Chapter 63: Leadership Assignments

Four o'clock in the afternoon.

Having successfully finished the instrumental accompaniment and fearing any potential mishaps, the group burned two additional cassettes as backups. Editor-in-Chief Yang and Cheng Kaiyan took one of the cassettes with them when they left.

As soon as they returned to the publishing house, the two walked straight into the editor-in-chief's office. Leader Wang was currently inside.

"Leader, the instrumental accompaniment has been recorded."

"Is that so? Bring it over and let me listen, let me have a look."

Leader Wang originally came from a cultural department background and paid close attention to the editorial department. He would come in to work once a week and was quite interested in their song recordings. The moment he heard that the accompaniment was ready, he immediately asked his secretary, Xiao Ma, to fetch a cassette player.

With a click of the machine and the rotation of the gears driving the magnetic tape, the bright sound of a guitar accompanied by a dense rhythm of drums soon poured out from the speaker.

"Not bad at all!"

Leader Wang's eyes lit up upon listening. He had initially expected a mediocre, half-finished piece, but it turned out surprisingly good. Once the entire recording was completed, it certainly wouldn't be bad.

"Leader, what if we borrow a singer from the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater? What do you think?"

Editor-in-Chief Yang stepped forward to propose, as his position naturally brought him closer to the director.

If Cheng Kaiyan had been the one to make this request, it might not have succeeded.

Naturally, they couldn't directly state in front of the leader that they wanted to find a dancing female comrade to sing; they had to beat around the bush.

Saying they would find someone from the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater was actually just picking Cheng Kaiyan's romantic partner.

Regarding this, Editor-in-Chief Yang could only shake his head in amusement. Just two days ago, he had heard from Editor Xiao Chen in the editorial department that the reason Cheng Kaiyan chose to submit his manuscript to *Fragrant Grass* and even rejected *People's Literature* was entirely because his partner worked at the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater.

In a sense, they were just basking in the reflected glory of that comrade, Liu Xiaoli.

It was truly a situation that left one not knowing whether to laugh or cry, but precisely because of this, Editor-in-Chief Yang also agreed to let her sing the song.

"No problem, I'll have Xiao Ma go with you. Besides, since the accompaniment is ready, the song can be performed now, right? Keep up the good work; I think this song *Xiao Fang* is quite good. On the evening of the fifth, the city is holding an arts gala, so arrange for it to be performed on stage then, and let the leaders listen as well."

Leader Wang thought for a moment, smiling as he made the arrangements.

"That would be wonderful! With a municipal arts gala, the television station will be sending people too! By then, the novel might become a hit even before it's published!"

Cheng Kaiyan looked at Leader Wang in surprise, not expecting him to be so quick-witted.

"Well said, Leader! We will keep up the momentum and definitely get it sorted out before the fifth!"

Editor-in-Chief Yang grew excited. In his mind, he could already see their *Fragrant Grass* selling out in a frenzy across the entire province.

However, after being baptized by the sales figures of magazines across the country in recent days, Editor-in-Chief Yang no longer harbored thoughts of surpassing major publications like *People's Literature*. After all, their monthly circulation reached as high as one million copies.

Ever since their redesign, *Fragrant Grass* had slid from its peak circulation of over 400,000 during the Jiangcheng literary era down to a little over 100,000 now.

It simply couldn't compare at all!

If Cheng Kaiyan's *Fragrant Grass* could restore the circulation to 200,000, Editor-in-Chief Yang would be thoroughly satisfied.

As for shattering the skies of scar literature?

As time went on, he no longer dared to dream of that. Novelty meant failing to conform to popular demand, and there was a chance it might not be well-received.

Having obtained Leader Wang's approval, the two left the office.

"Chirp, chirp, chirp~"

In the courtyard of the editorial department, little birds chirped in the trees.

With the arrival of the Spring Festival, winter was gradually passing.

Only the mornings and evenings remained somewhat cold; at noon, under the sun, it was even a bit warm.

Editor-in-Chief Yang glanced at the sky. It was time for lunch, so he took Cheng Kaiyan out for a meal.

In high spirits, the two drank some yellow wine and returned home slightly tipsy, falling fast asleep.

The next morning.

