Chapter 38

Cheng Xiaoyu sent a text message to Fu Xiyue, saying that something unexpected happened today and he couldn't come over, and they would reschedule for another day.

Fu Xiyue replied, "Nothing serious happened, right?"

Cheng Xiaoyu responded, "Nothing serious, just got bitten by the neighbor's dog and am getting a rabies shot now!"

Fu Xiyue sent a laughing emoji with a hand covering her mouth and said, "Be more careful next time."

Cheng Xiaoyu didn't reply and drove towards the Forest of Lights.

When he arrived, Xia Shamo, Chen Haoran, and Wang Ou had already been there for a while. Chen Haoran was still practicing the double bass drum. Xia Shamo and Wang Ou were sitting on the sofa, studying the guitar.

Cheng Xiaoyu sent sheet music to Chen Haoran and Xia Shamo. Chen Haoran glanced at it casually and put it aside; this level was too simple for him, and as long as he could memorize the sheet, there would be no problem with the performance.

For Xia Shamo, it was a bigger challenge. The two songs were called "Brave" and "Snail."

Wang Ou, seeing that both of them could read the sheet music, was a bit envious and sighed, "When will I reach the level to perform on stage?"

Cheng Xiaoyu patted his shoulder and said, "To be honest, learning the guitar isn't an easy thing. If it's just a passing fancy, you might as well give up early. It's hard to persist if you don't really like it."

Wang Ou looked at Xia Shamo, who was seriously reading the sheet music, and said, "I really like it."

Cheng Xiaoyu noticed Wang Ou's expression and smiled, "Maybe persistence will pay off."

Wang Ou nodded and continued practicing the guitar.

Chen Jinglong knew that Cheng Xiaoyu would come in the afternoon, so he came to the bar very early. When he learned that the two songs for the New Year's Day performance were Cheng Xiaoyu's creations, he wanted to have a good chat with this high schooler!

When Chen Jinglong arrived at the basement, Cheng Xiaoyu was guiding Wang Ou in practicing the guitar. Seeing Xia Shamo holding the sheet music and singing softly, he smiled and asked, "New song?"

Xia Shamo nodded.

Chen Jinglong asked, "Can I take a look?" This was directed at Cheng Xiaoyu, knowing that only he could make the decision for the band.

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Brother Chen, what's the formality? Feel free to look."

Chen Jinglong took the sheet music from Xia Shamo, flipped through it seriously. As a musician with years of experience, he could tell the level just by a quick look. He sighed, "Xiaoyu, is this another of your works?"

Cheng Xiaoyu nodded, but there was no smile on his face.

"Really impressive. To be honest, you could easily become a professional producer without going to school. At your age, there's no other word to describe you but genius!"

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled, hiding his embarrassment, "Brother Chen, you flatter me. I just write for fun and don't set any high standards for myself."

Chen Jinglong chuckled, "Excessive modesty is a form of pride! Brother Chen will treat you to dinner tonight!"

Cheng Xiaoyu said, "I have no problem, but let's see if SUMMER and Dazhuang are free."

Chen Jinglong also invited Xia Shamo and Wang Ou enthusiastically, and they agreed.

Chen Jinglong asked, "There's a live house event organized by the bar street this weekend. Are you guys interested in participating?"

Cheng Xiaoyu frowned and said, "Participating isn't a problem, but our band is short a guitarist." He then glanced at Wang Ou and said, "Look, this rookie is still growing."

Wang Ou scratched the back of his head and said, "Don't worry about me, I'm just a substitute. If you have someone suitable, go ahead and use them."

Cheng Xiaoyu shook his head and said, "No problem, I'll wait for you."

Wang Ou smiled foolishly.

Chen Jinglong said, "How about letting Huang Yong guest as the guitarist? His band can't perform that day anyway."

Cheng Xiaoyu asked, "Why can't they perform?"

Chen Jinglong laughed and said, "Since we're all friends, I won't hide it. The lead singer got into a fight over a woman and is still in the hospital! I'm worried! The bar's business has been poor without their performances!"

Cheng Xiaoyu chuckled and said, "Brother Chen, let's rehearse these two songs. If SUMMER has no problem, we can help you out at the bar. We shouldn't just occupy your place for rehearsals without doing anything!"

Xia Shamo was reading the sheet music and, hearing her name, looked up and said, "I can come after dinner, but I need to be home by 11 PM. Otherwise, there's no problem."

Chen Jinglong said, "That's not a problem at all! I'll make sure everything is arranged for SUMMER! And SUMMER, take a taxi! Brother Chen will reimburse you for the fare!"

Cheng Xiaoyu chuckled and said, "Brother Chen, don't worry about SUMMER going home. We have plenty of chivalrous protectors here!"

Chen Jinglong patted Cheng Xiaoyu's shoulder and said, "You're loyal! I won't be formal with you guys. You're Haoran's good classmates, and in my eyes, you're like younger brothers and sisters. I've been wanting you to perform! I'll pay you as if you were the best band!"

