The Cannon Fodder Alpha Who Made the Heroine Pregnant - Chapter 71

71:

Every member of Daisy’s recording team was a well-known figure in the industry. Zhou Lan had researched them before coming and knew that many singers couldn’t even secure such a team.

Daisy’s ability to assemble them for her album speaks volumes about her excellence.

A singer whose songs consistently hit the top three on global charts, backed by a powerful company and a massive fanbase.

Even a team of this caliber couldn’t refuse Daisy’s invitation.

Zhou Lan wondered if such a talented team might be arrogant. Talented people often were, unless your own talent earned their respect.

Her talent had been validated—otherwise, Daisy wouldn’t have bought her song or invited her to join the recording.

Arriving at the studio, Zhou Lan found only one person there, who nodded at her before returning to their work.

The studio was far larger than the one she’d used for her album, equipped with the best gear available.

In her previous life, such equipment was rare, seen only in the studios of top-tier singers or superstars. She’d had a similar setup in her own studio, acquired at great expense.

Surprisingly, the first person she met was Daisy’s manager, Nika.

Nika was a striking woman—flaming red lips, a low-cut red dress, and a black blazer. Radiant and captivating, it was surprising she became a manager instead of an artist, yet she had propelled Daisy to stardom, a testament to her capability.

Zhou Lan had met Daisy’s team via video calls, and Nika recognized her immediately.

“Hello, I’m Nika, Daisy’s manager.”

Wearing sky-high heels, Nika stood around 1.8 meters, her commanding presence exuding pressure.

Zhou Lan, keeping her gaze steady, greeted her formally. “Hello, I’m Ming Xiao Zhou.”

“Good to meet you, Ming. Daisy hasn’t arrived yet. I scheduled this time because I have something else to discuss. Shall we go to my office?”

No wonder no one else was here, their meeting times were different.

Zhou Lan wondered what Nika wanted to discuss.

Daisy’s management company had produced many famous singers and owned the entire building, housing both the studio and Nika’s office.

Following Nika, Zhou Lan noticed several people greeting her, then quietly resuming work.

“Please, sit.”

In Nika’s office, she gestured to the guest area. An assistant promptly brought two cups of coffee to the table.

Nika got straight to the point. “Ming, I looked into your background. You’ve only recently entered the public eye.”

In less than six months, she’d released a solo album, helped Get Lost Band reach first-tier status, and made CYC one of the hottest girl groups in the country.

Currently, only two girl groups dominated domestically, both from the same talent show.

Zhou Lan wasn’t fazed. Mutual background checks were normal in collaborations.

Nika continued, “Debut timing doesn’t reflect talent. Your songs are excellent. Once Daisy’s album drops, you’ll be a hot commodity in your country.”

“But your school is in Hollens. Staying here would be the best choice for your career.”

“Ming, I’d like to invite you to join Korte.”

So that was it—an invitation to join Korte, a major company. Her songs could be sung by international artists.

She could continue her studies, even stay on as a professor, becoming a globally renowned musician and mentoring countless talented students.

But…

She was a free musician, unwilling to be bound.

“Sorry, I’m just a musician.”

Nika smiled, unfazed by the rejection. “Of course, you’re an exceptional musician.”

“But Korte is a great choice for any musician worldwide.”

“Joining Korte would elevate your status. After the contract ends, you could return to your country. I think you understand what Korte represents.”

“As for freedom, you don’t need to worry. Korte would only have priority over your songs.”

In other words, Zhou Lan’s songs would first go to Korte. If Korte passed, she could sell them elsewhere.

Even if Korte gave her song to a tone-deaf singer, she’d have no say.

The benefits of joining Korte were clear, but so were the drawbacks. Most would choose the former, signing a ten-year contract.

At 27, she’d be 37 in ten years—still young. Korte paid market rates for songs, ensuring she wouldn’t lose a cent. After ten years, she’d be a respected figure in the industry.

It seemed like a good deal.

But beyond personal freedom, she had a partner and, soon, a child.

Collaboration was fine, but a binding contract was not. Thinking of Chu Zhao, a smile crept onto Zhou Lan’s face, puzzling Nika.

“Ming, you can think it over,” Nika said sincerely.

Zhou Lan shook her head. The name “Ming” felt awkward.

She declined firmly. “Sorry, I’m open to a good working relationship with Korte, but signing is off the table.”

Nika nodded. “Alright.”

