Can following the rules be called rebirth?

Chapter 284, page 282.
As the soothing prelude begins, the sounds of keyboards and guitar strings, each note, touch the softest part of one's heart.

The square remained noisy.

But the atmosphere seemed to be quietly purified by this melancholy melody, gently settling down.

More and more people remained silent, waiting to see how this uniquely styled short-haired girl would interpret this classic old song.

Under the bright stage lights, Li Zhi lowered her eyelids slightly and tightened her jaw, concealing any emotions that might be revealed in her eyes.

She held the microphone in one hand, revealing only a glimpse of her long, slender, and fair fingers.

The cold, metallic touch was her only anchor point to the noisy world at that moment.

The short-haired girl took a deep breath and then looked up.

Her gaze was unfocused, passing through the bustling crowd and the dazzling lights, and vaguely landing on the starry sky in front of her.

If sadness is deeper than happiness

Li Zhi spoke up.

The sound is amplified through the audio equipment without losing its original quality.

Standard Cantonese, clear mezzo-soprano voice.

It sounds like a lake surface covered with a thin layer of ice on a winter morning. At first, it sounds cold and crisp, but upon closer listening, you can feel the deep and suppressed flow of water beneath the ice.

She did not deliberately imitate the original singer Leslie Cheung's singing style, nor did she pursue technical vibrato.

They simply used the most basic and authentic method to send the lyrics, word by word, into the air.

The emotion contained in the very first sentence was like an invisible net, instantly enveloping the entire World City Square.

"It sounds nice!"

"I never expected that even a randomly picked female guest would be so talented!"

"Nonsense, with so many people in the square, and it being Christmas, anyone who dares to go on stage right now must be quite capable."

The crowd, which had been murmuring softly, gradually fell into a state of deep concentration.

Gu Caiwei's excited smile froze the moment Li Zhi uttered the first word.

Although she is far less passionate about music than her best friend, she still possesses a basic appreciation for art.

mood.

The song was filled with emotions so intense they were almost palpable.

Actually, Little Lychee
I wasn't very happy today, was I?

Looking at Li Zhi on the stage, who seemed to be shrouded in a layer of solitary light, and at her bright, sparkling eyes, she couldn't help but start to deduce.

It's Christmas, after all.
The cold words in the lyrics pierced Gu Caiwei's ears like needles.

She pieced together the details of the entire day: Li Zhi's unusual quietness, her occasional absent-mindedness, and... Zhou Mingyuan seemed to have only prepared that expensive brooch gift for her.

An explanation that she thought was reasonable quickly took shape in her mind.

Is Little Lychee feeling neglected or ignored because she didn't receive a Christmas present?
So you're feeling down?
Is this incredibly sad song a true reflection of her current state of mind?
Even though he had already exchanged glances with Zhou Mingyuan repeatedly in the store, he still blurted it out without hesitation.

The brooch on her chest was a Christmas gift from Zhou Mingyuan.

But what about Li Zhi's?
Where is Li Zhi's Christmas present?

Clearly, Zhou Mingyuan was treating Li Zhi differently and didn't seem to have prepared a gift for her.

I don’t know why, even though Zhou Mingyuan has always been a thoughtful person who never needs anyone to remind or instruct him on social etiquette.

With such a good relationship and working together to run a business, how could he blatantly discriminate against us?
So Gu Caiwei had already tested it; she felt around the coat pockets several times, but there was nothing else there.

Moreover, Li Zhi came later.

The two were in each other's sight the whole time, so how could they have had a chance to exchange Christmas gifts?
They're either like me and Li Zhi, who have already met privately and exchanged gifts.

But my best friend and I spent Christmas Eve in the same bed, and she didn't mention this at all.
Or
A sweet thought suddenly popped into her head.

he.
Was Zhou Mingyuan doing this on purpose?
Did he deliberately let her sense his feelings?

This guess was like a lightning bolt, instantly cleaving through all of Gu Caiwei's previous chaotic thoughts.

Could it be him?
Gu Caiwei tiptoed around and turned to look at Zhou Mingyuan beside her.

She wanted to observe the other person's micro-expressions, trying to find small pieces of evidence to support her reasoning.

I wish I could walk alongside you like that.

When Li Zhi sang the first line of lyrics, Zhou Mingyuan felt his heart race.

Of course, this wasn't the first time he had heard Li Zhi sing.

