Chapter 53: The Old Boy

The commotion seemed to be highly contagious, spreading forward from the back of the hall. With every row the three walked past, there were always whispers of complaint and rolled eyes. The three didn’t get angry; after all, they knew they were disturbing others. They could only offer apologetic smiles, hoping for understanding.

Before long, the three finally reached their seats and sat down with a collective sigh of relief.

Suddenly, one of the boys gazed intently at Lin Chuan on the stage, stood up, and shouted, “Daddy!” Instantly, the entire audience was stunned, especially those who had just been complaining; now they couldn’t help but turn to look at the boy.

“He’s Lin Chuan’s son? No way—I just shot him a glare…”

“Really? Oh no, I was just complaining too, what do I do now?”

“Hehe, I heard Lin Chuan has an adorable son. This is the first time I’ve seen him—such a handsome little guy…”

“Well, considering Lin Chuan’s genes, how could his son not be good-looking?”

For a moment, all kinds of voices rippled through the audience, most of them from young women. They were Lin Chuan’s most devoted fans, who had even formed a fan club to support him. Among them, these few were specially chosen representatives to cheer for Lin Chuan.

Even the judges sitting at the panel turned to look, each with a different expression. Teacher Chen Dong had been upset by Lin Chuan’s earlier distraction, but seeing the boy, his confusion suddenly cleared. No wonder Lin Chuan seemed absentminded—he’d been worrying about his son. Well, there was still time.

As for Yang Wei, his expression was as if suffering from constipation. The carefully laid plans had failed yet again. How could this be? Weren’t Lin Yiyang and Wang Yue not supposed to show up today?

Why? What in the world was happening?

Yang Wei’s mind felt as though ten thousand wild horses were stampeding through it, leaving him both sour and exhilarated.

Everyone present had their own thoughts, but none were as deeply moved as Lin Chuan himself. Hearing his son call out “Daddy,” Lin Chuan’s heart trembled. Seeing the innocent smile on the boy’s face, his eyes grew misty.

Yes, that was his son, Lin Yiyang—the one he’d been so worried about. Sitting beside Lin Yiyang were Wang Yue and Tang Qinru.

In an instant, the gloom on Lin Chuan’s face vanished. He glanced at Fang Hao standing on the right side of the stage; Fang Hao smiled and nodded back.

Lin Chuan also let out a soft laugh and began his performance.

That is the one I’ve missed day and night, the one I love so deeply
How should I confess, will she accept me?
Destined to roam the world, how can I have regrets?
Dreams always seem so far, should I give up?
Flowers bloom and fall, another season’s gone—oh spring, where are you now?

…

Because the semifinals were broadcast live, many viewers who couldn’t be present watched the competition from their own homes.

In a fifty-square-meter apartment, a man not yet thirty sat on the living room sofa, his eyes glued to the television.

At that moment, the door opened, and a woman about his age walked in, carrying several shopping bags of various sizes.

“Honey, what are you doing? Can’t you help me with these bags?” the woman complained.

“Come here, sweetheart, look—the semifinals of ‘Rising Star’…” the man called without turning his head.

“Oh? When did you start watching shows like this? Why aren’t you playing your video games?” the woman asked, surprised, putting the bags aside and walking over.

“Look, isn’t that Lin Chuan? Our college classmate,” the man pulled her down beside him and pointed at the TV.

“Lin Chuan?” she squinted at the screen, uncertain. “Maybe it’s just the same name. Do you really think it’s the Lin Chuan from our university?”

“No, I’d never mistake him. That’s definitely Lin Chuan—even if he were reduced to ashes, I’d still recognize him,” the man declared.

“Really? I thought he was selling roasted sweet potatoes these days!” the woman laughed.

“Roasted sweet potatoes? The guy is famous now—he’s going to be a big star!” the man shot her a look.

Only then did the woman stop joking and turned to watch the TV in earnest. After a few moments, her expression changed. Lin Chuan had changed somewhat from his university days, but he was still easy to recognize—especially those eyes, which she’d never forget.

