At this moment, Hugo felt very satisfied, very proud, and of course, very happy.
It was undeniable that having all the onlookers at the scene join in his musical performance gave Hugo a great deal of confidence. This kind of live performance opportunity, being able to receive the audience's response, was the greatest reward for the performer. Moreover, the people around him were not only professionals, but earlier they had been holding onto a "waiting to laugh at him" attitude. Now to gain their recognition was crucial for Hugo—it was even more important than the attention caused by the A Few Good Men ending theme.
But what made Hugo even happier was that this was the first time he had tried three unfamiliar performances live: keyboard, snare drum, and singing. Yet the results turned out to be much better than Hugo had ever imagined. Setting aside his singing, which he had already attempted several times before, instrumental playing had always been Hugo's weak point—he only excelled at guitar. Even though he managed to complete the performance today, Hugo had only used the most basic and simple techniques on the keyboard and snare drum. But this success told Hugo that although he lacked natural talent in learning instruments, as long as he worked hard he could still make progress. More importantly, he could also use other instruments to complete his creations. This was truly tremendous news.
In addition, the song Kill Your Heroes also delighted Hugo. Although this was a technically simple song—the result of further development in nu-metal music—the infusion of emotion and sincere interpretation resolved this disadvantage, fully displaying the song's essence. In fact, this song was not only a response to the challenge of Pedro, Fukin, and the others, but also a challenge Hugo issued to his own past self.
Over the past year, Hugo had indeed gained several chances to sing live, and had received many cheers, including the recent praise for the A Few Good Men ending theme. But in truth, Hugo had never truly positioned himself as a singer. Just as he had said before, if he had a band, he would rather be the guitarist, because that was the role he was more familiar with.
But today, Hugo truly gained confidence. Actually, he could play other instruments well. Actually, when facing these professionals, he was not inferior. Actually, his performance as a singer was indeed quite good. Perhaps, on some day in the future, when Hugo truly had the chance to become a singer, his attitude would change.
"Hey, man, you were awesome, you were really awesome." Neil sat right next to Hugo, and as soon as Hugo finished his song, he gave Hugo a big hug. Last time Neil had already admired Hugo greatly, and today Hugo made Neil change his view once again.
Neil could feel the surging in his heart. Although they had just chatted a lot, and even dueled with guitars once, Neil realized he still had so many topics he wanted to discuss with Hugo. The happiness of meeting a kindred spirit dyed his cold and Nordic-styled features with the warmth and passion unique to equatorial countries.
Unfortunately, if Neil wanted to chat with Hugo, he would have to wait, because all the onlookers around them eagerly swarmed forward.
"Brother, excellent, just excellent!", "Wow, you really blew my mind!", "Man, you should play again!" … The suspicious and provocative looks from earlier had completely disappeared. These rock lovers now crowded forward to express their admiration for Hugo. Maybe it was just a handshake, maybe just a few words, maybe just a glance or a thumbs-up, but it all clearly expressed their genuine emotions.
There was no need for more debates or disputes. Hugo's performance just now was the most direct and simple answer—brilliant and extraordinary, while leaving countless echoes in everyone's hearts.
Fukin came forward to take away his snare drum. Hugo had originally intended to express his thanks, but Fukin had no intention of talking, and simply left. And since Hugo was constantly being stopped by others coming up, regretfully he did not get the chance to know this somewhat famous drummer.
Pedro stood nearby for quite a while, waiting until the crowd had mostly dispersed before finally walking up to Hugo. That face, usually hanging with a playful smile, was now full of seriousness. He looked at Hugo intently, leaving Hugo puzzled. Hugo couldn't help but glance at Neil, but Neil was not sure either—he and Pedro were only nodding acquaintances, not friends, so he didn't really understand Pedro's character.
Then Pedro suddenly gave a formal thirty-degree bow, which left Hugo somewhat at a loss. Just that Pedro's image had always been of a playful, laughing boy, and now turning so serious seemed rather comical, making Hugo almost laugh. If not for the inappropriateness of the moment, Hugo would have burst out.
When Pedro straightened his body, he did his best to steady his voice and said, "Hugo, I apologize for my rudeness earlier. I hope you won't mind." So that's what it was about. In fact, Hugo hadn't taken it to heart at all. Whether it was their encounter that morning or the provocation just now, it had all been purely musical discussions, not personal attacks. He didn't mind at all.
But Pedro didn't think so, and continued, "You just proved with your actions how outstanding you are. I must apologize for my attitude, and you also proved you are not someone who speaks without substance. The song you just created…" At this point Pedro paused, casting a confirming look at Hugo. Hugo quickly answered, "Kill Your Heroes." "Yes, Kill Your Heroes, indeed a very outstanding song, and it didn't even use a guitar. So, I must express my respect for you!"
