Shock her
Zuo Xiao pushed open the door of the private room and saw four people sitting around the round table.
Jiang Miaomiao patted the back of the chair next to the old Sun couple who were sitting opposite the door and said, "Sit here."
As the other two looked at him, Zuo Xiao walked over slowly. After sitting down, he stretched out his arms and put his crutches against the wall. Unexpectedly, he didn't lean them firmly and they fell to the ground with a "thump".
Before she could get up, she saw a pair of slender white hands reach out, pick up the crutches, and put them away steadily.
Looking up, I saw a man in his twenties or thirties, wearing a pair of silver-framed glasses. His face was as thin and fair as his hands, and his pores were almost invisible.
"Thank you." Zuo Xiao asked, "What's your name?"
"Qiangzi." He smiled and extended his hand. Zuo Xiao shook his hand: "I'm Zuo Xiao."
Keyboardist Qiangzi, a dentist by profession, was the only information Zuo Xiao had about him. But the name "Qiangzi" was hardly associated with the refined and elegant man before him.
As for the other two...
My gaze shifted to another stranger present. He looked to be in his early twenties, with blond hair, earrings, and a nose ring, giving him a dashing, unassuming demeanor. From the collar of his leather jacket protruded a black tattoo of two intertwined thorns, climbing upwards.
Before she could say anything, the other person grinned and introduced himself: "Peng Lei, the drummer. The Ray in the group is me."
Zuo Xiao also smiled back: "Nice to meet you."
No one spoke for a moment. As if fearing the atmosphere would cool down, Jiang Miaomiao pulled out her phone and said, "We're still two people short. Let me see where Qin Yufei is."
"Hello, Xiaojing, five more minutes." Zuo Xiao said.
"Then let's order the dishes first." Old Sun pushed the menu in front of her, "Except for the offal, you can order anything else."
Zuo Xiao flipped through the menu. This restaurant had a disorganized menu, with Sichuan, Hunan, Huaiyang, Cantonese, and other cuisines all available, as if the menu had been randomly selected by the system.
"Kung Pao Chicken, please." She thought this dish was safe enough for anyone to eat, but Peng Lei suddenly intervened: "Young Master Qin won't eat this sticky stuff. He says it looks like Brother Huabi's vomit."
"Don't worry about him, order!" Jiang Miaomiao glanced at him and snapped her fingers at the waiter. Zuo Xiao handed the menu out and asked the others to order.
At this time, the door of the private room was pushed open, and Zhuang Jinghao, with red hair, walked in lightly. It was like lighting a fire in an instant, making the originally deserted private room a little warmer.
"Sorry, sorry, there's a bit of traffic on the road." As she said this, she took off her coat and put it on her arm, then walked straight to Zuo Xiao and sat down.
She looked around with a flushed face. There was a hint of childish timidity in her excited voice, but she spoke with confidence: "Hello everyone, my name is Zhuang Jinghao, and I'm Zuo Xiao's good friend. Nice to meet you all!"
The atmosphere brightened noticeably with Zhuang Jinghao's arrival. She was curious about Peng Lei and Qiangzi, peppering her with questions. Before she'd even finished turning the menu, Zuo Xiao had already learned that Peng Lei was from Hunan, a recent graduate who studied photography at university and now a freelance photographer, primarily shooting concerts and weddings. Qiangzi, a 29-year-old from Guangdong, worked as a dentist at a dental hospital, offering discounts on cleanings and fillings.
When all the cold dishes were served, there was still one empty seat. Jiang Miaomiao picked up her phone and dialed a number. After a moment, she put it down, rolled her eyes, and said, "Hang up."
Old Sun looked embarrassed and said, "Don't wait, let's eat first." Seeing that it was almost one o'clock, everyone was really hungry, so they started to eat.
Just as the first hot dish was served, the door to the private room opened. The waiter, who was about to leave, paused, staring blankly for several seconds before stepping aside with red ears.
Zuo Xiao looked up and saw a young man in a denim jacket and casual pants, his hands in his pockets, looking languid, as if he hadn't woken up yet. His narrow, beautiful phoenix eyes glanced around, but there was no one in his sight.
Jiang Miaomiao glanced at him and said, "I wasn't waiting for you." Lao Sun added, "I just finished eating. Come and sit down."
After he slowly sat down, Old Sun introduced them: "Qin Yufei, our bassist. This is Zuo Xiao, lead singer and rhythm guitarist."
