Chapter 6

*Tap.*

*Tap.* He pressed the stop button on the recorder.

*Tap.* "Dad, your inspiration is like a flood of urine, I really love this song you wrote for me, 'White Dove'!"

White Dove was so moved that her body felt warm.

Lin Zaishan affectionately patted White Dove's little head.

"I must treat that young lady to a meal; I’m so grateful she ‘woke’ you up, hehe. Dad, you must keep this up, don’t go back to the way you were before."

"Didn’t Producer Sun say she would come to see me after work? Has she arrived yet?" Lin Zaishan suddenly remembered.

"Cough."

Sun Yuzhen gently coughed and slowly approached the bench where the father and daughter were sitting.

Lin Zaishan and White Dove turned around at the same time and saw Sun Yuzhen holding a large motorcycle helmet behind them.

"Ah! Sister, you’re already here!"

White Dove jumped up in surprise and came over to greet Sun Yuzhen.

Lin Zaishan also stood up with his guitar and walked over to Sun Yuzhen with a smile.

He hadn’t looked closely before.

Now, under the yellow streetlight, Lin Zaishan carefully examined the young female producer.

This girl really did look a lot like Sun Yizhen, both in appearance and figure.

She wore a light yellow ruffled-collar shirt, snow-white linen pants, and a pair of brown low-heeled shoes, which made her look very professional and elegant.

She was about 1.65 meters tall, neither too tall nor too short.

Her hair was tied back into a short ponytail, revealing her delicate facial features.

As White Dove had said, her skin condition wasn’t great, and her face looked a bit dull. She wasn’t wearing any makeup, just a natural look.

But even so, she was definitely a beauty.

She wore a slightly literary black-framed glasses, which framed her pure eyes.

She had beautiful under-eye bags, but they were hidden by the glasses, and there were faint signs of dark circles, suggesting that her work and life were quite tough.

"I just went to the ward, and the nurse said you were in the small garden, so I came to find you. Mr. Lin, hello, White Dove, hello." Sun Yuzhen greeted them politely, appearing quite shy and reserved.

Lin Zaishan’s smile conveyed a friendly aura, but Sun Yuzhen was still a bit nervous.

"Sister, did you hear the song my dad sang?"

"Yes, I heard it." Sun Yuzhen apologized to Lin Zaishan, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I... couldn’t help it."

"Haha, Producer Sun, I’m not a monster, you don’t need to be so nervous."

"Please don’t call me Producer Sun, just call me Xiao Sun. How are you feeling, Mr. Lin?" Sun Yuzhen was very concerned about Lin Zaishan’s health.

"I’m fine, nothing at all. I passed out because I drank too much, not because of the collision. Don’t worry about it. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be discharged tomorrow. I’m a bit short on cash, so I need you to cover the hospital expenses this time. I’ll pay you back when I have the money."

"You shouldn’t say that, Uncle Lin. I should pay for it; it was my fault."

Lin Zaishan was speechless at Sun Yuzhen’s deliberate attempt to get closer, "I didn’t plan to ask for compensation, but you calling me Uncle Lin... tsk tsk, that’s not very respectful!"

Sun Yuzhen was startled.

"Haha, I was just joking." Lin Zaishan laughed and patted Sun Yuzhen’s shoulder, "Am I that old? You call me Uncle?"

Sun Yuzhen was at a loss, completely flustered.

She hadn’t expected Lin Zaishan to be so easygoing. This was completely different from the media portrayal of him as a temperamental old rocker!

"Dad, do you think you’re still young? Sister Sun calling you Uncle is already being polite. If I were her age, I’d call you Grandpa!" White Dove, surprised by Lin Zaishan’s easygoing nature after waking up, playfully teased him.

"Haha."

Lin Zaishan laughed heartily, not taking it to heart at all.

"Producer Sun, if you feel bad about the collision, why don’t you treat us to a meal?"

Sun Yuzhen, feeling relieved, quickly agreed, "Sure, have you had dinner yet?"

"We’ve eaten, but we’re still hungry."

Lin Zaishan rubbed his empty stomach.

"Perfect, I haven’t had dinner either. I’ll treat you both to a meal!"

...

An hour later, at a tea restaurant.

The three of them chatted and ate, becoming more familiar with each other.

