You can read ahead up to 60 chapters on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395
For any other vagabond singer, Chen Fei'er's request would have been incredibly difficult, bordering on making it impossible to save their pride, unless they had prepared something in advance.
Writing a song is deceptively easy; with basic techniques, anyone can cobble together something passable.
But writing a good song is exceedingly difficult. It requires not just a spark of inspiration, but years of accumulated knowledge, diligent practice, and a touch of luck. How could anyone conjure one on the spot?
Lu Chen, however, was different. His extraordinary talent and prolific output were legendary, even among those outside the entertainment industry. Masterpiece after masterpiece flowed effortlessly from his pen, earning him genuine admiration.
Even so, hearing a new song from him tonight, right here, and becoming one of its "first listeners" was a source of genuine joy and exhilaration for the fans in the audience.
Faced with Chen Fei'er's request and the fans' fervent anticipation, Lu Chen smiled wryly. "Do I even have a choice?"
Chen Fei'er shook her head firmly. "Absolutely not!"
Lu Chen surrendered. "Alright, then."
Chen Fei'er beamed with delight. "Wonderful!"
Their playful banter on stage had the audience chuckling with amusement.
Lu Chen took a deep breath. "Before I perform this new song, I'd like to say a few words."
The venue fell silent instantly, and even Chen Fei'er stepped aside to give Lu Chen the stage.
Lu Chen continued, "Hangzhou holds a very special place in my heart. I completed my university studies here and spent some of the most wonderful years of my life here. The people, the scenery, everything about this place is worth cherishing."
Many of the fans in the audience were locals or had studied, worked, or lived in Hangzhou. Lu Chen's affection and appreciation for the city filled them with immense pride.
"Actually, I consider myself half a Hangzhou native, which is why I'm holding the first fan meet-and-greet for my new album's promotional tour here. Although my current work and new home are in Capital City, when I grow old and can no longer sing, I'll choose to retire and spend my final years here!"
Unexpected applause erupted, a testament to the audience's deep connection with Lu Chen.
Lu Chen concluded, "This song is called 'Jiangnan'. I dedicate it to you all, and to the beautiful city of Hangzhou!"
Jiangnan!
When one thinks of Jiangnan, who doesn't think of Hangzhou? Who hasn't heard of West Lake?
This announcement only heightened the audience's anticipation for Lu Chen's new song.
Lu Chen began strumming his guitar, accompanying himself as he sang:
"...
The wind here lingers, clinging to the memories of passing travelers.
The rain weaves into threads, binding us to the fleeting beauty of this world.
Your presence by my side is fate, etched on the Three Lives Stone.
If love offers just one-ten-thousandth part sweetness,
I'd rather be buried on this very day!
Circles round and round, day after day, year after year,
I gaze deeply into your face..."
Angry tenderness,
A face of gentle reproach!
...
Jiangnan, unmatched in beauty, with its misty lakes and towering mountains, its green-tiled roofs and white-washed walls, its weeping willows draped low. In those youthful days, clad in thin spring robes, we rode horses, leaning against arched bridges, as cardamom-bud maidens glanced back with a smile, an endless romantic tale unfolded.
This song, "Jiangnan," captures the lingering dreams that haunt the hearts of countless talented scholars and beautiful women. Its melody is exquisitely moving, yet it strikes with the force of a towering peak. Each word and phrase effortlessly evokes longing for this idyllic land, nostalgia for its enduring beauty, and yearning for timeless love stories passed down through the ages.
Lu Chen's rendition of "Jiangnan" showcases his formidable vocal prowess and masterful technique, yet the emotion he pours into the song feels utterly genuine and deeply infectious.
Though a completely new composition, the song instantly transports listeners to that special atmosphere.
"...
We, who knew nothing of love's torment,
believed love was as fickle as wind and clouds.
We believed a single day of love could outlast eternity,
freezing time in that fleeting moment.
We, who knew not how to express tenderness,
still thought dying for love was merely an ancient legend.
How deep could separation's sorrow truly run? How intense could its anguish burn?
When dreams are buried in Jiangnan's misty rain,
Only a broken heart can understand!
...
At its core, "Jiangnan" is a love song, a timeless ode to love that transcends the ages.
Yet its melody and style set it apart from ordinary love songs. Though first-time listeners might not yet grasp this, they would inevitably learn a new musical term:
China Wind!
Not a single one of the hundreds of audience members spoke or lost focus. They were completely immersed in Lu Chen's voice, as if standing in Jiangnan's characteristic soft drizzle, watching a traditional ink painting slowly unfurl before their eyes.
In that moment, all that mattered was savoring the music.
Until Lu Chen finished singing.
"Thank you!"
He bowed, guitar in hand, as the entire audience rose to their feet, applauding thunderously.
They, too, were grateful, grateful to Lu Chen for gifting them a truly exceptional song, a masterpiece of music!
The applause continued for several minutes.
Lu Chen turned to Chen Fei'er and asked, "Do you like it?"
Chen Fei'er's eyes sparkled as she nodded emphatically, she genuinely loved the song.
And the person who sang it.
Lu Chen smiled. "If you like it, would you do me one more favor?"
Chen Fei'er asked curiously, "What is it?"
Lu Chen replied, "It's simple. Help me draw tonight's grand prize winner!"
The fans suddenly remembered that tonight's meet-and-greet included a prize drawing. The grand prize had already been announced: a brand-new China Motors Travel car worth over 100,000 yuan!
The mere thought of such a tempting prize sent waves of excitement through the crowd.
"Prize drawing!"
The crowd's enthusiasm was so overwhelming that Chen Fei'er couldn't refuse. A staff member brought the prepared prize drawing box onto the stage.
Every fan attending tonight's meet-and-greet had received an invitation card. Upon entry, a corner of each card was torn off, revealing a corresponding number, and the remaining portions were placed in the box for the drawing.
In addition to the grand prize, there were also first, second, and third prizes, with prizes including computers, smartphones, limited-edition albums, and more, primarily provided by China Motors.
Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er first drew the 20 third-prize winners, followed by the 10 second-prize winners.
The fans whose numbers were called out were both thrilled and disappointed. Winning was lucky, but it also meant they had no chance at the grand prize.
The car grand prize was the last to be drawn, and the winner was a teenage girl.
She was overjoyed on the spot, laughing and crying at the same time, so overwhelmed she didn't know what to do.
The atmosphere at the venue reached a fever pitch at that moment.
The Hangzhou leg of Lu Chen's new album promotion fan meet-and-greet was undoubtedly a resounding success!
(End of Chapter)
I am translating some new fanfiction (Haikyuu- Starting From Volleyball). Read it and support me.