Chapter 82: If You Don't Hurry, Other Girls Will Make a Move

"Do you have a recorded demo? Or you could sing it live." Xi Dong wasn’t doubting Chen Fang’s abilities; rather, he was simply eager to hear the song Chen Fang had composed.

Xi Yuanyuan’s face was also full of expectation.

There was no demo.

But singing it live was possible.

Chen Fang looked at Xi Yuanyuan. "Do you have a guitar at home?"

Upon hearing this, Xi Yuanyuan dashed upstairs in her slippers.

Before long, a rather expensive guitar was handed to Chen Fang.

What surprised Chen Fang was that this guitar also bore Modi’s signature. It seemed Modi was truly renowned.

"The song is called ‘Gone with the Chill’."

Chen Fang tried a few chords; the guitar had excellent sound quality.

"Gone with the Chill?" Just from the title, one couldn’t tell much.

As night falls, the air grows cool
Blossoms drop, turning to frost
You watch from afar
Draining away the last of twilight
Without thinking, still hard to forget

Strictly speaking, the arrangement of this song didn’t include guitar. Chen Fang was using the guitar merely for convenience, so the effect was somewhat less impressive than the fully arranged version.

However, Chen Fang’s voice compensated for some of these shortcomings.

In that instant, Xi Dong’s eyes shone brilliantly.

Although he was a director in the film industry, he had a certain appreciation for music.

This song was excellent!

Of course, the guitar felt a little out of place.

But Xi Dong understood clearly: when Chen Fang created this song, he likely didn’t intend for the guitar to be the primary instrument. This was a typical ancient-style song; in such arrangements, modern instruments should not dominate too much, lest the flavor of the ancient style be lost.

Even someone in the film industry like Xi Dong understood this, so as a professional singer, Chen Fang surely knew it as well.

Beside him, Xi Yuanyuan’s eyes were also shining with delight.

Just from the opening lines, it was clear this song wasn’t hastily thrown together to meet a deadline—it was of high quality.

Incredible!

For Chen Fang, writing songs seemed as natural as breathing.

The night’s coolness turns longing for you into a river
Transforming into spring earth that gently cradles me
Tender years brush against a lover’s sleeve
Petals upon petals drift along the stream

The first chorus arrived quietly, lifting the mood slightly on the foundation of the prelude, yet overall, the style remained tinged with melancholy.

This perfectly matched the storyline of "Eternal Three Lives".

In the script, the male and female leads endured many heartrending trials.

But as a historical romance with a happy ending, a touch of warmth was needed amidst the sorrow.

The first part ended.

Chen Fang didn’t continue singing.

There was no need to perform the entire piece.

His purpose was merely to give Xi Dong a sense of the song’s quality and style. As long as Xi Dong was satisfied, they could later record the full version in the studio.

"Uncle Xi, are you satisfied?" Chen Fang asked with a smile.

Xi Dong couldn’t help but applaud.

"I’ll buy this song," he declared.

At these words, Chen Fang finally felt relieved.

As long as he could sell "Gone with the Chill," he would have the funds to purchase "Lady Shexiang".

Checking the time, he saw it was already four in the afternoon—there was no way to record the full version of "Gone with the Chill" today.

With the song settled, Chen Fang of course hadn’t forgotten about Su Murou.

After chatting for a while, Chen Fang casually asked, "Uncle Xi, I heard the crew is casting right now. Have the roles been decided?"

Xi Dong shook his head. "Casting is a bit tricky. Even as the director, I can’t avoid some actors wanting to join with financial backing, and quite a few old friends have called to recommend actors. I’m personally quite demanding about casting, so it’s likely to take some time."

Chen Fang nodded in understanding.

This was the mark of a true director.

"Xiao Chen, are you interested in acting? I could reserve a role for you," Xi Dong said, half in jest but not entirely without intent.

Chen Fang’s looks were more than sufficient.

Such appearance would be a standout in any historical drama.

Even if Chen Fang’s acting skills were lacking, he could be cast as an extra with no lines, a disposable character, a bandit, or a ruffian.

This wasn’t an insult.

It was a bona fide credit.

In the future, if other directors asked about Chen Fang’s debut role, he could proudly say it was in Xi Dong’s "Eternal Three Lives". With Xi Dong’s reputation, Chen Fang would have an easier time in the film industry.

Chen Fang thought it over seriously, then shook his head. "I’ll pass this time. Yuanyuan knows my schedule is packed right now—variety shows and other commitments fill my calendar. When I’m less busy in the future, if you have another project, Uncle Xi, I’d love to participate."

This was a tactful refusal.

There was another reason.

"Eternal Three Lives" was an idol drama.

Chen Fang didn’t want his first acting credit to be labeled as an idol actor; he preferred to be recognized for his abilities.

For this reason, he was waiting for a better script.

If Xi Dong had another, more outstanding script and invited him, Chen Fang would gladly accept.

The size of the role didn’t matter.

But at the very least, he wanted a part that would showcase his acting.

Upon hearing this, Xi Dong didn’t press him. "Then let’s wait for another opportunity."

Chen Fang organized his thoughts and said tentatively, "Uncle Xi, I know a talented actress who I think is perfect for the second female lead in your script. Would you like to take a look?"

Xi Dong paused.

So that’s it! You’re here to recommend someone too.

He chuckled helplessly. "An actress from your company?"

That wasn’t right. Future Stardom didn’t have a film department.

Xi Yuanyuan explained, "She’s not from our company. Back when Future Stardom’s reputation was decent, there were a few actors, but they all left."

Actors and singers were different.

Singers had to sign with a company—unless, of course, you were singing on the street.

In that case, there was no need for an entertainment company.

But if you wanted to boost your fame—whether as an online celebrity, internet singer, or talent show contestant—you needed to sign with a platform.

Online celebrities signed with unions.

Trainees signed with entertainment companies.

Actors had more options.

You could sign with an entertainment company and let them arrange roles for you; or not sign and contact directors privately; or you could be a background actor in Hengdian, running between crews, hoping one day a director would notice you and make you famous.

As long as you were willing to endure hardship and had patience, actors didn’t have to sign with an entertainment company.

Future Stardom once had quite a few actors, but after its reputation plummeted, those actors would rather work as extras in Hengdian than stay.

Over time, Future Stardom’s film department disappeared.

"She’s a friend of mine," Chen Fang answered honestly.

Su Murou was Ji Mei’s best friend.

So, she was half a friend to Chen Fang.

"Not your girlfriend, is she?" Xi Dong asked.

Chen Fang smiled awkwardly. "Just a regular friend, nothing special."

Xi Dong glanced at his daughter, his eyes full of exasperation. With so many female friends around Chen Fang, if you don’t make a move soon, some other girl will snatch him away.