Louis opened the folder, greeted by a bold title: "Ordinary Heroes." As he read on, a solemn expression settled upon his face.
"Heroes are ordinary yet extraordinary. They lack divine abilities, yet they accomplish feats even gods cannot achieve. In this chaotic world, it's the nameless heroes who tirelessly safeguard this realm, passing down their legacy through generations. Our country, being a great nation, is abundant in such ordinary heroes, though they remain largely unknown. Now, HuaYin, in collaboration with various departments, is soliciting suitable songs from major entertainment companies, with the theme of ordinary heroes, aiming to promote culture and foster a new social atmosphere."
The office was quiet, save for the sound of Louis flipping through the documents. It was the most serious he had looked since his arrival in this era. Below the text were several photographs.
In the first, a group of doctors and nurses in protective gear lay exhausted outside an operating room, the dim lights of the late night casting shadows upon them.
In the second, three firefighters, battered and soot-covered, stood triumphantly amidst extinguished flames. The foremost firefighter, though covered in ashes, wore a radiant smile, cradling a baby in his arms.
The third showed several soldiers seen only from behind, with "Anti-Drug" boldly emblazoned on their uniforms, facing a group of notorious criminals.
In the fourth, a classroom on the verge of collapse, two teachers ushered children toward the exit, while one teacher, holding a child, passed them to those outside. Behind her, the room stood empty. She was the last one out.
Similar photos followed, each prompting Louis to study them carefully, his heart trembling slightly. With each image, his fingers involuntarily traced over the page.
This was the soul of the nation!
Louis suddenly felt that even if HuaYin Entertainment didn't agree to his terms, he would still write this song. It was his honor, devoid of considerations of profit or loss. These people in the photos deserved it!
After reviewing all the documents, Louis neatly organized them and took a deep breath. Bailey broke the silence in the office.
"Impressive, isn't it? Honestly, if I had the ability, I would compose a great song for them, even if it meant paying out of pocket. Unfortunately, I can't. Not a single person at HuaYin Entertainment can produce a satisfactory piece. How about you? Can you do it? You only have three days. HuaYin will conclude the selection process by then."
Louis nodded. "How can one not be moved as a human being? Rest assured, leave it to me. Within three days, I will surely provide you, and them, with a satisfactory response."
With that, Louis packed away the documents and stood up.
"That's settled then. Prepare some music manuscript paper for me. I'll study it at the hotel."
"Alright, I'll accompany you."
Without delay, Bailey stood up. She knew that composing a good song in three days was challenging. With time pressing, she didn't say much more, hastening to join Louis downstairs.
That night, in the hotel room, Louis, having taken a shower, sat at the desk. He spread out the music manuscript paper and pondered quietly. After reviewing the documents, two songs had formed in his mind: one about nameless individuals, and the other about embracing the ordinary. After much contemplation, he made his decision. This was it!
"Only Ordinary"
It perfectly matched the theme of this project.
Ordinary heroes, obscure and unheralded, eschewing the halo of divinity, only desiring the ordinary.
Although the entire melody was very simple, it revealed a hint of sadness in the early part of the simple melody, and then gradually transformed into faith.
Louis picked up his pen and wrote the music. With each musical note leaping onto the paper, Louis seemed to return to the time when the pandemic broke out in the original world.
Although everyone was trapped at home, they still believed that they would defeat the pandemic, firmly believing that they would emerge victorious.
He remembered those great healthcare workers and countless unsung heroes.
Just like that saying.
"This world is broken and shabby, but there are always people mending it. No one is born a hero, but there are always people moving forward under a heavy burden."
These were the ordinary heroes.
After finishing the music, Louis rubbed his slightly sore eyes and took out another piece of paper, solemnly writing down the title of the song.
When all the writing was done, Louis put them together and hummed softly.
He didn't allow any mistakes in this song. He hummed it repeatedly, making sure there were no errors before finally lying down on the bed with satisfaction.
He suddenly looked forward to the expressions on their faces when they saw this song tomorrow.
The next day, Louis had a simple breakfast without informing Bailey and took a taxi to Sound Sea Entertainment alone.
Bailey was still busy working in the office, and she was surprised to see Louis visiting her.
"You still have time to come to me? You only have three days left! Big Brother! Why don't you hurry up and think about the song?"
"What song? It's already written!"
Louis smiled and handed the music manuscript to Bailey, who was full of surprise.
"Take a look first. I think this one should be fine?"
Bailey looked at Louis like she was seeing a monster, and the normally composed and capable woman showed signs of losing control.
What kind of joke is this? Overnight?
What good song can be written overnight!
He wouldn't just casually fake it, would he?
Bailey frowned as she took the music manuscript. She had thought yesterday that this young man was steady and outstanding, but today he came to slap her face!
She wanted to see what he could write in one night!
Bailey looked at the title of the song calmly at first, but then, as she slowly read through the lyrics, she was completely stunned.
What kind of magical lyrics were these? They were ordinary yet extraordinary everywhere, never mentioning heroes, yet every line was about heroes.
This song hit the nail on the head!
Then Bailey eagerly looked at the music score. After a moment, she suddenly looked up at Louis, her eyes shining.
"Is this... really written by you overnight?"
Louis touched his nose and calmly said, "Otherwise? I stayed up all night to make it."
"How is it? Is this song okay?"
Louis deliberately asked again, but in fact, he knew very well that if this song didn't work, then nothing would work.
Bailey's eyes sparkled even more, and she stared at Louis intently.
"You're really amazing! My choice was right after all!"
"Can you sing it for me? I want to hear how it sounds when sung!"