Ye Lingchen sat in front of the computer with a calm expression, but displayed mixed feelings in his eyes.
There were various discussions going on the internet. The entertainment news was all the more hyped up.
Some supported him, some mocked, some were in it for the drama, and others were criticizing him.
He read through them one by one and suddenly felt a pang of sadness coming from deep within.
He thought of the Void Realm, of Hell’s Gate, and those Warriors. He recalled many faces of those who lost their lives on the battlefield.
The world changed. It was constantly under threat, yet countless people were oblivious to it. They were still enjoying their peaceful lives. With the economy at its peak, the entertainment industry was booming and many people were yearning for a trouble free life.
Was the sacrifice made by the Warriors for these people worth it?
In fact, these people had no idea that someone had to sacrifice everything for them.
‘How sad.’
Even under such circumstances, the news was kept under wraps in fear of these people losing their minds under the pressure. It was all to maintain a facade of prosperity.
He suddenly thought of a poem. “Beyond the hills, green mountains lie. Next to mansions stood more edifices. The celebrations of West Lake are ever unending. Intoxicated by comfort are the wayfarers who took Hangzhou for Bianzhou.”
That poem was written during the Song dynasty when the Jins attacked and the country was in danger. However, Hangzhou was still celebrating as usual without any urgency of the incoming battle. Countless scholars and beauties were celebrating during the time before the impending doom.
Was such protection really any good?
He understood the Warrior’s Department’s worries. However, he still felt that the Warrior’s Department was too conservative in their approach. If things continued at that rate, how many years would they need to boost up their forces to combat the Void Realm?
Closing his eyes, the faces of each individual Warrior flashed across his mind. Ye Lingchen took a deep breath and started recording.
…
Among the crowd of the international music industry…
“I think Singer Y won’t be showing himself.”
“Hehe, just who does he think he is? How dare a Chinese person try to challenge the might of our country? Such ignorance!”
“It’s already very rare for a Chinese person to compose an English song. Could it be that he really thinks he could produce a second song?”
“This time Dani is really enjoying all the benefits. They sure know how to jump on the hype train.”
“That’s right. They’re so lucky to have Singer Y hype them up.”
“Luckily, I’m not too slow either and got to jump on the hype train. The song I released today had already reached the twelfth place.”
“Wah, I’m jealous. Perhaps you can get into the top ten this very day.”
Right then, someone shouted suddenly, “F*ck!”
“Come have a look, quick! Singer Y seems to be releasing a new song!”
“What? Impossible!”
“F*ck me, he’s really releasing a new song!”
“What song is that? Let’s give it a listen.”
“It feels quite mundane. I don’t think he’s able to pull off a miracle.”
…
Dani and George’s recording studio…
Dani was happily interacting with his fans and talked about various issues in the world. He had even prepared his winning speech for his new song. However, it was right then that he suddenly stiffened up and his eyes almost popped out of its sockets. “F*ck! That Chinese guy released a new song?!”
George’s expression changed slightly as well. “There’s actually a new song?!”
He then sneered, “What an ignorant fool to dare show himself in this situation. He’s losing for sure!”
“Hahaha, it’s good that he shows himself. It’ll feel better when we crush him head on.” Dani laughed. “I want to hear what he’ll be singing.”
…
On the internet…
[F*ck! F*ck! F*ck! That Chinese Singer Y released a new song!]
[It’s really an English song!]
[He’s dead set on this, hahaha!]
[That shameless plagiarizer is going to embarrass himself.]
[Come, let us here what a plagiarizer has to offer.]
[Anyone wants to be the guinea pig? I’m afraid my ears would suffer.]
[Other than plagiarizing, I don’t think a Chinese person like him can produce any good works.]
…
China’s Weibo…
[Hahaha, Singer Y is releasing a new song. Let’s go support him!]
[F*ck, it’s true! Luckily I’m still here. I want to be the first listener!]
[Screw those foreigners. Singer Y is the best!]
[This English song won’t let us down for sure. Say no more, here I go.]
[I’ve heard Dani’s song. It has no feels. How dare he claim that Singer Y plagiarized him with that poor quality. What a joke!]
[It can’t be helped. The foreigners are stupid and would easily believe what others claim.]
[The foreigners are just playing dumb. Regardless, Singer Y will surely slap their faces silly this time!]
…
Warrior’s Department.
Qin Baichuan and Lin Tianxiong were both recuperating.
Their wounds were severe with the foundation of their martial arts ruined. Factoring in their old age, they were considered half crippled. It was difficult to treat them even with the spiritual herbs from Martial Arts Pavilion, putting them in a semi-retired state. The battlefield was a definite no go for them.
Given that, they were extremely free and were browsing the internet at the same time.
Qin Baichuan shook his head and could not resist laughing. “This kid really loves to stir up trouble. Hahaha…”
Lin Tianxiong nodded in agreement. “Yeah. This kid had always been interested in the entertainment industry, creating headlines almost everyday. He just loves the attention.”
Qin Baichuan then added, “He’s a young man. There’s nothing wrong with loving attention. However, he actually created a few pseudonyms for himself. What a troll. I wonder what the public’s reaction would be when they realize that all those so-called Y are all the same.”
“That’s because his talents are too diverse. If my grandchildren can be half as talented as him, I’ll be at peace even if I have to die right now.”
“Half? Old Lin, aren’t you being greedy now?” Qin Baichuan jested.
“Hahaha, that’s indeed quite greedy.” Lin Tianxiong forced a smile and shook his head, then added, “I’ll go check out what song this kid is gonna write.”
“Come, let’s go.”
Both the old men narrowed their eyes and hit the play button.
The seven seconds intro was lighthearted with a hint of melancholy. Ye Lingchen’s voice then joined in—
“I’ve been reading books of old,
“The legends and the myths.
“Achilles and his gold,
“Hercules and his gifts.
“Spiderman’s control,
“And Batman with his fists,
“And clearly I don’t see myself upon that list.”
…
The opening verse alone caused both the old men to stiffen up their bodies. Their eyes were lined with a look of complicated mixed emotions.
Ye Lingchen’s voice was gentle. It seemed like it was complaining and lamenting, filled with sorrow, mourning, and respect.
Following that, his voice raised slightly, as if it was trying to fight back, with the intention to protest—
“She said where’d you wanna go?
“How much you wanna risk?
“I’m not looking for somebody
“With some superhuman gifts.
“Some superhero,
“Some fairytale bliss,
“Just something I can turn to,
“Somebody I can kiss.
“I want something just like this.”
…