Chapter 81: Writing Songs as Easily as Drinking Water

Starting with "Anhe Bridge," Even the Stray Dogs Wept Shang Shiyi 2740 words 2026-02-09 13:42:17

After much deep contemplation, Chen Fang finally had an idea. However, he still needed to research information about the Hua nation. Anything related to history required careful investigation; he had to compare the songs from Earth with Hua’s history to ensure nothing went wrong. At the very least, if someone asked about the origin of his inspiration, Chen Fang would be able to give a plausible explanation.

“I’m leading the stage?” Wang Situ was doubtful. With Chen Fang present, it hardly seemed her turn to take charge. After all, both of them would be performing together on stage.

Chen Fang nodded. “Since I’ve brought you into Future Stardom, and you care so much about this Starlight Journey, it’s no trouble for me to make a little sacrifice. Once I finish writing the song, practice diligently—don’t slack off.”

The burden now rested on Wang Situ’s shoulders. In that instant, a strong sense of mission made her expression as resolute as if she were pledging allegiance. “I will,” she replied firmly.

Hearing this, Chen Fang nodded with satisfaction. He admired Wang Situ’s persevering spirit.

“Where are you living now?” Chen Fang asked. He expected her to say she was staying at the company dormitory, but Wang Situ’s answer surprised him: “I’m currently living in the hospital.”

The hospital? Chen Fang was momentarily taken aback. He didn’t press further; it was personal, and there was no need to pry.

“If you’re short on money, just let me know. I may not have much, but I can help with small amounts,” Chen Fang offered, genuinely fond of Wang Situ’s character and willing to lend a hand when possible.

A faint blush appeared on Wang Situ’s otherwise calm face as she murmured her thanks. She didn’t linger; after discussing the Starlight Journey, she stood up to take her leave.

After seeing Wang Situ off, Chen Fang stretched lazily. The next moment, he sank into the sofa, so snug that it was hard to get up. “Home is always the most comfortable. Those days filming variety shows really wore me out.” It wasn’t so much physical exhaustion as mental fatigue. Every morning, he had to face An Tinghan’s round-cheeked face, and except for bathroom breaks, he was under constant surveillance—like a real-life Truman Show.

Pang Tong grumbled, “Is that even human? You’re dating a superstar!” Chen Fang curled his lips. Being with a superstar wasn’t easy—the pressure was immense, especially since he knew An Tinghan’s family dealt in oil, adding another layer of invisible stress.

Chen Fang shook his head and sighed, “People’s troubles are never the same.” After a brief rest, he returned to his room. The lighting was excellent, and his bed was positioned beneath a glass window, letting him gaze at the stars at night. He grew increasingly satisfied as he looked around. Pang Tong had thoughtfully arranged his belongings, and Ji Mei’s gift—a metallic guitar—hung on the wall. Chen Fang rearranged everything to his own preferences, changed the sheets and quilt on his bed, and lay down, feeling especially comfortable.

After a moment, he got up and sat at his desk. “Time to get to work.” He took out a sheet of paper and a pen and wrote the title of a song: “Lady Shexiang.” That’s right—he intended to perform this song as a duet with Wang Situ.

Chen Fang pulled out his phone and did a quick search. There were many heroines in Hua’s history, but he was looking for someone whose deeds resembled Lady Shexiang. After an hour, he finally found a similar figure. In the annals of Hua, this heroine was known as Lady Yuexi. No problem! He would use the name Lady Shexiang as a metaphor for Lady Yuexi.

With the historical aspect resolved, Chen Fang moved to the next stage: becoming the system’s sycophant.

“My dear system, are you there?”

“Not here.”

“Then who’s speaking?”

“You’re hearing things.”

Chen Fang chuckled; the system was rather petulant.

“System, I want to buy the song ‘Lady Shexiang.’ How much will it cost? Please don’t quote a billion right off the bat, or I’ll be heartbroken.” The system was soft-hearted, unlike Ji Mei who responded to both gentle and stern approaches.

The system gave no reply. The next moment, a virtual screen appeared before Chen Fang’s eyes. At first, he thought it was his personal panel, but upon closer inspection, it wasn’t.

[Hua National Bank reminds you: Your card balance is 2031.36 yuan.]

Chen Fang: ……

System! You really know how to sting the heart!!

All the words Chen Fang had prepared in his mind were suddenly scrambled. After a long silence, he decided he couldn’t just sit quietly forever. “System, once I sell the theme song for the drama to Xi Dong, the money will be credited immediately.”

The system sneered, “Sell it first, then talk.”

Alright then!

The system had gotten smarter—no longer so easy to fool! Chen Fang sighed, still preferring the original system: cold and stubborn, but easy to coax.

With this thought, Chen Fang couldn’t sit still any longer. He would go to Xi Yuanyuan’s house right now and sell the song to Xi Dong.

He opened the door and found Pang Tong following an aerobic workout on TV.

“Fatty, I’m heading out,” Chen Fang called as he put on his shoes.

Without turning around, Pang Tong asked, “Will you be back tonight?”

Chen Fang pondered, “Probably.” He’d spent last night at Ji Mei’s place; if he went again today, Ji Mei’s health wouldn’t withstand it. Besides, Su Murou was there. Chen Fang always felt that whenever he and Ji Mei were intimate, someone was eavesdropping next door.

Main task: Sell “Cool and Cold” to Xi Dong, then use the money to buy “Lady Shexiang.”

Side task: Get Su Murou out of the villa to create a private world for himself and Ji Mei.

Hidden task: Stay as far away from An Tinghan as possible.

Perfect!

Chen Fang hurried out, calling Xi Yuanyuan on the way. Not long after, he arrived at her house. Xi Yuanyuan came out to greet him personally.

Chen Fang’s luck was good—Xi Dong happened to be home. Normally, at this hour, Xi Dong would be busy casting for the upcoming drama, but there were so many applicants that a preliminary screening was needed before final selections.

“Chen, how’s your decision about the theme song coming along?” Xi Dong asked with a smile. He thought Chen Fang was still considering, but in fact, Chen Fang had already written the song.

Chen Fang sat down comfortably on the sofa, poured tea for Xi Dong and himself, then spoke, “Uncle Xi, I’ve already written the song.”

Instantly, the spacious living room fell silent.

Xi Yuanyuan was stunned. She had only sent the script to Chen Fang yesterday, and now the song was already finished. More importantly, as Chen Fang’s agent, she had no idea.

Xi Dong was so shocked he couldn’t speak for more than ten seconds.

When did songwriting become so easy?

Chen Fang: It’s not easy at all. It cost me eight million—broke my heart…