Chapter Eighty-Three: Reactions from All Sides

The following day, the renowned music critic Li Yi published his review on his personal media platform: The entertainment industry needs more Lin Qihua. In his article, he pointed out that with the ever-evolving wave of the internet and the dominance of cloud music, this era has grown increasingly accustomed to the rapid creation of stars. It’s all about packaging—one layer after another—where works are seen merely as appendages to idols, not as defining labels or decisive elements. In Li Yi’s view, such stars are like rootless duckweed, unable to find firm footing. Looking back at the history of music’s development and surveying the global music market, has any superstar ever been manufactured by packaging alone? Their success always accompanies classic songs and masterpieces, and is inevitably forged through countless trials and tribulations. Whether in their work or character, they stand out as the very best. Only then can the foundation for a superstar be set.

This, he argued, is why we have countless celebrities today, yet only a few true superstars. Artists who are merely products of packaging may capture the market, but they cannot win people’s hearts.

Fortunately, last night, I witnessed the meteoric rise of Lin Qihua. I use the term ‘meteoric’ because, though he had already debuted, he fell into obscurity for a year after his contract was terminated, only to erupt onto the entertainment scene last night. I imagine, over that year, he must have experienced much—seen all facets of life—which enabled him to write such a classic as “The You of the Past.”

Looking up Lin Qihua’s profile, we see that besides this song, he has produced many well-known works, several as outstanding as “The You of the Past.” Each song is a reflection on life, a scrutiny of human nature, and each moves listeners deeply. Such is the power of art. Through each melody, he reminds us that this era does not need to endlessly replay old classics. The problem with today’s music market is not too few classic songs, but too few new, high-quality original classics. So few, in fact, that the emergence of a single Lin Qihua brings boundless joy.

The audience longs for new classics to satisfy their musical cravings and fill their emotional void. Whoever can meet this need will command the vast market. Our gaze has always been fixed across the ocean, admiring their thriving music markets and striving toward them, yet we forget that behind that prosperity lies a powerful creative engine—countless musicians whose works uphold such a strong market.

Should we not pause for reflection: Have we been taking the right path all along? With our current strength, can we stand on the world stage and compete with the global superstars? The answer, I believe, is clear. Except for a few superstars, our artists have little to offer on the world stage. This is the reality we must face. Thankfully, Lin Qihua has emerged, and his moving song has touched the nation, reminding us that the true path lies in encouraging original works. All market strategies are mere tools; original music is essential. This is something we ought to understand, yet how many truly act on it?

A single stone stirs a thousand waves. Li Yi himself is a celebrated critic, with numerous followers. His peers—music reviewers, producers, creators—shared and commented, echoing the call for originality. The phrase “putting the cart before the horse” became the latest buzzword, and the demand for more original works grew louder.

Riding this wave, Lin Qihua’s name was repeatedly brought up.

“Will he bring another new original song next week?” This question became the most common on everyone’s lips.

“The situation looks very promising for us,” He Li said with a smile, standing in Yu Fengqin’s office.

“It’s better than we ever imagined,” Yu Fengqin finally set aside her worries; the pressure from Starshine Entertainment was no longer a concern. “When are they coming back?”

“Not so soon; they need to coordinate with the program recordings,” He Li replied, smiling. “As the person of the hour, Lin Qihua was immediately invited onto another flagship variety show on Xiangzhou Satellite TV: Entertainment Interview. According to Manni’s suggestion, he might as well stay in Xiangzhou this week—no need to fly back and forth and risk affecting next week’s competition.”

“That’s fine. Does the company need to do anything?”

“Chang Yan is already organizing fans to go to Xiangzhou to cheer for Qihua. Thanks to his outstanding performance, his fanbase has exploded. Chang Yan is swamped; reportedly, his social media followers increased by over ten million overnight, and the numbers are still climbing. If he performs well in the second episode, we can expect another surge.”

“That’s quite a workload,” Yu Fengqin laughed. “Why don’t you go to Xiangzhou on behalf of the company, offer some support, and see if there’s anything you can help with?”

“Alright, I’ll head over this afternoon,” He Li agreed with a nod. “I’ll join Chang Yan and the rest.”

At Huayi Tower, in the Artists Department, the atmosphere was tense.

“Let’s hear the external reports,” Director Lin said gravely.

“Yes,” Long Gang responded. “All praise for Lin Qihua. Without a doubt, he has captured the public’s attention with just one song, and the acclaim is overwhelming. The media, openly and covertly, are mocking us for losing such a promising artist.”

“They should laugh; we deserve it,” Director Lin slammed the table, his face full of regret. “I should have insisted back then. I knew Lin Qihua was a rare talent with limitless potential, but I had to let him go. Look at how many good artists we’ve lost these years. Han Dong, Qin Lulu, Lin Qihua, and before them, Lian Yuling—all future stars we carefully nurtured, each with the potential to become a superstar. Yet we could only watch them leave. My heart aches every time I think of it.”

“Don’t be upset,” Long Gang said, startled, trying to comfort him. “It’s not your fault. The company’s problems aren’t new, and we have no say in them.”

“No, it is my fault. I was too protective, forgot the original intent of this position. Lin Qihua’s song awakened me. It’s time to do what I should.”

“Director, what will you do?”

“What I should have done long ago.” Director Lin glanced around the office with nostalgia. In this room, he had created Huayi’s glory, personally sculpting one outstanding artist after another. Yet he had also missed out on many talents. He could no longer watch the company continue down this path, so he was finally going to do what he had always wanted.

“Long Gang,” Director Lin placed a firm, heartfelt hand on Long Gang’s shoulder. “Remember: artists are the foundation of Huayi. Everything else is fleeting. Never forget that. I think I’ve found what I should do, and you must take my place, nurture the artists well, and bring new glory.”

He released Long Gang, brushed off his coat, opened the door, and strode out with determination. For a moment, Long Gang saw the Director Lin of years past—just as resolute as ever.