Chapter 50 He Sees Through the Band at a Glance
Du Ying lobbied Yan Ning head-on with a passionate and eloquent speech.
Soon, Yan Ning understood the whole story from Du Ying's words.
In short, that is—
The Orange Fire band that Du Ying belongs to originally planned to participate in the school anniversary performance at the beginning of next month.
But, unexpectedly.
The lead singer of the band was riding a scooter on the way to school two days ago when it was raining. The road was slippery and he fell, breaking his leg. He is still lying in the hospital. It is very likely that he will not be able to attend the upcoming school anniversary.
If the band can't find a new lead singer, they will definitely have to withdraw from the performance list.
Of course Yan Ning also knew about the school anniversary.
The anniversary celebration of No.1 Middle School is held every two years.
At the request of the instructor, the radio station has recently added a section to its nightly broadcasts focusing on the warm-up for the school anniversary activities.
In addition, Yan Ning's Science (4) class has recently used class meeting time to finalize and rehearse the chorus program to be performed at the school anniversary.
Just one more thing.
Class 4's homeroom teacher, Lao Yu, was a cheerful, middle-aged man who often wandered around with a cup of tea. At the start of the class rehearsal, Lao Yu took a sip of chrysanthemum tea and said cheerfully,
"You only have this one chance to attend the school celebration. Even if you make it again in your senior year, you'll only be able to watch, not perform. So, you must cherish these youthful years now."
In order not to affect the intense academic work of senior high school students, the performers of No. 1 Middle School’s anniversary celebration have always been only freshmen and sophomores.
But senior Du Ying is already in her third year of high school.
As soon as Yan Ning raised this doubt, Du Ying looked miserable and waved her hand:
"Alas, junior, you have no idea how many setbacks our Orange Fire band has had since its formation.
Two years ago, we signed up to perform at the school anniversary show, and after going through all the hurdles, we got the chance to perform at the finale. But, right?
The previous show was seriously overtime, and the sound equipment had a temporary malfunction that couldn't be repaired. In the end, we had no choice but to cancel our show."
Lost in memories, Du Ying lowered her gaze, her eyes becoming very dark, revealing a regret that could not be concealed:
"We rehearsed for two or three months, looking forward to the day of the official performance. But at that time, we were just standing on the sidelines and didn't even get on the stage. We just heard the school leaders announce the end of the school celebration that year."
Then, I probably remembered the purpose of this trip.
Du Ying raised her head and forced a smile on her face. "So, to make up for our regret back then, the school finally made an exception and agreed to let us participate in the school anniversary celebration again this year."
"That's basically it."
Du Ying clasped her hands together and looked at Yan Ning sincerely:
"Please! I saw your rehearsal video from middle school and I think your voice is perfect for Orange Fire's style. If you could come, we would be so grateful!!"
Yan Ning didn't know what to say for a moment and felt a little embarrassed.
On the one hand, put yourself in other people's shoes and think from their perspective.
She actually understood very well that her senior was about to graduate from high school. If she missed the opportunity to perform at the school anniversary celebration again, there would really be no next time, and the regret would only be a regret forever.
But, on the other hand.
A performance cannot be rehearsed overnight.
Considering the time and her own abilities, even if she agreed, could she really live up to her senior's trust?
Yan Ning hesitated for a moment, but still tried to speak, "But... I have no experience in performing on stage."
Du Ying immediately said, "That's easy! We can find a venue and adjust the time, everything can be done according to your requirements! And as long as you are willing to rehearse and give it a try, you will definitely find that it is not that difficult! Really! I promise!"
Looking at the senior sister's overly sincere eyes.
Yan Ning finally couldn't bear it anymore and nodded slightly, "Can you let me think about it?"
Of course Du Ying agreed without hesitation.
The next day was Saturday.
This week it was time to study with Teacher Zhao. In the afternoon, Yan Ning appeared on the other side on time as usual.
Moreover, not long after, the door opened and closed, and Lu Chen sat opposite her again.
Spring sleepiness season.
Recently, when Yan Ning came, Grandma Cen was basically taking a lunch break.
