Chapter 22: The Band Reunites, Refreshing and Revitalizing.

The theme song contest for "Tales of Immortals and Heroes" was a major event within the industry. With investments from numerous influential figures and the participation of high-profile stars, its value had steadily increased. Many musicians were eyeing this opportunity, ready to showcase their talents. Quite a few had even received early notice and were preparing in advance.

But nobody could have anticipated what happened next.

Just a short while after the contest began, director Ma Shuliang announced that the submissions were closed. The music community was thrown into an uproar. Many musicians, still hard at work with only half their pieces completed, were left questioning their purpose.

What’s the use of even trying? This is a sham!

So, they turned to the forum "Melodious Summer Nation," flooding the threads with comments.

“Who’s the big shot that snagged this? I bow to you, sir.”

“Who acted so fast, damn it!?”

“I just created a new folder, and now they’re telling me the contest is over?!”

The contest had lasted less than three days. Normally, the film would still be in the early stages of editing, with the soundtrack barely underway; the theme song certainly wouldn’t be finalized this quickly. At least a month would have been reasonable.

Yet, someone had truly managed to beat everyone at lightning speed.

It was like missing out on a train ticket by just one step during the Spring Festival rush.

“Damn it! Musicians are doomed to starve!”

Many who initially planned to compete ended up furiously slamming their keyboards in frustration. Losing after a thrilling three-hundred-round duel was one thing, but being instantly defeated without even seeing the opponent’s face was a completely different kind of disappointment—death without understanding why.

Meanwhile, none of this noise concerned Li Can.

After submitting his work, his main priorities were preparing Chen Meijing’s new album and returning to campus to check in. He also planned to recruit some friends to help out in the studio. The workload for the new album was considerable; from sheet music to demos, he needed extra hands for production.

Once he confirmed Chen Meijing’s schedule, Li Can and Lin Feng headed back to school during a free moment.

“Feng, why aren’t Chen Gang and Zhao Ze in the dorm? You…”

“Go look for them yourself first. I’ll help persuade Han Jiayin.”

Before Li Can could finish his sentence, Lin Feng interrupted eagerly, making Li Can’s brow twitch.

“…I’m embarrassed to even say this.”

“Shush!” Lin Feng pointed downward with his finger. “Those in the know, know. Single guys won’t get it, and there’s nothing I can do about that.”

“Get lost!”

“Fine, I’m gone!” Lin Feng’s skill at evading was so impressive it left Li Can dumbfounded.

In a blink, he had vanished.

Li Can’s face darkened.

He had no choice but to reluctantly get down to business.

After meeting with Professor Xu Qing, Li Can tried calling Lin Feng.

“Beep beep…”

Connected…

“The number you have dialed is currently busy. Please try again later…”

He was hung up on instantly.

“I really…”

Li Can rolled his eyes and gave up searching for Lin Feng.

See? This is what happens when you’re tied down by a woman. Not like real brothers.

No way would he be as spineless as Lin Feng. No way.

He glanced at their group chat.

Zhao Ze and Chen Gang had just replied, saying they were in the practice room. Li Can headed there.

Soon, he knocked on the door.

“Oh, my good guys! Daddy’s missed you!”

Pushing open the door, he saw two young men.

Zhao Ze wore glasses and seemed rather quiet.

Chen Gang had a friendly, somewhat comical face.

Both looked up. Chen Gang grinned.

“Yo, Can, you out of the hospital?”

“Gang, you…”

Before Li Can could say more, Zhao Ze pushed up his glasses and calmly remarked,

“Technically, Can should be considered on outpatient care.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because, strictly speaking, only us guys can treat him.”

“Get lost.”

Li Can shot Zhao Ze a glare.

“If you’re so precise, why don’t you take the graduate exam?”

“To be precise, I’m planning to.”

“…You really are the king of precision, Mr. Precise.”

Li Can was speechless.

Just a few years ago, this honest, big-eyed kid had been led astray by Chen Gang.

“Alright, enough messing around.”

Chen Gang waved his hand and got down to business.

“Can, there’s an upcoming music exchange concert with the National University of Science and Technology. Since you’re back, how about the band joins? Let’s give those science geeks a show.”

“Uh…” Li Can nodded. “Of course. But I actually came to talk about something else… I want you guys to join me at Xingmei Entertainment, my independent music studio. Interested?”

“Hell yeah! Landing a job before graduation? Count me in!” Chen Gang laughed, squeezing Li Can’s shoulder. “Can, you’re still so handsome! Look at those muscles—solid as a rock.”

“Keep your distance…” Li Can pushed Chen Gang’s hand away. “Alright, it’s settled. We’ll do it together.”

Chen Gang nodded. “Cool, I’ll notify the others.”

“You two go find Lin Feng and Han Jiayin. Those two are glued together again,” Li Can said with a grimace. “I’ll look for Winnie.”

“Alright,” Chen Gang agreed. “Our band’s reunion after a year—congratulations! Don’t leave right after class tonight.”

“Sounds good. We’ll split up,” Li Can smiled. “Meet at the usual place—the old Wang’s tripe restaurant.”

“Deal.”

With plans made, everyone dispersed. Lin Feng and Han Jiayin’s excessive lovey-dovey behavior was best handled by Chen Gang and Zhao Ze. Winnie was straightforward, unlike other girls who dragged things out—this job was easy.

Li Can cheerfully dialed Winnie’s number.

“Hey? Winnie, you there? Free? Come out.”

“Where?”

“...How about the cafeteria entrance?”

“On my way!”

Click!

The call was cut off instantly.

Meanwhile, Winnie, lying on her bed admiring a photo of Li Can, sprang up with a start. Flustered, she grabbed her makeup.

With no time to spare, she applied a light touch before rifling through her clothes.

“Where are my high heels?” After a moment of searching, she frowned. “Damn it, no strappy ones. Just mattes. What rotten luck.”

She quickly changed and then hunted for shoes.

“Hmm, red soles, Oxyetb! Can’s taste is so tacky, wearing these is embarrassing.”

Though she said this, she only frowned briefly before slipping on the shoes.

Muttering curses, she tidied her outfit and makeup in the mirror.

If anyone knew that this ethereal classical guitar goddess was so fiery behind the scenes, many would be shocked.

Soon, Li Can stood at the cafeteria entrance as Winnie approached in heels.

Before she could happily ask where they were going, Li Can smiled and said,

“Winnie, our band hasn’t gathered in a long time. Let’s head to old Wang’s after this, eat and chat.”

He then cheerfully continued discussing the performance.

“Gang said there’s a music exchange with the National University of Science and Technology. The band’s reuniting—perfect chance to pump up those science nerds.”

At that moment, Li Can didn’t notice the beauty beside him darkening.

Pump up the nerds?

Winnie wanted to shout, “I’ll give you a real wake-up call.”