Chapter 143: The Proud Wanderer of the Jianghu

Xu Lai looked around, but failed to spot Tang Zhichu, feeling a slight sense of disappointment. He had not only watched dating variety shows but had also studied them in depth, partly to learn how experts handle romance, and partly because he believed such shows could be adapted into films. The stories were ready-made and came with a built-in audience, though the execution often felt a bit unrefined. Given the popularity of those shows, anyone who adapted them was guaranteed to make money.

"Qiu Zhen, I assume you don't need an introduction," Xu Huaijin's voice drifted over.

Xu Lai snapped back to reality and nodded immediately. "Of course. I've heard Brother Zhen's music; it's impressive."

Qiu Zhen smiled. "You're too kind. I didn't expect to land a project on Director Xu's martial arts film; it's an honor to be working with him. Keep it up, Young Director Xu, and may you soon surpass your master!"

Qiu Zhen kept his posture humble; politeness never hurts. Xu Huaijin seemed pleased, nodding repeatedly.

Just then, a voice called out, "Whoa, Director Xu! What are you doing here?"

Xu Huaijin frowned slightly at the volume, but upon turning around, he recognized the man. Near the staircase stood Tang Zhichu and Zhu Yiyang. It was Zhu Yiyang who had spoken, while Tang Zhichu offered a polite nod and a soft greeting.

As they walked over, Zhu Yiyang added, "Director Xu, I met you once with my father, regarding the landscape painting..."

At the mention of the painting, Xu Huaijin remembered: Zhu Kaitai, a well-known benefactor. To pave the way for his son, he had visited several directors—Xu Huaijin included—and had even presented a landscape painting.

Recalling this, Xu Huaijin’s expression warmed. "It’s little Zhu! I didn't expect to see you here. Please give my regards to your father."

Zhu Yiyang laughed. "Will do. My father has mentioned wanting to chat with you several times, saying it's a pity you've retired given your talent. He’s actually looking to invest in a martial arts film."

Hearing this, Xu Huaijin pulled Xu Lai closer. "I must introduce you to this young man here. He’s about your age; you two should spend some time together."

In the past, Xu Huaijin wouldn't have bothered—a top-tier martial arts director never lacked investors. But for the sake of his son’s career, he was willing to set aside his own pride. Many others in the room rolled their eyes; the conversation had been going well until someone started pulling strings. Qiu Zhen silently returned to the recording studio.

Tang Zhichu didn't chime in, though he and Xu Lai exchanged glances from time to time. The young director seemed quite interested in him, his gaze filled with curiosity.

When the group finally headed downstairs, Xu Lai seized the opportunity, trailing behind with Tang Zhichu. "God Tang, I've watched your dating show at least three times!"

"Thank you!"

"Um... can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"How does one pursue a girl like Zhou Yun?"

Tang Zhichu frowned, wondering what the kid was up to.

"I mean, a girl similar to her," Xu Lai clarified. As he spoke, his face lit up with a different kind of intensity.

Tang Zhichu began to understand: a "good boy" had fallen for a career-driven woman, and his rebellious spirit was awakening.

Tang Zhichu whispered, "Add me on WeChat. We'll talk."

"Great!"

Xu Lai was indeed a "good boy" at heart. After adding Tang Zhichu, he felt as if he had just committed a mischief and quickly returned to walk beside his father. It seemed the girl Xu Lai liked might not be someone his father would approve of.

On the 22nd, the day of the stage recording, the tension was palpable. Behind the scenes, Sieger and Yun Miao whispered to each other, casting mysterious glances at Qiu Zhen. Qiu Zhen felt the weight of those eyes and sat on pins and needles. This was his second encounter with Tang Zhichu; if he lost again, he would truly become nothing more than a stepping stone. The only consolation was that He Shuyuan had also lost once.

Old Xu and Young Xu sat in the sponsors' seats. Perhaps to avoid suspicion, Young Xu hadn't spoken to Tang Zhichu before the performance.

