Marriage Concerto (Small Thing Called Love) Chapter 49

OMG IT’S THE WEEKEND. FINALLY.

Chapter 49: I want you to beat Gu Xin

When Qiao Yichen woke up at a little past seven, Ding Meng was still sleeping beside him.

Today, all the recording studio appointments were in the afternoon so she didn't have any work scheduled for the morning. Qiao Yichen watched her attentively for a moment. Then, he rolled on top of her and kissed her lips.

Ding Meng was quickly woken up by him. She knit her brows as she opened her eyes. A furry head was currently lingering by her chest.

She sucked in a breath, "…Qiao Yichen, why are you getting so pa.s.sionate this early in the morning?"

Upon hearing her, Qiao Yichen looked up at her. His moist eyes held a smile, "Don't you know that men are most easily excited in the morning?"

Ding Meng, "…"

She didn't want to know!

Qiao Yichen tore open her nightgown and nuzzled up to her ear. He whispered, "Wife, let's just do it once, okay?"

Ding Meng, "…"

Uh, h.e.l.l no!

Judging by Qiao Yichen's att.i.tude, she wouldn't be able to escape this time. Therefore she tried hard to negotiate some benefits, "If we do it, you're not allowed to scold me in the recording studio!"

Qiao Yichen chuckled and bit her lower lip lightly, "I'll try my best."

….What the h.e.l.l is try my best! If we can't agree on the conditions then we're not doing it!

However, Qiao Yichen didn't hear her mental roars. After doing the activity he liked so much, he got out of bed looking refreshed and lively. He took out a fresh s.h.i.+rt from the closet and spoke to Ding Meng as he changed, "Darling, it's time to get up."

Ding Meng, "…"

Don't think that she would listen to him if he called her darling!

She rolled over lazily and turned her back to Qiao Yichen, "I don't have work this morning."

Qiao Yichen grunted in acknowledgement, "That's perfect for going to cla.s.ses at the training center."

Ding Meng, "…"

Didn't he have any humanity?

After Qiao Yichen finished changing, he leaned over to kiss her, "I'll come back and wake you after I finish making breakfast."

"…Humph."

Qiao Yichen looked down and chuckled. Ding Meng pushed his chest, "Then hurry up and go make breakfast!"

Qiao Yichen pecked her again and walked out laughing.

After he made breakfast and woke Ding Meng up, Qiao Yichen left for the company to work. He had received a new set of lyrics yesterday so he needed to start composing music for it this morning.

The sole lyricist for this song was Yu Chao. Even though he was male, he was extremely talented at writing lyrics about young girls in love. The song he had written for Ding Meng, Love That Arrived Unexpectedly, was one such song.

An alb.u.m needed to have songs of many styles. Therefore, Qiao Yichen had picked this song. The lyrics were written quite well, and it even had a retro vibe. It sounded a little bit like disco from the 70s or 80s. When Qiao Yichen composed the music, he employed the use of more orchestral instruments since those would make the song more lively and energize the listeners more easily.

While he was writing the music for the instrumentals, a knock sounded on his office door, "Great Qiao, it's me."

After hearing that the voice belonged to the sound technician, Qiao Yichen spoke without even lifting up his head, "Come in."

The sound technician walked in with a tablet and impatiently placed it on Qiao Yichen's office desk, "Great Qiao, I bet you have no idea! Yesterday night, s.h.i.+ Rou threw shade at you on Weibo!"

Qiao Yichen raised his brows and finally looked up to glance at the him, "You came over for something like that?" Was his workload too light again?

The sound technician responded, "No, no, no, her throwing shade at you isn't the main point. The main point is that afterwards, quite a few people stood up for you. Ding Meng was the first one to put her on blast! Look at how she still helps you when you encounter a situation even though you scold her so much inside the studio!"

Qiao Yichen's eyes flashed and he picked up the sound technician's tablet.

Ding Meng's post from last night jumped out before his eyes.

