First Performance

Lin Chudong and the others were rehearsing day and night.

These days, lots of students came in to learn guitar during the day. Wang Zhi was absorbed in practicing bass, so they simply hired a few more guitar teachers.

After all, teaching was part of the Piano Shop's income, and it was a sizable slice of the pie. They couldn't just give it up.

Jia Lu munched on chips as she scrolled through Douyin, then suddenly said,

"Brother Fei! The Chengdu Tourism Bureau reposted your song!"

"It's got over ten million likes!"

Lin Chudong was taken aback. "Seriously?"

Songs reposted by official accounts usually got plenty of plays.

In the video, a middle-aged man in a black jacket stood on a street in Chengdu and said,

"Welcome to take a stroll through the streets of Chengdu, and welcome to stop by one of Chengdu's little bars for a drink."

"I'll be waiting for you in Chengdu!"

Then Lin Chudong's voice came in over the background music, singing the chorus.

"Take a stroll with me through the streets of Chengdu..."

The video showed scenic shots for a tourism campaign, filmed by drone. It looked like Kuanzhai Alley, with its old streets and rainy weather. Along with hot pot and bars, these elements had attracted plenty of viewers.

"I have to visit Chengdu at least once in my life!"

"Has anyone else wanted to visit a city because of a song?"

"Flights to Chengdu are already hard to book, and hotel prices are soaring. I recommend going early!"

"I'm a born-and-bred Chengdu local. Ask me anything."

"Can I eat a hot pot with half spicy and half mild broth with a Chengdu local?"

"That's the bottom line for us Chengdu people!"

"..."

Jia Lu picked up her laptop and searched.

"Brother Fei, 'Chengdu' has already passed a million plays. It's fifth on the Hot Song Chart!"

It had also reached number ten on Weibo's Trending Search.

"One song brings tourism to the city—Chengdu's charm."

Judging by the trending topic's title, the Chengdu Tourism Bureau was probably behind it.

Lin Chudong said, "Yeah, let's have our official account repost the Tourism Bureau's Weibo post."

"Later, we can all go to Chengdu and film some short videos to promote the city. That'll boost the buzz even more."

"Sure!"

Jia Lu was over the moon. She hadn't expected they'd get to travel too. This band was great.

Besides that, Lin Chudong had also made it onto a trending search on Weibo.

"What on earth got into Da Fei Band?"

Da Fei had been kicked out, but his first move afterward was a showstopper.

Just one song had become a massive hit.

Da Fei really lived up to his name. He was the soul of the band.

"Did you guys notice? He wrote the lyrics and music, arranged it, recorded it, and played every instrument—all by himself. Da Fei is practically the ultimate independent musician!"

"Holy crap, I didn't notice until you said it. So Da Fei's real name is Lin Chudong!"

"Da Fei Band is so stupid. They kicked Da Fei out. Do they even have any new songs now?"

"Their old songs are enough. Da Fei Band will be at the Magic City Summer Concert."

"Yeah, who's going to watch them? Their soul is gone. I'd go if it were free."

"Without Da Fei, nobody's listening to Da Fei Band. Not even a dog."

"Da Fei's new band is called Liang Yin Band. Remember that name."

"If Da Fei has another show, I'm definitely going!"

"I heard he wrote this song for the band, but they kicked him out before they even signed a contract. Is Shen Jianbin kicking himself now?"

"Da Fei wrote all the band's songs over the years. He must have more good ones up his sleeve."

"That's a musical genius for you. This year, talent beat capital!"

Lin Chudong shook his head as he read the comments.

"Talent still hasn't beaten capital, so don't get cocky. This song's success doesn't have much to do with our band."

"Out of all these comments, Liang Yin Band barely gets mentioned."

"Still, with results like these, we can negotiate better terms at the music festival."

"Tonight's our first show at a live house. Everyone, stay sharp!"

That evening, at Black Forest Bar.

Lin Chudong and the others had finished their makeup and fixed their hair backstage.

Jing Feifei said,

"Old Man Chen, you look so cool!"

Old Chen was wearing a leather outfit today. His gray hair was slicked back, and with a pair of oversized sunglasses, he looked every bit the veteran rocker.

"Heh. If I'm going to compete with the young ones for the spotlight, I need to have something going for me."

Lin Chudong said, "Keep the talking to a minimum once we're onstage. I've got an in-ear monitor on my left and a walkie-talkie on my right. If I can't speak, follow Old Chen's lead."

"Don't get flustered. If things get messy, just pause for a bar. The audience won't mind."

"Stage experience is all about keeping your nerves in check. Everyone, turn on the metronomes."

"Got it!"

Performing to a metronome was a challenge for any musician, and it wasn't easy—especially for the three beginners.

Wang Zhi's palms were sweating. He clenched his fists, his face set with determination.

The blisters on his fingers had healed, but they still ached faintly.

That little bit of pain actually kept him excited.

Lin Chudong glanced at him and gave a slight nod.

He'd seen all of Wang Zhi's hard work.

He'd talked about hiring a bassist, but he'd never actually considered anyone else.

Wang Zhi was the hardest-working of them all. His music theory was on par with Old Chen's, and he was steady and honest. All he lacked was experience.

"Let's go. Time to get onstage!"

Lin Chudong changed into the clothes he usually wore for performances.

They couldn't use the name Da Fei, but there was no way they could stop them from wearing their stage clothes, right?

In his denim outfit and a few silver chains, he looked just like Da Fei.

When they appeared, the crowd quieted down for a moment.

"Who's that? Is he imitating Da Fei?"

"Not bad. He looks so much like him, I almost mistook him for the real deal."

"Could that actually be Da Fei?"

"Are you kidding? Would Da Fei come sing at a bar?"

Lin Chudong said, "Hey, everyone. Long time no see."

"Damn, he's a good impersonator. Even the opening line's the same?"

"His voice sounds like him too. Let's listen some more."

"Bars have impersonation shows now? This is pretty interesting!"

Lin Chudong looked at the dozens of people below the stage. "We're Liang Yin Band, and I'm the lead singer, Lin Chudong."

"Let me introduce the guitarist beside me, Chen Jianguo!"

Old Chen held his pick and rapidly strummed the strings, launching into a dazzling solo.

The audience immediately cried out in surprise. "Chen Jianguo from Northern Band? What's he doing here?"

"Lin Chudong? That's Da Fei! It really is Da Fei! Haven't you heard 'Chengdu'?"

"Holy crap, Da Fei! Da Fei!!"

The whole place erupted. Nobody had expected to see Da Fei perform in a little bar like this!

Lin Chudong waved. "Thanks, everyone. This is our band's drummer..."

Lin Chudong had wanted to keep introducing everyone, but the crowd was so enthusiastic that they wouldn't give him a chance to speak.

"Forget it. Let's start. Old Chen, go!"

Chen Jianguo's guitar rang out, drowning out the audience.

"Drums and bass, come in!"

As the drums went boom-chik-boom-chik and the deep bass came in, the groove instantly set the whole place alight!

"This is Liang Yin Band's first performance. We'd like to dedicate 'Chengdu' to all of you!"