Looking at the serious Pedro in front of him, Hugo had originally intended to tease him a bit, but he changed his mind. The other's attitude was earnest and grave—if Hugo were to joke, it would be disrespectful. Humor had its time and place. So Hugo restrained the smile on his face and solemnly said, "I accept your apology, and your respect. And I express my gratitude to you as well."
After receiving Hugo's formal reply, Pedro's face immediately bloomed with a brilliant smile. "Hey, buddy, you were really amazing just now." Looking at the Pedro before him, there was no trace of the serious appearance from earlier, nor of the mocking and sneering from the morning—he was completely excited like a child. "Tell me, how did you come up with such an idea, to not use a guitar? For today's rock, that's absolutely unimaginable."
Hugo and Neil exchanged a smile. The Pedro in front of them indeed had a kind of ability that could lift people's spirits, perhaps it was that pure childlike heart he carried toward music.
"Uh, laziness?" The correct answer should have been "time travel," but Hugo clearly wasn't going to say that. So he raised his eyebrows and said with a laugh, "Actually, I was just thinking—there are so many instruments, why must it only be the guitar that can show the essence of rock? Of course, the guitar is an outstanding instrument, which is also why I chose it. Believe me, I really love my guitar."
Hugo's words made Neil chuckle softly beside him, and Pedro, remembering Hugo's dazzling guitar skills just moments ago, naturally nodded repeatedly. "Actually, the guitar has a very outstanding position in many genres of music, like country. But later I thought—does that mean other instruments should be ignored? Just like bass, piano, drums in rock, are they unimportant? Or could it be that other instruments cannot create wonderful rock music?"
"The answer is of course no," Pedro said with great enthusiasm. He still found it unbelievable—the man who in the morning, wearing a shirt, had looked like some Wall Street jerk, was now sitting cross-legged on a street just outside Wall Street, excitedly talking about his views on music.
But at this moment Pedro didn't care whether the man in front of him was a Wall Street type or not. The point was, this man's insights on music fit his taste perfectly. Of course, he had to add Neil as well. The three of them talked from instruments to Nirvana, from heavy metal to Brit rock, from music to dreams. The endless stream of topics made the passage of time seem insignificant. Even when Pedro's companions came over to call him, he turned them down without even looking back. He had decided that tonight he was going to attend Rock Night together with Hugo.
As eight o'clock drew nearer, more and more people gathered on the street of Poor Street, and only then did the three of them realize: if they didn't go in now, it would probably be hard to find a spot close to the stage. So they all stood up, mingling into the crowd and moving toward Al's Bar. But at this time Al's Bar seemed not to have officially opened yet. Everyone was crowding at the entrance waiting, greetings between acquaintances rang out one after another, noisy discussions, joyful laughter, excited breathing all intertwined, making the footsteps of winter halt outside Poor Street, able only to peek curiously through the surrounding buildings, spying on the bustle of this area.
"Hey, buddies, how about it, tonight's scene is pretty grand, huh?" A man standing to Neil's left cut into their conversation with a broad smile.
By now Pedro's chatterbox was completely open, with none of the aloof, stern image from their first meeting that morning. He was the first to take the thread, "More than grand! This should be the liveliest party of the year. I came to the previous Rock Nights too, but none could compare to tonight." After speaking, Pedro looked excitedly at Hugo and Neil. "Of course, part of the reason is also that I've met two good friends."
"Oh, Hugo, right?" The man extended his right hand to Hugo, who was standing in the middle of the three. The two shook hands, and then the man turned to Neil. "Neil Anderson? I enjoyed your guitar duel just now—it was really wonderful. A pity it wasn't on tonight's stage, otherwise it definitely would have added a lot to the performance. And of course, Hugo's 'Kill Your Heroes' just now, simply brilliant!" After speaking, the man didn't forget to clap to show his admiration, his face radiating an extraordinarily bright smile.
Hugo hadn't expected that his earlier performance would bring such a far-reaching impact. Along the way, people had come up to greet him, using such simple means to express their admiration. Only truly outstanding figures can win fame in this circle; only truly outstanding figures can inspire respect, envy, and jealousy. From the looks of it now, no one was jealous of Hugo yet, which meant he still wasn't outstanding enough.
"And you are?" Neil remained a little more rational—just like last time, although he very much wanted to talk with Hugo, he still chose to stick to the agreement and leave first. This time it was the same.
"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself—Green Hill." The man revealed a gentlemanly smile.
....
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