The sound technician sighed from the side, "Look at how nice that girl is. You should scold her less in the future."

Qiao Yichen, "…"

The original post by s.h.i.+ Rou that Ding Meng had replied to had already been deleted. It wasn't clear if it had been deleted by s.h.i.+ Rou herself or if her company had asked her to delete it. After looking at it for a bit, he returned the tablet to the sound technician, "You can leave now. I still need to compose scores."

"…Okay, okay, okay. I won't keep disturbing you." The sound technician took the tablet and left.

Qiao Yichen sat on his seat for a while before picking up his phone to send Ding Meng a text. "Wife, I saw what you posted on Weibo last night. So it turns out that you hate it that much when other people talk badly about me?"

Wife: Can you stop gloating? *bye*

Laughing, Qiao Yichen sent another text, "Did you get lectured by Jiang Man today?"

Wife: Got lectured already. Therefore, today you're not allowed to scold me in the recording studio *bye*

"Yes ma'am." Qiao Yichen stared at the cell phone screen and laughed.

He turned on the computer and took a quick breather from work by browsing Ding Meng's Weibo. Then, he saw the promotional picture for With You that she had posted on the day that she had reached 3 million followers.

Qiao Yichen, "…"

So she danced with Gu Xin while dressed like that?

Hah hah.

When the afternoon arrived, Ding Meng had originally walked in with the expectation that the song would be recorded without a hitch. Instead, she was still interrupted by Qiao Yichen after only a brief moment of singing, "The parts where the high notes change are still not smooth enough. They sound extremely ear-piercing to me. Start over."

Ding Meng, "…"

Qiao Goudan, what did you say on the bed!

That night, Qiao Yichen really did sleep alone in the room next door.

While Ding Meng was actively preparing her new alb.u.m, the Grand Music Award Ceremony was held as scheduled. Since there was a live performance segment, Ding Meng had even attended dress rehearsals for the past two days.

The outfit that she was wearing to the award ceremony was picked by Jiang Man. It was a white gown that was reminiscent of European n.o.bility. While the dress was fluffy and had three layers altogether, the material was very graceful and didn't look heavy.

At first, this gown reminded Ding Meng of a wedding dress. However, the unruly hem designs and random little details gave the dress a flair distinct from that of a wedding dress.

The stylist didn't give Ding Meng a hairdo. Instead, he let her long hair drape over her shoulders, saying that the intense contrast between white and black would be draw more attention.

Ding Meng didn't have any objections. However, after the styling was complete, she received a small surprise when she saw herself in the mirror.

This style did bear some resemblance to her style in the MV, but it was more extravagant and refined. When the MV was released, many starry-eyed Little Lemons had praised her by saying her good looks were flower-like.

Ding Meng cheerfully accepted that sort of flattery.

The award ceremony was set to begin that evening at 7:30. Since several other singers under her management had also received nominations for other categories, Jiang Man had arranged for her a.s.sistant to follow Ding Meng. The Grand Music Awards was also a red carpet event. As this was Ding Meng's first time walking the red carpet, she was so nervous that she nearly tripped over her feet.

The flash bulbs going off on both sides of the red carpet made it seem like daytime. Right as Ding Meng decided to hurry up and reach the signature board, the surrounding photographers began to incessantly shout out for her to stop and pose.

Ding Meng thought about how hard it was for everyone to earn a living so she kind-heartedly began to stop for a few seconds after every couple steps to give them time to take pictures. When she really got sick of the flas.h.i.+ng, she walked directly to the signature board to sign her name.

After signing, she took a second to appreciate it. Yup, it wasn't bad at all. She hadn't practiced for so long in vain.

Qiao Yichen had also come tonight. Ding Meng only realized after entering the venue and sitting down that Qiao Yichen's spot was actually right next to hers.

Ding Meng, "…"

Qiao Yichen smiled, "You look very beautiful tonight."

Ding Meng laughed sarcastically, "I'm very beautiful every night."

