Fang Zhao didn't leave his room until dinnertime.
Natiwuzi didn't know when Fang Zhao would be heading out, so he hadn't waited for him to have dinner. When he saw Fang Zhao, he took the opportunity to introduce his friend's band and ask if Fang Zhao was willing to go on stage and play a song.
Fang Zhao thought about it and nodded. "Sure."
When Natiwuzi's friend's band saw Fang Zhao agree, they expressed that they were willing to let Fang Zhao go on stage at midnight.
Fang Zhao wasn't familiar with Space's Saturday program, so Natiwuzi patiently explained it to him.
After all, Fang Zhao's popularity in Yanzhou was there for all to see. Natiwuzi said that if Fang Zhao was willing to appear, he wouldn't have to worry about security and would send more people over. He also wouldn't let entertainment reporters harass Fang Zhao.
"It's still early before Midnight. Do you want to practice? Have you decided which song to play? "Natiwuzi asked. Most of Fang Zhao's compositions weren't suitable for guitar performances, so he thought Fang Zhao would choose someone else's.
"Don't worry," Fang Zhao said. "I composed a new song today. It's perfect for playing on the guitar."
Natiwuzi was delighted. "Come, come, come! I'll practice with you! Is this new composition's style different from the previous ones? Oh, you didn't bring your guitar. I'll bring you to pick one. I don't have much here, but I do have a lot of guitars! Let me know which one you like! "
The band members that had been invited to perform saw Natiwuzi's excited expression and whispered, "Naz is talking a lot today."
"He's in a good mood today."
"I'm in a good mood today. Who would have thought that not only would I be able to see Fang Zhao, but I would also be able to listen to Fang Zhao's new composition!"
"But Fang Zhao is a creative talent. It's hard to say how he will perform live without seeing him."
Their band's global fame couldn't compare to Fang Zhao's, but in Space and Yanzhou's pop music circles, they still had some backing. In terms of composition and the depth of their works, they couldn't compare, but in terms of performance on Space's stage, they had nothing to fear. Giving up Zero's appearance to Fang Zhao was firstly because of Fang Zhao's current popularity, and they wanted to express their goodwill. Secondly, they wanted to first get a feel for Fang Zhao's ability so that they could better respond. If Fang Zhao's performance wasn't good, they could smooth things over and give this rising star some face. If Fang Zhao performed outstandingly, they would adjust their original plans accordingly so that they wouldn't be suppressed and lose face.
…
Every Saturday night from 10pm to midnight was the time when people in Space would let loose. Under the powerful drumbeats and high rhythm, the people who came here gradually revealed their crazed and wanton side.
Humans in the dark were easily affected by their emotions. All the grievances, sadness, exhaustion, hypocrisy, and the powerlessness that he thought he had concealed well during the day had all drilled out from under his perfectly disguised skin.
Of course, there were also people who came here purely to drink, listen to music, chat, and brag.
In a certain VIP room.
A network anchor started today's live broadcast. He came to Space to livestream every Saturday for the Midnight Stage.
"It's a little noisy here … Can everyone hear me?"
The host controlled the camera and filmed the situation outside the private room.
"Sure enough, there are a lot of people here on Saturdays. I wonder who's invited for the midnight show today."
Minors were not allowed to enter this place. Even for adult college students, the expenses here were on the high side for them. It was fine if they came once or twice, but if they came every week, it would be financially stressful. Besides, even if they came in, they wouldn't be able to afford a good seat, not to mention a private room like this. One hour could cost them a month's worth of living expenses. In comparison, watching a live broadcast was more worth it.
Anchors were different. They had a bit of money and could reserve a good seat every time. They had their own private room, which made it convenient for live broadcasts and for interacting with the audience. Those who couldn't bear to watch the live broadcast could watch his Saturday live broadcast.
As a music host who had made a name for himself in the live broadcast world, he used professional live broadcast equipment. Even if the surroundings were noisy, it wouldn't affect his interaction with the fans during the live broadcast.
