In the listening room of Flying Stone Records, as an established record company in the industry, Flying Stone Records had a deep foundation, and its equipment and facilities were among the best in the field, and the listening room was no exception.
Although this listening room wasn't very large, its decoration and design were completed according to top industry standards, with advanced flooring, wall arrangements, and audio-visual systems.
With dedicated seating, it could easily serve as a high-spec home theater.
Today was a special day; the listening room, which could accommodate 24 listeners, was completely full, and several people without seats were standing in the aisles, making it quite a crowded affair.
Among those present were all the high-ranking figures from Flying Stone Records.
The vice president Yi Xiangjun, music director Lin Zhijie, public relations manager, management department manager, chief signing author Fan Jun, and several agents were all gathered, including the protagonist of this listening session-the MSN group.
In addition, the general manager of Flying Stone Records, Xia Guoyuan, was also present. Xia Guoyuan, in his fifties, had been at the helm of Flying Stone Records for over twenty years, witnessing the company's journey from its peak to decline and then to resurgence, earning him great respect within the company.
In the show business community, Xia Guoyuan was regarded as shrewd, resilient, and well-connected, known for his decisive actions and ability to embrace new ideas despite his long-standing experience.
The establishment of the MSN girl group was the result of efforts from both Xia Guoyuan and Lin Zhijie, which is why he personally attended this album's title track listening session.
Otherwise, a mere song, even if it was a title track, wouldn't warrant Xia Guoyuan's presence. Recently, there had been some differing opinions within Flying Stone Records regarding MSN's debut album, with concerns that the financial investment was too large, significantly increasing the risks.
Especially with the hiring of Lu Chen for composition and production, the cost had reached over 1 million. Offering a top-tier author's treatment to a newcomer had never happened in the history of Flying Stone Records.
Although Lu Chen's talent was outstanding and his personal album had gained market recognition, there were still doubts, with some even suspecting insider trading.
This put a lot of pressure on Lin Zhijie, and only after Lu Chen swept the Original Sound chart and shocked the industry recently did the doubts lessen considerably.
However, the concerns still existed.
Today, Xia Guoyuan was sitting here to support Lin Zhijie.
In addition to the high-ranking officials from Flying Stone Records, the company also invited several well-known figures from the industry. Among them was Zhen Zhen, the editor-in-chief of Pop Music magazine, who had a good relationship with Lin Zhijie and was very interested in MSN's debut album, so she came at the invitation.
There were also two music radio hosts and a well-known music critic.
Such a lineup made the three girls of the MSN group— Mu Xiaochu, Su Jiajia, and Ning Tian— nervous, sitting in the corner of the listening room, hardly daring to breathe.
In fact, the girls were even more excited because this song held significant meaning for their debut album!
The door to the listening room was pushed open, and a staff member from Flying Stone Records led a young man inside. Since Mu Xiaochu and the others were sitting near the door, they were the first to see the newcomer.
They immediately stood up and greeted the young man in unison, "Hello, Teacher Lu!"
The crisp and pleasant greeting from MSN startled the other attendees, prompting Xia Guoyuan, Yi Xiangjun, and Lin Zhijie to stand up as well.
The newcomer was Lu Chen, who hadn't expected such a large turnout for the title track listening session today, and he was quite surprised. Lu Chen nodded at Mu Xiaochu and the others, clasped his hands together, and apologized to Lin Zhijie, who had just walked over: "I'm really sorry for making everyone wait; I got caught in traffic on the way here."
Lin Zhijie smiled, "You're not late. Let me introduce you; this is our general manager."
He first introduced Lu Chen to Xia Guoyuan.
Lu Chen had been to Flying Stone Records four or five times, but this was the first time he met the person in charge.
He had long admired Xia Guoyuan's reputation— a true senior!
Xia Guoyuan shook Lu Chen's hand and smiled, "Mr. Lu Chen, you are indeed young and promising. It's our fortune to collaborate with you!"
Such praise was quite high, making Lu Chen feel a bit flattered.
Lin Zhijie then introduced him to several other guests. Including Zhen Zhen, the editor-in-chief of Pop Music magazine, everyone showed great respect and courtesy toward Lu Chen.
This respect was not merely out of politeness; it stemmed from Lu Chen's status in the pop music scene, which was no longer just that of a Singing China champion. He had established his own prestige.
Lu Chen's current standing was achieved through eleven original works all on the Original Sound chart! This unprecedented record was enough to earn him the respect of everyone present.
After some pleasantries, Lu Chen sat down next to Xia Guoyuan. This spot had been specially reserved for him.