Cheng Xiaoyu quickly said, "Brother Chen, no need for money! We're just here for fun!"

Chen Jinglong shook his head and said, "That's not right! It's the rule! Consider it an early New Year's red envelope from me!"

Cheng Xiaoyu hesitated and said, "Alright, we won't be picky! We are a bit short on cash lately. Thanks, Brother Chen!"

Chen Jinglong smiled and said, "Thanks for what! I should thank you for helping me so much! Besides, I've seen your level! To be honest, it's not easy for my small bar to get performers of your caliber."

Cheng Xiaoyu gave Chen Jinglong a meaningful look and said, "Brother Chen, where's the bathroom in the bar? I haven't been there yet!"

Chen Jinglong was a bit puzzled by Cheng Xiaoyu's request but didn't show it, smiling, "I'll go with you. Let's go together." They walked upstairs together.

When they reached the top, Cheng Xiaoyu looked around to make sure no one was behind them and asked, "Brother Chen, can I ask how the band performances are paid?"

Chen Jinglong held Cheng Xiaoyu and asked, "What's wrong, Xiaoyu? Need money? How much do you need? I'll help as much as I can!"

Cheng Xiaoyu shook his head and said, "Look at me, I'm not short of money. Just tell me, I have a question!"

Chen Jinglong pondered for a moment and said, "Usually, it's about five or six songs a day, 200 to 300 yuan. For you guys, four songs, 300 yuan a day. How does that sound?"

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Alright, let's go with that, but you have to help me with something."

Chen Jinglong said, "As long as it's within my power, no problem."

Cheng Xiaoyu asked, "If Huang Yong plays for us, do we need to pay him?"

Chen Jinglong, hearing this, thought Cheng Xiaoyu was a bit too petty but still smiled, "No need, his band is paid monthly. You and SUMMER can split the 300 yuan, and it doesn't matter if Haoran gets paid or not!"

Cheng Xiaoyu shook his head and said, "Brother Chen, that's not right! What should be given must be given! The favor I need from you is unrelated to this. Just tell SUMMER and the others it's 600 yuan a day! When settling the accounts, remember to divide the money into three envelopes! My share goes to Xia Shamo! As for how much you give Haoran, it's none of my business!"

Chen Jinglong, understanding, patted Cheng Xiaoyu's shoulder and said, "You're quite devoted, aren't you!"

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Brother Chen, you misunderstood! I'm just a good friend and classmate to her. Her family's situation is worse than mine and Haoran's. As a friend, I want to help as much as I can! But if I help too obviously, she'll refuse! I have no choice!"

"Don't worry, leave it to Brother Chen! I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. I'll give SUMMER a bit more."

"That's not necessary. Too much will make her suspicious. Just don't let her know," Cheng Xiaoyu instructed.

"Leave it to Brother Chen, you can trust me."

"Alright, if you have something to do, go ahead. I'll go back to rehearse!" Cheng Xiaoyu turned and went downstairs without going to the bathroom.

Chen Jinglong looked at Cheng Xiaoyu's chubby back thoughtfully.

When Cheng Xiaoyu went downstairs, Xia Shamo was still softly singing "Snail."

Cheng Xiaoyu walked to the keyboard and shouted, "Eat their food, be soft-spoken; take their money, be obliging! Let's rehearse the new songs! SUMMER, come over, let's start with 'Snail'! Haoran, pay attention to the timing! These two songs may not be challenging for you, but take them seriously!"

Cheng Xiaoyu gently pressed the black and white keys, and the stirring piano music began to echo in the small basement.

Xia Shamo's beautiful voice rang out. She especially liked this song. She felt that Cheng Xiaoyu wrote it for her, and she was that little snail.

(Background Music: Xu Haixing's "Snail")

Should I put down the heavy shell

And find where the blue sky is

Drifting gently with the light wind

The pain I've endured no longer hurts

I'll climb step by step

Waiting for the sun to shine and look at its face

A small sky with big dreams

A heavy shell wrapping around a gentle gaze

I'll climb step by step

At the highest point, riding the leaf forward

A small sky with tears and sweat

One day I'll have my own sky

I'll climb step by step

At the highest point, riding the leaf forward

Let the wind dry the tears and sweat

I'll climb step by step

Waiting for the sun to shine and look at its face

A small sky with big dreams

I have my own sky

Let the wind dry the tears and sweat

One day I'll have my own sky

For us, dreams may seem so distant, but every step forward means getting closer. As long as you carry hope and move forward, rather than waiting in place with a burden, dreams may not necessarily come true, but every step of the journey will be a harvest. Pain is a harvest, joy is a harvest, sweat is a harvest, a good night's sleep is a harvest, a smile is a harvest, and tears are a harvest. If you just wait in place, you won't have pain, sweat, or tears, but you will also lose hope.

Isn't the struggle in this world all about hope?

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