Chapter 118: Release of "Big Fish" Animated Music Video

The next day.

At the headquarters of Pine Stone Records.

Fang Xing led Lu Ming into the recording studio to begin recording the song "Big Fish."

"Big Fish" is a song with lyrics by Yin Yue, composed by Qian Lei, and performed by Zhou Shen. It serves as the theme song for the animated film "Big Fish & Begonia" and won the Top Ten Golden Songs award at the 2016 Asian New Song Chart Annual Ceremony.

This piece has become something of a signature for Zhou Shen, widely sung and cherished. Vocally, it poses considerable challenges for male singers. The highest note in the lyrics reaches D♭5, and the vocalizations soar to F5. In some live versions, Zhou Shen even hits A5 during the vocal runs.

Lu Ming had received the sheet music the previous night and was so excited that he couldn’t sleep. He hummed through it in bed, then got up to practice in the bathroom with the door and windows closed. He finally went to sleep in the early morning hours and took a taxi over, feeling quite energetic.

Having rehearsed numerous times the night before, Lu Ming was able to sight-read the piece smoothly on his first try. The remainder of the session involved fine-tuning details, ensuring pitch accuracy, and then focusing on conveying emotion.

The chorus demands rich emotional expression, especially the line about the big fish soaring into the sky, where the singer must capture the bittersweet feeling of wanting to hold on but unable to.

The previous evening, when Fang Xing messaged Lu Ming to come record, he also sent a WeChat message to Guo Keda, inviting him to drop by Pine Stone Records when possible.

Guo Keda arrived only after half of "Big Fish" had been recorded.

"I had a morning appointment, but as soon as work ended, I flew over. How’s it going?" Guo Keda entered the studio and saw Lu Ming still recording.

"Almost done. Let’s wait for Lu Ming to finish, then we can chat back at the office," Fang Xing said, continuing to tweak the recording equipment.

Guo Keda put on one earphone and listened to Lu Ming’s voice, his eyes widening. "Brother Fang, this song’s going to be a hit. Wow, that kid Lu Ming’s voice is so enviable—it really makes you jealous."

Within their small quartet, Guo Keda was the weakest vocalist. He had recognized this early on and knew his vocal talent couldn’t compare to Lu Ming or Shao Yu.

Actually, while he loved music and instruments, his passion didn’t compel him to strive for perfection. He also enjoyed barbecued skewers and draft beer, and didn’t feel the need to abandon other interests for music.

Thus, he had a clear self-definition as a music enthusiast. With his limited vocal talent, he never pressured himself to have a hit song.

This relaxed attitude left him unburdened by musical ambition, and being quite sociable, he preferred hanging out with friends over spending hours in the studio.

So when he joked about being jealous and envious, his tone was lighthearted.

...

Once Lu Ming finished the demo, the three of them returned to Fang Xing’s office.

Fang Xing laid out the latest plans: "I’m setting up a studio. Recording this song for Lu Ming will be the studio’s first project, and it will be released alongside an animated short film.

"Lu Ming, I’m planning for you to sing this song officially. What you recorded today is just a demo to share with our partners.

"You should keep practicing; the official recording might happen in a few days."

Lu Ming nodded eagerly. "No problem. I love this song so much."

Since calling his grandfather and learning that his family supported him, even with his choice to sing in falsetto as a countertenor, Lu Ming felt a weight lifted from his heart.

Fang Xing then looked at Guo Keda: "I’m opening the studio and will need help. Want to come on board?"

Guo Keda raised an eyebrow. "Of course! From now on, I’m rolling with Brother Fang."

Fang Xing elaborated: "I want you to be the studio’s manager. If you want to continue, you could even lead the management team.

"As for songs, you’ll get one or two opportunities in the future."

Guo Keda playfully punched Fang Xing’s shoulder: "I know my limits. I can handle managing a team. Anyway, I’m sticking with you."

"Then it’s settled. Sister Qiao will come by soon to get you signed. Find a time to start. The studio should be registered in a few days."

At noon, Qiao Yinghong arrived to arrange Guo Keda’s onboarding. He was now officially an employee of Pine Stone Records, assigned to Fang Xing’s studio.

Qiao Yinghong had discussed with Li Caiwei and decided to assist Fang Xing in launching the studio.

Li Caiwei fully supported Qiao Yinghong managing Fang Xing’s studio. She also had her own motives: when the studio sought singers for new songs, those close at hand would naturally have the first opportunities.

...

The following day.

The sound engineer had finished mixing the demo for "Big Fish," which Fang Xing promptly sent to Liang Jing for feedback.

Liang Jing was deeply moved after listening.

He had been tirelessly working on the animation "North Sea Has Fish," which expressed the very emotions captured in "Big Fish."

He was so engrossed in the animation that it felt part of his being; even his dreams were filled with its imagery.

This song seemed to have woven itself into his dreams.

