Chapter 15

On the square little dining table, six plates of seafood and vegetables were neatly arranged, looking fresh and abundant, and the aroma was enough to make one's mouth water.

"Too abundant, isn't it!"

Sun Yuzhen was pleasantly surprised that the Lin family father and daughter had prepared such a sumptuous meal for her.

"Zhen Sister, you go inside and rest for a moment. There's one more dish, and it will be ready soon."

"Do you need my help?"

"No, no, you just got off work, go rest quickly."

Seeing that Bai Ge didn't need help, Sun Yuzhen went into the house, took out a bottle of champagne with a pink bow at the neck from her shoulder bag, and handed it to Lin Zai Shan somewhat reservedly: "It's my first time visiting your home, I didn't know what to buy. Bai Ge said to celebrate Uncle Lin's smooth discharge from the hospital, so I bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate for you."

"Haha, thank you, you're too considerate."

Lin Zai Shan took the champagne and placed it on the dining table, then invited Sun Yuzhen into the living room to sit on the sofa and rest.

As soon as she sat down, Lin Zai Shan took out the 3000 yuan hospital deposit from a brown paper bag and handed it to Sun Yuzhen: "This is the 3000 yuan hospital deposit you paid for us..."

Before Lin Zai Shan could finish, Sun Yuzhen immediately refused: "What are you doing? Uncle, keep the money, buy more supplements to recover. This time it was all my fault, I accidentally knocked you down, I should compensate you."

"You're really looking down on me! With my strong body, how could I be knocked down by a small motorcycle? I clearly fell because I was drunk. You took me to the hospital, I should thank you. Take the money, if you don't, I'll be angry! Calling me Uncle is already making me feel bad, and now you're looking down on my strong body."

Sun Yuzhen was at a loss, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Zhen Sister, take the money before my old man changes his mind, or he'll really get angry! This time we should be the ones to thank you. If you hadn't knocked my old man awake, who knows how long he would have been in a daze!"

"Don't be so polite with us. We live in Huaxin Apartment, we'll see each other often. If you feel guilty, just treat Bai Ge and me to a few more meals. This encounter is fate. We can't let money create a rift in our relationship, right? Listen to me, take the money."

"Uncle, really, thank you."

Unable to refuse, Sun Yuzhen felt warm and guilty as she put the money back in her bag.

She had hit Lin Zai Shan, but unexpectedly, not only did he not blame her, he didn't even ask for medical expenses and even treated her with great hospitality. Sun Yuzhen didn't know how to face this father and daughter.

Although kind and simple, Sun Yuzhen wasn't stupid.

There must be a reason why they treated her so well, even a bit flatteringly.

She didn't believe what Bai Ge said—that her motorcycle hit had "awakened" Lin Zai Shan.

She guessed that their kindness was likely because of the TV show.

She decided not to hide it and, lowering her stance, she told Lin Zai Shan: "Uncle, I submitted your demo to the music department today, recommending you. Your music should be fine, but the production team has some concerns about your background. I can't say for sure if you'll make it onto the show, but I'll do my best to speak up for you."

"Thank you."

Lin Zai Shan expected this result.

He didn't want to say much about it.

Sun Yuzhen's effort was enough to make him feel gratified.

He really wanted to be on the show, but reality is such that you can't always get what you want.

You reap what you sow.

"Uncle, I'm really sorry, I couldn't help you much."

"What are you apologizing for? You didn't do anything wrong. You've helped me a lot, and I genuinely thank you. As for the outcome, let it be. If I don't make it onto your show, it's not a loss for me, but for your show."

Sun Yuzhen thought Lin Zai Shan was joking and smiled faintly, saying, "That's true, Uncle. Personally, I think you're very suitable for our show, and I really hope you can be on it."

"I want to be on it too."

Lin Zai Shan was unusually calm, lowering his voice: "I've been in a daze for many years, and my life has been in a bad state. I've always relied on Bai Ge's care. I want to change. I think being on your show is a turning point for me. I cherish this opportunity. If I don't make it, I understand your production team's decision. If that's the case, don't worry that I'll give up or hold a grudge. I won't. This fall has made me realize a lot. I will definitely rise again."