“But I have good news. The company plans to buy two more of your songs. Someone will contact you about it.”

Besides the song for Daisy, Zhou Lan had submitted others, not expecting Korte to buy them too.

No wonder Nika wanted her to sign, there was a reason.

She acknowledged it without saying much, eager to finish work and return.

She had to be there to pick up Chu Zhao on her discharge day.

As for Korte, she’d be in Hollens for three or four days—plenty of time to discuss collaboration.

With business done, Nika said, “Let’s go. They’re here.”

Back at the studio, everyone had arrived, including Daisy.

Compared to Nika’s sultry allure, Daisy leaned toward a pure, innocent vibe, yet her tiny frame unleashed immense energy in high notes.

Zhou Lan noticed that when Nika and Daisy locked eyes, their gazes were far from innocent.

The recording went smoothly. Daisy’s skill ensured that once her emotions were on point, the song was completed quickly—finished on the first day.

That evening, the team went for dinner, exchanging contact info in a pleasant atmosphere.

Zhou Lan’s talent was undeniable, and the group hit it off.

At 9 p.m., Zhou Lan excused herself, found a quiet spot, and video-called Chu Zhao.

It was 9 a.m. in China, and Chu Zhao had just finished a checkup and was eating breakfast in her room.

Seeing each other’s faces, their longing was hard to express.

Newly in love, they wanted to be glued together every moment.

Though not overly clingy, they craved seeing each other constantly.

Their hearts overflowed with longing, but as shy new lovers, intimate words were hard to voice.

After some time, they’d likely be like other couples, freely kissing and hugging.

Chu Zhao wasn’t expressive, and Zhou Lan, despite her desires, was too inexperienced.

They chatted about their day. Chu Zhao’s hospital schedule was set, with free time spent working.

Zhou Lan described her hotel and work environment, then said, “I’m at a team dinner now.”

“Is the work done?”

“Almost. Tomorrow, I’ll discuss with the director team, and that’s it.”

“Director team?” Wasn’t she just helping with a song recording?

Zhou Lan explained her tasks, and Chu Zhao was speechless. “…”

“Your song got picked for Daisy’s new album? You’ve been at Korte all day?”

In the industry, everyone knew what Korte represented. Daisy was an international star, how could Chu Zhao not know?

She knew Zhou Lan was a musician and had gone abroad to help a senior with a recording, but she hadn’t expected that senior to be Daisy.

Musicians collaborating with Daisy were no small names. Was Zhou Lan that impressive?

Before Zhou Lan could respond, Nika approached, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Ming, everyone’s waiting for you.”

Zhou Lan stiffened, quickly stepping away from the touch.

Nika paused, apologizing. “I forgot Easterners are more reserved.”

“Our drummer’s been asking for you. If you don’t go back, she might come looking.”

Drummer? Zhou Lan pictured her—a stylish woman, likely an Omega.

She caught Nika’s meaning. She was inexperienced, not naive.

She immediately showed Chu Zhao on her phone, grinning. “My wife, checking in.”

Chu Zhao chuckled softly. Checking in?

She was playfully annoyed but pleased with Zhou Lan’s words. Truthfully, she’d been upset when Nika touched Zhou Lan’s shoulder.

But from Nika’s words, someone else was eyeing Zhou Lan.

Chu Zhao felt a twinge of displeasure, but with Zhou Lan’s excellence, being coveted was inevitable. Yet, this exceptional person was hers, and that was worth celebrating.

As she thought this, Nika suddenly said, “So you rejected Korte’s offer because you have a wife?”

Zhou Lan: “???”

Why bring that up? She saw Nika wink, mouthing, No need to thank me.

“…”

What? Was Nika trying to make Chu Zhao feel touched?

Whether Chu Zhao was touched, Zhou Lan didn’t know. After Nika left, Chu Zhao’s first words were, “You turned down Korte’s offer?”

Zhou Lan murmured, “Yeah.”

“For me?”

Zhou Lan shook her head, then nodded.

“What’s that mean?”

“There are a few reasons. The contract lacks freedom, my songs would belong to Korte first. Only if they pass can I sell them elsewhere.”

“Plus, being abroad would keep me far from you. Even with modern travel, I don’t want to be away too long.”

For the first time, Zhou Lan mustered the courage to say, “I’d miss you.”

Chu Zhao’s heart stirred, not for any other reason but simply because of those words: I’d miss you.

She touched her chest, thinking, I’d miss you too.