This song was something Zhang Yichen had chosen only after careful consideration.
Originally, he had planned for Chen Xiaoxi to sing "I Wish You," while he himself would perform "Rise."
But Rise was different.
It was a national-style patriotic song infused with operatic vocal techniques.
This completely new style of interpretation could give listeners a refreshing and unforgettable experience.
Compared to I Wish You, it had far greater potential to become a massive hit.
Of course, at the moment, Chen Xiaoxi was still more famous than him.
But he was confident that it wouldn't be long before his own fame surpassed hers.
After all, his strategy relied on volume.
Releasing songs continuously for half a year would keep him in the public eye every single day.
Once fans formed a habit of following him, becoming popular would be inevitable.
That was why he had ultimately decided to let Chen Xiaoxi sing Rise.
"Can I… try singing it?" Chen Xiaoxi lifted her head, her eyes meeting Zhang Yichen's. A faint mist formed in her gaze.
He had given her this song without hesitation.
It moved her deeply—but it also filled her with guilt.
She understood its value better than anyone.
No matter who sang this song, it would bring them fame and recognition.
She had even considered asking Zhang Yichen to sing it himself.
But in the end, she couldn't resist its allure.
"Of course."
Zhang Yichen nodded, his expression gentle yet firm.
"This song was written for you. Sing it however you like—there's no pressure."
His low voice brushed past her ears like a feather.
"Oh, and this part here uses operatic vocalization. Do you know how to sing in an operatic style?"
"Operatic style?" Chen Xiaoxi froze slightly, confusion surfacing between her brows as her fingertip paused on a section of the score.
"I've had some exposure to traditional opera before, but operatic vocalization…"
Her voice trailed off as she tried to recall her limited experience.
Zhang Yichen smiled reassuringly.
"It's alright. I'll teach you."
He stood and walked beside her, pointing at the relevant line on the score.
"This melody is special. It requires falsetto. The sound needs to be smooth and sustained—like this…"
He cleared his throat and began to sing softly.
"Red sun rises in the East, the great path bathed in radiant light—
How fortunate am I to be born in your embrace,
Carrying the bloodline passed down through generations.
Sharing both hardship and blessing, standing tall with unyielding spine.
My vast nation, built on benevolence—
A faith unextinguished for a thousand years."
The moment Zhang Yichen began singing, his voice flowed like a gentle breeze, carrying an elegant classical resonance that filled the entire room.
Chen Xiaoxi listened, entranced.
Her eyes widened slightly, shimmering with surprise and wonder.
Her fingers unconsciously traced the melody in the air, as if engraving it into her soul.
"It's beautiful…" she murmured softly, her voice filled with awe.
"I never imagined traditional folk and opera could blend so perfectly."
Zhang Yichen stopped singing and turned to her with a warm smile.
"As long as you're willing to learn, you'll sing it even better than I can."
Chen Xiaoxi bit her lip, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
"But I'm afraid… I won't be able to capture that feeling."
Her fingers tightened around the sheet music, her knuckles whitening slightly.
She was afraid she wouldn't be able to control such a unique and demanding song.
"You can."
His voice was steady and reassuring.
"You're incredibly talented. With practice, you'll find it."
"Then… I'll try?"
She looked eager, yet nervous.
"Go ahead. Don't be nervous."
Zhang Yichen stood quietly beside her, his gaze filled with encouragement and anticipation.
He noticed her fingers trembling slightly, betraying her excitement.
Chen Xiaoxi took a deep breath.
Her chest rose and fell slowly.
Her fingertips brushed the edge of the score, feeling its texture.
Her eyes scanned the notes, each symbol seeming to come alive before her.
"I'm… starting."
Her voice trembled slightly—but determination shone in her eyes.
"Okay."
Zhang Yichen stepped back, silently watching her.
She inhaled deeply, closed her eyes, and adjusted her breathing.
Then she opened them again, her gaze sharp and focused.
Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, setting her rhythm.
She opened her mouth.
Her voice flowed out like a clear spring.
"Red sun rises in the East, the great path bathed in radiant light—
How fortunate am I to be born in your embrace,
Carrying the bloodline passed down through generations.
Sharing both hardship and blessing, standing tall with unyielding spine.
My vast nation, built on benevolence—
A faith unextinguished for a thousand years."
At first, her voice was slightly stiff.
But as the melody progressed, she gradually found her rhythm.
Her brows furrowed faintly, focusing on every detail.
She continued:
"I write of heaven, capturing only a corner where sun and moon endure—
I paint the earth, depicting only a fragment where mountains and rivers remain.
Observing five thousand years of history, revered by heaven and earth alike.
Descendant of Yan and Huang, with an unburdened heart, walking firmly westward."
It was immediately clear—
These lines were far stronger than her earlier attempt.
Her voice was light yet powerful, like wind sweeping through a bamboo forest, rich with classical charm.
Zhang Yichen watched her silently.
He knew her talent far exceeded this.
All she needed was time—and confidence.
Her voice gradually opened up, becoming freer and more natural.
Her arms swayed gently with the melody, as if she were completely immersed in the world of music.
She sang again:
"Red sun rises in the East, the great path bathed in radiant light—
How fortunate am I to be born in your embrace,
Carrying the bloodline passed down through generations.
Sharing both hardship and blessing, standing tall with unyielding spine.
My vast nation, built on benevolence—
A faith unextinguished for a thousand years."
Perhaps she had found the feeling.
This time, when she reached the operatic section, her voice was smoother and more graceful than before.
Her tone became rounder, carrying a faint but unmistakable ancient resonance.
It was as if she had traveled through a thousand years, telling a story of devotion and legacy.
Her voice rose and fell within the melody, every note fully realized.
Zhang Yichen stood beside her, unable to look away.
His eyes shone with admiration and pride.
His fingers tapped unconsciously against his thigh, keeping time with her rhythm.
A satisfied smile curved his lips.
He knew—
Her talent was being fully awakened by this song.
"Very good… just like that," Zhang Yichen said softly, unable to hide his praise.
"You've already grasped the essence of the song."
Chen Xiaoxi's voice stopped abruptly.
Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, her breathing uneven.
It was obvious—
She was nervous.