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People's Square is ideally located, surrounded by bustling commercial zones. On any typical evening, except during harsh weather, it's a favorite spot for locals out on a stroll.
Tonight, being Valentine's Day, couples filled the streets and alleys, practically blinding the single folks with their sweetness. Naturally, People's Square became a top destination for lovers. After a warm, romantic dinner, what better way to walk it off than here? The crowd grew steadily larger.
The grand opening ceremony of Senqi's flagship store naturally drew a lot of attention from passersby.
Especially the video playing on the huge LED billboard nearby, it stirred the hearts of many young men and women, who eagerly gathered around to check it out.
'Autumn in My Heart' had achieved a nationwide average viewership of over 2%, becoming a true phenomenon with a massive fanbase. When word got out that the drama's male lead would be making an appearance here tonight, even non-fans wanted to come see what the fuss was about.
At exactly 6:30 p.m., the opening ceremony officially began.
As usual, the host took the stage first, delivering the typical spiel before quickly moving into the fashion show segment. Models in matching couples' outfits walked the runway, showing off Senqi's new spring collection.
The crowd grew denser by the minute. Many fans held up neon signs and loudly chanted Lu Chen's name.
They weren't here for the store's grand opening. They weren't here for the fashion show. They were here for Lu Chen, and Lu Chen alone!
What's more, tonight was also the finale of 'Autumn in My Heart'. Even though Haijin TV wisely delayed the broadcast to 9:30 p.m., fans were hoping to see Lu Chen in person first, then rush home in time for the final episode, either on TV or via live streaming.
The excitement reached a fever pitch. The shouting grew so loud that even the returning host after the runway show could barely keep things under control.
Sensing things were getting a little out of hand, the host reacted quickly, laughing and shouting into the mic: "Looks like everyone here really loves our brand ambassador, Mr. Lu Chen! Well then, how about we count down together and welcome him to the stage, sound good?"
"YES!"
Screams erupted. Some fangirls were so hyped they jumped up and down, shrieking at full volume.
The host continued, "Alright, I'll start the countdown, 10, 9, 8..."
This wasn't part of the original program. Lu Chen wasn't scheduled to appear for another half hour. But no one could really say the host was wrong to improvise. In fact, his quick thinking deserved praise.
The organizers had clearly underestimated Lu Chen's popularity and influence. The crowd around the stage stretched out as far as the eye could see, a sea of glowing neon signs waving in the air, undeniable proof of the sheer size of his fanbase.
And it's worth noting: Lu Chen's studio had never hired any professional fans.
These were all genuine, die-hard supporters!
If they'd tried to delay things any longer, chaos could have broken out, something the organizers definitely couldn't afford.
Now, with the countdown underway, the restless energy in the crowd quickly turned into unified anticipation. Everyone chanted with the host: "5, 4, 3, 2, 1!"
Spotlights lit up the steps leading to the stage, and Lu Chen appeared, smiling as he walked up.
He had been waiting backstage this whole time. This was just an early entrance.
The moment he appeared, a wave of ecstatic screaming erupted: "Lu Chen!!"
"I love you!!"
Others shouted "Junxi!", his character's name in the drama. Those were the die-hard Lan Fans.
Tonight, Lu Chen wore a custom-made casual outfit from Senqi along with their new sneakers. Guitar in hand, he looked not just cool, but energetic and full of charm. His confident smile and relaxed stride were enough to melt the hearts of countless fans.
"Aaahhh! He's so hot!!"
"Lu Chen's always handsome, but today he's on another level!"
"It's Valentine's Day and Lu Chen is still single. Stay single, stay glorious!"
"Wish I could be there... but Capital City is just too far."
"Haha, I'm actually at the square right now, so many people!"
"Wonder what song Lu Chen's gonna sing tonight?"
The opening ceremony was also being live-streamed on Whale TV.
Lu Chen had long held the title of top streamer on the platform. Though he didn't stream often anymore, and much of the content was no longer hosted by him personally, his popularity never dropped.
On this Valentine's night, over 2 million viewers tuned in to his live room. Even though it had been announced in advance, people were still amazed at the sheer strength of the single crowd!
The live stream was managed by Li Feiyu, though now the streaming gear had upgraded significantly: professional cameras, mics, and high-speed 4G+ network ensured crystal-clear footage for fans watching from home.
On screen, Lu Chen stepped up to the mic with a smile and said: "Good evening, everyone. I'm Lu Chen."
Then he bowed deeply to the crowd. The fans screamed even louder, like the sound could pierce the sky!
Straightening up, Lu Chen continued, "Today is a very special day. Seeing all of you so lovey-dovey, walking hand in hand… I feel like I've taken a ton of emotional damage. You guys are just too cruel!"
