Chapter 69

"Too brilliant! The Chinese music scene needs such talented and profound works!"

After the four mentors returned to their seats, Zhou Qinghua, keeping the rhythm, was the first to praise Lin Zai Shan.

Li Zongheng smiled gracefully in approval, saying that the Chinese music scene had been dormant for a long time, and it was time for a new blossoming.

Luo Benxiong, still moved, flattered the show, speaking with deep emotion: "There are many talented musicians around us who have been quietly working hard. The 'Strongest Singer' stage provides these musicians with an opportunity to showcase themselves. Please raise your hands again, to applaud this extraordinary stage and the songwriter who has moved us!"

"Clap, clap, clap—"

Led by the four mentors, dozens of staff members and thousands of audience members gave Lin Zai Shan another round of enthusiastic applause.

"Thank you, thank you."

Lin Zai Shan bowed slightly to the audience and the four mentors again.

"Dad, you're the best—!"

The excited and innocent shout was drowned out by the thunderous applause, but Bai Ge's heart had already flown to Lin Zai Shan's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, ready to face any awkwardness and criticism that might come.

"Uncle Shan, keep it up—! Master, keep it up—!"

The five members of Xin Xin, unable to suppress their excitement, cheered for Lin Zai Shan with all their might.

During this period, Lin Zai Shan's guidance and rehearsals had made the five members of Xin Xin even more appreciative of his mature and profound charisma.

This genius predecessor, who had once stood at the pinnacle of the music industry during its golden age, was far from the eccentric and violent person they had previously imagined.

Although Lin Zai Shan was extremely strict during their rehearsals, always using harsh words to spur them on, they all knew that his scolding was a sign of responsibility and concern, a manifestation of his frustration at their lack of progress.

This made them even more respectful of this great mentor who genuinely taught them.

The more they understood Lin Zai Shan, the more indignant they felt about the unjust reputation he carried.

They were well aware that their master had faced significant pressure by returning to the stage.

They couldn't imagine what kind of storm Lin Zai Shan would face in the future, but they were willing to stand by his side with their young shoulders.

These five children were all studying art design and were very interested in emerging internet technologies. They had suggested to Lin Zai Shan that they help him improve his online image. At the very least, they wanted to change the negative history in his Wikipedia entry.

Zhang Hao even wanted to hire internet trolls to help Lin Zai Shan restore his reputation.

However, Lin Zai Shan rejected all these suggestions.

After careful consideration, Lin Zai Shan felt that now was not the time to explain or try to salvage his reputation.

He had to acknowledge his past mistakes.

If he tried to cover them up upon his return, it would be like stealing a bell while covering one's ears, potentially causing even more resentment.

Let the storm come.

If there is a fault, do not hesitate to correct it.

Only by truly acknowledging the mistakes, enduring the criticism, and rebuilding oneself can one become a true strong person.

Lin Zai Shan was prepared to open his heart and face the storm.

"This is a work of great height and depth, with a profound impact on our hearts." After the applause subsided, Luo Benxiong continued his emotionally charged remarks: "It captures the hidden and undiscovered parts of each of our hearts, striking a chord with us. To hear such a work on this stage today, I feel deeply honored as a mentor!"

"Thank you."

Lin Zai Shan nodded in gratitude to the new rock godfather.

Zhou Qinghua, controlling the rhythm, said, "To create a work that embodies such profound life experiences, you must be a songwriter with many stories. Introduce yourself to everyone, I'm very curious, are you older than me?"

"Ha ha—"

The audience was amused by Zhou Qinghua's playful expression.

"I may look old, but I'm actually a bit younger than you. I'm 37, almost 38. My name is Lin Zai Shan, from Donghai."

—Lin Zai Shan!

Upon hearing this name, the first person to react strongly was Luo Benxiong, whose mind was still echoing with the stirring melody of "Mountain."

Actually, the name Lin Zai Shan was not uncommon.

The Lin Zai Shan from the past had been out of the public eye for too long.

Most people, including those in the industry, had forgotten about him.

After calmly stating his name, Lin Zai Shan's weathered and composed image made it impossible to associate him with the once notorious rock villain.

However, Luo Benxiong had heard from Ma Xiaodong during a meal that the old rock star Lin Zai Shan had come to their show to join the fun.

At the time, Ma Xiaodong didn't say much bad about Lin Zai Shan, but his mocking tone made Luo Benxiong remember that Lin Zai Shan would appear.

Unexpectedly!

The middle-aged songwriter with white hair and a voice like blood before him was the rock genius Lin Zai Shan, who had been famous for many years before him!