"Teacher Fang, this song is amazing. Can it really be used as the theme for the animation?" Liang Jing asked, breathless with excitement but cautious, fearing Fang Xing might change his mind.

Fang Xing explained the collaboration terms clearly: "I won’t charge you for the song. Instead, I’m valuing it at two million yuan and taking equity in your animation film. I’ll also invest additional funds as your production progresses. If you agree, come to Pine Stone Records tomorrow to sign the contract."

"Absolutely," Liang Jing agreed without hesitation.

In fact, he had only raised 1.5 million yuan so far, just enough for salaries for his six-person team.

To complete the animated film, 1.5 million was clearly insufficient.

His original plan had been to wait until the theme song gained popularity before seeking more funding.

Now, Fang Xing’s offer to take equity in exchange for the song would ease his financial burden.

After all, he couldn’t have afforded to purchase the song outright.

...

Around noon, Liang Yusong called Fang Xing to his office to discuss "Big Fish."

Having heard the demo, Liang Yusong sensed the song’s potential to become a hit.

Fang Xing arrived and accepted a cup of tea.

Liang Yusong got straight to the point: "I’ve listened to ‘Big Fish.’ It’s very good. I heard you’ve decided to make it the theme for an animated film?"

"Yes, that’s the plan," Fang Xing confirmed.

"I’ve looked into this project called ‘North Sea Has Fish.’ Honestly, it’s not a high-quality project," Liang Yusong said carefully, choosing his words to avoid outright disparagement.

Indeed, the project was still in crowdfunding with a bleak outlook.

Its proposal would likely be tossed into the trash by any film company’s investment department.

"I know it’s not promising now," Fang Xing acknowledged, pausing before continuing, "but I think Liang Jing is a good guy. I’ve seen his animated shorts.

"If I don’t invest in his film, I’d at least consider buying the shorts to make the MV for ‘Big Fish.’ Given that, it’s better to invest and join the core creative team to oversee the project directly."

Liang Yusong understood and asked: "So the song will be valued as equity..."

Since "Big Fish" was produced and distributed by Pine Stone Records, this equity arrangement required company approval.

Fang Xing nodded: "The song’s valuation as equity is my personal investment. So I’ll compensate the company for the discounted part."

According to his producer contract, Fang Xing’s share is 50%, so of the two million yuan valuation, one million is due to Pine Stone Records.

The company uses its distribution channels and promotional efforts for the song’s release.

Even if Liang Yusong released the song, the revenue split would be similar.

Therefore, Fang Xing planned to cover one million yuan from his own earnings to the company.

Liang Yusong waved his hand: "It depends on what you want. If you think the company should share the risk, that one million can be considered the company’s investment."

Fang Xing replied, "The two million is my personal investment. If the company wants in, that would be a separate investment. I estimate this animated film will require 30 to 50 million yuan total. If the company wants to invest, it can consider that."

Liang Yusong smiled affably: "Such a big investment isn’t my call; I’d have to consult with other shareholders. Besides, our company isn’t a film company—we’ve never invested in movies before."

Film companies have dedicated investment departments that thoroughly evaluate projects.

Pine Stone Records is a record company and has no such film investment division, so it has never made this kind of investment.

...

Early the next morning.

Liang Jing arrived at Pine Stone Records and waited until Qiao Yinghong came with the contract.

The contract was prepared by the company’s legal department, and a legal advisor accompanied Qiao Yinghong to explain the terms to Liang Jing.

Stunned by the song "Big Fish," Liang Jing saw a clear path to fund his film.

He only wanted to make the animation now, with no other concerns.

He quickly reviewed the contract and signed it.

In the afternoon.

Fang Xing called Lu Ming over to sign the official singing contract for "Big Fish" and begin recording the final version.

After completion, the final recording was combined with the "North Sea Has Fish" animated short to create the music video.

Once finished, Pine Stone Records officially released the song.

The animated short was released simultaneously on major video platforms, with the company purchasing prominent homepage promotions.

Overnight, "Big Fish" dominated all major online platforms.

Fang Xing’s Weibo account posted updates about "Big Fish."

Within three hours of release, the song climbed to number one on trending searches.

The "North Sea Has Fish" animation also flooded the screens across platforms.

On Penguin Video, the "Big Fish" MV reached over ten million views in just three hours.

Countless playful comments flooded the screen:

[High energy alert!]

[High energy alert! Put on your headphones and enter the brainwashing loop.]

[Here it comes, Fang Xing and Lu Ming strike again.]

[This song paired with this animation is just perfect.]

[Suddenly I want to watch the movie—when does it come out?]

[This poor project is still fundraising; probably won’t see the light of day for three to five years.]

[Lu Ming’s fifth group of high notes is still so beautiful.]

...

That evening.

Ni Hongdan, after dinner, pushed her daughter Kiki’s stroller for a walk in the green park beside their neighborhood.

Her phone suddenly buzzed nonstop.

