Facing the countless eyes from the audience— some filled with wonder, others with confusion, and still others with shock— Lu Chen smiled calmly.
He said, "Before I start singing, please allow me to change this guitar."
Lu Chen grasped the neck of the guitar and turned to Qin Hanyang, who was standing at the performance backer exit, and asked, "Brother Qin, can you lend me an electric guitar?"
"Wait a moment!"
Qin Hanyang replied loudly, immediately turning and rushing back inside to get his electric guitar.
He quickly returned to the stage in just a few steps.
This electric guitar was a Fender made in the USA. Among all similar brands, Fender was known for its outstanding quality and shocking price. Since buying it, Qin Hanyang had treated it like a treasure, never lending it to anyone.
However, without a hint of hesitation, he lent his Fender electric guitar to Lu Chen.
Not only that, but Qin Hanyang also personally connected the guitar to the cables and handed it to Lu Chen.
Lu Chen was surprised that Qin Hanyang actually brought his electric guitar.
He took the electric guitar from Qin Hanyang, returned the acoustic guitar to him, and said, "Let me introduce you to this guy; he's the lead singer of the Wandering Band, Big Brother Qin!"
Caught off guard, Qin Hanyang quickly waved to the audience, "Hello, everyone!"
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and whistles.
Lu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Qing. He will also perform later, so you'll see him again."
"And now…"
"I want to thank Blue Lotus Flower bar for giving many vagabond singers like me an opportunity to gather and get to know each other on such a beautiful night here in Capital City!"
"The next song is called 'Blue Lotus Flower', and I dedicate it to Blue Lotus Flower bar, as well as to all those who yearn for freedom and pursue their dreams— it's for you!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Chen raised his head, his gaze fixed ahead, his expression incredibly determined!
"Nothing can stop…"
As he sang the first line, Lu Chen strummed the guitar strings with force.
The prelude followed a sound that wasn't intense but carried strength, instantly filling everyone's ears.
"Your yearning for freedom,
A life unfettered and free,
Your heart is unburdened!
Through the dark years,
You may have felt lost,
But in the moment you bow your head,
You realize the road beneath your feet.
The world of freedom in your heart,
So pure and high,
Blooming eternally,
Blue Lotus Flower!"
This song was completely different from 'In Spring'; it lacked the deep sorrow, the nostalgia for the past, and the passionate fervor. Instead, it transported people to boundless plateaus.
There, it was the place closest to the sky— pure, clear, and lofty— where one could wash their soul without constraints.
Embracing ideals and loving all the beauty, singing boldly with determination, composure, and tranquility.
"Nothing can stop,
Your yearning for freedom,
A life unfettered and free,
Your heart is unburdened!
Through the dark years,
You may have felt lost,
But in the moment you bow your head,
You realize the road beneath your feet.
The world of freedom in your heart,
So pure and high,
Blooming eternally,
Blue Lotus Flower~"
Everyone, all the audience, listened quietly as if basking in warm sunlight. They could clearly feel the power of the song, stirred by countless beautiful memories.
This song, 'Blue Lotus Flower', contained little grandiose rhetoric, and its melody wasn't filled with ups and downs, yet its impact and shock were just as profound as 'In Spring'.
A song, a cleansing of the soul!
The entire performance venue fell silent once more. Over two thousand audience members stood frozen like lifelike sculptures— no one spoke, no one applauded or cheered; all were listening and moved.
Until the final notes faded away.
Chang Wei suddenly snapped out of his reverie. He firmly grabbed Chen Jianhao's arm and said with undeniable certainty, "Old Chen, I want this song! No one can take it away from me!"
Chen Jianhao winced at the grip on his arm and chuckled wryly, "Boss Chang, you'll have to discuss this with Little Lu."
Chen Jianhao understood Chang Wei's excitement.
A truly great song is something that can be encountered but not sought after, especially a classic that can be sung for a long time. Chang Wei's desire for this song isn't about gaining fame for himself; it's about the fact that this song is an invaluable treasure for his bar!
