"Young friend, today's segment of 'The Mountain's Query' was brimming with spirit! Especially that improvised transition in the middle—very naturally handled, full of emotion. However, your breath support on the high notes could be steadier. Try diaphragmatic breathing, feel the breath sink down."
Lin Chen replied immediately: "Thank you for the guidance, Teacher! I'll pay attention when I practice tomorrow."
"Music Old-Timer" sent another message quickly: "I see from your profile you're from the Qinling area? The provincial capital auditions for 'China's New Voice' are coming up. Haven't you considered trying out? It's a shame for a voice and creative talent like yours to be buried in the mountains."
Reading these words, Lin Chen felt a mix of emotions. He typed a reply: "Thank you for the encouragement, Teacher. I... am considering it. It's just..."
"Just have reservations?" "Music Old-Timer" seemed to sense his hesitation. "Young man, if you have a dream, you should chase it. Even if it's just to see the outside world, it's an experience. Your voice deserves to be heard by more people. I spent some years in the music scene myself when I was younger. If you decide to participate, you can ask me if you need any advice."
These words flowed into Lin Chen's uncertain heart like a warm current. He gripped his phone tightly, as if holding onto a faint thread of hope.
"Thank you! If I decide to go, I will definitely consult you!"
Putting down the phone, Lin Chen looked up at the night sky. The stars in the mountains were exceptionally bright, densely scattered across the canopy like countless shining diamonds. One of them seemed particularly bright, twinkling, as if winking at him.
*Should I go?*
That outside world, full of unknowns, opportunities, and dangers.
That bustling place that could realize his dreams, or could swallow him whole.
He took a deep breath of the cool night air. The young heart in his chest was throbbing with a single answer, with unprecedented force.
He would go.
He had to go.
If only to live up to these mountains that had raised him, to live up to this never-ceasing desire to sing within his chest.
He went back inside, pulled a small wooden box from under his bed, unlocked it, and revealed all his "savings"—a stack of crumpled bills and some coins. He counted them carefully. Once. Twice. Travel expenses, accommodation, possible fees for application materials... It was tight, but it was enough.
He carefully put the money away. Then, he took out a somewhat chipped notebook, turned to a new page, and solemnly wrote:
* **Goal:** Provincial Capital Auditions for *China's New Voice*.
* **Preparation Pieces:** "*The Mountain's Query*" (Full Version), "*Distant Star*" (Original), "*Clouds Over My Hometown*" (Adapted).
* **Points to Note:** Steady breath, emotional engagement, don't fear the camera.
After writing, he closed the notebook, blew out the kerosene lamp (the village often had power outages), and lay down on his hard plank bed. Outside, the mountain wind and the chirping of insects continued as always. But tonight, Lin Chen's heart could no longer be as calm as before.
The song from the mountain stream was about to drift beyond the mountains. Would it find a vast world awaiting it, or relentless storms?
At this moment, no one knew. Only the brilliant Milky Way silently watched over this mountain boy and his impending journey into an uncertain fate.
---
The provincial capital's cacophony was, for Lin Chen, a different kind of "deafening roar."
When he stepped out of the long-distance bus station with his simple luggage, he was instantly engulfed by the surging crowds, dense traffic, and all kinds of high-decibel noise. The sunlight reflected off the glass curtain walls of skyscrapers was harsh. The air was a mix of exhaust fumes, dust, and the smells from street food stalls—utterly different from the fresh, moist air of the mountains. He subconsciously tightened the strap of his old guitar on his shoulder, as if it were his only connection to the world he knew.
Following his phone's map, he transferred buses twice and finally found the audition venue—a studio inside a creative park in the eastern part of the city. The sight before him made him gasp.
A long, snaking line had already formed outside the studio, stretching seemingly forever—at least a thousand people. Young, attractive boys and girls, dressed fashionably with meticulous makeup, chatted in small groups, brimming with confidence. Some were vocalizing, some were touching up their makeup with pocket mirrors, and others were surrounded by professional teams—photographers, makeup artists, assistants... The scale of it all made Lin Chen, in his faded T-shirt and jeans, looking travel-worn, feel completely out of place.
He quietly walked to the end of the line, keeping his head down to avoid the scrutinizing gazes. A feeling of inferiority, unlike anything he had ever felt, began to creep over his heart like clinging vines. Here, he was no longer the Lin Chen praised by the whole village for his singing. He was just a drop in the ocean, the most inconspicuous one among thousands of young people clutching dreams of stardom.