Returning to his rented apartment from Starship, Liang Yun felt as if his soul had been drained, collapsing onto his bed and remaining motionless for a long time.
As an introverted homebody, interacting with so many people in one day was incredibly energy-consuming.
He felt as exhausted as if he had finally defeated a minor boss in Dark Souls after immense struggle.
“How was it? Did you see a live idol? Weren’t they so handsome you couldn’t keep your legs together?” Fang Zi approached, holding a bowl of instant noodles, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Screw you,’so handsome you couldn’t keep my legs together,’ I’m not some little girl,” Liang Yunretorted irritably, then rolled over and said weakly, “It’s not that I couldn’t keep my legs together, but it did feel different, huh. Is it a celebrity’s aura? Anyway, I definitely don’t think I could ever create that kind of feeling.”
Fang Zi chuckled, “Look at your lack of ambition!
Why couldn’t you create it?
Maybe you’ll be a superstar someday.” He slurped some noodles and continued, “But, being able to participate in the production of MONSTA X’s English album, and for the title track no less, your luck is really something!”
Liang Yun didn’t argue; he knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He got out of bed, sat down at his computer, and found that Director Kim Ji-yeonhad already sent the original demo of “WHO DO U LOVE?” to his email.
He put on his headphones and clicked the file.
A rhythmic melody immediately filled his ears.
The song had an excellent foundation: a catchy melody, strong rhythm, a distinct American pop flavor, and it aligned with MONSTA X’s usual style.
However, after listening a few times, Liang Yunfrowned slightly.
He felt that this song…
seemed to be missing something.
A professional critical sense arose within him, making him unconsciously begin to analyze every detail of the song.
“What’s wrong? Not satisfied?” Fang Zi leaned over to look, still chewing on his instant noodles.
“It’s not that I’m not satisfied, it’s that I think it could be better,” Liang Yun said, pointing at the audio tracks on the screen.
“The arrangement of this song is very mature, but it’s too’safe,’ lacking a bit of surprise. It’s like a model student who’s good at everything, but just a little boring.”
Fang Zi was stunned, “I don’t get it, but it sounds impressive. Do you art students all talk so pretentiously? So what do you want to do? Isn’t it better to play it safe with this kind of thing?”
Liang Yun didn’t answer; he was lost in thought.
He recalled the unique “wildness and deep emotion coexisting” aura and feeling of the MONSTA X members, and he felt that this song should be able to showcase that better.
Over the next few days, Liang Yun completely entered a state of “seclusion.” His rented apartment was piled high with instant noodle boxes and snack bags, and he exuded an aura of “do not disturb” decadence.
He repeatedly listened to the demo of “WHO DO U LOVE?,” constantly deconstructing and reassembling it in his mind.
“Hey, hey, hey, I say, you scoundrel, that’s enough already. It’s been three days, and you haven’t left that chair except to go to the bathroom. At least go out and get some sun, will you? You’re going to grow mold!” Fang Zi pleaded, pinching his nose.
“No, no, first go take a shower, even rats would be suffocated by you.”
Liang Yun, with two prominent dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, said hoarsely, “Alright, alright, stop bothering me, it’s almost done, almost.”
Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and a bold idea flashed through his mind.
He immediately sat up straight, his hands flying across the keyboard.
He intensified the song’s drum beats, making the rhythm more impactful; he added a distorted electric guitar solo to the chorus, increasing the song’s “wild” feel; and most ingeniously, in the song’s bridge, he boldly incorporated a short, melodious flute tune.
His fingers danced on the keyboard as if infused with a soul, and notes flowed from his fingertips, transforming an originally “safe” song into one full of personality and surprise.
That flute sound was like a wisp of clear breeze suddenly appearing in a storm, carrying a hint of Eastern mystery and deep emotion, perfectly interpreting the collision of “wildness and deep emotion” in MONSTA X.
Liang Yun named his revised version “Liang & X,” then listened to it several times, a satisfied smile on his face.
He believed this version would surely surprise MONSTA X.
He saved the modified demo file, then sent a message to Director Kim Ji-yeon, telling her he had some new ideas.
Director Kim Ji-yeon quickly replied, asking him to come to the company that afternoon.
It was then that Liang Yun realized he hadn’t showered in several days and had an indescribable odor about him.
He quickly rushed into the bathroom, scrubbed himself clean from head to toe, then put on a fresh set of clothes.
The moment he stepped out of the rented apartment and breathed in the fresh air, he felt like he had been reborn.
Fang Zi from the rented apartment yelled, “Liang Yun! You bastard, did you use up all my body wash? I just opened it!”
That afternoon, Liang Yun arrived at Starship on time.
The MONSTA X members and Director Kim Ji-yeon were already waiting for him in the meeting room.
“Producer Liang, I hear you have some new ideas?” Kim Ji-yeon said with a smile.
“Uh… yes,” Liang Yun was still a bit nervous, his hands trembling slightly as he plugged the USB drive into the computer.
“Um… I made some small modifications to the arrangement of ‘WHO DO U LOVE?’. Please, seniors, have a listen.”
The MONSTA X members all showed curious expressions.
They were already aware of Liang Yun’s talent and were eager to hear what changes he would bring to the song.
As the music began, the meeting room fell silent.
When the impactful drum beats and distorted electric guitar solo appeared, the members’ eyes lit up.
And when the melodious flute sound began, everyone showed shocked expressions.
Their faces were filled with disbelief, as if they had heard a brand new song, full of surprise and power.
When the song ended, the meeting room remained silent.
After a moment, Jooheon was the first to react, excitedly slapping the table and standing up.
“Dae-bak!
This is simply a stroke of genius!” He looked at Liang Yun, his eyes filled with admiration, “Producer Liang, how did you think of adding the flute sound here?
It’s absolutely brilliant!”
The other members also nodded, their faces showing excited expressions.
“This version is so much better than the original! It has more of our color!”
“Producer Liang, you’re truly a genius!”
Hearing their praise, a huge weight finally lifted from Liang Yun’s heart.
He smiled a little shyly, his cheeks slightly flushed.
“Um… as long as everyone likes it,” he exhaled deeply.
At least his first task was successfully completed; he hadn’t embarrassed himself.
Director Kim Ji-yeon also smiled with satisfaction, looking at Liang Yun with admiration in her eyes.
“Producer Liang, you’ve done a great job again this time!” she said assertively, “We’ll use this version! I believe this song will definitely become MONSTA X’s strongest weapon for entering the overseas market!”
Liang Yun looked at everyone’s excited faces, and he couldn’t help but feel a little happy himself.
He knew his efforts had not been in vain.
He could almost see MONSTA X shining brightly on stage, performing this new version of “WHO DO U LOVE?”.