The Road to Superstardom: Starting as a Singer

Huang Weijie was about to make a call when he heard this. He looked up and glanced at the time: "It might not be possible today. CCTV is broadcasting live at 8 pm, and I still need to get my hair and makeup done later."

"live streaming?"

"Yes, the theme is a cultural performance to welcome the Olympics. Although there are still a few hours before the live broadcast starts, we will definitely have to get there in advance, except for the costumes and makeup."

Huang Weijie shrugged helplessly, then waved his phone. "If you haven't made any arrangements, I'll have my staff order some food and have it delivered to the recording studio later. Want something simple to eat?"

"Okay, then I won't be polite." Zhang Liangying readily agreed.

She invited Huang Weijie to dinner because she wanted to improve her relationship with him so they could eat together, and that would achieve her goal.

Huang Weijie smiled slightly, and after finishing the call, he began to organize the audio files.

Half an hour later, several lunch boxes were placed on the table in the recording studio.

It wasn't a fancy meal, but it was all from famous restaurants in Beijing.

A bowl of steaming hot braised pork buns, a plate of crispy fried sausage, a few refreshing cold dishes, and two boxes of rice.

The aroma of food quickly filled the room.

The two sat down facing each other.

Zhang Liangying picked up a piece of fried sausage, dipped it in garlic sauce, and bit into it with a crunchy sound.

She squinted her eyes contentedly: "Ah, that feels so good~"

Huang Weijie smiled and lowered his head to eat his braised pork.

After quietly eating a few bites, Zhang Liangying remembered something and asked, "Weijie, are you staying in China until the Olympics start?"

"I wish I could," Huang Weijie swallowed the food in his mouth, "but unfortunately, I have to fly back to Los Angeles tomorrow."

Zhang Liangying paused, her chopsticks still in her hand: "Huh? Why the rush?"

"The Teen Choice Awards nominations have been announced, and I've been nominated for several awards. Madeline and my team analyzed that my chances of winning are quite good. After all, I'm signed with an American company now, so my home turf is there, and I can't miss such an important event."

"The Teen Choice Awards..." Zhang Liangying murmured repeatedly, a complex look flashing in her eyes. "That's amazing. When I was preparing my album 'The One' two years ago, I also flew to the US to record for a few months. It's definitely professional there, but it's also really tough to get by!"

She looked up at Huang Weijie and said, "To become famous over there and get nominated for such a mainstream award, it's really... amazing!"

There was no flattery in those words, only genuine admiration.

Only by experiencing it firsthand can you truly understand how talented the singers from that region are.

The boy in front of us was able to stand out among so many singers. He might have had some luck, but his talent was definitely not to be underestimated!

After hearing Zhang Liangying's praise, Huang Weijie smiled faintly: "I was lucky to have encountered the right project and the right time."

He put down his chopsticks, took a sip of water, and asked casually, "I have a personal question for you. Of course, it's just a casual chat between friends. You don't have to answer if you feel it's inappropriate."

"What?"

"When does your contract with Huayi expire?"

Zhang Liangying paused, and her chewing slowed down.

She glanced at Huang Weijie and saw that he looked natural, as if he had just asked casually.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she answered softly, "Next year."

"So, after next year, have you decided whether to renew your contract or what other arrangements you have?"

This time, Zhang Liangying hesitated for even longer.

She put down her chopsticks, picked up a tissue to wipe her mouth, and then said, "This... I need to discuss it with my agent."

"Feng Ke?"

"You know him?!"

"I've heard a little about it. Aren't we friends? I just inquired a bit..." Huang Weijie leaned back on the sofa. "I heard he's the one who scouted you out of your bar singing gig?"

"Yes," Zhang Liangying's eyes softened a bit, "Back then, I was singing in a bar in Chengdu. He came to visit a friend and heard me sing. Later, he talked to me and said I could try a bigger stage... If it weren't for him, I might still be singing in a bar now."

Huang Weijie raised an eyebrow slightly and continued to smile, saying, "Then this is a benefactor! As the saying goes, a drop of water in need should be repaid with a spring of water."

"Yes, yes, yes," Zhang Liangying nodded repeatedly, "That's what I thought too, I've always wanted to repay him. But every time I bring it up, he says that the best way to repay me is to sing well and become a big star. Sigh~"

She sighed, looking troubled, as if she was distressed by her inability to repay the kindness.

Seeing her like this, a glint flashed in Huang Weijie's eyes.

That's a clever tactic. You've been using PUA (Pick-Up Artist) techniques since you were little. No wonder you were so devoted to me later, willing to do anything for me and take care of everything for me.

Gee...

"I'm quite curious about your agent, but I haven't seen him these past two days?" Huang Weijie asked curiously.

He didn't know in the morning, but last night he took Zhang Liangying downstairs to see who she was, someone who could give KTVs that legendary dolphin voice for over a decade, but he didn't see her at all.

"He said he had something to do, but I don't know." Zhang Liangying shook her head, then smiled and said, "But he'll be picking me up today. If you're curious, you can go down and meet him and find out."

Huang Weijie nodded slightly, then changed the subject, saying directly, "My contract with Jive will expire in two years. I plan to start a company in China then."

He paused, looked directly into Zhang Liangying's eyes, and asked, "Want to come along?"

Zhang Liangying blinked: "...What?"

Huang Weijie smiled brightly and said frankly, "Although we haven't known each other for long, I can tell that you are a very talented singer, and you will definitely become popular in the future. Hmm... just like me! Hahaha, so this is like placing a bet in advance, so don't be surprised."

Zhang Liangying laughed when she heard this. Huang Weijie's comment "like him" was not meant to belittle her. Given Huang Weijie's current global fame, it was indeed a compliment, even though he only has one hit single right now.

"Thank you for the compliment," she said, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "You really think so highly of me?"

Huang Weijie's lips curled slightly: "Of course, why would I lie to you?"

Zhang Liangying tilted her head and thought for a moment, then her smile widened: "Okay, since you've said so, I'll definitely join!"

"Don't you want to think about it? Don't let my praise go to your head. I'm serious!"

"I didn't know whether I'd need to renew my contract when it expired, but if I go to the US later, you'll have to help me!"

"If you want to work for me, of course! But don't you need to talk to your agent first?"

"No need, no need," Zhang Liangying raised her chin slightly, "If I say I want to join, then I definitely will!"

Huang Weijie extended his right hand, hooking his little finger up: "Let's pinky swear."

Zhang Liangying chuckled and rolled her eyes at him: "How childish! You're acting like a kid, even making pinky promises."

Even so, she still extended her little finger and hooked it with his.

The two of them shook their fingers.

"Pinky promise, a hundred years from now."

"Pinky promise, a hundred years from now."

With a gentle touch of the thumb, this childish yet solemn ritual was completed.

Huang Weijie then chuckled and said, "Although I've always called you Liangying, I'm still a child, big sister."

Zhang Liangying immediately flew into a rage, grabbing a cushion from the sofa and throwing it at him: "Who are you calling 'big sister'! I'm only a few years older than you!"

Huang Weijie laughed and dodged away.

The two joked around for a while, and the recording studio was filled with relaxed laughter.