Chapter 83 Chapter 83 Can't Help...
Jeon Star Love and Kwon Ji-yong learned the boy's story on the way to send him home. The guitar belonged to his mother, whose name happened to be Jude. They also learned that the boy almost went to see God today, but God sent an angel to him, and he met Sarah and GD, who healed him with music.
When he sang the song Hey Jude at the end, it was as if his mother had really come back. The wind, the cloud, and the flying butterfly entwined around him might be the mother who was worried about her child.
As the night wore on, the boy's father offered them the chance to stay at his home. He then shared a story about his son, Thomas, who had begun to suffer from depression after his mother's death. Jeon Seong-ae and Kwon Ji-yong were deeply moved by the story. They had wasted an entire afternoon saving a young boy who missed his mother; that was more important than the journey itself.
"Thomas, I told you I'm a singer, right? Do you want to help me?" Quan Xingai sat in the garden of Thomas's house. It was 10 o'clock in the evening, and the sky had fallen completely dark. Bright and dim stars twinkled in the sky, and occasionally a shooting star streaked across. They were staying at Thomas's house today.
"What? I only know how to play the guitar. My mom taught me."
"It's very simple. You don't need to know how to play any instrument. Just shout a sentence into this recording device, and I will use it as a sample to edit it into my new song." Quan Xingai ruffled Thomas' hair.
"What?"
"Viva la Vida." Quan Xingai smiled with her eyes curved.
"Long live life?"
"Yes, when I finish writing songs and release a new album, you will receive a new album that I will send to you. I am very famous in Asia."
Thomas blinked, his face still expressionless, but the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. "I just searched the internet, and it seems GD is more famous. I like his songs."
Kwon Ji-yong, who was listening to the conversation between the two on the other side, laughed out loud, "Thomas, you have good taste, give me five." The two high-fived.
Quan Xingai had an expression of not admitting defeat on her face. "When I return to London after my trip, I will meet with the agent of Sony Music. Once I sign with Sony and release a new song, I will crush all of you." She raised her eyebrows arrogantly.
Although the two were traveling, they were also working simultaneously. During the days when Kwon Ji-yong was recording songs in London, she successfully connected with Sony Music. This was also due to her popularity in Japan. Sony Japan recommended her to an American company. It happened that the F1 Group also started a music cooperation with Sony. Under multiple coincidences, Quan Xingai and Sony's agent made an appointment to meet in London in mid-May.
"I actually saw a meteor shower tonight." Thomas looked at the sky with an expressionless face, but his eyes seemed touched.
"Wow, that's rare!" Quan Xingai and Quan Zhilong immediately looked up at the starry sky. They had no idea about astronomy, but Thomas was indeed a knowledgeable and talented young man.
"It's the Aquarius meteor shower. It usually starts to show up in mid-May, and it's only the beginning of May now..."
"That means today is a good day, Thomas. You are unhappy because you are sick. Take good care of your illness, learn guitar well, and follow Jude's footsteps to learn music." Kwon Ji-yong touched the boy's messy black hair.
"I'll record it for you. Let's record it now." Thomas took a deep breath and seemed to have made a major decision.
Quan Xingai laughed, "Okay, I'm very strict. If you don't speak well, I'll shout all night long!"
The three people were in the mountains of Scotland, under the meteor shower, and made the depressed boy shout "Long live life" over and over again until he completely released himself. He shouted to the stars and the distance again and again until he was exhausted and the love of the stars let him go.
"You're amazing! You're in the ninth grade? How do you know so many stars?"
"It's just because I'm lonely. Only the stars will keep me company."
Quan Zhilong put his arm around Thomas's shoulders, patted him, raised his hand and asked with a smile: "Is that the Big Dipper? I can recognize this."
"Um."
"What is the constellation that flickers below the Big Dipper? What is the brightest one? The North Star?" Quan Xingai asked curiously.
Thomas looked up and saw, "It's Leo. That's Regulus, the Heart of the Lion, the brightest star in Leo A."
Jeon Seong-ae's eyes lit up, and she jumped to Kwon Ji-yong and said excitedly, "When Leo meets Leo! My king, the brightest star is you!" (Regulus means king in Latin)
Quan Zhilong hugged Xing'ai and kissed her forehead. Thomas, who had been observing the couple from afternoon to evening, finally smiled. He began to feel some anticipation and hope. Life seemed to be gradually becoming more important. He had something he wanted to learn and finally had a goal.
