Chapter 121: I Want to Have a Heart-to-Heart Talk with Him

Gao Mingyuan had not lied to her; there was no need to, and besides, there was simply no point.

Would he really joke about something of such magnitude, or use it just to spite someone? The National Drama Awards were known to almost everyone; if you were a citizen of Huaguo, you knew exactly what this ceremony was about. At the end of every year, this grand awards gala was held, and nearly every star involved in the winning television series would be in attendance. The scene was always spectacular, filled with breathtakingly handsome men and beautiful women at every turn.

For a newcomer like Lin Chuan, simply participating in such an awards gala—let alone taking the stage—would bring him immense benefits, even if he were just sitting there for a few hours. Compared to this, the appreciation banquet was a complete failure, with no suspense at all.

But why would Lin Chuan be invited to such an awards ceremony? He was just a singer; he had never acted in any television series, not even a cameo. How could he be nominated? It was all thanks to the major historical drama *Famous Families and Loyal Martyrs* released this year. Although Lin Chuan did not appear in the series, he had contributed both the theme song and the ending song, which had garnered the show even more acclaim. Most importantly, the awards ceremony also featured categories for theme and ending songs.

Zhang Xiaoqiao was deeply depressed. With Lin Chuan heading to the awards ceremony, the appreciation banquet had naturally become insignificant. Even as a layperson, she understood the vast disparity between the two. If she lost this bargaining chip, would Lin Chuan still write songs for her? Would Gao Mingyuan even let her stay at Tian-Di Culture?

For the first time, Miss Zhang learned what it meant to shoot herself in the foot. If she hadn't stirred up all that mess, if she had been more humble, hadn't stalked and photographed him, or hadn't leaked that content online, perhaps there would still be a chance to turn things around. But now? The opportunity had become incredibly slim. Only the day before yesterday, she had sworn to her best friend that Lin Chuan would soon be writing a song for her.

What was she to do? Zhang Xiaoqiao was filled with regret, but what could she change? She had already offended him, and the leverage she held was now worthless. She could only take things one step at a time, hoping Lin Chuan wasn't the type to hold a grudge—perhaps then there might still be a glimmer of hope.

At this very moment, in the lounge, Lin Chuan, Xia Tian, and Chu Fei were practicing "First Snow" over and over again, while Gao Meng sat on the sofa nearby, gazing at her idol with infatuation.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Uncle Gao walked in with a beaming smile.

"Well? Have you all learned it?"

"Heh, Boss Gao, you underestimate us. It’s just one song; we’ve got it in the bag," Chu Fei said with a cocky grin.

Gao Mingyuan nodded in satisfaction. He didn't know the full story, but others did. In reality, Chu Fei’s part was primarily rap, a style he was very interested in. With just those few lines of lyrics, combined with being moved by the story itself, learning it wasn't particularly difficult. Xia Tian nodded expressionlessly, a gesture of greeting to his boss. Lin Chuan walked over and said, "Uncle Gao, you’re here."

"Dad!" Gao Meng also stood up from the sofa.

"Don't stop, keep practicing. Time is running out. Are you confident you can take the stage the day after tomorrow?" Gao Mingyuan asked with a smile, waving his hand.

"Don't worry, Boss Gao, absolutely no problem," Chu Fei said, brimming with confidence. Ever since they learned they would be performing on stage with Lin Chuan for the commercial gig the day after tomorrow, Chu Fei had been as energized as if he’d been injected with adrenaline, remaining in a state of constant excitement. It was understandable; they hadn't had an opportunity like this since their debut. Moreover, the commercial event the day after tomorrow was a major gala—a fantastic opportunity for newcomers like them.

"That's good. Don't let me down when the time comes. I took a huge risk securing this opportunity for you. Alright, carry on with your practice," the boss said with an air of authority. He then turned his head and added, "Xiao Chuan, come out with me for a moment. There’s something I need to discuss with you."

"Understood," Lin Chuan replied, then turned to the others: "Keep practicing. Sing it exactly as I told you. Chu Fei, don't look so miserable when it's your rap turn..."

After giving his instructions, he walked out to the entrance of the lounge.

Uncle Gao frowned and said, "I called them just now and told them about the arrangement."

"Oh? What did they say?" Lin Chuan raised an eyebrow.

"They don't have any objections, but... they do have a request." A hint of awkwardness appeared on Uncle Gao's face.

"A request?" Lin Chuan smiled. This result was well within his expectations. Naturally, if the request wasn't unreasonable, he had no reason to refuse.

Uncle Gao nodded and continued, "They mainly invited you, but since you insist on bringing the 'Power Boys' along... they would like you to sing one extra song, and... there won't be any increase in your performance fee."

"Sing one extra song? That's no problem. Do they want a new one?" Lin Chuan chuckled lightly.

"No, they didn't specify that it had to be a new song," Uncle Gao quickly waved his hand.

Lin Chuan smiled. "That's fine, then. One extra song it is."

Seeing Lin Chuan so optimistic, Uncle Gao looked at him deeply and sighed. "Sigh, if you're absolutely sure, I'll give them the confirmation."

"Yes, thank you for the trouble, Uncle Gao," Lin Chuan said gratefully.

"It's no trouble at all. Go back and rehearse; time is tight. If there are any mistakes, it won't just hurt the company's image—it will implicate you as well..." Leaving these words behind, Uncle Gao walked away.

Lin Chuan stood there for a moment before turning back into the lounge. The next moment, the sound of intermittent singing began to drift out once again. Almost every few lines, the music would pause, followed by the sound of slight coughing and voices speaking.

Meanwhile, at Jinxiu Garden, Lin Yiyang sat on the sofa at home, listlessly holding the remote control while watching a cartoon. He showed no sign of engagement, appearing rather distracted.

Just then, there was a clatter from the kitchen, and Wang Yue emerged wearing an apron, carrying two freshly stir-fried dishes. "Yangyang, come and eat. Today, Sister Xiaoyue made your favorite braised pork ribs."

Lin Yiyang turned his head to glance at them, but still couldn't muster any interest. He pouted and said, "Is Dad still not home?"

"Well, he'll likely be late, but that's okay. Isn't it fun to have Sister Xiaoyue keep you company?" Wang Yue said with a smile.

"But... I have to go to kindergarten tomorrow. I wanted to have a heart-to-heart with him..." Lin Yiyang frowned, speaking like a little adult.

Wang Yue was left speechless.