Chapter 15

This world is filled with people who harbor dreams; some wake up early from their dreams, while others continue until their dreams become reality. In front of Li Jingming sat a determined dream chaser.

This man, named Jin Dayuan (though he was not yet old enough to be called an uncle), had a troubled look on his face, as if he hadn't fully woken up. His prominent jaw and messy beard were quite distinctive, and his casual attire included a pair of slippers. Apart from the prominent eyebrow piercing, he basically looked like an ordinary neighborhood uncle. Jin Dayuan's name had a strong Korean rural flavor, but he was revered throughout Korea's music industry as a troubadour. He was also widely known by another name: Jin C.

This was Li Jingming's new entertainment company, which was almost identical to his music company in the United States, with the same equipment. Many things that were not available in Korea were transported over through Korean Air. Unlike Ken Kere, who had seen it all at Warner, Jin C's expression didn't change much upon entering, but he was already deeply impressed. Many of the items were new models he had never even heard of, and some were legendary limited editions. For example, the headphones and amplifier on Li Jingming's desk were a matching set, the famous Sennheiser Orpheus electrostatic headphone system, worth over ten million Korean won, with only 300 sets available worldwide, and they were highly sought after. Jin C had only heard that a music company president had bought one for his collection, but he had never seen the real thing. Now, he was watching Li Jingming fiddle with the key. This system required a key to start, and each set had only one key. The Orpheus's reputation as a perfect headphone system wasn't due to gimmicks like the key or artistic craftsmanship; it had no obvious strong or weak frequency bands, which was its most valuable feature.

Jin C had received an invitation to appreciate a piece of music. Someone had sent him a music sample, which he found very interesting, so he came over. However, he hadn't even received the song yet, and everything here was already making him eager.

Jin C was not without means. Born into a wealthy family, he was also a famous Korean singer, music producer, director, actor, and variety show host. These titles ensured he always had work and income. However, many of the things here were not available in Korea, no matter how much money he had. Jin C had aspirations; he pursued his unique musical world, willing to give up a lot for it. Even when the variety show "Two Days One Night" was at its peak, he chose to leave and go to Germany to study music.

Li Jingming had studied piano and violin in his previous life, and in this life, he mainly focused on the guitar. He was exceptionally skilled in all three. Since he chose to study subjects he had already learned in his previous life, he had a lot of free time in college, except when he was busy with business. He spent most of his time watching sports or interacting with musicians. His skills in composition and lyrics, combined with his instrumental prowess, made him well-known in the Boston college music scene. Whether in professional music schools, comprehensive universities, or even specialized technical schools, there were many music enthusiasts in the United States, including Einstein, who enjoyed playing the violin. This was a difference in the cultural atmosphere between countries, and the dedication of Americans, especially African Americans, to music was truly admirable.

"This song is called 'Confession.' I think it fits your style, and since you are an expert in this area, I would like you to evaluate it and give me some feedback if possible." Li Jingming invited Jin C to put on the headphones and started playing 'Confession' on the Orpheus system. He was very humble, as the other person was not only a senior but also the original songwriter of the song in his previous life.

Jin C was experiencing the Orpheus system for the first time. He was curious whether this so-called "divine" device was really that amazing. Just as he was wondering, the male voice that appeared simultaneously with the piano sound captured his attention.

The male voice was neither artificially deep nor overly dramatic. It was a gentle sigh, filled with regret, longing, and sorrow, all melting into that sigh. The lyrics were also excellent, fully expressing the complex emotions. Jin C glanced at Li Jingming in surprise. The headphones were so good that he could clearly hear that the voice in the song was that of the young man in front of him. The voice itself was nothing special, but the depth and richness of the emotion were remarkable, giving a sense of worldliness and detachment, despite the young man's apparent age of only seventeen or eighteen.

"Truly amazing." Jin C gave his evaluation after listening to the song three times, not about the system but about Li Jingming.

Li Jingming smiled humbly. As a reborn person, plagiarism wasn't a sin, but he still felt a bit embarrassed in front of the original creator. He had always liked this song in his previous life. After recalling and rearranging the melody and filling in the lyrics from memory, he had produced a version that was different from the original but carried his own interpretation, making it a perfect performance. Li Jingming's voice was already excellent, and with the control of his breath, the song was a masterpiece that could captivate countless ears.

"This doesn't seem like a song written by someone your age." Jin C was a bit skeptical.

Li Jingming answered calmly, "Since I was fourteen, I have been traveling, leaving my footprints all over Europe, and I have studied in China and the United States for a long time. It has been almost ten years. Perhaps seeing more has given me more insights."

Li Jingming's worldliness had convinced Jin C. Jin C himself had always dreamed of such a life, as the first character in "troubadour" is "travel." How could one create good music without traveling? But this calculation made Jin C realize that Li Jingming must be around twenty-three or twenty-four, truly a young face. Jin C, with his aged appearance, was always tired-looking and envied those with youthful faces.

