Chapter 25: The Producer's Identity Revealed

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A recent post on the Music Joy Forum, a well-known domestic forum for music enthusiasts, has suddenly gone viral.

Titled "Exploring the Mysterious Songwriter—Chi Tian," the post reads:

"I wonder if anyone has noticed this person. He hasn't missed a beat since his debut; every song he writes is excellent in both lyrics and composition, and they are widely circulated. Ever since I first heard 'The One Sitting Next to Me,' I specifically looked up the songwriter because I loved the song so much. However, Chi Tian was a newcomer at the time and had no prior work. I have been following him ever since. Below is a compilation of all the songs written by Chi Tian."

"2003: 'The One Sitting Next to Me' — Performed by: Jiang Yongxin, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2003: 'The Most Important Decision' — Performed by: Ding Zizhen, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2003: 'My Future Is Not a Dream' — Performed by: Mao Fenghua, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2004: 'The Brightest Star in the Night Sky' — Performed by: Black Rock Band, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2005: 'By Lake Baikal' — Performed by: Li Xing, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2006: 'Believe in Yourself' — Performed by: Qi Hao, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2006: 'Wishing You a Smooth Journey' — Performed by: Qi Hao, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2006: 'The Chasing Dreamer's Heart' — Performed by: Black Rock Band, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2006: 'Because of Love' — Performed by: Ding Zizhen, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2006: 'Legend' — Performed by: Yu Ruonan, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2007: 'As the Winter Night Warms' and 'Courage' — Performed by: Yan Xunzhen, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."
"2009: 'I Cannot Forget You,' 'Love Letter,' 'Slowly,' 'Kiss Goodbye,' 'You Are the Most Precious,' 'Heart Aches Like a Knife' — Performed by: Su Ning, Lyrics: Chi Tian, Composition: Chi Tian."

"From 2003 to the present, I have collected 18 songs written by Chi Tian. Every single one has been a massive hit. The newcomers at Red Rock Records have all shot to fame because of these songs. Notably, the new album of the current superstar Su Ning was also produced by Chi Tian. As everyone knows, every famous creator has their slumps and cannot guarantee that every piece is a masterpiece. Over these six years, although Chi Tian has not written a huge volume of work, every single one is a gem. Based on the album sales at Red Rock Records, I estimate that Chi Tian has brought hundreds of millions in profit to the label over these six years."

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Post #2: I really hadn't noticed such a songwriter. I never expected these familiar songs were all written by the same person.
Post #3: Chi Tian is a true master! No explanation needed!
Post #4: This is terrifying. How can such a person exist! He must have at least one-tenth of my own prowess.
Post #5: The guy above is a braggart, no explanation needed!
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Post #10: Counting them up, it seems Chi Tian has only ever collaborated with Red Rock Records and never with any other company. I remember someone on the forum works at Red Rock; why not come out and share some inside info?
Post #15: Post #10 must be referring to "Flying Against the Wind." I'll tag him for you: @FlyingAgainstTheWind.
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Post #85: I work at Red Rock and I’ve seen Master Chi Tian. His identity is unimaginable. However, due to confidentiality agreements, I cannot reveal it. I can only tell you it exceeds everyone’s imagination. Going back to lurking now.
Post #95: An insider has appeared! We want the scoop! @FlyingAgainstTheWind
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Post #132: Let me post a picture. I am a waiter at a star-rated hotel. Once, I saw Su Ning dining with a middle-aged man and a young man. I secretly took a photo. I don't know if it's related, but Su Ning was in Shanghai for an event that morning and somehow ended up in Yanjing by the afternoon.
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Post #140: The middle-aged man in the photo looks like Ni Liang, the CEO of Red Rock. It's said that Chi Tian was discovered by him personally. He is a big shot, but that young man next to him looks familiar.
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Post #150: Damn, isn't that young man Lu Xinghe? The famous author "Tomorrow" himself! The middle-aged man mentioned above is Ni Liang. Looking at the friendly expression on Ni Liang's face, they seem to have known each other for a long time. Could Chi Tian actually be Lu Xinghe?
Post #151: Now that you mention it, it’s quite possible. Didn't "Flying Against the Wind" say Chi Tian's identity was unimaginable? If the famous author "Tomorrow" is Chi Tian, this would be explosive news. It’s hard to imagine; people in completely different fields rarely cross paths.
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Post #200: I’m a freshman at the Communication University of China and on the same campus as Lu Xinghe. The original song he sang at the school’s orientation party, "The Rest of My Life," was super good. It doesn't seem impossible that they are the same person. Here is the video link:
Post #201: I listened to the video posted above. Damn, could these two really be the same person? It’s confirmed!
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Ouyang is a reporter and a veteran music enthusiast. After reading this thread, he carefully reviewed the subsequent leaks and keenly realized this could be a major story. He reported to his editor-in-chief, requesting permission to track Lu Xinghe. The editor’s first reaction was that it was impossible, but he allowed Ouyang to try, thinking there was nothing to lose.

The next day, Ouyang deduced that Lu Xinghe was on break and rushed to Harbin to tail Li Jie. Li Jie didn’t realize he was being followed. Ouyang was initially frustrated, as Li Jie either stayed home or went out with a young woman. They looked like a devoted couple, and there was nothing suspicious. Just as Ouyang was about to give up, he accidentally overheard Li Jie telling the young woman they were going to Red Rock. Ouyang was instantly electrified, sensing a massive scoop, and trembled with excitement.

Ouyang kept a close watch on Li Jie’s itinerary. A week later, when Li Jie finally set off, Ouyang quickly booked a flight to follow. When he saw Li Jie enter Red Rock Records, Ouyang was frantic because he couldn't get in. Upon seeing the CEO, Ni Liang, personally escorting Li Jie out, he snapped a photo and immediately reported to his editor. Seeing the evidence, the editor approved a budget for Ouyang to bribe an internal staff member. The next day, Ouyang learned from a logistics employee that Chi Tian had visited the company, though the employee did not know his specific identity.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang reported back to his editor, who was overjoyed. An explosive story was about to break. Ouyang rushed back to the newspaper office with the photos. The following day, he penned a headline that shook the music industry:

"Famous Music Creator Chi Tian Is Actually the Famous Author Lu Xinghe"

The report mentioned that while tracking the famous author "Tomorrow," the reporter discovered he had visited Red Rock Records. Through various channels, it was learned that the renowned music creator Chi Tian had visited the same office on that very day. During the reporter's stakeout, no other strangers were seen entering the premises. Furthermore, fans could find traces of Chi Tian's style in the original song "The Rest of My Life" that Lu Xinghe performed during his freshman year, proving they were the same person.

The report caused an uproar. Ni Liang immediately called Li Jie to inform him that his identity had been exposed. While many parties reached out to verify the news, they also wanted to invite Li Jie to produce albums for them. Realizing the situation had escalated, Li Jie felt there was no point in hiding any longer. He told Ni Liang he could reveal his identity, but asked him to decline all production requests.

After the news broke, Li Jie experienced the same treatment he had when his identity as an author was first revealed. Countless reporters gathered at his doorstep, forcing him to go into hiding to regain some peace.

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