remember
Lin Ting followed Director Qiu into a lounge, and the two sat down facing each other.
"Director Qiu, what can I do for you?" Lin Ting asked.
"Teacher Lin, it's like this. We previously commissioned some articles for the program on various platforms, including the one you work for. There are only a limited number of bloggers on that platform with suitable content and high relevance. The person we originally booked had other commitments and had to cancel our invitation. Now we need to find another person, and we think you, Teacher Lin, are very suitable, so we're asking if you'd be willing," Director Qiu said.
Lin Ting inquired about more specific requirements. He had handled similar manuscripts before, and his bottom line was to provide truthful evaluations, not to dictate his stance based on the demands of his collaborators. He honestly explained his requirements to Director Qiu.
“During the recording process, we hoped that all the music critics could give honest feedback, and we also hoped that Mr. Lin could present honest feedback in the video,” Director Qiu said.
Lin Ting also agreed: "It would be terrible if I gave the exact opposite evaluation on the show and in the video."
Lin Ting and Director Qiu discussed it and decided to make a video for each episode. Lin Ting would be in charge of the specific content, but the scripts for the videos would need to be reviewed by the directing team.
"It's a pleasure working with you," Director Qiu said to Lin Ting, the second time he had said this.
Lin Ting shook hands with Director Qiu and said with a smile, "It's a pleasure working with you."
Lin Ting slowly walked back to the music critics' lounge. Today was the third recording session; the teaser trailer had been released a few days ago, and the first episode would air tomorrow night.
He considered the workload and realized that he would be spending most of his spare time making videos related to "The Sound Spreads Far and Wide".
When Wang Qiong saw Lin Ting come in, he said to him, "Lin Ting, your relationship with Teacher Zhao Qinfeng seems to have improved a lot."
Lin Ting said, "Yes, it's good that the misunderstanding has been cleared up. It wasn't a big deal to begin with, and he's really a nice person."
Lin Ting remembered that Wang Qiong was also present when he was talking to Zhao Qinfeng, so he must have noticed their interaction.
Four guests joined the third recording session, and Lin Ting had already reviewed their information beforehand. Three of them were singers Lin Ting was familiar with, but he still listened carefully to their recent performances and singles to better prepare for the recording. One of them, Lu Ren, was someone Lin Ting had never heard of. A quick search revealed that he was a newly debuted artist and a member of a boy band.
Lin Ting found the boy band's performance video, but when she opened it, she had difficulty recognizing the members.
The makeup and styling of the handsome young men in the video were very harmonious, and the camera work was so cool it was dazzling. Lin Ting usually saw stage performances where the singers stood still, and even if there was camera work, it wasn't this complicated. It was quite unusual to see it for the first time. Lin Ting dragged the progress bar back and forth, pausing many times, and finally found Lu Ren.
He listened again and again, but couldn't discern the other person's skill level. Instead, he felt that the performance was probably less than 30% live, with very obvious backing vocals.
So he could only continue searching online and finally found a clip of the other person singing a cappella on a show before. Although it sounded like it had been edited, it should have been sung live without any accompaniment or backing tracks.
Lin Ting listened to the man's voice several times. He had a good timbre and basic vocal skills. Although he wasn't particularly outstanding, Lin Ting thought about it and could still find something to praise him for—if he considered the man to be a layman who loved music.
The show aired five months ago. Assuming the recording took place about a month before the airing, this a cappella performance reflects his singing level from six months ago. Lin Ting thought for a moment; if the other person had improved, then he would have more to say in his critique.
With this thought in mind, he finally felt relieved, closed a series of web pages, leaned back in his chair, and relaxed completely.
Then Lin Ting sighed.
The reason he went to such lengths to find a way to address this guest was simply because, in his opinion, the guest's level was hardly that of a singer. However, there was no need to be too harsh, as the guest might not have considered singing as their primary career path. Therefore, he tried his best to think of some kind words to say to the guest, to be as tactful as possible, so as not to cause any conflict.
Of course, he also harbored a slight expectation that if the other party had indeed practiced diligently and improved their skills in the past six months, that would be the best outcome and an unexpected bonus for him.
