Respawn Entertainment: Days of Glory

Chapter 926 Four Kings and One Queen

After they finished speaking, Bian Lang, Guo Sichu, and the three superstar temporary workers stood in a row at the front of the stage. Foreign music fans just blindly followed along, but in the eyes of Chinese music fans, these five people were, in a sense, one of the top lineups of active singers in the Chinese music scene!
Even for a gala of the Spring Festival Gala's caliber, assembling this lineup would be nearly impossible. Mainly because Bian Lang is unlikely to appear...

Therefore, you can imagine how excited the Chinese music fans at the scene were at that moment:

"Damn! Two kings and one queen, plus Zhang Yaohong, a candidate for God of Song, and Bian Lang, the King of Rock, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it four kings and one queen! This is incredible!"

"Wow! Is this really a show I can see abroad? Hahaha, this time, domestic music fans must be envious of us!"

If the music fans reacted this way, the reaction from the domestic entertainment media present was even more intense. They wouldn't have dared to even imagine such a lineup if they hadn't seen it tonight.

Although these people had indeed maintained contact with each other over the past year, with Bian Lang as the central figure, they felt that this level of connection was not enough to support them performing together on the same stage.

Especially Zhang Yaohong, a long-time missing person in the music scene, before the release of his and Wang Qianyu's album "Songs of the Past", many entertainment media were unaware that Hong Kong's Prince Hong and Princess Yu had been "recruited" by Rock Records.

Even if everyone knew, they would understand just how difficult it is to get all five of them performing the same song live.

First of all, this isn't in China, so it's not easy to get these five people who don't care about traffic and exposure to appear here at the same time.

Secondly, these five are not like the group in "Shang Chunshan"; they are all top-tier powerhouses in the music industry. Before this, let alone the five of them singing the same song, even excluding Bian Lang, the other four had never performed together on stage, and they had never even had the opportunity to appear at the same gala.

Therefore, it is no exaggeration to call this scene the most valuable live performance of the year in the Chinese music scene!

Some journalists who became entertainment reporters because of their love for music are now moved to tears: "It's probably impossible to see this scene again in my life."

This is no exaggeration. The scene before us is almost equivalent to putting Jacky Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Ronald Cheng, Faye Wong, and Dou Wei on the same stage on Earth. Even if there wasn't a connection between Wong, Dou, and Tse, it still seems impossible.

Old Niu's hands were trembling slightly as he held the camera: "Those kids are going to go crazy editing footage tonight!"

Looking at the Chu army members at the scene, they really hit the jackpot this time. They had originally bought scalpers to come and watch Bian Lang and Guo Sichu show off their love because of Bian Lang and Guo Sichu's high-profile announcement of their relationship in the previous event.

But who would have thought they'd get a huge surprise: four kings and one queen!
Those who became part of the Chu Army (a group of dedicated fans of Chu singers) are not the youngest generation of today's idol-chasing fans. They didn't have the fandom culture of today, so they treated all outstanding singers of their time with equal respect. Therefore, their feelings towards these three male singers are also influenced by a biased perspective.

Even some of them are die-hard fans of these three:

"Anyway, no matter what others say, I'm set on Chu Hou and Bian Lang as a couple. The last one was officially announced, and this one is giving us Chu soldiers a bonus. Bian Lang is going to be a couple!"

"Brother-in-law, this is quite a generous gift! Even money can't guarantee you'll get these three to share the stage!"

"I used to think that Bian Lang was a bit of a mismatch between himself and Empress Chu, but looking at this scene, even if Empress Chu wanted to, she might not be able to succeed!"

"Hahahaha, just imagine Chu Hou holding a concert, with the entire Rolling Stones roster as her support team. Bian Lang and all the other musicians in the music industry coming as guests...tsk tsk tsk!"

"Now I finally understand why Dong Youbian and Bian Lang couldn't stay together. Thinking about it, if Empress Chu were in her place, it would indeed be a bit... something..."

In conclusion, the cheers and screams from the audience at this moment have gone too far.