"Um, Uncle, I believe you can definitely rise again."

Feeling Lin Zai Shan's sincerity, Sun Yuzhen, in that moment, intuitively believed what he said.

The more she interacted with Lin Zai Shan, the more she felt that he had a沧桑 (weathered) and confident demeanor that only a man who had experienced many ups and downs could have.

Although Lin Zai Shan occasionally made inappropriate jokes, she could clearly sense that he was a very resilient person.

"The dishes are ready! Old man, Zhen Sister, wash your hands and come to the table! Let's start eating!"

"Finally done, I'm almost starving! Producer Sun, stop thinking about work, relax and enjoy Bai Ge's cooking. Her dishes are as good as those from a five-star hotel!"

"Old man, you're exaggerating! Hurry up and wash your hands and eat!"

"Haha."

Lin Zai Shan laughed heartily and led Sun Yuzhen to wash their hands and start eating.

Although not as exaggerated as Lin Zai Shan said, Bai Ge's cooking was indeed excellent. The meal, with refreshing champagne and delicious seafood, was very satisfying.

The ingredients for the meal cost about 300 yuan, but Bai Ge didn't mind, as she genuinely thanked Sun Yuzhen for "awakening" Lin Zai Shan.

If not for Sun Yuzhen's hit, Lin Zai Shan wouldn't have been hospitalized, and they wouldn't have bought lottery tickets.

After deducting the medical expenses and the cost of the meal, they still had over 400 yuan left from the lottery winnings.

The three of them ate, chatted, and drank, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

Lin Zai Shan didn't mention the show again to avoid putting pressure on Sun Yuzhen.

Sun Yuzhen's face turned rosy after a few sips of the low-alcohol champagne.

Her light makeup couldn't hide the increasing, pure, and alluring flush on her cheeks.

She was chatting happily with Bai Ge about her life at East Art University, recalling the happy times of her school days.

Kind people always get along well.

While the two girls were chatting, Lin Zai Shan didn't want to interrupt. He was very hungry, so he focused on eating.

Of the seven dishes, about 80% were eaten by Lin Zai Shan. The two girls had small appetites, and compared to Lin Zai Shan, it was like the difference between a small bowl and a large bucket.

Sun Yuzhen never expected that Lin Zai Shan's lean body could have such a big appetite.

At 9:15 PM, they were full and satisfied.

After the meal, Lin Zai Shan lay on the sofa to rest.

"Zhen Sister, don't move, I'll clean up. Go rest, and let my old man sing a song to liven things up."

Seeing Sun Yuzhen trying to help, Bai Ge quickly stopped her. As a guest, Sun Yuzhen didn't feel right letting her clean up.

"It's fine, I'll help you. You cooked so much, you must be tired. I'll help you wash the dishes. After we're done, we'll ask your old man to sing for us."

Saying this, Sun Yuzhen and Bai Ge started to clean up the dishes.

She hadn't been so happy as a guest in someone else's home in a long time and didn't want to leave.

At the dinner table, the two girls had earnestly asked Lin Zai Shan to sing after the meal to make the night even more memorable.

Lin Zai Shan had agreed, which made Sun Yuzhen very excited.

She couldn't explain why, but she felt that Lin Zai Shan's voice was particularly magnetic and beautiful.

Perhaps because she hadn't had close contact with a seasoned singer like Lin Zai Shan, his musical talent captivated her.

Soon, the two girls finished cleaning up the dishes.

Back in the living room, slightly tipsy, each holding half a glass of champagne, they called on Lin Zai Shan to sing.

"Old man, are you rested enough?"

Bai Ge was also very excited about the new musical inspiration that seemed to be overflowing in Lin Zai Shan's mind.

Rubbing his stomach, Lin Zai Shan got up from the sofa, and under the expectant gaze of Sun Yuzhen, who had taken off her glasses, he smiled and asked, "What song do you want to hear?"

"Of course, a new song! You're brimming with inspiration, why not write another one while you're in the mood?" Bai Ge enthusiastically urged Lin Zai Shan to create.

"Sure, what type of song? You choose, and I'll try to write it."

Lin Zai Shan walked barefoot to the mini keyboard and sat down.

