Reborn as a comedic artist

The atmosphere in the studio changed from somber to cheerful.

"Alright, stop being so happy. There's no such thing as a free lunch. What you have here also comes with its own set of advantages."

Cheng Ming tapped the stool, drawing their attention back to each other.

Wang Shuo and Gu Xiao's smiles faded slightly, and they looked at Cheng Ming with serious expressions.

Cheng Ming held up one finger: "The end of the month coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music... So, the most important thing now is to finalize the copyright for 'The Wind Rises'..."

"What the heck is the copyright for 'The Wind Rises'...?"

"Weren't we always making funny videos? I know 'Shuyin Art is Good,' so how come 'The Wind Rises' suddenly appeared?" Wang Shuo scratched his head, looking bewildered.

No wonder he was a little confused.

Last time, we left in a hurry for the immersive experience, and afterwards we had to work on several videos back-to-back. Because of Cheng Ming's request, the three sisters kept their mouths shut, so much so that he still doesn't know about the existence of Qifeng.

"You left in such a hurry that day, and then you've been working overtime filming these past few days, so I forgot to tell you."

"I adapted a song by Xiao Rizi as the final piece of our Shuyin Trilogy. We're already negotiating the copyright, and the fee has been agreed upon. However, regarding the licensing, Takahashi Xiao Rizi wants to see our songwriting and singing skills..."

"Following the principle of echoing the beginning, and as a way to redeem ourselves... I'm going to sing 'The Wind Rises' as a duet between us...!"

After explaining, Cheng Ming paused for a moment, his expression calm and composed.

"The two of us? Lao Cheng, are you sure? Although I do have a gifted voice, for this kind of serious big song, I still have to get past the everyday realities...!"

Wang Shuo is good at Sichuan folk music, or singing for his own enjoyment, but the pressure of seriously bringing glory to the country is much greater...

"Fatty, you have to believe in yourself...!"

Just imagine the expressions on the faces of those netizens who usually only know how to mock your posing after this video is posted! And your parents, how proud they'll be to see their son become famous overnight!

"Most importantly, this is an opportunity for everyone to get to know you, Wang Shuo, again. You are not anyone's follower, nor are you just a clown who stirs up trouble. You are a true protagonist who can stand on your own and carry the banner."

Cheng Ming walked up to Wang Shuo, patted Wang Shuo's broad shoulder, and affirmed.

............

Wang Shuo fell silent.

In fact, Cheng Ming didn't need to say much; these words had already accurately struck a chord with him.

He lowered his head, his gaze falling on his large hands.

The thick calluses on his fingertips and the area between his thumb and forefinger are proof of the years of hard work carrying a camera.

He usually laughs and strikes poses, but that's for the sake of the show, to cooperate with his brothers.

But when the night is quiet, who hasn't dreamed of being the protagonist, standing in the center of the stage with the spotlight shining on their head?

"Holy crap...!"

Wang Shuo muttered something, his voice not loud, but it sounded like it was squeezed out from deep within his chest.

"Old Cheng, I'm finding myself understanding you less and less these days...!"

He took a deep breath and suddenly looked up.

"But since the goal is to conquer the small life, win glory for the country, report back to Old Zhao, and prove myself, I'll have to use all my knowledge..."

The confusion and timidity about the unknown that had been in Wang Shuo's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by two blazing flames.

"It's just singing, right? I practiced singing specifically to prepare for my art college entrance exams back in the day. Even a skinny camel is bigger than a horse; I still have some talent!"

Wang Shuo gritted his teeth, grabbed the bottle of mineral water next to him, tilted his head back and gulped down a large mouthful, displaying a heroic spirit of cutting off one's own arm.

Seeing Wang Shuo's resolute decision, Cheng Ming didn't hesitate either.

"Gu Xiao, give the sheet music to Brother Shuo and let him sing it a couple of times. You play the piece a few times so Brother Shuo can get used to the melody..."