Zuo Xiao raised his eyelids and thought to himself: Big Brother, I haven't decided to join yet! But it's not good to embarrass Old Sun in front of him, so he kept silent and turned his gaze to Qin Yufei.
The other person's lazy gaze fell on her face. After a moment, his thin lips opened a narrow gap, and a very faint "Oh" floated out.
Zuo Xiao's breath hitched for a moment, and he pursed his lips, just saying hello. Jiang Miaomiao lowered her voice beside him, "He treats everyone like this, don't take it to heart."
Zhuang Jinghao had never met such a cool person before, so he shrugged and didn't dare to say hello. Jiang Miaomiao introduced him, "This is little Jinghao. Maybe she'll become our band's assistant."
Zhuang Jinghao had no choice but to greet him politely and restrainedly: "Hello, Yufei." In return, he received a half-hearted "Okay."
The dishes were served, and Old Sun asked everyone to pour their beer. He then solemnly stood up, raised his glass, and said generously, "Today is the first time our entire band is here. Frankly, I'm very excited. Although our band is still a trial version without even a name, as the saying goes, the wind starts from the tip of a green reed, and the waves are built from the ripples. As long as everyone persists in cultivation, even the smallest beginning will usher in a day of strength, even greatness! Come, let's toast!"
This overly concentrated bowl of chicken blood didn't resonate as expected. Even Jiang Miaomiao looked awkward, not immediately cooperating with her teammates' overly forceful speeches. But it was the kindhearted Zhuang Jinghao who responded first, hoarsely saying, "That's very well said!" and immediately applauding.
Drummer Peng Lei, who had been trying to hold back his laughter, joined in the applause, followed by Jiang Miaomiao and Qiangzi. Zuo Xiao raised his hands and clapped gently. He caught a glimpse of Qin Yufei, still looking half dead, and picked up a peanut with his chopsticks.
"Come on, let's go!" Jiang Miaomiao stood up with the cup in her hand, and everyone stood up one after another.
"Cheers!" Seven wine glasses gathered in the center, and the crisp and loud sound of clinking glasses was like the bell of tomorrow's victory, which made even the most rational and restrained heart excited for a moment.
The seven of them ate, drank, and chatted, and soon they finished a dozen beers. Peng Lei was about to order a second dozen when Lao Sun stopped him, saying, "We're going to perform a show soon, so don't drink too much."
"That's just the beginning..." Peng Lei yelled, "Even a cat wouldn't get drunk with just this little amount!"
"No, no," Zhuang Jinghao said seriously, with a slightly tipsy face, "Cats can't drink alcohol. They'll die if they ingest even the slightest bit."
Peng Lei looked disappointed and sneered at her, "Sister, I'm just giving you an example. If you're being so serious, I'll think you're targeting me."
"I'm not targeting you, I promise!" Zhuang Jing was terrified. "I was just worried you wouldn't know and might force your cat to drink alcohol in the future..."
"Damn, why do you look so scared?" Peng Lei scratched his chin, his eyes beneath his golden bangs showing helplessness. "You really don't understand I'm joking?"
Zhuang Jinghao's ears turned red with embarrassment. Zuo Xiao finally couldn't stand it anymore and spoke up to defend her: "Your humor is unique, I didn't even notice it."
"Don't drink anymore." Qiangzi held up his chopsticks and said slowly, "I have to go back to pull someone's teeth at four o'clock this afternoon."
"Tsk!" Peng Lei snorted coldly, "Young Master Qin has such a huge fortune to inherit, and he hasn't even said he's busy. Only you're so busy that you never even show up for rehearsals. If you didn't know better, you'd think you were some big business!"
Qiangzi slammed his chopsticks down on his bowl with a clang. There was anger in his voice, yet he remained restrained. "First of all, I miss less than 30% of group rehearsals. It's not like I never show up. Secondly, I've never been late for anyone. On the other hand, there's someone who, although he always attends rehearsals, spends 80% of his time just chatting and slacking off."
The "someone" he was implying suddenly widened his eyes, slammed his fists on the table, and was then held down by a hand that stretched out at an angle.
"Alright, alright!" Jiang Miaomiao said in a domineering voice. "What are two grown men doing arguing with each other?! Hurry up and eat, then leave!" Old Sun tried to mediate and grabbed his wife's arm, "Let's talk it over. Don't get angry."
The more Zuo Xiao listened, the darker the situation became. He thought pessimistically: a drunkard with questionable IQ and EQ, a dentist who often missed group rehearsals, a rich second-generation who looked down on everyone, and a captain who didn't seem to have much leadership qualities... There was no way this band could succeed!