After a brief interaction, Sun Yuzhen realized that her worries for the whole day were unnecessary. This uncle was very manly and not at all unreasonable.

He didn’t blame her for the collision, didn’t ask for compensation, and even insisted on paying her back for the hospital expenses, which made Sun Yuzhen feel quite guilty.

White Dove was even more surprised, constantly thanking her for waking up her dad. She claimed that after the collision, her dad’s musical inspiration had fully returned, and he was much more energetic!

Sun Yuzhen felt like she had done something great, and she was genuinely happy. The heavy burden in her heart was finally lifted.

"Our station is about to launch a new music variety show called 'The Strongest Singer-Songwriter.' It’s produced by our Art and Entertainment Group 3. The promotion has already started online. Have you noticed it?"

Lin Zaishan asked, "The Strongest Singer-Songwriter? Both singing and composing?"

"Yes, the show is looking for all-around musicians who can independently write lyrics and compose music, have good singing skills, and can participate in music production."

"That’s exactly my dad!" White Dove was excited.

"Uncle, I think you have the ability to participate in this show. Are you interested in trying out?" Under White Dove’s strong suggestion, Sun Yuzhen had started calling Lin Zaishan "Uncle."

"Is this a big production?" Lin Zaishan asked.

"Dad, do you still care about big or small productions now?"

White Dove was exasperated. Given Lin Zaishan’s current status, even a small program that could help him make a comeback in the music industry should be cherished!

Sun Yuzhen confidently explained, "This is a major production, one of the most important variety shows in our station’s autumn lineup. The four mentors have already been confirmed: Li Zongheng, Zhou Qinghua, Luo Benxiong, and a female mentor, Guan Yaling."

"Such a strong lineup!"

White Dove was quite surprised. The four mentors Sun Yuzhen mentioned were all top-tier superstars and veterans in the music industry!

Especially Li Zongheng, who was a giant in Chinese pop music!

For the Eastern TV Station to invite Li Zongheng, this show must be a big deal!

White Dove looked at Lin Zaishan with excitement and kicked his calf under the table, hoping he would seize this opportunity!

Lin Zaishan smiled and said to Sun Yuzhen, "I think I’m a good fit for this show. I’ve been in hiding for many years, and it’s time for me to come out and shake up the Chinese music scene."

"Haha, Dad, can you be a bit more modest? Don’t keep boasting in front of Sister Sun." Although she complained, White Dove was happy to see Lin Zaishan’s renewed positive attitude.

During dinner, Lin Zaishan had been very easygoing and made jokes, so Sun Yuzhen had a good understanding of his personality. She didn’t think he was arrogant; she knew he was just joking.

"How can I participate in this show? Does your program have an application process?" Lin Zaishan asked.

"The first season of this show uses a recommendation system, with a dedicated music team evaluating and selecting participants. Do you have any recorded original songs? If you do, give them to me, and I’ll recommend you when I go to work tomorrow. I think you have a good chance of being selected."

"Uh, my dad doesn’t seem to have any recorded songs. Sister Sun, is your program in a hurry to select participants?"

Sun Yuzhen explained, "Time is tight. The show’s preparations are almost complete, and the selection process is in the final stages."

"Alright, I’ll record a song in the next few days and give it to you. It shouldn’t be too late, right?"

"Try to do it as soon as possible. The sooner, the better."

"I’ll start working on it as soon as I’m discharged tomorrow and get it done as quickly as possible."

"Okay."

"Sister Sun, thank you for giving my dad this opportunity. He will cherish it!"

"Don’t say that. I should be grateful for finding a talented musician like Uncle Lin."

Lin Zaishan smiled, "It’s all about fate."

"Yes, it really is fate."

Without the worry of being extorted, Sun Yuzhen felt much better. She genuinely believed that hitting Lin Zaishan might have been a stroke of luck.

If she could recommend Lin Zaishan to the show and he performed well, her position in Art and Entertainment Group 3 would definitely improve.

Of course, aside from these selfish thoughts, just being able to help a talented musician like Lin Zaishan make a comeback was something Sun Yuzhen was proud of.

They continued to chat about the new show.

Lin Zaishan wanted to know more about the show.

Due to the need to keep the show’s innovative elements confidential, Sun Yuzhen didn’t reveal many details.

