Perhaps encouraged by Xing Baohua, Zou Wenjuan put her electric guitar aside and walked to the center of the stage.

Even though she was very close to the command post, Zou Wenjuan was still a little nervous and couldn't relax.

He tensed up and lowered his head, as if trying to find the right feeling.

Xing Baohua felt bad seeing her like this, but no one could help her at the moment; she could only rely on herself to get out of her mental state.

After a short while, Zou Wenjuan murmured softly, as if humming a tune.

With a wave of his hand, Grandpa Zhao Dechuan silenced all the band members who were tuning their instruments. Only one voice could be heard in the entire rehearsal hall.

Then the voice gradually rose in pitch, and Zou Wenjuan slightly raised her head and slowly opened her eyes.

“there'safirestartingi”

Start afresh, keeping your voice down.

As she sang slowly, her voice gradually rose in pitch.

"I't help feeling"

we could have had it all

When he entered section B, his whole being seemed to be on fire, and his magnetic, penetrating voice echoed through the rehearsal hall.

The allure of her singing drew everyone's attention to Zou Wenjuan in the hall.

Unmoved, Zou Wenjuan ignored the gazes of those around her, her eyes fixed ahead, perhaps only thinking about finishing the song.

Teacher Zhao Dechuan stood not far from Zou Wenjuan, turning his head to watch her until she finished singing. Actually, Grandpa Zhao's fingers were moving slightly, as if following the rhythm of the music.

After singing the song, Zou Wenjuan seemed completely exhausted. Taking this opportunity, Grandpa Li took the sheet music to discuss arranging the music with Grandpa Zhao.

According to Xing Baohua, the performance must be a fusion of electric instruments and orchestral instruments.

Actually, a song doesn't need to be copied like this; electric instruments can express it very well.

I don't understand why Xing Baohua insisted on adding a symphony orchestra.

The requirements for original creators should still be met. Perhaps he already considered using a symphony orchestra when composing?

Nobody has heard of its effectiveness; how can we know if we don't try?

Let's call Xing Baohua over to discuss this together. Xing Baohua said, "The intro is played in the low register of an electric guitar. Add at least four or five violins, or more. Don't bow the strings, just tap with your fingers. The cello follows up, supporting the low register. In the B section, all the instruments play. The effect should be soaring and grand."

After stating his requirements, Grandpa Zhao Dehai nodded and instructed his men to revise the music.

Xing Baohua took the opportunity to say, "Teacher Zhao, please try to play and record as quickly as possible. There's not much time for fine-tuning. While you're recording, please also record the pieces you've been working on before."

"So urgent?" Teacher Zhao Dehai said.

"Yes!" Xing Baohua nodded in response.

“Alright, it’ll take at least a week. The people you brought? I don’t know their skill level. If they can’t integrate into the band, it’ll take even longer,” Zhao Dehai said, pointing to the four kids.

“Please feel free to teach him. Let him practice where he's not doing well.” Xing Baohua finished speaking and then pointed to Wang Weibao, saying, “That’s the coach of the electric band. You can talk to him if there’s anything.”

"Good! This girl sings quite well, but she lacks stage experience. With more practice, she might become a good mezzo-soprano," Zhao Dechuan said.

"Midrange? It sounds like a high note to me."

"With your ears, you can't even distinguish between high and mid-range notes? I don't know how you write songs and arrange music," Zhao Dechuan said with a soft laugh, his tone somewhat sarcastic.

Well, that is indeed Xing Baohua's weakness; he can't compare to professionals in terms of hearing.

After handing the band and Zou Wenjuan over to Zhao Dechuan to conduct, Xing Baohua went to the Grand View Garden bus stop to wait for Su Ya.

We arranged to have rice and braised pork here for lunch this morning.

When Xing Baohua arrived, Su Ya was already waiting there.

Xing Baohua recalled that the last time she unexpectedly met Geng Ling was also at the movie theater next door.

They even said the braised pork here was delicious.

Suya said she used to eat here often when she was a child, and it still tastes the same as before.

Happiness and affection—that's the real progress the two have made.

From lovers to spouses.

This step can be simple in some ways, but it can also be quite difficult in others.

I don't know who said it, but distance makes the heart grow fonder. And it truly is! From a meter apart, to holding hands and kissing at zero distance, to a deep, almost imperceptible contact—20 centimeters below zero. Putting aside other physical distances, the beauty created by this psychological distance is the real beauty.

The care, affection, feeding, and bourgeois sentiment all perfectly showcased Linlin's love for her.

"If you're still not feeling well, then take a rest. I have a meeting at the cultural troupe this afternoon, and I imagine you'll find it boring." Xing Baohua was concerned about his heartbreak from the previous night.

Su Ya thought for a moment and said, "Well, I won't go tonight. I'll go tomorrow."

Her words carried a tender shyness.

She probably also feared that Xing Baohua would make breakfast with her again.

Her shy, pinching expression made her face instantly more attractive.

Separation is temporary; perhaps this is the beauty of distance. There are no euphemistic Western expressions, only the ancient proverb: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

After watching Su Ya board the 102 tram, Xing Baohua turned and went to the cultural troupe.

Actually, it's not that far if you just stroll over.

When they arrived at the performing arts troupe, Li Wengang came out to greet them.

"I'll get you a pass this time so it'll be easier for you to come in. I won't have to come out to meet you every time," Li Wengang said with a hint of complaint.

"Okay! What time is the meeting this afternoon?" Xing Baohua asked.

"Not quite sure yet. They just arrived and finished eating, so the leaders arranged for them to rest for a while. There are quite a few people this time, about thirty! Let me tell you, kid, don't get overwhelmed when choosing actors," Li Wengang said with a smile, also warning Xing Baohua to be careful.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!