SGSHE80

Luan Xing’an was truly bewildered.

If he hadn’t misheard, Jing Heguang had, in a moment of excitement, called him Xingbao.

That particular nickname held special significance for Luan Xing’an, it was what his grandmother called him. Throughout his life, she was the only one who had ever treated him like a cherished treasure.

While other children had parents, he had been abandoned in a trash heap by his own. Had his grandmother not discovered him and kindly taken him in, he surely would have died there, perhaps even been eaten by rats.

Other children had friends growing up too, but Luan Xing’an had to help his grandmother with chores because the more he did, the less his elderly grandmother had to do. Other kids always turned up their noses at him, claiming he smelled, even though he kept both himself and his clothes scrupulously clean.

Feelings of inferiority had accumulated since childhood, gradually filling every corner of his heart.

But right now, Luan Xing’an was even more astonished by the implication of Jing Heguang’s words!

He had assumed Jing Heguang would reject his request, he had even prepared himself to back down and coax Jing Heguang out of his anger.

Yet, it sounded as if Jing Heguang was saying…he should participate in the show?

Luan Xing’an had watched the previous season of Voice of Heaven. A singer-songwriter had shot to fame during that season, boosting the show’s popularity, and many other contestants had performed original songs as well.

So, was Jing Heguang asking him to join the show meant he was agreeing to let him sing his own songs?

Luan Xing’an looked at Jing Heguang. Beneath his large, round black-framed glasses, his round, dark eyes were wide with disbelief.

Seeing this, Jing Heguang felt a sharp pang in his heart.

The original owner had used various means to ruthlessly suppress Luan Xing’an. Therefore, simply restoring rights that rightfully belonged to Luan Xing’an was enough to leave him utterly astonished. But that was a right that should have belonged to Luan Xing’an all along, he should have been free to exercise it!

Jing Heguang pretended not to hear Luan Xing’an’s earlier remark and asked, “By the way, Xingbao, what did you just say? I didn’t catch it.”

Luan Xing’an immediately shook his head. “It was nothing.”

Even if he said it, he wouldn’t admit to it anyway!

He had finally managed to get Jing Heguang to relent, how could he let this opportunity slip away? Luan Xing’an felt a mix of nervousness and quiet excitement.

After a moment’s thought, Luan Xing’an offered his friend an assurance: “Brother Jing, don’t worry. I’ll keep writing songs for you in the future. You won’t have to worry about the company giving you a hard time.”

Looking at the guileless Luan Xing’an, Jing Heguang felt his heart ache for him even more.

Why had Luan Xing’an so naturally allowed the original owner to exploit him? Ultimately, it was because the boy lacked love.

Luan Xing’an had once had his grandmother, but after she passed away, the original owner had entered his life at precisely that moment.

Later, when Luan Xing’an faced ostracism again, it was the original owner who stepped in and pulled him out of that suffocating environment. Combined with Luan Xing’an’s naturally gentle and soft-hearted nature, it appeared as though he had no bottom line when it came to the original owner.

However, the thought of the ostracism Luan Xing’an had suffered at the hands of his roommates made Jing Heguang want to punch the original owner all over again!

That ostracism had been secretly orchestrated by the original owner. The so-called rescue and help were actually all part of the original owner’s scheme.

Jing Heguang looked at Luan Xing’an and put on a cheerful expression. “We don’t need to do that anymore!”

Luan Xing’an let out another, “Huh?”

He felt like so many things today were baffling.

Jing Heguang tugged gently at Luan Xing’an’s arm, urging him to sit down beside him. “Xingbao, I have some great news, I’ve set up my own studio!”

“I signed a new contract with the company. The old, exploitative one is now void.”

“From now on, I can sing other people’s songs instead of being forced to release only original material. If I sing your songs, I can even credit you as the lyricist and composer! Plus, now that I’m famous, I can turn around and help boost your career!”

Jing Heguang shifted all the blame for the original host’s past actions onto the company.

He had no choice, after all, he still wanted to get close to Luan Xing’an.

His situation was dire, there was simply no explaining away the things the original owner had done. Jing Heguang could only try his best to redeem his image and improve the impression he made on Luan Xing’an.

As for the future, he was absolutely determined never to deceive Luan Xing’an again!

