Huayu97: Starting with Wu Song Fighting the Tiger

The story of Liu Xiang outwitting horse thieves with a herd of horses spread like wildfire throughout Wuxi within days, seemingly from the film crew.

This event coincided perfectly with the "New Era Youth Role Model" selection campaign being promoted by the city's "Performing Artists Association," and Liu Xiang was immediately listed as a key recipient of the award.

Soon, the production team received a formal invitation from the Performing Arts Association, inviting Liu Xiang to attend a banquet held at the Taihu Hotel to recognize outstanding young performers in the performing arts industry. The association's main leaders, well-known figures in the cultural field, and prominent business leaders would all be in attendance. Although it was called an awards ceremony, it was actually a top-tier social event, and those who could get tickets were all influential figures in Wuxi.

When the news reached the film crew, the entire set erupted in excitement. Director Zhang, holding the invitation, his hands trembling slightly, patted Liu Xiang on the shoulder, his face crinkling with laughter: "Liu Xiang, Liu Xiang, you're incredibly lucky! You've walked right into the banquet hall of the Taihu Hotel as a model worker, bringing honor to our 'Water Margin' crew!"

The crew joined in the commotion, with one patting Liu Xiang's arm and joking, "Brother Liu, when you become a big celebrity, don't forget your brothers who used to huddle together in the work shed eating steamed buns!"

Only Liu Xiang thought to herself, "This 'Performing Artists' Association sounds quite official, but it's really just a sham organization!"

At this moment, Lan Xiaoling and Wang Siyi were more concerned than anyone else, one buying a suit and the other buying a tie.

On the day of the banquet, Liu Xiang wore a sharp suit and a tie given to her by Wang Siyi. Her hair was neatly combed, and she stepped into the Taihu Hotel with great spirit.

A scarlet carpet was laid at the entrance of the hotel, extending all the way to the entrance of the banquet hall.

On both sides stood hostesses in cheongsams, with gentle smiles and sweet voices.

Stepping into the banquet hall reveals an even more luxurious scene: crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, reflecting dazzling light and illuminating the entire hall as if it were daytime; around round tables covered with pure white tablecloths sit people in suits and ties, dressed smartly, the clinking of glasses and the sounds of lively conversation intertwined, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.

As soon as Liu Xiang entered, he was recognized by a middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit. The man was the chairman of the city's Performing Arts Association. He smiled and shook Liu Xiang's hand, speaking in a friendly tone: "You must be Comrade Liu Xiang! Not bad, not bad at all, young and promising! Using a herd of horses to outwit horse thieves not only protected the film crew's property but also demonstrated youthful responsibility. You are worthy of emulation by all young people in the city!"

Liu Xiang quickly straightened her back and replied modestly, "Chairman, you flatter me. This is what I should do. Anyone would have done the same."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the chairman, Liu Xiang found a seat on the side of the room.

He wasn't used to this kind of occasion, and the room full of polite conversation made him feel very uncomfortable.

Halfway through the banquet, the host walked onto the stage, took the microphone, and loudly announced the commendation decision.

When it was announced that "Comrade Liu Xiang has been awarded the title of 'New Era Youth Role Model' in WX City," the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Liu Xiang stood up, straightened his suit, strode onto the stage, accepted the gold-embossed certificate and prize money from the chairman, and bowed deeply to the audience.

Just as he was about to step off the stage, a discordant voice suddenly disrupted his mood.

"Hmph, what kind of model worker is he? He's just an actor!" The voice was sharp and sarcastic, full of mockery. "He thinks he can get into high society just because he caught a few petty thieves with a few horses? I think it's just good luck, a blind cat catching a dead mouse!"

Liu Xiang looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man in his early twenties leaning back in his chair, holding a glass of red wine and wearing a disdainful sneer. The young man's hair was slicked back and shiny, with his bangs reflecting the light. He wore a thick, dazzling gold necklace and a designer suit, but the cuffs were casually rolled up.

Someone leaned close to Liu Xiang's ear and whispered, "This person is Wang Bo, the only son of Wang Xianfu, the biggest real estate developer in the area. He's a notorious spoiled brat who always bullies people because his family is rich. This banquet was actually funded by his rival!"

Liu Xiang frowned, too lazy to argue with such a person, and turned to walk back to her seat.

But Wang Bo deliberately picked a fight and suddenly stood up, holding a wine glass, and staggered forward, blocking Liu Xiang's way.

He was a head shorter than Liu Xiang, and had to crane his neck to see her face, which made him even more annoyed, and his tone became increasingly harsh: "Liu Xiang, right? I heard you can tame horses and even play Wu Song? But I've heard people say you're just a country bumpkin, a complete bumpkin. Is that true?"

The moment those words were spoken, the surroundings fell silent. Everyone's eyes were focused on Liu Xiang and Wang Bo, and the atmosphere was so awkward it was almost palpable.

Liu Xiang looked down at the other person, her voice not loud but clear: "Whether I'm a peasant or a country bumpkin is none of your business. I rely on my own skills to train horses and act, and on my own courage to catch thieves. I'm upright and have a clear conscience."

Wang Bo was momentarily stunned by Liu Xiang's imposing manner, but then became furious. No one had ever dared to speak to him like that before, especially in such a public setting. He slammed his wine glass down on the table beside him with a loud "bang," splashing red wine onto the pristine white tablecloth.

