Chapter 3 May I Sing My Own Song?

On stage, Zhang Fuyu sang one song after another, each met with fervent responses from the crowd below. Before long, after finishing a technically demanding song showcasing her powerful mixed high notes, the concert reached its climax.

At this peak, Zhang Fuyu accepted a bottle of water from a staff member, taking a moment to soothe her throat and catch her breath. After more than a dozen songs in a row, even she—renowned in the industry for her “iron lungs”—was beginning to feel the strain.

But as with most concerts, there was an interactive segment built in, allowing the artist a chance to rest. Zhang Fuyu was no exception. Recalling the planned agenda, she took up the microphone and announced, “For the next part of the show, I’ll invite a lucky member of the audience on stage to sing one of my songs. If you can sing a whole song to the end, you’ll win a copy of my new album, signed by me personally!”

The fans erupted in wild excitement.

“As always, we’ll randomly roll numbers on the big screen. The five-digit number that appears will be the seat number of our lucky audience member!” As Zhang Fuyu finished speaking, the entire audience fell silent with anticipation. Han Jiangxue clenched her fists, eyes burning as she stared at the screen.

To sing with one’s idol—was there a fan in the world who could refuse such a chance?

On the giant screens flanking the stage, the numbers rolled before coming to a stop, one after another.

“1”

“0”

“0”

With the first three digits locked in, the VIP section erupted in cheers. Numbers beginning with 100 were found only in the VIP area, greatly increasing their chances.

Hearts pounded, breaths quickened.

“…8…6!” Zhang Fuyu finally called out the last two numbers.

“One-zero-zero-eight-six! Camera operator, please give us a shot of the friend sitting in seat 10086—let’s give them a big hand!”

As applause and cheers filled the arena, Su Chen’s strikingly handsome face appeared on the big screen.

Next to him, Han Jiangxue gaped at Su Chen in shock. She glanced from him to the familiar face on the screen, so stunned she couldn’t even speak.

For Su Chen himself, it was as if he’d frozen. Against all odds, the two of them had really been chosen out of thousands!

A staff member quickly hurried over with a microphone, handing it to Su Chen. Though he was feeling the effects of the alcohol, he was still lucid—just a bit embarrassed.

In his previous life, Su Chen had been a singer. He had weathered every kind of storm on stage and never suffered from stage fright. What embarrassed him now was…he didn’t know a single one of Zhang Fuyu’s songs!

His expression made the whole audience laugh.

“That guy’s pretty cute!”

“Look, his face is all red. Is he shy? Hahaha!”

“Oh no, I think I’ve fallen in love!”

The audience buzzed with lively chatter.

Zhang Fuyu, watching Su Chen on the screen, was in high spirits. With such a handsome fan, this segment was sure to be a hit!

“Looks like you’re a bit shy, aren’t you?” she teased, grinning. “No need to be nervous—we’re all one big family here! How about a round of applause to encourage him?”

Su Chen smiled wryly, then stood to the sound of applause and walked onto the stage.

He gazed out over the sea of faces, breathing in the air, which felt hot under the relentless stage lights. His expression was a little complicated.

At last, he was back on stage…

Beside him, the elegant and charming Zhang Fuyu chuckled and took the initiative: “You’re braver than you look! How does it feel to stand up here?”

Su Chen raised the microphone and replied, “It feels great!”

As soon as he spoke, Zhang Fuyu caught a strong whiff of alcohol and exclaimed, “Did you have a drink before coming up here?”

Su Chen answered readily, “They say alcohol gives courage to the timid!”

The audience broke into laughter. Zhang Fuyu covered her mouth, giggling. “I guess I underestimated how adaptable you are. Let me ask you a few simple questions first.”

Su Chen nodded.

“What’s your name?”

“Su Chen.”

“Is it the ‘Chen’ as in ‘stars’?”

“No, it’s the ‘Chen’ that means sincerity, as in sincerity beneath the moon and the wind,” Su Chen explained.