She only told Lin Zaishan that the show’s format would be very innovative, with high requirements for the participants’ comprehensive musical skills. Only true musical geniuses could stand out.

Sun Yuzhen also mentioned that the level of the confirmed participants was very high, with many established songwriters and veterans like Lin Zaishan, as well as some talented newcomers. The competition would be intense.

If Lin Zaishan was selected, she hoped he would be well-prepared.

Based on her nearly three years of experience in variety shows, she believed that once the show launched, it would be very popular and have high ratings.

Lin Zaishan felt a surge of excitement.

This was a great opportunity to prove himself. If he could seize this chance, he could turn his life around and greatly improve his and White Dove’s living conditions.

He had to seize this opportunity.

They chatted and ate until 9:30 PM before parting ways.

Lin Zaishan returned to the hospital to rest.

Sun Yuzhen’s rented place was close to the Donghai Art University where White Dove studied, so she rode her scooter to drop White Dove off at the dorm.

Sun Yuzhen was also a graduate of Donghai Art University.

While riding, she asked White Dove, "Dove, what’s your major?"

"I’m studying media."

"Ha! I’m also a graduate of the Media Department at Donghai Art University! I’m from the 2000 class!"

"Ah? You’re my senior! I’m from the 2005 class!"

Hugging Sun Yuzhen’s slim waist from behind, White Dove felt an instant connection with this young lady.

"Is Professor Guan, who teaches public relations, still there? I remember her classes were super interesting."

"Yes, she’s still there! Her public relations class has the lowest truancy rate!"

"We really have a connection."

Sun Yuzhen couldn’t believe how much of a connection she had with this father and daughter.

They chatted about life at Donghai Art University for a while, and Sun Yuzhen shared some of her experiences. Then she remembered something and said to White Dove, "Actually, your dad can record his single at Donghai Art University. The recording studio there has very professional equipment."

"It’s professional, but isn’t it very expensive? How much does it cost to record a song at Donghai Art University? Is it cheaper than outside studios?"

"If you know someone, you can record for free."

"But I don’t know anyone." White Dove sighed, "I’m not from the music department."

"I do!"

"You know someone at the recording studio? Can they let my dad record for free?" White Dove was immediately excited.

Recording a song in a professional studio outside would cost several hundred yuan, including post-production.

White Dove’s wallet was empty this month, and she had to pay rent soon. She didn’t know where to get the money to help Lin Zaishan with professional recording.

Their home recording and composition equipment was very old, and they couldn’t afford to update it.

Now, with this opportunity, her dad couldn’t record a demo at home with old equipment; he had to go to a professional studio.

Hearing that they could record for free, this was great news!

"I can ask, but I’m not sure if it’s possible."

"Please ask quickly. Time is tight. If it works out, we’ll record at Donghai Art University. If not, we’ll find a cheaper studio tomorrow."

"Okay, I’ll call now. My friend often records at the Donghai Art University studio at night."

Sun Yuzhen was very proactive and stopped the scooter by the roadside to call her friend at Donghai Art University.

Coincidentally, her friend was recording for a campus band at the studio.

Hearing that Sun Yuzhen wanted to bring a friend to record, the friend readily agreed but mentioned that he had to go out of town for a performance the next day and wouldn’t be back for about a week.

He suggested that if Sun Yuzhen’s friend was in a hurry, they should come tonight. After he finished recording for the campus band, he would record for her friend.

If they didn’t come tonight, they would have to wait a week.

After hanging up, Sun Yuzhen was a bit hesitant and explained the situation to White Dove.

Lin Zaishan had just been in a car accident, and she was worried that recording at night might be too much for his body.

"It’s fine, my dad often stays up late! He’s a night owl, and he loves playing music at night! He might even be playing guitar in the hospital garden right now!"

White Dove didn’t want to miss this free opportunity. Lin Zaishan was in a great state tonight, and she wanted him to record the song as soon as possible.

Hearing this, Sun Yuzhen didn’t try to persuade her further. She also hoped Lin Zaishan would finish recording quickly so she could recommend him to the show the next day.

Moreover, helping Lin Zaishan record for free would be a way to compensate him, and she wouldn’t feel so guilty.

"I’ll call my dad right now and tell him to come!"

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