''The song I'm going to sing today is called, today I looked into the mirror''
Lin Shen said and guests clapped their hands for him. Everyone seated at their various tables became quiet and listened to him.
Lin Shen looked at the counter and met with Ana's gaze. As if smitten, they maintained eye contact for a brief moment before Lin Shen looked away and started singing. This didn't go unnoticed by Shiao.
I looked into the mirror today
I wanted so bad to see myself
I looked so hard but I didn't see the person I used to be…
I looked into the mirror today
I wanted so bad to see myself
I looked so hard but I didn't see the person I used to be…'
Singing the interlude, the crowd stood up and clapped along. The high tempo strings from the guitar and drummers made the song a perfect dance song to move one's feet to.
''There is just something about Boss Lin singing a jazz song. The words, the motivation in them just makes one want to jump to their feet and dance along'' Hwajie said as she moved her feet back and forth inside the counter.
''Lin Shen is talented and can easily blend a lot of melodies and sounds. From ballad to jazz, soul music. He makes amazing music'' Shiao commented.
'I looked in the mirror today…
All I saw was a stranger's face
Right there, staring back at me
A shadow of the person I have turned out to be
The perfect reflection of the one I wanted to be so much
I looked into the mirror today
I wanted so bad to see myself
I looked so hard but I didn't see the person I used to be…'
Lin Shen stood up with the guitar and moved his feet along the people that were dancing to his music.
''Let's sing it together, everyone'' Lin Shen said and everyone joined as he sang the chorus.
'I looked in the mirror today
I wanted to so bad to see myself
I looked so hard but I didn't see the person I used to be….
Then I realized I left him a long time ago, I didn't find him cos I changed.
I changed to a better person….
So when I look in the mirror tonight, I will see the new me. I will love the new me. I will welcome the new me''
Lin Shen ended the song on a soft low pitch and the people clapped their hands. He gave the guitar to one of the backup singers and got off stage.
Ana stood up when she saw him coming. Lin Shen walked over smiling as he spoke.
''Ana, elder brother, you are both here''
''Yes. Lin Shen, that was a perfect performance. You keep improving time after time. At this rate, you will be able to release music after some time'' Shiao said as Lin Shen sat between him and Ana.
''That depends on my mood… and my manager here'' Lin Shen said and turned to look at Ana.
''You did well tonight, Lin Shen''
''Don't think you can escape my questions tonight. For now, I am going to ask elder brother what he thought of my performance. After which, we will have a chat'' Lin Shen said to Ana.
''Okay'' Ana picked her glass of lime water and sip. Her eyes glanced at Shiao for a short moment before she looked away.
''Your pitch was alright but you sang a little faster for the backup singers to pick up but you caught unto it later and sang at their pace which is a great improvement. I realized that your stage engagement has certainly improved greatly. You are becoming a grandmaster at this point''
''You are right. I worked on my pitch earlier after I noticed the backup singers were finding it difficult to catch up. I will work on it during my vocal training. Next time, it won't happen. I will deliver a flawless performance''
''I thought you would be playing the piano today, what happened?''
''The piano, it's still not the right time''
''I understand, take your time. No rush''
''Definitely'' Lin Shen and turned to Ana and asked, ''should I get you juice?''
''No, water is okay'' Ana replied.
''I see'' Lin Shen looked at her outfit and smiled asking, 'you seem dressed for the occasion today?''
''Yes, I didn't want to be the odd one here'' Ana replied and noticed Shiao looking at her. She didn't bother with him and focused on her lime water.
''Boss Lin, this is one of the best performance in a long time. You are really improving'' Hwajie said lifting a glass of whiskey she had just poured for Lin Shen.
''I'm driving today, no alcohol''
''I can take you home if you don't mind. I need to use the time to ask you a few questions''
''Then, I will have just a glass because we need to go somewhere else''
''Somewhere?'' Ana asked.
''Where are you going?'' Shiao asked.
''Elder brother, I get that you are the CEO but this is between me and my manager. So, you don't need to know where we are going''
''Alright, you win'' Shiao gave up but his eyes revealed some kind of uncertainty each time he looked at Lin Shen and Ana. It was as if he was having a foreboding feeling about them. It made him uncomfortable seeing them together but there was nothing he could do since Ana had rejected his offer.
But Shiao wanted to separate the two. As long as they were together, he couldn't be relaxed about it. Since he was still interested in Ana.
In his heart, he believed that he could get Ana back. He just needed time to make things right. Until then, he couldn't afford them getting closer to each other.
In short, he didn't want accidents happening!
….
''Where are we going?'' Ana asked as she drove them outside of the club to the main road.
''Let's go to the central park. Local artistes are having their festival over there''
''Okay''
''While we are going there, I will listen to your take on my music tonight''
''Are you sure it is okay to talk about this? I thought me writing a few notes and giving it to you would be better''