Chapter 24: The Heart-Wrenching Ballad

The moment the lights shone upon her, dressed in a gown that glittered like diamonds, she appeared as a fairy too exquisite and elegant to belong to this world. Step by step, she leapt onto the stage, moving like a swan, her smile curved at her lips, and without seeking it, the camera found her flawless face. That smile was enough to trap everyone in an irresistible sweet snare.

Her sweet voice rang out, singing "The Meaning of Travel," and as she performed, it seemed that everyone saw a picturesque landscape unfold before their eyes. Her charming, honeyed vocals flowed like a gentle river, touching the depths of every heart. Her astonishing ability to move the audience was unexpected, yet perfectly suited to the moment, saving the show with grace.

“She’s just like an angel! All the troubles of the world are purified!”
“Oh my goodness, the heiress is cleansing the entertainment industry—amazing!”
“I never thought Miss Ji could have such a sweet voice! I always imagined she'd sound more aloof! Unexpected, but so pleasant to listen to!”
“Do you people even appreciate music? How can she compare to my idol? Clearly, my idol has the best sense of pitch—no one can match him!”
“Delusional fans, shut up! Don’t embarrass yourselves!”
“Hilarious—this is called rap? Guess every profession has its secrets. Good luck to your idol!”
“Laughable—how are there still delusional fans? Forced praise is disgusting!”
“Ahhh! Miss Ji, I love you!”
“…”

After her performance, Ji Ya bowed slightly in thanks and returned to her seat. Only one performer remained.

Everyone’s gaze shifted to Lin Yu, the most inconspicuous newcomer of the show. Lin Yu smiled faintly, showing no sign of nervousness, and ascended the stage. Facing Lin Jia, he asked, “Are my props ready?”

Lin Jia nodded. “Bring on the props!”

A staff member brought over a guitar, adjusted Lin Yu’s microphone, and handed him a wooden stool. Being the least prominent participant, Lin Yu naturally refrained from any grand or ostentatious self-introduction. He spoke calmly into the microphone to introduce himself, then began his performance.

“I’m Lin Yu, a newly signed artist with Ji Fei’s agency, and my specialty is singing.”
“Today, it’s easy to be the closing act for the showcase.”
“A love song for everyone.”

A love song? Which love song?
Weren’t you going to sing ‘Dignity’?
Though it’s not quite suitable for the occasion, that’s your original work!
Wait…

Ji Ya was stunned the moment she heard the melody from the stage. Then, surprise flashed in her eyes.
This… was an original song!
Unbelievable. Lin Yu had composed another original piece in the mere month they’d waited for the show’s filming to start.
As the intro played, it immediately captivated everyone present.
The oppressive opening didn’t seem to fit the title “love song” at all, yet everyone closed their eyes and began to listen.
After all, not every love song is sweet.

A sense of melancholy unfolded and set the stage. Lin Yu began to sing.

“Time is amber, tears locked away one by one
Love letters decay, worn into hourglasses
Upstream in youth, white clouds drift away, leaving mongrel dogs and seagulls behind.”

Lin Yu’s voice was celestial, his sorrowful tone blooming like a rose, dazzling all.
Just three lines into the verse, the audience was immersed, seeing seagulls and clouds drifting, time slipping away like sand beyond grasp.
The sadness was palpable; the hall fell silent, everyone quietly absorbed in the moment.

“Fleeting thoughts slip away
Fate is so ironic, leaving lovers mute
An entire universe for a single red bean
Memories, like captive beasts, grow gentle after loneliness
Releasing clenched fists brings greater freedom
Slow-motion, entwined—celluloid replays, silent films freeze a moment”

The tightly woven lyrics, paired with Lin Yu’s graceful, dance-like playing, stirred hearts.
Though a love song, its slow tempo revealed sorrow and solitude; many present had reddened eyes.
The livestream chat recovered from shock, scrolling wildly, with even more fervor than during Si Shaozhe’s performance.

“Oh my god, this song is incredible!”
“I know the sky’s the limit, and words repeated three times fade like water—amazing!”
“You upstairs, you’re a genius!”
“Honestly, it’s called a love song? Why so sad? It reminds me of my long-lost first love—I just found out she got married days ago. Boohoo! My eyes are full of trains!”
“Just now, Miss Ji’s sweetness warmed my heart, and suddenly I’m crying? Too painful!”
“Don’t do this! I’m literally crying uncontrollably! Too sensitive!”
“Revive, my beloved!”

“…”

Lin Yu’s voice changed as he opened his eyes, now scarlet, the sorrow intensified, his emotional impact at its peak. The ethereal sound carried through the microphone to every corner, breaking down all defenses in the livestream chat.

“We promised at the farewell concert never to meet again
You wrote for me, my very first song
You and I, fingers intertwined, memorizing the intro
But then? What happened next?
Thankfully, I have this love song
Softly humming, crying, laughing
My forever and always”

Suddenly, Lin Yu altered his playing, slowing the tempo for a brief passage, then picked up a violin and began to play.
The violin’s mournful melody heightened the sadness, giving everyone the illusion that a tailcoat had suddenly settled upon their shoulders.
Lin Yu closed his eyes again, facing the microphone, letting sadness spread.

“The long shot pulls farther and farther, years apart
We say goodbye with a polite kiss at the concert of memories
Sing with me, your love song, a cappella
Reluctant to end the chorus, hearts still warm
But it’s time to let go
Thankfully, I have my next love song
Life is like a silent, embracing river
Forever and always”

When the song ended, the entire hall was plunged into silence.
Everyone was lost in the lingering notes, unable to extricate themselves for a long time.
It was too heartbreaking.

Some recalled their pre-debut romances, lost to the demands of fame; others remembered innocent first loves, gripped by sudden sadness.
The livestream chat was in shambles, and the music connoisseurs began analyzing frantically.

“This… this song has so much symbolism! The love song represents an ex; after a breakup, there’s always another to write a new story. My god!”
“Too sensitive—the lyrics are brilliant! Oh my goodness!”