12

Perhaps because she felt she had a favor to ask, she couldn't use too strong a tone.

Therefore, Ye Linghua sent another message:

[Sometime later, when I'm free, I'll call you over for a game of chess!] Stinking chess basket.

(Chinese idiom meaning bad at chess)

Even though she extended the invitation, Ye Linghua still couldn't help but complain. With Zhang Kunshan's level of chess, no wonder he couldn't find an opponent anywhere.

Who would be willing to play chess with a stinking chess basket? Playing against Zhang Kunshan was practically mental torture.

Ever since Ye Linghua played a game of chess with him once, she wouldn't go again so easily.

Although her chess skills weren't particularly impressive, they were still far better than Zhang Kunshan's. Besides, she wasn't that interested in chess—why make things difficult for herself, why torment herself?

Zhang Kunshan, upon hearing that this person finally agreed to play chess with him, was instantly overjoyed. But he also understood that there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. For someone he had sought out only to refuse multiple times, to now take the initiative—it seemed like they had a big request.

Thinking this, Zhang Kunshan didn't hesitate and directly asked, [So, what do you need from me?]

Ye Linghua chuckled—this guy still had some self-awareness.

[Do you know that there's a beautiful woman in this world called Lin Xin?]

* * * *

To invite Zhang Kunshan, Meng Kelin went back and discussed the matter with the company. Naturally, the company prioritized profits, and upon hearing that she wanted to invite Zhang Kunshan, they had no objections.

However, although they agreed, they still didn't have much confidence in it.

It was said that a few years ago, Zhang Kunshan overworked himself to the point of vomiting blood.

Of course, that was just a rumor—he probably didn't actually vomit blood—but at the very least, he was truly exhausted. Because of that, no one had been able to invite him for the past two years.

Zhang Kunshan's status in the entertainment industry wasn't insignificant. Even if the company reached out, it wasn't certain that he would accept. So where did Meng Kelin get her confidence from? But if she could actually invite him, that would be the best outcome. The company would certainly support it wholeheartedly.

This song was Lin Xin's first song after her comeback, and Meng Kelin placed great importance on it, investing a great deal of resources. When choosing a song, she had considered all the major industry veterans. But as luck would have it, on that particular day, she saw this newcomer's composition in the director's office.

It was a piece of music that shook her to the core. In that instant, Meng Kelin was certain—this song was extraordinary, and it had the potential to become a massive hit.

For Lin Xin, who had rarely appeared in recent years because of Zheng Lanwen, her fan base was already much less active than before. If this comeback wasn't successful, it would have serious long-term consequences for her career.

Therefore, using a newcomer's composition was not a simple decision. But after Meng Kelin played the song for Lin Xin and saw that she had no objections, she spent several days negotiating with the company until they finally approved the choice.

With the composition secured, such a grand piece naturally needed equally powerful lyrics.

Meng Kelin had already done her research—Teacher Zhang's artistic talent was widely recognized in the industry. If he penned the lyrics, he could absolutely amplify the emotions the song aimed to convey.

But getting Teacher Zhang to agree was the hardest part. Meng Kelin ran around pulling connections, gathering information, and finally, she learned from someone who had worked with him before that Teacher Zhang was obsessed with chess.

So, not long ago, Meng Kelin had someone track down a rare chess manual.

Back in her office, she personally made the call. Though she was only calling his assistant, she had already prepared herself for rejection.

It didn't matter. Wasn't perseverance key? A true master wouldn't be so easily persuaded. As long as she was sincere, she believed she could convince him.

Getting scolded a few times didn't matter! Being insulted didn't matter! Even if she had to kneel, she would make sure to invite the master!!! Holding onto a do-or-die determination, Meng Kelin listened to the dial tone.

"Hello." The call was answered almost the instant it rang, followed by a friendly greeting.

Meng Kelin, having prepared herself for the worst, was momentarily stunned.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end seemed puzzled by her silence and spoke again. The assistant was a young woman, her voice sweet and lively, carrying the unique brightness of youth.

Meng Kelin snapped out of it and quickly responded, "Hello, hello, I'm Meng Kelin from Yuntian Film Company."

"I've heard a lot about you." The girl on the other end chuckled.

Meng Kelin was taken aback again, tilting her head—was she really that famous in the entertainment industry? Maybe so! After all, hadn't she helped make Lin Xin a top-tier celebrity?

Thinking this, Meng Kelin felt reassured, but she still replied politely, "You flatter me. I'm reaching out today to ask if the teacher has time to take on a song?"

She actually just asked outright!!! Meng Kelin suddenly realized—she hadn't exchanged pleasantries, hadn't sent a gift, hadn't even arranged a meeting. She just directly asked about the lyrics!!!

How rude!!!

