Chapter 482: Chapter 480: Composing in Seclusion

This was Jiang Qin’s first time visiting the Mechanical Clan’s territory since coming to this world, so she found everything quite novel along the way.

In truth, most of it was similar to the Central City of the Federation Main Star.

The difference was that it was far more mechanical.

Many Beastmen could also be seen on the streets, most of whom were tourists. Even more numerous, however, were members of the Mechanical Clan.

"Everyone, please follow me." The male from the Mechanical Clan in charge of hospitality led everyone onto a sightseeing bus.

Of course, this bus was also the levitating type, so they overlooked the entire city from mid-air.

After arriving at their hotel, Jiang Qin found the accommodations to be quite nice.

This time, the Mechanical Clan had invited not only composers but also many singers.

These singers would not be part of the rankings, nor would they receive any rewards; they were paid a guest invitation fee.

Although there wasn’t much to gain, some popular singers still came for the sole purpose of networking with the veteran composers.

If they could get one or two good songs out of it, they might have a classic that would last for decades.

Some singers who weren’t qualified for an invitation even pulled strings and paid bribes to be here.

...

After a good night’s sleep, the Mechanical Clan arranged a tour guide for every composer the next day.

The competition wouldn’t start for another three days, so for that time, someone would accompany them on a tour of the area.

Cang Hong had also come as an invited singer, but the singers weren’t assigned tour guides; only the composers were.

Right now, he was holding Zhaozhao and sticking close to Jiang Qin’s side.

Led by the tour guide, they visited many locations characteristic of the Mechanical Clan.

They even went to see a robot factory.

For three full days, they were hosted very well.

To be honest, Jiang Qin felt her impression of the Mechanical Clan was better than her initial impression of the Empire.

After all, she hadn’t forgotten how much the Imperial people used to look down on Federation people.

But they had toned it down quite a bit now, as the cooperation between them had grown increasingly close.

And for the sake of her works, even the network barrier between the two nations had been taken down.

So this time, when the composers from both sides met, no disputes broke out, even though they all ignored one another.

But Jiang Qin could tell that the veteran composers from both sides were merely being civil on the surface.

Lan Yuyan explained to her from the side, "The composers from both sides were contemporaries in their youth, so they were always opponents in the major competitions.

Every clash inevitably created some friction, and over time, it built up to the point where they couldn’t stand the sight of each other.

If it weren’t for this competition, they most likely would have never associated with each other again."

After all, they no longer had to represent their respective nations in composer competitions.

If things had gone as expected, they probably would have never seen each other again in their lifetimes.

They never expected to be called back by their countries even after they had already retired.

The two groups had fought for the better part of their lives, and each one looked down on the other more than the last. But they weren’t young upstarts anymore; every move they made would be closely watched by the public.

So they could no longer stand on the side of the road and hurl insults at each other for two hours like they used to.

Instead, they had to force smiles and maintain a veneer of decency.

"Haha, long time no see, Bruce! You seem to have aged quite a bit. I see you’re starting to get wrinkles on your face."

"Not at all. I just believe it’s better to age naturally, so I haven’t gone for any cosmetic treatments.

You, on the other hand... why do your facial muscles look a little stiff to me?

Take a word of advice from me: technology is great, but every medicine has its poison. It’s not good to use too many chemicals on your face."

Although the two sides couldn’t get into a full-blown shouting match, they could still trade a few passive-aggressive barbs.

So Jiang Qin, the only young person present, was forced to listen to them attack each other with insults about their age.

One side would call the other old, only for the other to say he wasn’t nearly as old as the first. One would call the other a lonely old man, and the other would sarcastically retort that being in a loveless marriage was no different.

In short, neither side would give an inch.

The composers from the Myriad Races watched the whole show, faint, amused smiles on their faces.

After all, they hadn’t seen such an entertaining scene in twenty or thirty years.

It wasn’t until the people from the Insect Race arrived that the composers from both sides fell silent. In unison, they tilted their heads up, looking askance at the group of individuals whose faces were as pale as ghosts.

One of the Federation composers couldn’t help but snort. "Things are getting stranger and stranger these days. Any kind of beast can walk on two legs now."

"Isn’t that the truth. Something wearing human skin isn’t necessarily human. It could just be some kind of bug, you know?"

The one who chimed in was a composer from the Empire’s side.

Jiang Qin saw it clearly. These were the same two who had been arguing the most fiercely just moments ago.

And now, they were the ones teaming up to ostracize the Insect Race.

Hearing the passive-aggressive remarks, the members of the Insect Race fixed their inhuman compound eyes on the two speakers, staring at them coldly.

"Do you two have a problem with us?"

"Heh, you misunderstand, sir. We were talking about those Alien Beasts in human skin. Please don’t assume we’re referring to you."

"That’s right. Those brutes are getting really out of hand lately. I don’t know where they learned it, but they’ve figured out how to disguise themselves in human form and sneak into the cities."

The members of the Insect Race didn’t say a word. After sweeping their gaze over everyone present, they walked straight past and left.

After that little episode, the sworn enemies who had been glaring at each other like fighting cocks finally quieted down. They curled their lips in disgust and went their separate ways, looking thoroughly displeased with one another.

Jiang Qin silently followed a short distance behind them.

***

Inside the competition venue, aside from a large stage in the center, the entire perimeter was lined with enclosed Capsule Cabins.

Inside each cabin was a bed, a wardrobe, a bathroom, and other daily necessities, as well as a small work area filled with everything needed for composition.

A staff member bowed to them and said with a smile, "Everyone, if there is anything you need for composing, please take it out now.

For the next fifteen days, you will be living in the Capsule Cabins. During this time, Light Computers and Space Buttons are not allowed to be used."

"What?? Live in a Capsule Cabin for fifteen days?? And we can’t use our Light Computers or Space Buttons??

How is this any different from house arrest??" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The staff member wasn’t annoyed by the accusation. "Sir, the relevant regulations were already written into the contract beforehand.

If you have any doubts, you can review your contract."

The contracts had been sent over by Federation officials. The composers had simply signed their names; many of them hadn’t read the fine print.

However, a few people had read it, so they remained silent.

Jiang Qin had also read it, and she only signed the contract because she found the terms acceptable.

"If there are no further questions, we ask for your cooperation."

Although they were displeased, they were already here, so everyone could only accept the situation.

In any case, it was just equivalent to fifteen days of isolated composing.

They would often go into seclusion when inspiration struck anyway, so they weren’t completely opposed to the idea. They were just a little disgruntled at not being informed beforehand.