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After the meeting, Yan Ran and her 3 member management team head towards the recording studio. Although most of the ground work for her album has been done, she still has a few more songs to record. One of them is in collaboration with a local up and coming musician called SLAP, who was going to do the rap part of her song. That is the one she is going to record today.
Yan Ran is very open-minded when it comes to music. As a result on every album she has done so far, she has included different genres. It is her first time trying pop rap though. She quite enjoys the idea of collaborating with other artists.
When they get there, her band, comprising instrumentalists and backing vocalists are already waiting. Although, they are not late, Yan Ran does not usually to keep people waiting.
"We apologize for keeping you waiting, everyone. Our meeting was longer than we expected," Yan Ran says bowing respectfully.
All the members of her band brush off her apologies, knowing that they are not warranted but she has made them out of respect.
Some of her band members like Chang Li who plays the acoustic guitar, and Jeremy on piano, who is a native of Country A; her backing vocalists Chu Hua and Ah Lam are slightly older than her. Shufen, who plays bass guitar, and Jaing who plays drums, are the same age as her while Rong Li, the cello player is the youngest. Rong Li is very bashful and always blushes whenever Yan Ran is around. Everyone knows he has a huge crush on her, but no one ever mentions it.
Yan Ran and her team also go and greet the studio engineers, Shui Ling and Ling Shu.
Soon afterwards, SLAP arrives. Although Yan Ran had seen his music videos and seen pictures of him before, she has not met him. She is totally flabbergasted when he approaches them.
He is a good looking younger man with long and slightly curly hair which is gathered in a pony –tail. It gives him a confident and artistic look. What surprises Yan Ran though is that his personality is actually opposite of his first impression. When Yan Ran stretches her hand to greet him, he looks very bashful.
His eyes have an extra sparkle when he holds Yan Ran's hand and he actually blushes. His ears look like they are bleeding. Everyone present finds it amusing because they have seen that same reaction many times.
"Ms Yan I am so honoured to meet you. I'm such a big fan," He says shyly and blushes even more.
Yan smiles and tries to make him more comfortable. "Can I call you SLAP or do you prefer your given name?"
SLAP responds enthusiastic ally "Ms Yan, please call me Li Jie."
The members of the band stifle giggles when they see him fanboying over Yan Ran.
Yan Ran keeps a straight face although she finds him both cute and funny.
"Okay Li Jie then. You can call me Sister Yan. Thank you for collaborating with us. Let's work hard together."
She turns towards the engineers.
"Seniors we are ready."
Shui Ling leads them from the control room into the live room. After setting up, they do a run through to get a feel of the equipment .When they feel that they have adjusted well to headphone and microphone levels, they start recording.
After each take, Yan Ran and Brother Han listen to the playback noting the areas that need improvement. After several takes they approve and the recording is passed.
Recording is a long and arduous process especially when it involves many people, but no one complains knowing that Yan Ran is a perfectionist.
SLAP not only has a good voice for rap but his singing voice is great too. In parts where they sing together, they sound great. Yan Ran cannot wait hear the final product.
After they finish recording Yan Ran invites the team, engineers and Li Jie out for a meal. It is already past lunch time but since they have not eaten, they are all eager for a meal.
"Sorry Yan, I have a meeting with Public Relations. Can I take a rain check?" Brother Han enquires.
"Of course, Brother Han, it's no problem. Should we order some takeaways for you? You must be starving after following me around the whole day." Yan Ran asks generously.
Brother Han beams, "Thank you Yan. You are so good to me."
"Okay, I will order your favourite and send it to your office."
"Thank you, Yan. Let me rush to my meeting. I'm almost late."
Yan Ran takes the team to a nearby eatery. They serve mostly traditional meals. Since their group is rather large, they decide to take a private room.
After ordering, Yan Ran excuses herself to go to the bathroom to freshen up. Her assistant follows her in case she needs help. They are chatting quietly on their way back when Yan Ran suddenly bumps into someone. She does not look up and quickly excuses herself.
Her hand is suddenly grabbed. "Yan Ran, wait."
Her heart misses a beat. That voice. How come Wei Lan is here?
Her mind suddenly blanks out as she panics.
Ru Shan notices the change in Yan Ran and touches her hand lightly. "Sister Yan?"
Ru Shan's eyes shift to the man holding Yan Ran's other hand. She almost gasps audibly as she looks into the deepest and most attractive eyes she has ever seen. The man standing before them is very tall and slim with broad shoulders.
He is wearing an expensive suit that fits him like a glove. He exudes a unique air of authority and confidence. She can tell right away that he is someone important and influential.
Yan Ran's temporarily frozen brain is suddenly jolted back to life.
She looks up and immediately meets Wei Lan's eyes that have been glued on her the whole time.