Fang Weihong had already expected things to not go so smoothly, so she had already made other plans. This was why she had not informed Zhang Ye of the details beforehand and made him come down to this place. She was worried that if Zhang Ye did not agree, at least they could try to persuade him in person by letting him hear the composed melody for the song. If it was an ancient poem, the copyright laws would not apply, as the original author had already passed away many years ago.
But Zhang Ye’s “Shuidiao Getou” was recently composed, and the copyrights would naturally still belong to him and not to any companies. Therefore, if they wanted to use the lyrics, they needed Zhang Ye’s approval. Otherwise, they could not use it. “Alright, Teacher Zhang. Please listen to it first. You might even change your mind. Hur hur. We must confess to you first that without your agreement, we have instructed a few composers do up the melody for the song.”
Zhang Ye really did not want to sell, “I feel there’s no need for it. Why not consider my other lyrics? Like ‘Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm – Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff’? I can let you use it for free.”
Zhang Yuanqi did not feel too annoyed and laughed, “The lyrics for those are too descriptive and not suitable to be used as song lyrics. The setting and mood also aren’t too suitable for me, a woman, to sing.”
Fang Weihong just said, “Let’s have a listen anyway.”
By the side, the musician nodded and signaled to a staff member.
The staff member went over to the console and played a pre-recorded song. It wasn’t Zhang Yuanqi’s voice, but another woman’s. Her singing was so-so. It was just a song sample, “When will the dear moon be clear and bright. With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the dear clear sky. In the heavens, on this dear night, I wonder, what season…” There were a few words added in between, and some of the words and phrases had been changed.
Fang Weihong introduced, “The song’s mainstream popularity characteristics are quite strong. With small modifications to the original lyrics and adding some chorus words, it still keeps the original’s feel to it.”
Zhang Yuanqi looked at Zhang Ye, “What do you think?”
Zhang Ye shook his head, “It’s not nice. The pop song characteristics are too much. There’s no ancient feel to the whole song, so it doesn’t suit the lyrics settings and feel.”
The musician couldn’t bear it any longer and asked directly, “But this is a pop song. If it’s not pop-like and without a catchy melody, how would it be called a pop song?” This song was probably composed by him.
“This is Wang Ge, the composer. He has written 4 or 5 songs for Sister Zhang before.” Fang Weihong introduced.
Wang Ge vowed, “I guarantee that if you use my melody, the song will definitely be very popular!”
Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, “Little Wang, don’t be too anxious. Take a seat and let Teacher Zhang listen to another one.”
Wang Ge had to give Sister Zhang face, so he kept quiet and sat down to listen.
Fang Weihong signaled to the staff member, then said to Zhang Ye, “The next melody was composed by another composer. Its ancient feel is stronger and the melody is a little special.”
The next song played.
This time, a beautiful voice voice sang. The feel was quite suitable, but the melody did not sound good!
After listening for a long while, Zhang Ye still did not have any interest, “This tune is not nice. It’s too obscure.” He wasn’t a professional, so he could only say it based on his feelings.
Zhang Yuanqi laughed superficially, “Then let’s listen to the next one. It’s the last one?”
“Yes, our team composed three melodies. This is the last one.” Fang Weihong said.
The last composer said, “Let me sing and play it myself. I wasn’t too satisfied with the recording Little Yang did because it was too rushed.” So he went over and picked up a guitar and proceeded to sing, “The moon rounds the red mansion! Stoops to silk-padded doors! Shines upon the sleepless!” He had pushed the stanzas at the back forward as the first line, and had done it following that of rock.