It was really the assistant's friendly attitude that made her lower her guard, causing her to forget about making a proper approach and just get straight to the point.

Too rude!!!

This was bad! She was definitely going to get rejected.

Meng Kelin, furious at herself, was just about to slap herself when the words from the other end froze her hand midair.

"Oh? Yes, the teacher happens to be free lately. Send the composition to our work email. What kind of theme do you want for the lyrics? You can include the details in the email."

For a moment, silence fell on this side of the call.

Meng Kelin: "..." Today, either I'm dreaming, or the Earth has been hit by something. Why does it feel like they agreed way too easily? Did I really call Zhang Kunshan's assistant? Did I dial the wrong number?

"What's wrong?" The voice on the other end carried a hint of impatience.

Meng Kelin quickly said, "Nothing, could you provide me with your email? I'll send over the composition."

"Of course, no problem. We'll send the work email to your phone via text message. Once you receive it, please send the composition over promptly. Oh, and one thing—before writing the lyrics, our teacher needs to meet the singer in person."

That was an expected rule, so Meng Kelin immediately nodded. "Of course, absolutely no problem. Please let us know a time, and we will arrange a visit as soon as possible."

The assistant was pleased with her response. After some casual conversation, both sides happily ended the call.

* * * *

Lin Xin received Meng Kelin's call that evening. Meng Kelin was incredibly excited on the phone, rattling off the entire sequence of events in a blur. But to sum it up in one sentence—Teacher Zhang had accepted!

Teacher Zhang was well-known as a legendary figure within the industry, but outside of it, in fan circles, few actually recognized him.

Thus, there was no way to hype up his return for publicity. Of course, no one would dare to anyway.

Teacher Zhang wasn't just a master lyricist—twenty years ago, he had also written numerous widely celebrated productions. The very first mainland film to break through restrictions had been his work. The song from that film, for which he wrote the lyrics, had dominated the scene for years! Even now, it remained a timeless classic, always ranking near the top of music charts.

At this point in Zhang Kunshan's career, the most terrifying thing wasn't his talent anymore—it was the vast network of connections he had built over the years.

In the entertainment industry, the resources that could be obtained through him were undoubtedly top-tier.

So, even though Lin Xin was a massively famous A-list star, in front of Zhang Kunshan, she was still just a junior.

If she had been rejected, it wouldn't have been surprising.

But he accepted? Lin Xin felt a strange sense of unreality. "Not even a single rejection? Not even once?"

Meng Kelin boomed, "Of course! The moment he heard you were releasing a song, he agreed without hesitation."

Outside the window, the evening sun bathed the sky in a brilliant red, casting a soft glow over Lin Xin's profile, making her features appear even gentler. Upon hearing that Teacher Zhang had accepted, her once-tense expression slowly relaxed, a look of happiness spreading across her face in the golden light.

Ye Linghua, who was watching over the soup in the kitchen, turned around at the sight. The scene before her—a moment of serene beauty like an oil painting—made Ye Linghua feel a sense of joy as well.

Lin Xin hung up the call and turned to Ye Linghua, ready to share the good news. But before she could say anything, she caught sight of Ye Linghua standing at the kitchen doorway, wearing an apron, a ladle in her right hand—a picture of simple, domestic warmth. And yet, under the sunset's deep hues, the shadows cast upon her features gave her an air of elegance.

Contrasting auras that shouldn't have blended—yet somehow did.

Ye Linghua asked, "Good news?"

Lin Xin snapped back to reality and broke into a radiant smile, a joy so infectious that it brightened the entire space. "Yes! Teacher Zhang accepted. I don't know why, but I heard he's quite easy to talk to."

Seeing her like this, Ye Linghua also smiled in relief and asked, "Happy?"

Lin Xin responded with a firm nod, her voice clear and bright. "Happy!"

Ye Linghua murmured softly, "That's good."

Then, she turned back into the kitchen. Moments later, her voice floated out, "Xin Xin, come here! The soup's done. Should we add salt?"

Lin Xin jolted, instantly leaping up from the sofa. "I'll do it! Don't touch it!"

Then, she dashed across the living room, past the coffee table, through the dining area, and past the wine cabinet. She didn't notice the phone Ye Linghua had left on the dining table.

With a soft ding, the screen lit up, displaying a new message.

[Zhang: The task regarding the beautiful woman has been accepted. You owe me one now!]

Ye Linghua, still standing at the stove in her apron, watched in mild bewilderment as Lin Xin rushed over and busied herself adjusting the soup's seasoning. A smile unconsciously crept onto Ye Linghua's lips as she simply stood there, watching her.

The sunset behind them cast their shadows onto the kitchen floor, their silhouettes blending into one.

"Try it," Lin Xin said in a prideful tone.

"It's good," Ye Linghua replied with a smile.