Chapter 160: You Better Take Some Classes
"So you're a musician?"
Haley finally found something to brag about, and she proudly boasted about her boyfriend. "Yes, he's the lead singer and guitarist in the school band, and he writes his own songs. You have no idea how amazing his songs are!"
Haley glanced past Ron and met Claire's gaze. The rebellious girl wanted to see her mother get angry, but she was disappointed.
Claire, far from being upset, acted completely composed and feigned surprise. "Really? Your classmate is a musician? It just so happens that your Uncle Ron played in a band in college and wrote a few songs. They were really popular and eventually sold to a record label for serious money. Isn't that right?"
"What? Uncle Ron was a musician?" Haley exclaimed.
Claire mentally fist-pumped. What? Are you shocked? Why do you think I asked Ron to come to the house first? I was totally prepared for this.
A mother knows her daughter best. Haley was exactly like Claire in her youth, so Claire knew precisely what kind of guy Haley would fall for. When she learned Ron was coming to visit, she immediately invited him over.
Although Ron's behavior often annoyed her during school, Claire had to admit that he was the most talented person she had ever met.
"That's right," Ron nodded. "Several record labels approached me about signing contracts, but I hated being in the spotlight, so I turned them all down. Instead, I sold my songs to them, and the money I made covered mine and my brother's college tuition, plus other expenses."
"I still have contacts at record companies. What songs have you written, Dylan? If they're good, I can put in a word for you," Ron said with apparent goodwill.
He wasn't as uptight as Claire. To him, wasn't dating in high school perfectly normal? Just don't do what his mom did and have kids.
"Claire, do you have any instruments at home? Can I borrow one?"
"Of course, just wait." Claire hesitated for a moment, but still agreed.
"Really? What songs have you written?" Haley was skeptical.
"'Shape of You,' uh, this song is a bit inappropriate for kids. It's not really written for young people like you." Phil, who was lying on the sofa, took the opportunity to call out Ron.
But he regretted mentioning the song title after he said it. The song is catchy, but what the hell are those lyrics?
"Yeah, that's right, but you have no room to talk. When you were Haley's age, you were about to become a dad." Ron took the opportunity to roast Phil while Claire was away.
"Ooh~~~" Haley said meaningfully, but her boyfriend's reaction was a bit strange. The nervousness that was originally caused by Ron turned into excitement: "Oh my God, you're the legendary ED?"
"Here's the guitar." Claire handed the guitar to Dylan: "Yes, that's right, ED is Ron's stage name. I didn't expect that Haley's classmate is also your fan. You're really something, Ron."
"Yes, I'm a huge ED fan. It was after listening to his songs that I started pursuing music. Even the songs I write are tributes to your 'Shape of You,' idol."
"Let me sing a good song for everyone. Actually, this song is written for Haley. I called it 'Moonlight.'"
"Moonlight? I remember Beethoven has a sonata by that name. At least it's a promising start." Ron whispered to Claire: "Maybe Haley made a decent choice? This is at least better than that poet you dated named Ricky."
"Hey! Don't compare everyone to you, okay? Among normal people, Ricky's poetry was actually pretty good." Claire said defensively.
Phil: "Who's Ricky?"
Unfortunately, everyone was so focused on Dylan's performance that no one paid attention to poor Phil.
Dylan sat down across from Phil, strummed his guitar, and began to sing: "Stars streak across the sky, drawn to you and falling. Moonlight falls on your face, for they finally find their home... I just want you..."
The first two lines sounded reasonable, but the lyrics became increasingly cringeworthy. Ron was getting irritated, and the Dunphy family's expressions grew increasingly skeptical.
What the hell was this? A tribute to me? So in your mind, I'm just some sleazy pop singer?
"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Ron, unable to bear it any longer, shouted. "Honestly, if that's all you've got, I suggest you forget about pursuing music as a career. There's no future for you at this level!"
"Seriously, you should take some classes," Ron said bluntly.
"Hey! Ron, that's way too harsh." Before Haley could say anything, Phil intervened: "After all, he's your fan too. Aren't you worried about crushing your fan's dreams by saying that?"
"Doesn't matter. I don't plan on staying in the music business anyway~" Ron shrugged and looked at the young man who was so crushed by his criticism that he couldn't lift his head: "So? Do you think what I said was too harsh?"
Haley and Dylan nodded together, and there was still some resentment in Haley's eyes.
Ron's expression grew serious. "I'm not trying to be cruel, man. You know, music is all about talent. Someone without talent will never make it."
"And music isn't just about being provocative," Ron sighed. "Okay, 'Shape of You' is a bit risqué, granted—it's a song I wrote back when I was hanging out in clubs, but I'm not only good at writing that kind of stuff. Can I have the guitar?"
Dylan numbly handed him the guitar. Ron tested the tuning briefly, and a beautiful melody flowed from his fingers as he sang one of his original compositions—a heartfelt ballad about finding true love.
Ron's voice wasn't particularly outstanding, but he delivered the song perfectly. Everyone was immediately captivated by the moving melody, and even the slight resentment in Haley's eyes vanished, replaced by deep admiration.
Little Haley wasn't stupid, she was just a bit starstruck. She could still tell the difference between good music and bad. This song was far superior to Dylan's amateurish attempt.
Compared to him, Ron was absolutely right; that was garbage.
"See, this is real music," Ron finished singing, then stood up, still holding the guitar. "Don't think music is just a trick to pick up girls. It's an art form, an art form that keeps people without talent on the outside looking in."
(End of chapter)
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