Qiao Yichen seemed to think of something and nodded in agreement.

Ding Meng, "…"

She knew what he was thinking just from that vulgar expression of his!

The sound of a small uproar outside travelled inside so Ding Meng turned around to take a look. It was Tang s.h.i.+ran who had arrived. Lately, Tang s.h.i.+ran had received a lot of exposure on TV. She had a large horde of followers on the internet and her popularity was continually growing.

She had kept that pear shaped haircut that Ding Meng was familiar with, but her style of clothing had changed a lot. While Tang s.h.i.+ran was originally very pet.i.te, her company had purposefully created a sweet lolita-style image for her. For that reason, Ding Meng could no longer recall what Tang s.h.i.+ran had looked like when singing Sima Xiaoxiao.

Unexpectedly, when Tang s.h.i.+ran pa.s.sed by Ding Meng, she smiled at Ding Meng and then continued walking forward.

Ding Meng sighed emotionally, "Tang s.h.i.+ran looks like she has a lot of confidence."

Qiao Yichen asked in reply, "Do you not?"

Ding Meng choked, "I was just saying it casually…"

Qiao Yichen leaned over to look at her and laughed, "In my opinion, you're a stronger compet.i.tor than Tang s.h.i.+ran."

Ding Meng looked at him for a bit before speaking sincerely, "If only you were also on the judges panel this time."

Qiao Yichen, "…"

After a moment of silence, he laughed without speaking.

Not long after, the award ceremony officially began. Ding Meng leaned closer to Qiao Yichen and asked with a whisper, "Is Sima Xiaoxiao not coming?"

Qiao Yichen snorted when he heard her question, "How could a person who hasn't released a new song in two years have the nerve to come?"

Ding Meng, "…"

Don't be like that. The Empress also dreams to be an actress. orz

The Best Newcomer Award was awarded relatively early so Ding Meng felt increasingly nervous as the time pa.s.sed. The guest announcing the Best Newcomer Award was last year's Best Newcomer Award recipient Li Zijing. After segments of the songs by each of the four nominated newcomers played on the big screen, he took a red envelope from the presenter and removed the card inside.

The venue was extremely quiet. Everyone's eyes were concentrated on him. Even the fans that were holding up Ding Meng signs were holding their breaths at this moment.

"The winner of the Best Newcomer Award at this year's Grand Music Awards is——" Li Zijing spoke up to there and then paused strategically. The venue's spotlights swept onto each of the four nominees.

Ding Meng had previously been very nervous, but now that the moment had arrived, she had suddenly calmed down.

Just like Qiao Yichen had said, no matter what name he called out in a moment, she needed to continue to work hard.

"She is Ding Meng——!"

After Li Zijing announced the results, the live band began to play lively music.

Ding Meng couldn't help but almost blank out. Then, she heard the audience break out in applause.

The presenter on stage quickly introduced Ding Meng, "Ding Meng entered the public eye when she partic.i.p.ated in the Heavenly Voice compet.i.tion. During the finals, she sang the song that made Sima Xiaoxiao famous, First Flower of February – a move that earned her first place. Afterwards, she signed a contract with Guangchen Productions. With Qiao Yichen a.s.suming the role as the music producer, the song I'm here shocked the entire Chinese music industry. Her high and refres.h.i.+ng voice as well as her solid foundation in performing has not only won over the judges' ears, they have also helped everyone see that, she is here!"

Another round of applause came from the audience. They were waiting for her to walk on stage and accept her award.

"In a moment, make sure to sing well." Qiao Yichen's voice suddenly came from her side. Ding Meng turned back to nod at him and then walked on stage.

The venue was overwhelmed with more flash photography. Ding Meng received the trophy from Li Zijing's hands and bowed toward the audience.

