In the following days, Lin Yuan’s schedule was packed with classes, leaving him no time to visit the piano room. Even during his occasional breaks, he spent time with Jian Yi and Xia Fan.

As the end of the month approached, Lin Yuan returned to the company. Instead of staying in the composition department, he spent a day and a half in the recording studio, finally completing the recording of the song “Big Fish.”

Once again, he took on the roles of lyricist, composer, and arranger. The piano elements in the arrangement were personally played by him. Although a girl at school had once criticized his piano skills as “clumsy,” the company’s assigned pianist was of similar skill level, so Lin Yuan decided to play it himself for a greater sense of involvement.

After recording the song, he sent the work to Old Zhou, the supervisor, via the company’s internal email, adding a special note: “Theme Song.”

A theme song typically reflects the worldview or emotions of the original work. “Big Fish,” with its lyrics and style that closely match the animation’s atmosphere, is a classic example of a theme song.

After sending the song, Lin Yuan, having finished his morning work, went to the company cafeteria for lunch. Compared to school, the company’s cafeteria was both cheaper and tastier.

Meanwhile, in the supervisor’s office, Old Zhou was about to head to the cafeteria when he received Lin Yuan’s email, causing him to pause.

“Lin Yuan submitted a theme song?”

Lin Yuan was the first on the tenth floor to submit his task! However, as the department supervisor, Old Zhou wasn’t pleased. Instead, he frowned deeply. Already feeling down about the potential failure of the “Dance of Fish and Dragon” project, he felt an urge to call Lin Yuan over for a stern lecture. But considering Lin Yuan was a newcomer he personally brought into the composition department, he held back, knowing Lin Yuan might not handle criticism as well as the veterans.

Old Zhou couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. It had only been two weeks since he issued the composition task for “Dance of Fish and Dragon” to the entire tenth-floor composition department. For any composer, what good song could be written in such a short time?

This was the downside of early fame. Young and spirited! It would cost him in the future. Lin Yuan couldn’t escape this flaw. The success on the Newcomer Chart had bred arrogance and complacency in this young man. Old Zhou hadn’t expected Lin Yuan to be bold enough to submit a song he composed in just two weeks.

“I’ll have to have a good talk with him later.”

With a sigh, Old Zhou was filled with worry. The unexpected success of “Life Like Summer Flowers” had made Old Zhou optimistic about Lin Yuan’s potential. He couldn’t just watch a promising composer, who might become another star for the company, go astray.

Today! During the afternoon work session, he must find a way to educate Lin Yuan without being too harsh!

At this moment, Old Zhou didn’t even want to open the song Lin Yuan sent, titled “Big Fish,” even though it was his duty as a supervisor. But to provide constructive feedback, he needed to listen to the song. So, to ensure the afternoon conversation was meaningful, Old Zhou entered the company’s temporary password and opened Lin Yuan’s song.

He was too lazy to use headphones, though.

…

From the speakers, the unique triplet rhythm of the piano began, leading into a melodic prelude. As the main song started, after just a couple of lines, Old Zhou let out a soft “hmm,” and the tight frown on his face eased considerably.

It seemed… not bad?

As the main song section ended and the chorus began, Old Zhou’s heartbeat quickened slightly, and his expression changed. He leaned forward, as if to get closer to the speakers. By the time the harmony section of the song arrived, Old Zhou’s mouth was slightly agape, unable to close even after the song finished playing.

“This song…”

Taking a deep breath, Old Zhou retrieved his most cherished custom headphones from the drawer, put them on solemnly, and replayed “Big Fish.”

The same melody played, but this time, the surround sound effect of the headphones enhanced the song’s presentation, allowing Old Zhou to discern every detail, increasing the music’s immersive experience!

By the harmony section, he was covered in goosebumps! Every hair stood on end!

Swallowing hard, Old Zhou clicked play for the third time. No matter how many times the song played, the melody remained unchanged. What truly changed was the listener.

“Hehehehehehe…”

Old Zhou chuckled foolishly, his body swaying gently with the song’s ending. His chair creaked in rhythm with his laughter, creating a curious harmony.

Mid-laugh, he suddenly slapped his forehead. Carefully, he downloaded the song, encrypted and archived the original file, then stood up, his old face slightly flushed.

…

Lin Yuan loved the braised pork knuckle from the company cafeteria. Unlike the overly sweet versions he used to eat, the company’s knuckle wasn’t too sweet, and the meat was tender, melting in the mouth, even the skin. He devoured it with great satisfaction.

A few tables away, several people from the composition department were whispering among themselves.

“That’s Xian Yu.”

“He looks so handsome and young.”

“This Xian Yu, hehe, young and handsome indeed, but not very respectful, daring to disrespect Sister Jing.”

“Yes, this guy is a bit arrogant.”

“Tsk, young and famous, arrogant because of his talent. Haven’t we seen enough of such newcomers in this industry?”

“He wrote a decent song and thinks he’s a Master Composer.”

“He just got lucky with a good song. The industry will teach him a lesson, and he’ll understand his place.”

As they pointed and discussed, their conversation grew heated. One man felt a chill behind him, turned around, and was startled to see a face as dark as a pot’s bottom, making him shiver.

“Su… Supervisor…”

“You came to eat in person.”

“What would you like? I’ll get it for you!”

Facing Old Zhou, the group of composers trembled. Old Zhou exuded a chilling aura, his voice unfriendly: “Are you all too full?”

“Supervisor… we…”

Old Zhou coldly said, “Oh, it seems you’re indeed too full. Then do some exercise. The cleaning lady on the twelfth floor is on leave today. Go clean the twelfth floor, especially the restrooms.”

“Yes…”

The group hung their heads, leaving dejectedly, apologizing as they went: “Sorry, Supervisor, we won’t gossip about colleagues anymore.”

“That’s not right.”

Old Zhou corrected, “You can gossip about others all you want. I often gossip too, but not about him!”

“Huh?”

The group looked confused, leaving in a daze. As they were about to exit the cafeteria, one of them turned back, seeing Old Zhou with a different expression, smiling as he approached Lin Yuan.

“What the heck?”

The composers exchanged bewildered looks, as if they’d seen a ghost.

…

Lin Yuan was enjoying his pork knuckle when someone added vegetables to his plate: “Young people shouldn’t be picky. You should eat more vegetables.”

“Okay.”

Lin Yuan agreed verbally but continued eating the pork knuckle. Old Zhou wasn’t surprised, maintaining a kindly demeanor: “How are you finding your time in the composition department? If there’s anything you’re not comfortable with, let me know.”

“It’s fine.”

Lin Yuan spoke honestly. He didn’t interact much with people from other floors, but his colleagues on the tenth floor were all friendly.

“That’s good.”

Old Zhou wasn’t in a hurry to eat, smiling as he said, “Whatever Xiao Zhao could offer you, I, Zhou Ruiming, can offer even more! So feel free to ask for anything you need!”

“Can I not eat the vegetables?”

Lin Yuan looked at the vegetables on his plate, a bit troubled. Old Zhou almost choked but quickly laughed: “Of course, young people need to eat more meat to grow!”

“Mm.”

“How’s school going?”

“School’s good too.”

“I see. I know you university students have it tough. If you encounter any difficulties at school, you can talk to me.”

“Thank you.”

Lin Yuan continued eating. Old Zhou watched him, nodding in satisfaction, liking the kid more and more.

Yes! A sophomore should be spirited! Shouldn’t fear authority! Should have this attitude of not putting the supervisor in his eyes!

If you’re not spirited, are you really young?