Chapter 107: Mohe Ballroom (Please Subscribe)

Inside the recording studio, Li Dongning hurried in, breathless, only to find Yang Qing already playing the erhu.

"Damn it!"

He cursed under his breath in frustration, then quickly grabbed a pair of headphones, putting them on with an expression of total infatuation. Compared to other instruments, he had a unique obsession with the erhu. Listening to Yang Qing perform "Horse Racing" live, he felt like a pilgrim reaching a holy site. To him, this piece was sacred—indeed, in the history of traditional Chinese erhu music, no other composition could compare to "Horse Racing."

The neighing of horses, the thundering of hooves, the trembling strings, and the sweeping bow—it was a masterpiece. As Yang Qing played solo, he was able to utilize the skills granted by the system to their fullest potential. This famous erhu piece was recorded perfectly in a single take.

"Clap, clap, clap..."

As Yang Qing stepped out of the soundproof booth, he was greeted by a wave of applause.

"Incredible! Qing, you are truly outstanding!" Li Dongning exclaimed, giving Yang Qing an excited hug.

Uncomfortable with such enthusiasm, Yang Qing awkwardly pushed him away and turned to Qin Xue and Wang Ying with a smile. "Stop clapping, or I might get big-headed."

Hearing this, Qin Xue took his hand tenderly and said, "Qing, you have every right to be proud. You are truly excellent. This 'Horse Racing' is absolutely soul-stirring!"

"Indeed," Wang Ying nodded. "Even the low-quality version of this piece caused a sensation online. I believe that once this lossless version is released, it will dominate the instrumental music charts!"

"Haha, then I'll have to rely on your help, Diva Wang," Yang Qing said, his mood lifted—after all, this meant money!

"Well, helping isn't impossible, but there are conditions," Wang Ying said with a smile.

"Of course! Name your conditions," Yang Qing said seriously. "As long as it's within my power!"

Wang Ying looked at him with sparkling eyes. "No rush. Record the remaining piece and the song first; we'll talk after."

"Alright!"

Yang Qing nodded, then, to the astonishment of the two women, picked up a suona from the instrument rack and stepped back into the soundproof booth.

"A... a suona?!" Qin Xue asked, stunned. "Is he planning to play a funeral dirge?"

"Giggle... you really are..." Wang Ying looked at her, speechless. "The suona isn't just for funerals. It can play many beautiful melodies; it all depends on how it's performed."

"Oh, well, I'm looking forward to it then," Qin Xue said with a smile, putting on her headphones and watching Yang Qing inside.

Li Dongning, meanwhile, held his breath, eyes fixed and full of anticipation. "Hundred Birds Worshipping the Phoenix"—he was dying to know how Yang Qing would interpret this piece on the suona, as its success would directly impact his plans.

"Na~"

Just as the three waited in silence, a rhythmic and resonant suona note suddenly pierced the air, striking them like a bolt of sound that vibrated deep within their souls. Inside the booth, Yang Qing’s cheeks puffed out as he blew, his head swaying gently to the rhythm.

As his head moved, a joyful melody resembling the chirping of a hundred birds burst forth, bringing with it a vibrant, natural vitality. Hearing the avian symphony, Qin Xue and Wang Ying’s eyes widened in sheer shock and delight.

Li Dongning’s body began to tremble, his lips quivering uncontrollably. Whether it was shock, awe, excitement, or disbelief, he couldn't describe his feelings, but he knew one thing: his plan was secured!

Minutes later, Yang Qing employed the rapid double-tonguing technique, bringing the famous piece "Hundred Birds Worshipping the Phoenix" to a passionate and triumphant end.

When he stepped out of the booth this time, there was no applause or hugging. The three stared at him blankly, as if their souls had been carried away by the music.

Yang Qing blinked. "Cough, are you guys... okay?"

"We're fine," Wang Ying said softly. "It's you who has a problem. I really want to know how you compose these pieces! It’s just too shocking!"

"Hehe... well..." Yang Qing muttered awkwardly. "Luck..."

"Stop! Don't say another word!" Wang Ying interrupted, rolling her eyes playfully. "Don't give me that 'luck' nonsense. If you don't want to say, then don't."

She looked at the embarrassed Yang Qing and laughed, "Luck is part of talent, so are you going to keep relying on your luck, or take a break?"

Yang Qing chuckled. "Cough, let’s take a break. I need to drink some water to soothe my throat."

During the break, the studio was filled with laughter and conversation. Suddenly, the door pushed open, and Wang Ming and Fang Du entered.

"Hehe..."

The two smiled at Yang Qing, Qin Xue, and Wang Ying, then walked up to Li Dongning. Wang Ming quickly thrust a piece of paper filled with writing into his hand.

"You are not to miss a single one of these compensation conditions! You must fulfill them all! Otherwise... you'll regret it!" Wang Ming whispered in his ear. Li Dongning scanned the contents, his pupils dilating.

"You... you guys are ruthless," he gritted his teeth.

Wang Ming chuckled. "Hehe, we learned it all from you."

"Exactly!" Fang Du added with a nod.

Li Dongning: ...

What a disaster! He cast a resentful glance at Yang Qing. It’s all your fault! Who told you to be so talented? Now I’m going to bleed a fortune!

"Uh, Dongning, what's wrong? Is something the matter?" Yang Qing asked, sensing the resentment.

Li Dongning: "Oh... nothing. Are you rested?"

"Yes, I'm ready," Yang Qing nodded, turning to the others. "I'll go record the last song, and then we'll go grab something to eat."

"Good luck!" Qin Xue said tenderly, and Wang Ying nodded in anticipation.

Yang Qing smiled at them and walked into the booth, sitting down at the piano. He placed his fingers on the keys and slowly closed his eyes. Instantly, the room fell silent.

Ten seconds later, Yang Qing opened his eyes and nodded at the glass partition. The next moment, his low, narrative-like voice drifted out:

"If there is time, come and see me..."

"See how the snow grows old, and how my eyes melt..."

Hearing this, Wang Ying’s eyes trembled. Although Yang Qing was singing a cappella without accompaniment, she could already feel the heavy emotion of the piece.

A deep, lingering longing...

What surprised her most was his vocal quality. She could tell he wasn't using any complex vocal techniques, yet he sang with such profound, raw emotion. It was an incredible, delightful surprise.

"Ding, ding, ding..."

As his low, whispering vocal faded, the melancholic, elegant piano melody surged, followed by his voice:

"I have never seen a village where the aurora appears, nor have I seen anyone set off fireworks in the dead of night."

"The evening stars are like your eyes, killing and setting fires, yet you said nothing, and the wild wind disturbed me..."

Hearing this, Qin Xue watched Yang Qing through the glass, her heart trembling with deep affection. Wang Ying’s eyes welled up as her breath hitched; this melody, this song, these lyrics, this sentiment—it was all so beautiful, a beautiful, lingering sorrow.

Wang Ming, Fang Du, and Li Dongning stared at Yang Qing, their minds reeling with the same two words: Holy crap!