How could there be such a mesmerizing voice?
Could such a voice really exist in the mortal realm?
Ji Ying seemed entranced.
Zhan Yiran's lyrics and melodies were decent, but no more than that. Yet coupled with this voice, it became top-tier!
For decades, decades, Ji Ying had been seeking the perfect voice, and today she had finally found it.
Ji Ying was trembling with excitement, struggling to remain calm and composed as she listened to the end of the song.
The song ended.
Ji Ying could no longer contain her emotions. She grabbed Zhan Yiran, "Who was singing?"
"Warmed the loneliness, white clouds drift in the eternal blue sky, tears wander."
Zhan Yiran thought Ji Ying was inspired by Gu Nanyan's singing and wanted to challenge her to a vocal duel, so she spontaneously continued the lyrics.
Ji Ying was speechless, "I meant to ask who was singing just now?"
Zhan Yiran was shocked, "I thought you were trying to duel me in song!"
I see you're acting like a jester!
Ji Ying rubbed her temples. This Miss Zhan was behaving like an idiot.
So she was asking about the singer. Zhan Yiran scratched her head and replied, "Who else could it be? It was my sister-in-law!"
It really was Gu Nanyan!
Ji Ying could hardly believe it - she had never imagined Gu Nanyan possessed such a celestial voice.
By nature of her profession, Ji Ying immediately started planning in her mind how to package and promote Gu Nanyan.
Gu Nanyan had a terrible reputation in the entertainment industry and was known for her diva-like persona. She was currently being lambasted online, so the public might not accept her. Ji Ying would need to craft a more likable persona.
What kind of persona?
A naive sweetheart who tries to act savvy but ends up appearing hilariously clueless, endearing her to the audience.
Yes, that persona could work.
Ji Ying quickly mapped out the entire process, including the single release, music video production, and promotional appearances.
However, when she finally met Gu Nanyan in person, she realized that all her plans paled in comparison to Gu Nanyan simply taking the stage.
In Ji Ying's imagination, Gu Nanyan was a beautiful but brainless woman with mediocre talent.
But the lady before her exuded the aura of a queen, commanding reverence.
Gu Nanyan wore a light green dress, her long raven tresses loosely tied up. Her wide sleeves revealed wrists as delicate as jade.
She did not turn around but remained seated, playing the guqin.
Her fingertips lightly plucked the strings, producing exquisite melodies.
Ji Ying did not dare disturb her, holding her breath.
She felt as though she was in a dream, beholding not a mortal but a celestial being.
Wuwuwu, what a perfect woman!
Ji Ying's eyes welled with tears.
This was the muse, the goddess she had been seeking! Her voice was ethereally pure, her beauty divine, her presence both sublime and stately.
The entertainment world had wronged her - Gu Nanyan was no diva, she was a true fairy!
In that moment, Ji Ying felt her life was complete. She could finally realize her musical dreams.
The song ended, and Gu Nanyan turned her gaze. Though her eyes were tranquil, they carried an imposing aura.
Strangely, when playing the guqin earlier, she exuded an otherworldly grace.
But when she stopped, she commanded an intimidating presence that compelled submission.
In her forty-plus years, Ji Ying had seen countless beauties in the entertainment world, but never encountered such a paradoxical aura - both celestial and imperiously regal.
It was difficult to describe.
"Sister-in-law."
Zhan Yiran rushed over to introduce Ji Ying, "This is Master Ji Ying, a renowned platinum producer who has created many classic hits. She's also a celebrated songwriter and composer - truly formidable."
"I've admired you for a long time. I hope to learn from Master Ji." Gu Nanyan nodded respectfully to Ji Ying. She treated those with genuine talent and ability with courtesy.
For some reason, when praised by Gu Nanyan, Ji Ying felt as though all her years of hard work and struggle had been for the sake of this very meeting.
The feeling was extraordinary.
Ji Ying composed herself before speaking.
"Mrs. Zhan..."
Gu Nanyan frowned slightly and interrupted, "Call me Miss Gu, or Nanyan."
Her name was Gu Nanyan - she was not an appendage to any man.
During the Great Qi era, she disliked how women were referred to by their husband's surname.
Before marriage, a woman was someone's daughter. After marriage, she was someone's wife. In old age, she became someone's mother.
Could a woman not simply be herself?
Could she not have her own name?
In the patriarchal ancient era where women were oppressed, Gu Nanyan, as the Princess of Zhenguo, stood at the apex of power and commanded respect from all.
In this modern age of gender equality, she was even more unwilling to be a man's subordinate.
She was Gu Nanyan, and Gu Nanyan alone!
Ji Ying paused, then her eyes shone with delight.
She had seen many female celebrities surrender their identities after marrying into wealthy families, becoming mere accessories to their husbands. But Gu Nanyan actively shed the title of "Mrs."
How refreshingly empowered!
Ji Ying's admiration for Gu Nanyan grew, naturally addressing her as "Nanyan."
"I just heard you sing, and it was truly breathtaking - as though it could purify the soul. I will work on enhancing the arrangement, then we can record it in the studio."
Gu Nanyan nodded in agreement. As a professional, she deferred to Ji Ying's expertise in such matters.
Ji Ying proposed having Gu Nanyan star in the music video and discussed persona development.
But Gu Nanyan shook her head, "I will not appear in any music videos or promotional activities, not even credited. It must be anonymous."
Ji Ying was baffled. She assumed Gu Nanyan wanted to record to gain fame, not expecting her to insist on anonymity.
"Why anonymous?" Ji Ying did not understand.
This song was high-quality enough to make Gu Nanyan an overnight sensation.
Gu Nanyan looked at Ji Ying, "I researched your entertainment industry yesterday. I have a rather unfavorable reputation there, so releasing this single under my name might face backlash."
Gu Nanyan made a fair point. Ji Ying nodded - it would likely provoke public resentment. But with proper marketing, they could turn opinion around.
Gu Nanyan shook her head, "Too much trouble. Anonymity will suffice, as long as the song gains widespread popularity."
Gu Nanyan did not care what the public thought of her. She was not the original soul of this body - she was the Princess of Zhenguo from the Great Qi Dynasty. She did as she pleased, unswayed by others' opinions, following only her own heart.
Gu Nanyan did not care about the so-called fame in the entertainment circle, nor did she care whether netizens liked her or not. However, if the original host's reputation would affect the popularity of this song, then she would remain anonymous.
Gu Nanyan clearly knew what she wanted. Her goal was for everyone to hear this song, especially her younger brother.
Any other obstacle must be removed!
Ji Ying particularly did not understand Gu Nanyan's idea. Why remain anonymous? Nowadays, who doesn't want to be famous?
Although Gu Nanyan is currently being criticized by the entire internet, criticism is also a form of power. If operated properly, one can utilize people's contrarian mentality to successfully turn haters into fans.
Ji Ying urgently tried to persuade Gu Nanyan to change her mind, but was met with Gu Nanyan's incomprehension.
"Why would I want to be famous?"
