Don't call me a singing god, I just want to go back to doing scientific research.

Nan Ye'an smiled and said, "My song is called 'South Bridge Smoke and Clouds,' and it's sung by my wife."

Xie Qingshu stood up, nodded slightly to the crowd as a greeting, and then stepped down from the stage to prepare.

"Good heavens!" Qin Hanwen, the musician who had just been called Lao Qin, exclaimed exaggeratedly, "Teacher Nan, you've just unleashed a trump card right from the start! This husband-and-wife team is leaving us no way out!"

Nan Ye'an grinned smugly, showing no modesty whatsoever: "The opening always needs a bit of ceremony."

Qin Hanwen tilted his head back and pointed behind him: "Alright! Then I'll do something meaningful too, a master-disciple pairing. Xiaoyun, go!"

"Okay, teacher!" A young singer named Li Shaoyun responded, quickly stood up, waved, and went offstage to prepare.

In just a few words, the order was roughly determined, except for Ling Luo's group, which remained unchanged from when they arrived.

Seeing this, Qin Hanwen asked curiously, "Young friend Ling, aren't you going to start?"

As he spoke, his gaze passed over Ling Luo and fell upon the group of singers behind him.

Upon hearing this, Ling Luo gently shook her head: "Yes, we'll be last, no rush. This is a good opportunity to learn from our seniors."

"Haha, you've got a way with words, kid," Qin Hanwen laughed heartily. "Alright, I'm really looking forward to it."

You're too kind.

The simple pleasantries had just ended when the stage lights dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the center of the stage, where Xie Qingshu stood quietly in an elegant cheongsam.

"South Bridge Smoke and Clouds"

Singer: Hsieh Ching-shu (No need to search, I came up with this myself)

Lyrics by: Nan Ye'an

Composer: Nan Ye'an

As the prelude began, the crisp, clear rhythm of the guzheng in 4/4 time, like rain pattering on banana leaves, instantly calmed the noise and shock brought about by Ling Luo's appearance, turning it into a still pool of water.

Two measures later, the melodious sound of the long flute seemed to come from a distant time and space, intertwining with the guzheng. The harmonious sound of the two instruments was tinged with an inescapable sadness.

Gu Yang, unable to sit still in the back row any longer, leaned forward, poked Ling Luo's back with his finger, and asked in a low voice, "Ling Luo, how are you feeling?"

A slight itch came from his back. Without turning his head, Ling Luo reached back and accurately caught the mischievous finger in his palm.

Gu Yang was taken aback, but the warmth from his fingertips instantly calmed him down.

  

"The arrangement is very sophisticated," Ling Luo's voice was soft but steady. "The guzheng is melodious and the xiao is clear and cold. In just four bars, the sad emotional tone of the whole song was set. This is the work of a master."

As soon as Ling Luo finished speaking, the grand wall of sound from the string section unfolded, and Xie Qingshu's ethereal singing voice rang out at that moment.

Willow catkins brushed against the bluestone steps.

You held a paper umbrella and stepped across the misty waves to say goodbye.

Dusk fell over the old signboard.

The vows, though now faded and mottled, are covered in moss…

In the verse, the arrangement uses a very faint Pad sound as the background, like the thin mist that shrouds a water town in the early morning, which increases the depth of the entire musical space.

The faint sound of the flute, like weeping and lamenting, added to the desolate atmosphere.

Gu Yang's eyes were serious, and he unconsciously hummed along, "These lyrics... are so beautifully written."

Ling Luo nodded: "Teacher Nan used cinematic language in writing the lyrics. From willow catkins and bluestone steps to old plaques and moss, the camera moves from far to near, layer by layer, creating a strong visual image and evoking a vivid mood. This song will be a hit."

"Uh..." Hearing Ling Luo praise his opponent so generously, Gu Yang felt a little uncomfortable.

If you sang in the ancient style, it would definitely sound better than this!

For a moment, Gu Yang even regretted it a little. Why did he have to make Ling Luo sing such a sweet song? In this kind of occasion, a traditional Chinese style song would obviously be more effective in attracting fans!

Ling Luo didn't hear Gu Yang's subsequent mutterings. She turned her head slightly in confusion and saw Gu Yang with his head drooping, looking like a wilted eggplant.

He chuckled and squeezed Gu Yang's fingers: "It doesn't count towards the rankings, so what song you sing, does it really matter?"

