House Dad's Literary Life

Chapter 385: Thousand Miles Chuan-Shu Was Shelved

1

The two people who entered from the doorway were, of course, recognized by Yang Yi. When they left, they had specially come to the coffee shop to say goodbye. However, now, after nearly half a year, they were already quite different.

Their attire was still simple, but not as shabby as before. Their not-so-expensive overcoats looked much tidier. In terms of their demeanor, they no longer had the same ambitious and energetic look they had when they left. Their faces showed more signs of weariness and gave off a faint sense of melancholy.

But regardless of everything else, Yang Yi was still very happy to see them and greeted them with a smile: “Thousand Miles Chuan-Shu, Lu Xiaoshu, Miao Chuan! Wow, rare guests, long time no see!”

Indeed, it was Lu Xiaoshu and Miao Chuan. The two of them smiled shyly at Yang Yi, and Lu Xiaoshu also cupped his hands in greeting and wished Yang Yi a belated New Year.

The two were about to reach for their money to order coffee, but Yang Yi waved his hand and said with a smile, “It’s been so long since we last met, let’s stick to the old routine. I’ll treat you to coffee, and you sing me a song. Hmm, how about ‘I Miss Her in the Northern Winter,’ or do you have any new songs?”

Lu Xiaoshu and Miao Chuan were taken aback. They looked at each other but showed a troubled expression.

“What’s wrong? Don’t want to sing? Could it be that now that you’ve debuted, singing a song costs more than just a couple of cups of coffee? Yang Yi knew they weren’t that kind of people and was just joking with them.

“It’s not that, it’s just that we’re not allowed to sing in public places now,” Lu Xiaoshu said with a bitter smile, shaking his head.

Yang Yi frowned and shook his head, saying, “There are only a few of us in the shop now, does that count as a public place? Your agency really has too many rules. Forget it, I’ll treat you to coffee!”

Miao Chuan seemed like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Lu Xiaoshu, however, gritted his teeth and said, “Boss, you’re right. It’s not really a public place, and there are no other people here. What’s the harm in singing a song? But we didn’t bring our guitar today, so we’ll have to sing it a cappella for you!”

“Can you play the piano?” Yang Yi liked Lu Xiaoshu’s straightforwardness. He smiled and pointed to the piano nearby, indicating, “You can play that.”

“I can,” Miao Chuan nodded. After saying this, he walked over to the piano.

“A Theodore grand piano?” Miao Chuan only then realized and looked at Yang Yi in surprise. He couldn’t help but run his hands lovingly over the sleek, black lacquered body of the piano, which felt as smooth as milk to the touch.

Then, Miao Chuan began playing the piano accompaniment while Lu Xiaoshu sang. Miao Chuan also joined in with a few lines here and there. The two of them, in perfect harmony, performed the song “I Miss Her in the Northern Winter” for Yang Yi once again.

Although winter had only a hint of chill left outdoors, Lu Xiaoshu’s voice remained as clear as winter. The weariness and helplessness in both his and Miao Chuan’s voices added a poignant touch to the song.

It was very beautiful. Even Xixi couldn’t help but stop and listen. She stood on the sofa, her little bottom leaning against the backrest, listening quietly. Although she didn’t understand the meaning of the lyrics, the melody was very beautiful.

It’s those two uncles! The little girl also recognized them at this moment.

She didn’t move, which gave the three British Shorthair cats a chance. Xiao Hui took the opportunity to pin down the cotton ball hanging from the cat teaser and started chewing on it, while Xiao Guai and Duoduo, not wanting to be outdone, joined in and began playfully competing for it.

Xiao Guai, who had grown up, was no longer as small and delicate as before. He was now about the same size as Xiao Hui, so it didn’t back down in the playful fight.

Meanwhile, after listening to their song, Yang Yi started making coffee for them. While grinding the beans, he asked with a smile, “By the way, aren’t you supposed to be in Xiangnan now? How come you’re back in Jiangcheng?”

Lu Xiaoshu and Miao Chuan, however, remained silent for a while.

Seeing that they didn’t speak, Yang Yi continued, “Last time when you came to say goodbye, I was quite happy because you finally started walking the path you wanted. I even thought that when your single or album comes out, I’d buy a copy and put it on my shelf.”