Lower your expectations and you'll find happiness in life. Lin Ting told herself this before going on stage to record.
During the third recording, regardless of whether the regular guests had actually become familiar with each other in private, they cooperated seamlessly during the recording. Lin Ting felt that everything was going smoothly until the new guest that Lin Ting was paying close attention to brought his stage.
The intro was beautiful, the arrangement was beautiful, and the stage design was of a very high standard. Lin Ting looked at the person in the center of the stage surrounded by dance partners, taking the opportunity of the intro to sized him up.
Lin Ting has a bit of face blindness, but she can tell that the other person is indeed good-looking, with a great hairstyle and makeup, and even the hand holding the microphone is beautiful.
When the other person raised the microphone, Lin Ting stopped paying attention to his appearance and instead focused on listening attentively.
After listening, he felt nothing. When it was his turn to comment, he naturally praised the parts that deserved praise. As for the rest, these were areas where improvement could be made, which he could mention or not mention. Lin Ting chose to bring them up subtly and tactfully.
Zhao Qinfeng retorted, "Teacher Lin, with your level of appreciation, isn't this commentary below par?"
Lin Ting exchanged a few lukewarm words with him, but did say a lot more than necessary.
To those around them, this was perfectly normal. After all, the two had a grudge before, so it was only natural for them to pick fights and argue, and it was also to provide entertainment for the show!
After stepping off the stage, Lin Ting's formulaic smile faded. The recording lasted a long time, and he was indeed physically and mentally exhausted.
He said goodbye to the guests, and originally intended to say a brief goodbye to Zhao Qinfeng as well, but he couldn't help but want to talk to him.
Zhao Qinfeng said, "Then let's talk as we walk."
After discussing it, the two realized they were going the same way, so they walked side by side toward the parking lot.
Lin Ting didn't mention the guest's name directly, but asked, "You've been in the industry for over ten years now, do you still feel anxious about not singing well enough?"
Zhao Qinfeng replied earnestly, "Yes, definitely."
They had only taken two steps and hadn't even left the work area yet. There were still many staff members walking around, but Lin Ting felt that the surroundings had suddenly become quiet, and only the firm "meeting" echoed in her ears.
Lin Ting asked, "Why? You have a very stable audience, many representative works, and you have been consistently presenting good works and good performances in recent years, so why are you still anxious?"
Lin Ting felt his question was a bit strange. Anxiety is an emotion, and emotions vary from person to person. No matter how ideal the current situation is, anxiety is normal. His series of questions seemed to indicate that he urgently wanted to confirm something.
Zhao Qinfeng said, "Stability only appears stable. In fact, everything I have now is not something I should take for granted. Only by constantly striving, making progress, and presenting new things can I live up to everyone's favor towards me."
Lin Ting said, "This sounds very plausible. Have you prepared a script for related interviews?"
Zhao Qinfeng said, "Of course I prepared, but I wrote the article myself, and I spoke from the heart."
Lin Ting smiled, gesturing for the other person to continue.
"Moreover, the more I sing, the more I feel there are areas that can be improved and become better. I guess I've stumbled because of music," Zhao Qinfeng smiled helplessly, met Lin Ting's serious gaze, and continued, "But I'm also very lucky. This anxiety is a benign one. It doesn't bother me to the point that I can't do anything. Instead, it keeps me just the right amount of clear-headedness."
After listening, Lin Ting nodded and said, "Thank you."
Zhao Qinfeng looked puzzled and asked, "Why are you thanking me?"
Lin Ting didn't answer, but continued, "I originally wanted to ask you what kind of changes a person who has received professional vocal instruction but whose singing level is still mediocre can undergo in six months. After hearing what you just said, I already have the answer in my heart."
"If you have this kind of anxiety in your heart, you will definitely see improvement. If not, even if you make progress, you will eventually hit an invisible ceiling."
Zhao Qinfeng nodded after listening. He already had a guess about Lin Ting's reaction today.
Zhao Qinfeng asked softly, "Is it because of today's new guest?"
Lin Ting nodded, then shook his head: "I originally thought I was asking him, but as I was talking, I ended up asking other people too."
