At the small stage for live performances.
The middle-aged resident singer handed his guitar to Lin Yu and stepped back to the bar counter, saying to the owner:
"Ah, youth is truly wonderful. Back in my college days, I didn’t have this kid’s guts to just step up like this."
The bar owner was a warm-hearted auntie.
Wiping down the counter, she smiled and replied:
"It’s great—so full of energy and passion."
"Though I wonder if he sings well. I’m kind of looking forward to it."
The resident singer picked up an empty glass and poured himself a beer:
"Rare chance for me to catch a break."
The female boss pointed at the draft beer:
"That’s coming out of your paycheck, you know."
The singer scratched his head awkwardly:
"Come on, we’re practically family. Saying that hurts my feelings."
The boss shot back: "Money talks don’t hurt feelings."
The singer laughed: "Hahaha, you capitalists really got me."
……
Lin Yu adjusted the microphone stand, mentally debating which song to perform.
(Lin, before I leave, could you give me a little gift?)
(You sing so beautifully and play the guitar so well.)
(Could you sing something just for me today?)
(Before I leave Pingchuan, I have something for you too…)
Lin Yu: "…"
Hearing Fang Xinran’s request, he couldn’t refuse. Now, awkwardly standing on stage, he had no choice but to go through with it.
He could guess what Fang Xinran’s "gift" might be, based on the system’s hints.
If she was going that far, how could he say no to this small favor?
He just had to do it!
Even with his extraordinary musical skills, sitting in this spot still made his heart race.
On the nearby stand was tonight’s setlist.
If Lin Yu hadn’t interrupted, the resident singer would still be performing those songs.
Lin Yu picked it up, hoping to find something suitable.
Meanwhile, the bar’s patrons noticed the singer had been replaced by a young guy.
"Hey, they switched performers. That kid’s just a customer, right?"
"Ha, probably lost a dare and got forced up there."
"…"
"Hey, check him out—that boy’s got looks!"
"Ugh, you’re such a cougar. You’re old enough to be his mom."
"Shut up, get lost."
"Let’s just listen. Maybe it’s a love song for his girlfriend."
"…"
"Woo-hoo!" (whistles)
"Go for it, handsome! You got this!"
"…"
Already nervous, the crowd’s cheers only made him more flustered.
Glancing over at their table, Fang Xinran and Tang Yimian were leaning against each other, both giving him enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Little did they know—Lin Yu was still agonizing over song choice.
The setlist was mostly folk tunes, melancholic and world-weary.
Or love songs, bluntly pouring out emotions.
He wasn’t singing just for Fang Xinran—he couldn’t be too obvious.
It had to fit the mood…
As he hesitated, the resident singer came over with a suggestion:
"Kid, I heard the waitress say that girl who got you up here is your ‘senior Fang.’"
"Why not sing ‘Xiao Fang’ for her? Know that one?"
"Thank you for your love~ I’ll cherish it forever~"
"That one! ‘Xiao Fang’!"
Lin Yu: "…"
The guy meant well.
But this was even more direct than "Mouse Loves Rice."
Literally name-dropping "Xiao Fang"!
Lin Yu: "Bro, I…!!!"
He was about to refuse outright—but the singer’s suggestion sparked an idea.
Who said he had to stick to old songs?
This was just a small bar. No one would mind if he performed an "original" song that didn’t exist yet!
"Thanks, man. I think I’ll sing one of my own."
The resident singer blinked in surprise.
This kid had guts!
An original song?
Was he actually good, or just bluffing?
He’d been singing for years—performing and composing were two different beasts.
Was this kid even twenty? Some seasoned artist?
Keeping his thoughts to himself, the singer stepped aside.
Lin Yu tested the guitar strings, and the bar patrons quieted down respectfully.
"Sorry to interrupt your drinks. I’m here with friends today, and there’s a song I’d like to dedicate to one of them."
"She’s at a crossroads in life. I hope this song gives her some strength."
