[Chapter 66: Double Happiness]
A lonely identity instantly transformed.
A drunken lunatic bothering a glamorous lady drew no sympathy from anyone.
Charlie stepped forward and easily took the woman's guitar.
Staff and security officials nearby, upon hearing the commotion, intended to intervene when the drunk made another move.
Other patrons frowned, focusing their attention on the stage.
In the next moment, the loneliness vanished. Under the spotlight, Charlie stood tall holding the guitar, looking around proudly like a warrior drawing his sword before a thousand troops. He said loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen! Today, we have a beautiful lady here who's going through a tough time in life. As a gentleman -- oh, don't laugh, a drunken gentleman -- I want to sing a song for her, a happy song! At the same time, this is for you all, for every one of you. Let's be the heroes of our own lives. Why not cheer for yourself? Everyone is the hero of their own story!"
Charlie's strong, steady voice and passionate smile infected the crowd.
Most people always found endless time to enjoy life rather than just survive. Thus, they loved to gather and cheer wildly at unexpected thrills.
Screams, whistles, and applause rose in waves.
People who frequently enjoyed life didn't see Charlie as crazy, nor were they stingy with their applause.
Of course, that might be because Charlie had a thick skin.
Some people naturally stood in the center of a crowd and inspired others.
Seeing this, the staff moved away.
...
Nearby, Kirk muttered sarcastically and unhappily, "Damn, why wasn't he roughed up? People are cheering for him. He's like a big star. Why isn't he an actor? Many would love his strong build."
Mord grinned foolishly, flashing a big white smile and raising his hands to applaud as the biggest fan.
Orpheus, usually serious, shrugged awkwardly, then said with surprise, "Charles can play guitar? I'd never heard that before."
Kirk snorted, "He plays terribly, although I can't play either."
...
Light melodies bounced from Charlie's broad, thick fingers, flowing through the microphone and speakers, filling every dark corner of the bar.
Though his playing was unpolished, his confident demeanor and swaying body drew everyone into the music.
The rhythm wasn't overly dynamic; it was a cheerful beat, like a smile in ordinary life -- warm but not overwhelming.
When Charlie started singing, his rich, deep voice was like a well-aged champagne, intoxicating and refreshing.
♫I want to live, I want to give, I've been a miner, For a heart of gold♫
People were instantly captivated by the emotion in the song.
Even Kirk, who disliked Charlie, paused with a reluctant shake of his head, "Hmph, he sings horribly, without any technique."
Indeed, there was no technique, but also no pitch problems.
The song was originally light and gentle with a twinge of sadness, but as it progressed, Charlie transformed it into a spirited and hopeful tune.
He even changed the style.
And the chorus came, ♫I've been to Hollywood, I've been to Redwood, I crossed the ocean, For a heart of gold♫
These lyrical lines flowed smoothly as Charlie sang with the pride and joy of a warrior who had overcome many hardships.
Many in the bar softly sang along.
Troubles and worries faded from their hearts for a moment.
Charlie seemed like a brave general cutting through obstacles, with the crowd as his soldiers cheering him on.
They roared like a storm, resolutely breaking through life's challenges.
Charlie grew happier as he sang; the audience's response made him comfortable. He smiled encouragingly at the dazed woman.
Finally, in the second verse, the woman's enchanting sapphire eyes sparkled, her red lips softly whispered, and all her pent-up emotions turned to tears, which streamed down her cheeks before a smile appeared.
Charlie completely changed the song's style and sped up the tempo.
♫And I'm growing old, Keep me searching, For a heart of gold, I've been a miner, For a heart of gold♫ he sang with an unyielding, fierce defiance.
...
The audience, along with the song, felt like sunlight piercing dark clouds to brighten the earth.
Spring returned; nature revived under clear skies and warm sun!
Clap~Clap~Clap~
When the song ended, passionate applause turned the quiet bar into a concert venue.
"One more song!"
"Hey man, are you a singer?"
"Your performance really moves people."
"Brother, when's the concert? I swear I'm buying tickets."
Everyone was very supportive, eagerly asking questions.