Lin Zhijie personally operated the playback equipment, and before the listening session began, he said, "Thank you to all the company colleagues and industry friends for coming to listen to the title track of the MSN group's album. This song is composed by Lu Chen and produced in collaboration with me. After listening, please provide your valuable feedback."
Applause erupted in the listening room.
Lin Zhijie smiled and said, "The name of this song is Not Yet Lovers."
As soon as he finished speaking, he pressed the play button. The listening room instantly fell silent.
Until the prelude began.
"Why can I talk to you all night, Why do I want to see you again right after saying goodbye,
Among friends,
You are the most special,
Always making me feel so close and attached.
…
Why do you care who goes shopping with me,
Why are you worried about who flirts with me,
You say you care about me,
More than others do,
But you don't say how much more.
…
More than friends,
Not Yet Lovers,
Sweet yet annoying,
Joyful yet chaotic,
What will we become in the future,
I can't wait to know the answer~
…"
This song, Not Yet Lovers, was indeed the title track chosen by Lu Chen for the MSN album. The title of the song derives from the Japanese phrase "More Than Friends, Not Yet Lovers," indicating a relationship that is beyond friendship but not yet at the level of romance. It perfectly expresses the youthful and tender feelings between young boys and girls!
The first part of the song is sung by the three beautiful girls of MSN, each taking a segment, using their sweet or clear voices to convey the anticipation of young girls regarding love and the sweetness of being caught in a romantic dream, delicately expressing the hopes and dreams of girls during this awkward phase.
It instantly captured the ears of almost everyone present! Mu Xiaochu, Su Jiajia, and Ning Tian's singing vividly portrayed the unique emotions of young girls, with a beautiful melody, well-composed music, and a simple yet captivating accompaniment, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
"...
Just a little closer,
Let me hold your hand,
Just a little braver,
And I'll walk with you!
What are you waiting for?
Time is running out,
If it goes on like this,
We can only be friends!
Just a little further,
I'll nod my head,
Just a little bolder,
And I won't shy away!
Just three words,
Don't hesitate for so long,
As long as you say it,
You can have me~
…"
The chorus is the climax of the entire song, and the combination of the three girls is simply perfect! The aloofness of youth, the friendship of youth, and the inexplicable heart fluttering during the prime of life.
The innocent pure love, the brave encouragement, and the impulse to pursue true love make one feel as if they have returned to the past, inevitably recalling those missed opportunities, which are bittersweet yet sweet, perhaps only known to oneself.
The farthest love is when you are on the left, and I am on the right. The most memorable feeling is being more than friends, Not Yet Lovers!
Although Lu Chen had heard it many times before, he was still moved by their voices when he listened to the final completed version. As newcomers in the show business community and members of Flying Stone Records' new girl group, Mu Xiaochu, Su Jiajia, and Ning Tian were under immense pressure, with many people watching and paying attention to them.
This attention was not solely benevolent; some were waiting to see them fail.
MSN withstood the pressure, and when Lu Chen brought the sheet music for Not Yet Lovers, they practiced diligently, rehearsing over and over, correcting even the slightest flaws repeatedly.
Now, the hard work of the three girls had finally borne beautiful fruit. Although the final result still awaited market testing, at least now, in this listening room, both the high-ranking officials of Flying Stone Records and the invited audience were immersed in the music.
Their expressions said it all.
"Can you decide quickly and tell me you love me~"
When MSN finished singing the last line and the accompaniment ended, applause suddenly erupted!
Xia Guoyuan was the first to stand up, clapping his hands vigorously. Among those present, he was the oldest and should have been the least moved by the song Not Yet Lovers.
Because the song was most suited for young people. Yet, this general manager of Flying Stone Records could discern the sincerity and value contained in the song.
It was worthy of his praise and applause!
Neither Lin Zhijie, Lu Chen, nor MSN had disappointed his expectations and hopes.
Others followed suit, standing up to give enthusiastic applause and compliments to the three girls sitting at the back.
"Good song!"
"Really great, and you sang it well."
"It can definitely make it to the Original Sound chart, at least in the Top 10!"
This song made these seasoned industry professionals sense that an album with significant market potential, even one that could become a huge hit, was about to be born; MSN's rise to fame was perhaps just a matter of time!
Faced with the praise from their seniors, Mu Xiaochu, Su Jiajia, and Ning Tian were clearly unprepared; they stood up a bit flustered, their cheeks flushed, and then hurriedly bowed to express their gratitude.
Ultimately, MSN's gaze focused on Lu Chen.
Because they all knew who had brought them everything they enjoyed now!
(End of chapter)
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