Chapter 008: The Interview

Naturally, Lin Changdong had no idea about the schemes brewing in Lin Feng’s mind. After exchanging a few more words, he ended the call. Yet before Lin Feng could even catch his breath, his phone rang again—the caller ID read “Mom.”

“Finally, I got through.” As soon as he picked up, Guo Shuzhen’s anxious voice burst forth. “Xiaofeng, I’ve already arranged your audition for ‘Original Songs.’ Originally, you were supposed to go to Yanjing for an audition in a week, but today the show’s deputy director in charge of scouting songwriters happens to be in Jiangning. I’ve already spoken to him. Just go straight to his hotel. As long as you pass the audition, you’ll be able to participate in the recording of ‘Original Songs’!”

“An audition? ‘Original Songs’?” Lin Feng was bewildered by her words. He searched his memory and finally realized that “Original Songs” was currently the hottest original music talent show in the country. In this world, anti-piracy awareness was extremely strong; whether in music or literature, piracy was almost nonexistent. Thus, original works often brought in jaw-dropping income. Even a musician who wrote just one widely loved song could live off copyright royalties for a lifetime.

Against this backdrop, “Original Songs” here was far more sensational than “The Voice of China” on Earth. It was the most popular variety show in the country; to set foot on its stage meant fame was within reach.

That was why Guo Shuzhen placed so much importance on Lin Feng’s participation.

“Right, your so-called finals should be over, right? If I’m not mistaken, yesterday was the last game. With your team playing away and so shorthanded, there’s no way you could win! But it’s just as well—now you won’t miss ‘Original Songs’ because of it.” Guo Shuzhen, being abroad for a performance tour, had no idea about Lin Feng’s heroic exploits from the previous night.

“It’s not over yet…” Lin Feng replied weakly.

“What?! Not over yet? That doesn’t make sense. With your team’s current strength, there’s no way you could have won! Someone must have had a stroke of dumb luck. How unlucky, wasting your time like that.” Guo Shuzhen sounded a bit annoyed.

Hearing this, Lin Feng, who was just raising his glass of water to his lips, almost spat it out.

Pffft…!

“Mom, you’re really too harsh,” Lin Feng muttered, speechless. What kind of mother curses her own son like this?

“If someone delays my son’s audition for ‘Original Songs,’ how can I not curse them?” Guo Shuzhen retorted, unconvinced. “Wait, did you guys really win?”

“We really did!”

“Well, look at that—you lot are like cockroaches that just won’t die. Down 3-1 and you still managed to claw one back. But no matter; you won’t win the next one! As long as you pass the audition, it shouldn’t affect your participation in the recording.” After a moment’s thought, she added.

Lin Feng was at a loss. His mother was truly one of a kind—not hoping for her son’s team to win, but rather expecting a loss…

“All right, let’s leave it at that. It’s pitch black here, and if I hadn’t been trying to reach you, I’d have been asleep ages ago.” Guo Shuzhen yawned and continued, “I’ll send you the deputy director’s details in a bit. That’s all for now!”

She hung up, and soon after, Lin Feng received her text.

Deputy Director of “Original Songs,” Wu Daren, phone 1398989xxxx, Jinhua Hotel.

“Jinhua Hotel? Isn’t that where I’m staying?” Lin Feng glanced at the service card on his nightstand, and sure enough, it read “Jinhua Hotel.”

What a coincidence. Seems I’m fated to meet Director Wu. This is a great opportunity; I should give it a shot!

Having made up his mind, Lin Feng immediately dialed Wu Daren’s number. After introducing himself, the other man was quite enthusiastic and invited Lin Feng to come over directly.

After freshening up, Lin Feng changed into a casual outfit and made his way to the room Wu Daren had specified. He rang the doorbell.

The door was opened by a gentle-looking young woman, probably in her early twenties. She was fair-skinned—not a stunning beauty, but pleasant enough.

“You are…?” The girl seemed momentarily taken aback by the tall figure at her door. Lin Feng was about 1.87 meters tall, which gave him an imposing presence. Coupled with his striking features and the physique honed by years of professional training, he was every bit the perfect prince charming in a girl’s imagination.

Caught off guard by such a handsome man, the girl was understandably flustered.

“I’m Lin Feng. I just spoke with Director Wu on the phone,” Lin Feng said with a smile.

“Oh, it’s you. That was quick. I think it’s only been fifteen minutes since the call.” She looked surprised.

“I’m staying at this hotel too—just upstairs,” he explained.

“I see. Well, come in then.”

She led Lin Feng inside. It was a spacious suite. In the living room, two middle-aged men sat discussing something. As Lin Feng entered, they paused their conversation.

Lin Feng glanced at them, feeling a bit awkward—he knew he was supposed to meet Wu Daren, but had no idea which one he was.

“You must be Shuzhen’s son. I’m Wu Daren.” One of the men, sporting a crew cut, seemed to notice Lin Feng’s discomfort and took the initiative to greet him.

“Director Wu, nice to meet you. I’m Lin Feng. My mother often mentions you,” Lin Feng replied politely.

“No wonder you’re Shuzhen’s son—you really are a handsome young man,” Wu Daren praised, sizing him up. Then he gestured to the other man, “This is our show’s music director, Mr. Liang Renbo.”

“Hello, Mr. Liang. I’ve heard so much about you.” Lin Feng greeted him courteously.

Liang Renbo didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he scrutinized Lin Feng from head to toe, his brows furrowing as if deep in thought.

“Have we met before, young man?” After a long pause, Liang Renbo finally spoke.

“I don’t think so,” Lin Feng replied with a smile.

“That’s odd. You look so familiar…” Liang continued, frowning and racking his brain.

“Old Liang, can’t you change your routine? First, you say someone looks familiar, then you claim their temperament matches someone your company plans to debut in an idol group, and lure them into your company. Honestly, Lin here is much more impressive than those pretty boys you package,” Wu Daren said with a smirk, motioning for Lin Feng to take a seat and ignore Liang.

“Wait—you said your name is Lin Feng?” Suddenly, Liang Renbo’s eyes lit up as he focused on Lin Feng again.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m Lin Feng,” he nodded.

“You’re that Lin Feng from the Jiangning team??” Liang leaped up from the sofa.

“That’s me—I play for Jiangning,” Lin Feng confirmed.

“Damn! It really is you! I can’t believe I’m meeting you in the flesh! Come on, sign an autograph for me! Wenjing, fetch my basketball and jersey from the suitcase—quickly…”