Following Cheng Ming's instructions, Gu Xiao didn't waste any words, took out the sheet music for "The Wind Rises," and handed it to Wang Shuo.

She still vividly remembered Cheng Ming's voice last time; it was truly exceptional, a classic example of someone blessed by God.

As for Wang Shuo, his rendition of "Kiss Goodbye" also showcased his unique singing skills and talent.

However, this song "The Wind Rises" is quite challenging, especially the several consecutive high notes and the transitions between true and falsetto in the chorus, which is practically a challenge to the physiological limits of male voices.

"This song is quite difficult..."

Gu Xiao placed the tablet on the piano, her slender fingers testing a few notes on the keys, the crisp piano music echoing in the studio.

She frowned slightly and turned to Cheng Ming: "The vocal range is a bit too wide. Are you sure Wang Shuo can handle it? If he tries to shout it out, he won't be able to get past Takahashi's side, let alone me..."

"You underestimate me, Brother Shuo..."

Cheng Ming walked up to the microphone, took it off, and handed it to Wang Shuo.

As for himself, he has already reached the expert level in gambling, and his effortless control doesn't need to be deliberately displayed.

The most important thing now is to complete the carving of Wang Shuo, this rough gem, as soon as possible, so that he can fully realize his potential.

When the singing god and the playboy come together, this explosive combination will drive not only Takahashi's life crazy, but also all the online haters crazy.

After doing all this, Cheng Ming walked straight to the drum set on the side, picked up the drumsticks, and twirled them beautifully between his fingers.

Although his percussion skills are only at an amateur level, he can't compare to Zhao Yufeng.

But it's more than enough to handle the accompaniment of a pop song.

Seeing Cheng Ming unexpectedly sit on the drum stool and play the drumsticks in an amazing way, Wang Shuo was so surprised that his jaw almost dropped.

"Holy crap? Lao Cheng, you can do this...? We've been together for four years in college, how come I never knew you could play drums...!"

Gu Xiao, standing to the side, was also slightly surprised, her beautiful eyes darting around.

Leaving aside acting skills, cinematography is his primary job.

But he's already involved in piano, guitar, composing and singing, and now he's even dabbling in percussion?

Are you sure you're not an undercover agent planted by Lao Li in the photography department? How many more surprises does this man have that she doesn't know about?

Gu Xiao felt like she was digging for a treasure, and with every inch she dug down, she could see new light...

"It's just a matter of applying the same principles to other situations. Come on, give it a try..."

Cheng Ming adjusted the height of the drum stool and the position of the foot pedal, then nodded to Gu Xiao.

……

Half an hour later!

As Wang Shuo became more familiar with the melody and score of "The Wind Rises," it was time for the audition.

"when--"

The clear piano prelude flowed out like a stream.

Gu Xiao's fingers danced across the black and white keys, the notes flowing with a touch of sadness and nostalgia, instantly filling the emptiness of the entire studio.

Immediately afterwards, Cheng Ming, who was getting into the groove, brought his drumsticks down.

The drumbeats arrived at just the right moment, not overpowering the piano, but injecting a firm sense of power into the originally gentle piano sound.

Seeing how focused and dedicated the two were, their teamwork becoming increasingly seamless, Wang Shuo was momentarily dazed.

He stood in front of the microphone, clutching the lyrics sheet tightly in his hand. The paper was slightly wrinkled from sweat, and his palms were covered in sweat.

Although he spoke with great bravado, saying he would overthrow the poor and bring glory to his ancestors.

But when it really came down to singing, I still felt a little nervous.

After all, this is a big deal concerning one's future and reputation; if they mess it up, they'll really become a laughing stock.

However, a gifted individual is a gifted individual.

As the prelude progressed, Wang Shuo's body seemed to awaken some kind of instinct.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and let the restless emotions settle down.

He spoke as the first beat fell.

"We traveled along the way, stopping and starting, following the trail of the boy's drifting journey..."

As soon as the sound came out, Gu Xiao's fingers trembled violently as she pressed the piano keys, almost playing a wrong note.

........