Chapter 80: The Empress... Why Is She Like This?

Half an hour.

For many things, that’s indeed more than enough.

But Yuan Xiong knew this time, Wang Mo and Xu Mengqi were discussing the ending song—an extremely important matter. Considering they weren’t familiar with each other, Yuan Xiong originally thought both sides would need at least an hour or two to reach a result.

Unexpectedly.

It was settled in half an hour.

Half an hour—what could they possibly discuss?

That amount of time in a company meeting wouldn’t even be enough to gather all the personnel.

Yuan Xiong asked, “So, what’s the outcome?”

Before Wang Mo could answer, Xu Mengqi spoke first, smiling, “Is there even a need to ask? Working with a composer like ‘Silent Words’ is a dream come true for me. Honestly, I’ve barely stepped foot in the music industry. I just hope that after singing this song, Silent Words’ reputation isn’t ruined by my hands.”

Now, Silent Words had released three songs in the music scene, each one launching a new star.

So if the song Silent Words wrote for Xu Mengqi received only a mediocre response, not only would Silent Words’ reputation suffer, but Xu Mengqi would likely face fierce criticism.

For example:

Even Silent Words couldn’t save Xu Mengqi.

Xu Mengqi, you’d better stick to acting and stop singing.

Silent Words can launch newcomers, but can’t ignite superstar Xu Mengqi.

And so on…

Thus, the pressure on Xu Mengqi to sing Silent Words’ song was imaginable.

Wang Mo blinked, “Mengqi, don’t sell yourself short. With your singing skills, looks, and popularity, even the worst song would top the new releases chart, wouldn’t it? So if my song doesn’t become a hit, it’s probably my fault, not yours.”

Xu Mengqi’s smile brightened, about to reply.

“Enough, enough!” Yuan Xiong cut her off, “No more flattery between you two. Since things are settled, let’s make it official and sign the contract!”

“Alright!”

“Okay!”

Wang Mo and Xu Mengqi exchanged a glance and nodded.

The signing process was simple.

Primarily, it concerned the profit split between Wang Mo and Xu Mengqi, and the licensing of the ending song for “Eternal Spirit Bonds.”

Half an hour later.

Xu Mengqi signed her name and looked at Wang Mo, “Are you heading back to your company now?”

Wang Mo asked, “How long is your crew staying here?”

Xu Mengqi considered, “About three days. We’re only shooting a few small scenes in Shanghai, then we’ll rush back to Zhejiang to continue filming.”

For most costume dramas, shooting outdoors is only temporary.

Hengdian is the eternal home.

Wang Mo said, “In that case, I plan to stay with the crew these three days.”

This was Yuan Xiong’s idea.

First, he said Wang Mo could immerse himself in the atmosphere of “Eternal Spirit Bonds,” which would be beneficial for creativity.

Second, it would deepen Wang Mo’s connection with the actors, especially Xu Mengqi.

Of course.

Staying with the crew also suited Wang Mo’s intentions.

He was certain that after spending two or three days on set, he would find the right moment to present “Peach Blossom Promise.”

To compose “Peach Blossom Promise” in two or three days was impressive, but for someone of Silent Words’ caliber, it wasn’t anything extraordinary.

Naturally.

There were deeper reasons for Wang Mo to produce “Peach Blossom Promise” so quickly.

Firstly, he planned to head to the capital in three or four days to meet He Zhixing. Once gone, who knew when he’d return, and ostensibly he’d have no time to write songs.

Secondly, Yuan Xiong had repeatedly urged him to build a good relationship with Xu Mengqi.

Because Xu Mengqi’s standing in the entertainment industry was exceptional. If Wang Mo could befriend her, it would greatly aid his future return to the scene.

Moreover, after interacting with Xu Mengqi, Wang Mo found this superstar quite agreeable.

He could clearly tell: Xu Mengqi longed to enter the music industry, so once she learned he was “Silent Words,” she’d been subtly seeking to get closer.

Which was precisely what Wang Mo wanted.