In a certain SVIP room.
Seven or eight people were gathered here.
"I'm not bragging, but I've been a regular customer here for more than 20 years. The number of people who have been invited to perform over the years is uncountable. Those who aren't famous are fine, but for those who are famous, even if I close my eyes, I can guess eight out of ten times who's performing on stage! Even a mask can't hide my discerning eyes! "
"You? You're still showing off in front of me? You've only been listening here for more than 20 years. Not only have I been here for 20 years, I've also been watching music variety shows for 40 years! I'm very familiar with all the new and old singers and performers who have a little bit of fame! "
"Bullsh * t!"
"If you don't believe me, let's have a competition!"
"Let's have a competition! Let's see who can guess it first! If you lose, you have to lend me your new flying transport for three months. "
"Heh, afraid of you? If you lose, I don't want your flying transport. You just have to lend me Teasandsea's private cruise for three months. "
"Sure!"
"Hey, Ron, do you want to join?"
The people in the private room turned to look at the person smoking on the sofa.
Ron Zach was the same age as Natiwuzi. He was a regular customer of Space and an old classmate of Natiwuzi's. He came from a well-to-do family and had started playing all kinds of musical instruments at a young age. He had formed bands many times, but he had gotten into an accident and injured his hand. He no longer played the guitar, but he still liked to come to Natiwuzi's shop to listen to music. In other aspects, Ron's talent might be average, but when it came to identifying sounds, he had nothing to fear. His ears had been certified as "Golden Ears" by the Yanzhou Music Artists Association!
He could tell who was lip-synching and who was fixing their voices with just one listen. Other than that, he had done in-depth research on the styles of various musical artists. Most of the time, he could match the work to the right person. There was once a singer who had hired someone to write a song for him but claimed that he had composed it himself to boost his image as a gifted scholar. In the end, Ron Zach had mercilessly exposed him on social media. This incident had caused quite a stir back then.
Hearing his friend call him, Ron Zach waved his hands disinterestedly. "You guys play by yourselves. I don't bully others."
"Heh, that's true. This really isn't a challenge for you," someone said.
"Ron's golden ears have been certified by the Yanyin Society! It really isn't difficult for him. "
"Speaking of ears, I recall Fang Zhao's much-touted" godly ears. "I wonder how it compares to Ron's."
Another person laughed. "That's godly ears. It's not a low grade. Ron, when will your 'golden ears' be upgraded?"
One was only "golden," while the other was touted as "godly." They didn't know if this "godly" grade was real or not, but after all, it had been mentioned by various authorities, so they couldn't say anything. Of course, this didn't affect their private discussions.
Ron raised his eyes, took a puff of his cigarette, and snorted through his nose.
It was impossible to say that he didn't care, but Ron's attitude toward Fang Zhao was mild, mostly because many of Fang Zhao's works weren't his type. He didn't deny that Fang Zhao was outstanding, but whether he liked him or not was another matter. Ron had never attended a live concert of Fang Zhao's, so he had reservations about everything.
"That kid Fang Zhao does have some talent."
Listening to his indifferent tone, one could tell that Ron didn't really like Fang Zhao. The others didn't mention Fang Zhao anymore.
As the time neared midnight, the lighting in the venue changed. The explosive rhythm and drumming also faded. The venue quietened down. Everyone knew the rules here.
The people who had already had a wave of fun stopped, but the passion in their eyes didn't cool down. On the contrary, as time passed, the anticipation in their eyes grew stronger.
"It's going to be midnight soon!"
"I wonder who they invited today."
"The stage is cleared, the stage is cleared. Let's see what will be brought up … Eh? Just a stool? "
On the stage in front that had been cleared, a staff member brought up a rather well-designed stool. But no matter how well-designed it was, it was still just a stool! Everyone waited to see what else would be brought up, whether there were any percussion instruments, but after a while, there was still only a stool on stage.
"Today's props are a little dull."
Everyone looked at the stage expectantly as they counted the time.
