In the third episode of the Shao Qingge and Ye Qi extra chapter,
Shao Qingge and Ye Qi quickly arrived at the agreed location.
Chen Yu was already there; Shao Qingge immediately spotted his flashy red sports car. The other, more understated car likely belonged to Teacher Zhao Chen. Shao Qingge had chosen a private restaurant in Rongcheng, catering only to members of the entertainment industry with special privileges. The environment was quite quiet, eliminating any fear of being spotted by paparazzi. It was
Ye Qi's first time in such a high-class place, and he was quite curious, but too shy to look around like a country bumpkin. He obediently followed behind Shao Qingge, not daring to speak loudly.
Shao Qingge led him to a private room in the attic.
Upon opening the door, they saw Chen Yu and Teacher Zhao Chen chatting there.
Shao Qingge hugged and greeted Chen Yu, then extended his hand to another middle-aged man, "This must be Teacher Zhao,
I've heard so much about you." Zhao Chen said kindly, "Mr. Shao, you're too kind. I often hear Mr. Chen mention you. I heard that his assets have almost doubled in the past few years under your care. I was thinking that if I have the opportunity in the future, I'll entrust you with my savings for investment to earn some interest."
Shao Qingge smiled and said, "Teacher Zhao, if you are interested in investment, you can contact me anytime."
As he spoke, he gently grabbed Ye Qi's arm behind him, pulled Ye Qi over, and introduced him, "This is Ye Qi, the one I told you about, my distant cousin."
Chen Yu looked up and was surprised that the person Shao Qingge brought was so young. He had grown up with Shao Qingge and had never heard of Shao Qingge having such a relative. The little guy looked to be under eighteen, still young and innocent, but quite cute, full of energy, with big, bright eyes. With some training, he might be a good prospect to become a star.
Zhao Chen also looked at Ye Qi. Since Ye Qi was dressed simply and cleanly today, and his hair was neatly styled, his first impression of the young man was quite good.
Ye Qi politely walked over and greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Chen, hello, Teacher Zhao."
Chen Yu didn't expose Shao Qingge's lie, and said with a half-smile, "Since you're Mr. Shao's brother, no need to be so polite, please sit down." He pressed the call bell on the table, "Waiter, the food can be served now."
The four sat down around the round table. Although Ye Qi was nervous, having honed his skills in the card world and seen many different murderers, he could still maintain his composure on the surface.
Shao Qingge quickly steered the conversation to music, "My younger brother has loved singing since he was little, and recently he's become very interested in composing and arranging. Teacher Zhao, you've always been his idol, so he's been pestering me to find him a way to introduce him."
Zhao Chen was pleased by the compliment, but still humbly replied, "Oh, many people only focus on the singer when listening to music; fewer and fewer people look at the composer and arranger credits."
Ye Qi said earnestly, "How can there be no good composers and arrangers? Even the most talented singer can't sing a good song. Just like without a good screenwriter, even the best actor can't put on a good show." "Behind-the-scenes workers, although not as glamorous as singers and actors on stage, I think their contributions are the greatest."
Zhao Chen was extremely pleased to hear this, and his expression softened considerably. "You're quite thoughtful for such a young age, haha. Which song I wrote do you like the most?"
Ye Qi wasn't just saying empty words; he genuinely loved music. Zhao Chen was one of his favorite composers, so he had done his research and immediately listed a few songs. "The recent 'Castle in the Sky' has received very high praise; I listen to it on repeat several times a day." "And teacher, I especially love your previous works, 'Vermilion Mole,' 'Snowy Season,' and 'Youthful Years.' You're really amazing; you can handle all kinds of styles of music."
Zhao Chen exclaimed. "
This little guy's words are so sweet; every compliment hits Zhao Chen's heart.
" Shao Qingge knew Ye Qi's skill in showering praise on Zhao Chen, and hearing Ye Qi's earnest praise, he knew that the "apprenticeship" plan should have a chance. Sure
enough, Ye Qi and Zhao Chen chatted more and more congenially, and Zhao Chen even praised him, saying, "Young Ye, you're so young, yet you have such insightful opinions. You're a rare talent. Are you interested in developing in the music industry?"
Ye Qi was extremely excited and immediately nodded, "I've loved music since I was little. I learned quite a few instruments when I was young. I can play some of the guzheng, pipa, and erhu, and I've passed the tenth grade piano exam. I'm also quite proficient on the guitar." Zhao Chen's
eyes lit up, "That's amazing! You're not even 18 yet, and you've already learned so many instruments." Ye Qi scratched his head sheepishly. "
My academic grades are terrible, and my parents have lost faith in my chances of getting into university, so they're focusing on cultivating my love for music."
Zhao Chen remarked, "Your parents are quite open-minded too."
The two chatted incessantly, while Shao Qingge and Chen Yu became mere props placed aside.
Chen Yu couldn't help but send Shao Qingge a WeChat message: "I know all the relatives behind your parents. You only have two female cousins, currently studying abroad. Honestly, where did this distant cousin come from?"
Shao Qingge replied, "He's a cousin."
Chen Yu almost spat out his tea. "He can even have a cousin?"
Shao Qingge gave him a half-smile. "If you're envious, go and have one too."
Chen Yu rolled his eyes at him. Shao Qingge's lack of honesty only confirmed Chen Yu's belief in the boy's importance to Shao Qingge. He was trying to protect the boy, which was why he used the lame excuse of "cousin." Teacher
Zhao, not knowing Shao Qingge well, naturally believed him.
