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At Daylily, the atmosphere was at its best.
Here, there was no restlessness and noise like in Sanlitun bars, no tacky and chaotic electronic music and dance, and no wild drinking or roaring. Customers sat around tables, chatting softly or enjoying the music, while couples in the corners whispered sweet nothings. Well-trained waiters moved between them, their footsteps light.
On the stage, a delicate female vagabond singer was playing a folk song. The lyrics about love and sorrow flowed like a gentle stream into people's ears and hearts.
At the bar, Chen Fei'er finished her second Burning, so she was a bit drunk.
This cocktail, called "Burning," was David's own creation, red as flames and strong as fire. Even those with good tolerance could get drunk after one glass. Chen Fei'er's alcohol tolerance was quite good, though as a vagabond singer, she usually couldn't drink much to protect her voice.
But in life, the most important thing is to be happy! She was very happy tonight, so she made an exception and drank a bit more.
This made Lu Chen a bit worried. He leaned over and whispered in Chen Fei'er's ear, "Sister Fei, should I take you home?"
Although no one had recognized her so far, if she got drunk, it would be hard to say.
She might end up on the headlines tomorrow!
Chen Fei'er turned her head, and their lips almost touched. But she didn't shy away, her eyes sparkling as she said, "The atmosphere here is great. I feel like singing."
Lu Chen leaned back slightly and asked, "You want to sing?"
If she took the stage and started singing, she would definitely be recognized!
Chen Fei'er nodded seriously, "Yes!"
The song she wanted to sing wasn't for others; it was for herself. Lu Chen couldn't help but look back.
Seeing Sister Zhang still sitting in the corner, he thought for a moment and asked, "What song?"
Although the evening was somewhat of a date, Chen Fei'er's assistant and driver, who also served as her bodyguard, were present. They had followed at a distance during their post-dinner stroll and were now also in the bar.
As a celebrity, especially a big star like Chen Fei'er, going out without an entourage wasn't just risky; it could also lead to a lot of trouble if she were recognized.
Chen Fei'er leaned close to Lu Chen's ear and whispered two words. It was the title of a song, one of the three songs Lu Chen had written for her new album. Her breath, carrying a hint of alcohol, tickled Lu Chen's ear, making his mind wander.
He nodded, as if under a spell. Lu Chen took Chen Fei'er backstage.
The vagabond singers currently performing or signed to Daylily were no longer the ones Lu Chen was familiar with. The Wandering Band had signed with Qingyu Media and was now thriving. As for himself, Li Hong, Ye Zhenyang, and Wang Little Shu had all left. The bar's lineup was ever-changing, which was normal for such establishments.
But the vagabond singers backstage all knew Lu Chen and were aware of his identity.
When they saw Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er enter, they all stood up, "Brother Chen!"
These vagabond singers were clearly aware that Lu Chen had come to Daylily tonight, so they were pleasantly surprised but not shocked. Lu Chen smiled and greeted them one by one, then said, "I'll take the next set, performing a song with a friend!"
Hearing Lu Chen's words, some were surprised, while others were excited.
One female vagabond singer smiled and said, "We've heard so much about you. We're really lucky tonight!"
She even looked at Chen Fei'er with envy, even jealousy.
In the Houhai circle, Lu Chen had long become a legendary figure. Aside from his own career development, he had helped launch the Wandering Band, Sister Na, and the Compass Band, who had recently released a single. These people, like them, had once struggled in Houhai, and now they were soaring. How could one not be envious?
She thought Chen Fei'er was also a fellow vagabond singer, a very lucky one.
A few minutes later, the current singer finished her set and came down, and Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er took the stage.
He had the waiters bring out the piano. Seeing this, the customers in the bar were instantly excited, Lu Chen was going to perform!
The current Lu Chen was no longer the small-time bar singer he once was. His visits to Daylily had become increasingly rare, leaving many regulars nostalgic for the days when he would sing and play on stage, bragging to newcomers. Lu Chen's appearance tonight was a surprise, and his taking the stage was thrilling.
Would Lu Chen debut a new song tonight?
After all, Lu Chen had premiered many original songs at Daylily. Being among the first listeners of his new songs was truly a wonderful and memorable experience.
Of course, while everyone was excited, they remained well-mannered, keeping the noise down. The bar became quiet, which was precisely why Lu Chen wanted to bring Chen Fei'er to Daylily; being recognized wasn't a big deal.
Daylily had previously invited vagabond singers from the show business community to perform. He sat down at the piano, facing the newly arranged microphone, and said, "Long time no see, everyone!"
The bar erupted in playful boos, how dare he say that?
Then everyone laughed.
