Chapter 68

Wen Zhengyu really liked the song "Love Song." He had already decided to collaborate with Jin Tae-yeon before going to persuade her to cheat in the lottery. He wasn't a big fan of dance music, and now that he was in this industry, he had to pay more attention to the market.

First, he needed to establish himself in the mainstream before he could explore different styles and find his own unique characteristics. Wen Zhengyu didn't say he was against anything, but for his first performance, he still wanted to choose a song he liked. However, when he heard that Lee Soon-gyu was in his voice-changing period and needed to protect his voice, Wen Zhengyu was at a loss.

If that was the case, even if they could collaborate, it wouldn't be possible. If he really sang that song, would he still have his voice? As he drove to school, Wen Zhengyu made up his mind.

They couldn't collaborate... it was fine. It wouldn't work if it was forced. He didn't even need to confirm whether Jin Tae-yeon really wanted to spar with him, as Lee Soon-gyu had said. Why make it so complicated? It was just a school celebration, right?

"I agree to collaborate with you." Before Wen Zhengyu could say anything to Jin Tae-yeon, she said something that left him speechless. Perhaps she realized the stark contrast in her attitude, with no transition at all.

Jin Tae-yeon, who usually spoke little to unfamiliar classmates, raised her head and explained a bit more: "I also really like this song. I practiced it at home yesterday, and I think the female version could be a challenge. It might even have a different effect. Besides, I have experience with duets; I've provided vocals for a song on a teacher's album."

Wen Zhengyu was silent for a moment, then pursed his lips and spoke: "You agree? You... don't want to think about it more?"

Jin Tae-yeon's expression was strange, and she frowned slightly as she looked at Wen Zhengyu.

Wen Zhengyu sighed inwardly and smiled, bowing: "Forget it... let's have a good collaboration then." With that, he walked past Jin Tae-yeon and opened the door to the activity room.

Jin Tae-yeon bit her lip and followed in silently: "You... you changed your mind?"

Wen Zhengyu thought of what Lee Soon-gyu had said yesterday. For a girl with such a personality, he decided to be straightforward: "I'm happy to collaborate. But... but the song I chose might be a bit problematic."

Jin Tae-yeon's face brightened: "Then why don't we use 'No.1'?"

Wen Zhengyu was taken aback, not knowing whether to laugh or cry: "That's not what I meant. I'm now..."

Seeing Jin Tae-yeon's eyes dim instantly, Wen Zhengyu didn't say anything more.

He touched his nose and suddenly stood up: "Let's practice now. You'll understand my difficulty."

Jin Tae-yeon looked at Wen Zhengyu blankly, and Wen Zhengyu was already at the corner, fiddling with the sound equipment. He found the audio cable and asked, "Did you bring that CD?"

Jin Tae-yeon was taken aback and quickly took the CD of "Love Song" from her bag. Wen Zhengyu put it into the computer.

Wen Zhengyu took two headphones and handed one to her, gesturing for her to put it on. Standing in front of the microphone, he said, "One verse each, you go first. We'll sing together at the climax."

Jin Tae-yeon nodded seriously, and Wen Zhengyu looked at her with a strange expression, as if she had transformed into a different person once she put on the headphones.

She no longer seemed shy and reserved; there was an indescribable energy emanating from her, forming a subtle aura.

Before Wen Zhengyu could think more, Jin Tae-yeon's voice rang out. Wen Zhengyu's eyes lit up. Jin Tae-yeon's voice and the emotions it conveyed were very captivating, drawing him in involuntarily. He was so captivated that he subconsciously clapped and sat on a table, watching Jin Tae-yeon.

Jin Tae-yeon couldn't help but want to laugh. After finishing the first verse, she gestured to Wen Zhengyu. He quickly shook his head and quietly moved the microphone aside, even reaching out to move it further away. Jin Tae-yeon glared at him, and Wen Zhengyu smiled, gesturing to her.

However, the interlude between the first and second verses was very short. Even if Wen Zhengyu didn't sing, Jin Tae-yeon couldn't let the accompaniment play without a voice. As a professional singer, the first thing her teacher taught her was that even if she was eating while singing, she couldn't miss any lyrics.

"Such a distant place, unreachable, when the day breaks at dawn. You should have been abandoned with tears."

The climax, the most tragic part. Wen Zhengyu had never heard a female version. Honestly, he was surprised that Jin Tae-yeon agreed to sing it and even felt it was good.

But now, being so close to Jin Tae-yeon, the high notes and the explosive power from her small body made Wen Zhengyu's body tremble involuntarily. He subconsciously wanted to join in, but his vocal cords couldn't produce a sound.

