Lin Xi couldn't help but laugh and cry, "So, your idea of helping me is to learn composition on your own?"
"Exactly," Lin Zhibai affirmed.
"Listen, while it's true that composers are highly respected in the music industry, that status typically refers to those who've achieved a gold medal or higher," Lin Xi explained, trying to impart some industry knowledge to her brother.
"There's a hierarchy?" Lin Zhibai asked, momentarily taken aback.
"Not an official one, more like industry slang," Lin Xi clarified. "For example, a gold medal composer is someone who's reached the top ten of the season charts at least ten times. You're familiar with the concept of season rankings, right?"
Lin Zhibai nodded.
Blue Star is divided into eight continents, each with its own top-tier music charts. In Qinzhou, where Lin Zhibai resides, the population has surpassed 2.3 billion. Given the number of composers, it's clear that gold medal composers are a rare breed. Not just anyone can crack the top ten of Qinzhou's seasonal charts more than ten times.
"But..." Lin Xi continued, "you're majoring in art history. You'll touch upon some composition in your courses, but don't think that just because you learned piano and guitar as a kid, you're ready to compose. Everyone with a decent financial background learns those instruments nowadays."
"I still want to try," Lin Zhibai insisted. "I've already written a song."
Lin Zhibai knew his sister's advice was well-meaning, but he felt confident due to his systematic approach.
"I see what you're up to," Lin Xi said, her eyes twinkling. "You want to use your sister's connections."
"That sounds so crude," Lin Zhibai said with mock disgust. "It's family help, not using connections."
"Fine," Lin Xi relented. "I'll give you a shot. But don't expect any top-tier singers or extensive promotional resources. Even though I'm a director at Shinhwa Entertainment, I can't bend the rules too much. Getting caught could damage my reputation and the department's integrity."
"Who should sing then?" Lin Zhibai asked. He wasn't trained in vocals and didn't want to waste a good song. He also wanted to focus on his studies and work behind the scenes for now.
"Tool singers," Lin Xi said, then clarified, "new singers who haven't debuted yet. I have six in my department. Come to the company tomorrow and pick one."
"Tomorrow works," Lin Zhibai agreed. He didn't mind the singer's fame; Shinhwa Entertainment's standards were high.
"Alright, off you go," Lin Xi said, standing up. "Get some rest."
She didn't take Lin Zhibai's songwriting endeavor too seriously. The performance of a music company hinges on its composers, and if it were easy, she wouldn't stress about departmental results.
The next day, Lin Zhibai rode with Lin Xi to Shinhwa Entertainment.
The Shinhwa building, located in Qinzhou's Sioux City Science and Technology Park, was about 35 kilometers from their home. With over 100,000 square meters of space, the building was a technological marvel and a landmark.
Lin Xi parked in the lot and led Lin Zhibai upstairs, giving him a brief tour. "Shinhwa's headquarters is even bigger. I'll show you sometime. This is the core of our family's industry. I work on the thirteenth floor, and your second brother's variety show is on the thirty-eighth. He's on a business trip in Qizhou right now."
"How long has he been gone?" Lin Zhibai asked.
"He's negotiating to bring a variety show from Qizhou to Qinzhou, but it's taking time," Lin Xi explained.
As they rode the elevator, Lin Xi continued, "Our father is a director and seldom at the company. Our mother only attends important meetings. Many people are happy she doesn't work much."
When they reached the thirteenth floor, employees greeted Lin Xi warmly, which surprised Lin Zhibai. He had expected his sister to be a stern leader, but she was evidently well-liked.
Lin Xi guided Lin Zhibai to the recording studio. "I'll send someone to help you. Keep our relationship quiet; it's better that way."
"Got it," Lin Zhibai nodded. "But won't my surname give it away?"
Lin Xi laughed. "There are many Lins in this company. Our family is vast and widespread. Unless you publicize it, no one will know you're directly related to the bosses."
Lin Zhibai understood.
An employee led Lin Zhibai to the recording studio, where the sound engineer was listening to music.
"Hello, Mr. Lin," the engineer greeted.
"Hello," Lin Zhibai replied politely, aware of the importance of modesty.
"I'll help you record the song," the engineer said. "Please send me the demo."
Lin Zhibai used the system to export the demo, which he then sent to the engineer.
The engineer listened to the demo titled "Eliminate Sorrow." Despite its rough, synthesized quality, the engineer found it surprisingly good, especially the lyrics.
"Not bad," he commented, genuinely impressed.
Lin Zhibai nodded, aware that true evaluation would come later.
"Do you have the arrangement?" the engineer asked.
"I arranged it myself," Lin Zhibai confirmed."Okay," the engineer responded. He wasn't surprised that a novice would handle their own arrangement, especially with a new singer.
At that moment, several new singers arrived.