The stars are shining, Leo and the North Star are hanging high in the sky, and meteor showers are streaking across the sky. Everything today is magical, beautiful, and even divine.
Jeon Seong-ae hugged Kwon Ji-ryong's neck and kissed her king. She was indeed walking on the clouds.
The next day, Thomas' father and his son acted as tour guides for Quan Xingai and Quan Zhilong to visit the famous Skye Island, the castle, and Loch Linne. On the third day, they drove back to Edinburgh with full of memories, and then they flew to Ireland.
*
Their time in Ireland was equally wonderful, with a brief stop in Glasgow before a short flight to Dublin, where the stark wilderness of Scotland gave way to the softer, greener countryside of Ireland.
In the capital, they visited the ancient library of Trinity College, read the Book of Kells, and swayed hand in hand in the inky long hall. They followed the wild Atlantic Way, experiencing a vast expanse of the North Sea, a world completely different from Scotland's: steep cliffs, the boundless Atlantic Ocean, and green meadows stretching all the way to the sea.
Jeon Star Love and Kwon Ji-yong even had bursts of inspiration during their journey and wrote several new songs. Whether it is "Destiny Time" or "Above the Clouds", these two "little friends" are growing up healthily. Because the two albums were created simultaneously by the two creators, you can even find a lot of intertextuality and echoes in their album songs.
At night, they enjoyed visiting Dublin's various pubs, where there were no stages, so the musicians would gather in corners and play casually, while the crowds drank stout and hummed along. They would freely squeeze into the crowd, Jeon Seong-ae resting her head on Kwon Ji-yong's shoulder, listening to the joyful and melancholic Irish folk songs, swaying slowly to the music.
"You sing very well. Are you two professionals?" The man wearing a hat beside her couldn't help but ask when he heard Quan Xingai singing Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender loudly along with the country singer on the stage. It sounded so beautiful.
"A music lover and a creator." Quan Xingai shrugged. He had been in Scotland for a long time recently and his English accent had been brought over.
"Go on stage and try it?" The man gestured to the stage.
Quan Xingai shook her head. "No, we can't ruin the boss's place. We are just travelers. How can we take over the show?"
"Wow, little girl, you look so confident you can overthrow the fans of Oz, right? I'm the boss, let me see what you're made of." The man took off his hat, revealing a handsome old man with Irish looks. He smiled and called out to the elderly band in the music corner, "Old Jack, I've found you a new lead singer."
The lead singer, Old Boy, who was bald and wore a baseball cap but traditional Irish clothes, was quite serious when singing. When he heard the noise, he raised his eyebrows and smiled to call all the stars to come over.
"Go ahead, baby. No one here knows us." Quan Zhilong smiled and asked Xingai to stand in the lead singer position. Quan Xingai's eyes sparkled. She hugged Quan Zhilong and walked to the center of the band in three or two steps. Old Jack gave the guitar and lead singer positions to this young oriental face.
"Now it's time for us young people!" Old Jack finished speaking with the subwoofer, and Quan Xingai held the electric guitar and played a wild rock style. She shook her hair, threw away her coat, tied her T-shirt tightly around her waist to reveal her slender waist, and sang along to the rhythm of Old Jack's Love Me Tender, turning the soothing song into a passionate rock atmosphere.
The people under the stage quickly entered a more fanatical state. Quan Xingai, the professional rock star, returned to his old position, the position of rock lead singer, and started to play around. After "Love Me Tender", he sang another classic song by Elvis, "Hound Dog". While singing, Quan Xingai improvised and imitated Elvis' classic leg-shaking dance. Every scream was a weapon to ignite the atmosphere. This traditional music tavern instantly turned into a rock paradise.
Quan Xingai sang "Hound Dog" and walked into the crowd with a microphone, singing classic songs with the men, women, young and old here. Finally, he came to Quan Zhilong and looked at him with a smile, then pulled him to the band. Quan Zhilong, who also has a rock heart, automatically switched to GD's appearance the moment Xingai handed him the microphone. He was wearing a baseball cap and his face could not be seen clearly. He put the microphone on the stand and played all kinds of tricks.
The two danced together on the stage with Elvis's dance steps, making the sad song explosive and joyful. When the last note of "Hound Dog" ended, the band did not stop playing, but continued to play the prelude of Elvis's other lyrical slow rock "Can't Help Falling In Love". Quan Xingai and Quan Zhilong looked at each other. Quan Zhilong put his arm around the girl's shoulders and swayed gently to the rhythm in the music corner. They sang this classic and beautiful love song in harmony with a tender tone.
