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Madam Jin had known Chen Fei'er for a long time, and they had even spoken on the phone yesterday, so it was perfectly normal for her to know about Lu Chen. Clearly, she was just playing a harmless little joke on him.
However, Lu Chen knew deep down that Chen Fei'er and Madam Jin couldn't be particularly close, or perhaps they hadn't been in contact for a long time. Otherwise, Chen Fei'er would have surely mentioned such a prominent figure to him.
Lu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you so much for saving me from embarrassment this time!"
Madam Jin shook her head, refusing to take credit. "The Xu Family girl bid first. I just snatched it from her. That girl's not to be trifled with, remember that."
Lu Chen didn't know what to say, as Shu Jing had already given him a similar veiled warning earlier.
He now fully understood that Xu Hui, the woman who claimed to be his fan, wasn't just an ordinary entertainer; she had a powerful background and connections.
Lu Chen wondered if he looked like the kind of person who would flirt with anyone he met.
"I forgot to introduce you earlier," Madam Jin said, thankfully dropping the subject and introducing the two young women beside her. "These are my goddaughters, Ji Xiaodie and Li Xinyan. Xiaodie is debuting next month."
Her eyes shone with affection, clearly fond of her goddaughters.
Both Ji Xiaodie and Li Xinyan were around 17 or 18, equally charming and adorable. Ji Xiaodie had a slightly slender face with long hair cascading over her shoulders, giving her a delicate, captivating air. Li Xinyan, on the other hand, had a round, apple-shaped face with short hair and dimples that appeared when she smiled.
"Hello, Brother Lu Chen!" the two girls greeted him in unison.
Madam Jin immediately corrected them: "You should call him Teacher Lu Chen or Teacher Lu!"
Li Xinyan stuck out her tongue and quickly said, "Hello, Teacher Lu."
Ji Xiaodie echoed her greeting.
The two girls were like a pair of flower sisters. Li Xinyan was noticeably more outgoing and energetic, while Ji Xiaodie was introverted and easily embarrassed.
Lu Chen smiled and replied, "Hello to both of you."
Turning to Madam Jin, he asked, "This song is for Xiaodie, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Madam Jin nodded, squeezing Ji Xiaodie's hand. "Xiaodie has such a gentle nature. I worry she might struggle with setbacks. But everyone must learn to grow up. Now that she's entered this industry, there's no turning back."
"I just hope her first steps go smoothly, and the same goes for Xinyan."
"We'll be relying on your guidance a lot, Teacher Lu Chen. Even a single word from you could benefit them immensely!"
Lu Chen demurred modestly, "You flatter me too much. I'm quite embarrassed."
Madam Jin said earnestly, "There's no need for modesty. As far as I know, among the younger generation in Chinese original music, no one can hold a candle to you. It's just that some frogs in the well haven't realized it yet."
She was undoubtedly mocking Liang Zhihao.
Lu Chen shook his head with a smile.
But Madam Jin wasn't about to let him off the hook. "Since we've run into you here, why don't you give Ji Xiaodie some advice?"
Madam Jin wasn't just being polite. Her understanding of Lu Chen ran far deeper than he imagined.
She was well aware of his musical achievements. Chen Fei'er's new album, which had already achieved "Crown" status, was the best proof. Moreover, Lu Chen had catapulted several vagabond singers and groups to fame, making him a household name in the domestic pop music scene.
However, his debut had been too recent, and he had never held a concert in Hong Kong, which explained why most people didn't know him.
Madam Jin, of course, intended to seize this true rising star and hold onto him tightly.
That's why she had been so fiercely competitive in the auction against Xu Hui, a junior in the industry.
Ji Xiaodie gazed at Lu Chen with hopeful eyes, clearly anxious about her upcoming debut.
This was a common issue for many newcomers, often leading to flawed or even failed first performances due to a lack of confidence.
After a moment's thought, Lu Chen asked, "Xiaodie, are you debuting solo?"
Madam Jin replied, "Yes, I plan to have her debut first, then arrange Xinyan's debut later."
Lu Chen smiled. "Why not have them debut together? Form a girl group duo?"
Ji Xiaodie was introverted and shy, while Li Xinyan was outgoing and confident. The two seemed to have a close bond, and forming a duo could solve many of their challenges.
"Huh?"
Madam Jin was visibly taken aback. She hadn't considered that option at all.
Li Xinyan, however, volunteered, "Teacher Lu, my vocal talent is only average. Godmother plans to focus my career on variety shows and acting. Xiaodie-jie sings much better than I do, I wouldn't want to hold her back."
Ji Xiaodie shook her head, remaining silent.
Yet it was clear she was intrigued by Lu Chen's suggestion. Having a close friend by her side would undoubtedly ease her worries.
Lu Chen said, "That's not really the issue. The key is that both of you have great images. You don't need profound singing skills or exceptional talent; you can easily follow the youth idol route."
Madam Jin hesitated for only a moment before decisively declaring, "Then it's settled! You two will debut as a duo. I'll have the company rework all the promotional materials and marketing strategies!"
Her boldness was remarkable. A single remark from Lu Chen had overturned all prior preparations, which was indeed a costly decision.
Having made up her mind, Madam Jin seemed to have lifted a heavy weight from her heart. Smiling, she asked Lu Chen, "Since you came up with the idea, why don't you name the duo yourself?"
Naming a group is a significant responsibility. Madam Jin entrusting Lu Chen with this honor demonstrated both her recognition of his expertise and her respect for his judgment.
After a moment's thought, Lu Chen suggested, "Let's call them 'Twins'!"
"Twins?" Ji Xiaodie asked, surprised. "Is that the English word for twins?"
Lu Chen nodded. "Exactly. Do you like it?"
"Twins..." Ji Xiaodie murmured the name softly, a peculiar light flickering in her eyes.
She glanced at Li Xinyan, who nodded vigorously with a bright smile. Li Xinyan clearly loved the name.
Madam Jin looked at her two goddaughters and chuckled softly. "This name suits you both perfectly."
Ji Xiaodie and Li Xinyan had been complete strangers before joining Madam Jin's company as trainees. They quickly became inseparable friends, sticking together like shadows.
Originally, after graduating and debuting, the two girls were supposed to pursue separate paths, making their future uncertain.
Fate works in mysterious ways. Now, thanks to Lu Chen's intervention, they can continue their friendship and advance hand-in-hand on their career paths. Perhaps this was destined to be!
Madam Jin finally said to Lu Chen, "Then I entrust the Twins' debut work to you."
Lu Chen smiled. "No problem at all."
Madam Jin had donated a million yuan. In return, he had already conceived the Twins' debut project.
In short, it definitely wouldn't disappoint.
"Within three days, I'll have the sheet music delivered."
Meanwhile, the charity auction event was drawing to a close.
(End of Chapter)