Hazel didn't continue singing but rather carefully contemplated the two lines of lyrics she had just sung. She hummed them repeatedly, trying to make sense of them, but she couldn't figure it out. Frustrated, she laid the guitar flat on her lap and sighed deeply. Her childlike expression was somewhat amusing.
As the ward door creaked open, the sound made Hazel turn her sensitive head. At a glance, she saw Renly entering the room. Joy lit up in Hazel's eyes, and a smile naturally curved her lips. However, she then froze, feeling a bit flustered, and quickly tried to hide the guitar.
But it was already too late.
Renly chuckled lightly, not exposing Hazel's attempt to conceal the guitar. He walked directly to the bed opposite Hazel's and his gaze fell on the kite on the windowsill. It was the kite he had made, and a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes before he took a seat at the edge of the bed.
Observing Renly's enigmatic half-smile, Hazel felt both embarrassed and shy, unsure of how to react.
She had never considered herself talented in performing, just someone who loved to sing. Moreover, she had never performed in front of others. Ordinary people like her harbored unrealistic dreams of stardom, but not everyone could confidently perform on stage. It was an immensely challenging task, even more so than rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation only required effort and would inevitably show progress. If one attempt didn't work, they would try again, and again. Singing, however, was different. The law of "practice makes perfect" didn't apply here. Some people were born for the stage, like Renly, while others, like herself, were not.
Her fingertips touched the guitar strings, firm yet fragile. Hazel averted her gaze, feeling flustered, and tried to explain herself, "I was just singing randomly, it doesn't mean anything... It's part of my rehabilitation. It helps me move my fingers and exercise my arm muscles..."
Her hurried explanation carried an air of evasion. Especially when Renly didn't refute her, but instead maintained a serious and attentive demeanor, even gently tucking his chin, indicating agreement. This only heightened Hazel's embarrassment. She became flustered and said, "I was serious."
However, Renly restrained his smile, showing a serious expression. "I hope you were joking because I believe that if others can't hear your singing, it's their loss."
Hazel was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting such a sincere compliment from Renly. She looked away, still lacking confidence, and didn't dare to meet Renly's gaze directly. But from the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but steal a gRenly.
"God is fair. Pain and happiness, flaws and talents, disasters and beauty, they all coexist. It's just that some people only notice the bad and overlook the good," Renly said seriously, his gaze locked onto Hazel's eyes. "Singing is a talent that God has given you, along with the pain and difficulties that come with it. Believe me, you are an outstanding singer."
Hazel felt her chest slowly swell with emotions, an indescribable feeling coursing through her. It was a mix of sourness, sweetness, and heaviness that left her feeling a bit awkward. Her eyes even turned slightly red. She lowered her head in a fluster, roughly rubbing her eyes, and muttered softly, "Why is there sand here?" as an excuse for her unusual behavior.
Renly didn't expose Hazel's attempt to conceal her emotions.
Biting her lower lip gently, Hazel sneakily glanced at Renly, wanting to speak but hesitating. His calm eyes seemed to have already seen through her thoughts. She clenched her fists and gathered the courage to speak, "I want to audition for American Idol. I mean, I want to give it a try, regardless of the result. Even if I get eliminated in the first round, I still want to try. You know, just to see, to experience the atmosphere live..."
Hazel rambled on with a string of disjointed words, trying to mask her true feelings. But as she spoke, her voice gradually faded. Thinking about something was one thing, but taking action was another. Hazel still lacked confidence.
"Is "Monster" the song you've chosen for the audition?" Renly's response made Hazel pause. It wasn't like her parents' joyful tears or Anita's enthusiastic cheers when they found out. It was more like... it was just a normal, ordinary decision in life, as if it was something every sixteen-year-old girl would do.
"Yeah," Hazel nodded absentmindedly, but she was surprised to find that her emotions were gradually calming down in sync with Renly's composure. The anxious turmoil was dissipating, and she couldn't help but let a small smile form. "Yes!" She confidently nodded again.
"Are you sure? This song doesn't have a prominent reputation, and the judges might not like it. Moreover, it's not the type of song that's typically chosen for competitions, so it may not showcase your abilities," Renly offered sincere advice, not giving special treatment just because "Monster" was his creation.
