The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 2103 Nirvana and Rebirth
Speaking softly and murmuringly, as if afraid of disturbing a butterfly resting in the sunlight, the deepest fear hidden in the heart was spoken out.

There was no noise in the Lumière Hall; every syllable of the indistinct words could be clearly heard, along with the hidden sighs.

He finally said it, but it was more of a relief than sadness and pain. If he had died when he was twelve, perhaps everything would have been simpler.

A smile appeared in Johnny's eyes.

The bitterness was overwhelming, and the heartache was unbearable.

It turns out that a smile can be more sorrowful than tears.

"Jack is so outstanding, he can do countless good things, but what have I done?"

"I only hurt everyone who knows me." The smile faltered, and the surging emotions gripped her throat, turning into a struggle.

The pain was clearly visible.

Johnny looked at Joan Carter, his brow furrowing slightly in struggle. "I know I hurt you..."

Joan Carter tried to take a deep breath to control herself, but tears had already slipped from her eyes. She awkwardly lowered her head to hide herself, quickly wiping her embarrassment with the back of her hand. She looked up again, shook her head in denial, and gave a smile, but looking at the shattered Johnny in front of her, her slightly reddened eyes were once again filled with tears.

“I’m worthless.” Johnny was stunned, his brow furrowed with confusion, and he was engulfed in a profound self-doubt, as if he were about to be swallowed by a black hole.

Joan Carter's smile widened, but tears streamed down her face. "How can you be completely useless?"

After a pause, Joan Carter took a deep breath, looked earnestly at Johnny, and repeated, “You’re not worthless. You’re a good man. God has given you a second chance to get everything back on track, John.”

Johnny stood there, stunned, staring blankly at Joan Carter.

“This is your chance, John.”

Johnny stared at Joan Carter, at those tear-filled eyes, as if he were seeing Jack again, and all that fear and resentment surged up within him.

He held his breath, he shut his mouth, he lost control of himself, but tears still streamed down his face, and he stood there dumbfounded like a helpless twelve-year-old child.

Despite the weariness and dishevelment, the innocence and simplicity revealed in those eyes instantly pulled memories back to that year—

He held Jack's right hand, looking lost and confused, pleading for help, but received no response.

Joan Carter stepped forward and hugged Johnny tightly. Johnny buried his head in Joan Carter's shoulder and began to sob uncontrollably, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably. The pain that had been suppressed and buried deep in his soul was finally released.

Johnny began following Joan Carter to church, finally finding his way and regaining peace; his chaotic and turbulent life seemed to be back on track.

Johnny still receives a lot of letters from fans, including some from Fulson Prison, and not just Fulson, but from other prisons. They seem to find courage in Johnny's music, and they are trying to get back on track and find their own second chance.

So Johnny rallied, dressed in his finest clothes, and went to the record company again, hoping to plead for another chance.

It wasn't just for himself.

But obviously, this is not easy. His bad record has made TV stations and record companies all wary of him. If another accident happens, things may be over for good.

"When Johnny tried to start over, the world had changed. Bob Dylan started using electronic instruments, the Flying Birds started using electronic instruments, the Beatles started using electronic instruments, everyone started using electronic instruments. He needed a new sound, but what he wanted to do was go to a heavily guarded prison and record a live album with his old partner?"

The record company is willing to record a live album for Johnny, but it absolutely cannot be Fulson Prison.

Johnny refused to compromise. "On January 13th, my buddies, Joan, and I will be going to Forsun. You guys listen to the tapes, and if you don't like them, throw them away."

Johnny left after saying a few words.

Thump, thump—

The drumbeats and applause grew louder and louder, as if the whole world was trembling slightly. Then the camera cut, and we were back to the beginning.

At Fulson Prison, beside a wood saw, a glass of water trembled slightly as Johnny stared at the saw blade, gently rubbing it with his thumb.

Johnny's face was calm and focused. He briefly drifted into memories before returning to reality. Finally, he raised his eyes and looked to the side.

“Mr. Cash, I suggest you stop singing those kinds of songs. Remind them…remind those prisoners that they are serving time in prison?”

As Johnny's lips curled into a smile, a hint of mockery in his eyes, he said, "You think they've forgotten?"

The other party still seemed cautious, saying, "Perhaps you and your wife could sing a different style of music."

Johnny laughed. “She’s not my wife, Warden.” He looked up and saw Joan Carter in the corner, preparing and tending to her instrument. “I’ve been proposing to her, and she keeps refusing.”

Johnny picked up his water glass and walked toward Joan Carter, preparing to go on stage, but suddenly turned around. "Have you ever drunk this kind of water before, Warden?"

The warden chuckled, "No, I like Coca-Cola."

Johnny didn't say anything more. He picked up his guitar, opened the door, and went out. Instantly, all the prisoners raised their hands high and cheered loudly. Some even stood on chairs, whistling and cheering. The small space was filled with heat and a noisy scene.

Johnny raised the murky glass of water, strode confidently onto the stage, a broad smile on his face, his eyes sparkling with bright light.

"I want to remind you that we are recording live today, so you can't say things like 'hell' or 'grass'." The audience erupted in applause and laughter.

“I must say, I don’t know how many shows we’ve done, but you are the best audience we’ve ever seen, and for that I want to thank you all.”

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

“You know, standing beside your workbench, holding my breath, made me admire you even more. I have never gone through such a difficult time as you have, although I have also been searched before…”

Haha!

Laughter erupted like thunder, and whistles filled the air.

Not only in the movie, but also in the Lumière Hall, there was a burst of laughter.

In a daze, it seemed as if I had returned to the night of the Oscars, witnessing Anson's eloquence once again.

“Once in El Paso, I had a bag… uh, have you heard the story?” Frenzy erupted, the entire prison was in a frenzy. “Have you guys ever been to El Paso?”

“Anyway, I felt very uncomfortable, and I felt it was an unforgettable experience,” Johnny said, picking up his glass of water. “But that was just a thought, because I want to tell you that I want to tip my hat to you, because I have never drunk such murky water in Fulson Prison.”

Amid applause and cheers, Johnny violently flung the glass, shattering it. The warden's face turned ashen, and he nearly collapsed.

(End of this chapter)