Chapter Sixty-Three: Actually... I Am a Talent Scout

Lin Ze didn’t have any other particular skills, and even now, he hadn’t seen a penny from those songs’ royalties. So the only thing he could offer as a gift was a melody.

“Oh, Xiao Lin, you’re far too generous. This past week, you’ve led us in singing, taken us on TV—it’s been more exciting than all my previous decades combined.”

“Exactly. You’re leaving, and instead of us giving you something, you’re the one thinking of giving us something.”

“How about this, old timer that I am, I’ve been single for so many years and have no children. When my time comes, I’ll leave my house to you.”

Lin Ze jumped at that. “Don’t, please! If word got out, people would say I was out to swindle you out of your pension!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

After lunch, it was time to say goodbye.

Old Wang wiped away a tear when Lin Ze wasn’t looking. He watched Lin Ze as if sending off his own child about to venture out into the world.

Lin Ze took his leave from the group of uncles and aunts, then dialed Phoenix Park’s number.

…

Phoenix Park had already arrived in Capital City.

With the share Lin Ze had given them, they could afford to spend a couple of days enjoying themselves before seeking new opportunities.

In Capital City, Phoenix Park had an old friend, someone they’d met back in the days at a bar. Like the two of them, he made a living singing at bars. He’d even tried his luck at some talent auditions, but being already in his thirties and having only average looks, he was always overshadowed by younger contestants, despite his years of performing experience.

It was just three in the afternoon, and Phoenix Park and this old friend were already sitting in a bar that had just opened for the day.

By day, the bar was a café; by night, it turned into a lounge with a certain style.

After years apart, the three sat together, sharing stories of their experiences over the years.

“It’s been good. I saw you on that show—you’re famous now! Have you had any offers recently?”

“Don’t mention it,” Zhou Ke waved his hand, “Fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. We haven’t had any gigs for days. I even called a few people.”

“That’s when I found out—they all said we’re too expensive now.”

“Exactly,” Mu Tang sighed, “We thought more fame would mean more work.”

Just then, Mu Tang’s phone rang. She glanced at the unfamiliar number.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Sister Mu Tang!”

A young voice came through. For a moment, Mu Tang couldn’t place who it was.

“Uh… which line of work are you with? Is it a supermarket opening? Bar gig? Short-term or long-term?”

“No, no. Well… it’s hard to explain over the phone. Let’s meet in person. Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

Mu Tang found it odd—what kind of job needed to be discussed face-to-face?

“We’re in Capital City, at the Night Bar. Is that convenient for you?”

“That works. I’ll be there in about two hours.”

“Uh… alright.”

Mu Tang hung up.

“What’s going on? He wants a face-to-face?” Zhou Ke was puzzled, but then something dawned on him.

“Wait—he was hesitating and stammering. Could it be he wants us to…”

At that, Mu Tang remembered too. She quickly tried to call back, but the line was busy.

“What’s up? Don’t keep us guessing.”

“Zhang Zheng, you wouldn’t know. Years ago…” Zhou Ke’s expression was complicated. “Someone once came to us, all hesitant, and only after much probing did we find out…”

“He wanted us to sing at a funeral.”

Though it was a little inappropriate, Zhang Zheng couldn’t help but laugh.

“But those gigs pay well. If another comes along, would you still take it?”

“What do you mean, ‘still’? How do you know we took the last one?” Zhou Ke glared at him.

“If it were me, I’d go too. Money is money,” Zhang Zheng chuckled.

“We’ll see how much they offer. We’re not exactly strapped for cash now, so we can afford to say no,” Mu Tang mused.

…

“What are you watching?” Su Zitan leaned on Lin Ze’s shoulder.

“I’m watching old live recordings of Phoenix Park.”

Lin Ze handed her an earbud.

On the stream, they were singing in a bar.

They took a sorrowful song and turned it into a bold, prairie-style ballad.

Still, it sounded pretty good.

“They’re quite good, really. They’ve developed their own style—just a little older than most.”

Lin Ze switched to another video.

“But that’s fine. It’s not too late for them to get popular now.”

“You really believe you can make them famous?” Su Zitan looked away, feeling a little carsick.

Lin Ze nodded. “Of course I do. What if we let them sing ‘Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond’?”

“Great idea. When we performed that song, didn’t we use a style similar to theirs?” Su Zitan blinked. “Did you plan this all along?”

“No,” Lin Ze scratched his head. “I just thought of them while working at the new studio. Now that we’ve just set up, we need to keep costs down, so promoting new talent is actually economical.”

“Then why not just start a talent show? All newcomers—bar singers, students, anyone who’s never set foot in the entertainment industry. Think how much money you’d save.”

“That’s a great idea!” Lin Ze’s eyes lit up. “But…”

He glanced at Su Zitan mischievously.

“What are you up to?” Su Zitan narrowed her eyes.

“Let’s have your dad invest a little. With me at the helm, it’s a sure bet,” Lin Ze sidled closer.

“You’re something else. We’re not even married and you’re already eyeing my family’s money?”

“We’re family, aren’t we? Isn’t your dad practically my godfather?”

The driver up front gritted his teeth in frustration.

What had he done to deserve driving this pair?

The car soon reached Capital City. The driver dropped Lin Ze and Su Zitan off at Night Bar.

They put on masks and glasses before getting out.

At this hour, only one or two people were inside, sipping coffee.

As soon as they opened the door, a voice drifted out.

An unremarkable, honest voice reached Lin Ze’s ears.

It was an ordinary voice, singing a folk song on stage.

Lin Ze and Su Zitan peered inside and saw a man in his thirties on the stage—not handsome, but pleasant-looking, with the weathered air of someone who had seen much of life, and eyes filled with calm born of experience.

Mu Tang and Zhou Ke sat at a table below.

Lin Ze and Su Zitan walked over and pulled out chairs.

“Hey?”

“Excuse us…” Lin Ze lowered his voice. “We spoke earlier.”

“Oh, right. What can we do for you?” Mu Tang pulled her cup closer, a bit on edge at the sight of these two, so heavily disguised.

Lin Ze spoke quietly.

“Actually, I’m a talent scout. I was wondering if you two have ever considered making your debut?”