The Cannon Fodder Alpha Who Made the Heroine Pregnant - Chapter 17

17:

Zhou Lan had spent the morning searching for reputable recording studios in the capital, only to find the best ones fully booked. Quality facilities were always in high demand.

Just as she was about to give up, she passed a music store—and froze.

In her past life, she had owned a dedicated music room filled with top-tier instruments. For serious composition, proper equipment was essential.

Something portable for creative work. Her gaze landed on a guitar.

Inside, one instrument immediately called to her. The price tag—28,600 yuan—gave her pause, but she’d already made nearly 100,000 yuan from selling unused electronics (most payments are still processing). The unopened luxury items had sold surprisingly fast at 5% discounts.

“May I try this one?” she asked without hesitation.

The owner, a strikingly fashionable woman in flowing silk garments that accentuated her figure, assessed Zhou Lan’s designer clothes with a practiced eye. Here was a customer who could afford it.

As Zhou Lan tuned the guitar by ear—the strings slightly off—then played a segment of Rebirth, the shopkeeper’s eyebrows rose.

“You’re trained?”

Zhou Lan nodded absently, already reaching for her wallet.

The owner slid a crystal business card across the counter. “Hua Qiao. Music producer.”

The simplicity of the introduction spoke volumes, only established professionals introduced themselves so casually.

“Stage name Ming Xiao Zhou,” Zhou Lan reciprocated through her mask.

The original Zhou Lan’s notoriety was confined to Jiangning’s wealthy circles, hardly front-page news.

Hua Qiao’s interest sharpened at the original melody. “Your composition? Unreleased?”

“Yes.”

“Planning to perform it yourself? Or sell?”

“This one stays with me.”

Hua Qiao nodded—another hopeful chasing fame. Except this one had actual talent. “Have you secured distribution?”

Zhou Lan stiffened slightly. Why was a stranger this invested? “I’m just here for the instrument.”

A knowing smile. “I’m Chu Yue Entertainment’s music director. That demo showed promise, and your stage presence is strong. Ever consider signing?”

Chu Yue?

Zhou Lan’s fingers twitched. Chu Zhao’s company. The coincidence was staggering.

The novel hadn’t mentioned Hua Qiao, perhaps a minor character she’d overlooked.

“I’m not seeking an artist contract,” she said carefully. “But I’d consider distribution through your company, with full rights retained. In exchange, I could provide an album’s worth of material annually, all at today’s standard.”

Hua Qiao’s eyes narrowed. The sudden shift after hearing “Chu Yue” was peculiar.

“Play Rebirth in full?”

Unlike with other firms, Zhou Lan agreed instantly.

As her voice wove through the acoustic arrangement, the song’s understated power emerged—a quiet anthem of resilience that lingered long after the last note.

“Why choose us?” Hua Qiao pressed afterward.

“We’re not industry leaders.”

Zhou Lan’s answer was deceptively simple: “I don’t know anyone at the big labels. You’re verified as Chu Yue’s director. Seems trustworthy.”

The logic was sound—countless talents faded without connections.

“Shall we discuss details?” Hua Qiao offered.

Zhou Lan didn’t hesitate. Helping Chu Zhao, even indirectly, was an opportunity knocking.