Chapter 135: Signing a Wandering Singer, Meeting Little Li
The wandering singer gently plucked his guitar, testing the sound.
“Ahem!”
Clearing his throat, the singer began to play, a lively rhythm filling the air.
Jiang Yun’s tightly furrowed brow relaxed. “It’s an inspirational song.”
With heartfelt emotion, the singer sang, “Speed seventy miles an hour, my mood is free and easy.”
“*Clap clap clap!*”
Jiang Yun applauded enthusiastically.
His applause drew the attention of passersby. Seeing the wandering singer performing and someone clapping, a crowd quickly gathered.
Encouraged by the audience, the singer sang with greater passion.
“...Waiting for the sunset to dye the sky red, shoulder to shoulder, we make our wishes.”
“*Clap clap clap!*”
The crowd applauded warmly.
Low murmurs spread among the onlookers.
“I’ve never heard this song before. Is it an original?”
“I can’t find it online either. It must be an original!”
The singer’s fingers paused on the guitar strings, then fiercely strummed, unleashing a powerful and energetic melody.
As the chorus arrived, his voice brimmed with strength.
“Running with the wind, freedom is the direction,
Chasing the power of thunder and lightning,
Carrying the vast ocean within my chest...”
“*Clap clap clap!*”
The crowd applauded fervently. Jiang Yun joined in, and some began dropping money into the singer’s guitar case.
The singer nodded in thanks.
When the song finished, most of the crowd dispersed, leaving only Jiang Yun and Li Mengya still standing.
“You sing really well. Why don’t you try out for The Voice?” Jiang Yun asked.
“I missed the registration deadline, and my life is quite difficult right now. If I joined The Voice, it would affect my street performances,” the singer replied.
Jiang Yun didn’t press further. Everyone’s choices are different, and he respected this wandering singer’s decision.
“What’s your name?” Jiang Yun inquired.
“I’m Zheng Kun,” the singer introduced himself.
Jiang Yun extended his right hand. “Nice to meet you, Zheng Kun. Would you be interested in signing with a management company?”
“Me?” Zheng Kun hesitated. “Someone like me? No connections. Even if I signed, I’d have no resources.”
“*Hmph!*” Jiang Yun scoffed. “That’s such an outdated view. What era do you think we’re in? Who cares about connections anymore? If you have talent, capital and all that will take a backseat!”
Jiang Yun’s words ignited a fire within Zheng Kun, who felt deeply encouraged.
They shook hands.
“To be honest, I’m a talent scout,” Jiang Yun confided.
Zheng Kun was surprised.
---
Jiang Yun kept his true identity concealed, wanting to see how Zheng Kun would choose.
He pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Zheng Kun. “If you’re interested in signing, call this number.”
Zheng Kun glanced at the card.
It read: Oceanview Manor Entertainment Company, President and Top Agent — Li Lulu, Phone: 182xxx.
“Oceanview Manor Entertainment Company,” Zheng Kun muttered. “Isn’t that Jiang Yun’s company?”
“Oh?” Jiang Yun showed interest. “I didn’t expect you to know that!”
Zheng Kun felt a bit embarrassed. “I often follow Jiang Yun’s updates. After all, his journey is a beacon for wandering singers like us chasing dreams.”
Jiang Yun nodded. “Alright, I’m off now. Hope we meet again.”
“Sure!” Zheng Kun shook his hand once more.
Jiang Yun took Li Lulu’s hand and left.
“Remember to say you were recommended by Talent Scout Jiang when you call!”
“Got it!” Zheng Kun called out loudly.
After Jiang Yun left, Zheng Kun muttered to himself, “Talent Scout Jiang? Also Jiang? Could he be a relative of Jiang Yun?”
He pondered for a moment, then packed his guitar into its case and walked back to his rented room.
Holding the card, he dialed Li Lulu’s number.
“Beep… beep…”
“Hello?” a woman’s voice answered.
“Hello, is this President Li Lulu?”
“Yes, who’s this?”
Zheng Kun steadied his excitement. “President Li, a talent scout named Jiang asked me to contact you about signing with your company.”
“Talent scout Jiang? Signing up?”
“Yes!”
“Alright, I understand. Are you available now?” Li Lulu asked.
“Yes, yes!”
“Good, come over now for a face-to-face talk. The address is xxx.”
“Got it!”
“Beep… beep…”
After hanging up, Zheng Kun suppressed his excitement. “Yes!”
He began to get ready.
Once dressed neatly, he went downstairs and hailed a taxi.
“Driver, to the intersection of University Road and Changhe Road, Dingsheng Office Building.”
“Alright!”
---
Jiang Yun was unaware of these events. At this moment, he was out shopping with Li Mengya.
Jiang Yun had his hands in his pockets, while Li Mengya linked her arm through his.
“Jiang Yun, why didn’t you just talk to Zheng Kun about signing? Why make him call Li Lulu? Such a roundabout way,” Li Mengya asked.
“Have you ever heard this saying?” Jiang Yun replied.
Li Mengya looked puzzled. “What saying?”
“That things that come too easily are never cherished.”
Li Mengya rolled her eyes. “So you’re like that with people too?”
“Uh…”
“Pfft! No wonder Feng Wan said you’re not a good guy!”
Jiang Yun’s face flushed with embarrassment.
The two had been shopping from nine in the morning until eleven thirty, buying nothing.
“Let’s keep shopping after lunch!” Li Mengya said.
“Please spare me! I’m hardly getting a day off!” Jiang Yun groaned.
Shopping with a woman was sheer torture.
They entered a tea restaurant and took a booth.
After sitting down, they began ordering.
A waitress approached. “Hello, sir. What would you like to order?”
“Xiao Li?”
Ding Li froze. “You know me?”
Jiang Yun smiled, removing his mask.
“Mr. Jiang Yun?!” Ding Li’s face lit up.
“Xiao Li, I didn’t visit you this week. How’s your brother?” Jiang Yun asked.
“Mr. Jiang Yun, don’t mention it. We’re just grateful you took time out of your busy life to see us!” Ding Li said.
Jiang Yun laughed.
“My brother’s surgery was a success. He’s recovering well! We owe everything to your help!” Ding Li said.
Jiang Yun shook his head. “Not at all.”
“Mr. Jiang Yun, what would you like to eat?”
“I’ll have the pork knuckle claypot rice.” Jiang Yun said. “What about you, Mengya?”
“I want claypot rice too, with sausage.”
Ding Li entered their order.
“Alright, please wait a moment.”
After a while, Ding Li returned with a jug of juice.
“Mr. Jiang Yun, have some juice!”
“We didn’t order juice,” Jiang Yun said, puzzled.
“It’s on the house!” Ding Li smiled.
Jiang Yun frowned. “Xiao Li, how much is the juice? Add it to my bill.”
“It’s nothing, Mr. Jiang Yun!”
Jiang Yun didn’t refuse, respecting her kindness. Then he thought of a compromise.
“Xiao Li, does this tea restaurant offer membership cards?”
“Yes! Mr. Jiang Yun, would you like to sign up?”
“...”