Lu Chen's past works were mostly folk and light rock, songs full of nostalgia and youthful passion. But he never intended to box himself into a single style. This year, he planned to explore broader and more diverse musical genres. And tonight's 'I Just Love You', released on Valentine's Day, was a perfect example of that: a classic love song.
In pop music, love songs have the broadest appeal, they've always been one of the most beloved genres. For decades, countless iconic ballads have emerged both in China and abroad. Love songs have never gone out of style.
Because of love, it's one of the most beautiful human emotions.
'I Just Love You' had a sweet melody and simple, catchy lyrics. There were no complex arrangements, just Lu Chen's warm and tender voice gently unfolding the tune. Soft and sincere, like whispers between lovers, it touched not just the ear, but also the heart.
"I've always wanted to tell you
You bring me a joy I never imagined
Like an oasis blooming in the desert"
"Say you'll stay with me forever
Be my roots, my wings
So I can fly, and still have a home to return to"
"I'm willing, truly willing
To give everything, just to protect you"
"Oh~ Let's stay together, even as time flows by
Please remember how deeply I love you"
"Oh~ 'I Just Love You', loving you
Through all the storms and sunshine"
"'I Just Love You', loving you
Placing my heart in your hands
Giving you all my radiant happiness"
"Oh~ 'I Just Love You', loving you
I'm willing to do it all"
"'I Just Love You', loving you
Let's always stay together!"
At that moment, the couples at People's Square smiled as they listened. Cuddled up close in the cold night, they felt each other's warmth while Lu Chen's voice stirred memories of every little moment they'd shared in love.
Time flows, and life can be merciless. Someday in the future, feelings may fade, and lovers may part ways. But no one would forget this night, this magical moment among the crowd, filled with emotion and beauty.
"'I Just Love You', loving you
Let's always stay together!"
That was the most heartfelt Valentine's blessing. When Lu Chen finished singing 'I Just Love You' with deep emotion, the entire crowd erupted in applause. The couples, especially, clapped with all their hearts.
Lu Chen set down his guitar and bowed along with the Nirvana Band.
"Thank you, everyone! May all lovers in the world end up together!"
The applause grew even louder!
Suddenly, a bit of commotion stirred near the front of the stage. A moment later, a little girl in a white chiffon dress appeared, holding a bouquet of roses as she walked onto the stage and approached Lu Chen.
She looked no older than five or six, adorable, like a porcelain doll. She tiptoed as high as she could, offering the flowers up to Lu Chen.
Caught by surprise, Lu Chen immediately crouched down to accept the bouquet. "Thank you! What's your name?"
He was sure there hadn't been any scheduled flower presentation tonight, this must have been spontaneous.
The little girl replied in her soft, baby voice: "My name is Yaya. Brother Lu Chen, happy Valentine's Day!"
Lu Chen chuckled and said with a sigh, "Brother Lu Chen doesn't have a Valentine, what should I do?"
Yaya furrowed her brows, thought for a moment, then suddenly beamed and said, "Then take my sister! She's super greedy and always steals my snacks."
The entire crowd burst into laughter. This little girl was just too adorable! Lu Chen laughed as well, gently gave Yaya a hug, and then walked her safely back down to the front of the stage.
Of course, the little girl had come with family, and quite a big one at that, with several older and younger sisters!
Returning to the microphone, Lu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you, Yaya. Thank you for the flowers... and your sister, too!"
The crowd burst into laughter again.
Lu Chen continued, "For the second song tonight, I'd like to invite someone from the audience to join me on stage for a duet. I think many of you will recognize this one, it's..."
"'Your Eyes'!" Before Lu Chen could even finish naming the song, fans in the audience eagerly shouted it out.
'Your Eyes' was the theme song of the hit drama 'Autumn in My Heart', a duet performed by Lu Chen and Chen Fei'er. As the drama's viewership soared, the song quickly became a household favorite, a must-sing anthem for couples at KTV.
Lu Chen nodded and said, "That's right, 'Your Eyes'. So who would like to come up here and sing it with me?"
The moment he spoke, a sea of hands shot up in the crowd. Several girls even jumped excitedly, shouting, "Me! Me!"
Lu Chen laughed, "So many volunteers! Alright, I'll pick... you!"
He pointed into the crowd. "You, in the red down jacket. Thank you!"
The girl he chose looked completely stunned and overjoyed. Other fans around her stepped aside, casting her looks of admiration and envy as they cleared a path to the stage.
"Hi there, what's your name?"
Lu Chen asked warmly as the young woman came up on stage. She looked to be in her early twenties, delicate and sweet in appearance.
Blushing, she said, "My name is Lin Yu. I'm a huge fan of yours."
She had been out with classmates for the evening. As they passed through People's Square and saw Lu Chen's performance advertised on the big screen, they decided to stop and watch. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd get to sing a love song on stage with him.
It truly felt like a dream.
Lu Chen smiled, "Then let's sing 'Your Eyes' together!"
The music started again.
'Your Eyes' was a well-known piece. While not an easy song to sing, Lin Yu did remarkably well. Aside from a bit of nervousness and hesitation at the start, she quickly found her rhythm. Her performance was heartfelt and on point, and she harmonized smoothly with Lu Chen.
"So many tears, falling without end
My heart aches for every step you took in love
Even the painful dreams felt so sincere..."
…
When the duet ended, the crowd responded with thunderous applause once again.
"Thank you, Lin Yu!"
Lu Chen escorted the lucky fan off the stage, and the staff presented her with a beautifully wrapped gift.
After those two songs, Lu Chen's performance segment came to a close.
After all, this was the grand opening event for Senqi's flagship store, not a personal concert. Many more acts were lined up for the evening.
So Lu Chen and the Nirvana Band bowed once more and prepared to exit the stage.
But the crowd wasn't ready to let him go.
No one knew who started it, but soon a chant rippled through the square and rose into a unified roar: "One more song! One more!"
The shouts built into a powerful wave of energy, echoing through People's Square, breaking through the chill of the winter night and stirring a sense of excitement in everyone present.
Lu Chen stood on the stage with his guitar in hand, his heart full of emotion and warmth.
Even though he didn't have a lover by his side tonight, Valentine's Day 2016 was one he would never forget, Because so many people loved him. Because so many people needed him.
(End of Chapter)
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