Huayu: From "Good Fortune Across the Sky" to becoming a top star

After the song ended, Zhang Yimou's expression was as fascinating as if he had just watched a performance by a veteran actor.

He sat in the chair, remaining silent for a long time, his gaze fixed on Jiang Xun, re-examining the young man.

Last night before bed, he idly looked up Jiang Xun's background.

The Tibetan boy who became an internet sensation on Douyin (TikTok) dropped out of junior high school, lost his parents at a young age, and grew up herding cattle alone.

He thought to himself, "This kid is really lucky."

But now, after listening to this song...

You call this a middle school dropout who is illiterate?

These lyrics clearly have the feel of a professional lyricist.

There was a two-second silence in the tent, and everyone was somewhat stunned by what they heard.

"Listen for one more second, to new hopes and old dreams. Watch for one more second, to the future or the past..."

Liu Haochun was the first to react, gently tapping his hands in the air to keep time while softly repeating the lyrics of the chorus.

"It sounds great! The lyrics are great too!"

Her words sparked a flurry of discussion among the others.

"This is really well written; the word 'one second' is such a perfect touch on the theme."

"The melody is also pleasant to listen to, subtle yet very charming."

"Why does this sound familiar? Have I heard something similar before?"

Zhang Yimou listened to the discussions of the crowd, nodded slightly, and then looked at Jiang Xun, his tone hesitant:

"Xiao Jiang, this song you wrote is really good. But... it does sound a bit familiar, don't you think?"

"Director Zhang, this song is about people's dedication to movies and family during a special era, and also about bidding farewell to the era of film reels that will never return."

So while writing, I unconsciously incorporated a touch of the poem "Farewell." But rest assured, this isn't plagiarism; it's merely a homage.

Zhang Yimou nodded again.

Of course he could tell.

The distant and desolate tone does indeed have the shadow of Li Shutong's "Farewell", but the melody is completely different and the lyrics are original.

This song, as the theme song for "One Second," is very fitting in terms of its atmosphere.

But he still felt a little awkward.

It's not that the song is bad, but that you wrote it in one night. Isn't that incredibly disrespectful to my film? You should at least have taken a week to write it.

"However, I think it's still missing something," Zhang Yimou said slowly, his tone carrying a hint of criticism.

"It might be because there's no accompaniment. My idea for the full version is to rely mainly on the piano, which might make it feel more complete."

Zhang Yimou slowly shook his head, his expression inscrutable.

"Damn it!" Jiang Xun cursed inwardly. "Are you deliberately trying to cause trouble? You want a song? Do you think I'd write you a half-finished one?"

"Let me think about it some more." Jiang Xun straightened up, not giving in to him at all. "I'll release this song under a different name first. I'm personally quite satisfied with my new work."

After he finished speaking, the air was silent for a moment.

Several staff members around them exchanged glances discreetly.

This kid's a hothead.

Zhang Yimou wasn't angry; instead, he coughed twice, then laughed awkwardly, "Ahem... I guess I was overthinking it. This song is very suitable, very suitable."

Seeing that Zhang Yimou had given in, Jiang Xun also took the opportunity to back down.

"It's also possible that my voice isn't quite right," Jiang Xun, as the junior, conceded slightly. "I think Hao Cun could try singing it. Her voice is clear and sweet, which is very suitable for this kind of storytelling song."

Suddenly called on, Liu Haochun stood up abruptly, ramrod straight, his hands pressed against the sides of his trousers, like a primary school student being called on by the teacher, his face filled with nervousness and anticipation.

"May I... teacher?"

"Otherwise what?" Jiang Xun retorted.

Liu Haochun's face immediately fell, and her lips pouted slightly.

Is this how you are?! Can't you speak a little more gently?!

Zhang Yimou felt a sense of relief.

Having Liu Haochun sing the theme song was a pleasant surprise.

After all, it was the theme song for his movie, and he wrote and composed it himself, which greatly helped Jiang Xun's popularity.

Zhang Yimou's gaze toward Jiang Xun held an added touch of admiration.

"Name your price. The theme song is settled, this one!" Zhang Yimou made the final decision without further hesitation.

"Director Zhang, please take it and use it. It would be my honor to use it as the theme song for your movie," Jiang Xun said, feigning modesty.

Zhang Yimou's expression remained unchanged, but he was indeed very pleased inside.

"One thing at a time, the money can't be less!"

Since that was the case, Jiang Xun pondered in his heart after declining the offer three times.

Originally, the song was written by Chen Xi and composed by Dong Dongdong. The price for such a top-notch musician to produce the theme song for the movie would be between 10 and 30 yuan. This is just the usage fee, not a direct sale to the movie company.

Therefore, Jiang Xun removed the highest price and the lowest price, and finally chose the median value.

"150,000, I guess."

"Sure! We'll sign the contract later!" Zhang Yimou readily agreed and shook hands with Jiang Xun.

"Okay, thank you, Director Zhang."

With the deal settled, Zhang Yimou clapped his hands, picked up the walkie-talkie, and said, "All departments, take your positions and begin today's work!"

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Jiang Xun slowly returned to his and Liu Haochun's private little corner.

"Brother Jiang Xun, you're so amazing!" Liu Haochun followed behind him, her eyes full of admiration.

Jiang Xun felt a surge of joy.

Is Oda possessing him?

No! It's not that he's possessed by Oda; he's always been outstanding!

"It's alright."

"I hate it, fine—" Liu Haochun pouted.

"I had absolutely no talent! It was all thanks to my own hard work and perseverance!"

Spurred on by Liu Haochun, Jiang Xun finally added yet another layer of value to himself.

Liu Haochun was amused by him, covered her mouth, and her shoulders trembled slightly.

"Then why did you choose me to sing this song?" She stopped smiling, tilted her head to look at him, and her tone became serious. "Aren't there many female singers with better voices than me?"

"Because I side with my relatives, not with what is right."

"Hehehehehehe..."

Jiang Xun took the paper with the lyrics written on it and looked down at it.

The above is a composition by Liu Haochun, with neat notes and a clear structure, which contrasts sharply with his own messy, dog-like handwriting.

That's... very embarrassing.

"Let me explain it to you, and you can take notes," Jiang Xun cleared his throat.

He racked his brains over this, but he couldn't be sure if what he said was right or wrong.

That's roughly it.

Anyway, the recording studios that work with Zhang Yimou are definitely top-notch, so even if he says something wrong, there will be professionals to help him correct it tactfully.

"Okay!" Liu Haochun immediately sat up straight, picked up his pen, and assumed a posture of listening attentively.

"In the intro and verse, the piano is the core instrument and takes the lead, based on the key of A, with a tempo of J=79." Jiang Xun spoke slowly and deliberately, trying to appear as professional as possible.

Liu Haochun nodded seriously: "I don't understand, but it sounds impressive!"

"In the chorus, the core instruments used are piano, violin, viola, and cello..."

The two of them talked and took notes. Before they knew it, the desert sun had risen a little higher, and the light slanted in through the gaps in the tent, casting a golden glow on Liu Haochun who was facing them.

……