In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

That evening, Yang Guangming called Yan Pingsheng.

Yan Pingsheng is the president of Asia Records. He is just forty years old this year. He used to be a senior executive at Warner Music and has a wealth of industry experience. He is a senior management talent that ATV poached at great expense.

Asia Records experienced rapid growth after its establishment, thanks not only to Yang Guangming's strategic planning but also to Yan Pingsheng's indispensable contributions.

"Mr. Yan, there's something I'd like to ask you for a favor."

Yan Pingsheng's voice came through the receiver: "Young Master Ming, please speak."

Yang Guangming briefly explained his thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Yan Pingsheng's tone was filled with surprise: "Recording an album? That's great! Young Master Ming, you should have done it a long time ago! With your voice, the album would definitely be a huge hit!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Mr. Yan, please don't flatter me. I just want to take advantage of this break to fulfill my mother's wish. I'll need your help to arrange the recording and release of this album."

“I know Ming Shao’s voice and singing skills. This album will definitely be a big hit. I will definitely take it seriously.” Yan Pingsheng suggested, “Ming Shao, since we’re going to record it, let’s record it well. Asia Records will give us full support. Just let us know if you need anything.”

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "I need a producer to help me with the arrangement and recording. It would be best if the arrangement could be done in advance so I can go there and record directly. For me, saving time is the most important thing."

“No problem!” Yan Pingsheng readily agreed. “Do you have any suitable candidates, producer? If not, I can recommend a few.”

A name flashed through Yang Guangming's mind.

Zhang Yadong.

At this time, Zhang Yadong was just beginning to emerge, but he had already demonstrated extraordinary musical talent. The album he produced for Wang Fei achieved excellent reviews and sales.

If we can get him to be the producer, the quality of this album should be guaranteed.

“I have an idea,” Yang Guangming said. “Have you heard of Zhang Yadong?”

Yan Pingsheng thought for a moment: "Zhang Yadong? Isn't that the one who produced for Wang Fei?"

"Yes, that's him."

“I’ve heard of him; he’s a very talented young man,” Yan Pingsheng said. “Young Master Ming wants to hire him? Then I’ll make the contact.”

Yang Guangming nodded: "Thank you, Mr. Yan. If he's willing, please have him come and meet with me so we can talk in person."

"Okay, I'll take care of it right away."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of anticipation.

Recording an album was also a new experience for him.

Although he learned vocal music from his mother since childhood, he had never formally entered a recording studio. This opportunity allowed him to sing a few songs properly, which could be considered a memento for himself.

Moreover, being able to do this with my mother is meaningful in itself.

The next afternoon, Yan Pingsheng called.

"Young Master Ming, we've made contact! Zhang Yadong was thrilled to hear you wanted to hire him as a producer. He's out of town and said he'll fly to Beijing right away!"

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "So fast? I wasn't in such a hurry."

"Of course we need to hurry!" Yan Pingsheng laughed. "Young Master Ming, you are now a great director and a Palme d'Or winner. It's something many people would love to do if they could work with you. Although Zhang Yadong has some fame, it would be an honor for him to work with you. After hearing this news, Zhang Yadong couldn't wait to fly back to Beijing to discuss this in detail with you."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "President Yan, please don't say that. Cooperation is a two-way street. There's no such thing as honor or disgrace."

“Young Master Ming is just being modest,” Yan Pingsheng said with a smile. “He will arrive in Beijing tomorrow afternoon. I have already given him your contact information, and he will contact you.”

"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Mr. Shi."

The next afternoon, Yang Guangming had nothing to do, so he decided to go to the airport to pick up Zhang Yadong himself.

Although with his current status he could easily send a car to pick him up, he still wanted to meet this person in person.

At the airport exit, a thin young man dragged a suitcase out. He wore glasses, a simple jacket, and jeans, and seemed somewhat introverted.

Yang Guangming recognized him at a glance and went up to him: "Zhang Yadong?"

Yang Guangming was fully armed. Zhang Yadong was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and his face lit up with surprise: "Director Yang? Why did you come in person?"

Yang Guangming smiled: "I've come to pick you up. Let's go, the car is outside."

Zhang Yadong was somewhat flattered. "Thank you, Director Yang. Thank you, Director Yang."

The two started chatting in the car.

Zhang Yadong is 27 years old this year, nine years older than Yang Guangming, but he seems a little reserved in front of him.

“Director Yang, I especially love your movies. I’ve watched ‘A Separation’ three times, and I’m moved every time. I also really like the song you sang on the Spring Festival Gala.” Zhang Yadong said sincerely, “I was so excited to hear that you wanted me to be your producer, I could hardly believe it.”

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, please don't be so polite. Just call me Guangming. I've listened to the album you produced for Wang Fei, and I really liked it. Your arrangements are very creative and inspired."