So Wang Mo decided: no rush to leave the crew—he’d use this opportunity to strengthen his relationship with Xu Mengqi.

As expected.

Upon hearing Wang Mo’s words, Xu Mengqi’s eyes lit up, “That’s wonderful! For the next few days, let me be your host and take good care of you—Wang Mo. I actually have many musical questions I’d love to ask you.”

Wang Mo smiled, “Then I’ll rely on you, Mengqi.”

Beside them, Yuan Xiong was already stunned.

The mutual flattery between these two was to be expected—human nature, after all.

But seeing Xu Mengqi’s enthusiastic demeanor now, it was obvious she was quite taken with Wang Mo.

Damn!

When did Wang Mo become so charismatic?

Half an hour.

Just half an hour, and Xu Mengqi, who’d always kept her distance from the men in the entertainment industry, now looked at Wang Mo in a whole new light?

Damn it.

He’d always thought Wang Mo was pure and innocent—a blank slate—but today he realized that was far from the truth.

While Yuan Xiong still lingered in the illusion of Wang Mo’s innocence, the guy had already secretly mastered the art of social finesse!

Unbelievable!

…

Once the contract was signed,

Both returned to the crew.

Xu Mengqi’s face resumed its usual cool expression.

“Mengqi.”

“Hello, Mengqi.”

“Mengqi, you’re here?”

Seeing her, nearly everyone in the crew greeted her.

Yet soon, every gaze revealed intense shock.

Because they saw, right beside Xu Mengqi, a figure appeared who should never have been there: Wang Mo!

At that moment, Wang Mo was walking alongside Xu Mengqi.

The two chatted and laughed, appearing remarkably close.

“This…”

“Am I seeing things?”

“Mengqi—what…?”

“The superstar…how could she be like this?”

No one could have imagined that the idol Wang Mo, whom everyone scorned half an hour ago, was now being warmly welcomed by the superstar Xu Mengqi.

Eyes nearly popped out in disbelief.

Someone immediately wondered, “Could Wang Mo really be joining the crew?”

Another quickly refuted, “Impossible! Given Wang Mo’s reputation, if his name appeared in the crew, this drama would almost certainly flop.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Exactly!

Wang Mo was a fallen star. Unless the investors were reckless, there was no way he’d join the crew.

But if not, why was Xu Mengqi so warm toward him?

No matter how hard they thought, no one could figure it out.

…

Wang Mo swept his gaze over the crowd’s expressions, raising a brow, “Mengqi, now that you’re walking so close to me, they’re bound to gossip and speculate.”

Xu Mengqi smiled, “Let them guess. But I’m sure, if they knew you were ‘Silent Words,’ their attitudes would change as drastically as mine did. In today’s entertainment industry, who doesn’t want to connect with a legendary composer like you? Some even say, meeting Silent Words is equivalent to unlocking the door to the music world—limitless prospects ahead.”

“That’s exaggerated.”

Wang Mo shook his head, “Hao Mingxing, Su Xueyao, Fu Zhuang—they became stars. Maybe my songs helped, but the key was their own excellence. Otherwise, no matter how good the song, it’s wasted on someone incapable.”

Xu Mengqi’s smile deepened, and her gaze made it clear she thought Wang Mo was being modest.

After a moment.

Her curiosity piqued, she asked, “You’ve never written a song in the fantasy genre before, have you?”

Wang Mo improvised, “Never. That’s why I’m here with the crew—to see if I can spark some inspiration.”

Xu Mengqi, “So that’s the real reason you’re staying with us.”

Wang Mo, “What else?”

Xu Mengqi’s smile blossomed, but she didn’t answer.

She continued, “How long do you think it’ll take you to write this song?”

Wang Mo held up three fingers.

Xu Mengqi, “Three months?”

Wang Mo shook his head.

Xu Mengqi, “Three weeks?”

Wang Mo kept shaking his head.

Xu Mengqi, “Then how long?”

Wang Mo, “I already have the inspiration. Barring surprises, I’ll give you the song in three days.”