Chapter 71: The Concert (Part 1)
The second day after winter vacation began had arrived. At this point, it had been three weeks since the movie Unicorn was released.
Although the movie was not a huge hit and did not receive high ratings, its theme song, "Carousel", became very popular. It even made it into the top three of this year's annual hot songs chart.
Many people were covering the song both online and offline, and the album that included the song also saw a major increase in sales.
However, even though the song became famous, most people only knew that it was from the new album released by [The Girls], a band that had once been close to fading away before making a comeback. Because of the lack of exposure, very few people knew who actually sang the song. It was a classic case of the song becoming famous while the singer remained unknown.
The record company that had signed [The Girls] was well aware of this issue. Originally, they had been planning to give up on the struggling band, which was why they had set such harsh requirements for them.
What they did not expect was that the band would not only meet those requirements, but do so exceptionally well.
Pleasantly surprised, the company once again saw great potential in the group and began thinking about making them popular.
So, one Sunday, they called the band's manager, Yu Haoshen, to the company's headquarters.
After a long discussion, both sides reached the same decision. While the new song and album were still popular, they would organize a small-to-medium-sized concert with an audience of 1,500 people.
The venue would be the sports arena in S City, and the concert would take place during the second week of winter vacation, on February 7.
At that moment, inside the rehearsal room in the basement of Huarong Building, Yu Haoshen had just informed all the members of [The Girls] about the plan.
"So that's the situation. From now until the concert starts, make sure you practice hard. When the day comes, I want all of you to give it your best, okay?" Yu Haoshen said.
"Okay, okay! I'm already prepared!" Ye Feilu replied with a smile while spinning a drumstick in her hand.
"A concert, huh? The last one was more than a year ago, wasn't it?" An Ran'er said after thinking for a moment.
"To be exact, one year and two months ago," Wu Yuxin added.
While the three girls looked excited, Li Nuo appeared worried.
He had thought before about what he would do if the band ever held a concert, but he had never expected it to happen so soon. He still did not feel ready.
Although An Ran'er had encouraged him during music class before, the thought of singing in front of more than a thousand people still made him nervous.
Noticing his concern, Yu Haoshen walked over and gently patted his head.
"Miss Li Nuan, are you feeling very nervous right now?"
"Y-Yes..." Li Nuo lowered his head and looked at the floor. "I'm afraid that if I mess things up..."
"You don't need to think like that. Just sing freely when the time comes. Even if something does go wrong, all of us will be there to support you. So don't worry."
Looking at Yu Haoshen's smiling face, Li Nuo felt much calmer. Since he had said that, there was no reason to keep being afraid.
"And if there's anything about concerts that you don't understand, you can ask Ran'er. After all, she already has experience from three concerts. Of course, Xiao Lu and Yuxin can help too," Yu Haoshen continued.
"Relax, relax! We'll definitely take good care of the newcomer!" Ye Feilu said as she moved closer.
"Yuxin thinks concerts aren't scary at all," Wu Yuxin said.
An Ran'er also walked up to Li Nuo, placing both hands on his shoulders.
"Do you remember what I told you before? Just imagine the audience as cabbages and radishes—"
Before she could finish, Ye Feilu suddenly cried out,
"It's here! Ran'er's ultimate move, the Radish-and-Cabbage Illusion Technique!"
"Yuxin likes eating radishes and cabbages," Wu Yuxin said expressionlessly.
"Radish-and-Cabbage Illusion Technique?" Li Nuo was startled by Ye Feilu's sudden shout and turned toward her.
"You didn't know? When Ran'er performed in her first concert, she used that phrase to encourage herself."
"So that's how it was..." Li Nuo suddenly understood.
No wonder she always said the same thing to him during music class and the school performance.
"W-What's wrong with that? It really works!" An Ran'er defended herself.
"Well, I don't think it helps much," Ye Feilu said with a mischievous grin.
"Then tell me, what would actually help?" An Ran'er asked unwillingly.
"Uh..." Ye Feilu was speechless for a moment. After thinking, she said, "Compared to self-suggestion, building your confidence is probably better."
"Actually, I think that method is pretty useful..." Li Nuo said while scratching his cheek.
"Hehe, see that, Xiao Lu? Even Li Nuan says it works," An Ran'er said proudly.
"Fine, fine. You win. I admit defeat, okay?" Ye Feilu said helplessly with a shrug.
"Yuxin thinks it doesn't matter whether it's self-suggestion or building confidence. As long as you're not afraid to stand on stage and show yourself, that's enough. Li Nuan, you really don't need to worry so much. You're already a singer with real skill, aren't you?" Wu Yuxin suddenly said.
The others looked at her in surprise. It was rare for the usually quiet Wu Yuxin to say so much.
Then Ye Feilu continued,
"That's right. The only people who should be afraid of live concerts are singers without talent. Li Nuan, your ability is nothing to worry about."
"Yuxin is right. Miss Li Nuan, don't worry so much. When the time comes, just show everyone your talent," Yu Haoshen added.
"I believe you can do it," An Ran'er said.
After hearing everyone's encouragement, Li Nuo felt his confidence grow greatly.
Maybe he did not need to think so much. He only needed to focus on giving his best performance at the concert.
Clenching his fists, he spoke firmly.
"I understand. I won't lose my nerve when the time comes."
After informing them about the concert, Yu Haoshen left. He still had to handle the promotion of the event and the sale of concert tickets.
Meanwhile, after learning that the concert would take place in just ten days, the four members practiced even harder.
The clear sounds of instruments and beautiful singing echoed throughout the small rehearsal room for a long time.
Only after night had fallen did everyone finally leave.
On the way home, Li Nuo, who was walking behind the others, thought about many things.
Since entering high school, he had met An Ran'er, joined [The Girls], released a new album, and now was about to perform in the first concert of his life.
Even now, the series of events felt incredibly unreal to him.
So unreal that sometimes he wondered.
Was this really reality?
Or was he simply dreaming?