Best Songwriter

July 27th.

Early in the morning, he got into Lin Fei's van, and they headed to the airport together.

From the capital, Jingcheng, to the magic city, Huazhou.

In the adult world, work is the eternal theme.

Parties and relaxation are only occasional.

Just like last night, Hu Wei, who had been clamoring to drink more, ended up only drinking half a bottle of red wine.

He even drank less than he had at Yan Yu's place before.

After finally getting out of the bar, he cherished this opportunity more than anyone.

And he still had two appointments to keep today.

Although his ex-girlfriend's wedding made him a bit down, it was ultimately in the past.

During the meal, he received a message from a classmate who told him about a small incident at Zhang Qian's wedding.

He even took a photo and sent it to him.

Zhang Qian was wearing a big red Xiuhe dress, with a smile that was clearly unnatural.

After looking at it, he first laughed, then shook his head and turned off his phone.

He drank with everyone else, his expression as usual.

He just drank more moderately.

Kong Xi only had half a glass of red wine; she actually wanted to drink more.

But she also had work today.

Except for Sister Yan, who hadn't drunk her fill and regretted not being able to get Song Dao drunk at his house, everyone else had work to do.

Including Kang Peng.

He had already joined his mother's company and was preparing to take over after a period of internship.

In the car.

Song Dao half-reclined in the comfortable seat and asked, "Does Sister Fei know the specific rules of the show?"

Lin Fei, beside him, shook her head. "I only know the general idea. We'll have to wait until we get there and hear from the chief director. But it's definitely not going to be a tense and fierce live competition. We'll sign the contract when we get there. If there are any problems, I'll correct them, don't worry."

Song Dao nodded, pondering when would be a good time to give Lin Fei the two songs he had obtained from the golden treasure chest.

If this show could continue to boost her popularity, then let Lovesickness hold on for a while longer.

Hu Wei and Kong Xi, who needed a solid foundation, could debut sooner.

Lin Fei was the opposite.

What she needed more was rhythm.

The traffic in Jingcheng was very congested, but it was still manageable in the morning. After driving for more than forty minutes, they arrived at the Capital Airport.

With the help of their assistants, the two of them got their boarding passes, checked their luggage, and went through security via the VIP channel to the lounge to wait for their flight.

Song Dao had rarely flown in his past life or this one.

He was somewhat afraid of flying.

The original owner in his memory was even more afraid of flying.

He would get nervous just hearing the word "plane."

When it was time to board, the two of them were the last to board the plane.

They were still fully disguised.

Pulling down their hat brims and wearing masks.

Even so, Lin Fei was recognized by a few people.

Fortunately, everyone was busy boarding, and they just looked at her with surprise and a little excitement, but there were no excessive actions.

It was a medium-sized passenger jet. The two of them were in the first row, with seats next to each other.

Seeing that Song Dao seemed a bit nervous, Lin Fei smiled and asked in a low voice, "Are you afraid of heights?"

Song Dao said, "I'm afraid of flying..."

Lin Fei was a little speechless. She gently patted his arm resting on the center armrest and said softly, "Don't be afraid, it'll be okay. If anything happens, we'll all be in it together."

Song Dao: "..."

You're really good at comforting people.

"Welcome everyone to the Best Songwriter program. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Zhu Shao, and I am the chief director and producer of this program. Now, I will introduce the participating guests for this program..."

A middle-aged man in his early forties with a large beard smiled and stood in front of everyone.

"First, I want to introduce someone with great fanfare: our National Goddess, the top student from Jing University, the Heavenly Queen of the Chinese music scene... Lin Fei!"

As soon as he finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted in the room.

All eyes turned to Lin Fei.

Wearing a black dress that accentuated her figure, Lin Fei stood up and gracefully bowed slightly to everyone.

"Hello, everyone."

The crowd responded with another round of warm applause.

"I won't introduce Sister Fei at length; you all know how popular she was back in the day even better than I do. We, along with the entire production team, are deeply honored that she's participating in our variety show right after her comeback! Let's give her another warm welcome!"

Zhu Shao said with a smile, then introduced the second heavyweight guest.

"I don't need to say much about this next guest either. She's a top singer in the current Chinese music scene, a triple threat in lyrics, composition, and vocals, combining beauty and talent... Sun Meiqi!"

The energetic, sun-kissed girl, dressed in a sports tank top and shorts, immediately stood up and bowed to everyone.

With a humble expression, she said, "Hello Director Zhu, Sister Fei, and all the teachers. I'm Sun Meiqi. I hope you'll all take good care of me!"