Youth is like a rushing river, never to return
Only the ordinary me is left, the passion of the past long gone
See the petals drifting through the sky, withering at their most beautiful moment
Who will remember that she once came to this world?

Watching the man on stage, a little rugged yet handsome, singing a song she had never heard before, she hurriedly took out her phone, scrolled through her contacts, and dialed a number.

At the same time, in a three-story villa, an elderly man with graying hair sat in the living room, eyes moist as he watched TV. He picked up a photo—a young, beautiful girl with a sweet smile. On the street, she would have turned every head.

Looking at the girl in the photo, tears streamed from the old man’s eyes as he murmured, “If you were still here, you’d be so happy, wouldn’t you?”

When he finished, his face was already wet with tears…

Far away in Quancheng, Yuan Ye and the old man also sat before the TV, watching Lin Chuan perform “Old Boys.”

“Did Xiao Chuan write this song himself, too?” the old man asked.

“Probably. I’ve never heard it before,” Yuan Ye replied, eyes fixed on the screen.

“That boy—looks like he really chose the right path with music. He does have a gift for it,” the old man said, a gratified smile on his face.

Just then, the phone on the coffee table vibrated. Looking down, he saw an unfamiliar number. After a moment’s hesitation, he answered.

“Hello, who is this?”

“Hehe, Old Yuan, it’s me. It’s been so many years—how have you been?” a man’s voice came from the other end.

Hearing this, the old man’s expression changed several times. After a long pause, he said in a deep voice, “Gao Mingyuan?”

“Haha, no need to be so surprised. It’s been a long time. Are you well? Still working at the TV station? We’re almost sixty now. Maybe it’s time to retire, let the young people take over, and enjoy life ourselves…”

Hearing the man’s concern, the old man was unamused. He snorted and said, “Gao Mingyuan, just get to the point. Don’t waste my time. I’m almost sixty, but you’re just past fifty, aren’t you?”

“Uh… well, alright. Old Yuan, I heard you’re close with Lin Chuan. Do you think you could…”

As the caller awkwardly stated his request, the old man gave a cold laugh. Yuan Ye, meanwhile, sat by, completely at a loss as to who the old man was speaking with.

…

By now, Lin Chuan had finished singing “Old Boys,” to a wave of cheers from the live audience.

At that moment, Fang Hao returned to the stage, standing beside Lin Chuan. He, too, had high praise for Lin Chuan’s performance—something rare for him, as he’d always been proud and aloof. For the first time, he felt real pressure.

The host said a few words before moving on to the voting appeal segment. Lin Chuan was no orator—on such occasions, he had little to say, and he would never try to win sympathy with tears and sob stories like some other contestants.

As for Fang Hao, he was even more concise, ending his appeal in a few words. To him, canvassing for votes was pointless; only strength truly mattered.

When the appeals were done, the host announced the opening of the voting channels. The three hundred musicians present picked up their voting devices and quickly cast their votes.

Standing on stage, Lin Chuan felt nervous. Fang Hao was such a formidable opponent, and he had no idea how many points his “Old Boys” performance would earn.

Fang Hao, on the other hand, wore a faint smile, standing with his back to the big screen, relaxed and unconcerned. The result didn’t matter to him; even winning the championship wasn’t important. He’d joined the competition just to add to his credentials. Winning wasn’t necessary.

But he did want to defeat Lin Chuan, because, in his eyes, only Lin Chuan was a true rival.

Numbers flickered rapidly on the big screen. Everyone stared intently, silently cheering for their favorite. Some, afraid to see an unwelcome result, simply closed their eyes and joined their hands in silent prayer.

“Big Sister Yue, will Daddy win?” Lin Yiyang, sitting in the front row, frowned slightly, eyes fixed on the screen.

“Of course he will! Your daddy is the best!” Tang Qinru said with a laugh, reaching over to ruffle his hair, as Wang Yue smiled beside her.

Lin Yiyang grinned. He, too, believed his father was the best in the world.