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A singer who can accompany themselves on the guitar while performing as a vagabond always commands respect. Such performers tend to be highly skilled and often possess unique styles that surprise and delight audiences.
An amateur singer who dares to perform solo on stage must be either exceptionally talented or overly confident.
Lu Chen appeared to be the latter. He exuded composure and confidence, what industry insiders call 'stage presence,' and wasn't intimidated by the crowd. Performers with seven or eight tenths of the necessary skill often manage to deliver a perfect ten.
Therefore, even though the outcome seemed inevitable, the audience still felt a sense of anticipation and listened intently.
Lu Chen cleared his throat, adjusted his guitar, and spoke into the microphone: "This is my first time in Hong Kong, my first time in Lan Kwai Fong, and my first time at La Dolce Vita 97. Everything here has been a delightful surprise. Regrettably, I couldn't bring my girlfriend with me this time, but I'm sure she would love it here too."
The audience applauded enthusiastically in appreciation of Lu Chen's praise of La Dolce Vita 97.
No one had expected that Lu Chen wasn't from Hong Kong, let alone that this was his first time in Lan Kwai Fong.
'This is getting interesting.'
Lu Chen continued, "Seeing so many couples in the bar tonight, I'd like to sing a love song. May all lovers find their happy endings, and may those who are lonely find their soulmates."
The applause grew even louder.
Lu Chen smiled. "This song is called 'Favorite in Life,' and I dedicate it to all the lovers here."
He gently strummed the guitar strings and began to sing.
He stood on a stage that felt both foreign and familiar.
"If I wait patiently, someday I'll finally find my favorite in Life.
Who cares if our love faces unexpected twists and an uncertain future?
Never have I wanted, for the one I love to—"
Every day, I stand alone and gaze at the sea.
I'd rather stay silent my whole life, than deceive you with false words.
If you notice our connection, you'll find a subtle distance between us.
Loving you in silence, I dare not speak, not even to say, "I want to be with you, Woo~"
This song, 'Favorite in Life', is a Cantonese classic and Lu Chen's debut Cantonese release. While premiering it here may seem trivial, as the saying goes, 'Words reveal the heart, and songs express one's aspirations.' Singing when the spirit moves you, without chasing fame or profit, is the essence of being a vagabond singer.
'Favourite in Life' is a tender and deeply emotional ballad. It speaks of the singer's yearning for love, his unwavering devotion and his hopeful expectations. This song is undoubtedly destined to become a timeless classic!
Lu Chen's rendition was profound and restrained, with every word imbued with genuine emotion. This gave his voice a unique allure, compelling listeners to pay close attention before sinking into the music, becoming completely immersed and deeply moved.
A hush fell over LaDolceVita97 as everyone listened intently to the unfamiliar song; each word and note cast a spell over them.
No one spoke, not even the waitresses who had retreated to the corners with their eyes fixed on Lu Chen.
Li Zhen bit her lip, trying to hide her excitement. She knew he was talented, but hearing him play and sing live was beyond anything she had read about him.
Chen Jiaming wore a look of utter disbelief. He had already overestimated Lu Chen's abilities, especially after he borrowed the guitar. Yet reality proved far more brutal than he could have imagined. Not only was Lu Chen not being crushed by Ye Xuan, he was actually crushing him.
How could Chen Jiaming bear this? His earlier scheming now seemed utterly ridiculous. His face burned with shame. Of everyone present, he was perhaps the only one whose attention wasn't completely absorbed by the performance.
Fortunately, no one paid him any attention.
Meanwhile, at Ye Xuan's table, the entire group sat in stunned silence.
Initially, they had believed that their victory was assured, with Ye Xuan poised to dominate the competition effortlessly. They could never have imagined a guy who was not only a great guitarist and singer but also so handsome.
The discerning few in the audience immediately recognized Lu Chen's exceptional guitar skills and distinctive vocal timbre. He controlled the flow of his performance effortlessly, transitioning seamlessly between moods and demonstrating mastery over every nuance.
Most remarkably of all, the raw sincerity and fervent passion in his voice deeply moved the audience.
Such skill and prowess were likely unmatched by most professional wandering singers. Had Mainland pop music evolved to the point where anyone could step onto the stage and utterly humiliate their opponents?
One of them felt that they had seen Lu Chen somewhere before, as if he looked vaguely familiar.
Ye Xuan's expression turned grave as he stared intently at Lu Chen, who was sitting on the stage lost in deep thought.
'...
True or false,
As if one could split oneself into multiple roles..."
"I offer the tenderness in my heart to you, my only true confidante.
Like infatuation, like intoxication, I still hope you'll cherish yourself.
Even if we part ways one day, I'll still miss you.
I truly miss you.
If I wait patiently, perhaps one day my longing will finally be fulfilled.
Favorite in life!"
The climax of the song was undoubtedly its most brilliant part. After the gentle, whispered verses, the chorus exploded with emotion, each note striking straight to the heart and delivering a powerful impact.
"If someone waits with unwavering devotion, will there ever come a day when they finally meet their one true love? And once we've found that one true love, can we still hold each other's hands all the way until we grow old together, even when facing life's challenges and uncertainties about the future?"
This song speaks to our deepest and most genuine emotions.
After Lu Chen played the final note, there was a stunned silence for a moment before the bar erupted into thunderous applause.
Young people always express their enthusiasm directly, with clapping, cheering, and whistling.
Several girls even snatched roses from the vases on the tables and rushed onto the stage to give them to Lu Chen.
Each flower symbolized their unwavering support, with a single bloom representing a vote of confidence.
Of all the contestants who had performed earlier, only Ye Xuan had received such treatment, and he was a pop star!
Xue Ni's jaw dropped in disbelief as she murmured, "Is this real, A'Zhen? Your colleague is unbelievably talented! Why isn't he a celebrity? He'd definitely become a sensation!"
The Hong Kong girl suddenly realized that, even if Lu Chen was living off others, he was earning his keep through sheer skill.
Li Zhen hesitated for a moment before revealing the truth: "Actually, Lu Chen isn't my colleague; he's my new boss. He's the most famous young vagabond singer in mainland China and has starred in two highly rated TV dramas. He's a top-tier celebrity there and charges a million yuan just to write a song for someone!"
"Ah!"
Xueni, Chen Jiaming, and the others were completely stunned.
(End Of This Chapter)