"That's true, but..." This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain followers! What a pity!

"Don't overthink it, just enjoy the show."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yang pursed his lips. Seeing that Ling Luo indeed appeared calm and composed, he had no choice but to suppress his little thoughts and refocus his attention on the stage.

At this moment, Xie Qingshu's performance was nearing its end.

"New swallows alight on the green tiles once more."

But the story has long been sealed away in the mist and rain.

Like drifting duckweed, gathering and scattering, all are as fleeting as clouds and smoke.

Only the flowing water beneath the bridge continues year after year.

The song ended, but the lingering melody still resonated.

There was a two-second silence, followed by thunderous applause that lasted for a long time.

"Absolutely amazing! Teacher Nan's lyrics and music, paired with your wife's voice, are a match made in heaven!"

"The song's imagery is so profound; I feel like I've just watched an art film set in the Jiangnan water towns."

The live stream chat was flooded with comments, like a waterfall.

[Nan Ye An is amazing! This song and these lyrics are irresistible!]

[My sister-in-law sings so beautifully, her voice is full of stories!]

This is what real traditional Chinese style should be! Those other pop songs that use the guise of traditional Chinese style can just get lost!

The host, You Hongchang, walked onto the stage with a face full of sincere praise: "Thank you, teachers Nan Ye'an and Xie Qingshu, for bringing us an unparalleled auditory feast."

Qin Hanwen, feigning to wipe imaginary sweat from his forehead, said, "Teacher Nan, your rendition of 'South Bridge Mist and Clouds' has set an unattainable high standard for our opening ceremony performance today!"

Nan Ye'an smiled and waved his hand, then stood up to welcome his wife back to her seat, but he couldn't hide the smugness on his face.

However, after he sat down, his gaze passed through the crowd and landed directly on Ling Luo, who was not far away.

As the murmurs subsided, Nan Ye'an picked up the microphone.

"Teacher Qin, you flatter me."

His voice, gentle and mellow, resonated throughout the hall through the speakers: "However, speaking of traditional Chinese style music, there is another master here. Teacher Luo's 'Puppet Show' is truly stunning, both in its ingenious arrangement and the profound meaning of its lyrics. To my shame, part of the inspiration for my song also came from 'Puppet Show.' Young friend Ling, would you like to give us a few comments?"

Swish!

In an instant, all the cameras and everyone's eyes on the scene focused on Ling Luo once again.

Regardless of what others thought, Nan Ye'an continued, "Don't be modest, speak boldly, just consider it giving us old folks some advice."

These words caused an uproar in the room.

What is Nan Ye'an's status? He is a recognized master of traditional Chinese music! Now, he is actually praising a junior who is almost twenty years younger than him in front of a nationally televised audience, with an attitude of almost seeking advice!

Wow! Professor Nan's vision is on an atmospheric level!

[What's going on? Mutual flattery? Wait a minute, why would Professor Nan need to flatter him?]

This only proves one thing: Luo Mu is truly amazing! So amazing that even a big shot like Nan Ye'an genuinely admires him!

In the back row, Gu Yang instantly straightened his back, his chin almost pointing to the sky.

See that!

Show them to me, everyone!

This is the kind of prestige Ling Luo has!

Even Qi Hongyu, who had been observing coldly, couldn't help but sit up straight. He wanted to see if this young man, besides being able to write songs, actually knew how to conduct himself.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Ling Luo smiled and slowly picked up the microphone on the table, seemingly preparing her words.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice clear and neither humble nor arrogant:

"Professor Nan, you flatter me."

"Nanqiao Yanyun is a rare masterpiece. It is extremely well-crafted, from the scene setting in the verses to the thematic elevation in the chorus."

Ling Luo finished speaking, and Nan Ye'an nodded approvingly. He had indeed consulted many ancient books to capture the essence of the song.

Ling Luo continued, "The verse uses a simple, descriptive style to depict the misty, rain-drenched alleys of Jiangnan with just a few strokes—it's a static painting. But the chorus suddenly elevates the emotion, shifting from 'scenery' to 'emotion,' integrating personal sorrow and parting feelings into the grand theme of the passage of time, like flowing water and falling flowers—it's a dynamic poem. The contrast between stillness and movement creates a powerful tension."

These words surprised not only Nan Ye'an, but also Qin Hanwen and other creators.

This commentary is accurate, insightful, and to the point! It's not something a young person in their early twenties would say.