Chapter 13 The Recording of a Divine-Level Soundtrack for "Journey to the West"

Jiufeng Recording Studio, the most prestigious studio in Beihai.

In fact, calling it a studio is somewhat inaccurate, for it is actually a renowned concert hall, equipped with world-class recording facilities. The main stage is the largest space, fitted with a thirty-two-microphone matrix, primarily used for recording large-scale musical works.

Naturally, its prices are also aligned with international standards.

For ordinary pop song recordings in a typical studio, the hourly rate is around three hundred Wu Yuan (equivalent to RMB). But here at Jiufeng, it is three hundred thousand Wu Yuan per hour, truly embodying the idea of music burning through money, where time is literally money—each second costs nearly a hundred Wu Yuan.

At this moment, dozens of people are bustling about in the recording hall, for they have landed a major contract—a twenty-hour package!

Sun Yuzhen, the general manager in charge of this session, commanded the operation with meticulous order. Directors, producers, recording engineers, mixing engineers, photographers, and assistants—all were busy at their posts.

Amidst the cheerful hustle, a music producer in his twenties checked the equipment and asked, “Sister Zhen, who’s the conductor for today’s session? Are we recording a film soundtrack or licensed music?”

Sun Yuzhen, thirty-one years old, wore a black professional suit; her long, wavy hair framed refined features and a graceful figure. With measurements of thirty-six, twenty-three, thirty-six, she exuded a mature charm. Her temperament was extraordinary—a true beauty among the corporate elite.

She replied calmly, “A young man named Le Xiaotian contacted me, but the specifics are still unclear.”

“Most orchestras record ten pieces in two hours, usually making it through in three takes. I doubt this Le Xiaotian or his orchestra are up to standard.”

“Haha, maybe it’s some film company about to release a flop.”

“Who cares? We haven’t had such a big client in a while. I wouldn’t mind if he booked another twenty hours.”

While the mixing engineers speculated, other staff chimed in with different opinions.

“Not necessarily. Some internationally renowned orchestras have recently arrived in Beihai. Maybe it’s one of them?”

“Exactly, Jiufeng is one of the top concert halls in Beihai. It could be a famous orchestra.”

“Lately, we’ve been recording for singers and anime and TV series, but news of those projects is behind. Maybe it’s for an anime soundtrack.”

Listening to her colleagues’ banter, Sun Yuzhen smiled slightly. “Enough, the scheduled time is almost here. If the client overhears, it wouldn’t be good. Everyone, work diligently and don’t let them see us make mistakes.”

“Don’t worry, Sister Zhen.” Amid laughter, the team wrapped up their final checks.

Ten o’clock—the time agreed upon by Le Xiaotian and Sun Yuzhen. With one minute to go, Sun Yuzhen was already waiting in the concert hall’s reception foyer.

Soon, she spotted Le Xiaotian.

The main hall, with two thousand seats and three solo halls, had seen no performances in the past two days, so there were no spectators. The young man appearing was most likely the client.

She approached with a welcoming smile and extended her right hand. “Le Xiaotian?”

A delicate fragrance wafted over as she clasped his soft, slender hand, and Le Xiaotian felt a slight stir in his heart. “Sister Zhen?”

Retracting her hand, Sun Yuzhen asked, “When will your group arrive? Is it a delayed flight or traffic jam?”

“My group?” Le Xiaotian blurted out in confusion, then smiled, “Oh, there’s no orchestra. Just me.”

Sun Yuzhen was momentarily at a loss for words.

Last night, she’d received Le Xiaotian’s sizable order and could hardly believe it. Booking a twenty-hour package was rare, even with a discount—it was a five-million Wu Yuan deal.

Whether for film soundtracks, licensed music, anime, or TV recordings, Sun Yuzhen much preferred to believe this was a capable orchestra led by a renowned conductor. Good service might even lead to performance invitations.

Jiufeng hosted about three hundred shows a year—not outstanding, but respectable. The main hall, seating two thousand, had ticket prices ranging from two hundred to two thousand Wu Yuan, with a sold-out show grossing about a million. After deducting performance and operational costs, each show could net around five hundred thousand.

More importantly, a famous orchestra residency would boost Jiufeng’s reputation.

But now, Le Xiaotian was alone! What orchestra? This was absurd!

If not for his generous payment in full, Sun Yuzhen might have thrown him out right then.

Gathering her scattered thoughts, Sun Yuzhen managed a smile. “Please, follow me. I’ll show you around first.”

Guided by Sun Yuzhen, Le Xiaotian soaked in the artistic atmosphere and architectural highlights of the concert hall.

Just looking at the beautiful woman beside him made him feel the five million was well spent. No, it was the artistic ambiance of the concert hall that made the expenditure worthwhile.

In his previous life, he’d spent a couple hundred on concert tickets to upgrade his tastes, but this was different. Here, he wasn’t just listening—he was producing music, on a higher level.

Originally, he’d wanted to use a ready-made track for “Cloud Palace Quick Sound,” much like the divine songs released recently, but after days of study, he wanted to truly play with music this time.

With millions recently earned and thirty million already given to Su Yun, he still had about thirty million left. The main event was yet to come; money was no longer an issue. Talent, and the freedom to indulge it!

Watching Le Xiaotian, who glanced around curiously, Sun Yuzhen mentally labeled him a spoiled rich kid.

After a leisurely tour, entering the main hall, Le Xiaotian felt a solemn, sacred aura.

The splendid décor resembled a palace. Over ten meters high, the irregular rectangular stage was crowned by thirty-six radiant crystal pillars, with expensive-looking recording equipment and instruments on stage.

Dozens of Jiufeng staff watched him, including a few in a protruding structure behind transparent glass—presumably the control room.

Overall, the concert hall had three tiers of seating, exuding a refined, grand atmosphere.

Surveying his surroundings, Le Xiaotian smiled, “Sister Zhen, your place is quite impressive. I’m very satisfied.”

Meanwhile, Sun Yuzhen exchanged glances with her colleagues, her face saying, “Don’t ask me, I have no idea.”

The sudden arrival of Le Xiaotian left the Jiufeng staff stunned.

Wasn’t it supposed to be ten o’clock? Why was only one person here? What a mysterious orchestra—such a big production.

After appreciating the hall’s unique resonant structure and elegant layout, Le Xiaotian turned to the somewhat dazed Sun Yuzhen and asked, “Can we begin recording now?”

Back to herself, Sun Yuzhen smiled, “Of course, please follow me.”