Perfect Superstar.

"How did I fall for you? 

I ask myself. 

I can give up anything, 

Yet today I can't seem to leave. 

You're not beautiful, 

But you're adorable to the extreme! 

Ah, Cinderella, 

My Cinderella."

The simple melody strummed through the strings, and Lu Chen's slightly low voice carried a hint of nostalgia and sorrow.

In Lu Chen's dream world, this song was written by a highly talented rock vagabond singer as a tribute to his first love. It held a deeply moving story within it.

Though the story didn't have a perfect ending, the charm of the song was undeniable. It once touched the hearts of countless people, often performed and sung by many, becoming a timeless classic.

Emotionally, this song shared similarities with "My Old Classmate," both carrying a sense of fate. But it was even more heartfelt, expressing the singer's self-blame and relentless pursuit of love.

When this song was sung by Lu Chen for the first time in this world, it still managed to tug at everyone's heartstrings.

Especially the couples in the audience, who were deeply moved.

Boys held their girlfriends' hands tightly, even though some of the girls gazed longingly at Lu Chen on stage.

Because you are my Cinderella!

"...

I always hurt you, 

I'm always so cruel, 

I told you not to take it seriously, 

Because I couldn't believe it. 

You are so beautiful, 

And you are adorable to the extreme, 

Ah, Cinderella, 

My Cinderella."

It felt as though the entire world had quieted down. Everyone was listening intently to Lu Chen's voice. In the eyes of many girls, there was a faint glimmer of tears, shimmering silently as even their breathing slowed.

"...

If this is a dream, 

I'd rather stay in it forever. 

I've endured, 

I've waited, 

Maybe I've been waiting for you to come, 

Maybe I've been waiting for you to come, 

Maybe I've been waiting for you to come."

Even after the song ended, no one spoke.

"A song called 'Cinderella,'" Lu Chen said softly, "I hope you all liked it as it was my first time performing it."

Then applause erupted.

At first, it was just a clap or two like the sudden wind and rain of a summer night, but soon it became uniform. Many guests stood up and clapped for Lu Chen. There was no noise, no chatter, just enthusiastic applause! 

Especially the girls, who clapped until their palms turned red.

This song, "Cinderella," didn't have an energetic melody or a dramatic high point. It didn't make people's blood surge, but it quietly slipped into the listeners' hearts, moving them with the subtle yet intense emotions within the song.

Most importantly, they were the song's first listeners.

If one day "Cinderella" became a familiar classic, they could proudly say, "I was among the first to hear this song. I witnessed its debut!"

Could "Cinderella" become a classic? 

The answer might vary, but no one could deny that it is truly a great song.

It had love, emotion, and most importantly, soul!

The applause lasted for several minutes. Such a scene had never been seen in Daylily Bar— not even for Wandering Band or Sister Na had received such treatment.

Someone shouted, "Sing it again!"

Their request was met with unanimous approval. The crowd strongly urged Lu Chen to sing it one more time.

However, Lu Chen smiled and shook his head. He spoke into the microphone, "Thank you all for your support, but tonight I'll only sing this song once because I noticed some girls shedding tears over there."

He pressed his elbow on the guitar resting on his lap, clasped his hands together, and bowed apologetically in the direction of the right side of the stage.

Lu Chen was facing Table 035, where Xiao Mi and her three dormitory best friends sat.

Among the four girls, two already had teary eyes.

Seeing everyone's attention shift to them, following Lu Chen's gesture, the girls became bashful, their faces flushing with embarrassment. The two who had shed tears quickly wiped them away with the back of their hands.

College girls are romantic and emotional, easily moved by sorrowful songs.

Lu Chen continued, "My mom once told me that a girl's tears are the most precious thing and that no matter what, I should never make a girl cry— because that would be a crime."

Light laughter echoed through the bar.

After a brief pause, Lu Chen sighed and said, "I think I've already committed a great sin, so I can't sing again."

The soft laughter turned into hearty laughter, and the somber atmosphere that had filled the bar instantly dissipated.

Xiao Mi's first, second, and third sisters couldn't hold back their chuckles, their eyes were still teary, but their laughter was filled with joy.

Xiao Mi wanted to laugh but didn't, secretly cursing in her heart, "Annoying!"

Lu Chen had no idea he had just been "hated" by a girl. His refusal to sing "Cinderella" again wasn't out of pride or to leave people wanting more. It was simply because he had already sung "My Old Classmate" twice in a row, followed by "Cinderella," and the atmosphere he created was already perfect.

As the saying goes, "too much is as bad as too little." Knowing when to stop is key.

Seizing the moment, he stepped off the stage, giving the host of the night a chance to take over. He would return around 9 PM to sing two more songs. As a resident vagabond singer, he had fixed performance times and a base salary.

