The more Xu Fengnian looked at her, the more he felt that Ling Ming was unsuitable to take on such an important role. Even if she sang well, her image was not satisfying,she looked nothing like a big-name star. Her plain temperament made it obvious to everyone that she was just a simple girl from the countryside.
Of course, Xu Fengnian didn't look down upon Ling Ming, but he felt he had to consider the entire company. If things didn't work out well, the company's image would be affected as well.
Xu Fengnian decided he had to give some advice and help.
He whispered into Zhang Xiaohua's ear: "Xiao-Hua, ah, I have been involved in this industry for many years, I have seen lots singers come through. I asked a few good singers to come to the company for you to take a look at, the singer represents the company's image. We can't be careless."
Zhang Xiaohua understood the underlining meaning of Xu Fengnian. He wanted to replace Ling Ming and find a singer with a better image to help the company get its name.
However, this was simply impossible. Because in Zhang Xiaohua's heart, Ling Ming was perfect and destined to become a superstar in the music scene. No one could replace her.
Although her looks weren't goddess level, Zhang Xiaohua's still fancied her natural beauty. Her temperament and aura weren't overpowering but she had a unique and simple temperament. All in all, it attracted Zhang Xiaohua.
With a glass of wine, Zhang Xiaohua seriously looked at Xu Fengnian and asked, "Uncle Xu, what do you think of Wang Jingwen?"
Xu Fengnian froze for a moment. Even though it might have been hard to hear, he spoke his honest opinion, "Wang Jingwen's has the makings of a celebrity, from the time I knew her at New Century she always showed a great aptitude to be a star. She can change persona at the flip of a switch, this is a piece of rare and vital thing for a celebrity. She also has the temperament of a big star."
Zhang Xiaohua smiled, but with a little sarcasm in his smile, he asked, "So, please, Uncle Xu, where is Wang Jingwen now?"
Xu Fengnian was stunned and was really puzzled by Zhang Xiaohua's two questions. But he still replied, "Didn't you just say that Wang Jingwen had already moved to New Century Entertainment?"
"She left us a parting gift, in the form of a press conference at New Century where she discredited the company." Zhang Xiaohua said out of shame, "You should know that many outside see us as the ugly daughter-in-law who was abandoned. That 'affected' our company's image, but it's okay, I'll lead Ming'er to completely surpass her."
Xu Fengnian finally understood the meaning of Zhang Xiaohua. Simply put, he was determined on to hold this Ling Ming, he intended to use her to cover the aura of Wang Jingwen, and it seemed he had made up his mind.
Since he understood the meaning of Zhang Xiaohua, Xu Fengnian didn't say anything more.
The reason was simple, Xiao-Hua was the boss, his decisions were final!
Xu Fengnian did want to see Zhang Xiaohua succeed. But he just couldn't see how he would turn this rustic Ling Ming into a domestic first-line singer. Was there any way to use Ling Ming to threaten Wang Jingwen?
"Boss, I wanna toast to you!" At this time, Ling Ming stood up and held a glass of white wine in her hands. She watched Zhang Xiaohua respectfully and said gratefully, "Thank you, boss, for giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank boss for signing my brothers and sisters from the troupe. I'm bad with speeches, I don't know what to say to express my gratitude, so I can only respect boss with a drink!"
After her tirade, she downed the full-bodied liquor in one gulp. Because of the urgency in which she did so, she burst into a mini coughing fit, causing everyone to smirk. She really was a living treasure.
Every time he saw Ling Ming, Zhang Xiaohua's heart produced a strong sense of intimacy...
Looking at the smiling faces around, recalling the emotion and righteousness they showed during this period of time, Zhang Xiaohua couldn't help but feel emotional, obviously from the alcohol...
After drinking the alcohol in his glass in one stretch, he poured out a cup of strong liquor from the bottle beside him, and then picked up a pair of chopsticks in his hands and laughed: "I'm gonna teach you guys a song to sing, learn it seriously!"
After that, Zhang Xiaohua cleared his throat, held the chopsticks with both hands, beat the dishes in front of him, knocking out a melody. It was full of musical sensation. After a moment, he slowly began to sing...
After many difficulties;
Don't you feel tired?
This feeling I have had many a time.
Maybe it's just temporary;
Maybe nobody knows;
Now you and I just wanna relax.
...
Life is like wine;
Some bitter;
Some strong;
Maybe the wound is bleeding;
Maybe there is tears around the corner;
For now let me accompany you... to have a drink.
...
Cheers friends;
Let it go;
Take the past in your control;
Use the past as a hangover;
Tomorrow's wine glasses will have to be filled with yesterday's sadness .
Please raise a cup with me;
Cheers to the past.
As Zhang Xiaohua sang up to here, everyone's eyes began to slightly redden.
No one asked the source of the song, nor did anyone ask the name of the song. At the moment, they were only acting as his audience. Listening quietly to every word that Zhang Xiaohua sang, it was inspiring and exciting. It was full of affinity. The emotional singing, and the realystic lyrics, reminded people of the past.
The phrase "Life is like wine, some bitter, some strong" felt so applicable to them all... as if the lives of all people around the world had been analysed.
Everyone's future was different, but what was certain was that there would always be hardships, of course, there would be sweetness as well, the song brought the most vulnerable side of their hearts to show, breaking the mask disguised on their appearance. They wanted to cry when suffering, but also laugh from sweetness, venting their long-held feelings!
After many difficulties;
Don't you feel tired?
This feeling I have had many a time.
Maybe it's just temporary;
Maybe nobody knows;
Now you and I just wanna relax.
...
At this point, everyone joined in and sang together...
"Life is like wine;
Some bitter;
Some strong;
Cheers friends;
Let it go;
Take the past in your control;
Use the past as a hangover;
Tomorrow's wine glasses will have to be filled with sadness yesterday.
Please raise a cup with me;
Cheers to the past!"
Their voices got louder and louder, their emotions stronger and stronger, no one was crying. Instead, they were using their own ardent eyes as friends to soothe each other's hearts and successfully render the atmosphere to the pure joy.
"Come on, for the sake of a better future, friends. Cheers!"
Zhang Xiaohua concluded, stood up, holding a glass of wine, waiting for everyone to respond.
The whole crowd stood up with their glasses, smiled and greeted each other. They rushed to each other and crisply clinked their glasses together. The wine splashed around and dampened everyone's face. But these damp faces could not conceal their happiness.
"For the past, for a better future, for friends. Cheers!"...