"Hmph, Zhang Dongyan, I seriously doubt your capabilities as the student council president. Is that the so-called goddess you were talking about?"
With a mix of disappointment and annoyance etched on his face, Zhao Bin marched back to the area where the student council members were stationed, his eyes scanning the crowd until they locked onto Zhang Dongyan. His expression was one of complaint and frustration.
Zhang Dongyan, the student council president, furrowed his brows in response to Zhao Bin's arrival. He could sense the dissatisfaction emanating from him. "What's going on? Did you go and say something to them?" Zhang Dongyan questioned, his voice tinged with displeasure. "Didn't I tell you not to mess with them?"
Zhao Bin scoffed dismissively, disregarding Zhang Dongyan's discontent. A glint of coldness flickered in his eyes as he spoke, his words laced with determination. "Hah, it's not just about what I said. It's as if they don't even consider me important," he retorted. "So she's a goddess, huh? Very well, it's amusing how anyone can boast about anything. Thinking she can demand a breach of contract fee of over ten million for a song as if she's the queen of the music industry. Well, let's see what she's got that could prevent me from participating!"
- - - - - - - - - -
Meanwhile, outside the school, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, two graceful figures strolled leisurely, their steps carrying an air of confidence and purpose. They glanced around at the students milling around the area as they passed.
Since she still had free time after the audition, Miaoyi decided to take a stroll across the school grounds instead of returning to class early. Her brows were slightly furrowed, indicating that the earlier events had troubled her.
In truth, the absurdity of what had occurred today could not be denied.
However, despite its frustrating nature, such incidents were expected in either world.
Setting aside the behind-the-scenes manipulations that tainted the selection process, the audacity of a particular individual named Zhao Bin, who had dared to attempt to bribe her to sell the rights to Qiuying's song, as well as trying to buy her own song, "Countdown" minutes earlier, left Miaoyi feeling sour, and slightly dispirited.
Upon reflection, Miaoyi considered herself fortunate. She had already established herself as a rising star in the realm of electronic music production. Her talent had earned her the prestigious trophy for Outstanding Producer at the Canxing Nova Awards, even though she had yet to collect it from the headquarters of Light Cloud Music. The trophy bore her name, serving as a testament to her achievements.
However, Miaoyi couldn't help but imagine the impact this incident would have had if she or Qiuying were just ordinary high school students, someone who had poured their heart and soul into creating a song they believed in. The thought sent shivers down her spine.
The song would have been sold for a meagre sum, along with the rights to her name. The right to be recognized, a fundamental right for any singer and producer, would have been lost the moment the contract was signed and the song was released. Not to mention the potential violation of other copyrights.
Such incidents were abundant in the music industry, but fortunately, Miaoyi possessed multitudes of insider knowledge of the industry, both from this life and her previous one.
She knew that apart from willing collaborators, there were those involuntarily embroiled in such situations, often referred to as "gunners" within the industry.
However, what she never expected was to become a target herself, the day someone decided to "gun" her.
So, true to Miaoyi's fiery personality, she could not easily accept things. Even The Rex, a renowned figure in the electronic music scene, couldn't handle her sharp criticism, causing him to disappear from the industry for an undefined period. Therefore, while this particular matter might not seem significant, Miaoyi felt a strong urge to counter it. It was a matter of defending An Qiuying's honour and making a statement.
From the very beginning, Qiuying had placed great importance on the school celebration. Miaoyi had silently observed her dedication, witnessing her practice the entire night after receiving the sheet music. It was this unwavering commitment that drew Miaoyi into the fray.
"So, you're an internet celebrity with tens of thousands of fans, right? Qiuying, I'll help you get back at them," Miaoyi smirked, her eyes gleaming with determination as she shifted her gaze to Qiuying and flashed a faint smile.
"Miaoyi, maybe we should just let it go. It's just one event, and I'm okay with it," Qiuying said, clutching her guitar, attempting to comfort her friend. "We can explain it to the teacher later."
"No, that won't do. I've already made up my mind. I want people to understand that An Qiuying is under my protection, and no one can touch her," Miaoyi stated firmly, seizing the opportunity to lean against Qiuying. Now calmer, she looked up at Qiuying with a glint in her eye, "Qiuying, you're still as soft and comfortable as ever~"
"Can you be more serious?" Qiuying sighed helplessly, instinctively dodging Miaoyi's closeness. "So, what's your plan this time? I didn't get selected, and you didn't audition. Do you want to use your connections to secure a spot?"
"Huh, young people. I won't stoop to such childish tricks. They can have their performance if they want," Miaoyi scoffed, dismissing the idea. "That is if they can find a suitable venue..."
"What?" Qiuying's confusion deepened, unable to grasp the meaning behind Miaoyi's words.
"I want to organize a music festival!"
"In reality, I can't be classified as a DJ yet. At best, I'm a professional producer. Perhaps this is my opportunity to shed the 'pure producer' label!" Miaoyi declared with conviction, her voice radiating a resolute determination.
As for whether or not to reveal her true identity, Miaoyi no longer prioritized it.
The inevitability of exposure had settled in her mind. She couldn't spend her entire life quietly toiling away in the studio, creating electronic music...
Besides, she was making a song for a film already. Wouldn't revealing herself now only boost her fame?
Once she grasped this truth, the early or late exposure question became inconsequential.
If she was destined to be exposed, then so be it. The exhilaration of standing on the DJ stage, commanding the thunder and lightning, would surpass anything she was experiencing now.
No DJ could resist the magnetic allure of the spotlight, the thrill of standing on the grand stage and controlling the very essence of music. With their hands on the mixing console, DJs were very charismatic characters. The world would be theirs to conquer.
With that firm resolve, Tang Miaoyi reached into her skirt pocket and retrieved her phone. Unlocking it swiftly, she opened her contact list, found Yun Jie's number, and then dialled it.
Ring... Ring... Ring... Ring...
"Hello, what's up?" Yun Jie's voice came through the earpiece once the call connected.
"What are you doing at home right now?"
"Just watching TV," Yun Jie answered absentmindedly, the faint sound of potato chips being eaten audible in the background. "Why... Why are you calling all of a sudden?"
"Stop watching and get ready to work. Contact East Records and your former employer. Tell them that your boss wants to organize an on-site event... a large-scale one. Online ticket sales are allowed. Just say it's TMY's debut!"
Yun Jie: "What?"
"I said I want to organize an electrifying music festival. The venue will be at Shanghai No. 7 High School. I'm not joking with you."