Participating in the American Idol audition required having a distinct personality, outstanding skills, and deep emotions. Song selection was of utmost importance. Most contestants chose songs that highlighted their vocal strengths in the limited audition time, hoping to stand out.
"Hey, "Monster" is a song rich in emotion, and there's only one high note in the entire song. It focuses more on the expression of emotions and melody than requiring advanced vocal techniques," Hazel replied confidently. "I've always believed that singing is about resonating with thoughts and melodies, a sincere and soulful interpretation from the heart. Techniques are just auxiliary tools."
She was small in stature but spoke with great wisdom about her understanding of music. It was clear that Hazel had a genuine passion for music. "So, I'd rather choose a song that I can truly connect with rather than one that showcases technical prowess. Besides, I don't have any exceptional skills to show off," she added with a self-deprecating tone, accompanied by a well-practiced smirk.
Hazel's calm and articulate demeanor, along with her endless words, exuded youthful vitality. It was something Renly had never seen before.
Therefore, Renly didn't say much. He simply raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
Hazel's smile blossomed brightly at the corner of her lips. Although her cheeks were still slightly flushed, she felt much more at ease. Her smile paused, and she suddenly remembered something important. She looked up at Renly and said, "Can you sing "Monster" again for me? I'd like to hear the original version, but I couldn't find a digital download."
Renly was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a request. "Why follow the original singer? You can interpret it in your own style, infusing it with your own understanding and emotions; that's the key, isn't it?"
Hazel rolled her eyes unceremoniously, emitting a disdainful aura. "I don't remember the sheet music. I'm not a genius who can memorize every detail after listening a few times. I need to double-check the details of the chorus, it doesn't feel quite smooth."
Rarely, Renly felt somewhat embarrassed, absentmindedly rubbing his brow. In this awkward moment, he couldn't help but smile. He had actually forgotten about this.
"If I can download a digital source, then I won't need to bother you," Hazel said with confidence, her eyes shining brightly. She glanced at Renly. "I mean, you're not planning to record an album? I know you're an actor, but recording an album doesn't mean you become a singer. It's about sharing your artistic interpretation with more art enthusiasts through different means. It's like holding an art exhibition or writing articles. Every form of art has its characteristics, but they are interconnected. Music can be another form of performance."
These profound words of wisdom flowed from Hazel, and it left Renly somewhat speechless. If it had been George Slender, it wouldn't have been surprising, but Hazel?
Renly's eyes showed a hint of skepticism. He didn't say anything but simply examined Hazel up and down with a scanning gaze. This made Hazel feel uncomfortable and she averted her gaze, trying to escape the scrutiny. In the end, she gave in, "Okay, okay, this was Jennifer's idea. But I think she's right; it makes a lot of sense, don't you think?"
Jennifer? Jennifer Lawrence?
This didn't answer Renly's question but rather added more confusion. "Jennifer hasn't heard me sing," Renly was certain. He hadn't developed Alzheimer's disease yet.
Hazel felt tongue-tied for a moment and then reluctantly confessed, "Well, I voluntarily played her the YouTube video and even sang a short part of "Monster" to get her opinion."
"Oh, I see."
After revealing the truth, Hazel couldn't help but grumble, "Anyway, it's all on YouTube. Jennifer searched your name, and it came right up. It's not like it's a secret or anything."
"What did you say?" Renly's deep voice reached her ears, startling Hazel. She quickly straightened her back and stammered, "Nothing, nothing. I meant, your album probably won't be released anytime soon. Can you sing "Monster" again for me?"
Renly furrowed his brow slightly, his gaze burning into Hazel. After a brief pause, he finally spoke, "Pass me the guitar."
Hazel let out a sigh of relief and handed the guitar to Renly. Her expression clearly displayed immense relief, which couldn't help but amuse those who saw it.
Watching as Renly took the guitar, Hazel's gaze fell upon the gleaming strings. Her nervousness subsided as she re-entered the world of music. She couldn't help but ask, "Renly, can I really audition for American Idol?"
The anxiety and fear hidden within her seemingly calm words exposed the vulnerability of a sixteen-year-old girl and the timidity that came from enduring illness. Renly looked at Hazel's eyes seriously and said simply, "Of course, you can!"