Respawn Entertainment: Days of Glory

Chapter 878 "Every Grain of Sand"

Hearing this, George didn't stop what he was doing; he just smiled and said, "Come on, I'll go with you!"

Ike was taken aback at first, then nodded gratefully and followed George.

When Chen Shuting saw George arrive, she immediately smiled and teased, "George, the boss personally served me wine, that's quite a high level of treatment!"

After George put down his drink, he spread his hands and pointed to Ike behind him, saying, "Ms. Chen, this drink was offered to you by my employee. He wants to apologize to you in person."

"Oh! Apologize? What happened?" As she finished speaking, Chen Shuting tilted her head to look at Ike.

After confirming that it was a face she had never seen before, she became even more puzzled: "Have we met before?"

When Ekko and Jinx went to rob Chen Shuting's handbag, they were both wearing helmets while riding their bikes. Ekko didn't actually see Chen Shuting's face clearly at the time. He only found out who he had robbed later and then looked up a photo of her online.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Chen, your handbag was stolen by me and my companion. I sincerely apologize for the trouble this has caused you and hope for your understanding. If you insist…”

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Shuting turned her questioning gaze toward George.

"Ms. Chen, let me explain..."

After explaining the whole story, Chen Shuting sighed silently and said, "I sympathize with what happened to you, and I've received your apology, but forgiveness is impossible. Your actions were illegal. You can ask the police if they will forgive you. If I was injured because of the dragging during your robbery that day, then..."

It wasn't that Chen Shuting didn't believe in the saying "a prodigal son's return is more precious than gold," but rather that she had more faith in a society governed by the rule of law. The key issue was that public security in Europe was indeed quite poor. Since she was unharmed, he wouldn't interfere, but he certainly wouldn't choose to forgive her.

"Ms. Chen, he was inspired by the song 'Wave'..."

"Don't give me that. Rock and roll isn't a panacea, and Wave's songs aren't your Bible. They're not all-powerful. I also don't agree with extending the spirit of rock and roll to this kind of story. Some things are wrong, and that's that. Rolling Stones songs can't absolve you of your sins. The only way to get you off the hook is to accept the punishment of the law!"

If it weren't for her collaboration with George, Chen Shuting might have ended up smashing a glass as a signal, just like in Bian Lang's song.

Throughout her argument with George, Ike remained completely silent, simply standing to the side with his head half-lowered. In the past, he would have undoubtedly become extremely agitated and wanted to go up and give Chen Shuting a good beating.

Although he was not at peace with himself, it was because he had taken Chen Shuting's words to heart. Although he would never want to go back to a correctional facility, as Chen Shuting said, as long as he had not been sentenced by law, he would always carry the burden of his mistakes.

Even if others don't know, he knows it in his heart. Even if he could walk openly in the sunlight like he does now, his heart would always be in the shadows. And there's another crucial point: "Wave's songs aren't your Bible!"

Even the Bible cannot erase his crimes, so the idea of ​​finding redemption in songs is meaningless in reality unless he ultimately turns himself in.

If he were alone in the dark alley, then under the provocation and guidance of Chen Shuting's words, he would choose to turn himself in after finishing tonight. But there is a younger girl named Jinx who needs his care. If he goes to jail, Jinx, who is not yet of legal working age, will only be able to continue to live the same kind of life as before in the biker gang.

So their efforts to change things ultimately led them into a dead end once again.

But he really didn't want to live that kind of life anymore!

So he finally mustered up his courage and continued to say to Chen Shuting, "Ms. Chen, I understand what you said. I am willing to accept the punishment of the law, but I have a younger brother... What should I do?" Ike chose to reveal his heart at this moment not like those weak-willed people who seek sympathy online, but he was genuinely asking Chen Shuting for advice, hoping that she could give him a solution.

Even without George saying a few words of support, Chen Shuting could still hear the word "responsibility" in Ike's words.

"My advice to you is to turn yourself in and tell the police about your situation. They will try to help you solve your brother's problem..." Of course, as an agent, she would definitely seize the opportunity to promote the idea that Bian Lang's songs could help a lost teenager turn back from the wrong path.

If the police can't solve Ike's brother's problem, then she wouldn't mind helping the two kids in the name of the Rolling Stones...

Although Evelyn arrived early, she still missed what had just happened. After Chen Shuting recounted the whole story, Evelyn nodded and said, "I know what to do. Leave this to me. So, what's your purpose in asking me out tonight?"

"Let me get straight to the point. Currently, your contract only covers the Rolling Stones, so I appreciate everything you've done for Bian Lang personally. However, I hope that from now on, we can formalize Bian Lang's personal management affairs into the contract..."

Upon hearing this, Evelyn knew that the little bit of Chinese way of dealing with people she had learned was completely useless against this person, but she still made some gestures: "I think we are friends, and there is no need to be so clear about this."

"We are indeed friends, but Evelyn, you're with DGM. If you join Rolling Stone, then what I'll be discussing with you is stock options..."

Evelyn was also surprised, not by the content of the words, but by Chen Shuting's bluntness: "Chen, you must know that I have to stay with DGM now, because that's where my value lies most with Rolling Stone."

"So, tell us your terms. Wave's non-music-related businesses overseas will only increase in the future. If you can handle both, that would be the best outcome. But if you can't, we'll find someone as soon as possible. To be honest, no matter how hard I try, the overseas market always needs a dedicated person to handle certain things..."

In the end, the two women talked about work and life. Although they didn't drink much, they were among the last people to leave the bar!

……

After listening to the incomplete album and demos sent by Cigar, Bian Lang decided to go with Olaf to Cigar's studio for a proper chat.

