Riding the wind of rebirth

“These are not bad either,” Zhou Zhi said. “At least they can be made into a five-bead pendant, like one big bead with two small beads on each side.”

"It seems pretty good. I'll leave it to you," Liang Hong said with a smile.

"What about yours, Xiaomiao?" Zhou Zhi asked Mai Xiaomiao again, "You actually have a secret base? Where is it?"

"I didn't find it," Mai Xiaomiao laughed. "Since it's a secret base, of course I can't tell anyone."

Ah Zi said, "Everyone, let's eat quickly! After we finish eating, we'll go to town to dance the mountain foot dance!"

"Should we wake the two sleeping ones?"

"Forget it, let them sleep. Leave them a note and tell them to come over when they wake up in the middle of the night," Zhou Zhi said.

Everyone hurriedly ate two bowls of rice, then got into the car and let Zhou Zhi drive over.

The processions with torches lit on both sides of the road were all heading towards the town.

When the car reached a point about a kilometer from the town square, driving became slower than walking.

"It's not far anyway, shall we get off the bus and walk there?" Zhou Zhi asked for everyone's opinion.

"Let's go, this car is slower than walking!" Liang Hong complained.

"Don't forget the torches," Azi said with a smile. "You haven't celebrated the Torch Festival before, but tonight is pretty much the same."

"This is fun, I've never played this before," Yang Honghui said. "Hey? There's a colorful light stage over there?"

"Really?" Zhou Zhi said, "I don't think this custom existed before?"

"Was it organized by the older students from the Agricultural University?" Azi said, "It seems that Sister Lulu and Brother Liang formed a band called the Cherry Band."

"Pfft..." Zhou Zhi couldn't help but say, "They really know how to take advantage of others."

There is a small playground in front of the town government building, consisting of two basketball courts. This area is only big enough to set up a stage, and it is impossible to accommodate so many young men and women.

Fortunately, there is a road in front of the playground, and beyond the road is a large river beach exposed after the water recedes, which is big enough to accommodate many people.

Two large bonfires have been lit on the riverbank, a long-standing tradition of the Yi people who worship fire.

"Quickly, quick, Zhouzi and Azi are here!" Li Lu's voice suddenly rang out amidst the energetic music on stage, blaring out through the megaphone: "Everyone, welcome them up on stage to perform for us!"

"What...?" Zhou Zhi's surprised voice was completely drowned out by the applause and cheers around him.

"You're really popular here!" Liang Hong shouted into Zhou Zhi's ear, "It's even more lively than a bar! Can you hear me?"

Zhou Zhi nodded, but he was too lazy to call Liang Hong back; it would be too much trouble to do it amidst the noise of the crowd.

The crowd automatically made way for Zhou Zhi and his group, allowing them to enter the stage.

Li Lu smiled and gave up her microphone stand to Zhou Zhi, while Liang Guangping took off his electric guitar from his back and handed it to him.

"Sister Lulu's been forced into this," Zhou Zhi said into the microphone. "I'm so glad my classmates came to Lianhe Town today to celebrate the festival with us. Let's sing a fast-paced song together. Sister Lulu, play the DVD backing track for us, and everyone who knows it can sing along!"

"What song?" Li Lu asked.

“Lü Fang’s ‘Every Road’,” Zhou Zhi laughed. “Let’s sing it like rock music.”

"This song is great!" Li Lu ran downstairs to change the song.

Soon the background music changed to upbeat drumbeats and accompaniment, and Zhou Zhi joined in with a guitar chord. Although it was a fake band performance, it at least looked somewhat like a band.

Liang Guangping and Liu Hongtao followed suit, one playing drums and the other bass, but their accompaniment was very simple. Mixed in with the background music of the DVD, it really did have a band atmosphere.

Forget the disappointment and frustration of the day, and resolutely move forward on every step of the way.
Unforgettable is the lesson learned from the day's failures.
Undeterred, the dream continues to be built.

Today, let's race against time and speed up!
Guided by the cheers around me
Rushing through the wind, oblivious to how high the blue sky is...

Lui Fong's voice in his early days leaned towards the academic style, with very classical vocal techniques, which was clearly not suitable for today's atmosphere. Zhou Zhi simply changed it to have the feel of Wong Ka Kui. Both are Cantonese, but Wong Ka Kui's rock vibe is perfect for today's occasion.

Although the audience couldn't understand the lyrics, they understood the upbeat rhythm and rousing melody. Moreover, the chorus was very catchy, and it was easy to sing along with the tune by simply "la la la".

Besides Zhou Zhi, the lead singer, the rest of the people on stage raised their hands above their heads to clap along to the rhythm, while singing "la la la" in unison. They quickly stirred up the enthusiasm of the audience, who waved torches or clapped and stomped their feet, and the atmosphere on the entire riverbank was instantly ignited.

How high is the sky?

Climb with both hands

If you fall

Dare to challenge and compete again

How strong is the wind?

But I would rather be this green grass

"Every stretch of road in the distance..."

The singing of Zhouzhi echoed on the riverbank, and the synchronized "la la la" from the stage and the audience made even the sound of the wind in the valley pale in comparison, filling everyone's faces, illuminated by the firelight, with excitement and joy.

When the second verse began, it seemed that Liang Hong pulled Yang Honghui out of the group and had an impromptu cha-cha dance on stage. The dance was full of joy, and Liang Hong's happy and passionate movements made the cheers from the audience even more enthusiastic.

How deep is the sea?

But it couldn't drown this isolated island.

There are mountains beyond mountains
It should be known that success always depends on both hands.

How many days is it born?
But I wish I could get up early.

I've walked every path of my life...

As soon as the song ended, cheers erupted from the audience: "Bravo!"

"One more, please!"

Soon the shouts merged into a unified chant: "One more!" "One more!" "One more!"

Zhou Zhi knew that it was definitely not going to work if he didn't sing another song, and he didn't dare to sing any more songs to liven up the atmosphere. Suddenly, another song by Lu Fang popped into his head, and without saying any more nonsense, he said, "Then I will dedicate a song called 'Friends Don't Cry' to everyone."

Li Lu was about to flip through the plates when Zhou Zhi waved his hand, and a series of guitar chords began to play, indicating that he was preparing for a guitar solo.

If you're going to be lyrical, then be lyrical to the fullest. Zhou Zhi raised the key of Lü Fang's version and changed the rhythm, adjusting the original 72 beats per minute to 68 beats per minute to create a more relaxed emotional atmosphere.

The entire riverbank fell silent instantly, save for the melodious chords that seemed to whisper secrets. Everyone silently swayed their torches to the rhythm, creating a scene reminiscent of concert fans creating a special lighting atmosphere.

It's not difficult to sing this song well. If you can deliver it sincerely, steadily, and gently, you can get a score of 90. If you can also make your voice warmer, then you can get infinitely close to perfection.

Is there a window that can keep you from despair?
Looking at this dazzling world, it seems like a dream.

Some cry, some laugh, some lose, some grow old.

In the end, it's all the same..." (End of Chapter)