Chapter 36

Chapter 36: This is War

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

“Shengsheng.” Mo Bing selected the demo recording that Liu Xu had posted on Weibo and asked Jiang Jiusheng, “What’s going on? Why does Zhang Nai have a demo of your new song?”

This was a song that Jiang Jiusheng had composed and written, and it had not officially been included in her collection yet. Mo Bing had also only heard it a few times.

It didn’t matter if it was just Zhang Nai job-hopping because TheNine’s ability to climb to the top in the rock music scene was not dependent solely on their lead guitarist. However, that rascal’s ungratefulness at this point had turned him against them so much that he’d sent the title song of the new album to Qin Group.

Then again, there was no way that Qin Group would sign a contract with a guitarist like him, who was nothing if he wasn’t accompanied by that song.

After listening to one recording, Jiang Jiusheng exited the application. “We composed this song together.” Back then, she had been too concerned with the prospect of a promotion and had failed to consider the possibility of Nai Zhang retaining a copy of the original tune. She snorted. “He didn’t even bother making any changes and instead copied my original tune. He really is a hopeless case.”

Perhaps this wasn’t entirely bad—it was better that they made a swift and clean break of their past friendship so that there was no longer the need to be nostalgic or long for past feelings.

After some contemplation, Mo Bing said, “I predict that Qin Group will release the song for Zhang Nai before your world tour. We’ll have to change your closing song.”

She had intended to sing the title song of her new album during her world tour. Jiang Jiusheng did not respond. She picked up a cigarette without lighting it.

Yuwen Chongfeng walked over and put the lighter on the table in his pocket. “We will delay the release of the digital album first,” he said, “and release it on the same day that the physical album is placed on the shelves. You should just focus on getting ready for your world tour. Choose a new title song from the other seven songs on your album. I’ll have the company’s creative team compose one more song for you to record by then.”

“No need.” Jiang Jiusheng rejected the idea without even thinking about it.

Yuwen Chongfeng crossed his arms and gazed at her calmly despite them being in the midst of chaos.

“I’ll write my own title song.” Jiang Jiusheng played around with the unlit cigarette in her fingers and added, “I want to change my style as well, so it’s a good time.”

“What style?” Yuwen Chongfeng was interested.

“Didn’t the internet say that I’m only capable of singing rock ‘n’ roll songs? I’ll sing a ballad for my title song.” She seemed to be playing the entire thing down while looking indolent and negligent.

Her words had given Mo Bing a huge shock. “Are you sure you’re not kidding?”

Jiang Jiusheng retorted, “Do I look like I’m kidding?”

Mo Bing thought, Yes! Why would a renowned rock ‘n’ roll singer suddenly start singing ballad songs without prior indication and overhaul her style so tremendously? Is she just messing around?

“I’m being serious,” Jiang Jiusheng said with a composed look. “That title song doesn’t suit Liu Xu at all. Her vocal range is too narrow, and she’s used to singing ballads. Moreover, I’m in the rock music scene. I don’t think she’ll try to court a rebuff. Since she’s going to combine ballads and rock ‘n’ roll eventually, I’ll just treat this as if I’m giving her a warm-up.”

After Jiang Jiusheng’s debut in the ballad scene, what space could there possibly be left for Liu Xu? This seemed like a war!

Heart Surgery Department, Shi Jin. The nameplate on the door was hanging upright. Jiang Jiusheng stared at those five words before she smiled, took a step forward, and lifted her hand to knock.

Shi Jin’s voice drifted to her ears from within the office. It was low and soothing. “The results are very optimistic. You don’t have to worry too much.” His tone was exceptionally calming and could easily put people at ease.

The woman sitting opposite him smiled warmly. “Thank you, Dr. Shi.”

Shi Jin lowered his head and scribbled something on the report. He signed his name and then looked up. “No need to thank me. A re-examination is scheduled for next month. Will you be able to make time?”

The woman smiled and replied, “Certainly.”

She had been born with good looks and had a very elegant aura to her. Her tailored female western wear made her look capable and experienced. Judging from her sense of propriety, it was evident that she was a woman who came from an influential family.

Shi Jin did not discuss this any further. He set down the pen in his hand. “Assistant Xiao, please escort this lady to get her prescription.”

There was an office desk placed temporarily beside the door, as sometimes, Xiao Yi would sometimes work there. He rose to get the prescription slip. The woman got up as well, but she did not turn around to leave.

“Dr. Shi,” she called out.

Shi Jin lifted his head. “Yes?”

The woman knew how far to retreat. She stood two meters away from him with the table between them and asked in an appropriate manner, “Care for a cup of coffee with me?”

“Caffeine can irritate the respiratory system and the central nervous system, causing one’s heart rate to increase, resulting in heart hypoxia.” Shi Jin spoke politely, but professional and sternly. There was no trace of emotion in his voice. “As your doctor, I do not recommend that you drink coffee.”

This rejection was very thorough. Xiao Yi respected and admired Dr. Shi a lot for declining the invitation in a manner that wouldn’t embarrass the lady.

The woman smiled lightly. “Got it, Doctor.”

Xiao Yi led her out. When the door opened, Jiang Jiusheng lifted her gaze to look at the woman standing beside him. She knew this woman. She was the business executor of the Tan Medical Group, and despite her young age, she was a strong career woman who often appeared in the financial news. Her gaze lingered very briefly before Jiang Jiusheng tilted her body to let them pass.

Xiao Yi made an inviting gesture for the woman to proceed. Then he turned around and said to Shi Jin, “Dr. Shi, Miss Jiang is here.”

“Please enter.” Shi Jin’s tone sounded light and happy.

Jiang Jiusheng gave Xiao Yi a slight nod before she pushed the door open and entered.

After the door was shut, the woman beside Xiao Yi asked, “Is she Dr. Shi’s patient?”

Xiao Yi shook his head and said, “She is a friend of Dr. Shi.”

The woman laughed wordlessly. After two more glances at the door, her eyebrows knitted slightly as she went into deep contemplation.

Here’s another person who’s trying to court Dr. Shi, Xiao Yi thought

Miss Tan was a reputable individual who came from a high-class family. Xiao Yi had heard of her—not because he was into tabloid news but because she was too influential. If the domestic pharmaceutical industry had 80 percent of the distribution in the southern region, then Tan Medical Group had at least a 60-percent stake.

Tianbei First Hospital was one of Tan Medical Group’s medical projects. Even Dr. Mu, the dean’s beloved daughter, had no choice but to exercise restraint with Dr. Shi, as the dean himself also had to bow to Miss Tan. Then again, there was no way Tan Medical Group would have been able to convince Dr. Shi to become head physician if they weren’t influential enough, and he had been in that position for two years now. Unfortunately, Miss Tan had been born with congenital heart disease.

It was close to 5:00 p.m. The consultations in the heart surgery department had ended. Shi Jin turned off the indicator light outside his office and poured Jiang Jiusheng a glass of warm water.

“Shengsheng, sit here.” He rose and pushed his chair towards Jiang Jiusheng. He then sprayed the other chair used by his patients with disinfectant and pushed it far away.