"May she chase her dreams and go far."
"…"
His polite words earned a round of applause and cheers.
Fang Xinran and Tang Yimian clapped the hardest.
Tang Yimian: "A song about chasing dreams? ‘Chasing Dreams with a Pure Heart’?"
Fang Xinran: "No idea. Now I’m really curious."
As silence settled again, Lin Yu murmured inwardly—"Homage… homage to Brother Xiaosa…"
Then, his fingers began moving across the strings.
"At the station we parted, now here in this bar~
Fate sat us together, your words vague and far~
You spoke of tomorrow’s distant star~
No regrets, no chains left to mar~
Small towns let souls breathe freer by far~
Live proud—show yourself who you are~"
"…"
Lin Yu sang with deep focus and sincerity.
The audience listened just as intently—especially one listener: Senior Fang.
The simple, heartfelt lyrics pierced right through.
Alcohol magnifies fleeting emotions.
Unspoken feelings surged from behind her eyes—
Dripping, streaming.
Warm and bittersweet.
Thankfully…
Thankfully Lin Yu hadn’t said anything about asking her to stay.
Otherwise, she might’ve wavered.
To think someone so emotionally attuned would appear in her life…
As he sang, memories of meeting Fang Xinran flashed through Lin Yu’s mind.
Before stepping on stage, he’d just wanted to fulfill her request.
He never expected—
Pouring his heart into the song would stir up such poignant melancholy.
Things he’d overlooked before now resurfaced.
Right.
Even with a second chance at life,
He was still just an ordinary person—no more, no less.
Not the center of the universe, nor the world’s sole protagonist.
Goodbyes were inevitable for people like him.
Not everyone would revolve around him.
That’s just how the world worked.
Each person has their own path.
You have your shadows and dust; she has her radiant light.
We only meet briefly at the crossroads of fate.
But even briefly—
It’s worth being grateful for.
……
(Update complete! That’s all for today. Will work harder tomorrow. If you enjoyed, consider supporting this little author with a small token of appreciation—many thanks!)
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u Chenyuan transmigrated into a female-oriented novel about a real and fake heiress, becoming the CEO elder brother of both. Unfortunately, the entire Lu family—including himself, the CEO—were mere cannon fodder in the story. Determined to save himself, Lu Chenyuan took action. The spoiled, attention-seeking fake heiress? Thrown into the harsh realities of the working class to learn humility. The love-struck real heiress? Pushed toward academic excellence, so lofty goals would blind her to trivial romances. As for the betrayed, vengeful arranged marriage wife… the plot hadn’t even begun yet. There was still time—if he couldn’t handle her, he could at least avoid her. "CEO Lu, are you avoiding me?" Mo Qingli fixed her gaze on Lu Chenyuan. For the first time, the shrewd and calculating Lu Chenyuan felt a flicker of unease.
ial death, also known as "shè sǐ" in Chinese, generally refers to... well, never mind, it's not important. My name is Ye Cheng, and I'm about to experience social death firsthand. ... 【Host, your mission is to confess your love to the young lady of the Dongfang family, the current student council president, in a way that will be unforgettable for everyone at the freshman ceremony!】 【Host, assist the girl with a sprained ankle in front of you to reach the infirmary, and fulfill the wicked thoughts in your heart!】 【Host, act on your desires and punish the arrogant young lady before you mercilessly!】 【Host, follow your instincts—abandon shameful surrender, begging, or groveling, and ruthlessly criticize the domineering, ill-mannered young lady in front of you!】 【Host...】 Ye Cheng: "Here, here, you take this host role—I quit!" Wait, why is the girl with a sprained ankle the daughter of a mafia boss? And what kind of punishment method is this for the arrogant young lady? Also, who the heck said anything about wicked thoughts in my heart? Come out here, let’s settle this one-on-one!!! ... The haughty student council president, the scheming mafia princess, the fragile yandere young lady, the airheaded maid-in-waiting, the mixed-blood loli/...