Her acceptance speech had been prepared long in advance. Following the presenter's request, she mulled over her many feelings and then spoke into the microphone, "I'm very happy to be able to win this award. Thank you to the judges for their approval, and thank you to my fans who have been with me over the journey. Also thank you to my producer, Mr. Qiao Yichen. Starting from the compet.i.tion and up til now, he has helped me so much. Even though I always get scolded by him in the recording studio, I know his standards were for my own good. His work ethics are worthy of my esteem and study. In the future, I will continue to work hard. I hope to give everyone even more outstanding works."

Another round of applause came from the audience. Br.i.m.m.i.n.g with enthusiasm, the presenter spoke, "Well then, let's invite Ding Meng to bring us the song I'm here!"

The lights on the stage began to change and the presenter helped her take the trophy off stage. Ding Meng brushed her hair to the side and walked to the middle of the stage.

A familiar melody began to play. Ding Meng held the microphone to her lips and began to sing——

An empty room with nothing, but the moonlight to accompany me.

On this chilly night, extend a hand and look through the gaps between your fingers to see the flickering stars.

When will you realize…

I'm here, will anyone hear my unending cries?

I'm here, if I was as dazzling as a flickering star,

Would you see me,

I’m here.

After her performance ended, a thunderous applause rang out again. Emotional Little Lemons even began to shout out their old slogan for Ding Meng, "Lemon Leader, Lemon Leader, Universe's Most Cute!"

Ding Meng, "…"

Even though not many fans were able to enter and their voices weren't very loud, Ding Meng's face still turned into a 囧.

She held the trophy and returned to her seat in the audience. She waved the trophy in front of Qiao Yichen, "I won a trophy~"

Qiao Yichen laughed and spoke, "I'm looking forward to you covering our home in these."

Ding Meng raised an eyebrow and didn't speak.

The Grand Music Awards continued to progress. The further along it went, the more valuable the trophies became.

Thanks to his new alb.u.m Lose Control, Gu Xin won the two big awards Alb.u.m of the Year and the Golden Melody of the Year. When he walked on stage once again, the audience clapped without stopping.

Perhaps this was because he had won too many awards already, Gu Xin looked very peaceful when he received the Golden Melody Award. Since he was also the winner of the Golden Song Award last year, the one who gave him the trophy was a music industry veteran, w.a.n.g Simiao.

When the presenter invited Gu Xin to give an acceptance speech, Gu Xin held the trophy and bowed to the audience. Then, he spoke directly into the microphone, "Thank you to my production team. This award cannot be considered mine solely. Rather, it belongs to the entire team. Thank you all for everything you all have done for this alb.u.m Lose Control. This is already my third time winning the Golden Melody Award. I'm sure that everyone is getting a little tired, no?"

The audience laughed and Gu Xin also laughed. Then, he continued to speak, "I'm not saying this to show off. Simply, the music industry needs newcomers. If no more outstanding rivals to compete with appear, I might not be able to continue moving forward. I'm very pleased to see that this year, several promising newcomers have appeared. The past is already in the past. I hope that in the future, I can see you all perform even more remarkably."

Gu Xin walked off the stage as the audience applauded. Ding Meng was also clapping for him.

Sitting beside her, QIao Yichen spoke in a low voice, "I attend the Grand Music Awards every year. In the beginning, it was really brilliant. Many outstanding singers contended with each other for the Golden Melody Award. Mo Zhen, Gu Xin, and Sima Xiaoxiao were among them. However, these past two years have basically turned into Gu Xin's one man show."

Mo Zhen went to develop his career abroad, Sima Xiaoxiao went to act in television dramas, and the industry lacked the appearance of impressive newcomers… It was just like Gu Xin had said. It was getting a little tiring.

Ding Meng stopped clapping and she turned to look at him.

Under the venue's lights and shadows, Qiao Yichen's profile looked more firm and determined than ever before. He turned his face and his eyes met Ding Meng's. "Next year, I want you to be standing in that place."

Ding Meng's heart suddenly jumped. The expression in her eyes was unclear.

Qiao Yichen continued to stare steadily at her. His gaze made Ding Meng's blood boil. "I want you to defeat Gu Xin."