"Even if I stretch my fingers toward you, far away, I can feel you, but I can't get close."

Jin Tae-yeon closed her eyes, frowning slightly. She held the microphone with her short arm, and her voice echoed through the speakers, finishing the first verse.

Wen Zhengyu watched her, momentarily lost in thought. Suddenly, he felt the table vibrate. Opening his eyes, he saw that the interlude was almost over, and Jin Tae-yeon was glaring at him: "Come on, sing. We're supposed to collaborate, right?"

Wen Zhengyu smiled awkwardly: "I've decided to cancel the collaboration... I might hold you back."

"Mo ya?" Jin Tae-yeon frowned: "Why do you keep changing your mind?"

The accompaniment was still playing, making her voice sound a bit small.

Holding the microphone, Jin Tae-yeon glared at Wen Zhengyu: "What's wrong with you? You only listen to my voice and don't let me hear yours. Did you change your mind after hearing me sing? Do you think I'll hold you back?"

Wen Zhengyu laughed and waved his hand, then paused and took the microphone: "I didn't mean it that way. I just can't sing as high as you, and I can't fully grasp the overall style."

Jin Tae-yeon bit her lip: "Isn't this the song you chose?"

Wen Zhengyu opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly clapping sounds came from behind.

They turned instinctively. Song Hye-in stood at the door with a smile, and behind her were members of the literary club. The accompaniment was still playing, and Jin Tae-yeon quickly bowed.

Wen Zhengyu turned off the accompaniment and smiled as he approached: "Senior, you're here."

Liu Shangmin was also behind Song Hye-in, glancing at Jin Tae-yeon and speaking softly: "You must have practiced in Seoul. I could tell the difference as soon as you started singing."

Jin Tae-yeon bowed awkwardly, lowering her head and placing the microphone aside.

Song Hye-in looked at Wen Zhengyu: "You're already practicing? Who will handle the program selection?"

Wen Zhengyu smiled: "I will, definitely."

Song Hye-in glanced at Jin Tae-yeon, who had returned to her shy and reserved self. She said to Wen Zhengyu: "I'm going back to class." She bowed to Song Hye-in and left the activity room.

Liu Shangmin smiled and approached: "Zhengyu, you're having a good time, aren't you? I watched for a while at the door. That junior sang so passionately, and you were clapping and staring at her. Are you trying to use this collaboration as an opportunity to get close to her?"

Wen Zhengyu laughed: "Mo ya? Senior Shangmin, do you think I'm that kind of person since I transferred here?"

Song Hye-in looked at Wen Zhengyu, suddenly frowned, and waved her hand: "Enough. Let's get to the program selection. The lottery is over, and they're waiting for you. If it works, start practicing; if not, be prepared to be an audience member."

Wen Zhengyu shrugged at Liu Shangmin and sat down: "What programs are there? Should we watch them first?"

The students who had signed up for the school celebration were following, meaning the same thing. With so many programs, some would have to be cut. They needed to decide which ones to practice and which ones to cut.

Some programs wouldn't even need to be practiced, and they needed to be carefully reviewed. After all, for the school celebration, Wen Zhengyu had to prepare his own program while also ensuring the overall quality.

He called for people to tidy up the tables and set up the venue. Liu Shangmin was responsible for the music and props. Wen Zhengyu and Song Hye-in sat on the side, watching the students perform.

Wen Zhengyu took notes with a pen and notebook, watching very carefully. However, Song Hye-in was distracted, often glancing at Wen Zhengyu. The scene she had just seen flashed through her mind.

Wen Zhengyu had never looked at a girl with such focused and infatuated eyes. And the girl named Jin Tae-yeon wasn't as shy as when they first met. She occasionally scolded and glared at Wen Zhengyu, like flirting. The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became. Song Hye-in suddenly stood up and walked toward the door.

The students performing were momentarily at a loss, and Wen Zhengyu was even more confused. Liu Shangmin gave Wen Zhengyu a strange look, opened the door, and followed her out.

Wen Zhengyu was silent for a moment, then smiled and said to the students: "Keep going, keep going. Senior might be in a bad mood because she's about to graduate. Don't mind it."

The students chuckled and continued their performances.

(Thank you to Ye Yu Xi for the support, very much appreciated. Thank you to Star Messenger Chen Xing for the support. Bowing in gratitude. O(∩_∩)O)

(P.S.: And to the agreed-upon friend, don't forget to vote. zzangO(∩_∩)O)

{Piao Tian Literature}