Zhao Qinfeng: "Oh, by the way, actually, the way we interacted today is more in line with everyone's impression, so how about..."
Lin Ting: "Want to keep arguing on the show later? Sure."
The two happened to have reached the parking lot, and that's when they parted ways.
Lin Ting found his car, drove out of the parking lot, and slowly drove home.
The car stereo was playing songs from his curated playlist. The drive home took about half an hour, which was about the length of six or seven songs.
When Lin Ting drove into her residential compound, a song had just finished playing, and the next one that came on randomly was probably one she wouldn't be able to listen to for a long time.
Lin Ting recognized the song as soon as the intro started. He parked his car just as the intro finished. Normally, he wouldn't listen to it anymore, but the song reminded him of past memories, so he indulged himself and listened to it in the car.
This song is the title track of Zhao Qinfeng's first album, and it was also the first song by Zhao Qinfeng that Lin Ting heard.
He couldn't help but recall the opportunity that led him to learn about Zhao Qinfeng.
At the time, he was a college student, and a friend happened to take him to a music festival. Although Lin Ting had been listening to music for many years and had written some music reviews, he had never been to a live music festival before, so he went to the event with high expectations.
Lin Ting hadn't looked at the program beforehand, ostensibly to maintain some anticipation. He followed his friend on a two-hour bus ride and a half-hour walk, finally queuing to have his ticket checked and enter a large lawn.
It was a very hot evening. Lin Ting walked for a while under the setting sun, sweating profusely. He was also quite tired from queuing and jostling with the crowd. However, his anticipation remained, so he didn't look dejected. He looked at his friends who had come with him and then at the other spectators around him, and found that everyone looked very excited.
Lin Ting thought that a music festival worth looking forward to must present a great performance.
His friend said he wanted to squeeze to the front to listen and see more clearly, but Lin Ting was too tired and didn't want to continue squeezing in with everyone. He thought it was fine to listen from a distance, so the two separated for the time being.
When the performance started, Lin Ting was first startled by the sudden burst of drumbeats, and then by the first program.
The reason I was shocked by the show was simple: it wasn't good to listen to.
Lin Ting's anticipation, despite enduring over two hours of travel and the chaotic environment, was largely dampened by the first performance. He tried to reassure himself that it was just the first show, and perhaps the next one would be better?
For the next hour or so, Lin Ting kept repeating comforting words in his mind, but his expectations were gone, and exhaustion finally overwhelmed him. The surrounding environment began to cause him pain.
Lin Ting finally realized he might have come to the wrong place. Fortunately, the lawn was large enough for him to walk to a place where he couldn't hear the performance anymore.
He slunk away, leaving behind the noise and chaos that had disappointed him. When the sounds finally faded into indistinct static, Lin Ting encountered someone listening to music on their phone's speaker.
The other person didn't seem to notice anyone around them and continued playing music aloud.
At that time, Lin Ting was not yet a skilled music critic, and the music did not immediately dissect and analyze itself in his ears. He simply stood there quietly listening.
The vocals in the song are like flowing water—cool and clear. The occasional small vocal transitions don't feel greasy or showy; instead, they're like water droplets splashing at a bend in the path, perfectly complementing the well-arranged music.
He was instantly relieved of the boredom brought on by the music festival, and just stood there in that dimly lit place listening to most of the song.
After politely inquiring, he learned the singer's name, Zhao Qinfeng, and that the song was the title track "Stream" from his first album.
He didn't bother the other person any further, but instead walked away. That night, he listened to all the songs sung by Zhao Qinfeng, who was still an unknown singer, on his phone, and then met up with his friends after the music festival ended.
His friend finally looked a bit tired and asked Lin Ting how the night had gone.
Lin Ting thought for a moment and said that he had gained something from it, which wasn't exactly a lie.
It was past 3 a.m. when he got back to school. He sat in the stairwell of the dormitory building, wearing headphones and listening to Zhao Qinfeng's "Stream". He typed out his first music review for Zhao Qinfeng in the notes app on his phone.
As the morning sun finally shone through the window into the stairwell, Lin Ting typed the last period of this music review when her phone battery was down to two percent. Then, yawning, she got up and went to the cafeteria for breakfast.
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