The interlude.
The venue fell silent.
Unlike professional literary figures,
The audience was there primarily to listen to the music. They felt this song's style perfectly matched their impression of Gong Juren.
Especially the desolate mood during the interlude, rendered by the stage lighting and effects, it was as if they were transported back to Chen Lie's time and space.
"Last night the cold crickets chirped incessantly,
Startled from a thousand-mile dream, it was already the third watch..."
The song entered its second verse.
The vocals, in addition to their melancholy, now carried a hint of determination.
Gong Juren took the microphone from its stand and walked towards the front of the stage.
He tilted his head slightly, as if gazing at the night sky, his expression solemn as he paced with the rhythm.
"In dreams, I hewed through thorns, clad in shining iron armor,
Last night's long wind carried me away, flowing east with the waves..."
The chorus section brimmed with even more emotion!
As he sang "flowing east with the waves," he flung his hand!
This elicited a wave of gasps from the audience!
So cool!
These lines perfectly conveyed a sense of helplessness and heartache!
One could almost see the silhouette of an old general, who had fought on battlefields, lost in recollection of his glorious past!
On the stage.
Gong Juren's emotions escalated!
The sound waves swept through the venue!
"In dreams, I hewed through thorns, clad in shining iron armor,
Last night's long wind carried me away, flowing east! Away!"
He stood at the front of the stage.
Bending slightly, he sang with all his might!
Veins bulged on his neck!
The cameras circled him!
His powerful C5 mixed voice soared towards the heavens!
The audience's scalps tingled!
At this moment, though Gong Juren's frame on stage was slight, the presence he exuded was that of Chen Lie, full of unappreciated aspirations, crying out!
That intense frustration, his extreme indignation at the rampant appeasers, and the anguish of a court official powerless to act, were all laid bare at this moment!
"Not bad!" Even Su Yu couldn't help but nod.
Gong Juren's growth was so rapid, it surprised him every time.
As for the audience.
They felt it most deeply.
Gong Juren now possessed a very distinct personal style.
And this song, "Last Night's Letter," further solidified his individual flair.
Much like his hit song "A Thousand Times Looking Back," when singing this piece, Gong Juren radiated an aura of learned elegance on stage.
In simpler terms, you could tell he was an intellectual just by looking at him.
This was Gong Juren's unique personal style!
"Ting Yu specifically tailored this for Gong Juren, and it also caters to his style. Who is Ting Yu's most important person needs no further explanation, right?"
"Gong Juren's style is very unique, especially when singing this kind of Chinese-style music, that scholarly demeanor is simply irresistible!"
"I used to think he was just lucky, latching onto Ting Yu, but now it seems he truly has his own capabilities."
"His singing is first-class, and he's still so young. Gong Juren will definitely become a pillar of the Mandopop scene in the future!"
"It seems none of the singers under Ting Yu's banner are weak."
Previously, people thought that Gong Juren and Jiang Xiao'e were only where they were today because of luck, having been chosen by Ting Yu.
But comparing their singing skills now to their past, in just two short years, they could already rival established singers. This rate of growth was terrifying, and it also showcased how sharp Ting Yu's judgment was.
With Ting Yu around, even a leader pig could become famous, this saying was indeed true. However, to remain popular and gain market recognition, one's own strength was still crucial.
And Gong Juren and the others had achieved that.
Their names would undoubtedly be etched in the future of Mandopop.
...
The performance had concluded.
The stage lights brightened again.
Gong Juren held the microphone and looked at Su Yu.
His eyes still shimmered with residual tears from the emotional connection during his performance.
"Brother Yu, thank you!"
He said in his heart, then bowed deeply to Su Yu!
He was more reserved now than before. It wasn't that he didn't want to express his gratitude, but because Su Yu had grown so rapidly, he hesitated to thank him as freely as before. He felt that given Su Yu's current status in the music industry, he might not even be qualified to thank him. But this time was different; he knew Su Yu had specifically written such a powerful song for him and had also come to the show as a guest to support him.
Gong Juren was deeply moved.
He wanted to rush up and hug Su Yu, but felt it wasn't appropriate.
Therefore, this act of gratitude was something he had to do.
No matter the time, he always knew that the people he should thank the most were not the audience or the production team, but Su Yu!
"Damn it, some people's success isn't accidental!"
"He bowed to Su Yu first after finishing, and then bowed to the audience. He deserves to be popular!"
"As expected of Ting Yu's top sycophant, he handles the details so perfectly!"
"Talented and knows how to flatter, I'm truly impressed!"
"When it comes to flattery, it has to be our Gong Juren!"
The audience was incredibly impressed by the detail-oriented Gong Juren.
His current status in the Mandopop scene was definitely not due to luck.
Gong Juren had his own methods of dealing with people.
And these methods were very effective with Su Yu.
On stage.
Shen Chun finally saw the graceful figure in the front row of the audience.
At this moment, Zhou Sisi held up a "Ting Yu" sign with both hands, shouting Gong Juren's name, cheering him on like a devoted fan.
"Her smile is so radiant, it's a pity the target isn't me..."
Shen Chun also smiled.
A smile filled with bitterness.
What was the point of being one of the Four Great Talents of the Capital, if it still couldn't compare to Gong Juren.
The literary bigwigs nearby were still arguing. Some felt the song deviated from the theme, while others believed its angle was brilliant, and the lyrics were entirely like an ancient poem, even surpassing the verses presented by Qi Hao earlier.
Some even sighed with regret that such beautiful ancient verses were used as song lyrics.
Regardless, Ting Yu's song had completely captured the interest of these older generations in the literary circle.
"I can't accept this..."
Qi Hao slumped dejectedly onto the guest chair, his prize having fallen to the floor.
"Hahaha, feeling the pressure from Ting Yu?"
Wu Xiaomeng's smile was brilliant, as if she had written the song herself.
"This Ting Yu is truly remarkable. Fortunately, he isn't in the literary world..." Duan Yansheng cast a deep look at Su Yu in the guest area, his eyes filled with solemnity.
He felt that if Ting Yu were to venture into the literary world, the Four Great Talents would have no place.
Whether it was the previous cultural exchange or this "Poetry from Heaven," Ting Yu's works far surpassed theirs.
What he wanted to do most now was to rush back and meticulously study the lyrics of "Last Night's Letter." He could sense that the lyrics were definitely not simple!
"Hmph, it's a loss for the entire literary world that Ting Yu isn't in it!!"
Hearing Duan Yansheng's words, an elder from the literary circle snorted at him.
In his opinion, Ting Yu's poetic talent, if developed in the literary circle, would surely bring benefits and even promote traditional literature.
"Thank you Gong Juren for such a wonderful performance. Our show is also drawing to a close. We thank all the esteemed teachers from the literary circles for gracing the show, and we thank Teacher Ting Yu for making time out of his busy schedule to be our guest and for writing such a beautiful song. We also thank all the viewers for watching. See you next time!"
The program "Poetry Heaven" concluded amidst the host's voice and the audience's discussions.