Lu Chen chuckled, "I know I haven't been here much lately, so tonight I decided to make it up to you all by inviting a friend to join me for a new song!"
It was indeed a new song!
The bar immediately filled with enthusiastic applause.
Lu Chen stood up, bowed to everyone in gratitude, and gestured for Chen Fei'er to join him. Chen Fei'er smiled brightly and stepped to the center of the stage, in front of the microphone.
'Who is she?'
Everyone exchanged glances, and no one immediately recognized the bespectacled, transformed Chen Fei'er. Only a few felt she looked somewhat familiar. However, since she was Lu Chen's friend, everyone politely applauded to welcome her.
Chen Fei'er softly said, "Thank you."
She nodded at Lu Chen, signaling that they could start.
Lu Chen sat back down and played the introduction. The pure piano accompaniment was beautiful, capturing everyone's attention from the very start, creating a serene atmosphere.
Lu Chen's piano skills were average, but after some practice, he could handle relatively simple scores without any problem. This song wasn't complicated, but it was very fresh for the bar's regulars.
Previously, they had only seen Lu Chen playing the guitar. But soon, all attention shifted to Chen Fei'er.
Because she began to sing.
"I long to see the one I'm waiting for, not many;
Even when together, it breaks my heart, shattering into rivers;
Alone, I move forward through the hardships, saying I'll live well,
But no matter how busy I am, I can't quench the thirst for love.
Meeting you doesn't determine worth;
After brushing past, we fulfill each other, becoming mere guests;
Alone, I move forward through the hardships, saying I'll live well,
But no matter how busy I am, I can't quench the thirst for love!
Crossing mountains and seas, humming your song,
Sailing on waves, forgetting you and forgetting myself;
From now on, rivers are just legends,
Heaven and earth melt, stars are swallowed;
Crossing mountains and seas, humming your song,
Sailing on waves, forgetting you and forgetting myself;
From now on, rivers are just legends,
Heaven and earth melt, stars are swallowed, …"
The song was titled "The Sea of People."
Chen Fei'er sang with a hint of drunkenness, a bit carefree, but her singing skills were impeccable, steady and unpretentious. The poetic lyrics flowed like heavenly sounds.
The simple accompaniment and straightforward singing felt like a clear spring nourishing the heart, washing away restlessness, allowing everyone to relax and immerse themselves in the song's ambiance.
The bar was silent; no one spoke or moved, all eyes were on Chen Fei'er. Chen Fei'er sang with deep emotion, expressing herself fully.
Lu Chen had written three songs for her, but the one that resonated with her the most was "Flower Woman."
Yet her favorite was this song, "The Sea of People."
Perhaps from an artistic perspective, "The Sea of People" wasn't as good as "Flower Woman" and lacked the potential to become a classic, but she simply loved it.
When Chen Fei'er sang the line "Crossing mountains and seas, humming your song," she couldn't help but glance back at Lu Chen.
Her gaze was gentle.
This wasn't her first collaboration with Lu Chen, but it was the first time she publicly performed this song. She just wanted to sing, here, at this moment.
"...
Your tenderness has become a song,
The you on the other shore is a shadow;
Building a boat in the wind, not looking back,
Even if what I want to conquer is just a desert;
Cherishing what is rare,
Loving you makes life vast;
Your tenderness has become a song,
Accompanying you through the sea of people without stopping.
Crossing mountains and seas, humming your song,
Sailing on waves, forgetting you and forgetting myself;
From now on, rivers are just legends,
Heaven and earth melt, stars are swallowed;
Crossing mountains and seas, humming your song,
Sailing on waves, forgetting you and forgetting myself;
From now on, rivers are just legends,
Heaven and earth melt, stars are swallowed, …"
As the chorus reached its climax, Chen Fei'er's voice rose slightly, showcasing the unique qualities of her tone. The emotions embedded in her singing intensified.
Finally, someone recognized her: "She sounds a bit like Chen Fei'er!"
Not just a bit; the resemblance became more apparent, and with the reminder, everyone felt a sense of realization.
When Chen Fei'er sang the second verse, many could no longer sit still. A small commotion broke out in the bar.
Chen Fei'er smiled as she removed her glasses, revealing her true appearance.
She felt fantastic.
Why not give everyone a surprise? There was no need to hide anymore.
It was indeed a surprise! In Daylily bar, it felt as if a heavyweight bomb had silently exploded.
Many couldn't believe their eyes, the person singing in front of them was truly Chen Fei'er! Some stood up only to quickly sit back down, their faces flushed.
There were also girls who widened their eyes, covering their mouths, secretly pulling out their phones to record. But more people continued to appreciate the song earnestly.
Because it was a rare opportunity, they cherished it even more!
(End of Chapter)