The Deep Blue Waves 2

As Evelyn finished singing, a brief silence settled over the room, as if everyone was processing what had just happened. She was still catching her breath, her features glowing with a mysterious exhilaration, while the lingering traces of her magical energy gradually faded, leaving behind a warm, pleasant sensation in the air.

Leo was the first to break the silence. He leaned forward with a bright smile and said enthusiastically, "Well... I think that was the best performance I've ever heard in my life."

Tyrell chuckled and nodded in agreement. "More than that—it felt like I was standing on a beach, the sea breeze brushing against my face, the scent of salt filling the air... My god, Evelyn, your magic made me feel like I was on a perfect summer vacation."

Evelyn looked at them, as if trying to process their words, then murmured in surprise, "Really? Was the effect that strong?"

Leo nodded eagerly. "Not just strong—immersive. It wasn't just your beautiful voice, it was the energy you released. It made everything feel light, soothing... like being transported to another world."

Tyrell took a deep breath, leaning back as he mused, "It seems like your mana flow synchronized perfectly with the music. Nothing felt forced or unbalanced... it was as if your voice and the magical waves blended together seamlessly, making everything feel natural and refreshing."

Evelyn couldn't hide her joy. She smiled, looking down at her hands as if trying to sense the remnants of her energy. "I never realized I could do that... but it seems like music helps me release my power in a way I've never experienced before."

Leo folded his arms and laughed. "If this is what your singing does, I think we need to record an entire summer album."

Tyrell raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And a beachside tour? Imagine the audience listening to your songs and actually feeling the ocean breeze—even if they're indoors."

Evelyn smiled, but deep inside, she felt something deeper than just excitement—relief. Singing had always been a part of her, but now, it was more than just a voice. It was a force, something that carried real emotion and freedom.

In that moment, they all shared a single sensation: the freshness of summer, the calm of the sea, and the pure joy of music.

Leo ran a hand through his hair with mock pride. "Oh, so this means my genius production skills played a role in this too, right?" Then, with sudden enthusiasm, he added, "By the way, there's something I've been thinking about for a while, and this song just confirmed it."

Tyrell glanced at him curiously. "What's on your mind now?"

Leo pointed a finger dramatically, as if revealing a great secret. "A children's version!"

Tyrell furrowed his brows and glanced at Evelyn, who looked both surprised and intrigued. Leo continued excitedly, "I mentioned the idea of launching a kids' drink to Jean-Claude as part of the campaign, and he loved it! We even added it to the contract. And now, after hearing this song—don't you think a softer, lullaby-like version would be perfect for children?"

Evelyn nodded slowly, taking in the idea. "Honestly… that could be beautiful. But how would you make it work?"

Leo grinned. "Imagine the melody on a piano, played softly, like a lullaby from a childhood fairy tale. We can adjust the lyrics slightly to fit a more whimsical theme, but the essence of the song will stay the same."

Tyrell nodded approvingly. "That's actually a brilliant idea. Kids love things that make them feel safe, and if Evelyn's voice can create that effect, it'll definitely be a success."

Evelyn smiled, the vision forming in her mind. "I think I could give it a try. It's different from anything I've done before, but I love a good challenge."

Leo clapped his hands excitedly. "That's what I wanted to hear! Let's work on the new arrangement—I promise you, this version will have its own kind of magic."

As the music started playing, the piano notes were soft, dreamy, drifting like a gentle sea breeze under the moonlight. Evelyn sat inside the recording booth, separated from the others by a glass panel. She closed her eyes for a moment, then parted her lips, letting her voice flow in harmony with the delicate rhythm of the piano.

[Verse One]Crystal waters...Shining so bright...The blue sea...A mesmerizing sight diving in...

Lost in the swirling tide...A wave of emotions...I cannot hide...

Feel the rhythm of the ocean's beat…

In the control room, Leo and Tyrell listened in complete silence, their eyes fixed on the glass that separated them from the recording booth. Leo closed his eyes for a second, as if letting himself sink into the melody, then opened them with a look of astonishment.

"My god… this isn't just singing. This is pure energy, like it's touching something deep inside the soul…"

Tyrell, who seemed utterly astonished, didn't utter a word. Yet, he felt a quiet nostalgia creeping into his heart, as if Evelyn's voice had awakened a lost memory he couldn't quite grasp.

