Mark stares at you for ruining the mood.
The lyric you have devised with the help from the System is almost perfect. It is only lacking because of your songwriting skill.
However, when your lyric is being sung by a person with S-rank vocal and singing skill, it has reached the realm of unfathomable.
It is doubtful that there is anyone in this era could match it.
“Huh? Why do you need 50 bucks?”
Mark asks after getting over his dismay.
“To pay an angel for an hour of her time. She is not free, you know. And I only have 32 bucks left on me right now. I need that for dinner, or you would have me going hungry tonight?”
You answer with a sheepish smile.
Mark lets out a prolonged sigh. He reluctantly gives you the money, which you will give to Mr. Kearns and his wife later. They are standing at the back of the room, watching their young daughter through the glass window alongside with their other children.
It is unfortunate that none of their other children catches your eyes. You have checked their skillsets, and there is nothing that stand out.
“Ah, there is also half an hour left. Have her redo a few times, so you have something to choose from when we add background music.”
You suggest.
Mark continues to record several more version of the songs in the next half an hour, with you listening in and immersing yourself in the harmonic melody.
You feel that the latter versions of the song are much better since Christina becomes more and more adept at the rhythm. She also sings the song off by heart, as she memorized it fully.
Christina is very talented in music naturally.
When the recording finishes, you take off the headphone with a satisfied grin. Your lifeforce was well spent. You only boosted her skills for a little bit more than an hour, but that is enough.
Mark is also incredible satisfied. He has never heard such a beautiful song before, and he had heard so many already.
“Alright, you win. I will join your team and help you out with your movie, but I want double pay and I don’t want any dumbass executives telling me how to do my job.”
Mark accepts his defeat. He recalls what happened with Britney Spears as well. With just some words from you, she ascended into an angel with a lovely voice.
“I guarantee the double pay, but I don’t know about some dumbass. You know how it is in this kind of industry.”
Mark nods in understanding, since the music industry is the somewhat the same as the film industry.
Working as a grunt, one must deal with an evil overlord.
Mark puts that thought at the back of his mind.
“If this song is in store, I think it will top the billboard without any problem. It is one of the… no… the best song I have heard ever. Man, I didn’t know you are such a good songwriter. If you can produce several more like this, you will be famous.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“We will be famous.”
You correct.
“Look, I want you to be onboard with this 100 percent and take the helm when needed. I might write great songs and have good eyes for talented singers, but I am not a musician, not really. I don’t have any experience or qualification in this area.”
You tell your friend clearly and let him think on it.
You get off your seat and allow Christina out of the live recording room.
“Can I please continue singing this song? I really, really love it.”
Christina asks politely.
“Yes, you can.”
You give her a smile and nod. There is no harm in letting her sing it, but with her vocal and singing skill returning to normal level, she will not be able to replicate the recorded version, not without years and years of hard work.
A decade to be exact.
Getting to S-Rank from A-Rank doesn’t happen overnight, and that is just her vocal. Her singing needs a lot more work.
You know that she will realize that sooner or later, and she will come crawling back to you just to sing like just now. Give people a bit of fame, and they will crave it.
It is a little devious, some may say.
You let Christina returns to her parents.
“Thank you. Her voice is incredible. It has brought us to our tears. I believe that she will go very far in the music industry and perhaps the film industry. As for the contract, we will have it ready for you within a week time. Two weeks at the top.”
It is almost unheard of to have a child own a label, especially when that child is currently a nobody.
However, you are in the business of making stars.
You want to sign Christina up immediately, but you currently lack the funds or the means. It would be nice if you have your own recording studios.
You will have one eventually.
Mr. Kearns nods and accepts your compliment, but he didn’t fully understand why you are so hyped up. He has heard his step-daughter sings many times before, and he thinks that she is still far from being that good.
This is because only you and your friend heard Christina and being moved by her singing in the whole world – so far.
You will change that, but not right now.
Once Mr. Kearns and his wife and his children left the recording room, being 50 bucks richer, you help your friend choose the best version and add background music.
Just like before, you use your power to determine the best kind of musical instruments to accompany the singing.
It is only cheating if you get caught.
It takes about an hour to finish producing a demo tape.
[Congratulation. You have produced your first song.]
[You are one step towards becoming one of the greatest music producers ever lived!]
[A random reward has been awarded to you. The item is placed into your Inventory.]
You are surprised when you heard that.
“Huh? So, that happens. Damn, it is easier to get rewarded doing music than making movies.”
You notice your friend, staring at you for your random outburst.
“Ah, don’t mind me. I’m just talking to myself. So, what you do think of the song? It’s good right?”
Mark dismisses what just happened.
“It’s good? It’s good!?? Please take me as your student, sensei.”
Mark answer and nearly want to bow down to you. He feels that his years of studying at college was a waste of time. He should have joined you in studying film instead. Then, maybe, he would be as good as you.
“But seriously though, this is the best thing I have ever heard. We should find a publisher and let it out into the world!”
Mark is very excited.
You think about it for a moment and wish the internet is well developed. The whole music industry was turned on its head when musician takes their work to the internet. Sadly, it is not developed yet, and company like Yahoo and Google does not exist.
“When we have time.”
You think about how to get this song out there as quickly as possible. You are not worrying about the money. You are far more concern about how to maximize exposure. With your godlike ability, you can always create more hits.
“Now that you are onboard, I need to find an explosion expert since my film is an action film with a lot of explosions. Got anyone in mind? I was thinking of getting the twins, but I’m a little worry because of their antic.”
“You worry of their antic? I think they should be more worry about yours.”
“Hey! What is that supposed to mean?”
Mark waves his hand dismissively.
“If you don’t want to go to the twins, I think I know a person. His name is Michael and he loves blowing things up. He’s a bit of a pervert though…. so, I’m sure you will get along with him just fine.”
You narrow your eyes at your friend before shrugging. If you have the chance and the time, you will probably bang every hot babe you see.
“Michael huh? I hope it’s not Michael Bay.”
Mark blinks at your remark.
“Huh? You know him?”