“You signed a new contract?!” Joy lit up Luan Xing’an’s eyes.

That old contract and Jing Heguang’s domineering company had been like a monstrous mountain crushing both of them.

Now that the contract had changed and Jing Heguang was free, he was free too! That mountain weighing them down had vanished in an instant.

However, after the initial burst of happiness, Luan Xing’an realized something: Jing Heguang had never actually intended to stop him from releasing his own work.

He had been too petty, thinking the worst of Jing Heguang.

Luan Xing’an felt a pang of self-reproach, but by then, Jing Heguang had already closed the previous webpage and opened the site for Voice of Heaven.

Although he had already coordinated with the director, the necessary procedures still had to be followed.

Still in a daze, Luan Xing’an found himself going along with Jing Heguang’s plan to record an audition video for the show.

He dug out his song book and began picking a new song.

Having previously considered submitting his own music, he had actually accumulated quite a few new tracks. Jing Heguang looked at the songs and said, “You can’t really tell much just by looking at them like this. Xingbao, why don’t you sing them?”

Luan Xing’an finally realized what was happening. He clutched his guitar, looking hesitant. “I…can I?”

“Maybe I should just submit the songs instead. Writing for others to sing works out pretty well too. After all, I wrote the lyrics and the music, so they’re still my songs.” As long as people knew who he was and recognized his work, that would be enough.

Luan Xing’an gazed at Jing Heguang with a pleading look, blinking a couple of times as if hoping Jing Heguang would let him off the hook.

Jing Heguang wanted him to build his own self-confidence, so he certainly wasn’t going to let Luan Xing’an back down.

Jing Heguang said, “Of course you can! Xingbao, you have a wonderful voice. Your voice sits right between that of a boy and a young man, very distinctive.”

Jing Heguang’s praise was so direct that a faint flush slowly crept up Luan Xing’an’s face.

However, Luan Xing’an didn’t dwell on the compliment, instead, he asked curiously, “Brother Jing, why did you use my nickname today?”

Jing Heguang thought for a moment, then flashed a smile that seemed to hold a world of untold stories: “I used to be afraid of getting into the habit of saying it, but now…I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

Since Luan Xing’an had already misunderstood the situation regarding the company, he might as well let the company take the blame for everything. After all, carrying one burden is the same as carrying two!

Sure enough, Luan Xing’an immediately thought of Jing Heguang’s status as a celebrity and stopped wondering about it.

Luan Xing’an, whose fingers were slender and clean, with neatly rounded tips, tentatively plucked the guitar strings a couple of times.

Hearing the sound, Jing Heguang offered encouragement: “Those few notes already sound lovely! Come on, take a look at the sheet music and let’s begin. You can definitely do this.”

Luan Xing’an thought: It feels like I’m in a marketing class.

But…he couldn’t help feeling happy.

A healthy flush rose to Luan Xing’an’s cheeks. He lowered his eyes to glance at the sheet music, then struck the opening chords.

It was awkward at first. Luan Xing’an played the guitar often, but usually only alone. Having someone else right there made him feel a bit self-conscious.

Gradually, however, the melody smoothed out.

The brisk, cheerful intro evoked the summer breeze, a star-blue slushy drink, and a lemon slice pressed against the glass, its pulp bursting with pale yellow juice, offering a hint of tartness.

Then, Luan Xing’an tentatively sang the first line.

It was very quiet, the sound almost trapped deep in his throat. Yet Jing Heguang sat right across from him, looking on with a serious expression, a smile, and an encouraging gaze.

Luan Xing’an felt his heart skip a beat, though his fingers never missed a note on the strings.

This was a song he had spent days agonizing over, carefully crafting the melody and deliberating over every lyric, pouring his heart and soul into it through draft after draft, from the first to the dozen-plus iterations.

He knew every beat and every line by heart. He understood the deep emotions woven into the music and knew exactly what message he wanted to convey to the listener.

The only thing he hadn’t anticipated was that he would be the one singing it.

At first, Jing Heguang had simply been acting the part, trying to help Luan Xing’an summon the courage to sing.

But as the music went on, his emotions rose and fell with the tempo, surging when the melody quickened and sinking when it slowed.

He truly understood the song, and Luan Xing’an’s voice had drawn him completely into its world.

