Chapter 14: The Trainees

“According to company policy, each composer is assigned two fixed trainees specifically for demo recordings.”

“You just arrived yesterday, and with everything going on, we haven’t arranged this for you yet. Today is the perfect time to take care of it!” Liu Wenxiong explained to Su Chen as they walked, just as they reached the open office area.

“This used to be the company’s in-house film department, which saw huge investments. But after the big movie project failed, it was dissolved!”

“Now only the talent department is profitable. Of course, the composing department takes on external commissions, but it still prioritizes our own artists.”

Su Chen nodded, beginning to understand why the company was so eager to secure this project.

A talented composer, or a brilliant song, can make a significant difference in a company’s operations.

For instance, Lao Jie, a top composer, consistently produced works. When he left, he took a group of artists with him.

It was a considerable blow to the company.

Similarly, if the company could attract outstanding composers or produce hit songs, it would boost their reputation in the industry.

The company would benefit all the same.

Most artists with a bit of fame in the talent department are out attending events, leaving behind mostly trainees—eighteen or nineteen-year-old kids.

Their daily routine here resembled school, with strict schedules and rigorous training.

Training covered posture, dance, music theory, and more.

It was morning; the composing department hadn’t started work yet, but everyone here was already in class.

Today’s lesson was posture. The instructor was correcting a girl’s movements.

A middle-aged woman led Liu Wenxiong and Su Chen over.

This was Fang Xiao, the agent for the company’s trainees, who managed all matters in the talent department.

“All right, everyone pause for a moment!” she called.

At her words, the trainees stopped and formed two rows as instructed—girls in front, boys behind.

“Mr. Liu, I’ll leave this to you,” Fang Xiao said, stepping aside.

Liu Wenxiong took two steps forward. “Thank you!”

“Hello everyone. We’re here today to ask for your help from the talent department!”

Help?

Too polite!

The trainees all thought so to themselves.

Who was Liu Wenxiong?

He was the leader of the second group in the composing department!

He was the boss of the composing masters!

As artists—especially as trainees—they were always eager to curry favor with the composers.

Those composers were their benefactors.

Trainees were almost at the lowest rung in the company. Strictly speaking, they weren’t even official staff.

Earning meager wages and enduring grueling training, all in hopes of one day making their debut.

But debuting was hardly easy; if one out of ten trainees succeeded, it was already a high rate.

Resources were centrally allocated, and good opportunities rarely trickled down to them.

Unless the company was planning to promote new talent!

Even then, trainees had to compete fiercely for those resources—it was tough!

However, if they managed to build a good relationship with the composers, their chances increased.

After all, as creators of the songs, composers had some say in who performed them.

So, today was about selecting people?

Everyone’s spirits lifted; they straightened up, unconsciously trying to stand out in the crowd.

“Our department has a new colleague. We’re here today to help him pick two partners for regular demo recordings.”

As Liu Wenxiong finished speaking, he sensed a collective sigh of relief.

Many glanced at Su Chen discreetly.

Handsome! Young!

Was he sure he wasn’t an artist?

A composer? Fresh graduate, perhaps?

Liu Wenxiong turned to Su Chen. “Xiao Su, do you think they should each showcase their voices?”

Usually, this was part of the process, since composers had their preferred musical styles.

It was important to choose voices that matched.

But Su Chen was different; the songs he planned to create could span any genre.

So, it didn’t matter who he picked!

Anyone qualified to be a trainee was already well above average—that was enough!

“No need,” Su Chen replied, shaking his head. He glanced at the group and smiled. “Is anyone willing to work with me?”

“I need one male and one female voice.”

A ripple passed through the crowd; several quietly shrank back.

They often did demo work for the composers.

Some even worked for several at once.

But that was only for capable, established composers!

If it were a more senior composer, they’d be scrambling for the opportunity.

But this newcomer looked barely older than them—maybe just graduated.

Why waste time?

Training was exhausting enough as it was!

Seeing little response, Fang Xiao’s expression darkened.

Their leader had come over in person, and now she was being embarrassed—what a slap in the face!

Maintaining good relations with the composing department was crucial! She decided to call someone directly.

“Yu Baiwei, you’re only working for one composer right now, aren’t you? Step forward!”

A girl with a lively aura was startled by the call.

She stammered, “I... I’m not feeling well lately... I…”

“Qu An’an hasn’t worked for anyone yet, she…”

Fang Xiao’s face immediately darkened, about to scold.

Su Chen waved his hand and smiled, “Sister Fang, it’s fine. We’re here to ask for help—it should be up to their willingness!”

“Volunteers first!”

Fang Xiao paused, looking at Su Chen’s smile, and suddenly felt a strange impression.

It was as if this young man was a seasoned figure.

Not embarrassed!

Not angry!

Remarkably poised!

Su Chen had no reason to be upset; to him, this was an opportunity. Whether they seized it was up to them.

It was their own choice!

Mentioned by Yu Baiwei, Qu An’an’s expression changed. She was nervous but mustered her courage.

“Teacher, I… I’d like to record songs for you, but I’m not sure… if I’m good enough?”

She was the most ordinary girl in the group—no heavy makeup, short hair, plain face.

Her voice was somewhat deep, which was likely why it didn’t suit other composers’ styles.

It made her the least busy among them.

For this reason, she was often ostracized by the other trainees.

Now she looked anxiously at Su Chen, afraid he would reject her.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

But Su Chen smiled warmly. “Of course, you’re welcome! From now on, let’s work together!”

Qu An’an blushed with excitement.

To her, the composer’s rank didn’t matter—being allowed to participate was already a joy.

Her mother had always taught her to be grounded and diligent.

A male voice was still needed, and this time a long-haired boy stepped forward.

“Teacher, do you think I’m suitable? If so, I can take on the job!”

He shot a sidelong glance at the others, as if he thought they were too opportunistic.

He seemed to feel a sense of justice!

Su Chen found him amusing—an interesting young man.

He agreed on the spot!

The boy introduced himself: Luo Jiaxing.