Chapter 107: Sword Net 2015!

As the two were chatting, Jin Chanjuan suddenly knocked and came in.

“Old man, your son wants to video chat with you!”

With that, she handed a tablet to Wang Kai. On the screen was a young man in his twenties, with a round, chubby face, calling out, “Dad! Happy birthday!”

“Ah, son! When will your exams be over?”

“Still four or five days left. I should be back in the country by early next month!”

“Good, good!” Wang Kai’s face lit up with joy. “Don’t worry about things at home. If you run short on money, just let me know. Have you booked your plane ticket in advance?”

“Already booked!”

Through the video, the young man caught sight of Jiang Lun and exclaimed, “Oh, there’s a guest at home? Your student?”

“Yes, a young friend named Jiang Lun. Can you hear his songs abroad?”

“Entertainment industry, huh?” The young man smiled. “Alright then, you guys chat. I have a class tonight, so I’ll hang up first!”

After a brief chat between father and son, the video call ended.

“Is that your son?” Jiang Lun asked.

“Yes, he’s pursuing graduate studies overseas!” Wang Kai replied, then with a hint of reproach, “This kid, why couldn’t he have gone anywhere else but Austria?”

Though the tone was teasing, Jiang Lun could see that Wang Kai was still proud of his son deep down.

Jiang Lun smiled. “The world is so vast; one should go out and see it. Nowadays, it’s the same at home or abroad. Besides, Chinese is the most widely spoken language worldwide; you won’t be afraid wherever you go!”

“That’s what I thought at first, but when your child isn’t by your side, you can’t help but worry!” Wang Kai said, then shifted the topic toward Jiang Lun. “Since you’re working hard outside, keep in regular contact with your parents. Whenever you have time off, go back and see them!”

“Absolutely!” Jiang Lun replied. “I have three younger siblings. Our family’s circumstances were tough before, and my parents bore a heavy burden. Now that I’m able to earn, it’s time to show them some filial respect!”

“That’s good to hear!” Wang Kai was pleased. “By the way, I heard your highest qualification is a technical secondary school diploma. Although your future path might not rely much on formal education, it’s still a credential. Would you like to come to the Central Academy of Drama? I can help you make connections.”

“No need!” Jiang Lun laughed and waved his hand. “Maybe auditing a few classes or learning some skills would be fine, but attending regular classes as an ordinary student? That probably won’t work!”

“Auditing classes is fine too!” Wang Kai suddenly became enthusiastic. “How about this: I’ll help you get an auditor’s pass. You won’t need to take exams. Whenever you have time, come over and take whichever classes you want!”

“Well…” Jiang Lun hesitated but seeing Wang Kai’s sincerity and that it was his birthday, he couldn’t refuse. “Alright! I’ll come by when I have time!”

“Great!” Wang Kai beamed and eagerly asked, “What kind of classes are you interested in?”

“What classes?” Jiang Lun hadn’t prepared in advance. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Basic vocal lessons. After all, I’m a singer. I hope to get further guidance on singing techniques and improve.”

“Perfect!” Wang Kai smiled. “Our school’s vocal instructors are as good as those in music conservatories. I’ll arrange that for you. Anything else?”

“Keyboard improvisation accompaniment,” Jiang Lun added. “I minored in that at art school, but after graduating, I haven’t practiced much. Now, I only use the keyboard when arranging my own music, relying on my previous foundation.”

Piano, accordion, electronic organ, and other keyboard instruments are generally grouped as keyboard instruments. In electric bands, keyboards usually refer to synthesizers, which simulate various sounds while also functioning as pianos.

Jiang Lun’s minor involved improvising rich harmonies on the spot based on the main melody, composing and accompanying simultaneously using a synthesizer.

Although synthesizers evolved from electronic organs, they differ significantly. Synthesizers contain multiple effects modules and a good one can cost tens of thousands. While at school, he had access to synthesizers for learning, but after entering society, limited finances forced him to give it up.

Now that he has the means, he’s purchased one for his own studio. Further study would greatly benefit his future arrangements.

“Our school can’t help you with that!” Wang Kai shook his head vigorously.

Just as Jiang Lun was about to say “It’s okay,” Wang Kai changed tack. “But I can connect you with a teacher from the Music Department of Guoyin. That would be private tutoring, though. You’ll have to negotiate the fees yourselves!”

“That works!” Jiang Lun smiled. “Actually, I planned to do this next year, but since you asked today, I might as well go with the flow!”

“Heh! So you’re blaming me?” Wang Kai half-joked, half-expressed mock frustration. “Couldn’t you say something about what our school offers?”

“Central Academy of Drama, huh?” Jiang Lun scratched his head. “I don’t want to act. I’m not keen on directing either. Maybe I’ll study scriptwriting instead? That way, next time I bring you a script, you won’t think my skills are lacking!”

“Ha! That’s doable. I can teach you!” Wang Kai grew proud. “I did my graduate studies in Dramatic Literature, you wouldn’t have guessed that, right?”

“Uh… no, I wouldn’t.” Jiang Lun shook his head, surprised that this music professor also had that side.

