162. Chapter 161: Music’s Melody Journey (Part 2)
“Come on over, you two teachers.”
Under He Zhi Chen and Pu Yi Dan’s lead, the two wove through the lobby, hopped into an elevator, and headed upstairs to the third floor.
They arrived at the talent department, which handled the daily business management of artists, including their training facilities—quite literally, a training ground for stars.
During their tour, various idol trainees and some employees with time on their hands glanced curiously at them.
“Who are these people? Shen Ge and Dan Jie are personally seeing them?”
“He Zhi Chen makes sense, maybe they’re hires, but for Dan Jie to personally welcome them, that’s pretty top-notch, right?”
“Shouldn’t these be former artists who jumped ship?”
“This age… Is this for real? But man, if looks were currency, they’d be millionaires!”
The gossiping workers murmured in hushed tones as they tried to piece together this cryptic puzzle.
Soon enough, they passed by a huge wall.
The wall displayed an array of “historic figures” from the music world.
Above were posters of renowned musicians, famous singers, and chart-topping divas.
There, even someone Rapper knew was recognized. The young man muttered in awe, “Oh, so [x*x*x] is part of this company?”
Yet, something was amiss—there was no sight of any rappers. Given how many local rap artists there were in Qingzhou, and considering Lin Tian’s personality, that seemed awfully peculiar.
This parade of artists sparked Lin Tian’s curiosity about Yue Yun’s business landscape.
“Do you handle everything across the board?”
“Originally, Yu Yun started off as a record company, mainly handling production and distribution. As our scope expanded, we began signing our own performers. At first, we mostly signed veteran musicians, given that Qingjiang is a hub for music. We partnered with Xingye Music Academy and Qingjiang Music University, signing promising college students with aspirations for a career in professional performance. Slowly we grew, renaming ourselves ‘Yue Yun Management.'”
Pu Yi Dan took a breath before continuing, “In recent years, our operations have escalated, venturing into film and television. We’ve started cautiously signing young actors.”
“Now I get it,” mused Lin Tian.
From a record company to a talent management powerhouse, it’s quite a journey.
Looking at their background, Yue Yun indeed knows the ropes when it comes to producing musicians. It’s no surprise, given their foundation with collaborations with music institutions.
No wonder He Zhi Chen insisted Lin Tian come to take a look; sometimes seeing is believing.
Lin Tian shot a glance towards Gan Yan Yu, checking her reaction.
Meanwhile, his companion, the young woman, simply gazed zombie-like at the wall, unfazed yet clearly lost in thought.
Lin Tian remembered that Gan Yan Yu had once been under contract too, so he asked:
“Gan Teacher, what was your agency’s name?”
“Fantasound,” she replied.
“Fantasound, huh? Quite fitting for Gan Yan Yu,” chimed in He Zhi Chen.
“What’s so special about it?”
“It’s small-scale yet exceptional at nurturing musicians. They rarely sign trainee artists, focusing instead on fresh talents with potential. Their main deal is setting up concert tours and festivals for seasoned performers.”
Lin Tian got the gist. A boutique compared to big conglomerates, specialized in managing career musicians. Not broad-based but well-reputed in certain circles.
“Enough talk, let’s check out what’s ahead.”
He motioned with his hand to guide them forward.
Further along, they approached personal studios—each double door festooned with signboards like [Thermal Overture], [Dream Motion], [Radiant Shine]…
These placards belonged to particular groups or studios.
To avoid drawing Pu Yi Dan’s attention, He Zhi Chen slowed down and whispered to Lin Tian,
“If Yan Yu and Teacher Gan are interested in joining us, I could secure backing for forming a studio. Quite feasible, given our combined appeal.”
Lin Tian blinked, slightly dazed by the offer.
Establishing individual studios required industry recognition—a level most artists aspire toward.
For Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu though, lacking major traction made the prospect a bit outlandish.
They had some traction, yes, but nowhere near enough brand power.
However, [Moonlight and Cat] already enjoyed moderate fame. Through video collaborations, Lin Tian had established stable commercial partnerships, like Le Tian Music Store, which featured in tracks like “Cello Concerto in E Minor” and “Bullfighting Dance.”
Their current reach, however, was limited to minor engagements. What was needed was a breakthrough to solidify their presence.
If Lin Tian could sign with a reputable firm, they’d have support in expanding their business ventures.
Even if fame and fortune weren’t their ultimate goal, the money wasn’t all bad.
A studio meant more autonomy—no pressure to stay relevant. That suited both very well.
He Zhi Chen’s proposal suggested confidence in their potential, likely gauging their market value.
“I’ll think about it.”
Lin Tian paused, not ready to commit.
Such opportunities didn’t excite him to jump aboard just yet.
Then they reached practice rooms where trainees and professionals diligently honed their skills behind glass walls, oblivious to passing visitors.
“Why do they train alone?” he queried.
“We don’t interfere much with professional musicians’ studies. Even for newcomers, solitude fosters focus. Our job is to ensure they trust ‘just concentrate, leave logistics to us.’”
“That’s quite admirable,” conceded Lin Tian, appreciating the minimalist approach.
He valued managers who stuck to their role rather than imposing their influence.
Near a room, He Zhi Chen halted, recollecting the history linked to this space. This place had hosted many famous young musicians, some of whom had risen to international acclaim.
For ordinary folks, this meant little, but for Gan Yan Yu it felt almost reverential.
Gazing through the window, she stared wide-eyed as if seeing ghosts.
Though silent, she seemed more invested than anyone else.
Lin Tian wondered what thoughts swirled through her mind.
With typical timing, He Zhi Chen popped back beside him like a ghoul:
“Lin Tian Teacher, mind telling me—are you secretly smitten with Gan Yan Yu?”
Lin Tian jumped, dumbfounded.
“How do you know?”
“Simple, being a manager means always having a bird’s-eye view. I’ve read my share of dramas. Any little emotion, I catch it. It’s part of ensuring harmony and boosting synergy among partners.”
“So, Lin Tian Teacher, if you decide to join us, I’ll pull out all stops to help you and Teacher Gan be together.”
(This ends chapter 161)