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Old Sun's gaze, and a hint of caution etched in his awkwardness. Zuo Xiao immediately understood that he was afraid the cooked duck would fly away.
She sighed in her heart, met his gaze, and gave him an inclusive and comforting smile.
After leaving the restaurant, Zuo Xiao kept thinking: I'll wait and see how this group performs, and if it doesn't work out, I'll just decline. There are so many bands in the world, and we don't have to focus on just Old Sun.
Zhuang Jinghao seemed to sense her thoughts and whispered worriedly in her ear, "Why do I feel like these people are not very reliable..."
Zuo Xiao forced a smile and comforted her: "Don't worry, let the bullet fly for a while."
Neither of them had expected that when these four "unreliable" men became one with their instruments, it would be as if they had been transformed from the inside out by the hand of God, and were reborn in an instant.
They played a post-rock piece originally composed by Lao Zuo. At the opening, guitar and bass slowly unfolded in a light and ethereal atmosphere. The melody was simple, pleasant, and richly layered, instantly captivating. The low-pitched drum beats, like the melodious and ethereal flute, were subtle yet gradually immersive, drawing the listener into a feeling of tranquility and freedom, as if about to soar.
Suddenly, a series of heavy drums exploded, the guitar's distortion intensified, and the rhythm accelerated noticeably. The rapid switching and friction created a powerful sonic wave that was nerve-wracking. Almost simultaneously, the bass suddenly erupted, like a vibrating wave. The drums also became more intense, with rapid hi-hat hits and continuous percussion, creating a strong sense of urgency, making the audience feel the danger approaching and their heart tighten.
The music gradually loses its rhythm. Rapid chord changes and irregular rhythms drag the listener into a state of chaos and disarray, yet a certain order seems to hold the mind together. Keyboard sounds begin to blend and unfold: wind, waves, grain, and more, indescribable auditory elements, clashing and colliding fiercely, bringing a sense of chaotic unease that surges to the very core of the soul. Yet, even while creating a high-pressure psychological experience, the music maintains its melodic beauty.
Zuo Xiao was surrounded by waves of sound, the hairs on his arms stood up, and his heart was filled with turmoil.
The four performers before her were not only individually skilled but also perfectly coordinated. Music empowered them, enchanted them, and empowered them, giving them a power that could move hearts and minds at this moment. Having witnessed their ordinary, even less glamorous, sides in the restaurant, this sense of empowerment was even more intense, a surge of emotion.
The last note dissipated in the quiet atmosphere, and the musicians ended their performance, looking at the audience with implicit expectation.
As a core audience member, Zuo Xiaoren was sitting on a chair at this moment, his heart still immersed in the musical atmosphere just now, unable to extricate himself for a long time.
Jiang Miaomiao patted her shoulder: "How do you feel?"
Zuo Xiao finally came to her senses, paused, and said, "I felt a strong sense of narrative, atmosphere, and very distinct emotional fluctuations..." She tried to break down the feelings during the process. "At the beginning, it felt ethereal, free, warm, and a little dreamy, like... like sunlight shining on the snow."
Jiang Miaomiao's eyelashes fluttered, and she exchanged a quick glance with Old Sun: "And then?"
"Then..." His dark eyes were slightly out of focus, as if his body and mind were still reliving the experience. "Suddenly, danger arrived, and pressure and fear followed like a shadow. It was like being chased by the god of death. In the face of such a huge force majeure, everything became chaotic and disordered, almost despairing..."
She blinked, her rational side returning, trying to decipher the source of this experience. "The arrangement of this part is amazing, and the performance is so precise and layered, the coordination is seamless..."
Suddenly she thought of something, her cheeks flushed, and she smiled to hide it: "Sorry, I don't really understand these things, I'm showing off my skills in front of an expert."
"Don't underestimate yourself." Old Sun walked over, his eyes full of praise. "You have a good intuition for music."
He stopped in front of her. "This piece is called 'Avalanche.' I wrote it after experiencing a nearly fatal avalanche. The experience and subsequent reflections inspired me to create this piece of music."
Zuo Xiao's eyelashes trembled at these words, and his eyes were filled with astonishment. Old Sun continued, "Three years ago, Miaomiao, a few friends, and I were skiing in Japan when we encountered an avalanche."
He said it so nonchalantly, but Zuo Xiao and Zhuang Jinghao were startled.
