Looking into Ronan's serene and composed eyes, Maxim's turbulent thoughts gradually settled, returning to their proper course.
They needed to focus on their priorities. Still, Maxim couldn't help but complain, quipping, "You're changing the subject now; don't think I can't see it."
Ronan didn't deny it, meeting Maxim's gaze openly, as if saying, "Yes, you're right. So what are you going to do about it?"
Maxim's words got stuck in his throat, and he decided not to press further, remarking instead, "We're here to perform, so let the music play!"
Showtime! Showtime! Showtime!
Due to the time spent at the back door, the band's preparation time was cut short.
Fortunately, they had arrived early enough not to miss their slot, but even so, they hurriedly completed their preparations backstage, ready to hit the stage.
At that moment, the stage was bathed in dark blue light, and a petite female singer stood there with a guitar, singing softly—much like Taylor Swift when she first started her career.
She possessed the same country music vibe, a moving voice, and her big eyes exuded sweetness. She effortlessly captured the audience's attention.
This wasn't an unknown artist but a well-known singer, especially in Nashville, where country music reigned supreme.
Kacey Musgraves, a 24-year-old singer, had already gained fame as early as 2007. She finished seventh in the fifth season of "Nashville Star," but before that, she had been performing at various events since she was eight years old, accumulating years of experience.
However, after the show ended, her music career struggled to take off, and she remained in the independent music scene.
Following the historical trajectory, Kacey didn't release her first official album until 2013, earning four Grammy nominations, including New Artist of the Year.
Her 2015 and 2018 albums paved the way, with her third album becoming a massive hit, sweeping four Grammy awards the following year, including Album of the Year.
Seeing Kacey at the Full Moon Party, Maxim couldn't help but wonder, "Is she here because of Scott?" After all, Taylor Swift had played a pivotal role in revitalizing country music and building a pop music empire.
If Scott intended to replicate that miracle with Kacey, it would undoubtedly be within their expertise. Moreover, with Nashville teeming with musical talents, Kacey might have struggled to find opportunities there, making the move to New Orleans a reasonable choice to break the deadlock.
Ronan had another thought. In his past life, Kacey released her debut album in 2013. Could this event be the catalyst that paved the way for her career? From a timeline perspective, it seemed like a reasonable assumption.
With just a guitar and her voice, Kacey delivered a mesmerizing performance. She controlled the stage effortlessly, as if returning to her comfort zone. Her light, lively singing filled the air with happiness.
Approaching 5 o'clock in the morning, after a night of revelry and connection, the audience needed a moment to unwind.
But for Ronan, he sensed the underlying sorrow and anxiety in Kacey's voice, cleverly hidden within the melody. Music had a unique power; it compelled both the performer and the listener to confront their true selves. Nothing could be concealed.
Compared to the band One Day Kings, Kacey's journey had been longer and more arduous. From the age of eight until now, she had persevered through turmoil.
It had been five years since her talent show appearance, and she had received countless opportunities, all of which had ended in failure.
Over time, she began to doubt herself.
"Am I not cut out for this?"
"Did I make the wrong choice?"
"Should I give up?"
The hardships of navigating the darkness alone had eroded her soul, causing her to lose faith, direction, and even herself.
To outsiders, "five years of waiting" might sound like a trivial matter, but for those involved, it translated to over 1,800 days and nights of agonizing anticipation.
Every minute and every second was torture, much like the arguments between Maxim and Cliff, Ollie's silence, and Ronan Cooper's internal struggles.
All of Kacey's tension, relief, struggle, and effort were concealed in her singing. Her gentle voice seemed to mask her wounds.
Ronan could keenly perceive the unease and vulnerability in her singing—emotions that stood out amidst the grandeur of the Full Moon Party.
Curiosity piqued within Ronan. How had Kacey translated these emotions into music in the dead of night? With what determination had she journeyed from Nashville to New Orleans?
As her performance neared its end, backstage staff signaled to the band members to prepare.
Setting aside his chaotic thoughts, all the band members formed a circle. Maxim clutched his chest with both hands, feeling his heart pounding against his ribs.
It was almost suffocating, and he couldn't help but joke, "My heart's going to explode with all this care and concern."
Ronan, too nervous to speak, couldn't help but quip, "Don't worry, your heart won't explode that easily."
Maxim shot him a wide-eyed look, and Ollie and Cliff joined in the laughter. The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated. They stood still, limbering up their bodies, reinvigorating their spirits.
Then, the backstage staff's voice rang out, "Musgraves departs, One Day Kings steps in," repeating the same words three times.
They were ready.