Xia Yuxi's stunned comment was: "Even the four top idols on stage together can't compare to this, right?" At the same time, she felt that all the popularity and concert atmosphere she had previously built up using fan circles were simply too fake compared to this!

After all, he knew the whole story perfectly well. He didn't even know the three people on stage were coming, let alone the fans in the audience. So, the atmosphere and emotions displayed before them were completely unprepared.

"The four top stars could never share the stage; Liu Xiao Kui can't sing..."

"Even if they were on the same stage, the fans below would be tearing each other apart, how could this kind of atmosphere possibly exist..."

Just as everyone was discussing this, the main light source on the stage dimmed, and the four kings and one queen instantly disappeared from everyone's sight.

When the piano prelude came from the speakers, a spotlight on the stage lit up, illuminating a grand piano that no one had paid much attention to before. The pianist was naturally Hua Yan, but Andy Lau was sitting on a stool with him.

As Hua Yan's fingers flew across the keyboard, musical notes flowed out, while on the large screen behind her, various early photos of the Rolling Stones were displayed.

Amidst the intermittent sound of the waves, the earliest Rolling Stones fans were instantly silenced from their earlier excitement and exhilaration.

The piano timbre, an instrument that shouldn't really be present at a rock concert, is unusual in itself, especially since it's at the end of the first half. No one who hears it should think too much about its meaning.

So when the Rolling Stones' photos came out, these old fans immediately understood: "This is the start of a nostalgic trip!" Although a year is not a long time, the experiences of the Rolling Stones and Bian Lang are quite extensive, filling this book with nearly 350 million words!

It was at this very moment that Bian Lang, the soul of the Rolling Stones, was banned from the domestic stage. From the outside, this was definitely the darkest moment for the band, but judging from the Rolling Stones' current state, no one seemed to feel even a trace of frustration.

Only when we get to this song, the piano prelude sets the tone for "sadness," and with the melancholic hint of the sound of waves, longtime music fans begin to feel uneasy!
As it turned out, their premonition was absolutely correct. The moment Andy Lau opened his mouth, the atmosphere, which had risen due to the presence of four kings and one queen, immediately plummeted: "Today, I watch the snow drift by in the cold night, my heart, chilled, drifting far away... Chasing after you in the wind and rain, unable to distinguish your shadow in the fog, the sky and sea are vast, but will you and I change..."

The piano accompaniment alone brought out the full potential of Andy Lau's "Magneto-level" vocal qualities. If Wong Ka Kui's song expressed the resentment of a brief period of confusion, then Andy Lau's song conveyed a sense of relief and acceptance in retrospect. Isn't this a true reflection of Andy Lau's inner world?
Aside from those born into privilege, who in the entertainment industry hasn't experienced the same darkest moments as Rolling Stones? Andy Lau, for example, has probably experienced them quite a few times.

After overcoming these challenges time and time again, I used my accumulated emotions to create this cathartic verse.

Some music fans couldn't resist immediately. Even though it was a new song they'd never heard before, watching that man who had been on stage for decades, earnestly singing, "The sky is vast, the sea is wide, and you and I are..."

Which music fan wouldn't be heartbroken...

But if you put yourself in Bian Lang's shoes, isn't this lyric a reflection of his own feelings?
Originally, they were stirring up trouble abroad, proving Chinese rock and Chinese musicians, but who would have thought they would be stabbed in the back so cruelly in China!

Although the wound may not have caused any fundamental damage, even if it heals, it will definitely leave a lingering shadow in the heart. It's like two people in a relationship: even if one person betrays and is forgiven, the innocent party will still harbor the thought that "once unfaithful, always unforgivable."

So the phrase "may change" is now a cruel "questioning of the heart"!
Of course, Bian Lang immediately provided the answer: "Who hasn't changed..." This chorus combined the voices of at least 10 people on stage, like different voices from the outside world telling him the truth about this society.

Immediately afterwards, another spotlight shone on the stage. This time, standing in the center of the spotlight was Dili, who was looking cool with his guitar on his back, and Xie Xinyan standing next to him.