She checked it and found numerous mentions in her fan group.

[Kiki’s mom, check Weibo! Fang Xing released another song, it’s insanely good! Hurry and ride this wave to buy milk powder for Kiki.]

[Is Kiki’s mom the kind to ride trends? We’re here to support Fang Xing seriously.]

[Exactly, seriously supporting Fang Xing while earning milk powder money for Kiki.]

Ni Hongdan opened Weibo and saw the "Big Fish" animation MV had already surged to number one on trending searches.

She sent a shocked sticker in the group chat:

[I just went out to stroll the kid, and this huge commotion happened, totally caught off guard.]

She crouched down and pinched her daughter’s cheeks. "Kiki, we have to go home. Mommy has to work."

Kiki pouted and kicked her legs, pointing at the park’s square. "Go play there, go play there..."

Ni Hongdan picked her up with one arm and grabbed the stroller with the other, turning to leave.

Back home, she quickly caught up on the latest developments and played the "Big Fish" animation MV.

...

As the song’s prelude played, the animation began: a human girl finds a fish and takes it home to care for.

When the verse started, Lu Ming’s ethereal, pure voice flowed through her headphones:

“Silent waves swallow the deepening night,
Rising past the edge of the sky’s far corner.
The big fish swims through the seams of dreams,
Gazing upon your sleeping outline...”

Ni Hongdan immediately knew the song’s quality was exceptional.

She also sensed a newfound resolve in Lu Ming’s voice, subtly different from his "Star of Tomorrow" days.

The song continued.

At the chorus:

“Afraid you’ll fly far away, afraid you’ll leave me.
Afraid even more that you’ll forever stay here.
Every tear flows toward you,
Backwards into the sea beneath the sky...”

At this moment, the animation showed the girl watching the fish she raised grow large, then slowly take flight toward the heavens.

The big fish was depicted as a whale with enormous wing-like fins.

As it grew to a mountain-like size, it no longer belonged to the human world—unable to stay, yet deeply attached to the girl who raised it.

Seeing this, Ni Hongdan’s emotions stirred.

She glanced at her daughter and thought about how one day Kiki would grow up and fly toward a broader sky, carrying her mother’s love into the world.

She understood the bittersweet feeling of having to let go.

The song repeated the chorus:

“Watching you fly away, watching you leave me.
Turns out you were born to belong to the sky.
Every tear flows toward you,
Backwards to our very first meeting...”

Tears involuntarily streamed down Ni Hongdan’s face, touched deeply by the emotions in the song.

After a deep breath, she composed a music review and posted it.

At the end, she added:

“This song made me cry.
Thinking that one day Kiki will also fly, carrying my affection into a wider sky—I still can’t calm down.
Number one on the Hot Songs chart—looks like the top spot might change hands again.”

Her comment stirred a hornet’s nest, provoking a swarm of SPK fans to attack.

At that time, the music chart’s top spot was held by SPK’s new song "Sexy."

Three weeks earlier, "Painting Heart" had knocked "Sexy" off the top.

SPK’s fans rallied after "Painting Heart"’s hype faded, crowdfunded to push "Sexy" back to number one.

But "Sexy" barely held the spot two days before Fang Xing released "Big Fish."

"Big Fish" surged faster than "Painting Heart," debuting at number one on the new song chart and threatening "Sexy’s" position on the hot song chart.

Amid the wails of SPK fans, "Big Fish" forcefully reclaimed the top spot, pushing "Sexy" down.

Weibo was filled with SPK fans’ cries and playful netizens’ celebrations:

"SPK got knocked down again and again."

"SPK is really suffering, taken down twice in a row."

"I think SPK has stamina; maybe next month there’ll be a third chart battle."

"And then, Fang Xing’s third song?"

"Epic."

"Fang Xing: As long as I disagree, you won’t sit at number one."

"SPK: Fang Xing, be a human."

"What are you talking about? ‘Big Fish’ is sung by Lu Ming, okay? (joking)"

"Fang Xing: I don’t even have to show up; just pluck two leg hairs and I’ll take you down."

"SPK deserved it for provoking ‘Nocturne’ in the first place. Now look, they floated on top for a moment, then sank again."

However, the drama intensified.

After "Sexy" was dethroned by "Big Fish," Chaoyin Culture chose to stop pushing for chart rankings.

It was clearly not cost-effective to spend money to compete during "Big Fish’s" peak.

They planned to wait for the hype to die down before trying again.

As Chaoyin Culture and SPK’s fans gave up the fight, "Sexy’s" popularity plummeted, dropping to third place.

"Big Fish" took first, "Painting Heart" second.

Mischievous netizens and jesters rejoiced:

"Alright, here comes the most fun PK round: ‘Big Fish’ versus ‘Painting Heart.’"

"Oh no, SPK can’t even hold onto second place."

"SPK is really suffering."

"So tragic +1."

...