I heard it during my internship at the court, while working at a coffee shop, in a karaoke bar, and even on the sports field of the University of Finance and Economics.

But this was the first time he had ever discovered that when she truly poured her emotions into her singing, she possessed such overwhelming power.

This is more than just singing.

The short-haired girl on stage closed her eyes slightly, her voice gradually swirling around Zhou Mingyuan.

There are two popular versions of "The Coldest Day," one of which is the original version sung by Leslie Cheung.

She chose another version by Eason Chan.

It's not the original version of the older brother's aloof and detached interpretation, but rather a noble and melancholic one.

Rather, it was Eason's unique, choked-up singing style at his 2012 memorial concert, a version that balanced restraint and breakdown on a razor's edge.

"Even if tomorrow's beautiful scenery seems both near and far, I will still hold onto this feeling without a doubt."

If Christmas is widely recognized as the coldest day...

Leslie Cheung's version is an artistic pathos, a beauty seen through a glass window looking at a snow scene.

Eason Chan's version, on the other hand, is about the struggles of ordinary people, and the genuine experience of feeling the cold while standing in the wind and snow.

Li Zhi opened her eyes, her gaze piercing through the dazzling lights, and continued singing.

No matter how cold the weather may be, how fortunate I am that I don't have to be alone through the long night.

His voice was clear, yet deliberately hoarse.

This is not imitation, but resonance.

She understood perfectly why Eason Chan used such a broken tone in his cover songs.

Because that's what real struggle is like.

Zhou Mingyuan, sitting in the audience, stood up straight, his eyes glued to the screen.

He was too familiar with this song, and too familiar with the countless edited versions of Eason Chan's live performances.

When Li Zhi chose to perform in this style, he knew that it was also a tacit understanding.

The two of them listened to this song on repeat countless times in their headphones during the afternoon.

"Regardless of what the future holds..."

As the song progressed to the middle, Li Zhi began to exert her full strength.

She deliberately emphasized the word "possibly" with a perfectly timed breath.

Just like Eason's momentary choking up during a concert.

Zhou Mingyuan's hands unconsciously clenched.

You can even learn this?
"And you were the last couple to change."

In this line, Li Zhi perfectly replicated the ending note treatment that had been analyzed by countless music critics.

It's not a satisfying conclusion, but rather an unknown ending hanging in the air.

This singing style immediately drew murmurs of amazement from the knowledgeable audience members below the stage.

Many people started whispering among themselves.

"This isn't the brother's singing style; this girl is using the approach from the 2012 doctor's version!"

"That's really difficult, I can't believe she dared to sing like that."

"It really sounds great!"

"To find warmth and survive in the vast sea of ​​people."

"The coldest day."

As the song entered its final part, Li Zhi completely abandoned technique, allowing her voice to flow naturally with her emotions.

Of course, to those with ulterior motives, this didn't seem like a performance, but rather a public emotional sacrifice. As the last note faded into the air, the entire square fell into a ten-second silence.

Then, thunderous applause erupted.

It wasn't just polite applause, but a truly enthusiastic and lively response.

Those who understand music applauded her courage and interpretation, while those who don't understand music were moved by the genuine emotions within.

In fact, Li Zhi had not studied vocal music much, and her singing skills were not dazzling, but her emotional expression was frighteningly precise.

Every breath transition and every ending note is handled with a natural sense of entanglement.

She didn't cry or scream; she just sang quietly. But this calmness resonated with people more than any loud wailing.

Zhou Mingyuan stared at her increasingly frail figure under the bright light, and at her shoulders that rose and fell slightly as she sang with all her might. He was momentarily lost in thought.

"Sing one more!"

"Encore! Encore!"

"Merry Christmas!"

Amidst deafening applause and cheers, Li Zhi slowly opened her eyes.

Her expression had returned to its usual calm, even more aloof than usual, as if she weren't the one who had poured her heart and soul into the song just moments before.

The short-haired girl bowed slightly to the audience and the band, very politely.

She walked straight off the stage, her steps even somewhat hurried, as if fleeing a battlefield that had exhausted all her strength.

Back beside the two, Gu Caiwei immediately stepped forward and took her arm, wanting to say something, her lips moved, but in the end only a dry question came out.

"Baby~"

"He sang so seriously! It was amazing!"

"Would you like to get something to drink?"

Li Zhi didn't look at her; her gaze was lowered, landing on the tips of her shoes, and she smiled faintly.