Without wasting a moment, Cheng Kaiyan, alongside Editor-in-Chief Yang and Professor Tong, arrived at the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater.

The Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater was located near Liberation Park, surrounded by fresh air and a tranquil expanse of green.

In the president's office, the three of them met with Vice President Fan Ji'an.

He was an old man in his sixties, wearing a white martial arts practice uniform with a completely bald head.

The three handed over Leader Wang's note, and Editor-in-Chief Yang stated their purpose:

"It's like this, Vice President Fan: we plan to select a female comrade from your theater to assist with a song recording. Furthermore, Leader Wang has arranged for this song to be performed on stage at the municipal arts gala on the fifth, and it will subsequently be broadcasted on major radio stations in Jiangcheng. Therefore, time is tight and the task is heavy..."

"I see... to be recorded before the fifth, and even performed on stage. That certainly makes the time rather tight." After understanding the purpose of the visit, Vice President Fan stroked his beard and continued to ask, "What are your requirements? Are you looking for a professional vocal artist, or someone with a good voice?"

"The voice must be good, and her personal image must also be excellent, matching the image of the female protagonist depicted in our song—early twenties. In my opinion, there's no need to make a massive fuss; just find someone right here in your dance troupe. That way we avoid getting overwhelmed by choices and save some time, considering our schedule is extremely tight right now."

Editor-in-Chief Yang glanced at Cheng Kaiyan and said calmly.

Cheng Kaiyan, standing to the side, couldn't help but curve the corners of his mouth. Truly an old hand in society, his words were airtight without even causing him to blush.

Professor Tong didn't find anything amiss; after all, who wouldn't lean toward their own people? When it came down to it, this song was written by young Cheng, the melody was composed by him, and even the purpose of recording it was to promote his novel.

What was wrong with young Cheng wanting his partner to sing the song he wrote?

Vice President Fan found it a bit strange, but he didn't dwell on it. He recognized the leader of this group as Editor-in-Chief Yang Shuan of the neighboring *Fragrant Grass*.

Besides, this was for a stage performance, requiring not only the ability to sing but also a good appearance.

"The three of you wait here for a moment. I'll have someone make the arrangements."

"Sorry to trouble you, Vice President..."

After Vice President Fan left.

"I won't go along in a moment. Teacher Yang and Professor Tong can go."

Cheng Kaiyan took a sip of tea and said with a trace of awkwardness.

Professor Tong and Editor-in-Chief Yang exchanged an understanding smile—this was the unspoken tacit agreement among men.

At the same time, they couldn't help feeling a deep sense of emotional resonance in their hearts: this comrade Cheng Kaiyan was truly a deeply romantic soul.

...

Vice President Fan found Teacher Jiang Ling of the dance troupe in the cafeteria, where Zhou Xiaomin happened to be as well.

"The higher-ups want to pick a girl from our dance troupe to record a song? What kind of song requires the girls in our dance troupe to sing? You aren't pulling my leg, are you, Vice President?"

Upon hearing Vice President Fan's announcement, Teacher Jiang Ling wore an expression that clearly said, "Vice President, aren't you just talking nonsense?" She put down her chopsticks and couldn't help asking.

This was simply too absurd!

Although girls nowadays loved to sing and dance, something like song recording sounded so high-end and grand. Having dancers sing—wasn't that a bit too farcical?

Weren't they afraid of messing it up?

"Vice President, where did you get this news so early in the morning? How come I didn't know?"

Zhou Xiaomin was also a bit curious. Logistics staff always had the sharpest news channels, and for matters like this, she was usually among the very first to know.

"I just found out. I have a note written personally by Leader Wang from the city," Vice President Fan explained.

Leader Wang?

Zhou Xiaomin's eyelids twitched. This was the top leader in charge of Jiangcheng's cultural affairs, and with him issuing a personal note, one could easily imagine its level of importance.

"The leaders have arranged for the song recorded this time to be performed at the Spring Festival Arts Gala on the fifth, and it will also be broadcast on major radio stations across Jiangcheng. Think about the weight of that yourselves."

"Hiss... Vice President, we'll go notify them right now!"

The two of them felt a shock ripple through their hearts. Exchanging a glance and seeing the surprise mirrored in each other's eyes, they spoke simultaneously.