Volume Six: What She Lost, What I Gained - Become an Idol (?)

The producer was full of anticipation, but he was disappointed.

"I have no experience playing musical instruments."

"Same." "Same."

"It's okay if you don't have it, the most important thing is to sing!"

Singing?

"I've never sung before." Xiao Wu frowned.

"Same." ← Sin Annihilation

"I don't like singing." ← Sick Spider

"... Oh, it's okay, I can learn it."

I have a feeling the producer is about to cry.

They're alright, the problem is...

Haoyue rarely showed an embarrassed expression, and turned her face to the side.

I almost forgot, this guy is supposed to be extremely tone-deaf.

"When it comes to singing, talent is very important. In my many years of experience, all of you are exceptionally talented."

The producer wiped his sweat and continued.

"Miss Haoyue's voice is very soft and beautiful, perfect for ballads and light, refreshing songs; Miss Xiao Wu, on the contrary, has a mature yet powerful feel, with a touch of androgyny, suitable for more energetic and fast-paced songs; Miss Ye is somewhere in between, very versatile, and with a little practice, she can master all kinds of musical styles; Miss Sinan is a typical energetic and cute type, very suitable for singing upbeat pop music; Miss Sin Annihilation's voice is rather cold and clear, with a Fireworks quality, some classical pieces might be very suitable for her."

He completely ignored the Sick Spider that appeared to be too young.

The producer was quite confident, since nowadays, the first things judged about a star are their singing and looks, followed by dancing, playing instruments, songwriting talent, and so on. These newcomers at least have the "looks" factor; with good looks, even if their singing isn't great, they can still be models or something, not to mention their amazing voices.

"Then let's all take turns singing a song, let me hear one."

What should we sing?

"You can sing any song you like, pop songs are fine, classical songs are fine, vocal exercises are okay too, who wants to go first?"

"Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!"

Sure enough, Little Ying was the first to raise her hand. Okay, let her be the first to embarrass herself.

Little Ying stood confidently in front of the producer, cleared her throat, and even tried to imitate a bel canto singer by tucking her elbows between her sides, though she didn't quite capture the essence of the singer.

"I'm going to sing Liang Dongru's 'Ai Ai,' may I start?"

Can I complain about the song title?

"Yes, we also have the instrumental version of this song here. Let me play it... Okay, let's begin."

"Okay~~~"

The soothing yet warm and vibrant prelude began, and Little Ying closed her eyes as if preparing herself, then started singing. I was already mentally prepared--

... Eh?

Wait, really?

I looked at Little Ying, who was singing with great enthusiasm, in surprise. The others were about the same; none of us expected that this goofball would actually sing... well, actually?

"A delicate fondness~ The weighty feel of a blanket~ The familiar sense of security after basking in the sun~"

No! Not just good, it's exceptionally good! The control of the voice and rhythm, as well as the subtle nuances, are all surprisingly good!

I want to say that you're actually a very good person, but you don't realize it yourself. You're genuinely good to me and don't ask for anything in return.

As she sang, she started swaying to the rhythm, her movements were incredibly fluid, and a very cute smile naturally appeared on her face. Oh no, I'm totally captivated by her!

"I feel so warm inside~ You're more important than myself~~ I also hope to become a better person~~~~ That's the song! How was it?"

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap~~ The producer led the applause, and before we knew it, we were clapping too. Although we were a little reluctant, we had to admit that this guy was simply a born idol.

"Excellent! Excellent! Miss Si Nan, did you have no prior performance experience? Or had you undergone extensive training?"

"No, it seems I am the legendary genius?"

Her nose is so upturned, really. She gets all smug and arrogant. She should be more humble.

"Although I may be being a bit presumptuous in saying this, Miss Si Nan, it's perfectly fine for you to go on stage directly. You can be considered a standard idol singer; you just need to learn some stage etiquette."

"Oh hehehehehehehehehehehe~~~There's really no way I can do it! It seems like I will be the next generation superstar~~~"

"Well..."

Her expression was so infuriating that even the producer couldn't stand it.

"I know you're happy, Miss Si Nan, but... I still have to remind you, it's fine if you 'go straight on stage,' but right now you're only at the 'average level' of an idol. If you really want to stand out and grab attention... well... it's still very difficult."

"Eh..."

Little Ying was greatly disappointed.

"Who's next?"

The producer glanced at the remaining four people. Seeing that they had no intention of going on, I sighed and raised my hand.

"Okay, Miss Ye, what would you like to sing?"

"I'm singing a song from my hometown, which you've probably never heard before, so there's no need to find any accompaniment."

"Oh?"

I stood still, cleared my throat, and tried my best to imagine the girls listening to my singing as radishes and cabbages.

My old problem of getting nervous whenever I speak in front of people has flared up again, so I tried my best to focus all my attention on singing.

Start -- "If

we could

see

tomorrow.

What of

your plans

No one

can live

in sorrow.

Ask all

your

friends.

Times that

you took

stride..."

I tried to recall the melody I had hummed countless times on Earth, and tried hard to remember every word. Perhaps because of nervousness, my throat was a little tight and my voice trembled a bit, but overall it was passable.

If I was

standin

by you.

How would

What do you feel?

Knowin

you love

decided.

And all

Love is

real..."