After spending some time explaining some problems to her and giving her some new questions, Teacher Zhao would always go back to her room to sleep for a while.
The same is true today.
The living room was quiet for a short while.
Yan Ning finished the first question with full concentration, turned the page of his notebook, and was about to turn to the second question.
Lu Chen on the opposite side suddenly broke the silence and said:
"You're worried."
His sentence was a statement and his tone was too firm.
Yan Ning was struck by the truth. Surprised, he looked up at him and couldn't help asking, "How did you know?"
"Well—"
The young man opposite drew out the end of his words to create suspense, and at the same time leaned forward, holding his chin with one hand, looking over with a bright smile in his eyes.
After whetting people's appetite.
He then announced the answer, saying:
"I just guessed based on my intuition."
Yan Ning: ...
Well, you really guessed it right.
Yan Ning let out a breath.
Although I complained a little in my heart.
but.
never mind.
Anyway, she deliberately increased her speed in doing the questions today, originally wanting to have more time to talk to Lu Chen about the school anniversary and listen to his opinions.
It’s not impossible to talk about it now.
So, Yan Ning spoke, and in a low and concise voice, told Lu Chen what had happened recently.
Listen to her description.
Lu Chen stretched out his hand and motioned for her to hand over the draft book.
As Yan Ning did as he was told, he casually said, "Oh, it's used as a disguise, right?"
Although after the division of subjects, one was in liberal arts and the other in science, there were many essential differences between their daily courses and homework.
But, after all, there are still three identical main subjects, and Lu Chen's learning ability is really admirable, he is proficient in everything.
Therefore, Yan Ning still discusses various subject issues with him from time to time.
Sometimes, when she has too much free time recently, she will pick up Guo Luchen's liberal arts test paper and look at the questions.
Grandma Cen and Grandpa Zhao were already used to the scene of the two of them discussing problems together, so at this moment, Yan Ning thought that Lu Chen wanted to use the discussion as a pretext to cover up the fact that the two of them were gossiping.
In no mood.
Lu Chen took the notebook, picked up a pen, and smiled, "It's not a disguise, let me help you analyze the pros and cons."
Upon hearing this, Yan Ning shook his head:
"No need for that. I've actually already decided to go help my senior sister and rehearse to see if I can be the lead singer of their band."
Yan Ning added Du Ying's contact information yesterday, and that evening, he received a bunch of videos from Du Ying of the Orange Fire Band's rehearsals for the school anniversary celebration, as well as some of their previous performances at off-campus activities.
The stage always makes people's blood boil.
This is especially true for people like Yan Ning, who once had some vague aspirations but never put them into practice for various reasons.
This restlessness will only get worse.
And this morning, after watching the video of these youthful boys and girls expressing themselves and enjoying their youth on the stage.
Yan Ning also suddenly thought, for herself -
This is also the only opportunity to perform at the school anniversary.
She too.
Don't want to miss it.
So, although he had not contacted Du Ying yet, Yan Ning had decided to tell his senior that she agreed to participate.
now.
After hearing her words, Lu Chen did not stop writing.
"Okay, let's solve this matter for now. Let's talk about it——"
He raised his eyes, looked over, and smiled again:
"Next."
"What, next?" Yan Ning was a little stunned for a moment.
Lu Chen continued in the same tone, "What is it that is really confusing you right now and that you want to seek help for?"
That's it.
He saw through me at a glance.
One second later.
"Actually, I haven't thought about it yet..."
Yan Ning took a breath and then spoke again, "Should I tell my parents about this school anniversary performance?"
Recently, it can be said that Lin Xinci and Yan Xiangrong have relaxed their control over Yan Ning in all aspects of daily study and life.
However, Yan Ning still couldn't help but worry -
Were these just a whim of her parents, or was it a form of compensation for her previous fainting and injury?
if.
She told them that she wanted to be the lead singer of a band and participate in the school anniversary celebration.
Would they think she was too complacent, become disappointed, and restore everything to its original state?
Yan Ning didn't know.