This song, which Jin C himself would have written, why wouldn't he like it? "Your song is perfect, and with your voice, it will be a huge success. I have no suggestions. Is your company planning to debut you as a solo artist? This song won't fit a stage visual style, so a good MV is crucial."

"I didn't bring this song to debut. This is not our company but my company." Li Jingming looked at Jin C's puzzled expression and asked, "Does this song match the feeling you're looking for?"

"Very close, but..." Jin C seemed to understand, "I don't limit myself; I am versatile."

"I invite you to join us as a producer. You can use everything here, and I will arrange for you to go to the United States in two years." This was Li Jingming's plan. The music studio needed a master to lead, and Jin C was his choice. Jin C was an independent musician, with his own management company, which he ran with friends. He was his own boss, and he handled everything himself, a completely free spirit.

"I haven't considered joining anyone else's company." Jin C directly refused but was still curious about the offer, "You mentioned the United States?"

"Yes, do you know Ken Kere?"

"Yes, a super music producer who has won Grammy Awards." Jin C was well-versed in music history and used the term "super" because of the Grammy Awards.

Li Jingming smiled, "I have a similar studio in the United States, and he is the one in charge there. If you join LAD, I will arrange for you to go to the U.S. company in two years and also arrange for you to study at any American music school for a period."

"Are you that capable?" Jin C was not a child and had seen a lot in his middle age.

Li Jingming wouldn't boast about being the head of Facebook, a shareholder of Apple, or a shareholder of Google. He couldn't let his Korean business start with the label of a rich kid playing around, using money to pave the way. That would make everything he did meaningless.

"You will understand my capabilities once you join. If you are interested, you don't have to join LAD immediately. I think you would be willing to go to the United States to meet and exchange ideas with Ken Kere." Li Jingming had a good plan. Once they met, they could mutually benefit, "How about next week?"

Before returning to Korea, Kobie Kere had already started preparing for the first album. The studio staff, from sound engineers to cleaning ladies, were all experts found through Ken Kere's personal connections. Li Jingming only needed to sign contracts and pay salaries, as this was his daughter's first album, crucial to her future. The high standards of the LKM music studio in the United States would undoubtedly shock Korean musicians.

LAD would not initially package and promote artists, as they lacked the necessary connections. Li Jingming's plan was to start with musicians, preferably outstanding songwriters, to gain an advantage at the source. As for the major companies with their own super producers, LAD didn't have the resources to compete, so their competition strategy was more practical.

Jin C had seen the power of wealthy and influential people in Korea. If the young man in front of him was telling the truth, he was likely one of them. An opportunity to converse with a Grammy-level producer, not just a casual meeting but a musical exchange, was almost irresistible for a true music lover. Jin C nodded, "If it's true, I would be happy to have such an exchange, but why can't I go to the United States now?"

"Because I am about to serve in the military, and this place needs someone to support LAD musically."

Jin C nodded. In Korea, the higher the family, the less tolerance for any flaws in their children, and military service was inevitable.

"I need to understand the company's promotional channels, budget, and professional staff before making a decision." Music needed a way out; otherwise, it would just be self-entertainment.

Li Jingming handed over a report that Song Shijie had just organized that morning, "Please take a look. If you have any doubts or need confirmation, I can handle it this afternoon."

Nine coffee shops (many coffee shops in Korea sell music products), over twenty bookstores, and one newspaper provided a solid promotional base. For album releases, contacting a few more music stores would be enough for market promotion. Financially, with so many industries, they were unlikely to be short of funds.

"Can I ask you one last question? Why do you do music?" Jin C asked his final question.

Li Jingming didn't answer but pointed to a line of small text under the large LAD logo:

"Not for popularity, but for influence."

This was Li Jingming's ambition, a goal he must achieve, to gain influence over the entire world.

Jin C silently read the line he hadn't noticed when he first entered. He realized this young man's dream was even bigger than his own. Jin C, who dreamed of sharing his music with the world, recognized Li Jingming's dream.

"Then this song?" Jin C was already in character.

"Let's release it as a single. We won't do much promotion; let the music speak for itself." Li Jingming said confidently.

Jin C shook his head regretfully. Such a good song without proper promotion was a pity. Although he was an independent musician, he wasn't a music fanatic who ignored the importance of promotion. He understood that good music needed promotion to be known, accepted, and loved. He had done many things unrelated to music to pave the way for his music.

"The MV still needs to be made." Li Jingming handed the Orpheus key to Jin C. Since he was about to join the military and wouldn't have much time to come to the company, he left the key with Jin C.

The MV, Jin C's mind was already imagining. He was not just a musician but also a director.

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