By the end, Jing Heguang felt an urge to take this little love song, tinged with a hint of bittersweet melancholy yet ultimately full of release, and infuse it with the taste of a perfectly sweet, chilled watermelon, letting that burst of sugary juice wash over and nourish Luan Xing’an’s heart.

When Luan Xing’an finished playing and looked toward Jing Heguang with a touch of apprehension, Jing Heguang was still lost in the moment.

He gazed at Luan Xing’an, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions, including a deep, tender ache.

Luan Xing’an furrowed his brows slightly and clutched his guitar tighter, feeling a bit at a loss.

He hadn’t expected to actually sing the whole song in front of Jing Heguang, he had even nearly forgotten Jing Heguang here too.

He felt he had done a decent job, yet Jing Heguang remained silent.

Luan Xing’an gave an awkward smile, falling back on his habit of self-deprecation: “Was it…?” Terrible?

He never got the last two words out, Jing Heguang cut him off. Jing Heguang snapped back to reality and looked at his phone with regret: “You sang so beautifully. I was so captivated that I forgot to record it!”

After expressing his regret, Jing Heguang turned to Luan Xing’an: “Xing’an, you are incredible! Your singing went straight to my heart.”

“It felt like I just drank a glass of lemonade. The tartness hit me, yet it was so delicious that I wanted to down two more big glasses!”

“What kind of genius are you? If you joined our department, half the students would voluntarily hold themselves back a year just to stay around you!”

Jing Heguang went into full-on praise mode: “Your singing is amazing. You can compose and perform, you’re definitely going to be a star!”

Luan Xing’an felt a surge of emotion welling up inside, yet he couldn’t help but offer a soft, modest rebuttal: “It’s not as exaggerated as you say.”

Jing Heguang pointed at himself: “I’m not exaggerating, I have proof. Look at me, I became a hit the moment I sang your song.”

Luan Xing’an shook his head: “It’s your voice that’s beautiful, clear and crisp yet magnetic, with a unique style all its own. Plus, you look better than any of those celebrities!”

Luan Xing’an truly thought Jing Heguang was exceptionally handsome. Even on TV, he had never seen anyone who looked better than him.

As he praised Jing Heguang, Luan Xing’an also felt something was a bit off.

—Brother Jing is usually quite full of himself, why is he spending the whole day praising me instead?

Hearing Luan Xing’an’s words, Jing Heguang smiled and said, “You look amazing in my eyes, too. Everyone has their own unique kind of beauty. Your voice is captivating, it’s the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard.”

“Back then, I was struggling just to keep my own career afloat, so I only ever asked you to write songs for me, it was such a waste of your talent. I really should have realized sooner just how beautifully you sing!”

Jing Heguang’s compliments weren’t particularly sophisticated, but his sincerity shone through, one could tell immediately that he truly meant every word. Moreover, Luan Xing’an really hadn’t seen much of the world, being praised like this by Jing Heguang reminded him of his grandmother, she used to praise him in exactly the same way.

It was his grandmother’s constant encouragement that had helped him get into music college and embark on a path that had once seemed worlds away from the life he had imagined for himself.

Although Jing Heguang was a different person, with a different voice and a different way of speaking, Luan Xing’an could still feel that same sense of affirmation: “Xingbao, you’re the best!”

So, buoyed by the praise, Luan Xing’an sang the song again.

As he listened, Jing Heguang drew upon the original owner’s performance experience to identify a few minor issues in Luan Xing’an’s singing.

He would then offer some praise before gently guiding him to correct those small flaws.

Hearing the corrections actually put Luan Xing’an more at ease, and he became even more focused on the task.

The two of them spent the time tinkering away in the room, with Jing Heguang occasionally pausing for Luan Xing’an to drink water and rest. The recording session lasted a full two hours before wrapping up.

Finally, Jing Heguang played back the video he had recorded on his phone, leaving Luan Xing’an almost unable to believe his eyes.

Was that really him on screen? Was that really his voice singing?

It actually…sounded pretty good. Luan Xing’an sat beside Jing Heguang, hands resting on his knees, a growing sparkle in his eyes.

Jing Heguang looked at him, feeling as though he had planted a seed and was now witnessing the tiny sprout breaking through the soil.

***

After finishing the audition video, the two finally remembered to fill out the registration forms.

