Chapter 59: Reaching a Partnership (Third Update)

Lin Chuan glanced around and noticed that deep inside, there seemed to be the faint outline of someone moving. The lighting was far too dim for him to see clearly.

"Let's go. The person who wants to see you is over there," the blond-haired man chuckled softly, gesturing toward the interior.

Lin Chuan said nothing, his expression impassive as he lifted his legs and walked further into the factory.

As he drew closer, he could make out two figures—a man and a woman—though their faces remained indistinct. Beside the man stood a small, makeshift stage built from wooden planks, rudimentary but functional.

Behind the stage were a drum kit, electric guitar, bass, and keyboard. These instruments were all familiar to Lin Chuan; every band possessed such a set.

"Could these people be musicians?" Lin Chuan wondered silently.

"Lin Chuan, who would have thought we'd meet again so soon?"

Suddenly, a man's voice rang out, deep and magnetic.

Lin Chuan was taken aback. He recognized that voice instantly—only a few days ago, he'd met its owner and even competed against him.

"Fang Hao?" Lin Chuan frowned slightly.

"Heh, surprised? Bringing you here so suddenly is indeed a bit abrupt, but rest assured, I mean you no harm," Fang Hao rose from his chair and walked over to Lin Chuan.

Meanwhile, a strikingly beautiful girl followed. She was not tall, about one meter sixty-five, with long, glossy black hair cascading down her back. She wore a white lace dress, her skin pale as snow, eyes bright and lively, and a faint smile gracing her lips, making her utterly charming.

The girl exuded a strong artistic aura, standing in such a dilapidated factory appeared almost incongruous.

She seemed familiar to Lin Chuan, yet he couldn't immediately recall why.

At that moment, the girl extended her slender, jade-like hand and smiled sweetly, "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Qin Xiyao, but my friends call me Yao Yao. You can call me that too."

Hearing her introduction, Lin Chuan was stunned. Even someone as self-absorbed as he, who only cared about himself and his son, had heard that name more than once.

Standing there, uncertain and incredulous, Lin Chuan was caught off guard as Fang Hao, wearing a playful grin, remarked, "Lin Chuan, Yao Yao is waiting for you to shake her hand. Aren't you going to oblige?"

Lin Chuan smiled awkwardly, politely shook her hand, but withdrew almost instantly.

Qin Xiyao was twenty-four years old. Despite her youth, she had been in the industry for over five years. In those years, her songs had dominated the top ten of every major online chart, never dropping out. If not for Lin Chuan's sudden rise, she might have held the top five spots this year.

Moreover, in the past three years, Qin Xiyao had swept various music awards, becoming one of the country's most popular female singers and earning the title of "pop princess."

In terms of fame and standing, she was at least equal, if not superior, to Dong Kai, whom Huang Quan had invited. Her fanbase was even larger.

"I heard Huang Quan managed to bring out Dong Kai, that old fellow?" Fang Hao said slowly.

Lin Chuan was startled, then nodded. He wasn’t sure whether Fang Hao was a rival or an enemy, but he certainly wasn’t a friend.

He and Fang Hao had always been at odds. Especially after Fang Hao lost to him in the semifinals, their animosity was cemented.

But given the situation, those "ruffians" were clearly Fang Hao's people. Had Fang Hao wished, he could have sabotaged Lin Chuan's performance that night, ensuring his elimination.

Yet, he hadn't done so. Lin Chuan could only assume Fang Hao wanted a fair contest.

The final was approaching. If Lin Chuan couldn't find someone to sing with him, defeat was certain—there was no suspense about it.

But at this crucial moment, Fang Hao appeared with a pop princess whose fame rivaled Dong Kai's. Lin Chuan was no fool; he had a sense of what this meant.

Sure enough, Fang Hao continued, "I’m not really interested in who wins this championship... But I care about who takes it. If it’s you, so be it, but Huang Quan..."

Fang Hao didn’t finish, but Lin Chuan understood. Fang Hao was arrogant and proud. In this "One Song to Fame" competition, out of thousands of contestants, Lin Chuan was likely the only one he respected.

If Lin Chuan, who had defeated him, lost in the final, Fang Hao would feel humiliated. It was a strange logic, but that’s how Fang Hao thought.

To him, only Lin Chuan winning made his defeat worthwhile.

Lin Chuan glanced at Fang Hao, then at Qin Xiyao. She smiled and said, "Mr. Lin, I really like the songs you've written. If possible, I hope we can have a perfect collaboration."

"Collaboration?" Although Lin Chuan had already guessed as much, hearing it directly from her felt almost unbelievable.

After all, her status was extraordinary—she was a pop princess with countless fans and an idol wherever she went.

Now, Qin Xiyao was actively proposing to work with him?

For a moment, Lin Chuan felt breathless, as if he were dreaming—it all seemed unreal.

Fang Hao shot him a disdainful glance and laughed, "Why are you still dazed? Don’t tell me you’re unwilling?"

"Of course not. It would be an honor to collaborate with Miss Qin," Lin Chuan replied with a smile.

"Mr. Lin, you’re too modest," Qin Xiyao replied sweetly.

They reached an agreement: tomorrow morning, they would meet here to rehearse. As for what song to sing, Lin Chuan would have to think it over carefully.

This time, it wasn’t just him competing; he would be performing with Qin Xiyao. Choosing the right song was crucial.

"Come on, I'll give you a ride," Fang Hao said.

Lin Chuan hesitated. He had expected one of the ruffians to drive him, but Fang Hao himself offered, which surprised him.

Lin Chuan smiled slightly, accepted, and got into Fang Hao’s Land Rover.

Neither spoke much during the drive.

An hour later, as the Land Rover reached the city of Beining and finally stopped, Fang Hao said, "Alright, I’ll leave you here. Tomorrow morning, same time, Fang Zi and the others will pick you up."

Lin Chuan nodded and smiled, "No problem."