On the way there, Olaf asked Bian Lang for his opinion on the album more than once, and Bian Lang always retorted, "What do you think? This album shouldn't be a secret in the European and American music scene, right?" "I don't think it's that no one could write songs of similar quality, it's just that the person who wrote the songs wasn't Heinkel. If Heinkel were still alive, perhaps the final effect of these unfinished works might not be as good as some of the works I've heard before."

Bian Lang didn't understand what kind of work Cigar had received during this period. But after listening to the album, his first impression was that it wasn't just Dylan's songs that matched the feel of this album. However, when it came to specific songs, Bian Lang started to have doubts.

Because in these songs, Bian Lang cannot find the irreplaceable certainty that Liang Zi had for Ershou, or Jin Ma had for Ma Yuan!

"Who knows? I think Cigar himself might not even know what kind of songs he wants to fill this album."

"Wave, I agree with you. I'd like to ask you, if possible, to help this old man. If this album gets made, I reckon he could use the songs on it as his epitaph..."

Or, before I die, I might tell my family and friends, "I hope this song will be played at my funeral..."

After Olaf said that, Bian Lang immediately started singing a song in his mind:
"Sometimes I turn, there's someone there, other times it's only me.
Sometimes I turn around and there's no one there; and in the rest of the time, I'm just alone.

I am hanging in the balance of the reality of man
I am suspended on the scales of human reality.

Like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand.
Like every sparrow that falls, like every grain of sand.

"Every Grain of Sand" is a song by Bob Dylan, released on his 1981 album "Shot of Love." The song is known for its introspective and spiritual themes, which are prominent in Dylan's work during that period.

The lyrics of "Every Grain of Sand" explore themes of repentance, redemption, and self-reflection. The poet describes his own soul in a state of deep need and despair, seeking comfort and understanding. The imagery of tears, seeds, and the sound of dying represents a longing for rebirth and connection with the divine.

The song references biblical figures such as Cain, famous for committing the first murder in Genesis. The poet sees his own string of events and mistakes and desires to rid himself of them. The Creator's hand and trembling leaves and grains of sand symbolize the presence and guidance of divinity.

Dylan also delves into the destructive power of indulgence and the lasting effects of past mistakes. The imagery of flowers and weeds represents choices and actions that can cultivate conscience and bring joy, or those that stifle conscience and cause harm.

This song continues to explore the journey of life, mutual understanding, and the fleeting nature of life. The poet experiences a transformation from sorrow to joy, from violence to light, and from loneliness to acceptance. In the search for meaning in life, he encounters both external influences and moments of introspection.

The final sections touch upon universal human experience and the interconnectedness of all things. Footsteps represent the passage of time and the presence of others in the poet's life; sometimes real, sometimes imagined. The poet acknowledges the delicate balance of existence, that even the smallest creature and detail are important, like every falling sparrow or every grain of sand.

"Every Grain of Sand" is a thought-provoking and introspective song that reflects Bob Dylan's exploration of spirituality, personal growth, and the complexities of human existence.

Bian Lang was inspired to think of this song because it was one of Steve Jobs' favorite songs.

So on the evening of October 16, 2011, a solemn memorial service for Steve Jobs was held at the Stanford Memorial Church, the entire church bathed in candlelight. Singer Bono performed "Every Grain of Sand" at the service, dedicating it to the spirit of the great entrepreneur Steve Jobs, revered by the world.

Speaking of Dylan's song, which combines Blake's mysticism with the resonance of the Bible, abandoning the self-righteousness of his previous religious works and turning to the point of letting go of everything and praying for salvation, we have to mention another legend: Elvis Presley!

On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley, one of Dylan's idols, passed away.

This devastating news dealt a huge blow to Dylan, who was already grieving the breakdown of his marriage. When he went into seclusion, he said, "If it weren't for Elvis and Hank Williams, I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing today."

In the late 1970s, Dylan converted to evangelical Christianity and for three years recorded and performed only religious material, preaching between live song performances, which once again confused critics and audiences.

When "Slow Train Coming" was released in 1979, the album sold over a million copies, which was also his last blockbuster album before entering a decade-long career slump.

Dylan also won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "Gotta Serve Somebody".

Dylan's second Christian album, "Saved," received mixed reviews.

His third Christian album was "Shot of Love" in 1981. During his tour in late 1979 and early 1980, Dylan stopped playing his earlier secular works and proclaimed his faith on stage.

In the years that followed, Dylan continued recording albums, touring, releasing films, engaging in charity work, and exploring new possibilities in music. The Pope attended one of his performances, Obama awarded him a medal, and he maintained friendships with other musicians such as John Lennon…

Dylan's greatest contribution to music was the popularization of folk music. His works are known for their flexible, witty lyrics, social commentary, and skillful use of metaphor and rhyme. His lyrics have had a profound influence on writers and other musicians.

Dylan's early lyrics incorporated political and social commentary, influenced by philosophy and literature, breaking with existing popular music traditions and gaining widespread popularity within the counterculture of the time. While expanding and personalizing his musical style, Dylan also steadfastly inherited the traditions of American songs, from folk and country, blues to rock and even jazz, swing, and Broadway music. He was not only inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but also won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Academy Awards…

To this day, Dylan remains an influential and popular artist. His 2006 album, Modern Times, reached number one on the US charts, and in 2008 he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his profound influence on popular music and American culture, as well as for his outstanding poetic creations.

His 2009 album, "Together Through Life," also ranked number one in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several other countries.

His 2012 album, *Tempest*, also received critical acclaim. That same year, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2016, he became the first singer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Since 1988, Dylan has been on what is known as the "Never Stop Tour," playing guitar, keyboard, and harmonica. His achievements over the past 30 years have made him a legend in the folk and rock music scene.

For someone also going through a low point, "Every Grain of Sand" might be the key to unlocking their inner conflicts.

(End of this chapter)