Chapter 117: Liu Huan's Invitation

Xu Danni arrived half an hour later. Before that, Liu Qingshan had observed Jin Xishan’s persistence and had begun to form some ideas.

When he saw her arrive, he couldn’t help but ask eagerly, “Do you think Sister Xishan has a chance to become a disciple of Teacher Gu?”

Xu Danni shook her head. “The elder only agreed to accompany Sister Xishan to visit Teacher Gu. He hasn’t taken students for many years. It’s probably very difficult. After all, he’s already seventy; his energy won’t allow it.”

After welcoming her inside, Liu Qingshan went to the kitchen, frowning and lost in thought.

Watching Jin Xishan whispering quietly with Xu Danni, he felt a pang of sympathy. Strong-willed as she was, she had never asked for any help from him before. This single request was already a significant challenge for Liu Qingshan.

He didn’t know the old artist personally, but he couldn’t bear to see the woman he cared about disappointed. Scratching his head, he racked his brain for a solution.

He had initially hoped to find the best way to approach Gu Yun through others, but calls to Zhang the Bearded went unanswered.

Zhang the Bearded did know the person but didn’t think he had enough influence himself.

So Liu Qingshan decided at the last minute to ask Liu Huan, a closer contact—a music king famous for works like “Song of the Hero,” “Starting Over,” and “Youthful Ambition Without Regret.”

As one of Gu Yun’s most cherished students, Liu Huan was likely to offer some guidance.

However, Zhang the Bearded said Liu Huan’s help would be limited. After all, Gu Yun was a seventy-year-old man; it was predictable that he had the will but not the strength.

With no call coming through, Liu Qingshan lost the desire to cook. To him, nothing was more important than Jin Xishan’s feelings.

Besides, he had almost promised on the spot just moments ago. If he failed, not only would his woman be disappointed.

Luckily, just as he was fretting, his phone finally rang.

But the number was unfamiliar. Once he answered, a hearty laugh came through the line.

“This should be Brother Qingshan, right? I’m Liu Huan. Brother Jidong assigned me this task, so I’m checking in with you first.”

Liu Qingshan was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Zhang the Bearded to be so effective, sending a music superstar of Liu Huan’s caliber so quickly.

“R-Really, Brother Huan? I’m Liu Qingshan, but first, allow me to gather my thoughts.”

He deliberately revealed a hint of fluster—a gesture to show his seriousness.

“It’s good to hear from you, Brother Qingshan. So I hear your Jin Xishan wants to enter Teacher Gu’s tutelage?”

“Exactly. Today, Xu Danni from Jingdu TV secured an opportunity for Sister Xishan to pay a visit to Teacher Gu. She’s seeking vocal training. Upon learning of Teacher Gu’s identity, she was amazed and decided to pursue this!”

“I’ve heard Miss Jin sing—her voice is beautiful and sweet, though it’s clear she’s not a professional singer. I know your name too; your portrayal of Hu Jinghui was impressive, though unfortunately, he died early, haha…”

From his laughter, one could tell he was a straightforward, unpretentious man.

The drama “Detective Di Renjie” was currently airing on National TV Channel 8, garnering high ratings.

Its plot was thrilling, full of twists and suspense, with engaging details and deductive elements that kept viewers hooked.

Unfortunately, Liu Qingshan’s character Hu Jinghui died in episode thirteen, hence Liu Huan’s teasing laughter.

“So Brother Huan knows about me, a mere nobody.”

“It was Brother Zhuyanping who first told me about you. He said you had real skills, which made me interested in the drama.”

“Ah, Brother Zhuyanping—that’s the first senior I met in this industry.”

“I’m on good terms with him. But let’s save all that for later. For now, tell me your plan.”

“I just wanted to ask if Teacher Gu is currently accepting disciples, so I asked Director Zhang to help me inquire.”

“Brother Qingshan, you’re no outsider. Honestly, I think it’s unlikely. Teacher Gu just turned seventy-one and has some minor health issues. I’m afraid he means well but lacks the strength.”

“Yes, yes, I considered that too, which is why I wanted to check first—so I wouldn’t be reckless.”

“Alright, you’re a man of straightforwardness! I hear your songwriting is good. Besides ‘Beautiful Myth,’ do you have other songs?”

“I do. I’ve tailored a few for Sister Xishan and just finished recording some demos. When you have time, could you help me critique them?”

“Don’t keep calling me ‘sir,’ it feels awkward. Just call me Qingshan. I’m at Huayin Recording Studio now. If you have time, bring Miss Jin along.”

Liu Qingshan restrained his excitement, replied casually, and hurriedly ended the call.

He turned from the kitchen and shared the news with Jin Xishan.

Her expression lit up with excitement. “Then let’s go quickly. Brother Huan letting us come means there might still be hope.”

Huayin was the top music academy in Huaguo. Liu Huan was a music professor at the University of International Business and Economics and also a guest professor at Huayin.

It wasn’t far from Phoenix City residential area. Following the Fourth Ring Road and its service road, it took just over twenty minutes to reach Huayin’s grand entrance.

Entering Huayin was easy for pedestrians, but vehicles required special permits.

Fortunately, the business van carried Xu Danni, whose press credentials allowed them to drive in directly.

Her car was temporarily left back at Phoenix City. For a reporter, meeting someone like Liu Huan was a significant event.

Shi Hui had also been notified by phone and planned to find a way there, accompanied by Park Hyun-hee.

The recording studio was on the first floor of an annex to Huayin’s main building. The van parked in the lot outside.

Inside, many people were present, mostly young women who appeared to be students.

Besides Liu Huan, there was a rough-looking man in his thirties with shoulder-length curly hair and a short black beard under his chin.

After introductions, Liu Qingshan and the others realized this man was the renowned musician Erbao.

Though not famous in entertainment circles, he was well-known in the music world. His compositions “Never Miss a Meeting” and “Subtle Fragrance” were widely sung.

He was not only Liu Huan’s behind-the-scenes planner but also vocal coach to the celebrated Hong Kong diva, Princess Wang. Low-profile yet immensely talented.

“Miss Jin is indeed a great beauty. She must be among the top in Korea too, right?”

Liu Huan’s compliment carried another meaning. The world knew Korea’s plastic surgery techniques were advanced and widespread.

In their entertainment industry, almost everyone, male or female, had some cosmetic surgery. A truly natural beauty was rare.

But Jin Xishan was one of the few women without any suspicion of cosmetic enhancement. Liu Huan’s praise was thus the most sincere.