Shao's cousin was very musically talented, played multiple instruments, and was also his admirer. How could he not take him as a student? Besides, he genuinely liked this earnest and sweet-talking boy.
After the meal, Teacher Zhao and Ye Qi exchanged WeChat contacts.
Zhao Chen smiled and said, "My studio is in Rongcheng, not far from here. Xiao Ye, you can come to my studio to see me on weekends. I'll teach you from the very basics."
Ye Qi was so excited he almost jumped up. "Thank you, Teacher Zhao!"
Zhao Chen said, "Sigh, you should call me Master."
Ye Qi hurriedly poured a cup of tea and respectfully handed it to him. "Thank you, Master," Zhao
Chen said happily, drinking the tea as a gesture of respect.
Seeing Ye Qi's bright eyes, Shao Qingge's lips curled into a slight smile. He had only just begun paving the way for Ye Qi today; he believed that Ye Qi's path would become increasingly smooth. Because behind Ye Qi was Shao Qingge.
That afternoon, Ye Qi was free, so Teacher Zhao decided to take him to his studio. It was
Ye Qi's first time entering a professional music studio, his first time seeing what a recording studio looked like, and his first time learning how a sound engineer worked—
all these novel and interesting things captivated him.
Zhao Chen, seeing his little apprentice's curious expression, found it quite endearing and suggested he try recording a song in the studio.
Ye Qi looked nervously at Shao Qingge.
Shao Qingge patted him encouragingly on the shoulder, "Go ahead, sing something you like, don't be nervous."
Zhao Chen added, "That's right, I'll record you and check your pitch. What song do you want to sing, Ye Qi?"
Ye Qi thought carefully for a moment and said, "Can I sing 'Heat Hearred'?"
This song is a classic by Michael Jackson, and it's quite difficult. Zhao Chen didn't expect his little apprentice to choose an English song, and immediately said happily, "Of course! Come on, come into the recording studio, I'll play the accompaniment."
Ye Qi walked in excitedly, and Zhao Chen gestured for him to put on headphones. Ye Qi put on the large headphones and adjusted them. A moment later, he saw Teacher Zhao give him an "OK" sign, and sure enough, the familiar accompaniment started playing in his ears.
Ye Qi closed his eyes, immersed himself in the music, and sang earnestly to the rhythm.
The boy's unique, clear voice came from the recording studio, and Zhao Chen couldn't believe it for a moment.
After Ye Qi finished singing the song earnestly, he took off his headphones, embarrassed, and said to the three people outside, "I really like this song, but I didn't sing it very well, Teacher Zhao, please don't laugh at me."
Zhao Chen said seriously, "You sang it very well."
Chen Yu, standing next to him, couldn't help but ask Shao Qingge, "Isn't he a poor student? How come his English pronunciation is so accurate?
" Shao Qingge chuckled, "Singing doesn't involve grammar or English writing. His spoken English should be okay, but I remember he never passed his English cultural studies exams." Chen Yu thought, " This kid is quite talented.
" Ye Qi came out of the recording studio with slightly flushed cheeks. He knew that Teacher Zhao had met many famous singers, and he was probably afraid that he had sung too badly. Teacher Zhao looked very serious. Unexpectedly, Zhao Chen said, "Ye Qi, you could actually pursue a career as an original singer." Ye Qi was stunned, his hands trembling with excitement. "Teacher, do you think I have the potential to become an excellent singer?" "Of course. Your pitch and sense of rhythm are excellent, even better than some singers I've seen. And," Zhao Chen paused, carefully considering his words before choosing a suitable description, "your voice is highly distinctive, very captivating, and easy to remember—that's a natural advantage. However, I'm worried that you're still young, haven't passed puberty, and your voice hasn't fully developed. Your adult voice is still uncertain, but we can see how it develops." Shao Qingge thought to himself, even after Ye Qi turned eighteen, his voice remained clear and bright, unlike many boys whose voices had become deeper. Moreover, at eighteen, with his voice already fully developed, Ye Qi participated in a singing competition and, through his own efforts, made it to the national finals. Therefore, Zhao Chen's judgment was quite accurate. And being an original singer was indeed Ye Qi's dream. To Ye Qi's even greater surprise, Zhao Chen continued, "Well, I haven't taken on much work lately, so I'm quite free. Come find me next weekend, and we, master and apprentice, will work together to write a simple song as a gift from your master." Ye Qi thought, " What an amazing master! And what an amazing CEO Shao! Finding me such a wonderful master is more exciting than winning the lottery!" On the way back, Ye Qi was so excited he kept talking, as if he had already become a famous singer and was about to go on a concert tour. Shao Qingge, seeing the enthusiastic guy, couldn't help but pat Ye Qi's head. "Calm down, you're just starting out, still a newbie." Ye Qi optimistically replied, "A good teacher produces excellent students. If I learn well from Teacher Zhao, I'll definitely be able to write my own songs in the future." He suddenly looked at Shao Qingge and said seriously, "The first song I independently create will be for you." Shao Qingge felt a sudden tickle in his heart, making him unbearably itchy. His first song was for him—this was truly the most romantic and heartwarming gift. Shao Qingge thought with a smile, "Not only are you giving me your first song, b
ut your first time is mine too." (Author's Note: Naive Ye Qi, and the sly CEO Shao)