“Wow, what a poetic name!” Zhang Fuyu smiled. “So…how long have you been listening to my music?”

“The first time was maybe three or four years ago… That was when my girlfriend and I had just started dating.”

Zhang Fuyu sighed theatrically. “What a pity—such a handsome guy and you were already in love so young!”

“So, did your girlfriend come with you today? Which of my songs would you like to sing for her? As everyone knows, I have plenty of love songs,” she said, her tone playful.

“I…” To sing a song for her?

Why not.

Facing the crowd of thousands, Su Chen took a deep breath and said, “…Sorry, can I sing one of my own songs?”

Zhang Fuyu’s expression froze, her smile slowly fading. Half-joking, she replied, “You can’t sing someone else’s song at my concert—I don’t have the rights!”

“Don’t worry, this song’s never been published—there’s no issue of copyright.”

“…You wrote it yourself?” Zhang Fuyu’s expression relaxed, her beautiful eyes curving into a smile. “So it’s a love song you secretly wrote for your girlfriend!”

“With a boyfriend this romantic, your girlfriend must be very happy!”

Su Chen said nothing.

“Then, the stage is yours. Good luck!”

Su Chen nodded with a smile.

Zhang Fuyu took the chance to slip offstage and rest. She had no expectations for Su Chen’s original song; she just hoped he could last a little while and give her a break.

What could you expect from someone randomly picked from the audience?

Surely nothing impressive.

With all eyes on him, Su Chen walked to the piano at center stage.

He deftly placed the microphone on its stand, adjusted it, then sat down before the piano.

Placing his hands on the keys, he closed his eyes as though searching his memory.

In that instant, the audience instinctively turned to Su Chen. The whispering and murmurs faded away, though no one knew why.

For a moment, it was as if the world had fallen silent…

Then, Su Chen opened his eyes and pressed the first key, the deep prelude echoing from his hands.

His long fingers flew across the keys, swift and graceful as butterflies among blossoms.

Downstage, Zhang Fuyu suddenly turned, astonished. This man plucked from the audience could actually play piano at a professional level!

The piano continued. Su Chen leaned closer to the microphone, his voice resounding through the venue.

“At last, I’ve found an excuse…”

“Taking advantage of this drunken haze…”

“To voice all my feelings…”

“Loneliness grows deeper, silence lingers in a corner of the ballroom…”

“You say too little or too much…”

“Both only make things more uneasy…”

Su Chen’s voice was magnetic—at his first note, a gentle sadness spread through the entire hall.

If Zhang Fuyu had only been surprised at first, now she was truly stunned.

This Su Chen was not just a skilled pianist; his singing far surpassed that of many professional singers.

In the audience, Han Jiangxue covered her mouth in disbelief. She never imagined that the man she’d found in the park could sing so beautifully!

“I envy how your love blazes like a banner…”

“Like a diva forever at the peak of fame…”

“The one you want isn’t me…”

“But the vanity that love brings…”

“To be cherished makes you shine above all the rest…”

The chorus was even more poignant, resonating deeply with everyone present.

It was as if they were watching a man whose love had withered to dust, while the woman looked down on him with utter indifference.

Everyone in the hall felt as though their hearts had taken a heavy blow—aching, stifled.

Some, moved by emotion, already had tears glimmering in their eyes.

“Pushing away your pale hand…”

“Pushing away the pallor of our embrace…”

“No matter how lost you become…”

Su Chen was utterly immersed in the performance. His singing always carried a sense of story, like a sharp knife that sliced open the inexpressible emotions hidden in the listeners’ hearts.

It was both cathartic and consoling.

“If one day love is no longer a mystery…”

“And we can see right and wrong for what they are…”

“Until that day comes…”

“You in my heart will be sung of no more…”

“I once called you my queen…”

“But that will no longer be me…”

As the song ended, Su Chen lifted his hands from the keys and stood, bowing.

Looking out at the countless tear-streaked faces before him,

he appeared utterly at ease.