A song from Chengdu revived a closed-down pub.

Qu Feiming made up his mind, but he needed a convincing reason.

People involved in culture are particular about their demeanor; no matter how anxious they are inside, they have to maintain a composed appearance.

It's not a good thing to actively seek out a younger person; it makes you look cheap.

So we need to find a pretext, even if it's just something made up on the spot, it has to look plausible.

For example, you might just happen to be passing by and bump into someone.

In short, it wasn't a special trip; this was to preserve the dignity of the veteran artist.

This is the kind of sophistication a cultured person should have.

So Qu Feiming called Liu Mingxuan over.

"I've recently been thinking about researching the Kaoshan Tune musical form. Why don't you come with me to Northeast China?"

Liu Mingxuan was a little puzzled after hearing this: "Master, what's there to study? I'll find a few students from Northeast China and have them perform a two-person comedy routine for you."

Qu Feiming frowned: "Just go when I tell you to. Stop with the nonsense."

Upon hearing this tone, Liu Mingxuan immediately understood that his master's trip to the Northeast was definitely not simply about researching some kind of backing transfer.

So he tentatively asked, "Then... is there anything else planned?"

"That's all."

Liu Mingxuan wasn't sure what his master really meant, but he didn't dare ask any more questions. He simply agreed, "Okay, I'll go and make the arrangements right away."

As they reached the door, Qu Feiming seemed to casually recall something and remarked, "I heard that kid named Su Fan is also in the Northeast?"

Liu Mingxuan immediately understood.

He knew that his master was ostensibly investigating how to transfer powerful figures, but his real target was Su Fan.

He quickly followed up, saying, "He's in the Northeast. We can visit him on our way there. I think that kid has a real talent for music."

Qu Feiming waved his hand casually: "You can arrange it as you see fit."

After Liu Mingxuan left, he started trying to find connections in order to speak with Su Fan.

After going around in circles, he contacted Zhou Haiyang of Harbin's Culture and Tourism Bureau.

After hearing the other party's purpose, Zhou Haiyang understood perfectly.

He didn't agree directly, but said he would ask Su Fan when he would leave Northeast China.

Zhou Haiyang turned around and found Su Fan.

"Qu Feiming from Kyoto is coming to the Northeast, saying he's researching the 'Kaoshan Tune' and would like to see you while he's there. What are your thoughts?"

Su Fan said, "What's going on here? Why would a veteran artist like him come to see a nobody like me?"

Zhou Haiyang said, "Are you really unaware or just pretending? They made a special trip all the way to Northeast China, don't you have any sense of propriety?"

"What do I know? Am I supposed to play along and put on a show of being a seasoned artist with a discerning eye for talent?"

Zhou Haiyang wasn't joking with him. Instead, he seriously suggested, "I think you should meet him. Regardless of whether his real purpose is to study the 'backing mountain' method or to take on apprentices, even if you don't become his disciple, meeting him will be very beneficial to you in the future."

"Director Zhou, are you implying that getting in touch with this senior figure will make my future path much smoother?"

"You understand the logic, but there's one more thing: once you meet him, no one will dare to make a move on you easily. As you become more and more famous, more and more people will try to use various titles to get close to you. You can't refuse some people's face."

Su Fan bluntly stated, "Director Zhou means to use him as a shield, right?"

Zhou Haiyang said, "The meaning is similar, but why does it sound so irritating coming from you?"

Su Fan smiled and said, "Don't worry about the details. I'll listen to Director Zhou and meet this senior in the music industry."

Su Fan agreed, and Zhou Haiyang went to reply.

Upon receiving the news, Qu Feiming didn't want to wait a moment longer and immediately booked a flight to Harbin.

Meanwhile, Su Fan was taken by Qin Ran to Hu Laowu's house.

As soon as he entered the room, Hu Laowu pointed to the box on the table and said, "Here's what you wanted."

Su Fan hadn't expected to get it so easily and asked, "Fifth Master, aren't you going to look at the results? What if this song isn't as popular as the previous one?"

Hu Laowu said, "Whether it's good or bad, you've already won if you can write a work like that."

Su Fan picked up the box and said, "Fifth Master, then I won't stand on ceremony."

Old Hu asked again, "Boy, I'll ask you one more time, are you willing to become my disciple?"

Su Fan shook his head: "Fifth Master, I am honored by your high regard, but I have no intention of changing my sect. Besides, if I become your disciple today, what if I meet another senior master tomorrow? Would I have to betray my sect as well? You'd better not try to take advantage of me."

Old Hu sighed, "So be it."

At this moment, Su Fan said, "By the way, we agreed to exchange the song for the data. As agreed, this song is yours. From now on, no matter how much revenue this song generates, it has nothing to do with me."

Hu Laowu waved his hand: "No need."

Su Fan insisted, "Absolutely. One must be honest. If you, Fifth Master, are so reliable, I certainly can't be sloppy."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Hu Laowu didn't say anything more, but just sighed deeply.

Looking into his eyes, Su Fan felt that the man was even more disappointed after she gave away the song.

However, Su Fan didn't think much of it and interpreted Hu Laowu's disappointment as the regret of not being able to take him under his wing.

After leaving Hu Laowu's house, Su Fan went to keep his appointment with Qu Feiming.

Upon meeting, the group introduced themselves to each other.

Su Fan said, "Professor Qu, Professor Liu, it is my honor to meet you both."

The tone was polite and the manners were impeccable.

But both Qu Feiming and Liu Mingxuan could tell that this kid didn't take this honor seriously; he was just going through the motions.

After taking his seat, Qu Feiming said, "I listened to your rendition of 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' and it was excellent. Only a person of great virtue should enjoy this piece."

Su Fan bowed slightly: "I am deeply honored by Elder Qu's kind words."

Qu Feiming continued, "Not only is the music good, but I also listened to your performance, and I heard something different in it."

Su Fan smiled and said, "I was just talking nonsense, there's no real method to it."

Qu Feiming's tone became serious: "Your suona has an earthy feel to it. Young people these days can read sheet music and have a whole set of theories, but try asking them to play a tune at a funeral. They won't be able to get the feel out of it. But your tune has that feeling, and I call that the root."

Su Fan was stunned for a moment; he hadn't expected to receive such high praise.

At the same time, he also admired the skill level of the senior in front of him.

After all, he really hit the nail on the head.

Liu Mingxuan, who was listening nearby, felt that there was something about him in the teacher's words, and he looked a little uncomfortable.

Su Fan humbly replied, "Elder Qu, you flatter me. It is thanks to the foundation laid by my predecessors that I am able to produce anything worthwhile. Without their guidance, I would be nothing."

Qu Feiming sighed and said with emotion, "Yes, the foundation laid by our predecessors... but where exactly is that foundation? Is it in the academy, or in the folk tradition? How many of those old artists who truly passed down the suona came from academies? They dedicated their entire lives to the land, yet in the end, they didn't even have a formal title. And what we, sitting in academies, drinking tea, flipping through books, are compiling—roots or leaves?"