Both were wearing sunglasses, which reduced the chances of fans discerning their emotions through their eyes, but the moment Xie Xinyan opened his mouth, the fans below immediately broke down:

"Countless times, facing cold stares and ridicule, I have never given up on the ideals in my heart... In a moment of confusion, a feeling of loss faded without me realizing it, and the love in my heart..."

These lyrics will resonate with anyone who has experienced setbacks and hardships in life but persevered.

Just like Xie Xinyan when he was practicing singing last night, his mind was full of the troubles he caused when he was a teenager, when he was arrogant and ignorant, and when he became popular and his temper was bad.

Some of these experiences nearly ruined his career, but he persevered and pulled through.

Looking back now, he doesn't think there's anything wrong with the mistakes he made impulsively when he was young. On the contrary, he thinks they are a valuable asset he has left to himself now!
If these lyrics were applied to Bian Lang, they would no longer refer to Rolling Stone's experiences over the past year.

From Da Yong's perspective, Bian Lang was likely going through this kind of back and forth before the Mask farewell concert.

As the person who had known Bian Lang the longest at this event, Dayong immediately applied the lyrics to Bian Lang and himself the moment he saw the song in the music library.

It's just that breaking up the band wasn't his intention, but Bian Lang's first 10 years of dormancy were almost ruined by Li Yiliang. So hearing these lyrics now, Da Yong's feelings are different from those of the other Rolling Stone members.

So, when he sang along with a dozen other voices on stage, "Who understands me..." it was as if he was asking everyone on behalf of Bian Lang.

Even after the band was formed and gradually gained fame, all sorts of problems still kept coming their way. Although they were all resolved one by one, Da Yong knew the frustration Bian Lang felt.

"We're just here to enjoy rock music, but you guys insist on squandering the already pitifully small market share of rock music!"

"I just wanted to bring the most authentic live performance to the fans, but I'm being targeted by those who are used to perfect lip-syncing!"

"They were carrying works comparable to world-class rock bands, dominating Europe under the name of a Chinese band, but they still got targeted and betrayed back home!"

Anyone who encountered these things would shout, "Who understands me...?" and the listener would empathize.

Then, under the spotlight, Strauss and Guo Sichu stood silently. They were two beauties with different styles, and if one were to imagine them together, they would present a very contrasting image.

But at this moment, the two of them, quiet and still, seemed to be in a strange harmony: "Forgive me for my unruly and unrestrained love of freedom throughout my life, for I am also afraid that one day I will fall... Oh, no... Anyone can betray my ideals, why should I be afraid that one day it will only be you and me..."

Guo Sichu's voice is inherently ethereal, and it sounds even more captivating with pure piano accompaniment. With tens of thousands of people in the audience completely silent, it creates the illusion of being in a concert hall.

However, these external factors must ultimately serve the song itself.

"Forgive me for my unruly and free-spirited life..." As soon as this motto, which Sagittarius regards as their guiding principle and is destined to accompany them throughout their lives, was uttered, the tear-jerking index at the scene began to rise sharply!
When he sang, "Anyone can betray their ideals, why should I be afraid that one day it will only be you and me..." Not to mention the fans in the audience, even Zhang Yaohong, who was still waiting for the next song, felt that he couldn't hold back his emotions.

Of the temporary trio, he came from the best background and had the smoothest path. But due to some family reasons, he was also the one most distant from his ideal.

He felt that the line "Forgive me for my untamed and free-spirited life!" was written for him! If it were a less important occasion, he would definitely ask Bian Lang: "Bian Lang, what conditions would it take for you to give me the original version of this song!"

But this was the last show of the Rolling Stones' European tour, and he would never do something so foolish. So when it came time to divide the lyrics, he took the initiative to do the next verse, and he did it with Da Yong.

When the fourth spotlight illuminated the two, Da Yong's drumsticks rose and fell, accompanied by the slight trembling of the cymbals and slow, steady drumbeats. This was the first time the accompaniment of the song had changed.

"Today I... the sky is vast and the sea is wide, but will things change between you and me..." The second verse by Zhang Yaohong and Dayong, with the addition of the drum kit, has a different sense of layering.

This also sets the stage for Bian Lang's appearance later on...

(End of this chapter)