Chapter 63

Sigh, but the audience still treated Qi Qingnuo as the main character, even cheering when she took off her coat. Inside her coat, Qi Qingnuo was wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt, so loose that even Yang Jingxing could probably wear it. There was a tattoo-like pattern on the chest. Her arms were white, but not slender, no wonder she played the instrument with such strength.

Qi Qingnuo wiped the sweat from her forehead with a tissue and handed two to Yu Xinting and Yang Jingxing. She clearly wasn't satisfied yet and asked if they could continue.

Considering Yu Xinting's weaker improvisation skills, Yang Jingxing suggested playing "Until the End of the World." In this, Yu Xinting could take the lead on the piano, while he and Yu Xinting would accompany on the electronic keyboard and electric guitar, respectively.

Yu Xinting, a bit excited, said with some confidence: "This should be fine."

So they played another song. Although they hadn't practiced it before, the combination didn't seem too out of place. Yu Xinting played the piano according to the sheet music Yang Jingxing gave her, while Yang Jingxing used the workstation to mimic drums and bass, and Qi Qingnuo and Yu Xinting sang in turns.

As soon as the prelude started, the audience cheered. Qi Qingnuo's guitar skills were even more evident, truly a chip off the old block. Yang Jingxing's drumming on the workstation wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. The one who stood out the most was Yu Xinting; she was much more confident now, and her movements were full of passion!

Unfortunately, no one sang. Suddenly, a man in his early twenties stood up, ran forward, and picked up the microphone. It seemed he was about to sing, and both Yang Jingxing and Qi Qingnuo welcomed him with their expressions.

The unexpected singer wasn't the best, but his Japanese was pure. The audience was even more entertained, especially since the small man seemed to have a strong desire to perform. His attire clearly showed he liked to attract attention. He sang with great effort and emotion, almost like a reincarnation of Masahiro Ueki.

When the song ended, the audience applauded. The small man first shook hands with Yang Jingxing and Qi Qingnuo, then introduced himself in Mandarin. Upon hearing his voice, people realized he was likely Japanese. He said his name was Shibata Kawa, from Kyoto, Japan, and he was studying at Tongji University. He liked China and Chinese people, and he had Chinese friends in the audience.

Fortunately, there were no radical nationalists in the audience, allowing Shibata Kawa to receive some applause before leaving the stage.

The atmosphere in the bar was fully energized. If Ran Jie were to sing a small tune now, it would be out of place. Qi Qingnuo hugged Yu Xinting and said to Yang Jingxing, "You play a solo, and we'll be your cheerleaders."

Yang Jingxing shook his head and went off the stage with them.

Qi Dawei patted Yang Jingxing's shoulder and went back on stage, picking up the microphone and saying, "There are quite a few young people here today, but let me tell you, the old ones are still the best!" His tone was very provocative, and the crowd started to cheer.

Qi Dawei's partners seemed to be in perfect sync, all going on stage. Qi Dawei switched to a different guitar, Gan Kaicheng picked up the bass, and the drummer took off his coat. The keyboardist adjusted the equipment, which was essentially a solo.

Yang Jingxing led the cheering, and the others joined in even more enthusiastically. Qi Qingnuo, in the middle, put her arms around Yang Jingxing and Yu Xinting's shoulders and shouted, "We haven't even started yet!"

The drummer started first. Wow, he came out with a burst of passion, and the guitar and keyboard quickly followed... It seemed like the old Chenghuang band.

This was not just a revival but a renaissance. Gan Kaicheng was the lead singer, performing a song called "Battle" from the band's last album. This song wasn't the band's most famous, and even regular fans hadn't heard it, as it was from their last album, with a very cathartic and angry feel. From a pop perspective, it wasn't easy to listen to.

However, from a pure rock perspective, "Battle" was a highly accomplished song. Structurally, it started very heavy metal, then shifted to a more gothic feel in the middle, and ended with a lighter metal sound. The lyrics, though seemingly scattered, were actually written by a famous poet of the time. Musically, those who studied rock would consider the drumming and guitar in this song as classics.

The people in their thirties and forties, represented by Uncle Chen, were all excited, as if they were cheering for their peers from their younger days. The atmosphere was filled with maturity. The young people, represented by Yang Jingxing and Qi Qingnuo, were also very supportive.

"Battle" was truly a highlight. The men on stage, in their forties, were full of energy, especially the quiet drummer, who seemed to have a grudge against the drums.

Gan Kaicheng's singing style was vastly different from his albums; he didn't care about sounding pleasant, and his voice was almost hoarse.

Qi Dawei, in his current state, probably wasn't helping his authority in front of his daughter, but rather setting a bad example, jumping around.