Zhang Yadong was a little embarrassed by the praise: "Director Yang, you flatter me. I just like to overthink things."

The two chatted about music and movies, and found themselves getting along very well.

Zhang Yadong discovered that Yang Guangming had a very deep understanding of music, going beyond just being able to sing. He had his own insights into arrangement, orchestration, and harmony, and some of his ideas even impressed Zhang Yadong.

"Director Yang, are you really not considering pursuing a career in music?" Zhang Yadong couldn't help but ask. "With your talent, you could definitely become a top-notch musician."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, I'm busy enough as it is. Filming movies, going to school, and dealing with all sorts of events, where would I find the time to make music? This time, I'm recording an album to fulfill my mother's wish and to leave myself a memento."

Zhang Yadong nodded, but still felt a little regretful.

The car drove into the city and stopped in front of the courtyard house in Yangguang Mingxi City.

It was lunchtime, and the two of them ate lunch together.

After dinner, the two sat in the living room and began to discuss serious matters.

Yang Guangming took out a few sheets of paper and handed them to Zhang Yadong.

"Teacher Zhang, these are the songs I've tentatively selected. Please take a look."

Zhang Yadong took it and examined it carefully.

The first song is titled "Too Softhearted".

He hummed a few lines of the melody, his eyes lighting up: "This melody is great! It's simple, catchy, and easy to sing."

The second poem is "Norwegian Wood".

Both of these songs are expected to become hits across the country this year, but due to the influence of the sun and the flapping of butterfly wings, the original singers of these two songs, Richie Jen and Wu Bai, are still relatively unknown and are currently in a state of being unknown.

Since these two songs became incredibly popular across the country this year in the original timeline, Yang Guangming selected them first when compiling his playlist.

After humming a few lines, Zhang Yadong looked up and said, "This song also has its own charm. It has a rock feel, but it's also very lyrical."

The third song is titled "The Moon Caused the Trouble".

The fourth song is titled "The Rain Keeps Falling".

The fifth song is "My Microphone".

Upon seeing this song, Zhang Yadong paused for a moment: "This style is very novel, it has a bit of a hip-hop feel?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "Yes, I want to try something new. This style of music is still rare in China, but I think young people will like it."

Zhang Yadong continued reading.

"Happy Worship" is also in the hip-hop style, but with a stronger rhythm.

"My Deskmate" is a campus folk song, simple yet touching.

"Blue Lotus" is a rock song that is powerful and full of emotion.

"At Least I Still Have You" is a lyrical ballad, warm and affectionate.

"The Chinese" is grand and majestic, brimming with national pride. "Wild Geese," adapted from a Urad folk song, is melodious and poignant.

"Night in Ulaanbaatar" requires the purchase of adaptation rights, and it is equally profound and moving.

The twelve songs are all different in style, but each one has its own unique charm.

After reading it, Zhang Yadong looked up at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with amazement.

"Director Yang, did you write all these songs yourself?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "Wild Geese is an adaptation of a folk song from Urat, Night in Ulaanbaatar requires purchasing the copyright, but the others are all my own original works."

Zhang Yadong took a deep breath: "Director Yang, you are truly amazing. Any one of these twelve songs could be a hit single. You actually put together twelve songs, this... this is simply a divine album!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, you flatter me. What do you think of these songs?"

"Feasible? Absolutely feasible!" Zhang Yadong exclaimed excitedly. "Director Yang, if this album is made, it will definitely be a hit! And not just a regular hit, but a massive, phenomenal one!"

Yang Guangming remained calm: "Teacher Zhang, let's proceed with this song list. What are your thoughts on the arrangement?"

Zhang Yadong thought for a moment: "These songs have very different styles, and the arrangements should also be unique."

Popular songs like "Too Softhearted" and "The Moon Caused the Trouble" can be more commercially oriented and use a standard band setup.

"Norwegian Wood" and "Blue Lotus" are rock-oriented and require real instruments, with the guitar being particularly prominent.

For hip-hop styles like "My Microphone" and "Happy Worship," you can try using electronic synthesizers to create some novel sounds.

"My Deskmate" should be simple, just a guitar or piano is enough. "At Least I Still Have You" should be warm, with strings as a foundation.

"The Chinese" should be grand, combining folk music and orchestral music.

"The Wild Geese" and "Night in Ulaanbaatar" should have ethnic characteristics; elements such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and throat singing can be incorporated."

Yang Guangming listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and agreed with Zhang Yadong's suggestions.

“Teacher Zhang, you’ve thought this through very thoroughly. Let’s proceed with this approach.”

Zhang Yadong was a little embarrassed: "Director Yang, these are just preliminary ideas. We'll need to work with the musicians to figure out the specifics."