Yang Yi pointed to the shelves in the shop, which were filled with excellent music albums from this world. Many of them were hard to find in record stores outside. Fortunately, he had connections and managed to get a batch of out-of-print albums through Sahara Online Mall’s procurement.

However, Yang Yi’s words made Lu Xiaoshu and Miao Chuan’s expressions even more somber.

It wasn’t until Yang Yi brought the coffee over that Lu Xiaoshu finally made up his mind, sighed, and said to Yang Yi, “Boss, we’ve been shelved by the company.”

“Shelved?” Yang Yi’s eyes widened in confusion as he asked, “Why? Weren’t you supposed to start as trainees?”

To be fair, Thousand Miles Chuan-Shu’s song wasn’t bad at all! Although it hadn’t been tested in the market, how could a song Yang Yi liked possibly be bad?

What kind of company would be so foolish as to sign singers and then shelve them?

“The signing was a scam,” Miao Chuan couldn’t help but say.

Lu Xiaoshu asked, “Boss, do you know about Ronghuada Management Agency? Or have you heard of a newcomer in Jiangcheng Media this year named Tang Kaitai?”

How could Yang Yi not have heard of him? This guy had once tricked Du Yuanlei and Guo Ziyi, otherwise, he wouldn’t have had the chance to let Du Yuanlei produce “Fairy Tale”.

“He scammed you?” Yang Yi asked with a frown.

“Ronghuada is owned by Tang Kaitai’s family. They signed us on, initially saying they liked our song and planned to have teachers train us before arranging for us to release a single,” Lu Xiaoshu said.

“But it was just a verbal promise and wasn’t written into the contract at all,” Miao Chuan said, clenching his fists.

“Yes, we were naive. At that time, we were so excited about the prospect of debuting that we signed the contract without thinking too much,” Lu Xiaoshu sighed and said, “Who would have thought that after a month of training, they suddenly changed their minds.”

The agent from Ronghuada told them that the company wanted to discuss giving “I Miss Her in the Northern Winter” to Tang Kaitai to sing, and in return, the company would help them get songs from others to produce their album.

“You didn’t agree, did you?” Yang Yi frowned.

“No, we didn’t agree!” Lu Xiaoshu shook his head firmly.

At that time, they even had an argument with the agent. With their youthful indignation and intolerance for any injustice, how could they agree to it?

Perhaps when they first signed the contract, Ronghuada didn’t yet have the intention to take their song. The contract didn’t include any related clauses, but Ronghuada still had ways to deal with Thousand Miles Chuan-Shu.

The training stopped, the rent for their dormitory was no longer paid, and they were restricted from participating in commercial activities, completely shelving them.

“The contract is for seven years,” Miao Chuan sighed.

Newcomer contracts are generally similar, but Lu Xiaoshu and Miao Chuan had unfortunately stepped into a trap. If they refuse to compromise, they’ll have to fight against Ronghua Talent Agency for seven years…”

“Before, we were living at home, but now, after discussing with the school, although we have to wait until the next academic year to resume our studies, the school said we could stay in the dormitory. So, we’ve temporarily come back to think of a solution,” Lu Xiaoshu said through gritted teeth. “No matter what, even if we have to endure for seven years, we won’t give our song to those scammers!”

Miao Chuan also nodded vigorously.

The result of their discussion was to return to school, study while writing songs, and look for solutions. Even if it took seven years, they were determined to continue on their musical path.

“What about your financial situation? You can’t do commercial performance, so how will you make a living?” Yang Yi asked.

“Although the company has shelved us, according to the contract, we’re still considered trainees, so we receive a small salary every month. It’s not much, but it’s enough for living expenses. Plus, we were given a lump sum when we signed the contract… We haven’t spent it; we’ve been saving it!” Lu Xiaoshu said.

“Take it one step at a time,” Miao Chuan said quietly, holding his coffee for a long time without drinking it.

Yang Yi looked at these two young men whose dreams had been shattered, and he fell silent. He felt both sympathy and anger. However, now that he had some resources and social status, Yang Yi didn’t want to stand by idly. He pondered, trying to find a way to help Lu Xiaoshu and Miao Chuan out of this predicament.

What could he do?