But no one found it funny; they were all infected, even Yu Xinting, who was nodding her head. Qi Qingnuo, who admired her father, had probably seen this many times, but she was still focused.

When the song ended, the audience cheered. The men who had just been full of energy now maturely and modestly declined the request for another song and went off the stage.

Qi Dawei pulled the two generations of musicians to sit down and chat. Gan Kaicheng asked Yang Jingxing, "What was that piece of 'Rain in the City' for?" With his professional eye, it definitely wasn't a vocal piece, nor did it seem like a practice piece. It had a strong theme and was well-arranged, possibly a movie theme song.

Yang Jingxing said, "Just for fun."

Gan Kaicheng said, "Do you write a lot of your own stuff? If you have any ideas, make a demo and send it to me. I'll let you know if I need it."

Yang Jingxing thanked him but said he only had this one piece.

The drummer, who rarely spoke, said, "Not bad."

Yang Jingxing was very embarrassed.

Qi Qingnuo took a sip of beer and scolded Yang Jingxing, "I didn't ask you to be modest... You're not even qualified to be modest." Then she giggled.

Gan Kaicheng said, "Music needs practice. You and Qingnuo are friends, so we're friends too. You can find me."

Yang Jingxing asked Qi Qingnuo, "Should I thank you?"

Qi Qingnuo crossed her legs, "Of course... There are so many singers, and if any of them sing a couple of your songs, you'll be famous."

They then talked about songwriting. Yang Jingxing was hesitant to write songs because he didn't know how to write lyrics and found vocals hard to grasp. Gan Kaicheng shared some of his insights, which Yang Jingxing found very helpful.

Gan Kaicheng joked, "Xu Cheng is looking for a song. If you can write one in two weeks, send it to me." Xu Cheng, an actress, was now also singing? She was a top-tier actress in China, having been in the industry for seven or eight years, transitioning from an idol to a serious actress.

Yang Jingxing was willing, "I'll give it a try."

Gan Kaicheng added, "The melody shouldn't be too complex, keep it simple but fresh. It shouldn't be a love song, as Xu Cheng wants to be a serious artist and wants to sing something different. Something like 'Sun in the Rain' would be good."

Gan Kaicheng also said, "If you have time, make a demo. If it doesn't work, we can make changes."

Yang Jingxing said, "That would be great, I can learn more from you."

Around ten o'clock, Yang Jingxing and Yu Xinting had to leave. After Yang Jingxing paid the bill, Qi Qingnuo put on her clothes and saw them out. Some people thought Qi Qingnuo was leaving and tried to persuade her to stay.

Qi Qingnuo said to Yang Jingxing, "If you want to make it in the industry, following Gan Kaicheng is the best way. If you don't, it's fine."

Yang Jingxing said, "I definitely want to."

Qi Qingnuo said, "That's good. Oh, we only talked about this, and I didn't introduce you to any girls... What about the one in red?"

Yang Jingxing said, "I think you're the most red."

Qi Qingnuo was pleased, "That's right, with my looks... Xinting, we're the twin beauties!"

Yu Xinting said, "This place is so much fun... but it's a bit expensive."

Qi Qingnuo disagreed, "Expensive? Other places are fifty to sixty yuan a cup. We're middle-class consumption... I feel for you!"

Yang Jingxing said, "It's on me, I'll pay it back eventually."

Qi Qingnuo teased Yu Xinting, "Oh, we can only meet tomorrow, give me a kiss."

Yu Xinting giggled and stepped back.

Qi Qingnuo asked Yang Jingxing, "Should I pass it on?"

Yang Jingxing was surprised, "Come on, come on!"

Qi Qingnuo playfully punched Yang Jingxing's face.

On the way back to school, Yu Xinting kept expressing her admiration for Qi Qingnuo, especially envying the close relationship between her and her father.

Yu Xinting said, "She's the center of attention wherever she goes, so popular."

Yang Jingxing was a bit jealous, "We won't welcome her in the future."

Yu Xinting giggled, "She's helping you, right?"

Yang Jingxing reconsidered, "We'll still welcome her."

Yu Xinting said, "She's like you, treating everyone well."

Yang Jingxing felt ashamed, "I'm far from that."

After they got to school, Yu Xinting went back to her dorm, and Yang Jingxing went to Room 402 to work. He planned to write a song, aiming to meet the standard but not to overdo it.

At eleven, Yang Jingxing received a text from Tao Meng, asking if he was home. Yang Jingxing called her back. Tao Meng asked about the people he met and what he did at the bar. Yang Jingxing answered truthfully.

Yang Jingxing asked, "Can you help me write the lyrics?"

Tao Meng hesitated, "Sure, should