However, the real income came from tips and commissions. Tonight, Lu Chen would likely earn even more than the previous night! 

But he was fully aware that this pace of making money was temporary and unsustainable. It depended on the two original songs he performed. Though he had more and better songs up his sleeve, performing them in a bar wouldn't do them justice.

"My Old Classmate" and "Cinderella" were more than enough to become his signature performances here.

The stage at Daylily Bar was too small to contain Lu Chen's soaring ambitions.

Of course, for now, he had no plans to leave.

Back at the bar, Sister Na gave Lu Chen a big hug!

She smiled and said, "Little Lu, you surprised me so much! You sang beautifully, really well!"

Sister Na had been in this industry for decades. Although she never achieved major success, she had a better understanding of music and a sharper sense of an original song's potential than regular patrons.

Both "My Old Classmate" and "Cinderella" had made her see Lu Chen in a new light.

In contrast to Sister Na's genuine praise, Li Hong, Ye Zhenyang, and the others forced smiles. Especially Ye Zhenyang, whose eyes betrayed an undeniable jealousy as he looked at Lu Chen.

Two true original songs, both with the potential to become hits— how could Lu Chen be so lucky?

Ye Zhenyang had been in the business much longer than Lu Chen. Like Lu Chen, he was a "Beijing Drifter" with his own dreams and ambitions. He had once hoped to write a few good songs himself.

In the pop music world, some vagabond singers made it big by writing a hit song, living off that single piece of work, and thriving on it.

But despite racking his brains and piecing things together, Ye Zhenyang's songs were mediocre at best, not even worth the 500 yuan registration fee at the "Greater China Music Library."

In the end, he gave up in frustration.

Now, seeing Lu Chen compose two great songs back-to-back, jealousy gnawed at Ye Zhenyang like venomous snakes, eating away at his heart. Forget congratulating Lu Chen— he could barely maintain his fake smile.

"I'm going to step outside," Ye Zhenyang muttered an excuse and left, afraid that if he stayed any longer, the flames of jealousy would consume him.

Just as he opened the door, he saw Chen Jianhao standing before him.

Startled, he quickly greeted, "Boss."

Chen Jianhao nodded and motioned towards Lu Chen inside the room. "Little Lu, come with me. Someone wants to buy one of your songs."

Buy a song?

Someone was actually looking to buy one of Lu Chen's songs!

Ye Zhenyang stood there, dumbfounded, not even realizing how he walked out.

Lu Chen, too, was momentarily stunned. Sister Na chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Go on, quickly!"

Feeling slightly unsure, she added, "But remember, don't sell it cheap!"

Lu Chen snapped out of his daze, smiled, and said, "Thanks, Sister Na. I'll head over now."

After he left with Chen Jianhao, only Sister Na, Li Hong, and Wang Little Shu remained in the room. The latter two exchanged glances as if they couldn't quite believe what had just happened.

Li Hong hesitated for a moment before carefully saying to Sister Na, "Sister Na, don't you think you're, well, overestimating Little Lu a bit?"

She spoke cautiously, unsure of the right words to use.

Li Hong, being over 30 and not particularly outstanding in appearance, had developed a close relationship with Sister Na at Daylily Bar. The two shared many commonalities, so Li Hong felt comfortable asking things that others might not.

Sister Na smiled and replied, "You're asking if I'm overestimating Little Lu, right?"

Li Hong gave an embarrassed smile but didn't deny it.

Sister Na said softly, "Little Lu hasn't been in the business long, and his skill level wasn't high at first. But he has talent and potential, and now, that talent is starting to show. I believe Daylily won't be able to keep him for long."

"What I'm certain of is that Little Lu won't leave right away. I understand how Xiao Ye feels, but I also know that Little Lu is someone who values relationships and respects his seniors, don't you think?"

Li Hong nodded silently.

She understood that Sister Na's words weren't just directed at her but also at Ye Zhenyang and Wang Little Shu. The message was clear.

Whether they liked it or not, Lu Chen, who could produce two outstanding original songs, was no longer on the same level as them. His future held unlimited possibilities.

Being able to work with him was both a privilege and an opportunity. If they only harbored jealousy like Ye Zhenyang, they'd miss out on this chance entirely and gain nothing from it.

But would Lu Chen really soar to great heights one day?

Li Hong still found it hard to believe, or perhaps, more accurately, she didn't want to believe it.

The subtle change in her expression didn't escape Sister Na's notice, but she didn't say anything more.

Opportunities must be seized on one's own, and some things need to be understood personally.

As for whether others could understand, that wasn't her concern.

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(End of the chapter)