Chapter 85: All One Hears Are Cries and Wails

After the shock had passed, the band teachers picked up their instruments and began to play as required. No matter how many questions and emotions they had about Su Chen, they had to wait until his song was finished before saying anything. Yet, a sense of anticipation simmered within them. They looked forward to seeing how many jaws would drop among those who doubted Su Chen once this song rang out.

The introduction flowed gently. Su Chen took the microphone from the stand, held it in his hand, and brought it close to his lips.

"How many winters since we parted ways."
"What day is it today."
"Sometimes I think of you."
"Your sudden text message."
"It caught me off guard."
"I froze, standing still."

As the verse began, Zhou Zhiqian, familiar with sorrowful ballads, understood immediately—this song would not disappoint. But whether it could simultaneously fulfill both the themes of heartbreak and a wedding remained uncertain. So far, the lyrics revealed no hint of a wedding to come.

Yan Mi, a musical novice, grew anxious. Her only measure was whether a song sounded good or not, and Su Chen's singing was certainly pleasant. But... the lyrics mentioned a breakup—how could this fit a wedding? Could it be that Su Chen truly failed to meet the double theme?

Zheng Huayu sat nearby. Su Chen's opening notes had startled him, the beautiful voice making his heart leap with fear that Su Chen had really created something remarkable. But after hearing this verse, with not a single mention of a wedding, Zheng Huayu felt instantly reassured. No matter how lovely your song is, if it doesn't meet the theme, it's zero points from me!

Everyone’s thoughts ran in different directions, while Su Chen on stage emptied himself and continued to sing.

"When everyone else is happy for you."
"I only then foolishly realized."
"Someone had already tailored a wedding dress for you."

With the last line of the verse, Zhou Zhiqian and Han Hong's eyes flashed with brilliance! Su Chen had actually managed to draw out the wedding theme! Zhou Zhiqian, with his sharp instinct for love songs, instantly understood Su Chen's intent—he was writing about another kind of love lost, a regret unfulfilled. How had he not thought of that before?

While Zhou Zhiqian reeled in shock, Yan Mi finally heard the word "wedding" in Su Chen's verse, and her anxious heart relaxed.

In stark contrast, Zheng Huayu's heart suddenly tightened. Now, every mentor on the judging panel was filled with anticipation for Su Chen's chorus.

"Thank you for your special invitation."
"To witness your love."
"I remind myself not to run away."
"Step by step, holding the invitation, I walk closer."

"The venue he carefully arranged."
"Sadly, it's scenery that belongs to you."
"And I am merely a guest."

After the chorus, everyone who had been waiting found themselves utterly absorbed by the song. The anticipation on their faces gradually faded, replaced by a growing sadness that spread through the hall.

"I let go of all memories."
"To fulfill your love."
"But I still can't believe this is fate."
"You, whom I haven't seen in so long, seem distant."
"A handshake and polite greetings."
"Why must I hide, in front of him,"
"That my world once had you."

The first verse and chorus ended. Su Chen sang passionately on stage, but below, not a single mentor or audience member responded. Nearly every person frowned, struggling to keep their tears from falling too soon. Yet, under Su Chen's singing, their control seemed powerless.

"Unknowingly, the bells ring."
"You wait at your place."
"Waiting for him to draw near."
"His gentle voice, kneeling on one knee."
"The ring is slowly slipped on."
"Onto your finger."
"When everyone else is happy for you."
"I only then foolishly realized."
"There is no longer any connection between us."

Though the song was not yet finished, everyone understood its story. Years after their breakup, the male protagonist receives an invitation to his ex-girlfriend's wedding. He hides his sadness and attends, witnessing her finding love, but can only grieve alone.

In this lifetime, who hasn't experienced love that could not be? Who, recalling their youth, does not have a secret memory of a beloved? Perhaps each person has imagined such a scene, and the regret that can only be felt in the quiet of night was now laid bare by Su Chen, exposed vividly.

"Thank you for your special invitation."
"To witness your love."
"I remind myself not to run away."
"Today you are especially beautiful."
"This beauty once belonged to me."

"Sadly, this is your wedding with him."
"And I am only a guest."
"I let go of all memories."
"To fulfill your love."

The second chorus differed only slightly from the first in wording. Yet, because of these subtle changes, everyone was moved to tears. Some in the audience even sobbed uncontrollably, covering their faces.

Zheng Huayu watched all this, his fists clenched, but powerless.

Even the live chat was sparse; paid commenters struggled to keep up.

"My eyes are blurry for no reason, I can't see the screen. Brothers, keep going, I'll take a break!"
"Typing with one hand is hard, but don't panic, Su Chen's singing is really nothing special!"
"I... why am I so miserable? Did we take money against our conscience?"
"Brothers, I can't take it anymore. This money hurts my heart! Su Chen's song is ten thousand times better than Meng Xiaotian's!"

With some commenters switching sides, more and more paid posters became Su Chen's supporters.

Xu Fangyuan, watching this scene, was furious; her newly purchased computer was nearly smashed again.

"Damn it, even paid posters are unreliable these days?! Don't they want the final payment?!"
"Bastards!"

Having suffered blow after blow from Su Chen, Xu Fangyuan's mentality grew more stable. She quickly calmed herself, her lips curling into a smile.

"Luckily, Starry's paparazzi are reliable. As long as Su Chen keeps participating, they'll surely dig up his scandals!"

She regained her composure and continued watching the show coldly.

"I've drained all memories."
"To celebrate your wedding."
"But I never had the courage to bless you."
"Thank you for giving me one last clarity."
"Returning yourself to me."
"At least I can still be the one
To witness your love as a guest."
"The man you met is truly lucky."
"I hope he loves you more than I ever did..."

When the song ended, there was no applause, only the sound of weeping. Su Chen let out a muted, bitter laugh. Applause or tears—it made no difference. He bowed deeply to these people in tears, offering his thanks.