CHAPTER 429: CHAPTER 292: ALBUM RELEASE, FIRST SONG

The week flew by in a flurry of busyness.

"Chu Tian, what’s the progress now? Can we make it?"

In the studio, Sister Hua, having just finished her work, couldn’t help but ask Chu Tian, who was fetching water outside.

Chu Tian took a big gulp of water before responding, "Don’t worry, Sister Hua. Three songs have already been recorded. You have to believe in Qingqiu’s ability. But you have to push for the posters; otherwise, I’m afraid we won’t make it in time."

"I know. The post-production for the posters is almost done, and the album cover design has been finalized. It should all be settled by this afternoon. The advertising company has already been contacted and is ready to start printing and production."

"That’s good. At this pace, there shouldn’t be any issues."

Ever since they received the news about the Spring Festival Gala, Sister Hua and Chu Tian had formulated a release plan for the new album.

The entire process wasn’t something that could be launched at will; the timing of the release and its rhythm were crucial.

Indeed, rhythm was key. In this internet age, everything revolved around rhythm.

Or rather, from ancient warfare to modern life, rhythm was essential at every juncture, especially with modern marketing methods. Decisions about when to generate preliminary hype, when to invest in traffic, and when to launch marketing campaigns all required careful consideration.

Chu Tian had some insight into these matters, but he definitely wasn’t a professional. Therefore, many people were involved in the plan, and each step had to be strictly adhered to. Otherwise, all their efforts could be lost.

"Ah, I’m just worried," Sister Hua sighed, her face etched with an exhaustion she couldn’t hide.

"Sister Hua, there’s no need to put so much pressure on yourself. It’s not like we’ll be ruined beyond recovery if this isn’t successful. We should just do our best and maintain a level-headed attitude about the outcome."

Chu Tian intended to console Sister Hua, but not only was she unappreciative, she even shot him a big eye-roll.

"That’s easy for you to say. My own pressure is manageable, but can you please do something about that Wei Liangxiao of yours? Doesn’t he have his own work to do? I’m already swamped, and he keeps calling day after day, messaging every hour. Just how much free time does he have?"

Hearing this, Chu Tian was somehow left speechless.

He awkwardly touched his nose, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing.

"Ahem, right, Qingqiu has started recording new songs. I should go check on that. You stay busy, Sister Hua. I’m heading out."

"Ah, you... you’re infuriating!" Sister Hua snapped, stomping her foot as she watched Chu Tian flee.

Yet, she herself didn’t notice that somewhere along the line, the always tough and fiery Sister Hua had taken on a slightly girlish demeanor.

Meanwhile, Chu Tian hurried away, feeling as if ghosts were chasing him; he didn’t dare to stop at all.

As for Sister Hua’s words? He’d just listen and let them be. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to intervene, but when it came to matters of the heart, who could truly know what those involved were really thinking or saying? If a friend complained about their significant other, you’d be a fool to take it at face value. They say what they say, but if you chimed in agreement, you were bound to regret it. People often cry wolf about breaking up. If you seriously suggested they split, they’d likely patch things up and then cut you off. So in these matters, Chu Tian would rather remain oblivious and steer clear.

"Chu Tian, hurry and get me some water! My throat is on fire."

"Here, take a sip, and rest for a bit."

"No way, there are still so many songs left. If we don’t hurry, I’m afraid we won’t finish in time."

Speaking of this, Xu Qingqiu couldn’t help but pout, looking reproachfully at Chu Tian.

The joy she felt when she first learned there were new songs to sing was matched only by her current distress.

Who could understand? Her boyfriend was practically inhuman. What kind of album has so many songs that also need to be recorded in such a short timeframe? It was brutally demanding.

Regarding this, Chu Tian hadn’t anticipated it either.

His original idea was to record slowly before the New Year and release the album right after the holiday—a relaxed pace, just perfect. But who could have foreseen the sudden news about the Spring Festival Gala? He hadn’t initially considered it, but now that the opportunity was there, not striving for it would be too complacent. But if they did strive for it, Xu Qingqiu would naturally be the one to suffer the most.

"Heh, I didn’t expect the timeline to be so tight either," Chu Tian said, looking sheepish.

Seeing the embarrassed look on Chu Tian’s face, Xu Qingqiu ultimately refrained from any harsh words. She wasn’t ungrateful; she was just venting a little.

Just then, Guo Jingtao hurried over.

"Chu Tian, Qingqiu, I just got a call from Xiao Zheng. The master tapes for the first three songs will probably be ready by tomorrow. I see there are many more songs to record. When do you guys plan to start the release?"

Guo Jingtao only knew the general outline of their plan; he certainly wasn’t privy to the detailed contents.

After all, this was somewhat of a business secret. An artist’s schedule and work release plans, in particular, were of utmost importance to keep confidential.

To put it bluntly, take actors for example: the period when they accept a role and start filming is the most perilous. You never know what schemes your rivals might be plotting.

You might sign a contract or join the production team, thinking everything is settled. Then, suddenly, someone could appear, and with a single word, you’re kicked out, and your role ends up in your rival’s hands.

Although it’s difficult to keep such information completely confidential, most people avoid publicizing it at the outset unless collaboration requires it.