When the time reached midnight, a person holding a guitar walked up to the stage in front.
When they looked again, it was still just one person.
The venue was abuzz with discussion.
"Just one person?"
"Didn't that person say he had insider information that it was a band that was invited tonight? I was wondering if it was the band I liked. I bought two more hours tonight just to wait for this. "
Many people had arrived long ago and waited for a few hours just to see who was invited tonight.
"This stance doesn't look like a band. Scam! Wrong information! "
Regardless of whether they had been scammed or not, at this time, everyone was also looking at the stage curiously.
The person on stage was dressed in casual attire with a hood and mask. The mask covered his face so tightly that even his eyes could not be seen. The other party could see them through the mask, but they could not see the other party through the mask.
The eyes below the stage looked from the person's figure, posture, skin color, and hair to the shoes and accessories. Not a single detail was missed, but there was still no useful information.
"No tattoos, no necklace, no rings, no earrings, and the shoes are not limited edition. Who is this?"
"Although my taste in fashion is not good enough, I can still see that this person has no sense of fashion. And from what I can see, either his hair is too short or he did not do any styling."
"I can see that. His dressing is not special, and his every movement is not imposing. He is most likely a has-been."
In many people's opinion, the person on stage now did not have enough personality.
Many public figures with enough fame and attention online, especially those in the arts and entertainment circles, had very stylish hair when they appeared in front of the public. This was also the perception of many people outside the circle. But now, they scanned the person several times like a scanner and could not see anything special. If the other party had not appeared on stage, they would not have paid any attention to him even if he had been thrown into the crowd.
Inside the SVIP room, the people who were waiting to guess had no clue at the moment.
"Can't tell. Let me analyze his technique and musical style in a while. "
"At first glance, there is nothing special. Luckily, he is still calm and does not seem nervous."
Ron Zach, the "Golden Ears" who had received the stamp of approval from the Yanzhou Music and Artists Association, had a flash of interest in his eyes.
Interesting. This time, Natiwuzi had given everyone a difficult problem.
Given Natiwuzi's style of doing things, he would not invite a nobody. Could it be … a big shot that had been out of the circle for a long time?
Who could it be?
Seeing that the person on stage was about to start, Ron became more serious.
Finger flicking? Not playing or singing?
On stage, the masked Midnight Stage performer's aura seemed to suddenly change the moment he sat down. From an ordinary person, he became a solid statue. Quiet, yet powerful. He did not say a word, just expressing his emotions.
The venue quieted down. A mysterious prelude was clearly transmitted to every corner of the venue through the top-notch sound system.
The melody had a light warm tone to it. Hidden within it were some light and heavy sighs. The heart floated along with it, and the mind went blank for a moment. Unconsciously, one went from being an independent spectator to being part of it.
In the haze, one seemed to see a tree growing by the lake.
Standing under the tree, one looked down and saw one's puzzled expression in the reflection of the lake's surface.
It seemed like one had forgotten something.
Was it a dream? Or an ideal?
It was too far away and untraceable.
Time passed.
The trees were silent. Leaves fell to the ground one by one, picked up by the wind, and blown far away.
Following those leaves, all the way.
Going around and around, walking alone. Over and over again, regaining what was lost.
Warm sun and gentle wind, passing through the blue dome of heaven. Chatting and laughing amidst the prosperity, pausing in solitude.
Time, distance.
Time, nostalgia.
A leaf floated towards a distant galaxy, and the colorful particles suddenly changed.
When one stood still and looked back, it was as if he saw the big tree by the lake a long time ago, with its luxuriant branches and leaves, and the person under the tree, smiling.
Ron closed his eyes and listened carefully to the strange feeling brought by the music. He had never heard it before, but there was always a sense of familiarity, as if he could hum it the next second, as if it had been engraved in his soul. The world was quiet.
The cigarette between his fingers was still emitting smoke, but at this moment, it seemed to have been forgotten. The air around him suddenly became clear, and only the melody could be heard.