Seeing the sponsors seated, Tang Zhichu took Yun Miao to the back of the stage to prepare. This time, he had truly enlisted her help. Tang Zhichu didn't play any games; he chose to go first to finish early.

On the screen, the host showed the audience a one-minute trailer for the film, *Night Rain in the Jianghu*. It was a short series of twenty-two episodes. The story wasn't particularly novel: the imperial court, seeking to consolidate power, backed a faction to host a martial arts tournament, using a sense of righteousness to incite conflict between martial artists and a foreign nation to justify a war. The protagonist, a true hero, initially tried to stop the tournament, thinking it was just a typical power struggle, only to discover the court’s manipulation. He thought he could expose the conspiracy, but the court turned the plot into an open strategy, bribing various sects and even becoming the arbiters of the tournament. In the end, the hero was ostracized by both sides and, disillusioned, retreated into the mountains to leave the world of martial arts behind.

Even during the trailer, the audience sensed something was different. The stage was massive, and a constant stream of performers appeared. A symphony orchestra, a choir, and the Original Music Alliance created the grandest scene ever seen on the show. Even Xu Huaijin and Xu Lai were stunned. Could such a spectacle really be put together in a week?

Two spotlights hit the stage: one on Tang Zhichu, tall and upright in a formal suit; the other on Yun Miao, dressed in a flowing white gown with traditional hair accessories cascading like a waterfall.

Tang Zhichu and Yun Miao exchanged a look and nodded to the orchestra. There was no prelude; the subtitles appeared directly on the big screen: *Laughing in the Wind (Xiao Ao Jiang Hu)*. Composer: Tang Zhichu. Lyricist: Tang Zhichu.

Yun Miao closed her eyes, pushing her vocal skills to the limit. A piercing, soul-stirring "Yi-ya" opened the performance. The drums from the orchestra crashed in like a sudden downpour. The choir lowered their voices, creating a deep, powerful resonance.

*A sword drifting,*
*A lifetime of laughter.*
*The floating world surges,*
*Human emotions drift like mist.*

The audience was practically dumbstruck. Yun Miao’s opening note had made their scalps tingle. The choir’s subsequent low-frequency harmony added a new atmosphere, balancing hardness with softness. Xu Huaijin tilted his head involuntarily; he looked at the credits again. Could a young man really create something like this?

Music was vital for martial arts films; a classic melody could instantly transport you into that world. After the choral section, Tang Zhichu’s soaring voice rang out:

*Passing down a song that outlasts the heavens,*
*Sharing a life where the waters are deep and the mountains high.*
*Righteousness will not fall,*
*As heroes gather under the alliance.*
*Winning without a strike.*

Tang Zhichu’s signature rich, high-pitched voice, backed by the choir, was breathtaking. Behind the scenes, everyone wore a look that said, "It had to be you." Some remembered his previous song, *Bloody Love Story*, which was dark and eerie, but this piece, *Laughing in the Wind*, showed off Tang Zhichu's mastery of arrangement—rich, passionate, and inherently cinematic.

The choir’s deep, booming sound swelled and then came to an abrupt stop. Soft flute and zither melodies emerged, and Yun Miao’s voice returned:

*Heroes share their hearts,*
*But the children of the Jianghu grow fewer each day.*
*The heart remains,*
*But the people are gone,*
*Looking back at a world,*
*Tossed in the wind and rain.*

The blend of heroism and tenderness, bridged perfectly by the choir, concluded with Tang Zhichu’s high notes. As the music ended, applause roared through the venue. The audience was ecstatic, shouting and discussing it excitedly.

"Damn! This feels even better than rock!"
"This is ridiculous! How can a music show produce a masterpiece like this?"
"My mind is still filled with that 'Yi-ya'! Too bad it was only at the start!"
"Same here! And the choir—it really has that lingering effect!"
"Don't say a word, it’s top-tier. I’ve already matched the song to the trailer in my head!"