“…For I can’t help, falling in love with you.”
Old Jack and the bar owner leaned against each other, smiling broadly. "Are these two really professional singers? With such stage presence and vocal prowess, you've unearthed another gem!"
"Old Jack, I just did some research, and I think I accidentally picked an Asian superstar. No wonder that man looked so familiar to me just now."
"Come on, Evans, I know exactly what you're thinking from your expression. We think the same thing. Buzz has always asked you to edit the theme song of that movie, hasn't he? Isn't this person the best choice?" Old Jack chuckled and gave his boss Evans a look.
Evans smiled and drank his beer.
Jeon Star Love and Kwon Ji-yong performed the last song of tonight's performance, "Can't Help Falling In Love", with a beautiful male and female duet. When they returned to the bar, there was another surprise waiting for them.
"Sony???!" Quan Xingai and Quan Zhilong shouted exaggeratedly in unison?
"Wow, what's wrong? Is it surprising?" Evans and Old Jack looked at each other.
Quan Xingai opened her mouth to say something, but burst out laughing first. Quan Zhilong narrowed his eyes and shook hands with Evans before explaining, "We happen to be meeting with Sony Music's agent in London in a few days. Sarah just couldn't help but sigh that the world is so small."
"London? I guess you're from Epic Records. Are you planning to sign with Sony? Why not come to RCA? I'm Mark Evans, RCA's A&R, responsible for discovering potential stocks. Of course, I'm not talking about the superstar Gdragon, but this Ms. Sarah Quanxingai." Evans, who looks like he's in his early 60s but is actually only 50, laughed like an old money man.
Evans, whose main job is the head of the A&R department of Sony's well-known label RCA Records and whose side job is a Dublin bar owner, feels that this K-pop idol seems to be very different from others. She has a natural superstar temperament. Even a traditional bar can be heated up like a rock music festival. It is really a happy thing to be able to grab a potential stock from Epic label.
"Hello, Evans, I think this trip is totally worth it. How about we find a place to have a good chat?" Quan Xingai smiled and shook hands with Mark Evans, and then the three of them showed business smiles.
This magical journey, which started with the mysterious romance of Edinburgh, unexpectedly led back to her career and future. The three of them found a cafe the next day to have a good chat. Quan Zhilong was just an advisor to Nu Na, but what mattered was Xing Ai's thoughts, and Quan Xing Ai really liked the beginning of this story.
What a chance encounter. They met because of music and collaborated because of music. She preferred this accidental story to pure commercial cooperation. After the three of them chatted for a whole day, Quan Xing Ai and Evans' RCA reached a preliminary agreement and decided to sign an overseas agency contract with Sony Music's label RCA in London after the trip, completing the ending of this story.
Evans was surprised at All Star Love's knowledge and familiarity with the European and American music scene, as well as her maturity. He felt that this return to Dublin was really God's will, allowing him to meet an interesting child. If it weren't for racial restrictions, this Sarah would have become a famous rock star like the Sarah who died unexpectedly a few years ago.
"Wow, Evans, thank you. You are not the first person to say that I look like Sarah. She is my idol and my goal, but I will be the new Sarah. I don't want to be the second so-and-so." Quan Xingai shrugged.
"You're right. I certainly won't make you into someone else's replacement. I've listened to your songs, and honestly, your solo is pretty good. I've even thought of a fantastic collaboration. Your strength lies in your rhythmic blend of hip-hop, rock, and R&B. Everything about it is fantastic. You'll be successful in America." Evans was quite confident, and turned to look at Quan Zhilong, whom he admired very much but had no hope of signing a contract.
"And my dear GD, although you don't plan to enter the US market, I still want to extend a serious invitation to you. Are you interested in participating in the recording of the theme song for Elvis Presley?"
He invited Kwon Ji-yong in advance to participate in the recording of the soundtrack for the movie "Elvis Presley" directed by Baz Krugman next year. The song was "Can't Help Falling In Love" that they sang that night.
"Thank you Evans. Elvis is also my idol. I am very happy to participate in the arrangement and recording of the song." Kwon Ji-yong agreed to the invitation without thinking. He likes rock and roll, and he also likes to collaborate with different musicians to create new sparks. Moreover, the mini album he is producing happens to be in the style of hip-hop + rock, so it is natural for him to accept it.