Old Sun pulled up a chair and sat down, then began to speak:
"It was a sunny day, and the snow was fantastic. We skied for half an hour and agreed that this would be the best skiing experience of the past three years. If you've ever skied, you'll understand that feeling of freedom, a feeling that makes your scalp tingle... You feel like the world is at your feet, a vast expanse at your disposal, you're so free, as if you've never been bound by anything in your life..."
"We were immersed in joy when we suddenly heard a distant muffled sound, like thunder. Turning back, we saw snow rolling in like a wild beast. Miaomiao and I looked at each other and shouted at the same time: 'Avalanche!'"
The moment he shouted "Avalanche!", goose bumps appeared on Zuo Xiao's arms. She stared at Old Sun, forgetting to blink. Beside her, Zhuang Jinghao, also listening intently, covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide open.
"My whole body was shaking, and I forgot to move. When I heard Miaomiao yell, 'Run!' it was like the start button had been pressed. Panicking, I didn't know where to go, and just slid forward to follow Miaomiao... I was being chased by the monster behind me, racing with it. Suddenly, I felt something flip me over from behind, and then I felt like I was stuffed into a washing machine, upside down, spinning, and swung, like a piece of cloth at the mercy of others..."
"When I regained consciousness, I realized I was buried headfirst in the snow. Suddenly, a huge fear gripped my neck. My ears were buzzing, my chest felt stuffy, and I couldn't breathe... At that moment, I seemed to be thinking a lot, yet at the same time, I seemed to be thinking nothing..."
"I don't know how much time passed before I came to my senses and tried desperately to tell myself: I want to live, I can't panic, I need to figure out how to save myself... But my mind was still a mess. I had no idea where all the self-rescue knowledge was. I felt like someone who sinks to the bottom of the water and realizes they can't swim. I felt so hopeless."
"At that moment, a thought suddenly flashed through my mind... blue... Only then did I realize that snow, when viewed from the inside, is blue... I laughed at myself, wondering what a fool I was, thinking about the color of snow at a time like this. Then another thought occurred to me: It turns out you don't feel cold when buried in the snow..."
"I felt my consciousness becoming increasingly blurred and slower, as if time was being stretched infinitely. All around me became extremely quiet; the sounds of breathing and heartbeats disappeared, leaving only utter silence..."
At this point, Zuo Xiao suddenly recalled the second half of their performance. The wall of sound that had been pressing down like a storm suddenly crumbled to dust. The music gradually became slower and deeper, the notes drawn out, creating a lonely, resonant feeling before fading into silence. Then, a nearly ten-second gap appeared, as if time and space had stopped at that moment...
"What happened next?" Zhuang Jinghao let go of his hand and asked softly.
"Okay, stop scaring the little girl." Jiang Miaomiao patted his arm and turned to Zhuang Jing and said with a smile, "Later, I found him and dug the snow with a shovel. I almost broke my hand, but I finally saved him."
"Oh my god!" Zhuang Jinghao showed an expression as if he had survived a disaster, patting his chest and saying, "Thank God for the good luck..."
"No wonder..." Zuo Xiao's mind was still on the music. Combining it with the stories told by the old Zuo couple, he kept ruminating on the feelings and emotions that had just been aroused.
"You used music to tell a story and record a life journey." He cast his gaze on Old Sun's ordinary face. "It's remarkable."
Zhuang Jinghao was equally captivated by the story. She gazed at Old Sun with burning eyes and, like countless inquisitive students, raised her hand to ask, "I want to know, after experiencing this life-or-death moment, what is your biggest feeling?"
Old Sun thought for a moment and said, "In front of the divine power of nature, you are nothing." He cast his eyes on the people around him, "But there will always be people who regard you as the only one who is indispensable in their lives."
Jiang Miaomiao blushed, a rare occurrence, and sneered, "I've watched him turn into a timid and boring middle-aged man. From now on, he'll never dare to ski backcountry again. Gradually, he even stopped going to the ski resort. It's so boring!"
"Hahaha!" Zhuang Jinghao echoed heartlessly, "The end of skiing is orthopedics. My brother doesn't support me going, but I will still go."
"Well, it's good to be young." Jiang Miaomiao said with a smile.
"I have a question too." It was Zuo Xiao's turn to ask.
Lao Zuo's eyes were soft and he smiled: "You say."
Zuo Xiao met his gaze and said, "With your creative and performing abilities, playing purely instrumental music would be just fine. Why do you have to find a lead singer?"
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