Song Dao stood quietly behind Lin Fei, observing the young singer-songwriter from Hong Kong.

She was probably the most formidable young female singer in the Chinese music scene after Lin Fei.

She was likely around his age, but she had become incredibly popular right from her debut.

She was definitely a hot Little Heavenly Queen in the music industry!

Her vocal range was wide, capable of handling high, mid, and low notes. Her singing skills were superb, and her voice was highly recognizable.

He hadn't expected the production team to actually invite her.

In the eyes of many today, Sun Meiqi, apart from her youth, was comparable to Lin Fei in all other aspects.

"Next, I want to introduce someone who is a renowned songwriter in the Chinese music scene. He debuted over twenty years ago and has created countless classic songs; he's a youthful memory that has accompanied generations... Welcome, Teacher Ma Shen!"

Ma Shen, with his long face and heavy stubble, stood up somewhat awkwardly and greeted everyone.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Ma Shen."

This was because he had previously boasted in a livestream that Song Dao was just an internet celebrity singer, completely incompetent.

He had even set a bet: if Song Dao had a song that entered the top three of the soaring chart, new song chart, or original chart within a year, or entered the top 100 of the hot song chart or popularity index chart, he would admit defeat.

But he never expected that they would meet on the same show so quickly.

When he first received the invitation and saw the list of participants, Ma Shen had even considered refusing.

He understood the production team's intentions.

Weren't they just trying to create buzz?

However, the production team was incredibly wealthy and offered too much!

Damn it, a remuneration of several million yuan made it impossible for him to refuse.

Fortunately, he was an old hand.

Making money wasn't shameful.

Besides, he was brought here by Lin Fei, so if anyone lost face, it would be Lin Fei!

He just needed to do his part: diss Song Dao.

As for whether Lin Fei would be unhappy about it, he couldn't be bothered. At worst, he'd explain it to her privately; whether she listened or not was another matter.

So, despite the awkwardness, he confidently nodded to everyone one by one.

He even acknowledged Song Dao.

--Focus on the issue, not the person.

Song Dao maintained a polite smile, feeling little emotional fluctuation.

In terms of psychological age, he wasn't much younger than Ma Shen.

In the adult world, it was all about benefits and drawbacks.

He was here to gain fame and make money.

"I want to give a special introduction to our fourth heavyweight guest!"

Zhu Shao bowed slightly to an elder with slightly graying hair sitting on the sofa and gestured, "Teacher Li Jun!

Sister Fei and Brother Shen must be very familiar with this name.

But younger people might not have heard of him, though you've definitely heard his musical works..."

At this point, Sun Meiqi voluntarily raised her hand. When Zhu Shao looked over, she stood up, bowed slightly to Li Jun, and then said, "Director Zhu, don't underestimate us young people. I've heard many of Teacher Li's songs. My favorite is 'Grassland, My Home,' it's absolutely incredible!"

"Haha, impressive!" Zhu Shao laughed.

Then, with a serious expression, he said, "Teacher Li is a true legendary musician. He has mentored many Heavenly Kings, Heavenly Queens, and top-tier superstars!"

The younger people couldn't help but let out a gasp.

Li Jun smiled and stood up.

The old man was rather unkempt, with a casual expression.

He said with a smile, very kindly, "It's not that exaggerated. In our era, we were called singers. Heavenly Kings and Queens, those terms came from Mr. Sun and people from Hong Kong, and they sounded quite nice."

Sun Meiqi stood up again, clasping her hands together humbly.

In front of this esteemed elder, she truly didn't dare to call herself a teacher.

Lin Fei and Ma Shen also stood up, showing great respect for this highly regarded senior.

Lin Fei said respectfully, "Teacher Li is my idol and a senior I deeply respect. Every time I hear your songs, I feel like I'm there. It's worth us juniors learning a lot!"

Li Jun nodded with a chuckle, "Little Lin, you're too kind. Your song 'Lovesickness' is well-written and even better sung. Your vocal skills have improved a lot!"

Then, he suddenly changed the subject, "Is the songwriter your boyfriend?"

Lin Fei was slightly taken aback but quickly recovered and replied with a smile, "No, Teacher Li, that's another creator I deeply respect!"

"Oh, the lyrics were so passionate and moving, I thought your boyfriend wrote it specifically for you."

Lin Fei said, "That was written for 'Demon Love.' As for you, when you have creative inspiration, feel free to look at me more. I've always hoped to collaborate with you, Teacher Li."

Li Jun waved his hand, "I'm old, my mind isn't as sharp anymore. You don't need an old fellow like me for 'Water Strike Three Thousand.' At my age, I just hope to see young people paired up..."