When people face the unknown, they always feel fear and want to escape.
As soon as her eyes fell on the exercises at hand, she heard the person opposite her speak again in a relaxed tone: "It's very simple."
Yan Ning was just about to look up and ask him if he had any good ideas.
A notebook, or more precisely, the draft book she had just handed over, was now returned and placed right in front of her.
And on the new page that unfolded, there was a simple drawing.
Lu Chen continued in a casual, yet inexplicably reassuring voice:
"Just follow your heart."
On that painting.
The little dolphin circled in the sea, and the bubbles it created around it, together with its body, formed a perfect heart.
Such a simple sentence gave Yan Ning the clearest guidance.
At that moment.
Her negative emotions seemed to be gently and delicately wrapped by those bubbles.
My mood also suddenly became brighter.
-
This weekend, Yan Xiangrong went on a business trip and did not come to Huize.
After dinner in the evening, while sitting in the living room with Lin Xinci, watching TV and digesting the food, Yan Ning spoke to her mother:
"Mom, I want to go shopping with Xin Jing tomorrow afternoon. Is that okay?"
When Lin Xinci turned her head to look at him, Yan Ning was still a little nervous.
Lin Xinci didn't notice anything and said in a normal tone, "Sure, do you want to eat out tonight? Or what do you want to eat and I can cook it for you?"
Yan Ning hurriedly shook his head: "No need! Just act like usual. I'll go home for dinner tonight!"
Lin Xinci: "Okay."
This concludes the conversation.
Yan Ning's tense nerves finally relaxed a little.
She actually hesitated for a long time about the issue of being the band's lead singer.
But in the end, I chose not to tell my family.
Especially in the afternoon, after listening to Lu Chen's advice.
Listen to your heart.
For now, I'll allow myself to be a little cowardly this time and not speak out what happened.
The burden in her heart didn't seem so heavy anymore.
-
Sunday afternoon.
As agreed in advance, Yan Ning met up with senior Du Ying and the other two seniors from the Orange Fire Band at the square near No. 1 Middle School.
After meeting, Du Ying introduced the two to Yan Ning.
The two seniors, one named Liu He and the other named Pan Yuncheng, were both easy to talk to. They chatted for a while and also made a video call to the original lead singer Shen Lerong who was still in the hospital. Shen Lerong also expressed her gratitude to Yan Ning for coming.
Not long after, the taxi I called online arrived.
Along the way, Yan Ning was listening to the seniors talking about interesting things about various bands, and didn't pay much attention to the changing scenery outside the window.
Soon, we arrived at the rehearsal venue.
Because before, Du Ying only said that it was not far from No. 1 Middle School and didn't mention anything else.
Therefore, it was not until he got off the bus and saw the somewhat familiar street scenes around him that Yan Ning suddenly realized a tiny possibility.
As for this, the possibility that there was no possibility at all suddenly increased greatly after Senior Liu He's explanation.
“Actually, Orange Fire’s previous rehearsal venue was in the suburbs. The rent there was cheap, but it took too much time to get there.
Yesterday, after hearing you agreed to come, I thought we were short on time, so I tried to find a friend to help. He teaches street dance here and is very generous! He lent us a spare classroom for free.
Liu He laughed and talked about this happy event.
Du Ying nodded beside her, "Yes, yes, that's great."
Yan Ning paused for a moment, still undecided as to whether he should say anything.
Liu He took a step forward, intending to lead the way. He stretched out his foot, then pulled it back and looked at Yan Ning:
"Oh, by the way, it's quite a coincidence that my buddy is in the same class as you, and he's also a student at No. 1 Middle School. He's a handsome guy who's good at liberal arts. I don't know if you've heard of him. His name is—"
Now all the elements are complete.
Almost at the same time Liu He said the name, Yan Ning nodded without hesitation, as if accepting his fate.
"——Lu Chen."
"I know him."
In this world.
Is there anything more coincidental than this?
Anyway, Yan Ning, who was in a mess and didn't know what to feel, couldn't think of anything for the time being.
Go to the fifth floor of the mall.