He didn't look like this before he went to prison!

In Luo Benxiong's memory, the last image of Lin Zai Shan was the one often seen on TV, where he was involved in a long legal battle and then went to prison.

Even in prison, Lin Zai Shan still had a defiant and aggressive aura.

But when he reappeared, he had aged so much!

What had happened to him!

In shock, the melody of "Mountain" in Luo Benxiong's mind abruptly stopped.

He had intended to praise Lin Zai Shan's work and discuss music creation with him.

But now, knowing that the person was Lin Zai Shan, Luo Benxiong instantly became silent, his smile frozen, and he even wanted to retract his previous praise.

Luo Benxiong knew very well that Lin Zai Shan was a stinky and hard stone, and anyone who associated with him would not have a good outcome and would be tainted with his stench.

Although a long time had passed, and Lin Zai Shan seemed to have transformed, the stench he left in the public's mind would not easily dissipate.

If he openly praised such a stinky stone in public, Luo Benxiong would surely invite criticism.

He didn't want this kind of unwarranted criticism.

Moreover, Lin Zai Shan had once insulted his music, creating a small grudge between them.

Luo Benxiong was even less likely to sacrifice himself to help Lin Zai Shan.

Furrowing his brow, Li Zongheng, with his gentle and refined demeanor, scrutinized Lin Zai Shan, finding some vague impressions in his weathered features.

But he didn't dare to think that this person could be the once-famous rock genius Lin Zai Shan, as the voice was completely different!

The audience certainly wouldn't associate the mature and composed Lin Zai Shan on stage with the former Lin Zai Shan.

Even Zhou Qinghua, a seasoned insider, didn't realize that this Lin Zai Shan was the same as the other.

Continuing his playful questioning, he asked, "You're only 37? Are you sure you're not hiding your age? The old Martin guitar you're holding must be 37 years old, right?"

Gently stroking the body of the old guitar, Lin Zai Shan smiled and said, "I don't know when it was made, but this old Martin acoustic guitar has been with me for 24 years. It's the first and most important guitar in my life."

"What an old guitar, almost as old as me. During your performance, you only used this one guitar for the arrangement. I guess there must be a very interesting story behind this guitar. Would you like to share it with us?"

Guan Yaling, who had a special affection for guitars, didn't associate this Lin Zai Shan with the Lin Da Ying who had a grudge with her cousin. Instead, she became interested in the old guitar in Lin Zai Shan's arms.

"This guitar has special significance to me. It was a gift from my grandfather. I grew up without parents, and my grandfather raised me. I was mischievous and often caused trouble for my grandfather. To keep me from being too rowdy, my grandfather gave me this guitar when I was 13, and it gave me a new life."

With a nostalgic and melancholic tone, Lin Zai Shan continued, "I won many honors with this guitar, but I also foolishly destroyed my own life. Along the way, I was proud and I was desperate. I once had everything, but it all vanished like smoke. I once fell into endless darkness, struggling but unable to escape. It wasn't until the day I realized I would never see my grandfather again that I woke up to the failure and tragedy of my life. I didn't play the music my grandfather hoped I would with this guitar..."

At this point, Lin Zai Shan, moved by his own words, choked up and couldn't continue.

Many people in the audience were emotionally moved, their eyes welling up with tears.

Guan Yaling couldn't help but wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes. She hadn't expected such a heavy story behind the old guitar.

In the family and friends section, Lu Chen's tears were uncontrollable, and he tried to hold back his sobs, not wanting to cry in front of the younger members of Xin Xin, but he couldn't help it.

His two large, fat fists pressed hard against his thighs, making his body tremble even more.

It looked like he was about to burst into tears.

Bai Ge, however, seemed much stronger than Lu Chen. Her eyes were red, and her tears soaked her clothes.

She gently held Lu Chen's large fists, offering him warm and strong comfort.

Sun Yuzhen, standing at the backstage entrance, was in tears. The third cameraman had given her two tissues, but they couldn't dry her tears for Lin Zai Shan.

She looked up at the high ceiling of the venue, forcing her tears to flow back.

When she looked forward again, her eyes were filled with a determined look.

Lin Zai Shan repeated his words firmly: "24 years ago, I didn't play the music my grandfather hoped I would with this guitar. 24 years later, I don't want to make the same mistake again. I want to use this guitar to play music that can be heard in heaven, so my grandfather can rest in peace and no longer worry about his unworthy grandson."

"Are you the Lin Zai Shan who sang 'Wheat Field'?"

Li Zongheng, moved, asked this question.