"Come on, let's have a toast. Irish stout is fantastic. Evans, I've fallen in love with Dublin. The weather here is much better than Edinburgh."
"If you want to experience the fairytale country life in Ireland, you can go to my villa in the suburbs. You can go there at any time. The housekeeper will arrange everything for you. I will leave for London tomorrow. I'm afraid Lisa really wants to 'kill' me." Evans laughed. Lisa is the marketing director of the Epic label.
On the way back to the hotel, Quan Zhilong held Xing'ai's hand and sighed, "Don't you think this trip went incredibly smoothly? The vintage store we visited 10 years ago is still open and we bought a couple's ring with an inscription. Then we used music to save a boy suffering from depression. We also wrote several songs and decided on the album's lead song. Now we've even met our future collaborators... You are an angel, spreading good luck."
"Oh Mo, now that you mention it, it seems true. This trip was unexpectedly smooth. It turns out we have done so many things. It's great. I am very happy to be with Zhilong, so all the luck in the world is coming to me." She smiled and hugged Quan Zhilong, dancing all the way on the square as they walked back to the hotel.
She felt that she really liked this magical land of Scotland and Ireland more and more. She acted as an angel and saved a boy, and God rewarded her so quickly. It turned out that one should be a good person and do good deeds.
After reaching a preliminary agreement with Evans, Jeon Star Love and Kwon Ji-yong informed Oh Hyun-ho and Moon Eun-joo. After hearing about Jeon Star's adventures, the two remained silent. They hadn't expected their children, on their honeymoon, to stumble upon an RCA executive and reach a preliminary agreement on a contract... So, what can I say? Star Love truly lives up to its name!
Mark Evans is a golden "excavator" who has discovered many new talents in the music industry and created many hit songs for RCA. Many of the popular singles of Podcat and Shakira were created by him. The signing of All Stars Love to Sony Music is definitely a big step for Neon.
After the Scottish Little Angel Project and the Dublin Bar Rock Adventure, Xing Ai and Zhi Long successfully created the melodies for the title songs of Xing Ai's "Nefelibata Walking in the Clouds" and Quan Zhi Long's "Kairos Destiny Time". The title songs of the two albums are also the songs of the same name.
"Nefelibata" is a soothing ballad of hip-hop and R&B, narrating feelings of healing, life, freedom, and the beauty of the clouds. It not only commemorates the life of Xing Ai, but also offers strength to all those suffering from depression. Xing Ai initially hesitated about whether the theme's expression would be too self-centered, but after meeting Thomas, she became completely convinced of her choice, believing it was a truly life-saving act.
And Kwon Ji-Dong also found his past self who was high-spirited and full of emotion about the world during this journey of memories and adventures. He has many ideas to tell everyone, and he can't wait to share with everyone that GD has a new attitude towards life after being discharged from the army in his 30s. When that "destiny moment" comes, seize it, keep up with its pace, and don't leave any regrets.
Kairos catch the shining moment
It's the moment when fate presses the reset button
Break it down
My heart is beating faster, giving me a signal
But I'm already in the zone
This time I will hold the princess' hand
(Made up, just pretend QAQ)
The song is pure hip-hop and rock, embodying the original OOAK attitude and style. It declares that GD still has a sense of perspective on the world, on fate, and on his destiny. The entire album follows a rock and hip-hop approach, not only expressing the stages of life in his 30s but also serving as a subtle commemoration of his relationship with Sarah ten years ago.
In addition to the title song of the same name, "Kairos Destiny" will also include the pre-release song "unlimited" in collaboration with F1, "cold" which was written when Xing Ai had a cold, and "pluck a star" which was written when he was finally with Xing Ai in Paris and they chose to fall in love again. This is a complete, pure and outright sweet song.
The lyrics of "Pluck a Star" not only reflect the album title Kairos but also express a love for the stars: "In this Kairos moment, I'll pluck a star for you."
The mini album has a total of four songs, each with an MV. He has even thought of the colors, scenes and other aesthetic arrangements for the title song. Quan Xingai not only has to create for her own "Nefelibata Walking in the Clouds", but also has to create RD's comeback song. Although RD does not have the good fortune of an F1 collaboration song, they will be performing guests in Monza, so the new song is also related to speed and F1.
For these two workaholics, inserting creation and work into life, love, travel or anything else seems to be a matter of course and a natural thing. The two had too much to deal with, so they had to end their trip to Ireland and go to London early.
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