Chapter 180: Chinese-style Aesthetics

Wandering across the realm, a puppeteer remains merely a puppeteer. Within them dwells only a transient, youthful detachment and a fleeting liberty.

No home, no companion, save for this puppet that has always kept him company.

At this point, the old man choked up before finishing his words, wiping his face with sleeves patched upon patches, wiping again and again yet unable to dry the tears.

I was momentarily at a loss for words, able only to console him and help him calm his emotions. On an impulse, I asked the old man to show off his craft. Unexpectedly, this trick worked. The old man sniffled, stopped crying, and truly performed a routine for me. To my surprise, it was remarkably effective.

To be honest, I could not comprehend those ambiguous blends of sorrow and joy, but the puppets dancing to the music were extraordinarily beautiful.

Even knowing full well that all of this was false, every movement of hers seemed imbued with life, stirring an urge to reach out and grasp her hand, compelling one to lament that her entire life was spent acting.

I said from the bottom of my heart, "Old man, your life has truly not been lived in vain."

Hearing this, the old man smiled along, but once the laughter faded, his expression sank.

His entire life had been spent doing just this one thing, living as such a coward, wasting his existence in vain.

Whom could he blame? It was all the fault of this object.

He looked at the small wooden puppet in his hand, thinking to himself, "In such a fierce blizzard, without even a single garment to spare, surviving this winter is already a question—what earthly use is this thing?" Better to burn it outright.

At least it would provide a warm spot.

Before I could react, the old man waved his hand, and the puppet vanished into the flames.

I could not stop him, nor did I know what to say; the only feeling in my heart was a profound sense of regret.

And that scene is one I shall never forget.

The fire consumed the puppet's gorgeous attire, igniting its delicate head with crackling sounds.

Just then, it suddenly moved, rolled to its feet, and like a living person, leisurely bowed to the old man.

It raised its head, a tear-stained face revealing a trace of a smile, before turning entirely to flying ash.

That night, the bonfire burned for a long time, casting a deep warmth. Though firewood was scarce, it held out until the sun rose, at which point the embers slowly died.

With all its might, it offered that single warmth.

A momentary warmth, a lifetime of solitude.

The old man came to a sudden realization, weeping bitterly before the ashes: "I am warm, but I am truly so lonely."

......

This is a deeply touching story, possessing an almost mythical quality.

Yet, anyone who beholds this tale cannot help being profoundly moved.

The song *Pulling Strings* is itself a piece of traditional-style music. Aside from its pleasing melody, it weaves in elements of ancient eastern mythology, which further accentuates its profound meaning.

For a time, many singers and investors within the circle lit up with eager anticipation.

So much traditional-style music exists, yet only a sliver has been unearthed—it is the utmost waste of potential.

At this moment, anyone with even a shred of capability began to stir with ambition!

At this juncture, Young Master Liu nearby spoke up once more: "Now that our venerable elder's evaluation has concluded, let us invite the music judges from the professional evaluation panel to share their critique of Su Chen's performance!"

To his left sat a young woman exuding the charm of the southern riverside region.

She appeared to be in her forties, yet looked remarkably youthful, radiating femininity and grace.

After being acknowledged by Young Master Liu, the young woman unhurriedly continued, "I must first state that I admire these three songs immensely—truly, I appreciate them greatly."

"In truth, I also harbor certain thoughts regarding *Pulling Strings*, and I deeply admire the exquisite story hidden within it."

"However, since such a professional critique has already been provided, there is little left for me to add; doing so would merely be redundant."

Having said this, a gentle smile graced her lips.

"Thus, I have chosen to focus on *Blue and White Porcelain*, a piece brimming with southern riverside charm and deeply captivating."

"I wish to say that this is a composition exceptionally well-suited to the ancient style. The arrangement possesses a unique allure that feels refreshing, with lyrics that are elegant yet unpretentious, approachable without being flashy."

The woman hit the nail squarely on the head, completely dismantling the assertion previously made by Cai Xukun that the song "was not in the ancient style."

Since she served as a judge, her words represented the collective consensus of the panel.

The woman continued, "From this *Blue and White Porcelain*, one perceives an elegant aesthetic. This is a distinctive piece of eastern music, and a classic utilizing a traditional pentatonic scale."

"Having discussed the melody, let us examine the lyrics. They encompass a romance transcending time and space, born from a singular event, much like the tragic separation of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, fated never to be united."

"Much like *Pulling Strings*, *Blue and White Porcelain* embodies our people's yearning for a better life."

"Even amidst hardship and adversity, one must steadfastly hold onto their convictions and maintain their faith."

"No matter the obstacles that lie ahead, I will continually refine myself and push beyond my own limits."

These few simple words caused everyone present to look at her with newfound respect.

A music critic is truly a music critic; merely by examining a single song, she was able to articulate such profound insights.

Without sufficient discernment, the average person present would scarcely comprehend such commentary!

"...Therefore, starting from aesthetics, rising to the level of willpower, infused with civic spirit and positive energy, this is a theme that is readily understood."

"The core motif of *Blue and White Porcelain* is to praise the pursuit of a better life. It is both grand and delicate, rich in emotion yet accessible. It is a song imbued with deep sentiment, entirely in harmony with our native culture, and a quintessential piece in the classical style."

At this point, the woman paused briefly before delving into an in-depth analysis of the song's composition.

"From the perspective of composition, *Blue and White Porcelain* is a folk-style piece based on the pentatonic scale, light yet graceful."

"The song opens with the delicate strumming of a guitar, gradually integrating an appreciation for ancient culture."

"Furthermore, the melody is woven with string instruments from beginning to end, pleasing the ear and delighting the heart, fully demonstrating the meticulous attention to detail cherished by our people."

"What a peculiar and wondrous style; it gives me the sensation of traveling across the currents of time."

"And as it reaches the conclusion, the blending of Western instruments elevates the narrative to even greater heights!"

"This is a fresh, refined piece that cleanses the mind and lingers with profound meaning—truly a rare and exceptional work."

"That soaring melody ultimately washes away all the sorrow and resentment in my heart. Since it cannot be possessed, let it drift away."

"In truth, waiting is also a form of devotion; let us consider the encounter in this lifetime as the foreshadowing meant to pave the way for a reunion in the next."