Charlie smiled and nodded in thanks, then looked at the woman with a smile, "Are you feeling better?"
Her makeup was smudged from tears, but with an uncontrollable grin, she rolled her eyes and finally nodded.
The atmosphere heated up further.
A sharply dressed red-haired man whistled, "Ha ha ha, buddy, looks like you scored with the beauty? Why not sing another song for your encore?"
Charlie shrugged and glanced at the woman.
In this mood, her feelings were fully awakened. No longer aloof and cold, she smiled brightly and said, "My makeup's a mess from crying, I probably look awful. You still want to sing?"
"Why not?" Charlie laughed loudly, reaching out his hand. "May I have the honor of you playing with me?"
She was about to say she had no extra instrument.
The bar's bearded owner quickly pulled out a guitar and handed it over.
...
They sat side by side. It was clear she was experienced performing -- confident and poised, ready to face the audience.
Charlie whispered, "Just follow along with the chords."
He then shouted, "I hope everyone has a golden heart, a pure heart. Walk firmly and steadily, be the hero of your life -- ordinary, but not mundane. Chase your dreams. I'm glad you all like my singing. Next, I'll sing a new song. Thank you!"
Obviously, Charlie was singing for himself.
He didn't ask the audience and started playing.
Again, he changed the style and sped up the tempo -- from subtle and slightly sad to fiercely determined.
His voice was thick with anger, blazing and powerful like an explosion.
If before he was a silent climber, now he was a furious fallen soldier fighting to save his shattered country with unyielding courage.
♫ Another missionThe powers have called me awayAnother time to carry the colors againMy motivationAn oath I've sworn to defendTo win the honor of coming back home again ♫
[T/N: Original was a Chinese song, 公路之歌 (Highway Song) by 痛仰乐队 (Miserable Faith). I felt the song Indestructible by Disturbed was the closest to it.]
...
During the interlude, there were shouts of rage and hoarse fury!
This time, no one could sing along; the crowd was overwhelmed by Charlie's intense voice.
When the song ended abruptly, silence fell.
After a moment, applause roared again.
It felt like someone had hammered hard inside their hearts.
The waiting bar owner ran over, "Hey buddy, did you write that song yourself? I gotta say -- it was damn intense. Your performance is freaking powerful. I want to hire you as our house singer..."
"Sir, you'll be famous, your songs are great. When's your album coming out?"
Charlie had planned to talk to the woman privately but now responded, "Actually, I'm not a singer."
"An actor then?"
"No!"
"Honey, you should be an actor or a singer. In just a few minutes, I'm totally hooked!" exclaimed a broad-hearted woman.
Good-natured smiles filled the room.
Charlie laughed, "Oh, thanks for your support. Thanks everyone. Actually, I own a film company. If you've ever been a boss, you wouldn't want to be an actor again."
"No way!"
"Is this for real? You look so young."
Charlie's voice was loud, "That's right, Corleone Studios!"
People cheered, some said they had heard of the studio.
They grew even more interested in the young man's promising career.
But Charlie was more focused on the woman staring at him with curious sapphire eyes.
He quickly stopped the fuss, "Ladies and gentlemen, that's the show. Thanks for your love, but sorry -- I'm too busy to be an actor or singer. If you've been a boss, you'd understand it's way better than being an employee."
Laughter followed.
"It's been great spending the evening with you all. I wish each of you endless happiness, to be the hero of your own life no matter what you face. To share this joy, drinks are on me -- a Sunset Coastline for everyone!
No! Make it two!
Two songs, two drinks, double happiness!
Thank you, I'm Charlie Corleone. Don't forget to check out my film company's works!"
Cheers and excitement filled the air as Charlie led the woman away.
...
In a corner, Kirk was bitterly jealous. That bastard managed to hit on a lady and live the big-star fantasy. "Hey Mord, can you call the boss back to talk business now?"
Mord didn't need to respond this time.
Orpheus, just snapping back from shock, looked away a bit enviously, "Maybe a while ago, but now no way. Charlie's obviously busy with that woman."
"Oh, damn that flashy big star!" Kirk sneered, speaking in a weird tone.
*****
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