“Of course.” Yang Guangming nodded. “Teacher Zhang, when do you think we should start? I’m going to Cannes on May 5th, so it would be best to finish the recording before then.”

Zhang Yadong calculated the time: "Today is April 15th, and there are still twenty days until May 5th. Time is a bit tight, but if we hurry, we should be able to make it. I can start working on the arrangement first, and we can also arrange the musicians in advance. Director Yang, when is a convenient time for you to record?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "I'm available anytime. Just prepare the preliminary work and let me know."

“Okay!” Zhang Yadong nodded. “Then I’ll start preparing tomorrow. Director Yang, do you have any requirements for the recording studio? I’m familiar with the recording studios in Beijing, and there are a few that are pretty good.”

“My mother has already arranged for me to use the professional recording studio of China National Radio. Their recording studio equipment is top-notch in China, so the effect will be better.”

"Then there's no problem. The recording studio at CNR is indeed excellent."

And that was the end of it.

Over the next few days, Zhang Yadong began intensive preparations for the music arrangement.

To facilitate his work and to make it easier for him to communicate with Yang Guangming, he moved into a courtyard house arranged by Yang Guangming. He went out early and returned late every day to meet with various musicians and discuss arrangement plans.

Sometimes when I get back at night, I still need to communicate with Yang Guangming about my ideas and confirm the details.

Although Yang Guangming doesn't understand specific music arrangement techniques, he has a keen sense of music and can always give accurate advice when he has original arrangements to refer to.

"Could we add some strings to this melody? To make the emotion more complete."

"The drumbeats in this chorus could be a bit stronger, more powerful."

"How about a piano solo for this interlude? It'll be simpler and more moving."

Every time Zhang Yadong listened, he felt that what he said was particularly accurate and to the point.

"Director Yang, are you sure you didn't have any professional training?" he couldn't help but ask one time.

Yang Guangming laughed: "I've been learning vocal music from my mom since I was little, and I've also learned a little music theory. But I really don't know much about music arrangement; I've only read some theoretical books. I'm just saying a few words based on my feelings, so don't take it too seriously."

Zhang Yadong shook his head: "Director Yang, your intuition is more accurate than many professional musicians. If you were to actually make music, you would definitely be top-notch."

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't say anything.

On April 20th, the arrangement work was basically completed.

Zhang Yadong produced demo arrangements for all twelve songs, and Yang Guangming listened to them once and was very satisfied.

"Teacher Zhang, thank you for your hard work. This arrangement is even better than I expected."

Zhang Yadong breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "I'm glad Director Yang is satisfied. So when shall we start recording?"

"Let's start tomorrow!"

On April 21st, Yang Guangming stepped into a professional recording studio for the first time.

The recording studio at China National Radio is large, equipped with new equipment, and has excellent soundproofing. The recording engineer, surnamed Wang, is a middle-aged man in his forties, experienced, and amiable.

Zhang Yadong sat at the control panel, surrounded by a dense array of buttons and faders. Sound engineer Wang sat beside him, operating the equipment.

Yang Guangming stood in the recording studio, put on his headphones, and adjusted the position of the microphone.

Through the thick glass, he saw Zhang Yadong give him a thumbs-up, indicating that they could begin.

The first song is "Too Softhearted".

As the intro begins, Yang Guangming takes a deep breath and starts singing:

"You're always too soft-hearted, too soft-hearted, carrying all the problems on your own."

The sound is transmitted to the control room via a microphone and then played back through monitor speakers.

Zhang Yadong's eyes lit up instantly.

That sound is so catchy!

Clear, warm, magnetic, and possessing an indescribable charm. Every word is pronounced clearly, every syllable lands steadily on the line. What's most precious is the emotion—not deliberate sentimentality, but a natural and profound affection.

The recording engineer, Wang, was stunned. He had recorded countless singers, both professional and amateur, but a voice like Yang Guangming's was absolutely unique.

As the music ended, Yang Guangming took off his headphones and looked towards the control room.

Zhang Yadong pressed the call button: "Director Yang, that's great! You got it in one take!"

Yang Guangming laughed: "Don't we need to record it again?"

"No need! This one is perfect, without a single flaw!" Zhang Yadong exclaimed excitedly. "Your singing skills are amazing!"

Yang Guangming walked out of the recording studio, went to the control room, and listened to the playback once.

It's really good.

However, he still pointed out a few minor details: "The emotion in this chorus could be a bit fuller. The ending note could be toned down a little."

Zhang Yadong nodded: "Director Yang is right. Shall we do it again?"

"it is good."

Yang Guangming returned to the recording studio and put his headphones back on.

The second time was better than the first.

Zhang Yadong and the sound engineer Wang exchanged a glance, both seeing amazement in each other's eyes. (End of Chapter)