As I sang, I gradually got into the zone, became less nervous, and my voice opened up a bit.

Don't you

cry

tonight

Don't you

cry

tonight

Don't you

cry

Tonight!

There's a

heaven

above you

baby, and

dont you

cry

tonight..."

The climax felt pretty good; I've found my rhythm now, and I'm pretty much able to pour the emotions into it. I'm imagining myself as Axl right now.

Rose, with her long hair flowing down her back, holding a guitar, was greeted by a sea of screaming fans bowing to me in a metal salute... Seriously, did metal salutes even exist back then? I'm not really sure.

When the song ended, there was still enthusiastic applause, but the applause on their faces didn't show the surprise they had when they applauded Little Ying; instead, they all had expressions of "just as I expected."

"It's pretty much as I imagined." ← Haoyue

"No disappointment, no surprise either... right?" ← Xiao Wu

"Even though I'm not a genius, I'm doing pretty well!" ← Little Ying

"I don't quite understand... but it sounds nice." ← Sin Annihilation

"It's not bad." ← Sick Spider

"Very good, Miss Ye."

A professional producer provided his evaluation.

"It's obvious that you didn't perform well at first because of nervousness, but you quickly got into the zone. Moreover, your singing skills, pitch, and rhythm are all very good. Judging from these aspects alone, you are already at the upper level among amateurs. If you also consider your naturally good voice, with proper special training, you are fully capable of performing on stage."

"Ah... that's great."

"However, I have a question I'd like to ask—"

Producer Sang's eyes sparkled.

"What's the name of the song you sang? It's a pity I couldn't hear the accompaniment, but I'm sure it's a rare gem these days!"

Nonsense! It's Axl's masterpiece, Guns N' Roses' timeless classic. Its exquisite beauty is beyond the comprehension of you country bumpkins from another world who don't even know what rock or metal is.

"Call Don't"

"Crying is coming."

Don't

Cry... Do you have the sheet music? Who composed it? Or did you compose it yourself?

"It's an old song from my hometown, but I'm not really sure what it is, and I didn't memorize the sheet music either, haha..."

"Oh, I see. That's a real pity..."

Seeing the producer's somewhat disappointed expression, I breathed a sigh of relief. Although most protagonists in time-travel novels shamelessly transplant books, songs, patents, and the like from their own era to the new world/new era, brazenly claiming them as their own works to reap huge profits, unfortunately, I'm not one of them. Even a scoundrel like me can't stand that kind of behavior.

Next is--

"Ah, it's my turn..."

Xiao Wu stood up, smoothing her hair, looking a little agitated. She stood there blankly in front of us for a moment, frowning as if trying to recall something, but quickly gave up.

So... what should I sing?

"Anything you like is fine," the producer replied immediately.

"But I've never paid attention to music, and I don't know any songs. Why don't you just play me any song, and I'll learn it on the spot."

"Uh, okay..."

The producer rummaged around and pulled out a new tape. It was a song with a kind of emotional catharsis, which was quite similar to the impression Xiao Wu gave off.

"..."

Xiao Wu listened silently with her eyes narrowed, but by the end she was getting a little impatient.

"I really don't understand the point of this kind of song. It's full of pointless whining about love that doesn't even exist in reality. Why do so many people like this kind of thing..."

"Don't dwell on this, please--"

"--Ah, I know, just sing it."

"But can you remember it after only hearing it once?"

"Of course you can't remember them! Every single detail of Night Nether Style is much harder to remember than this."

Xiao Wu took a deep breath, a very, very deep breath, so deep that even a vocalist's breath couldn't hold that much air.

Then they started singing--

"Is it best to remain completely ignorant? Embracing this pain while also remembering those days that bring a smile to my face just by looking back..."

Hmm, hmm... eh?

What... what happened?

"I wonder if I should just forget it all, bury the heartbreaking memories deep inside, constantly facing the sorrow and pain, holding back tears as I see the stars..."

I'm at a loss for words.

I glanced at the others, and they were just as shocked; even Little Ying's mouth was agape.

"Endless sorrow and pain, like a tidal wave, assaulted me until dawn. It was this unprecedented, burning emotion that caused everything I had to crumble..."

That's amazing!

You sang so well! It felt like every note seeped into every pore of your body! It was incredible!

"Though more dazzling than usual, like a shooting star, it still quietly protects me with its light..."

This song and Xiao Wu's incredibly powerful and penetrating voice are a perfect match! Just listening to it gives you a feeling of being deeply shaken! Praise to Xiao Wu!

"... Okay, that's it, I'm done singing."

Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap!!!!

Thunderous applause erupted.

"Xiao Wu is amazing!" ← Me

"Tsk... a mere delinquent girl... and I actually gave in..." ← Haoyue

"I have to admit, you're stronger now." ← Little Ying

"... It's not impossible for me to help you manage your fan club, is it?" ← Sick Spider

"I'm not targeting anyone in particular, I just want to say that compared to Xiao Wu, you're all trash." ← Sin Annihilation

By the way, Xiao Wu didn't take a breath at all from beginning to end; she sang the whole song in one breath.

What kind of monstrous lung capacity is this?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So here's the question, Minna-san, is there anyone who can recognize all three songs in this chapter without using Baidu?