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Shi Gang was in his thirties, but he looked older, more like a worldly man in his forties, with a rugged, unkempt beard and an aura of weariness that was hard to define.
Yet compared to many of his peers at the scene, who were similarly scruffy and disheveled, Shi Gang stood out as somewhat different. His shirt and pants were impeccably clean, without a trace of heavy stains, his thick, strong fingers were neatly manicured, and his eyes were bright and sharp, he certainly didn't give the impression of a street vagabond.
When his companions jeered and tried to egg him on, Shi Gang first frowned slightly, then smiled and said, "Don't say that. Lu Chen is a very talented vagabond singer. In terms of skill, he's far stronger than I am."
No one expected Brother Gangzi, who had always carried a certain pride in the industry, to speak so highly of Lu Chen. Those who had just mocked Lu Chen fell silent, their expressions awkward.
Shi Gang seemed not to notice and continued, "Yesterday I had a long chat with Big Qing from the Wandering Band. He told me a lot about Lu Chen. In pop music, having someone like him appear is truly lucky."
Having been in the industry for over a decade, Shi Gang had seen both the heights of fame and the cold shoulders of neglect. He had moved through both mainstream and non-mainstream circles, from the lowest to the highest rungs, and naturally had his own insights on life.
He knew very well that in China's pop music scene, the non-mainstream circles were just as complex as the mainstream ones, filled with all sorts of people. Many struggling vagabond singers often harbored prejudice or even envy toward those who had made it in the mainstream.
Yet it was often these same people who secretly envied the glory and recognition of the mainstream.
Conversely, the mainstream circles had long shown disdain and exclusion toward the non-mainstream.
The 72H Grassland Music Festival was created precisely to break down these barriers, to allow more talented people from the grassroots to emerge, and to make the mainstream recognize their existence.
But achieving this was no easy task.
Although many vagabond singers and bands had risen to prominence through 72H, catching the attention of entertainment agencies and securing record deals, the overall situation in the non-mainstream scene hadn't changed. The barriers and prejudices between the two circles had never truly disappeared.
To be honest, Shi Gang, who now moved between mainstream and non-mainstream, looked down on those in the mainstream whose singing skills were mediocre and who relied solely on their looks to survive as so-called "idol heartthrobs."
But Lu Chen was definitely not that type.
When Big Qing of the Wandering Band was mentioned, everyone fell silent.
Whether they admitted it or not, the Wandering Band was now one of the hottest bands in the music scene. Big Qing's background gave him immense respect in the non-mainstream circles as well. His song "In Spring" had inspired countless grassroots vagabond singers, who regarded Qin Hanyang as a "Big Brother" figure.
Lu Chen happened to be the songwriter of 'In Spring'. His other works included exceptional light-rock tracks such as :Follow the Dream of the Red Heart', 'The Way You Are', and 'Fly Higher'.
Yet because of his youth, good looks, TV dramas, and his relationship with Chen Fei'er, people often overlooked his talent and strength in original music.
To belittle or mock someone like him would be ignorant and laughable. Many wore expressions of shame.
Shi Gang clapped his hands and said, "Actually, if you think about it the other way, being able to perform on the same stage as a vagabond singer like Lu Chen is our good fortune. I suggest we all give our absolute best, let's not let anyone underestimate us!"
This reignited enthusiasm among everyone. Morale surged: "Yes! Brother Gangzi is right!"
"We can't let anyone look down on us!"
Shi Gang smiled without speaking, his mind already on that night's performance.
He had never been a vagabond singer content with obscurity. The ups and downs of his life had taught him to cherish every opportunity. Even though Lu Chen was powerful, he wasn't strong enough to make him lose courage or confidence in his singing.
Like Shi Gang, other talented vagabond singers were also rubbing their hands in anticipation, ready to test their skills.
Although their fame and popularity couldn't compare to a hotshot like Lu Chen, the 72H Grassland Music Festival was different from ordinary shows. The audience here held high regard for the non-mainstream scene and knew how to appreciate genres like rock and other niche music styles.
Throughout 72H's history, there had been countless occasions where rising vagabond singers were booed off stage. With live band accompaniment, unplugged performances, and pure, unaltered vocals, the festival tested true skill.
Here, anyone had the chance to outperform Lu Chen, or any other big-name vagabond singer, in popularity!
At this moment, however, Lu Chen had no idea how many vagabond singers were waiting to challenge him. It took him over half an hour just to deal with the reporters before he finally made his way into the backer area.
"Backer" was really just a makeshift tent, long and narrow like a vegetable greenhouse.
Inside, many vagabond singers and bands were already gathered. Lu Chen recognized several familiar faces.
"Brother Liao Jia!"
Among the vagabond singers invited to the 20th 72H Grassland Music Festival, Lu Chen was far from the top in terms of status. That title went to Liao Jia!
Liao Jia, the lead singer and soul of Black Crow Band and disciple of Gao Yi, had once been regarded as the last hope for Chinese rock. Though he hadn't been able to save the genre, he still held considerable influence in the music scene.
For the 72H festival, Liao Jia had another special role, he was one of the festival's founders!
Of course, now he was only a special guest, not a member of the organizing committee.
Lu Chen knew Liao Jia because of Chen Fei'er. Liao Jia had once pursued her, but she had no interest, and her heart had eventually been won over by Lu Chen, the young upstart.
Liao Jia had even challenged Lu Chen to a drinking duel over it, and the two had unexpectedly developed a mutual respect and become friends.
Liao Jia had a bit of a temper but a good character. His reputation and network in the show business community were excellent.
So even now, with Lu Chen's popularity at its peak, he still greeted Liao Jia politely.
"You, youngster, made it too!" Seeing Lu Chen, a faint smile appeared on Liao Jia's dark, thin face.
He stood up from his seat, stepped forward, and slapped Lu Chen firmly on the shoulder. Without any pretense, he asked, "What time does your performance start?"
"Around eight-thirty," Lu Chen replied.
Liao Jia laughed. "Mine's at seven-thirty. I've been wanting to compete with you, looks like the chance has come!"
Lu Chen felt embarrassed. "Brother Liao Jia, can we not joke around?"
"Who's joking with you!" Liao Jia glared at him. "If you lose to me, I will despise you!"
(End of Chapter)