Chapter 016: You Want Me to Write a Song for a Hundred Thousand? No Deal

In the cafeteria area of the Nine Phoenix Music Hall, at a window-side table bathed in countless golden rays of sunlight, Le Xiaotian had just finished his third bowl of rice. Facing the seven beautiful women around him, he said, “Don’t just look at me like that; you should eat too.”

A female sound engineer, eyes tinged with infatuation, wiped the corner of her mouth and asked, “Brother Tian, do you have a girlfriend? I mean, do you have a regular orchestra? Are you looking for members?”

Le Xiaotian paused with his chopsticks hovering above a dish of green peppers and matsutake mushrooms. Was he lacking a group? Far from it—he’d already decided on his orchestra members to reshape the music world: a lineup of sixty-five goddesses and twenty-three gods, modeled after the eighty-eight constellations of Earth, with Brother Tian as conductor. It would surely be the world’s greatest musical ensemble. But she was far from reaching that standard.

He picked up some peppers and, smiling apologetically, replied, “I do have an orchestra, but I’m not planning to recruit anyone for now.”

Another female technician couldn’t hold back. “You really don’t need people? We can do everything—mixing, production, management, negotiations, errands, laundry, cooking, massages. We have all kinds of connections too; it’s really convenient.”

Le Xiaotian chuckled. “I appreciate your kindness. But in a year, I’ll be heading to the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon Nation for the All-Star Extreme Challenge. I won’t be staying long in Fama. My real goal is the Water Nation.”

Hearing this, the seven women looked visibly disappointed. Of course, for a musical genius like Le Xiaotian, the Water Nation—the greatest power in the music world—was the only fitting aspiration. Let alone following him; even attending the All-Star Challenge in the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon Nation in a year was beyond their abilities. They didn’t have the strength or the qualification to compete on such a grand stage or to stand by his side.

Finally, Sun Yuzhen asked carefully, “Xiaotian, I haven’t set my sights on the entire music world, so I won’t presume to say much. But could you come and perform at Nine Phoenix? Sometimes we have internationally renowned conductors and orchestras here; you could meet them.”

That wasn’t exactly his ambition. Still, since she suggested it, he could use the opportunity to gain some live performance experience. After all, facing an audience of a thousand or two didn’t seem to make him nervous.

With this in mind, Le Xiaotian nodded. “Sure. But I’ll be busy recording a show these days. If I have time, I’ll come and perform a solo instrumental piece.”

He chose a solo because, truth be told, he didn’t have an orchestra yet—just a solitary conductor. But that wasn’t something to reveal.

At his promise, the seven women nearly burst with excitement. Not just because he’d perform, but because it meant more opportunities to spend time with him.

The more time they spent together, the greater the chance to get closer and perhaps entrust themselves to him. With this thought, the seven beauties kept piling food onto his plate. “Brother Tian, eat more. If you like it, I’ll cook for you again tonight.”

Given the current pace, it seemed unlikely they’d perfect the recording of “The Palace of Clouds and Swift Melodies” today. But with their help preparing meals, that wasn’t a bad arrangement.

Le Xiaotian sipped some delicious carp soup and smiled. “Thank you, all of you. By the way, I’ll likely need your help with meals for the next couple of days.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“Brother Tian, what do you want to eat? I’ll buy it for you!”

“Brother Tian, do you have a place to stay tonight? I mean, have you arranged accommodation? If your home is far, you can rest at my place—it’s nearby and convenient.”

“Brother Tian, if you’d prefer, I can book you a hotel right away.”

Le Xiaotian’s lips twitched slightly. My goodness, talented people really do have too many troubles. Ah, such a burden.

Just as he was about to continue chatting with the women, his Banana 7 phone rang on the table. Glancing at the screen, he said with a smile, “Excuse me, let me take this call.”

At once, seven moist towelettes appeared before him.

Taking one from Sun Yuzhen, he wiped his mouth, picked up the phone, and pressed the answer button. “Who is this? If you’ve got something to say, make it quick.”

A man’s voice came through. “Le Xiaotian? I’m Brother Hao’s manager. Brother Hao appreciates your talent. One hundred thousand Dance Coins—write a song for him in three days. Did you hear me?”

I’m Brother Hao’s manager? What kind of messy introduction is that—does this Brother Hao think he’s some big deal?

A hundred thousand for a song? If Brother Tian’s in a bad mood, not even a billion would do; if he’s happy, he’ll gift you a hit for nothing.

Le Xiaotian sneered, “Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?”

The man’s voice dropped low. “Don’t tell me you don’t know Brother Hao? Three days—that’s your deadline.”

After hanging up, Le Xiaotian smiled indifferently and turned to the seven women. “Do you know who this Brother Hao is?”

Judging by their reactions, the seven women had grown pale, their intellects quickly sobered.

Sun Yuzhen’s expression was serious. “He’s probably talking about Zhang Hao. Zhang Hao is a top star in Beihai, an underground king, the city’s number one dark star. He’s got hundreds of singers, a dozen idol girl and boy groups, and three symphony orchestras, each with three woodwind sections—so about ninety people per orchestra. His background is powerful, his finances immense. Most of his novels, films, and songs are gained through underhanded means, then used for his entertainment company or artists. He—”

Le Xiaotian frowned as he listened. He hadn’t even made a move yet, but this notorious celebrity was already coming for him.

To verify this star’s status, he consulted his system. The answer: Zhang Hao was a third-rate celebrity, unworthy of concern; it was up to Le Xiaotian whether to deal with him.

Surprised by this information, Le Xiaotian thought, For someone so famous and powerful in Beihai, to be labeled a third-rate star by the All-Star Nemesis System? And I have to face stars dozens of levels higher than that, and not just one? He broke into a cold sweat.

Damn, it’s a trap. Is the system out to get me? Can I just not be the All-Star Nemesis?

Pulling himself together, Le Xiaotian lit a cigarette. Looking at the seven women, he laughed, “Don’t worry, I know a bit of martial arts. Ten or eight guys at once—I can handle them with one hand.”

But the seven women were not so reassured. Sun Yuzhen looked especially anxious. “Xiaotian, you’re not from Beihai, are you? If you can, it’s best not to confront Zhang Hao. With your talent, just write him a song and move on.”

He wants me to write a song, so I have to? As if! Whether I write or not depends on my mood.

Exhaling a stream of smoke, Le Xiaotian basked in the sunlight. “Thanks for your concern, Sister Zhen. But I’ll handle this my way. Oh, and tonight, I’d like spicy crayfish—extra hot. Can you make it?”