As the song transitioned into the second verse, Evelyn's voice grew softer, more delicate—like a gentle wave dissolving onto a sandy shore:

[Verse Two] 

The salty air…It tastes so sweet…Under the sun…As the waves crash by…In this paradise…

At that moment, Tyrell couldn't resist the sudden impulse. He reached for the control panel and turned down the volume, letting a heavy silence settle over the studio. For a brief moment, the only sound was Evelyn's breath. She instinctively lifted her head, her pink eyes shimmering faintly, as if reflecting the depth of the ocean itself. Suddenly, her voice rose, filled with both longing and determination:

"I wanna fly high……Like a mermaid…"

Her light pink eyes glowed, and her soft pink hair began to emit a faint luminescence, as though the moonlight was casting its radiance upon it. In that instant, the entire room felt charged with an ethereal energy—something celestial manifesting before them. A brilliant white aura pulsed from Evelyn's body, spreading gently throughout the space. Then, before their eyes, luminous shapes began to form—transparent crystalline fish gliding through the air, tiny mermaids dancing between the musical vibrations.

Leo felt a shiver run down his spine. He murmured in awe as he stared at the unbelievable sight, "An angel… she's like an angel…"

Even Tyrell, despite his usual composed demeanor, couldn't help but mutter as he watched the glowing creatures sway through the air, "This… is pure magic."

Then came the final verse, pulling them back into the depths:

[Verse Three] 

I'm dancing in the sea…With each breath…I feel so free…

(A sudden piano touch enters, followed by a soft electronic tone, like a luminous wave breaking toward the horizon, paving the way for the song's final stage.)

The blue expanse…It calls my name…In this endless beauty…I'll never be the same…

Evelyn reached the last note, stretching her voice with delicate precision, as if imprinting an unforgettable echo into the air. As her voice faded, the glowing creatures quieted, then slowly vanished with the final piano note—leaving behind a profound silence… and an enchantment impossible to forget.

Evelyn stepped out of the recording booth with light, almost weightless steps, still immersed in the deep emotions the song had stirred within her. Her long hair rippled slightly with her movement, and her eyes gleamed under the studio's warm lighting. She had barely taken a few steps when Leo greeted her with a wide smile and a light clap of his hands.

"Evelyn, this song… it's on another level!" he exclaimed, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "Believe me, this is going to take the world by storm! You have an unbelievable talent."

Evelyn felt warmth from his words and let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Don't exaggerate, Leo. But… thank you. That means a lot."

Their conversation was soon interrupted by a soft knock on the studio door. All heads turned as one of the staff peeked inside, saying, "Evelyn, there's someone named Rianel here. He says he wants to see you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow slightly before nodding. "Let him in."

The door soon swung open, and Rianel stepped inside with confident strides, his presence radiating an air of ease and self-assurance. He wore a leather jacket over a white shirt, his sharp gaze quickly scanning the room before landing on Evelyn.

Leo waved at him with a curious tone, "How did you even find the studio? And why didn't you call me first?"

Rianel smirked and pointed to his phone with his thumb. "Evelyn's studio is pretty famous on G-Gel Map. Didn't even need to ask for the address."

Leo chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Man, technology really makes everything too easy."

Meanwhile, Tyrell, who had been lounging on one of the seats, observed Rianel with keen interest. Suddenly, he remarked with a slightly teasing tone, "Huh. Didn't expect you to be this tall. Thought you'd be a little shorter, bro."

Rianel raised an eyebrow before replying in the same playful manner, "And I expected you to be more stylish, but I guess your look suits you."

A brief silence followed before both of them burst into laughter, making it clear to everyone that their chemistry was instant—as if they had known each other for years.

"So," Rianel asked with curiosity, glancing toward Evelyn, "how was the song?"

Evelyn gestured toward the screen. "Why don't you listen for yourself?"

Leo pressed the play button, and the melodies began to flow through the air, recreating the magic that everyone had felt earlier.

Rianel closed his eyes for a moment, nodding slightly to the rhythm as if the music was completely consuming him.

When the song ended, he took a deep breath, then slowly opened his eyes with a smile.

"My God… this feels amazing. The song is incredibly soothing, and the work you've put into it is truly impressive. I'm really a fan of it."

Leo raised his hands in the air. "Now, all that's left is the promotional video for the song and the album. It has to be something just as exceptional as the music itself."

Evelyn placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and spoke with confidence, "Relax, Leo. You can count on me and my team. We'll make sure the video looks so professional that you won't believe it's an independent project."

Leo smiled at her, shoving his hands into his pockets before responding in a confident tone,"I'm counting on you, as always."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow playfully, folding her arms as she feigned arrogance. "Of course, aren't I the best in this field?"

Leo chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, I'll leave you to it. I need to get back to the company to send out the final version of the two songs. Oh, and there's something else…"

He paused for a moment before adding, waving his hand, "I need to start working on the drink packaging design."

