Although it was after ten o'clock at night, for the people of Hong Kong, the real excitement of the nightlife scene had yet to begin. The atmosphere at La Dolce Vita 97 was just right.
Although the LDV Singer King Grand Prix boasted an impressive title, it was essentially just a fun amateur singing contest designed to entertain customers. The key was encouraging customer participation, anyone could take to the stage and showcase their vocal talents.
Tonight, however, was different. Singer Ye Xuan's appearance had removed any suspense from the competition. This also allowed the other contestants to sing with unusual ease, shedding the competitive edge and embracing a more joyful atmosphere.
Amateur vagabond singers took to the stage in numerical order, with wildly varying skill levels. Some received thunderous applause, while others were met with jeers and boos.
The jeered singers didn't mind though; they grinned and finished their songs anyway, knowing that this was the only way they would receive the small gift that the bar offered to all participants: two pitchers of dark German beer.
By a strange coincidence, Ye Xuan was scheduled to perform twelfth, just before Lu Chen.
A star is a star. As soon as Ye Xuan stepped onto the stage, the entire bar erupted into a frenzy. Applause, cheers, whistles, and shrieks of his name filled the air, turning the venue into his own personal concert stage. He instantly overshadowed all the previous contestants.
Ye Xuan was around thirty years old and wasn't the conventionally handsome type. However, his pale, baby-soft skin and refined, almost frail demeanor were likely to appeal strongly to artistic young women.
After taking the stage, he gripped the microphone and said, 'I'm really happy to be here tonight, meeting so many new friends who share a love for music. La Dolce Vita 97 is a wonderful place.'
"I hadn't originally planned to perform, but since you all insisted, I'll embarrass myself for your entertainment."
"I've had quite a lot to drink tonight, so my voice might not be at its best. Please don't mind if I sing badly."
The crowd laughed and clapped, offering him encouragement and support.
As if drawing strength from the applause, Ye Xuan's spirits immediately lifted. He transformed completely, radiating vitality and an almost irresistible urge to sing from the heart.
"Then I'll perform my personal favorite for you all... "Dawn's Dawn"!"
The applause erupted, instantly growing several times louder.
Lu Chen clapped along, nodding inwardly. He thought to himself: 'This colleague's crowd control skills are definitely seasoned.'
There are many types of vagabond singers. Some only excel in recording studios, while others thrive in large venues, honing their crowd control skills to perfection.
A master of this art can effortlessly ignite the audience's enthusiasm, holding their emotions firmly in their grasp, and deliver a successful performance with ease.
Though the venue was small, Ye Xuan had completely transformed LaDolceVita97 into his personal domain with just a few words and his carefully cultivated aura, proving his mastery of the art.
One can truly never judge a book by its cover!
Ye Xuan's singing ability was equally impressive. 'Dawn's Dawn' was not his own composition but the breakthrough hit of the 'Hong Kong Heavenly King,' Liu Gangsheng, a song known in every Hong Kong household.
As a tribute to the veteran artist, many Hong Kong vagabond singers have covered this song. However, because everyone was so familiar with it, the evaluation standards were exceptionally high. Anyone attempting to cover 'Dawn's Dawn' without sufficient skill would undoubtedly be publicly humiliated.
'Dawn's Dawn' wasn't a mindless pop song or a catchy tune; it demanded considerable vocal technique.
Accompanied by the bar's house band, Ye Xuan took hold of the microphone and sang with fervent passion. His slightly sharp, high-pitched voice handled the song's soaring high notes with ease, reaching a breathtaking climax during the chorus.
The only flaw was the lack of depth in the mid-to-low registers, which made this classic performance sound somewhat thin and lacking in lasting resonance.
Nevertheless, the merits far outweighed the flaws. By the time he had finished singing 'Dawn's Dawn', the entire bar erupted in thunderous applause.
"One more song!" The crowd roared.
Someone shouted, and their words were immediately echoed by countless cheers.
After singing the challenging 'Dawn's Dawn', Ye Xuan's forehead was beaded with fine sweat. He smiled, waved his hand, and said, "Thank you, everyone! Tonight's about having fun, but I can't break the competition rules, so I'm sorry!"
He returned the microphone to its stand, stepped off the stage, and returned to his seat.
His friend laughed and said, "I knew bringing you here was a good idea. We just saved ourselves at least a few thousand bucks!'
Five or six of Ye Xuan's friends were sitting at the table with him, and they all chuckled at the remark.
A girl pursed her lips and smiled. "We should have ordered a few more bottles of red wine earlier," she said.
Truth be told, none of them were short on cash, but getting a good deal always felt satisfying, especially when it came with bragging rights.
Ye Xuan replied modestly, "Don't get too excited yet. There are still a few acts left to perform."
"Psh!"
His friend scoffed. "Unless the Heavenly King himself shows up, the championship tonight belongs to you, Brother Xuan!"
The flattery was a little excessive, so Ye Xuan could only offer a wry smile in response. After all, he couldn't contradict his friend and embarrass him, could he?
"I wonder how many more are left."
The girl leaned forward to take a look and suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, No. 13 is a handsome guy!"
The phrase 'handsome guy' was undeniably captivating, and everyone instinctively turned to look at the stage.
And indeed, he was a handsome guy!
On stage was none other than No. 13 himself, Lu Chen.
"Keep it up!"
Li Zhen clapped wildly, cheering on his boss. The girl's influence was strong, and many guests politely joined in the applause to show their encouragement.
Truth be told, there was a hint of sympathy in the audience's gaze. After Ye Xuan's dazzling performance earlier, Lu Chen was under immense pressure.
Fortunately, Lu Chen's height and striking good looks helped him regain some favor, especially with the female guests.
"Handsome guy, keep it up!"
A crisp, girlish voice rang out from the crowd, instantly drawing a wave of amused laughter.
Lu Chen smiled faintly and asked the band's guitarist, "Have you got a spare guitar I could borrow?"
For most guitarists, their instrument is like a second life, or even a wife or lover. They rarely lend it to others, which is why Lu Chen specifically asked for a spare.
The guitarist looked surprised. "You're going to sing and play yourself?"
Lu Chen nodded.
Without hesitation, the guitarist handed his own guitar to Lu Chen. 'Here, use mine. It's perfectly tuned.'
Lu Chen accepted it. "Thank you!"
He pulled up another stool, adjusted the height of the microphone, and sat down again.
The LaDolceVita97 bar fell silent. Even the bartenders put down their cocktail shakers, eager to see the performance this handsome guy would deliver.
'Was he going to sing and play the guitar himself? He must be very talented.'
(End of Chapter)
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