Lin Fei covered her face.

The Heavenly Queen was blushing.

Doesn't your esteemed self know that 'Water Strike Three Thousand' is right here!

The others watched the interaction and jokes between the elder and the Heavenly Queen, and they all laughed.

On the show, urging Lin Fei to find a boyfriend was probably something only this legendary figure could do.

Only he dared.

Anyone else wouldn't even be able to handle Lin Fei's aura.

However, this interaction created great show effect, and the elder's playful, childlike personality also shone through.

He's a very interesting person!

Song Dao recognized this person; he was in the original owner's memories.

A top composer in the Chinese music scene in the eighties and nineties, skilled in various patriotic-themed songs.

If you count them, there were at least hundreds of classic songs that were widely popular back then.

He was a true master composer.

Almost every song he wrote could be performed on the Spring Festival Gala.

Yin Hong, a recognized Heavenly King singer in the Chinese music scene, had collaborated with him on many songs.

No matter the occasion, whenever he mentioned it, he would say he was Teacher Li's student.

In addition, many singers who are not very active now became famous singing his songs.

It's just that there was no internet back then, making it difficult for people to pay attention to the creators.

Coupled with the elder's low-key nature and infrequent appearances, many people outside the industry indeed didn't know him.

But a music academy student like the original owner couldn't possibly not have heard of him.

This legendary musician was not only capable of composing patriotic songs but also had profound achievements in pop music!

In the mid-nineties, he wrote a large number of pop songs, which propelled many young people of that era to fame.

Those people are now pillars of the Chinese music scene.

Furthermore, as he was from an ethnic minority, he also composed many songs with exotic flavors.

Before this, the elder had never participated in any variety shows.

The production team, however, was incredibly resourceful to have invited him out of retirement.

With him and Lin Fei, the foundation of this show was essentially guaranteed.

Adding Sun Meiqi and Ma Shen, two popular singers with both fame and skill, this music variety show was packed with substance!

"The four heavyweight guests have been introduced. Now, please welcome the four trainees to introduce themselves to everyone and the audience. This will be edited into highlights and played on Tencent Video for pre-show promotion..."

The show's sponsor was the wealthy and influential Tencent!

Zhu Shao continued, "We'll proceed in the same order as before."

From crane shots to shoulder-mounted and then handheld, several cameras simultaneously focused on Song Dao.

Everyone's gaze also turned towards him.

Lin Fei, on the sofa, gave him a reassuring look, signaling him not to worry.

Song Dao wasn't flustered at all.

Because he had secretly eaten an Emotion Stabilizing Candy just now.

Even when Old Master Li teased Lin Fei like that, she didn't bat an eye.

"Hello Director Zhu, hello everyone, teachers and friends. My name is Song Dao, and I'm honored to be participating in this program with all of you,"

Song Dao first addressed the camera, then gave a slight bow to everyone looking at him.

And then that was it.

A bit aloof.

But also graceful and composed.

The crowd applauded.

Next up was a young girl from Sun Meiqi's group, named Xue Lin.

She looked to be about eighteen or nineteen, with a cute, round face.

Her personality was a bit shy.

After nervously saying a few words to the camera, her face turned a little red.

Song Dao noticed that this girl had excellent vocal potential.

Very sweet, but not thin.

Next was a very handsome young idol brought by Ma Shen, named Zhao Qi.

He looked like he had been through training, had a great presence on camera, and was impeccable in every aspect.

However, Song Dao sensed that this person was very arrogant.

He only showed respect to a select few with status.

Such as the director, or the mentors.

When he and Lin Fei first arrived, the other man had enthusiastically greeted Lin Fei and then ignored him.

But now, facing the camera, he acted very humble.

Finally, there was a girl from Li Jun's group named Zhong Yutong, a young woman from an ethnic minority.

This one, like Kong Xi, was a major internet celebrity who had become popular in the last two years.

She was also a singer-songwriter, with a fan base on major platforms comparable to Kong Xi's.

On the way here, Lin Fei had mentioned this to Song Dao.

Actually, for Fei Yang, the production team's first choice to invite was the combination of Lin Fei and Kong Xi.

Since they were from the same company, Kong Xi also had sufficient fame.

However, Lin Fei had refused.

In her opinion, Song Dao was a better fit for this program than Kong Xi.

And he needed this kind of exposure more.

The various voices targeting Song Dao online previously could also be refuted through this program.

Especially since Ma Shen was also coming.

Perfect, you made that boastful bet, didn't you?

It won't take a year, I'll make you apologize!