Just imagine a band singing 'Blue Lotus Flower' in the Blue Lotus Flower bar— what a scene that would be!
Chen Jianhao suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy.
Lu Chen actually wrote 'Blue Lotus Flower' for the bar. Why didn't he write 'Daylily' for Daylily instead?
Chang Wei chuckled slyly, releasing his grip and revealing a cunning glint in his eyes.
"You're his boss; he has to listen to you. Besides, he said this song is for Blue Lotus Flower."
Chen Jianhao wasn't easily manipulated and shook his head. "He also said it's for everyone! Actually, Little Lu…"
"Is quite short on cash. As long as you're willing to invest some capital, don't tell anyone, though; he can be a bit stubborn!"
Chang Wei glared at Chen Jianhao.
They were both cunning old foxes, yet Chen Jianhao's suggestion was clear: if Chang Wei was willing to spend, he could naturally secure the song; if not, he should keep quiet.
Lu Chen could indeed be a bit stubborn!
After thinking for a moment, Chang Wei called over a waiter and instructed, "Hurry over to the performance backer and bring this Mr. Lu Chen to me. Tell him I need to discuss something with him."
The waiter bowed and replied, "Okay, boss! I'll go right away!"
Chang Wei, feeling uneasy, added, "Make sure to be polite!"
"Encore! Encore! Encore!"
At that moment, familiar shouts echoed again, as the audience, moved by Lu Chen's second original song, found themselves craving to hear that beautiful music once more! However, their enthusiasm could not keep Lu Chen from leaving.
Holding the electric guitar, Lu Chen bowed to the audience and said, "Thank you, everyone! Thank you!"
Then, amidst the crowd's fervent calls, he stepped down from the stage.
The audience sighed with regret, helplessness, and lamentation.
The applause erupted, a mixture of attempts to keep him and genuine appreciation!
Lu Chen's performance that night was nothing short of perfect; 'In Spring' and 'Blue Lotus Flower' stole the show, overshadowing all the bands and vagabond singers that had performed before him. It was hard to believe that any future acts could compare.
He knew he couldn't continue to steal the limelight, especially since this wasn't Daylily's home ground.
He was aware that behind him stood the backbone of Blue Lotus Flower, the newly signed Compass Band from Qingyu Media!
What Lu Chen didn't know was that as he walked off the stage, Gan Lang, the lead singer and captain of Compass Band, was enduring an indescribable torment backstage.
Initially, he had been completely confident in himself and Compass Band, believing they could make a stunning debut with their two original songs and become the absolute protagonist of the night, setting a great tone for their new company.
However, after Lu Chen's performance of 'In Spring', which shattered his confidence, and then 'Blue Lotus Flower', which robbed him of all courage, and he found himself unable to compare, unwilling to compare, and too intimidated to even try!
The absurdity of it all was that, not long ago, Gan Lang had been condescendingly critiquing Lu Chen, not expecting him to lose so badly.
Now, just thinking about it made him feel utterly embarrassed.
Gan Lang suddenly stood up, addressing Qin Hanyang and Sister Na, "Big Qing, Sister Na, you guys can go on next. I… I have something to take care of!"
Without waiting for their responses, Gan Lang turned and left through the employee passage, not even acknowledging his bandmates!
His teammates were left dumbfounded!
Qin Hanyang and Sister Na exchanged glances.
They both understood that Gan Lang had clearly been hit hard by Lu Chen's new song, causing his mindset to become unbalanced. It was wise to abandon the stage in such a state; otherwise, he wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to sing well.
For that reason, neither Qin Hanyang nor Sister Na knew what to say.
Gan Lang was simply having terrible luck, or perhaps he had chosen a too-strong opponent!
But who could have known in advance?
"Brother Qin, Sister Na!"
An oblivious Lu Chen returned to the backer, smiling as he asked, "What are you guys talking about?"
Sister Na laughed heartily, opening her arms to hug Lu Chen.
"Little Lu, congratulations!"
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'(End of Chapter)'
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