Fortunately, Chen Xiaoxi's popularity had risen dramatically in recent days, and those rumors had already been resolved.
On top of that, Rise could truly be described as an era-defining masterpiece.
It didn't just incorporate traditional Chinese instruments—it also blended classical operatic vocal techniques.
It was destined to play an extraordinary role in promoting traditional Chinese culture.
Because of this, Zhang Yichen didn't believe Ah Hua and Gangzi would refuse to act as recommenders.
Of course, even if they did refuse, it wouldn't matter much.
Zhang Yichen had originally planned for Chen Xiaoxi to release Rise around National Day.
If it were released before National Day, Chen Xiaoxi would undoubtedly receive invitations from numerous television stations.
If it were released on National Day itself, the song's popularity would explode to an unprecedented level.
As for whether to release it before or on National Day, that would depend on Chen Xiaoxi's preference.
But for now, it was still too early to decide.
Everything would have to wait until the three parties met that afternoon.
That afternoon, poor Li Yue was still at home taking care of the child.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yichen brought Chen Xiaoxi to the airport to pick up their guests.
He drove Li Yue's black G-Class SUV, with two company vehicles following behind.
Coincidentally, Ah Hua was also in the capital that day, and he and Gangzi were on the same flight.
By the time they arrived at the airport, the plane was about to land.
Zhang Yichen and Chen Xiaoxi stood at the arrival gate.
Their outfits, however, stood out a little.
Zhang Yichen wore casual clothes, fully disguised with a hat, mask, and sunglasses.
Chen Xiaoxi wore a mask and sunglasses as well, along with a simple white dress.
Her hair was tied into a loose low ponytail, giving her an elegant yet relaxed appearance.
Her fingers curled slightly, betraying her nervousness, and she occasionally glanced toward the exit.
"Relax. Don't be so nervous," Zhang Yichen said softly, turning to look at her with a gentle smile.
Seeing his reassuring expression, Chen Xiaoxi felt her heart calm slightly.
"I'm not nervous, it's just…" she lowered her head, her voice barely audible.
"Ah Hua and Gangzi are seniors in the music industry. I'm afraid…"
"Afraid of what?" Zhang Yichen interrupted firmly.
"No matter how great they are, they're still human. And you're someone who's about to become a Queen of Songs."
Chen Xiaoxi pressed her lips together and said nothing more.
Moments later, a commotion arose near the exit.
The crowd's attention shifted instantly.
Ah Hua and Gangzi walked out side by side.
Both wore masks and baseball caps pulled low, followed by a group of people behind them.
At a glance, anyone could tell—
They were celebrities.
Zhang Yichen immediately recognized them.
"Brother Hua, Brother Gang."
He stepped forward with a smile.
"You've worked hard on the journey."
Ah Hua laughed and patted his shoulder.
"Young man, you're impressive. I could tell from our call that you were reliable."
Gangzi, as always, remained cold and reserved.
He simply nodded in greeting.
Then his gaze shifted past Zhang Yichen and landed on Chen Xiaoxi.
A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"And this is…?"
"Chen Xiaoxi. My boss," Zhang Yichen introduced proudly.
Chen Xiaoxi bowed slightly.
"Hello, Brother Hua. Hello, Brother Gang. It's an honor to meet you."
Ah Hua smiled warmly and shook her hand.
"Miss Chen, nice to meet you."
Gangzi simply said, "Hello," but his gaze lingered on her, as if deep in thought.
They left the airport together.
Ah Hua and Gangzi got into Zhang Yichen's car, while their entourage boarded the vehicles behind them.
The atmosphere inside the car was quiet.
Zhang Yichen broke the silence.
"You must be tired from traveling. Shall we get something to eat first before discussing business?"
Ah Hua waved his hand dismissively.
"We've already eaten. Let's go somewhere quiet and talk directly. Our schedule is tight—we have to return tomorrow morning."
Zhang Yichen nodded and drove toward Sichuan International Hotel.
The hotel was only about ten minutes from the airport.
After arriving, everyone removed their disguises.
Ah Hua's face carried his signature friendly smile.
Gangzi, on the other hand, remained serious and composed.
They took the elevator directly to the top-floor conference room, which Li Yue had arranged in advance.
A waiter served tea before quietly leaving and closing the heavy wooden door.
"Brother Zhang," Ah Hua spoke first.
"I like all ten songs you sent me. I've decided to sign a profit-sharing contract with you. Here's the contract—take a look."
"Alright."
Zhang Yichen accepted it and began reading.
He froze slightly.
"Twenty–eighty split? You take twenty, and I take eighty?"
He looked up, suspecting he had read it wrong.
Ah Hua was a Heavenly King.
Zhang Yichen was just a newcomer.
Logically, the split should have been reversed.
"That's right," Ah Hua said firmly.
"Twenty for me. Eighty for you."
Zhang Yichen put down the contract, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Isn't that too much?"
At that moment, Gangzi suddenly spoke.
"My split is also twenty–eighty. But why do I only have one song, while Brother Hua gets ten?"
He sounded dissatisfied.
After their call that morning, Gangzi had spent hours researching Zhang Yichen.
The conclusion he reached was simple—
Zhang Yichen was a true genius.
His debut album had sold over five million copies.
He had also helped Chen Xiaoxi sell over ten million.
It made Gangzi extremely envious.
Now that he knew Zhang Yichen had written ten songs for Ah Hua—
He was certain those songs were extraordinary.
He wanted them too.
"Brother Gang," Zhang Yichen said calmly,
"Since you came today, I definitely won't let you leave empty-handed."
This reaction was exactly what Zhang Yichen had hoped for.
He opened his briefcase and took out two stacks of sheet music, handing one to each of them.
"Ten songs each. If you don't like them, I can replace them."
He paused briefly, then added casually,
"Or I can compose something on the spot."
Ah Hua and Gangzi froze.
"You can compose on the spot?!" they asked in unison.
Zhang Yichen nodded calmly.
"Yes."
His tone was steady and confident.
"That's incredible!"
Gangzi became visibly excited.
Recently, his company had received an offer to produce a theme song for a television drama.
But none of their composers had managed to create anything satisfactory.
They had nearly given up.
Now, he wanted Zhang Yichen to try.
Unfortunately, they hadn't brought the script.
But that wasn't a problem.
Gangzi began explaining the general plot.
It was the story of a man—
Who abandoned his kingdom…
For love.