As Luan Xing’an filled in the initial personal details, Jing Heguang glanced over the rest of the form. When Luan Xing’an reached the section where he had to choose between signing as an individual or under a company, Jing Heguang spoke up: “Xing’an, do you want to sign with my studio? We can just list you under my studio’s name, using a contract that doesn’t impose any restrictive obligations.”

Worried that Luan Xing’an might misunderstand, Jing Heguang quickly added, “If you’re under my studio, you’ll definitely get more screen time from the director. Since I’m a mentor, the director is bound to give me some face.”

More screen time meant being seen by more people and gaining more fans.

Luan Xing’an had been feeling the warmth of Jing Heguang’s kindness for a while now. He had even convinced himself that Jing Heguang’s previous hard work was all aimed at establishing the studio sooner so they could both break free from their current situation.

Thus, after all that, while Jing Heguang’s goal was simply to clear his reputation, in Luan Xing’an’s eyes, he had become so spotless he practically glowed like an incandescent bulb.

Luan Xing’an agreed without a second thought: “Sure.”

At the same time, he felt overwhelmed by how well Jing Heguang treated him, offering a non-binding contract and trying to secure him more screen time without him having any way to repay the favor.

For once, Luan Xing’an cracked a joke: “Boss, I’ll make sure to earn plenty of money for you in the future!”

Hearing this gave Jing Heguang an idea.

He took out his cardholder and handed a card to Luan Xing’an: “Xing’an, here take this card. The PIN is my birthday.”

The original owner had used Luan Xing’an’s songs, so the earnings rightfully belonged to Luan Xing’an. Whatever remained after that split belonged to Jing Heguang, and Jing Heguang’s money would eventually belong to Luan Xing’an anyway.

Therefore, Jing Heguang took the card holding the original owner’s largest savings and thrust it directly into Luan Xing’an’s hands.

Then, he pulled out his phone and transferred a substantial sum from his mobile account to Luan Xing’an.

Luan Xing’an watched Jing Heguang go through the motions, and a notification popped up on his screen.

—Zhifubao Notification: Your friend Brother Jing has transferred 520…to you.”

Luan Xing’an tapped on it to check, the transfer amount was 520,000, a full 520,000 yuan. Thinking of his own balance of less than 20,000 yuan, Luan Xing’an suddenly felt quite poor.

Seeing the notification appear on Luan Xing’an’s phone, Jing Heguang remarked, “The bulk of the money is on the card, there wasn’t much left on the phone.”

Luan Xing’an was bewildered again. “Brother Jing, why are you suddenly transferring so much money to me?”

“I earned that money singing your songs, so naturally, you deserve a share,” Jing Heguang said.

Luan Xing’an shook his head and said earnestly, “No, that won’t do. You rented the apartment, and I’m always freeloading off you for food and drink. Even though I wrote the songs, a small token would have been enough, you didn’t need to give me this much.”

As he spoke, Luan Xing’an tried to shove the card back into Jing Heguang’s hand and prepared to transfer the money back.

Jing Heguang stood there holding the card, momentarily dumbfounded.

This silly child was just too honest! He wouldn’t even take the money when it was offered.

The original owner had worried that Luan Xing’an would betray him for money, which was why he had ultimately driven Luan Xing’an into a dead end. Yet, looking at Luan Xing’an now, it was clear that no matter how much money you gave him, he simply wasn’t the type of person to betray a friend.

Thinking of the utter despair and grievance Luan Xing’an must have felt when he eventually jumped from the building, Jing Heguang felt a pang of heartache. Jing Heguang looked at Luan Xing’an, who was right there beside him, and said, “Don’t bother transferring it back. I was so busy I forgot, I should have given you your share ages ago! Every cent of that money is rightfully yours.”

Luan Xing’an felt everything was crystal clear: his good friend Jing Heguang was truly a good person with absolutely no ill intentions.

However, his songs were only one factor in Jing Heguang’s rise to fame. In Luan Xing’an’s view, it was still an unpredictable element, a very minor one at that.

So, Luan Xing’an smiled and said, “I’ll just keep twenty thousand, then. If you want to thank me, why not cook dinner for me tonight? It’s been ages since I’ve had your cooking.”

Luan Xing’an preferred Jing Heguang’s cooking over money.

