Chapter Fifty: Tailored to Perfection

While everyone was getting ready, Lin Qihua asked He Li for the artists’ analysis reports. These were files the company had kept on each artist since they joined, summarizing their backgrounds, personalities, performance styles, unique traits, and fan base profiles. From these, one could get a pretty clear sense of each artist’s style.

Skimming through, Lin noticed that both Xiao Xiao and the Vivi Group came from the company’s training camp. Their backgrounds were straightforward, and their characteristics stood out. Xiao Xiao, for example, was gentle and sweet, immensely popular with male fans, with the potential to become a new goddess in the industry. She had a loyal following and, even when she had no gigs, she could maintain her popularity just by posting on social media. There was little to worry about with her.

The Vivi Group, on the other hand, consisted of three girls with very different personalities. The eldest, Li Xiaowei, was bold and carefree; the second, Qin Nianwei, was gentle; and the youngest, Tian Yuwei, was lively and adorable. Each had their own group of fans. In terms of singing ability, the eldest was the strongest, while the second and third excelled in dance. Most importantly, the second and third sisters were the most attractive, each with their own strengths and charm. If managed well, they could be a big hit in the market. Such groups were rare in the industry, and the company had launched them to fill that gap. Now that they were being suppressed, the impact was considerable and their popularity had plummeted.

As for Lei Jing, her background was much more complicated. She came from the prestigious Nan Yi company’s training camp. Later, a high-ranking executive took a liking to her and tried to pursue her romantically, but she rejected him outright. Offended, he had her sidelined for two years. After she was reinstated, she refused to sign a contract and was shelved again. A year later, her contract expired, and she went north alone, drifting from place to place. Eventually, Lian Yuling discovered her and, moved by her situation, signed her to the company. She endured three years of hardship before finally making it to the ranks of second-tier stars—a history full of struggle and adversity. Yet, there was not the slightest trace of darkness in her demeanor. Perhaps that was her defining feature: strong, tough, with a striking figure and a loyal fanbase that never wavered.

“She’s truly remarkable,” Lin Qihua thought, feeling a surge of respect as he read about Lei Jing’s unhesitating rejection of Xinghui Entertainment’s invitation. She was a girl who refused to be broken, steadfast in her principles, deserving of admiration. The same applied to Xiao Xiao and the Vivi Group. They, too, had declined the invitation to join Xinghui Entertainment without hesitation, choosing to stay with Galaxy Entertainment instead. That kind of loyalty was deeply moving.

Over half an hour later, the trainers arrived with several young people. Judging by their excited faces, the trainers must have told them what was happening on the way. This was indeed a tremendous opportunity for them. Fortunately, under the trainers’ guidance, they quickly composed themselves and began preparing. They had all trained hard and, having been selected, each had their own special talent—now was the time to prove themselves.

Lin Qihua saw five people arrive: two men and three women, all handsome and attractive, though none stood out particularly. But that was what pre-debut packaging was for; the main thing was their ability. If Lian Yuling, the strict training supervisor, let them come for the selection, each surely had something exceptional to offer—everyone knew her standards were exceptionally high.

“Let’s start on our side,” Lin Qihua said to Lei Jing and the others. “According to my instructions, each of you will perform two numbers. Show all of your strengths and talents—don’t hold anything back.”

“I’ll go first,” Lei Jing volunteered, stepping forward as the eldest. “My strength is my distinctive voice—perfect for rock and similar genres.”

At her signal, the staff played a backing track with an intense rhythm. Lei Jing danced with abandon to the music, her singing wild and slightly raspy, just as she’d said. The effect was powerful, but Lin Qihua couldn’t help feeling something was off—something different, perhaps a result of her experiences. In her hysteria, there was always a hint of defiance and resilience.

“The song choice wasn’t right,” Lin Qihua thought, sitting on the piano bench, his hands resting on the keys as he watched Lei Jing toss her hair wildly. He found her hair a bit distracting, and a distinct, charismatic image kept surfacing in his mind—one that seemed to overlap with Lei Jing’s.

For her second number, Lei Jing chose a quiet love song. The performance was moving, bringing tears to the eyes, but on Lei Jing, it still felt out of place. Perhaps that was why she remained stuck in the second tier. Her performances and her unyielding spirit could attract many, but the scope was limited—her greatest problem was a lack of broader appeal.

“In the end, it’s a matter of inconsistent personal style,” Lin Qihua concluded.

When she finished, the audience applauded in admiration, while Lei Jing quietly watched Lin Qihua.

