fourth song, the fifth...
Until he had read through every single one, Zhang Yadong let out a long breath, staring fixedly at Chen Jingwen.
Chang Jihong, standing to the side, asked, "Well, President Zhang, are these songs any good?"
"Are they any good?" Zhang Yadong laughed. "They are more than just good. I don't know if these songs will become massive hits or skyrocket in popularity, but the quality of every single one is absolute top-tier. If we produce this album using these tracks, it will undoubtedly be a rare masterpiece, at least in terms of quality."
"Then we can use all of these songs?" Chang Jihong asked.
"Of course we can use them," Zhang Yadong said, turning his gaze back to Chen Jingwen. "The completion level of these tracks is very high, and the quality is beyond reproach. Once released, the probability of them becoming hits is extremely high. What's more crucial is that this kid's songwriting ability is frankly astounding. Are you sure you didn't buy these?"
Chen Jingwen smiled and replied, "If President Zhang still doesn't believe me, I can show you the registration information for these tracks."
"Alright, it's just that you've never shown any talent in this area before, and suddenly so many high-quality songs pop out of nowhere—it's a bit hard to process all at once," Zhang Yadong smiled. "Still, facts speak louder than words. I'm really looking forward to our collaboration now."
"That's wonderful," Chang Jihong said. "Since the songs pass muster, Xiao Chen, you should learn a lot from President Zhang. I'll head back first. President Zhang, I'll leave Xiao Chen and the album in your care."
"You're too kind. I'm full of anticipation for this album myself now," Zhang Yadong said.
After seeing Chang Jihong off, Zhang Yadong turned to Chen Jingwen and said, "I've already thought of a name for this album. How about calling it 'A Ming Jing Ren'? Using the 'Jing' from Chen Jingwen!"
"Wonderful, I love that name," Chen Jingwen nodded.
"Then it's settled. Well, since you're already here, let's go test your voice first and get you into the groove," Zhang Yadong said. "As for the official recording, we'll have to wait a bit longer while I work on the arrangements for these tracks."
"I'd love to do a trial vocal run as well," Chen Jingwen nodded.
Afterward, Zhang Yadong led Chen Jingwen to the recording studio at Huayi Music. "Say what you will about Huayi Music, but their recording equipment is top-tier nationwide," Zhang Yadong smiled.
Having released *Me* with SJM in this lifetime, Chen Jingwen was already quite familiar with recording studios.
"Alright, go on in and test your voice first," Zhang Yadong said.
Hearing this, Chen Jingwen entered the booth and stood before the microphone.
"The arrangement isn't ready yet, so just sing a cappella. Any song will do," Zhang Yadong said.
Chen Jingwen gave an OK gesture, took a deep breath, and calmed his mind.
"Returning once again to that initial starting point,
Your innocent face in my memories.
We have finally
Reached this day.
The old photograph beneath the desk mat,
Countless memories connected.
Today the boy is keeping his final promise to the girl..."