"The road the wind has traveled remains long. Where has your story led you?"
In the recording studio, Lu Chen, wearing massive monitoring headphones, finished singing the final line of "Ordinary Road." He opened his eyes just in time to see Wang Hui, separated by thick glass, give him a thumbs-up.
Lu Chen smiled and returned the gesture before removing his headphones.
He was recording his second solo album, and after careful consideration, "Ordinary Road" had been chosen as the lead single. Over half of the album was already complete, with a full release scheduled for late August.
For Lu Chen, returning to the recording studio felt truly wonderful.
Now, Lu Chen lacked neither fame nor fortune. His work life was busy and fulfilling, filled with television shoots, advertising endorsements, and various public appearances. Yet only here, in this studio, could he rediscover the original passion and emotion that had first drawn him to music.
In the soundproof recording studio, isolated from all external noise, one could hear one's own heartbeat and the rush of blood. When the familiar backing track began playing through the headphones, the only urge was to sing at the top of one's lungs.
Most importantly, this was Lu Chen's own recording room, free from any constraints or limitations. He could relentlessly pursue perfection without reservation.
Within just a day or two, Lu Chen found his rhythm. Song after song flowed effortlessly, almost addictively!
But today was enough.
"Thank you for your hard work," Lu Chen said as he stepped out of the studio, addressing Wang Hui, who sat at the mixing console. "Tonight, head to Scenic World and treat yourself, use my card and order whatever you want!"
Scenic World was a food court located in the commercial district near the New Era Art Park, offering a diverse array of affordable and delicious snacks from across the country. The place was always bustling with customers.
After Lu Chen Workshop moved to the area, Lu Xi had obtained two prepaid membership cards for Scenic World, occasionally treating the team to a feast as a small perk.
Wang Hui had been working tirelessly these past few days, often staying up late into the night. Although Lu Chen wasn't in a rush to release his second album, for this tech-obsessed male otaku, having downtime felt like a sin.
Taking the membership card Lu Chen handed him, Wang Hui said shyly, "Thank you, Boss."
He added, "I'll definitely... definitely finish it next week!"
Lu Chen chuckled. "There's no need to rush. Take your time and focus on making it the best it can be."
Without hesitation, Wang Hui replied, "Of course! This album has to surpass 'You Who Sat Next to Me'."
Lu Chen's debut solo album, 'You Who Sat Next to Me', had also been recorded by Wang Hui. Back then, however, Wang Hui had used his own recording room and equipment, which couldn't compare to the state-of-the-art setup they had now.
Lu Chen Workshop's recording room, including its renovation and equipment, had cost nearly 10 million yuan. While it couldn't compare to the world's top-tier studios, it was undoubtedly among the best in China.
For Wang Hui, who was deeply immersed in his craft, being given complete control over a recording room built entirely to his specifications was like a mouse finding its way into a rice jar, it was utterly fulfilling.
Under these circumstances, Wang Hui couldn't tolerate any slackness or complacency in his work. He felt compelled to repay Lu Chen's trust and support with unwavering dedication.
Lu Chen smiled and patted Wang Hui on the shoulder.
"Have some water."
Just then, a bottle of mineral water was handed to Lu Chen.
"Thank you," he said.
Lu Chen took the bottle, twisted off the cap, and drank a couple of gulps before asking, "When did you get here?"
Wang Jing, who had handed him the water, blinked and replied, "Just arrived. Ouyang and the others are outside."
At the beginning of the year, Lu Chen had taken over the original Nirvana Workshop and reformed the Nirvana Band.
After settling into their new home at Lu Chen Workshop, the band, under Lu Chen's guidance, not only fulfilled their usual duties of providing accompaniment and performing at shows but also took gigs at other venues, such as Daylily Bar.
Especially during Lu Chen's busy period filming the ShootingTV drama, Nirvana Band spent most of their time either practicing or playing gigs, constantly honing their skills and maintaining their technical proficiency.
As for the fees earned from these gigs, Lu Chen Workshop didn't take a single penny.
Nirvana Band wasn't just fiercely loyal to Lu Chen; their progress was undeniable. The instrumental quality on Lu Chen's new album far surpassed that of 'You Who Sat Next to Me'.
Within Nirvana Band, Wang Jing was undoubtedly the soul of the group, serving as composer, lead vocalist, and guitarist. She also arranged the harmonies for several tracks on Lu Chen's new album.
Lu Chen smiled. "Perfect! You should all go to Scenic World and treat yourselves."
Wang Jing asked, "Aren't you coming?"
Lu Chen shook his head. "I have plans with Fei'er tonight. She just got back."
Wang Jing nodded silently, then suddenly said, "We're planning to stop performing for a while and focus on practicing your songs. I want to rearrange a few tracks into live versions."
Lu Chen planned to hold his solo concert at the end of the year, and Nirvana Band would undoubtedly participate throughout the entire event.
It was rare and considered low-class for a vagabond singer's concert to lack live band accompaniment.
Lu Chen chuckled. "Alright, it'll probably be at least November. Oh, by the way..."
He turned to Wang Jing. "Have you guys ever considered releasing your own band's music single or album?"
"Huh?"
Wang Jing was clearly unprepared for Lu Chen's question, leaving her stunned.
Nirvana Band releasing their own album?
Since their inception, both Wang Jing and the other members of Nirvana Band had always seen themselves as Lu Chen's exclusive band and the workshop's professional band. The idea of releasing their own album had never crossed their minds.
Because they were working for Lu Chen.
Wang Hui reacted more quickly, hesitantly asking, "Boss, can... can we really do this?"
Wang Hui was also a member of Nirvana Band, though he was an auxiliary member who only performed when needed.
Lu Chen chuckled. "What's so impossible about it? The workshop has all the resources you need. Think it over yourselves."
Checking the time, he added, "I'm heading out now. You guys go grab some food."
Wang Jing watched Lu Chen's retreating figure, biting her lip, her eyes flickering with complex emotions.
Wang Hui cautiously began, "Sis, actually..."
Before he could finish, Wang Jing smacked him hard on the head. "Actually what? Let's go!"
Wang Hui swallowed back the words he wanted to say, tears welling in his eyes.
He should be grateful he didn't speak up. Otherwise, he'd probably be beaten so badly he'd be unable to take care of himself.
Though Wang Hui was a homebody, he wasn't stupid.
(End of Chapter)
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