CHAPTER 101: CHAPTER 97: RECORDING OBSTACLES, IS THE NEW ALBUM TOO DIFFICULT?

"Any opinions?"

Xu Qingqiu looked at Guo Jingtao with a curious expression. She had thought this senior colleague would have many high demands, but unexpectedly, Guo Jingtao’s tone changed as he said, "Haha, don’t be nervous. What I mean is, Qingqiu, have you considered releasing a physical album?"

"A physical album?"

In this day and age, release a physical album? What she urgently needed now was to make a name for herself, and a digital album was the most suitable choice. Compared to the high cost and low sales of physical albums, not to mention their heavy reliance on distribution channels and other difficulties, digital albums clearly held all the most obvious advantages in every aspect.

"Why would you suggest that, Teacher Guo? You know that physical albums are already..."

"I know, I know. I’m not insisting that you release a physical album, but I’m suggesting you consider releasing a collectible edition?"

"Honestly, this album is too classic. I want to buy one to keep as a collectible. In my opinion, even after twenty years or longer, this will still be an album that leaves its mark. It may not achieve legendary status, but it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the entire Chinese-language music scene. Having such an album available only in digital form would be a real shame. If there’s no collectible edition, it would be a lifelong regret for me."

"So, think of it as a personal wish of mine, a bit of selfishness. Whether you accept or not is up to you; I won’t insist."

After listening to Guo Jingtao, Xu Qingqiu finally relaxed.

"Teacher Guo, you scared me by being so earnest! A collectible edition is, of course, no problem. If you need one, I’ll send you a copy once it’s ready. There’s no need to be so formal; it’s too intimidating."

"No, no, no, it’s not intimidating at all. It’s proper, and this album deserves such treatment. It’s worth it for me to do so!"

Guo Jingtao said this very seriously and solemnly.

At that moment, Xu Qingqiu also felt this veteran’s heartfelt love and reverence for music, and she couldn’t help but feel moved.

"Alright, I understand, Teacher Guo. Don’t worry, I will record this album well and then send you a collectible edition. Thank you for your support!"

"Hahaha, then I thank you in advance. It’s like I’m getting an unearned bonus at my age."

"You’re being too modest, Teacher Guo."

Seeing that they had come to an agreement, the others around them couldn’t sit still any longer and began to chime in eagerly.

"President Xu, please save a physical copy for me too! I’ll buy it myself. I’m not qualified to ask for favors, but I also want to collect this album, especially since I participated in its production. It holds great sentimental value!"

"Me too, Teacher Xu can’t favor one over another."

"Same here, save a copy for me too! I want a signed version. I hope Teacher Xu can accommodate this~"

Listening to these musicians from all over, with their diverse accents but identical requests, Xu Qingqiu deeply felt the power of this album for the first time. She also sensed the distinct shift in everyone’s attitude towards her.

Previously, when she had invited them, they had all played hard to get, carefully maintaining their composure.

But since they saw this album, everyone’s attitude had changed.

No one was a fool. They all made their living in this industry, and they had the most say in judging the quality of their ’meal’.

With such an album, it would be a formidable contender anywhere. Even if one or two tracks didn’t become popular due to some oversight, it was impossible for *none* of them to become hits. That would be a betrayal of their professionalism, an insult to their abilities!

In their eyes, as long as Xu Qingqiu sang on this album, regardless of her current fame, she would become one of the hottest female singers once the album was released.

There was no doubt about that. If they didn’t adjust their attitude now, were they planning to wait until she became famous to try and curry favor?

It also made Xu Qingqiu realize once more just how powerful Youmeng was, to make so many professionals bow in homage.

"Alright, alright! Thank you all for your support. I promise that as soon as the physical album is produced, I’ll personally deliver signed copies to everyone. Thank you for your support!"

After finally calming everyone down, it was time to move on to the recording phase.

Although it was called recording, it was merely the initial stage of breaking the ice. Everyone needed to find their synergy before they could delve deeper into collaboration.

Printed copies of the song materials were distributed to everyone.

Only after receiving the complete materials did those present realize that, even though they were already thoroughly convinced, they had still underestimated these songs.

Both the composition and the lyrics were exceptional, and even the arrangements seemed to have been flawlessly refined through meticulous adjustments.

Some musicians suddenly felt they had no room to contribute. The arrangements were so complete that they felt constrained, as if any modification on their part would be like gilding the lily—superfluous.

So, the adaptation process was quite tough.

More than a week passed before they finally achieved some initial breakthroughs.

However, they had been recording for less than a day when they had to stop again.

"What’s the problem, Teacher Guo? Is there an issue somewhere?"

Xu Qingqiu had also been having a tough time these past few days. She was constantly acting as a mediator among everyone, all while maintaining her own condition and repeatedly demonstrating her various abilities to facilitate the adaptation process. Just when they had finally managed to start recording, they were brought to a halt again.

Guo Jingtao, also looking disheveled, sat before the recording console. He listened again through his headphones, then shook his head.

"Qingqiu, this won’t do."

"Is there a problem?"

"Well... it’s not that there’s no problem, nor can we say there is one. How should I put it..."

Guo Jingtao pondered for a moment, then after organizing his thoughts, explained, "The themes of these songs suit you very well. While their styles vary, you can handle them all. Moreover, your Singing Skills are undoubtedly top-tier among your peers."

"Although I don’t know what you’ve been through recently, your performance is worlds apart from when you were on ’The Sound of Nature.’ It’s a massive improvement."

Hearing Guo Jingtao’s clear praise, Xu Qingqiu felt no pride. She was waiting for the inevitable ’but.’

"But..."

As expected, when the ’but’ arrived, she sighed in relief but then immediately tensed up, wondering if she had done something wrong again.

She heard Guo Jingtao continue, "But, if you want to make this album a flawless masterpiece and present it in its best possible state, then your current Singing Skills are still not enough."

"Not enough?!"

Now Xu Qingqiu was genuinely surprised. After her recent training and refinement with Chu Tian, she felt she had already improved tremendously.

Compared to before, it was like she was a completely different person. In her own estimation, this was already her peak state. Could it be that even this wasn’t enough? She truly couldn’t imagine what kind of standard would be considered adequate. After all, she was a Queen! What did ’Queen’ signify? It wasn’t a self-bestowed title but one recognized through tangible awards. If the vastly improved Singing Skills of a Queen after training were still insufficient, then what level was required? Did one have to be an international superstar?