He purposely made an exaggeratedly heartbroken face.
That moment wasn't just streamed online; it was also broadcast in real-time on the massive LED screen in People's Square, so that everyone, all thousands gathered there, could see Lu Chen's expression and hear his voice!
Senqi spared no expense for this flagship store's grand opening, and it showed. The setup was dazzling, and the atmosphere electric.
Laughter and applause broke out together.
Even though everyone knew Lu Chen was joking, couples in the crowd still couldn't help but feel a little smug, Even a superstar is a single dog!
Lu Chen chuckled. "Originally, I planned to sing a ballad for all the singles out there, myself included. But since there are so many couples in the crowd tonight, I guess the few have to give way to the many!"
"The first song is brand new, one I wrote just for all of you!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Everyone who knew Lu Chen knew just how gifted he was at songwriting. Getting to hear a new original on a night like this? It was the best surprise fans could have hoped for.
Especially since Lu Chen had been busy filming his TV drama recently and hadn't released anything new for a while.
He turned slightly and said, "Also, I'd like to introduce a new band to everyone, they're called Nirvana. As in rebirth through fire, Nirvana! This is also my personal live band!"
"First up, the guitarist of Nirvana: Wang Jing!"
The Nirvana Band had already been on stage, playing the live background music during the earlier fashion show. No one had realized they were Lu Chen's own band, and now, the crowd burst into applause again.
Wang Jing quickly stood and bowed to the audience as the camera panned over to her.
"Whoa! A beautiful female guitarist!"
"Wang Jing? That name sounds really familiar!"
"Yeah, I think I've heard it too!"
"I'll tell you, Wang Jing composed the 'My Old Classmate' album! I remember it clearly!"
"So cool!"
"Lu Chen finally has his own band, I'm throwing my tips in support!"
"Ugh, I should've gone to the event. So jealous of the people at People's Square!"
Compared to the live scene at the square, the online Whale TV live stream was even more buzzing, and the comments flew like wildfire.
A real live band carries way more prestige than just using backing tracks. Having a personal band was a symbol of both strength and status, especially for a top-tier vagabond singer-songwriter like Lu Chen.
Previously, fans had been worried he might leave music behind for TV and film. But now those fears vanished, forming a band meant he was clearly committed to music for the long run.
The Whale TV live room exploded, fish balls (digital gifts), aircraft carriers (big tips), and all sorts of on-screen effects flooded the screen.
"Bassist: Ouyang He!"
"Keyboardist: Wen Yuan!"
"Drummer: Yang Xiaoyi!"
Lu Chen introduced the members of Nirvana one by one to the public for the first time.
It wouldn't be the last; unless something unexpected happened, this band would be with him for the rest of his musical journey. The cheers of thousands rang out, and Ouyang He and the others couldn't hide their excitement and joy.
Once the introductions were done, Lu Chen set down his guitar and said, "Now I'm going to show you a few numbers with my hands, help me shout them out together, alright? Thank you!"
He held out both hands, ten fingers splayed. His left thumb folded into his palm.
"What number is this?"
Some in the crowd were momentarily puzzled. But others immediately shouted: "Nine!"
Lu Chen smiled and lowered his right hand, keeping his left in the same shape.
"Four!" the crowd shouted again.
Next, he folded his left hand and raised his right, index and middle fingers extended.
"Two!"
Then he folded the middle finger, leaving just the index finger pointing skyward.
"One!"
Lu Chen nodded. "That's right. Now, put those four numbers together, say them with me!"
"Nine-four-two-one!"
The clever ones caught on instantly: "I Just Love You!" (The numbers sound similar to that phrase in Mandarin.)
Everyone else quickly caught up and shouted loudly: "I Just Love You!"
Lu Chen grinned. "That's the name of this new song. I hope you like it!"
As his words fell, Nirvana struck the first chords of the song.
Instantly, all the clapping, cheering, and laughter faded into silence. The entire square, and countless viewers online, focused all their attention on Lu Chen, standing center stage.
Only the neon signs continued to sway in the night, painting arcs of colored light through the crowd.
"I've always wanted to tell you
You bring me a kind of joy I never imagined
Like an oasis blooming in the desert."
"Say you'll always be with me
Be my roots, be my wings
So I have a home to return to when I fly."
"I'm willing, I truly am
To give it all, without regret."
"Let's be together, let time slip by
And remember how we once loved."
"I Just Love You, loving you, through joy and sorrow
With you, even the ordinary becomes meaningful."
"I Just Love You, loving you, sweetly and with peace
Because that feeling… is you."
…
(End Of This Chapter)