Chapter 76

"Are you all doing well?"

This time, when Zhang Kexuan stepped on stage, he didn't introduce himself as he did in the preliminary round. Instead, he directly greeted the audience, showing that he had made significant progress in his mindset.

A simple greeting caused the girls to scream again, especially the female students from Jinling University, whose enthusiasm was off the charts.

Zhang Kexuan then said, "The song we are bringing to you today is another original song, 'Sunflower.'"

The entire venue erupted once more...

Chen Wan tiptoed and whispered into Li Mu's ear, "My brother is really shameless, it's clearly your original song!"

Li Mu laughed, "To become famous, you have to be shameless. If he can't even do this, he's destined to never make it out of Jinling."

Chen Wan nodded thoughtfully, her eyes fixed on Zhang Kexuan on stage, full of anticipation.

At this moment, Zhang Kexuan turned around and signaled to the other band members. The drummer, Ye Tianming, hit the drumsticks four times as a cue, and then the prelude of 'Sunflower' began.

The original author of 'Sunflower,' Xie Tianxiao, had already been a veteran in the underground band scene for over a decade when he became famous. In his vocal performance, he focused more on the release of power and the expression of emotion rather than making the song sound more pleasant.

However, under Li Mu's guidance, Zhang Kexuan gradually found his own style. His singing voice and style were entirely in the pop-rock genre. Although this might not feel as rock, it had a broader appeal and could win over the majority of the audience.

Therefore, when Zhang Kexuan sang 'Sunflower,' the entire venue not only screamed and cheered but also enjoyed his voice and the positive energy conveyed by the song.

A seed that sprouted in the mud, breaking free from the darkness, blooming towards the sun.

Although the lyrics had a simple theme, they were more acceptable to the audience compared to the angry and cynical rock works. They were also more touching than the obscure and complex lyrics.

Not only were the audience captivated, but even the judges were surprised. It was rare to see such a rock work that was pleasant to listen to, inspiring, and moving.

Among the eight bands participating in the semi-finals tonight, 'Sunflower' by Simple Plan was the only positive and uplifting song. From the lyrics and music to the performance and arrangement, it was on a completely different level from the competitors.

Li Mu listened quietly, giving Zhang Kexuan and the other three a perfect score in his heart.

This time, their live performance was flawless, far better than any of their rehearsals. They had energized the entire venue, making everyone sway to their rhythm and be captivated by their music.

"Sunflower, will you bloom again..."

Zhang Kexuan had been holding back his voice, trying to follow Li Mu's advice to stay close to a pop singing style, avoiding black voice, intentional off-key, and tearing sounds. However, the performance was so exciting that he couldn't help but release all his pent-up energy in the final line. A roar instantly pushed the atmosphere to its peak, and Li Mu felt that his ears were almost deafened by the fans' screams!

A flash of light appeared in Li Mu's eyes. Zhang Kexuan's final roar was the finishing touch, like the seed of the sunflower bursting through all obstacles, feeling truly amazing.

Li Mu couldn't help but clap. He knew that Zhang Kexuan had put his heart into it and had the potential to become famous.

In the arrangement of the song, the outro was similar to the prelude, creating a loop to symbolize "the beginning is also the end."

After Simple Plan played the last note, the applause in the venue was thunderous. All the audience had already stood up halfway through the performance. At this moment, everyone in the venue had a clear winner in mind, and that winner was Simple Plan.

The host took the stage and spent a minute calming the audience. The young woman in her twenties was also excited by Simple Plan's performance, her voice trembling as she said, "Like many of today's audience, I am your fan."

Zhang Kexuan smiled, maintaining a calm demeanor. However, Li Mu knew him well and understood that he was probably bursting with excitement at this moment.

The judges gave very high praise, especially the music vice-director from the record company in Yanjing, who was not stingy with his compliments. He said excitedly, "Kexuan, do you know, on the plane to Jinling, I was thinking about what kind of original work Simple Plan would bring to this semi-final. I was worried that your last song, 'Li Bai,' was your peak, and I feared that you would be a one-hit wonder in my eyes..."

