Chapter 56: Sweating Buckets

Similar scenes kept replaying at premiere theaters across the country, leaving cinema staff astonished.

Anyone who had seen enough movies knew that even before the soundtrack rolled, quite a few people would already start hurrying out as the film neared its end.

But this situation—where audiences not only watched the entire film but even stayed to finish the ending soundtrack—was practically unheard of.

This not only demonstrated Director Li Yibai’s exceptional filmmaking standards, but also highlighted the theme song’s exquisite production and heart-stirring power.

After leaving the theater, many viewers immediately went online to share their viewing experiences.

A considerable number specifically mentioned that the ending theme song had an incredible sense of immersion, elevating the film’s narrative to another level.

This tempted many who had been hesitating online, waiting to read reviews before deciding whether to watch the movie.

Quite a few people were skeptical.

After all, such a phenomenon was exceedingly rare.

Even if a super first-tier star personally performed the theme song, most people would still leave when the credits rolled—unless they were die-hard fans.

“If I just want to listen to the song, why wouldn’t I go home and stream it? Why stay here for this one time?”

On top of that, given the previous controversy, many were curious to see just what kind of theme song could push Lin Ziyu aside.

Some even bought tickets specifically to hear the song.

Moreover, the theme song perfectly interpreted and elevated the film’s core themes, leaving audiences with an excellent impression as they exited the cinema.

The film’s word-of-mouth exploded.

In the first few days after release, screenings across major theater chains were almost completely sold out, and there was no sign of momentum slowing down.

Some people even bought tickets for a second or third viewing just to relive the experience of hearing the theme song in the theater, pushing Back in Time’s box office far beyond the同期 data of Director Li Yibai’s previous works.

“These two little girls really have some skill. No wonder they managed to squeeze out Lin Ziyu.”

“Yeah. Their vocal technique might be a bit lacking compared to the seniors, but their emotional delivery is absolutely on point.”

“I think the lyrics deserve most of the credit. They’re brilliantly written.”

“Wait, is it possible Lin Xiyue wrote the lyrics herself? Look at the production credits.”

“No way—she actually did? Is this girl some kind of singer-songwriter prodigy?!”

While everyone showered the theme song with praise, they also discovered a startling fact—

Those seemingly heaven-sent lyrics had actually been written by Lin Xiyue herself.

In Country C, the mainstream model was still for professional producers to compose lyrics and music, with singers responsible only for delivering the performance.

It wasn’t that one role was more technical than the other.

But people who possessed both abilities simultaneously—and performed both at a high level—were exceedingly rare.

Artists who were both singer and songwriter often used this as their biggest selling point.

Yet Lin Xiyue had never once mentioned it.

The audience’s goodwill toward her soared once again.

This girl was clearly powerful, yet almost excessively humble.

***

Shangjiang City, Back in Time Film Crew

Li Yibai sat at his desk, staring at the skyrocketing data on his screen, his entire face blooming with smiles.

He hadn’t expected the synergy between his film and Lin Xiyue’s theme song to be this perfect.

The effect was far greater than one plus one equaling two.

He had always felt that his work lacked something at the very end—some final explosive touch to summarize it all.

Now he had found that finishing stroke.

It was Lin Xiyue and Xia Jinnian’s rendition of the theme song.

It was Lin Xiyue’s version of the lyrics.

“Old Bai, old Bai, you’ve done a tremendous service this time!”

Overwhelmed with excitement, Li Yibai immediately called his old friend.

After all, without the other party’s strong support during the vote, he wouldn’t have been able to push through Lin Xiyue’s proposal against opposition.

But the reply he received left him confused.

“Huh? What tremendous service? What theme song? What are you talking about?”

“You know—the vote last time to adopt Lin Xiyue’s theme song proposal, and you even personally funded the recomposition.”

“Huh? When did that happen? Old Li, have you been dazzled by the box office numbers? What are you talking about?”

“Huh? Check the chat records in the work group! How could you forget that?”

The two of them were both bewildered, unable to reconcile their accounts.

Finally, Bai Yu checked the timestamp in the group chat and searched his memory for what had happened that day.

“That brat!”

He suddenly realized something.

This was two hundred percent his daughter Bai Lulu’s doing.

She had borrowed his phone at the time, claiming she needed to look for some photos.

So she had actually used her old man’s money to chase her idol?

Once Li Yibai understood what had happened, he froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“You’ve raised a good daughter, Old Bai! I’m telling you, she’s rendered a great service this time. Don’t scold her—I, Uncle Li, will back her up! Hahahahaha—”

Zhao Entertainment

Where some rejoiced, others worried.

At this moment, both the boss of Zhao Entertainment and Lin Ziyu were seething with frustration.

The boss was furious that such a huge profit had slipped through Zhao Entertainment’s fingers.

Lin Ziyu was furious that she had lost to Lin Xiyue.

She had initially suspected that Li Yibai must have accepted a bribe.

In her worst suspicions, she had even wondered whether her “little sister” had traded something inappropriate in exchange for the theme song slot.

But after personally listening to the song and reading the lyrics, she finally understood where she had lost.

You could question Lin Ziyu’s character, but not her professional ability.

She immediately recognized the brilliance of the theme song.

The lyrics were clearly outstanding and fit the film far better than her own previous submission.

Although the other side’s vocal skill and fame were inferior to hers, it was enough for their works to stand on equal footing.

It was obvious that the director ultimately valued lyrical compatibility and was even willing to personally arrange for a new composition.

“So that little master was involved too. No wonder the director dared to make that choice.”

When she saw the name Shang Yingying in the credits, Lin Ziyu felt a trace of comfort.

It provided her with a reason for her defeat.

She hadn’t lost in a one-on-one duel to Lin Xiyue.

She had lost to the combination of Lin Xiyue plus Shang Yingying.

That restored a portion of her confidence.

***

Guangnan City, Bai Family Residence

Bai Lulu had been overjoyed these past few days.

Seeing Lin Xiyue become wildly popular made her even happier than earning money herself.

That day, Miss Bai returned home as usual, driving back cheerfully and pushing open the front door.

To her surprise, her father—who was usually not home—was sitting on the sofa, his expression somewhat subtle.

“Lulu, was Back in Time a good movie? Was the theme song nice?”

“Huh? That… um… I… Dad, you… I’m your dad—ah, no, no, I mean—!”

Someone instantly began sweating buckets, stumbling over her words…