"Sure, I'm fine with either."

She retreated back into her calm and composed shell, burying all her surging emotions deep within herself once more.

Zhou Mingyuan looked at her, his Adam's apple bobbing as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he only gave her a deep look.

In the following moments, the three of them leaped into the sea of ​​Christmas joy.

A man and two women followed the crowd, engaging in a series of festive activities, just like most young people who came out to celebrate Christmas.

The square was full of little girls selling bouquets of flowers. Zhou Mingyuan generously bought two bouquets and put them into the hands of the two sisters.

They hadn't walked far when Gu Caiwei complained of being thirsty and pulled the two of them towards a nearby bubble tea shop.

The queue was very long, and the air was filled with a sweet aroma.

"I'd like a Christmas limited edition! 80% sugar."

Gu Caiwei nudged Zhou Mingyuan in the back and gave him a thumbs-up.

"I know, I know, but where are the lychees?"

"Five points."

The short-haired girl also reached out her hand.

While waiting in the long line, Gu Caiwei was the first to get her milk tea. Holding the fancy Christmas limited edition, she carefully tasted the cream on top, then squinted her eyes, stuck out her tongue to lick the milk stains off her lips, and flipped through the videos and photos she had just recorded on her phone, chattering about how to edit them.

After a while, the three of them strolled around World City again, and then stopped near the giant Christmas tree in the center of the square.

As dawn approached, crowds of people made wishes, and countless flashing colored lights illuminated the area under the trees as if it were daytime.

This is the peak of the festive atmosphere.

The crowds surged one after another, and Optics Valley seemed to have never been so lively.

"Shall we make a wish and then take a picture?"

Gu Caiwei was immediately infected by the atmosphere. She smiled and moved closer, closed her eyes, put her hands together, and looked extremely devout.

She murmured something to herself, a sweet smile playing on her lips, her whispers filled with dreams of a bright future.

"Weiwei, what did you wish for after all that time?"

"Tch, don't ask!"

The girl stood with her hands on her hips, looking very happy.

"Wishes, once spoken aloud, will never come true."

"Okay, okay, then don't tell."

Seeing her serious expression, Zhou Mingyuan smiled and followed suit, symbolically putting his hands together and closing his eyes.

"Aren't you going to make a wish?"

After opening his eyes, the man moved closer to the short-haired girl and asked in a low voice.

"No."

Only Li Zhi stood still, arms crossed, her face calm.

She looked up at the overly ornate Christmas tree; the lights danced in her pupils, but they didn't reflect much warmth.

Finally, and this is an essential step.

Like a busy little butterfly, she directed Zhou Mingyuan and Li Zhi to take their positions.

"Yes, yes, get closer to the tree!"

"Baby, come a little closer, don't stand so far away!"

Gu Caiwei's brand-new Polaroid camera finally came in handy.

She adjusted the angle and then quickly ran back to her position.

"Get ready! We're about to film!"

Click!

A flash of white light flashed.

She rushed over, took out the slowly ejected photographic paper, held it in her hand and gently fanned it, waiting for the image to magically appear.

Zhou Mingyuan and Li Zhi also gathered around.

Behind them is a dazzling Christmas tree, and in the foreground are three young people.

Compared to the group photo taken on Gu Caiwei's birthday, there are obvious and significant changes in today's Christmas group photo.

Zhou Mingyuan remained standing in the middle, looking at the camera.

Li Zhi had a similar expression, keeping a slight distance from the man.

Only Gu Caiwei was smiling particularly happily, her head tilted to one side, looking as if she was about to lean on the boy in the middle.

After a few clicks, the brown-haired girl suddenly had several vibrant group photos in her hands.

"Hey, this one looks good!"

Gu Caiwei picked up one of the group photos of the three of them, examined it carefully, and gently ran her fingertips across the surface of the photo paper, feeling quite satisfied.

"I'll put it in my wallet later!"

"And there's the video of you singing just now, wow, so much material today!"

"We can't even use it all up..."

As she spoke, Gu Caiwei giggled, her soft, sweet voice bouncing and swirling in the evening breeze.

"You even took pictures of it?"

Li Zhi tugged at her best friend's arm and asked, pursing her cherry lips.

"Yup!"

Gu Caiwei nodded vigorously.

"The singing was so heartfelt, of course we had to film it."

She waved her phone, looking completely at ease.

"Looking back, all we see are memories of our youth."

(End of this chapter)