Evelyn tilted her head slightly. "The drink packaging?"

Leo smirked mysteriously. "Details later, but trust me, it's going to be something amazing!"

Then, he turned to Rianel, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. In a teasing tone, he said, "Enjoy your time, Rianel. Don't overwhelm Evelyn with your endless questions."

Rianel chuckled as he sat down on one of the leather couches, stretching his arms behind his head. "I'm just here for a chat, don't worry."

Leo waved as he bid them farewell and left the studio.

As soon as Leo entered the company building, he immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere. The glances from employees, the scattered whispers, and the way some people were looking at him confirmed that news of his promotion had spread before he had even received the official announcement.

He didn't have time to dwell on it, though, as Elena, Maurice's assistant, appeared in front of him, walking briskly with her tablet in hand. Her serious expression was nothing new to him.

"Leo, Jean-Claude is waiting for you in the conference room. He has some final details regarding your new position."

Leo raised an eyebrow slightly, feigning indifference as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "So, all that secrecy wasn't really necessary, was it?"

Elena gave a small nod as she continued walking beside him. "Max Baker has given official approval, and the branch managers worldwide have backed the decision. It's all set in stone now."

Upon entering the conference room, Leo found Jean-Claude standing by the window overlooking the city, his hands clasped behind his back.

Jean-Claude turned to him with a faint smile and spoke in a calm yet weighty tone, "Leo, I'm glad you're here. As you know, this promotion didn't come out of nowhere. The management sees you as the right person to lead the creative division. But remember, this is a huge responsibility."

Leo sat in the chair across from him, leaning back comfortably. "I'm aware of that, and I'm ready for the challenge."

Jean-Claude smiled, but before he could respond, Leo took out his tablet and placed it on the table in front of him.

"Before we discuss the details, there's something I want you to hear."

He tapped the screen, and a snippet of The Deep Blue Waves—the public version—began to play.

For a moment, silence filled the room as the soothing melodies enveloped the space. The soft sound waves, the deep melodic transitions, and Evelyn's enchanting voice created a perfect blend of magic and allure.

Jean-Claude, listening in silence, closed his eyes briefly as if he were absorbing the hidden energy within the tune.

When the clip ended, he slowly opened his eyes, his expression a mixture of admiration and intrigue.

"…This song carries a unique energy," he said quietly but with evident interest. "There's something about the melody… it feels like it holds a kind of mana— not the wild, untamed kind, but a gentle, smooth force that pulls the listener into its world."

Leo smiled, as if expecting that exact response. "That's why we chose it for the Joga Sprite campaign. A song with this kind of impact can leave a lasting imprint in consumers' minds."

Jean-Claude played the clip again, this time closing his eyes slightly, savoring the details. When it ended, he took a deep breath and spoke with genuine admiration.

"This is a brilliant choice. Incorporating this song into the campaign will be like a magic key to capturing attention."

Leo nodded confidently. "Evelyn and her team are already working on the promotional video and the music video. It's all part of the plan we agreed on."

Jean-Claude looked at Leo with a calm smile. "If you're this confident, I have no objections. I believe this campaign might become one of our strongest yet."

Leo stood up, adjusting his collar before flashing a side-smirk. "Everything will go as planned, don't worry."

Jean-Claude smiled and stood up to shake his hand. "Then, let's make another success for the company."

As Leo and Mr. Claude left the conference room, the latter paused for a moment at the entrance, looking at Leo with a composed smile as he extended his hand for another handshake.

"I'm counting on you for this, Leo. I trust you'll handle things perfectly."

Leo shook his hand firmly, prompting Mr. Claude to add in a serious yet friendly tone,

"I'll be returning to my branch now, but I hope we'll meet again in the future—maybe after another successful project."

"Of course, Mr. Claude. It would be my pleasure," Leo replied with a small smile.

Just as Mr. Claude turned to leave, Maurice approached them with quiet steps, his gaze carrying a mix of cunning and calculation. He smirked slightly as he addressed Mr. Claude.

"So, you're leaving now? No need to worry about the road—I'll have the security team escort you to ensure a safe trip."

Mr. Claude chuckled lightly and shook his head. "That's kind of you, Maurice, but I'll be fine."

"As you wish." Maurice's voice was low, his stare carrying a deeper meaning. Then, he suddenly turned to Leo, narrowing his eyes slightly with a hint of jealousy.

"And you, get back to work," he ordered in a tone that was commanding yet laced with resentment.

Leo responded with a quiet yet confident smile. "Yes, sir."

Maurice gave a curt nod without adding anything else, but Leo wasn't concerned with him.

Right now, all that mattered was achieving what he had planned.