“I understand why you’ve made it to the second tier,” he applauded. “You have a unique charm. But I also know why you haven’t reached the top.”

“Please, tell me.” A flash of anger crossed Lei Jing’s eyes at his assessment, but she remained polite and willing to listen.

“I’ve read your analysis report. Your experiences shaped your personality and your vocal style—hysterical, wild, unyielding, with a unique appeal. But that’s also your greatest flaw: your path is too narrow and doesn’t connect with the mainstream audience. That’s why you’re stuck at the second tier.”

“You’re right,” Lei Jing admitted. “My fanbase hasn’t changed much in the past two years. It’s hard for other listeners to like me.”

“So the problem is your style. I don’t think your current performance style is really right for you,” Lin Qihua said with a gentle smile. “You let yourself go too much. Love songs, in particular, don’t suit you at all. If you let me make a suggestion that could completely transform you, would you accept it?”

“What kind of transformation?”

“Cut your hair,” he said with a smile.

Lei Jing drew a sharp breath but kept her composure. “What would happen if I did?”

“I’d suggest the stylist give you a brand-new look. How about short hair—something androgynous? With your features, you’d look incredibly cool, maybe even more striking than many male stars. Combined with your free-spirited personality and tough, unyielding aura, you might just captivate thousands of girls.”

“If I change my look, will you find inspiration to write songs for me?” Lei Jing pressed.

“Yes. In fact, I already have some ideas. Trust me, I’ll write you several songs that suit your new style. What you need is a total transformation—let go of the supposed gentleness of women and embrace your inner self. Tough, stylish, unyielding—that’s your true style. Stand tall, don’t bend, and just be yourself—the coolest version of yourself.”

“Androgynous, is it?” Lei Jing touched her shoulder-length hair, a flash of resolve in her eyes. “Alright, I accept. I want to see what my true style feels like.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Lin Qihua replied with a smile as Lei Jing strode out of the vocal room, a stylist following behind. He was eager to see Lei Jing’s transformation and resolved to do his best with her new look.

“Qihua…” Yu Fengqin sounded a bit worried.

“Don’t worry, Sister Qin,” Lin Qihua replied calmly. “Trust me, you’re going to see a whole new Lei Jing.” In his mind, he pictured a series of dazzling performances, all proof of the power of a unique style. Would Lei Jing achieve that? Lin Qihua had every confidence in her.

“Next,” he said, turning to Xiao Xiao.

Xiao Xiao walked forward nervously.

“Don’t worry, you don’t need to cut your hair or change your look,” Lin Qihua reassured her with a smile. “Your image is perfect for your temperament. What matters is your vocal quality.”

Xiao Xiao patted her chest in relief. She had been afraid Lin Qihua would ask her to change her style completely. She began her performance.

She chose two gentle love songs. Her voice was clear and ethereal, her breath control excellent, her fundamentals solid. With her constant sweet smile and engaging body language, her performance was enchanting—a true goddess in the making.

At least, Lin Qihua felt nothing amiss. This style was perfectly suited to her.

When she finished, she looked at Lin Qihua anxiously. He smiled reassuringly. “Wonderful. Keep to this style. All you need now is time and good songs—you’re destined for the top tier.”

“Really?” Xiao Xiao asked in delight.

“Absolutely. Your fanbase will only grow, as long as you keep giving them new material. More works, more shows, more social media interaction—just keep going and you’ll get there. For a singer like you, there’s no shortcut. You don’t need to be an overnight sensation. Just stick to your style, and you’ll slowly become everyone’s goddess.”

“Thank you,” Xiao Xiao said, finally at ease. She stuck out her tongue playfully. “I was so scared you’d suddenly tell me to get a buzz cut—I’d have lost my mind.”

“Haha! If I did, Sister Qin and the others would scold me first, then your fans would be at my door every day,” Lin Qihua laughed, lifting the piano lid. “Have you sung ‘A Little Happiness’ before?”

“Of course! It’s my favorite song—I listen to it every day, and I can sing it,” Xiao Xiao nodded eagerly.

“Then I’ll accompany you on the piano. If I’m satisfied, the song is yours.”

“Really?” Xiao Xiao exclaimed. “That’s your most popular song—the download numbers are frightening! I can do a cover?”

“Not a cover. In fact, it was meant to be sung by a woman,” Lin Qihua said softly. “I wrote it for a girl in the first place. I can’t fully do it justice. Let’s see if you can seize this opportunity.”

“Of course, I’ll do my best!” Xiao Xiao clenched her little fists, cheering herself on.