By the end of their conversation, the gap between old and young had vanished. Their relationship was no less than that of old friends.

Over dinner, once the wine bottles were opened, the conversation flowed even more freely.

The meal didn’t end until past eleven.

Wang Kai repeatedly urged Jiang Lun and Chen Yingying to stay overnight at his place. After all, his house had plenty of empty rooms, and it was unsafe to go back so late.

But Jiang Lun insisted on leaving, as he had more important matters the next day.

Back home, it was already past midnight — technically the next day.

Jiang Lun didn’t even wash up, collapsing onto the bed and falling asleep instantly. Chen Yingying, equally exhausted, tidied up a bit and climbed into bed as well.

They spent the night in silence.

The next morning, Jiang Lun was awakened from a pleasant dream by the shrill ring of his phone.

He groggily picked it up, and heard Maile’s voice. “Alun, still not up?”

“No,” Jiang Lun yawned, barely saying a word.

“Hey, you’re unbelievable! It’s this late and you’re still not up? Did you waste energy partying last night again?”

Before Jiang Lun could reply, Maile chuckled, “I get it! I get it! I’m already on my way. I’ll be downstairs in about half an hour. Hurry up and get ready!”

The call ended.

Jiang Lun peeked at the phone—only 9:30 a.m.!

He rolled back over and went back to sleep.

After an unknown length of time, a doorbell rang downstairs.

Jiang Lun suddenly sat up and glanced at Chen Yingying, who was still asleep but frowned at the noise.

She quickly slapped her forehead, put on shoes, got out of bed, and quietly closed the bedroom door before heading downstairs.

“Coming, coming!” she called out.

When the door opened, Maile squeezed inside. Seeing Jiang Lun’s disheveled state, he said, “Just got up? Hurry up and get ready!”

“Why the rush?” Jiang Lun groaned. “Wasn’t I supposed to give Brother Wu an answer today?”

“What answer?” Maile looked puzzled. Then waved his hand. “It wasn’t Brother Wu who sent me to pick you up, it was President Liu!”

“Liu Xiayu?” Jiang Lun scratched his head. “Or Liu Xiahui?”

“Uh, it’s Liu Xiahui!” Maile said, still reluctant to use his full name. Usually, the company calls Liu Xiayu ‘Sister Liu’ and only Liu Xiahui is called ‘President Liu’ to distinguish them. As for their father, everyone calls him ‘Chairman Liu’ since he’s the board chairman.

“Ah…” Jiang Lun yawned. “He’s looking for me? What’s the matter?”

“I don’t know!” Maile shook his head. “Didn’t tell me, just told me to pick you up!”

Jiang Lun thought hard but couldn’t recall agreeing to anything with Liu Xiahui recently.

Could it be he’s investing in another movie and wants him to write the theme song?

No matter. He’d find out once he got there.

…

At Yida, they took the elevator straight up to the CEO’s office.

Jiang Lun hadn’t been here for a long time, but the atmosphere was the same. As soon as the elevator doors opened, the receptionist stepped out.

“Mr. Jiang, President Liu is already waiting for you. Please follow me.”

“Okay.” Jiang Lun nodded and followed her to Liu Xiahui’s office.

Upon entering, he saw Liu Xiahui practicing indoor golf, with a middle-aged woman standing nearby. The woman’s back looked familiar, and when he realized who she was, he immediately understood why Liu Xiahui called him here.

“Ms. Fu!” Jiang Lun greeted joyfully. “What brings you here?”

Fu Chunli turned at the sound of his voice. Seeing Jiang Lun, she joked, “I’m now the general manager of Yida Rainy Day Music Company. Can’t I appear in the company president’s office?”

“What? General manager?” Jiang Lun was stunned. “You really accepted the position?”

Then he looked at Liu Xiahui. “President Liu…”

“Hehe, I know. Xiayu told me you recommended Ms. Fu to her!” Liu Xiahui smiled faintly. “To think you managed to bring in someone I couldn’t recruit for so long!”

“Look at you!” Fu Chunli beamed. “Without your olive branch, no matter how much Jiang Lun persuaded me, I wouldn’t have dared to come!”

Jiang Lun still found it hard to believe. It was just a casual remark back then, but now it had become reality. He asked curiously, “Ms. Fu, did you really resign from Wanshi?”

“Yes!” Fu Chunli replied openly. “I kept my shares but gave up all positions. From now on, I’ll devote all my energy here!”

Jiang Lun nodded, deeply admiring her courage.

“Let’s sit and talk,” Liu Xiahui said, putting down the golf club, and the three settled on the sofa.

He then took out some documents and handed them to Jiang Lun. “Take a look at this first.”

Jiang Lun glanced at the titles:

[State Council Announcement: “Notice on the Deep Implementation of the National Intellectual Property Strategy Action Plan”]

[Jianwang 2015: “Notice on Regulating Copyright Order in Online Audiovisual Services” — The National Copyright Administration issues a stern notice requiring online music service providers to remove all unauthorized music works by July 31.]