Thinking about the last time he came here, he was entrusted by Grandpa Zhao to deliver the key to Lu Chen, and Yan Ning couldn't help feeling a little dazed.
At that time, she probably could not have imagined that in just over a year, she and Lu Chen would go from being strangers to being familiar with each other, and now even become close friends who could talk about their inner thoughts.
same.
I can't imagine it.
The next time she comes back here will be for the band's performance rehearsal.
The borrowed room is located at the innermost part of the corridor.
Street dance classes were being held in the next few classrooms. When a few people came up, they did not see Lu Chen. Liu He had the key in his hand and had greeted him in advance, so he went straight to open the door.
Before Liu He pushed the door open, he even made a sound effect:
"Ding-dang-dang! Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to our brand new, perfect rehearsal room!"
As soon as the door opened.
Yan Ning looked inside and saw——
There is an entire wall of oversized mirrors, and in the middle of the room are placed the drum set, keyboard, bass, stand-up microphone, and professional audio equipment that were delivered yesterday.
This venue, these equipment.
It was clear and definite, giving her a real sense of preparing for the performance.
At this moment, my heart couldn't help but start to beat restlessly.
The song that Orange Fire will perform at the school anniversary is called "As Unrestrained as I Am". It is a very nice original song, and the lyrics and music are both written and composed by Pan Yuncheng, a very talented member of the band who doesn't talk much.
Yan Ning likes to prepare in advance, whether it is for studying or for this performance.
After deciding to come, she watched and listened to the rehearsal video sent by Du Ying and a studio demo many times.
She has basically memorized some of the more difficult parts of the song, such as those that require switching between true and false voices.
To the rehearsal room.
After cooperating with Du Ying and others, Yan Ning tried singing a few short passages.
Du Ying clapped her hands excitedly, and Yan Ning looked up from the lyrics paper in his hand to look at her.
Du Ying praised her sincerely, "Ningning, you did an amazing job! Seriously! I've found a treasure! You're even better than I thought!"
Yan Ning felt a little embarrassed by the compliment and whispered back, "Thank you, senior."
Du Ying continued to look at the two people next to her excitedly, "I think we should just go through the whole thing?"
Liu He and Pan Yuncheng both nodded, obviously agreeing with Du Ying's idea.
“No problem!”
"agree."
So, less than half an hour after entering the rehearsal room, Orange Fire Band's drummer Du Ying, keyboardist Pan Yuncheng, bassist Liu He, and new lead singer Yan Ning, all took their positions as if it were a formal performance.
Yan Ning stood in front of the microphone with his hand on it.
She originally thought she would be very nervous, but when she actually stood there, facing herself in the mirror.
That moment.
What she actually felt—
But it is a kind of long-lost excitement.
…
The song ends.
The band members haven't even recovered from the exhilarating musical feeling they just had.
Sudden.
A somewhat chaotic but enthusiastic applause came from the door of the room.
Yan Ning held the microphone with one hand. His breathing was normal, but his heartbeat was a little fast.
She was still looking at the mirror, but subconsciously, as if realizing something, she looked in the direction of the mirror image where the sound came from.
really.
At some point, the door opened a small crack.
There, Lu Chen was leaning leisurely against the door frame. He was wearing a gray sweatshirt and casual pants, his fingers loosely hooked around his legs. A man had already stepped into the room and was holding the collar of the little boy's neck, restricting his movements.
And it looks like.
The applause came from the little boy and five or six other children who were gathered nearby and looking into the room.
have no idea.
How long he stayed there.
I don’t know either.
How much he heard.
And at this moment.
Lu Chen smiled faintly and looked towards the center of the room.
He also raised his free hand, put it on the wrist of his other hand, and patted it twice slowly and methodically.
In a quiet room.
The crisp applause broke out again.
Although it was a bit far away and the face was almost blurry.
Through the looking glass.
At this moment, Yan Ning clearly had a feeling——
And him.
The feeling of eye contact.
Her cheeks began to flush.
At the same time, my heartbeat suddenly and uncontrollably accelerated...
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