At this point, the vice-director paused, raised his voice, and said clearly, "But today, your 'Sunflower' proved that my worries were completely unnecessary. Your song today is a bit more rock in style and arrangement than 'Li Bai,' but the lyrics are much more positive and uplifting. To be honest, I haven't heard such a positive and uplifting rock song in a long time, it's truly refreshing!"

The four members of Simple Plan bowed in gratitude. After all the judges had finished their comments, they nervously waited for the scores.

The host then said, "Among the first seven bands, the highest score is 22 points, achieved by the Sky City band. In the preliminary round, Simple Plan scored an astonishing 27 points. So, what score will the judges give to Simple Plan's 'Sunflower' today? Let's wait and see!"

The five judges began writing their scores on the scoring board. A moment later, when the host asked the judges to reveal their scores, the entire audience let out a collective gasp.

One 10, two 9.5s, and two 9s.

The judges were very clear about the positioning of this competition, which was mainly for unknown bands in the country, whose skill levels were far below professional bands. However, Simple Plan had already surpassed this level, so the scores were not exaggerated.

Thus, removing the highest 10 and the lowest 9, Simple Plan's final score in the semi-finals was: 28 points!

Deservedly the semi-final champion!

The host also announced excitedly, "The first place in the Nanjing Province region of the Ice Force National Band Competition has finally been decided, and it is Simple Plan! Congratulations to them! On August 8th, they will compete in the first round of the finals in Yanjing with the champions from the other 18 provinces and autonomous regions! Let's congratulate them and wish them success in the finals!"

Thunderous applause erupted again. Chen Wan was jumping with joy, and even the parents of the band members were excitedly clapping with their hands raised high. These first-generation rich people, in their forties and fifties, were experiencing genuine pride in their sons for the first time in over two decades.

Zhang Kexuan was overwhelmed with emotion, his eyes moist. Seeing the other three with red eyes, he turned and pulled them into a circle. No one could see their faces, only they could see each other's excited faces and the silent tears falling.

At this moment, the host invited the other participating bands to join the stage. The members of the other seven bands also came forward to congratulate the four members of Simple Plan. Li Mu received a text message from Zhang Kexuan: "Brother Mu, the host said we'll be interviewed by the TV station backstage later. It might be a bit late tonight, don't leave, we'll find a place to celebrate together!"

Li Mu checked the time; it was already 10 PM. After the interview, with so many fans outside, they would be delayed for some time. They probably wouldn't be free until after 11 PM.

Today, the parents of the four members of Simple Plan were all present, including Chen Wan's parents. If they were to celebrate, these elders would naturally join. As an outsider, he would feel out of place, and he didn't like such occasions.

Besides, Chen Wan had a train at midnight, and he would have to send her to the station and then return to Haizhou.

So Li Mu replied to Zhang Kexuan: "Congratulations on your victory. You guys celebrate tonight, your parents are there, I won't join in. I have to go back to Haizhou later."

After sending the message, Li Mu looked at Chen Wan and asked, "Sister Wan, are you going to celebrate with them? I'll find a place to sit and wait. When you're ready to go to the station, let me know, and I'll come find you."

"I don't want to go either," Chen Wan said, preferring to spend some quiet time with Li Mu.

Li Mu said, "It might not be appropriate for you not to go. Your parents are there, and they will probably go too. They will likely send you to the station tonight. How will you explain it if you don't go?"

"You're right," Chen Wan pouted, a bit unhappy. "Xia's father has a five-star hotel in Jinling. He had already said that if they won, they would celebrate at the hotel. Their parents and mine will be there. It wouldn't be appropriate for me not to go..."

Just then, Chen Wan said with a hint of joy, "How about this, I'll tell them I want to see a friend before I leave, and we'll find a place to sit for a while. Around 11 PM, I'll go to the hotel to make an appearance, just for show."

Li Mu nodded, "Okay."

End of page

Start of page

End of page