"You still think you have a clear conscience?" Wang Bo sneered, his voice suddenly rising. "I think you're just feeling guilty! Dare to make a bet with me? Didn't you say you weren't a country bumpkin? Go up on stage and sing a song! If you don't sing well, crawl between my legs and get out of this banquet hall! If you sing well, I'll apologize and give you 100,000 yuan!"

This is absolutely outrageous! People around frowned, and many began to whisper among themselves: "Wang Bo has gone too far! Just because his family are real estate developers, he's completely lawless!" "Exactly! Liu Xiang is a model citizen; how dare he humiliate her like this?"

Liu Xiang's face darkened completely, a flash of anger in his eyes. What he hated most in his life were these spoiled brats who bullied others. He took a step forward, closing in on Wang Bo, and said coldly, "Fine, I'll bet! But I won't take a single penny of your filthy money. If I sing well, you can take back what you just said in front of everyone, and then bow to me!"

"Okay! It's a deal!" Wang Bo thought Liu Xiang wouldn't take the bait, but he didn't expect him to agree so readily. He secretly gloated: What good songs can an actor sing? He'll be crawling between someone's legs!

The two were on the verge of a heated argument when a commotion suddenly broke out at the entrance of the banquet hall. Someone shouted, "Professor Han Lei is here!"

All eyes were instantly drawn to him. A man in a black suit and sunglasses strode in, tall and imposing with an extraordinary air. It was none other than Han Lei, the singer who became a household name across the country with "Borrowing Five Hundred Years from Heaven"!

It turned out that Han Lei had been invited by the association to attend the banquet and add to the festivities. As soon as he entered the hall, he saw the tense scene before him, frowned, took off his sunglasses, and walked towards the two of them.

Wang Bo's expression changed instantly upon seeing Han Lei. He was a die-hard Han Lei fan, always talking about "my idol Han Lei." His previous arrogance vanished without a trace, replaced by a fawning smile as he quickly approached, saying, "Teacher Han Lei! You've arrived! I...I'm your loyal fan!"

Han Lei nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Liu Xiang and Wang Bo, then looking around at the people, and he roughly understood what was going on. He walked over to Liu Xiang, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Young man, I heard everything at the door. It's just singing, right? I'll sing with you! I was just looking for a partner anyway, how about we sing 'Borrowing Five Hundred Years from Heaven' together?"

Liu Xiang was stunned for a moment, then a delighted smile spread across his face. He hadn't expected to be able to sing a duet with Han Lei on stage, and exclaimed happily, "Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Teacher Han Lei!"

Wang Bo stood to the side, his face alternating between red and white, like a chameleon. He had originally intended to embarrass Liu Xiang, but unexpectedly, Han Lei appeared as a savior. Now, he might end up losing face completely instead of trying to steal a chicken.

On the banquet hall stage, the lights shone brightly, and the light from the crystal chandelier poured down, casting long shadows of Liu Xiang and Han Lei. The two stood side by side in front of the microphone, smiled at each other, and the guests below held their breath, their eyes fixed on the stage, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Wang Bo stood in the front row, his fists clenched tightly, silently praying that Liu Xiang would sing off-key.

The music began slowly, the powerful and stirring prelude to "Borrowing Five Hundred Years from Heaven," the piano melody was deep and steady, accompanied by the sound of drums, like the tolling of a great bell of history, instantly bringing the atmosphere of the entire venue to its peak.

Han Lei was the first to raise the microphone. He closed his eyes slightly, and his voice burst forth from his chest, powerful and resonant, carrying an air of domineering arrogance that echoed throughout the banquet hall: "Along the gentle curves of the undulating landscape, let love roam freely in the Central Plains, the North, and the South..."

The sound was like a grand, resounding bell, deafening and stirring the blood of the audience. The guests below couldn't help but applaud, as if they were hearing heavenly music!

Soon, it was Liu Xiang's turn.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and raised the microphone. His voice wasn't as deep and resonant as Han Lei's, but it carried a unique chivalrous spirit, like Wu Song's heroic stride on Jingyang Ridge, or the unrestrained spirit of the Liangshan heroes gathering in the mountains. It intertwined with Han Lei's singing, complementing each other perfectly, creating a natural and harmonious synergy.

"Faced with the companionship of ice blades, snow swords, and the wind and rain, I cherish the golden years that Heaven has bestowed upon me..."

Liu Xiang's voice was clear and powerful, every word brimming with emotion. It was as if he wasn't singing, but rather performing a poignant life story. He recalled his confusion when he traveled back to the 90s, the dangers of taming a tiger, the tireless work of training horses, and the thrilling battles with horse thieves. All these emotions were poured into his song.

The guests below the stage were completely captivated. The once noisy banquet hall was now quiet except for the singing. Some people couldn't help but hum along, while others gently tapped their feet to the rhythm, their eyes filled with rapture.

Wang Bo stood below the stage, his face ashen, a fine sheen of cold sweat beading on his forehead. He never expected Liu Xiang to sing so well; her duet with Han Lei not only didn't overshadow him, but she also brought her own unique style to the performance. He felt a burning sensation on his face, as if he'd been slapped dozens of times, and wished he could disappear into the ground.

As the song ended, its lingering melody echoed through the air, lingering for a long time.

Several seconds later, the entire audience erupted in thunderous applause, so loud it made everyone's ears ring. They shouted, "That was amazing!" "One more song, bro! Can you sing one more?"