Chapter 150: It Is Too Early to Rejoice

After Director Wu Tong finished his fawning compliments with a laugh, he paused for a moment before continuing, "Now, for the third matter."

"This third piece of news is a truly wonderful one!"

"Before I tell you, I must offer my heartfelt congratulations!"

"...Oh?"

Hearing Director Wu Tong speak in such a tone, Su Chen became interested. If a director of a hit variety show called it a "wonderful piece of news," it certainly couldn't be anything trivial.

Su Chen composed himself, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Haha, just how grand is this news that even the director himself has to come and congratulate me? I’m afraid a small-time singer like me might not be able to handle such excitement."

Hearing this, Wu Tong laughed on the other end of the line. "This would be grand news for any artist, regardless of who they are!"

Su Chen replied, "Director, please don't keep me in suspense any longer. You’ve piqued my curiosity to the point where I can't wait!"

"Hahaha! Alright, I'll be direct. You’d better find somewhere to steady yourself; I'm afraid you might just fly off with joy once you hear this!"

Wu Tong wanted to continue building anticipation, but Su Chen remained silent, waiting quietly for the revelation. Listening to the steady rhythm of Su Chen’s breathing over the phone, Wu Tong couldn't help but inwardly marvel at his composure. This young man, despite his age, carried himself with such maturity; even with all this prodding, he remained completely calm. If things continued this way, it was almost a certainty that Su Chen would become the leading figure of the new generation of A-list stars.

Thinking this, Wu Tong stopped teasing him. He adjusted his tone and began to explain the matter in detail.

"Are you aware that the authorities have been soliciting theme songs for the Asian Games?"

Su Chen was taken aback and replied instinctively, "I've been so busy with the competition that I honestly haven't heard."

Wu Tong laughed, "You truly are one to ignore the world outside your window, focused only on your own path!"

"Here is the situation: this year’s Asian Games are being hosted by our country, in the city of Hangzhou."

"Starting last month, Hangzhou has been conducting a nationwide search for a theme song that captures the spirit of the Games."

"However, over a full month has passed, and the organizers haven't been satisfied with any of the submissions. They haven't found a suitable song."

"With only two months left until the opening ceremony, the authorities have issued a firm directive: the theme song must be finalized this month, or we will run out of time."

"Under these circumstances, the Hangzhou organizers have been working day and night, scouring not only the submissions but also keeping an eye on positive, uplifting new songs currently trending in the public sphere."

Wu Tong paused here, waiting for Su Chen to ask a follow-up question. But instead of an interruption, Wu Tong noted through the receiver that Su Chen’s breathing hadn't even changed rhythm. He remained just as calm, waiting for the rest of the story.

Seeing this, Wu Tong had no choice but to continue. "...With all the recent buzz about you online, Hangzhou took notice of your ability to compose uplifting music."

"They originally communicated with me regarding your song 'The Chasing Dreamer,' but at the time, you were mired in public controversy, and that song perhaps didn't fit the theme of the Asian Games perfectly, so it didn't go anywhere."

"However, as you know, all the slander and rumors against you were cleared, and your performance of 'Your Answer' last night became an overnight sensation across the country. Naturally, it caught the attention of the organizers in Hangzhou."

"They listened to 'Your Answer' and felt it resonated perfectly with the theme of this year's Asian Games. Coupled with your heroic deeds of saving lives, the song, both in its composition and its underlying meaning, is exceptionally suited for this grand event."

"In short, the Hangzhou Asian Games organizing committee wants to select your song as a candidate for the official theme song. From what I’ve heard, there is a very high probability it will be chosen!"

"...Technically, this shouldn't have come through me, but because you don't have your own management company or even a studio, they couldn't reach you directly. They contacted me to act as an intermediary to ask if you would be willing to have your song considered for the theme."

"If you agree, there are some forms and information that need to be filled out."

Wu Tong finished in one breath and licked his dry lips. This was, after all, the theme song for the Asian Games! He couldn't afford a single oversight, so being meticulous was necessary. Of course, he was eagerly awaiting Su Chen’s reaction. Faced with such a windfall, could he still keep his cool? The Asian Games were a national event; to have one’s own song chosen as the theme was an honor every musician dreamed of. He was already waiting for a joyful exclamation.

However, after hearing the news, Su Chen remained even calmer than before.

Su Chen said, "That’s fine. Is it urgent? If not, can I fill out the forms when I come to the Hunan TV station building tomorrow?"

Wu Tong: "......"

Wu Tong was stunned. What about the excitement? What about the thrill? How could he have absolutely no reaction?! He even said he wasn't in a hurry and would deal with it tomorrow? Was this man made of stone?

Su Chen’s repeated calmness finally caused Wu Tong to lose his own composure.

"Are... are you not excited at all? This is the theme song for the Asian Games!"

"Not to mention anything else, if your song is chosen, your future compositions will be worth their weight in gold! Countless people will be lining up to commission songs from you!"

"And that’s not even considering that with this on your resume, doors will open for you everywhere in the entertainment industry!" Wu Tong said, his voice rising with excitement.

Su Chen replied nonchalantly, "Eh! Director, didn't you say it yourself? It's just a candidate; it still has to be selected."

"Whether my song gets chosen is another matter entirely. It’s too early to get happy now!"

Wu Tong: "......"

Su Chen’s words gave Wu Tong a lesson. He suddenly realized that this young man, almost two generations his junior, seemed even more grounded than he was. He was completely different from the young people in society today; he lacked that restlessness and shortsightedness. He didn't seem like a hot-blooded youth at all, but rather like a man who had long since reached the age of knowing one's destiny.

Su Chen’s steadiness transformed Wu Tong’s opinion of him from mere appreciation to sheer amazement. With a mindset this composed, there was nothing he couldn't achieve!