His fingers without the cigarette tapped the table rhythmically and silently. The corners of his mouth raised into a faint smile.
His eyes were slightly wet.
Simple and melodious, touching one's heart.
Relying on the music, returning to the thoughts, calming the body and mind, and settling the soul.
The strings seemed to have a life of their own. Every note appeared at just the right time, making one's thoughts run wild, but in the end, it was clear, as if a long time had passed, leaving behind some clarity and understanding.
The words were spoken, but not spoken.
Understanding, peace.
Ron could no longer remember why he was here. He was just glad that he could listen to such a performance. It was so moving, simple and pure, like a simple story heard on a clear day that seemed to have been forgotten for a long time.
This piece wasn't long, less than four minutes, but it gave people a feeling of crossing a distant time and space. They didn't even have time to study the other party's playing techniques, and they didn't have time to analyze the other party's style of music before their thoughts were carried away.
At the end of the song, Ron, who was brought back to his senses by the sudden burst of applause and whistles in the venue, let out a long sigh.
"The outside is like the world, the inside is free, a real work of art!"
After listening in Space for so many years, there were very few people who could be praised as "works of art" by Ron Zak on the spot!
The other people in the private room were also shocked by Ron's evaluation, but at the same time, their faces were full of distress. They hadn't even guessed who it was after hearing it!
They looked at each other. Oh ho, everyone was the same!
"Ron, can you tell who it is?" Someone asked.
Ron didn't speak, staring at the person on the stage, his eyes burning.
He couldn't tell!!
But to be able to perform to such an extent, it had to be the other party's own work. And to be able to perform with such expressive power, to bring such soul-shaking resonance, such a strong ability, it couldn't be a nobody!
Could it really be a big shot that had retired from the industry many years ago?
Under the watchful eyes of the audience, the person on the stage got up, bowed to everyone, and nimbly pulled back his hood and took off his mask.
The moment the mask was removed, the audience went crazy.
People who were jumping and waving to the stage almost sprained their waists.
"Fang Zhao?"
"F * ck! It's Fang Zhao!! "
"Quick, hit me. Did I drink too much and have hallucinations! I actually saw Fang Zhao here, ahhhh!! "
The drunk person on the sofa in the private room opened his eyes in a daze and smacked his lips. "I actually dreamed that someone was calling Fang Zhao."
There was another round of shouting that sounded like it was going to tear open the ceiling.
Recently, the news had blown up, and coupled with Fang Zhao's accumulated popularity, most people in the Yanzhou area knew Fang Zhao. Unless they were face-blind, they wouldn't mistake that face.
Ron was so shocked that he dropped his cigarette. His eyes widened as if his worldview had collapsed.
He swallowed his saliva and searched for Fang Zhao's photo in disbelief. Then he looked at the person on the stage with the guitar. He couldn't lie to himself anymore.
It was actually Fang Zhao!
Why is it Fang Zhao!!
He had also studied Fang Zhao's works, and there was no such simple lyricism! Furthermore, this kind of expressive ability couldn't be achieved without at least a few decades' worth of practice!
But! He swore on his golden ears that the performance just now wasn't fake!
But … why is it Fang Zhao!
Countless "whys" danced wildly in Ron's heart. The truth made him go bald.
At the same time, Fang Zhao's movements were quickly disseminated through various information channels. Entertainment reporters from all over the city rushed over to Space as if they had smelled something fishy.
Online, fans, haters, and onlookers who followed the news and joined in on the fun started a war of reports. There were also people who hyped up the news and partied in the middle of the night. It was extraordinarily lively.
On social media platforms, reports, complaints, and other incidents reached a peak in a very short period of time. The smart customer service was stuck and switched to manual work. Not long after, there was another malfunction. Yanzhou's customer service team and maintenance engineers were dug out in the middle of the night to work overtime.
Fang Zhao again!
Why are you playing the guitar in the middle of the night!!
Ah?!
Why are you playing the piano!!!
。 m.
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