At the request of thousands of fans, Lu Chen returned to the stage for an encore and performed a third song.
However, instead of presenting a brand-new piece, he chose to sing one of his own folk compositions, 'Golden Time of Youth'.
The audience's emotions had already been driven to a fever pitch by his first two songs. Singing another high-energy, rousing number could very well stir unnecessary trouble.
After all, there were at least twenty thousand fans gathered in Wild Mountain Park. Even though not all of them were crowded in front of the main stage, it was still an astonishing number. If anyone were to lose control of their emotions and act irrationally, the consequences could be severe.
And that was something nobody wanted to see.
Maintaining control over the crowd's emotions was one of the requirements the music festival committee had set for the vagabond singers.
The nostalgic, soothing melody of the folk song was perfect for calming the audience down, cooling their excitement, and bringing their emotions back to a steady state.
In fact, it was a pleasant listening experience, like a comforting embrace after an emotional climax, a satisfying rhythm of tension and release.
When 'Golden Time of Youth' ended, Lu Chen left the stage with the Nirvana Band amidst a storm of applause, making way for the next performers. The long night was just beginning, and the music carnival had only started. But for Lu Chen, his part was done.
And his long-cherished dream had finally been fulfilled.
"Great performance!" Back in the backstage area, Liao Jia lightly punched Lu Chen's shoulder with a clenched fist. "And great songs too!"
"I admit defeat!"
Lu Chen rubbed his nose and said with a smile, "Brother Liao Jia, actually---"
"Actually what?" Liao Jia's eyes bulged like copper bells as he barked, "Are you trying to say I'm someone who doesn't keep his word?"
Alright then. Lu Chen conceded defeat.
Liao Jia's anger quickly turned into laughter. He patted Lu Chen's shoulder and said, "Tomorrow night, Empire Grand Restaurant. All of you are coming!"
The last part was directed at the Nirvana Band members.
Wang Jing and the others were stunned and overjoyed. This was Liao Jia, after all, a true idol-level big brother!
Soon, vagabond singers from the backstage area, whether they knew Lu Chen or not, came over to shake his hand and greet him.
After witnessing Lu Chen's performance with their own eyes, their attitude toward him had completely changed.
Of course, everyone used the same excuse to approach him, to thank him for winning them a lavish meal. After all, Liao Jia was treating them to dinner at the five-star Empire Grand Restaurant!
The atmosphere backstage became exceptionally warm and friendly.
"Hello, Lu Chen!"
Just then, a man in his thirties strode up to Lu Chen and extended his hand.
Lu Chen quickly reached out and shook it. "Hello, Brother Gangzi."
This man was Shi Gang, the lead singer of the Wednesday Band. He was surprised. "You know me?"
Lu Chen smiled. "Brother Liao Jia told me about you."
Liao Jia, who was chatting with someone nearby, turned his head and said to Shi Gang, "Gangzi, come have a drink with us tonight!"
Shi Gang immediately replied, "Of course, Brother Liao."
Past or present, Liao Jia had always been someone he admired and looked up to.
Being invited out for drinks by him was an incredible honor, especially considering they hadn't been close before.
Liao Jia chuckled and said, "You sang really well tonight too."
Shi Gang's face flushed red, not from embarrassment but from excitement.
Once he'd calmed his emotions, he asked Lu Chen, "Lu Chen, could I have a word with you?"
Lu Chen nodded. "Of course."
The two of them sat down in a corner of the backstage area, and the others, seeing this, tactfully stayed away.
Shi Gang rubbed his hands together and asked, "Lu Chen, I wanted to ask… does your workshop sign artists?"
Sign artists?
Lu Chen was momentarily stunned. "What do you mean?"
Shi Gang said calmly, "If you're willing, I'd like to have Wednesday Band sign with your workshop."
Lu Chen was taken aback. He hadn't expected Shi Gang to want to come under his banner.
Wednesday Band was far from an unknown name. Though they had fallen out of the spotlight years ago, they still carried weight in the eyes of many loyal fans. And tonight's performance had been exceptional, showing strong signs of a comeback.
A mature, well-established band like this would be welcomed by many entertainment agencies.
Lu Chen, however, shook his head regretfully. "Brother Gangzi, I'm really sorry, but I'm not looking to sign anyone new for now."
He had just merged with Nirvana Workshop and already had a band under his wing. With his focus on other projects, there was simply no room to bring in another group, no matter how much potential they had.
Shi Gang wasn't surprised by Lu Chen's polite refusal; he'd only asked on the off chance.
These days, Shi Gang was no longer the young idealist he'd once been. Life's ups and downs had taught him the importance of opportunity. He now carried a sense of responsibility not only for himself but also for the brothers who followed him.
This time, he planned to settle the Wednesday Band in the capital for good and stop drifting.
To him, Lu Chen's workshop had seemed like the perfect choice.
Shi Gang had looked into Lu Chen and was well aware of his talent for songwriting and his ability to launch stars. If they could get support from this musical genius, the Wednesday Band's future would be bright.
Years ago, Shi Gang himself had been called a "musical prodigy," but compared to Lu Chen, he knew he fell far short.
"That's a pity," Shi Gang said sincerely. "I hope we get the chance to work together someday."
Lu Chen's mind stirred. "Brother Gangzi, how about I recommend a record company to you?"
Shi Gang's eyes lit up. "Which one?"
"Flying Stone Records," Lu Chen replied.
He felt that Flying Stone's style and positioning would suit Wednesday Band perfectly.
Of course, Shi Gang knew Flying Stone Records, but he gave a bitter smile. "I doubt they'd be interested in us."
Once the leading force in China's recording industry, Flying Stone had gone through a decline but was now regaining some of its former glory, once again becoming a heavyweight in the business.
In comparison, Wednesday Band didn't carry much weight, major labels often preferred to develop new talent.
Lu Chen smiled. "I'm on good terms with Lin Zhijie, Flying Stone's music director. I can introduce you. You won't know if you have a chance until you try, right?"
Shi Gang was moved. "Lu Chen, thank you!"
After all, this was their very first meeting, and they had no prior relationship. For Lu Chen to offer to introduce him to Lin Zhijie was truly generous.
In the entertainment industry, favors were as thin as paper, it was rare to meet someone this willing to help.
Lu Chen simply took out his phone. "I'll call Brother Lin now and see if he's free."
The call connected quickly, and it turned out Lin Zhijie really was free that evening.
So Lu Chen invited Liao Jia, Wednesday Band, and his own Nirvana Band to head out together for a late-night meal, using the chance to introduce them to Lin Zhijie.
By the time they left Wild Mountain Park, the 72H Grassland Music Festival was already in the rearview mirror for Lu Chen.
(End of this chapter)
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