After that, Charlton faced Serena to smile apologetically. "I'm sorry for that Serena. I had to make sure first."

Serena shook her head as she smiled back, "It's alright. I understand.", Then she turned to face Edward, "Anyway, Edward, so what do you think of me joining you?" she asked.

"Honestly, I would love that. However, I am curious, so do pardon me for asking, but how do you plan on working with us?" Edward asked.

"I was thinking that aside from me singing the songs I make, I would like to write new lyrics for other people to sing. Then, Charlton can work on those songs." Serena suggested.

"That sounds very ideal, but don't you want to sing the songs that you write yourself? I mean, it's not easy writing one and coming up with a melody. Aside from that, I have to be frank. Charlton would need to work with other people. I actually already have a list of those who are in line to get their music produced."

Serena paused to think it through, indeed, if Charlton wants to make more connections in this industry, she would be getting in the way if she were to monopolize his time. Also, some people have their own songs they want to sing and not just be fed with whatever she wants them to sing.

"It's not difficult for me to come up with new lyrics and melodies. Though I do understand what you mean. The reason why I suggested that is because I truly want to ask other people to sing my songs. I mean, people who have better vocals than me. At the same time, I wish to be of some help to… well… Charlton." She finished as she blushed. Though Edward knows about their relationship, it was still embarrassing to say it out loud.

Edward smiled, ah young love. He was truly happy for them. "I have no doubts about your capabilities as I have seen them myself. So, I am positive that you can come up with great songs, but still, it would be a waste to hand them over to others. I am saying this with your best interest in mind, of course. Although it would be of some benefit for Charlton to use your songs to feed other nobles' greed for stardom, it's not absolutely necessary. Aside from that, it can also backfire. I'm sure you know what I mean."

Serena nodded her head. Indeed, if she wants to help Charlton, she cannot afford to be overshadowed by other nobles in this field. Her advantage lies with the songs that she 'writes', not her vocals.

"I understand your point. Thank you, I appreciate your input and honesty." Serena replied.

"you're most welcome. I do have a suggestion though. If you want other people with better vocals to sing it, you can scout for talents. You know, talents who will be grateful to you because you gave them a chance." Edward suggested.

"I also had that in mind, but I think I have to reassess that plan and leave it for later. I think I have to build up on myself first. Anyway… did I just get rejected?" Serena asked.

Edward chuckled. "Which idiot would reject signing you up? That will be the most blasphemous mistake anyone in this field would make. If you want to work with me, then it would be my honor. If you want to sign all your songs with me, then I would gladly accept them. You don't even need to line up and let me hear the song. It will always be automatically approved and go for mass production at the earliest time."

Serena laughed, "stop exaggerating. You have no need to come up with all those excuses to reject me.",

"I am not exaggerating nor am I making excuses. Come on, I am the one who will most benefit, for in fact, if you do sign up with me, I can already eliminate any future competition. But since I want to be working with you and Charlton for a long time, I am being honest and am refusing to take advantage."

"Alright, but to be honest, I need a binding contract for certain obvious reasons. I am not completely innocent about this signing up thing. So, how about this? You provide me a dummy contract valid for 3 years which stipulates that I must write new songs and go on music tours/ events on behalf of the company. In exchange, we can draw a real contract where you sign me up for 3 years and during that time, all the songs I make will be exclusively produced by your company. Sounds good?"

Edward smiled "If that's the case, then how could I say no to that?" Then he turned to look at Charlton to say, "you are one lucky man."

Charlton can only grin and respond with, "I know."

Edward shook his head still smiling. "Alright, I will have to ask the legal department to draft the contracts first. Anyway, since we're done with that, have you both thought over my request about recording the songs from last time? By the way Serena, a lot of people has been asking about 'against all odds.'."

"Well, initially, I wanted to ask people to audition for that song, but based on our conversation earlier, I think I have to sing it myself. Anyway, I have no problem with your request, but I guess my song would have to be your new producer's first project." She replied as she turned to smile at Charlton.

Edward laughed, "He is all yours for now. You have no idea how much time and effort our pro-bono project is taking. Then again, it is worth it. Anyway, how about yours, Charlton?"

"I apologize but I have to refuse. It's just a bit too personal to share. However, Serena came up with a new song and we can work with that." Charlton answered honestly.

"Oh… what a pity. I am quite sure that your song would hit off. I understand though. Anyway, what is this new song about? Wait, before that, I have to show you both something. Let's head to the new studio." Edward said as he stood up from his chair.

Serena and Charlton both stood up to follow him.

--

TBC