## Chapter 11: The Favor of the Platinum Godfather
Returning to his apartment, Li Qing washed up and changed into fresh clothes. He sat on the couch and continued reading the "New Entertainment Weekly" he had just bought, chuckling as he read.
Although he didn’t understand where the editor of the weekly got the scoop on the alleged scandal, the detailed descriptions made it extremely enjoyable to read.
Especially when he saw the editor lavishly praise "Angel Wings," almost as if the song were heaven-sent, Li Qing felt a surge of excitement. He almost tore out the passage to stick it on his door to show off.
For the first time, Li Qing felt that the media of this era were incredibly powerful, even more so than those of later times, with no bottom line when it came to boosting someone’s fame.
However, his confusion followed.
He hadn’t paid any media. Why were they promoting him so vigorously?
He understood the principle that unusual things must have hidden causes, so despite the current favorable situation, he couldn’t shake a sense of unease.
The wall-mounted phone rang, and Li Qing got up to answer, leaning against the wall. "Who is this?"
"Qingzi, haha, still not awake? Not to nag, but young men should exercise more, can't always sleep in. Don't keep seeing yourself as just a resident singer in a small bar. That's too unambitious and doesn’t match your talent! We men should have the hearts of tigers! Don’t forget what you said—your journey is to the stars and the sea…"
Hearing this familiar voice, Li Qing was surprised, then laughed. "Brother Jiang, calling me early in the morning just to say this? The sun is already high; don’t tell me you’re still in bed..."
On the other end, Jiang Zhongnan paused, seemingly a bit embarrassed, but quickly recovered, exclaiming, "Qingzi, you've hit the jackpot! Really, I’m not kidding. You've struck gold this time."
Li Qing stayed silent, knowing Jiang Zhongnan would continue talking regardless.
Indeed, before Li Qing could react, Jiang Zhongnan continued proudly, "Do you know Ma Xucheng?"
"Ma Xucheng? The Platinum Godfather Ma Xucheng?" Li Qing’s heart raced upon hearing the name.
Besides participating in "Music Star" and performing at Blue Moon Bar, Li Qing had familiarized himself with the music and film industries of this world. Among them, the famous Platinum Godfather Ma Xucheng’s name had appeared in his sight multiple times.
This man, who had single-handedly created the Big Windmill band and brought out over ten platinum artists, had a network that not only earned him the title of Platinum Godfather but also the reputation of being the music industry’s best scout. No other talent scout could compare.
Every artist he discovered became famous. His eye for talent was legendary!
"Yes, that’s him, my good buddy. We’re sworn brothers."
Jiang Zhongnan was pleased with Li Qing’s reaction. This usually calm kid had been shaken by a single call, filling Jiang Zhongnan with a sense of accomplishment. "I recommended you and Bao Yunying to him a few days ago. I think you both are great talents and shouldn’t waste away at my place.
At first, Ma Xucheng was only interested in Bao Yunying and not impressed by you, thinking you were just a pretty face with no substance. No matter how much I praised your talent, he didn’t care.
But guess what? He called me this morning. Can you guess what he said?
This guy, not only did he disturb my sleep, but he also insisted I sing your song 'Sudden Self'…"
Li Qing, leaning against the wall with the phone, listened as Jiang Zhongnan explained the backstory, and things started to make sense.
Li Qing was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected that the owner of the bar he randomly chose to sing at knew Ma Xucheng, and they were close!
"Is my luck too good to be true…" Li Qing murmured to himself.
Jiang Zhongnan continued, "I mentioned you and your song to him before, but he wasn’t interested. But this morning, out of nowhere, he called. I thought this might be your chance, so I put my all into singing a few lines.
But guess what? After just two lines, he shouted for me to stop, saying my voice was ruining a good song.
Damn, can you believe this guy? So rude…”
Listening to Jiang Zhongnan’s grumbling, Li Qing felt warmth in his heart.
First Han Han, now Jiang Zhongnan. Although the road ahead was long, Li Qing felt blessed to have met them at the beginning of his journey.
After a few more words, before hanging up, Jiang Zhongnan spoke earnestly, "Qingzi, I don’t know your past, nor do I care what others say. From the day I met you, I knew you were reliable.
But reliability alone isn’t enough. You also need ambition. Don’t just settle for being a small-time singer.
I know Ma Xucheng well. His talent-scouting ability is unmatched. If he’s willing to come to our bar tonight to see you, it means you’ve caught his eye. This indirectly means your talent and potential are worth at least a platinum record!
So, keep pushing forward. Don’t let me down.
And never forget, your journey is to the stars and the sea.”
After hanging up, Li Qing still felt a bit dazed.
Ma Xucheng wanted to see him?
The Platinum Godfather wanted to see him?
He liked "Sudden Self"?
Li Qing sat back on the couch, picked up the "New Entertainment Weekly," and continued reading. As he read the editor’s glowing descriptions of "Angel Wings" and thought about meeting Ma Xucheng tonight, he felt like he might really be on the brink of fame.
The joy was like a volcanic eruption, surging from his feet to his head, making his face flush with excitement. It wasn’t until Han Han walked in with a steaming breakfast that the joy started to fade.
"Milk again, I really wanted soy milk..."
Seeing the steaming cup of milk, the eggs cooked to look like little suns, and the meat floss bread, Li Qing scratched his head.
Li Qing could now be considered "full of talent," writing one or two songs from memory every day to keep in a safe. But when it came to daily life, he was as messy as he had been when he wrote novels in his previous life, living like a slob.
His eating habits were erratic.
If it weren’t for Han Han coming over every day to clean and bring breakfast, he wouldn’t have time for morning exercises or writing songs, as he’d be preoccupied with "What to eat today" and "Why haven’t I done laundry" dilemmas.
"Here, I made it all myself. You have to finish it."
Seeing Li Qing grudgingly drink the milk, Han Han felt delighted, her eyes turning into happy crescents.
Feeling a sense of achievement.
After breakfast, Han Han tidied up, then hesitated before asking, "Qingzi, did you watch 'Music Star' last night? How do you think you did?"
"Yeah, I watched it! I think I did okay!"
Li Qing nodded, deciding not to tell her about meeting Ma Xucheng tonight, as the situation was still uncertain. Better not raise her hopes too high.
So he turned back to his vocal exercises.
"It wasn’t just okay, it was amazing."
Han Han gave him two thumbs up, smiling brightly. "I specifically checked today’s newspapers. Everyone says that because of you, the Beijing TV station’s ratings broke 20%. The media and audience reactions are very positive, which means everyone loves you. I think it won’t be long before the company starts giving you a lot of resources again, and you’ll release another album soon!"
Hearing her mention the company, Li Qing’s tone cooled, and he simply replied with an "Oh," then continued his vocal exercises.
Han Han, her face flushed with excitement as if Li Qing’s success were her own, wanted to say more. But seeing Li Qing’s lack of reaction, she swallowed her words.
Picking up the thermal container, Han Han said with a bright smile, "I’m off to work. If there’s any news from the company, I’ll let you know first thing."
NEXT