Money might symbolize certain things, but the effort of cooking represents a tangible kind of care and devotion.

Besides, Jing Heguang had arrived in the afternoon, and after spending ages filming videos together, it was now the perfect time to start dinner.

Jing Heguang felt a twinge of regret thinking about the 520 that had been torn apart.

Looking at his Xingbao, it was clear the other man had no special romantic feelings for him. When would Luan Xing’an remember their past relationship? Or perhaps fall in love with him all over again?

Jing Heguang wrote down the name for the studio, then rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen.

The original owner hadn’t known how to cook before college. However, he turned out to have a real knack for it. With just a little experimentation based on cookbooks, he could whip up delicious meals.

Once Jing Heguang started cooking, he discovered he had a talent for it, too.

After making his first batch of scrambled eggs with tomato and tasting a bite, his appetite was instantly whetted! The sauce had a perfect balance of salty and sweet, the eggs were incredibly fragrant, and the peeled tomatoes were tender, it would be absolutely delicious mixed with rice.

Forty minutes later, the rice in the cooker was ready.

Using ingredients from the fridge, Jing Heguang had prepared three dishes and a soup. Luan Xing’an took out two cans of chilled Pepsi and handed one to Jing Heguang.

It had been a month since they last saw each other, but it had been…nearly half a year since he’d last tasted his friend’s cooking.

On top of that, having resolved a major problem, Luan Xing’an was visibly excited. A smile was constantly on his fair round face.

Jing Heguang pulled the tab on his can and raised it: “Let’s have a toast to the start of a new life!”

“Yes.” Luan Xing’an raised his can as well, offering his congratulations: “Congrats to brother Jing on setting up your own studio, you’re free now!”

Jing Heguang replied, “And congratulations to me for signing the future superstar Luan Xing’an, I’m about to embark on the path of a boss making it big!”

Luan Xing’an blushed at Jing Heguang’s words. He asked nervously, “But what if…what if I get eliminated in the very first round?”

Talent shows operate on an elimination format, most contestants simply make a brief appearance before having to leave the stage.

Deep down, Luan Xing’an was actually afraid of participating in the show.

He wasn’t much of a talker, lacked high emotional intelligence, and didn’t know how to vie for the spotlight, he was someone who tended to fade into the background.

He had wanted his songs to bear his name and personal touch so badly that he hadn’t really considered how disastrous the show might turn out to be. Now that the thought crossed his mind, he couldn’t help but worry.

Jing Heguang, however, was far more confident in him: “Don’t worry. The moment you start singing, all eyes will be on you, and everyone will be amazed! You’re going to be the brightest star on that stage!”

Swayed by Jing Heguang’s unwavering confidence, Luan Xing’an couldn’t help but picture the scene, singing his own songs, heard and seen by so many people.

It was a scenario he hadn’t really imagined before. He had hoped his songs might become hits, but he also knew that songwriters rarely achieved the same level of fame as the singers who performed them. Still, he was satisfied as long as there were at least a few comments praising the lyrics and composition under those songs.

It’s just…he wondered where Brother Jing got such faith in him. Could he share a little of that confidence with him, too?

Inside the tiger-shaped slippers he’d changed back into, Luan Xing’an’s toes curled up from the sheer delight of the praise.

***

After dinner, Luan Xing’an insisted on doing the dishes.

Jing Heguang began planning exactly how to catapult Luan Xing’an to stardom.

He had already abandoned his previous, laid-back strategy of letting talent speak for itself.

This season of Voice of Heaven featured a male lineup, and the roster of preliminary contestants had been finalized, even before the mentors were chosen. Therefore, promotional articles were already circulating online, and viewers anticipating the show were already familiar with the names of certain contestants.

Contestants who were already known generated significant online buzz, a factor the show’s editing team would naturally have to take into account.

Although Jing Heguang intended to give Luan Xing’an extra screen time during the show, he felt that failing to generate pre-show hype would put the young man at a disadvantage. After all, Luan Xing’an was simply too honest and unassuming.

Jing Heguang opened the notes app on his phone, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

1. Go shopping for a makeover.

2. Livestream to build confidence.

3. Create an on-screen CP or pairing. (Difficult, requires in-depth study.)

4. Build a rapport.

…

As he typed, Jing Heguang thought to himself: I can’t let the kid lose right at the starting line!