“This time for sure!” Eric Carter draws a blind box.

Draw—

Prize obtained: [“Wheat Waves in the Wind” Gift Pack]

“So the lucky one isn’t me.”

“That’s fine too. I’ll be recording in a few days, and now I have a song I can show off.” Eric Carter said, “Open the gift pack.”

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the sheet music, lyrics, and arrangement materials for ‘Wheat Waves in the Wind’]

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the creative memory of ‘Wheat Waves in the Wind.’]

[The song has been automatically registered for copyright with the ‘Huaxia Song Association,’ ‘Musician Network,’ and the ‘Asian Song Copyright Protection Industry.’]

No wonder it’s called a gift pack—so complete.

“‘Wheat Waves in the Wind’... can also be a great weapon for my comeback, conveying a gentle and calm feeling, which can somewhat soften sharp hostility. So, for the show, my persona needs to change.”

“The company’s previous keyword for me was [aloof beauty], but now I can’t keep acting cold. With the audience’s preconceived notions, even my breathing is wrong, let alone my expressionless face. I need to be gentler and more reserved. The original’s good looks are a weapon I should make good use of.”

“But I can’t make an exaggerated, instant change.”

After a brief analysis, Eric Carter set the goal for the show. The work he most wanted to draw was Jacky Cheung’s “With You All the Way.” Originally, Jacky sang it to thank his girlfriend for her companionship, but later, at concerts, he and his fans sang it together as a gift to them.

Eric Carter walked through the corridor to the study next to the master bedroom. He glanced around at the many professional music books on the shelves, most of which hadn’t been read much, but a pile of creative drafts had suddenly appeared on the desk, full of revisions to the lyrics.

With the copyright registration, the Song Association is a semi-official organization under the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, while Music Festival Network is a website founded by the International Music Council (IMC) under UNESCO.

Finally, the Asian Copyright Protection Industry is a joint creation of several major Asian music companies. With registration in all three places, it’s practically flawless, saving Eric Carter a lot of time.

“System, you’re really thorough.” Eric Carter praised. While digging deeper into the original’s memories, the phone rang. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number from Xingcheng, Hunan Province.

After answering, a deep male voice came through: “Hello, contestant Eric Carter, I’m Kevin Martinez, producer of Mango TV’s ‘I Really Am a Singer.’ The contract is settled, and you’re the third surprise guest.”

“Our show records on the 27th. Please arrive at the studio on the 14th floor of Jinying Film & TV Cultural City, Guangdian Road, Kaifu District, Xingcheng, at 10 a.m. on the 25th for rehearsal. The invitation code for entering the program center building will be sent to your phone via text message shortly. Please check it.”

The words flowed smoothly, with no emotional fluctuation.

“Producer Martinez, can I sing an original song?” Eric Carter asked. “I’d like to come early and discuss the arrangement with the music director.”

Kevin Martinez frowned. What trick is this soon-to-be-forgotten idol trying to pull now? Dissatisfaction seeped into his words: “What original song?”

His dissatisfaction with Eric Carter didn’t come from any bias against idols. On the contrary, as a producer, Kevin Martinez liked working with them.

Artists with a bad reputation are sure to attract some audience resistance, affecting the show. If it weren’t for a resource exchange within the station, Kevin Martinez would never have let Eric Carter on his show.

But just now, Eric Carter’s tone was quite polite. After thinking for a moment, Kevin Martinez could only reply stiffly, “Then come on the 24th.”

“Thank you—beep beep beep…” Eric Carter hadn’t finished speaking.

The entertainment industry is very realistic. If you’re popular, people respect you; if not, you have nothing.

Everyone knows to leave some room for future encounters, but at this point, can Eric Carter really make a comeback? Kevin Martinez’s attitude represented the higher-ups at Kangfei Company and the thoughts of most people in the industry.

“Don’t be angry, don’t be angry. You have no right to be angry right now.” Eric Carter silently repeated, snuffing out the small flame of dissatisfaction in his heart, thinking, “Then let’s build up our strength.”

Eric Carter entered the practice room and began to familiarize himself with the song he had just drawn. “Wheat Waves in the Wind” was written and composed by Li Jian, and had won the Best Lyricist Award at the Capital Pop Ceremony. The lyrics were beautifully written, almost like a prose poem.

In his previous life, Li Jian even performed on the Spring Festival Gala in 2013, and five years ago, the Spring Festival Gala was still of a certain standard. Everyone should know what level this song is. Using it for a surprise attack on a variety show is like using a cannon to shoot a mosquito.

“Under the distant blue sky, golden waves of wheat surge, and it was there that you and I once…”

Eric Carter had heard it a few times in his previous life, but couldn’t say he knew it well. He needed to practice. The 24th was three days away, so he didn’t have much time.

“Mistake, my breathing is off.”

“Enunciate more clearly, the feeling is wrong too. Start over.”

“Problems keep popping up, don’t rush. The feeling is there, but the technique is lacking. This line was off-key.”

“Practice again.”

……

Three days passed in a flash during training, like ripples in water disappearing, never to be found again.

All his energy was spent on practice. Eric Carter didn’t bother with personality coins anymore. Aside from the concern from the big cat’s disciple, he received no other calls or messages. No one disturbing him was just as well.

After intense training, Eric Carter gained a more thorough understanding of the original’s voice. The tone wasn’t distinctive, but the range was quite wide, able to sing from B1 to C6, which was even better than the original singer, Mr. Li Jian.