"Zhen Sister, what style of song do you want to hear? Challenge my old man a bit, let him create on the spot. Your show has a segment where songs are created live, right? Let's test my old man and help him adapt."

Bai Ge pulled Sun Yuzhen to sit on the sofa and asked her to choose.

Wearing thin stockings and feeling relaxed on the warm floor, Sun Yuzhen was no longer nervous.

Taking a sip of the refreshing champagne, she gazed at Lin Zai Shan and said, "Uncle, I think your voice is full of stories. Can you write a song about your own story? I think if you use your voice to tell your own story, it will be very moving."

"Right, old man, write a song about yourself."

"Write a song about myself..."

Lin Zai Shan took a sip of champagne, feeling tipsy and excited.

The photo of Bai Yun, who looked like Liu Xue, touched him.

He sighed, feeling both bitter and drunk.

The song "Give Yourself a Song" by Li Zongsheng, a master of the previous life, spontaneously came to his mind.

This song, written by Li Zongsheng for himself, wasn't about a story but was full of wisdom.

Anyone who has loved can read their own emotional experiences in this song.

A classic, indeed.

The older one gets, the more one feels from this song.

Reflecting on his past life and past love, Lin Zai Shan suddenly realized he was no longer young.

Li Zongsheng's song resonated deeply with Lin Zai Shan at this age.

Since Bai Ge and the others wanted to hear a song about himself, he would sing "Give Yourself a Song" to them.

Taking another sip of champagne, Lin Zai Shan let himself become even more intoxicated.

He adjusted the MIDI keyboard's effects and turned on the recording mode, playing a romantic and weathered prelude with deep emotion.

Bai Ge knew Lin Zai Shan was recording on the computer, so she didn't use a recorder to capture his inspiration.

She fully immersed herself in Lin Zai Shan's new creation.

The entire floor-to-ceiling window was without curtains, and the outside was already dark.

Under the stars, the distant ships added a few lonely lights to the night sea.

The piano sound Lin Zai Shan simulated on the keyboard carried a weight of emotion.

Looking at Lin Zai Shan's thin and weathered back as he played the piano by the window, Sun Yuzhen suddenly felt the world become quiet.

Her soul seemed to be lifted out of her body by Lin Zai Shan's music and the alcohol, creating an exceptionally beautiful listening experience.

Taking another look at the photo of "Bai Yun," Lin Zai Shan closed his eyes and slowly played the keyboard with his fingers like rolling beads.

His heart suddenly ached.

He wasn't sure if it was from the irreversible passage of life or the helpless love.

A faint bitter smile appeared on his lips.

Lin Zai Shan, with his weathered and magnetic voice, began to sing like a narrative poem—

...

Desiring what cannot be obtained,

What can you do about life?

What should be given up cannot be let go,

Just talking nonsense about the past.

...

When you realize time is a thief,

It has already stolen your choices.

Love is like a high fever,

Thinking is a cough that won't go away.

...

Cannot forgive,

But cannot stop,

Hatred climbs over the wall at night.

...

Empty and silent,

But buzzing,

Who has fired a cold shot in your heart?

...

Old love's vows are like a slap,

Every time you remember one, you get a slap.

For years, you can't ask,

Can't smell the scent of a woman.

...

...

My God!

Lin Zai Shan's singing made Sun Yuzhen hold her breath!

Each line of lyrics was like a knife, sharp with the blood and tears of a middle-aged man, cutting into Sun Yuzhen's heart!

Sun Yuzhen felt that Lin Zai Shan wasn't singing a song, but a heartfelt and sincere poem!

This uncle's insights into life and love were too profound!

The wisdom he sang wasn't profound, but why did it make her feel so much?

Sun Yuzhen hadn't been in love, but that didn't mean she didn't understand love.

She had learned about love from many literary works, yearned for its beauty, and tried to understand its helplessness.

But it wasn't until this moment that Sun Yuzhen realized that without true experience, one couldn't understand true love.

Feeling the deep emotion and helplessness in Lin Zai Shan's song, Sun Yuzhen suddenly envied this uncle who had experienced so much.

She envied his extraordinary talent for turning life's insights into heartfelt music even more!

Why did his music always make people fall in love with it on the first listen?

He was truly an extraordinary musician!