Chapter 37
The bar was hidden in a small alleyway in the bustling city. Ji Fengxue followed the navigation route, winding through turns for a long time before finally finding the bar.
Outside was the prosperous city center, but here it was a different world.
There were no luxurious cars parked outside the main entrance, only groups of young people, laughing and chatting, entering the establishment.
Before coming, she had done some research. Zero had been around for a long time and was the most famous rock bar. Countless bands had performed there, including her favorite niche band, Stubborn Silence, who had their first performance there after their formation.
She hadn't noticed such a place before and found it quite novel. Wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, she walked through the entrance. This attire was unremarkable here, as more exaggerated styles were common.
Walking from the front desk down a corridor, the walls were adorned with group photos of various performing bands.
A few steps further was the true performance sanctuary. The stage wasn't large, surrounded by a bar for drinks. The central area was somewhat spacious, but compared to other bars, it was still a bit cramped.
"Fengxue, over here," someone called her name from the second floor.
She looked up at the person leaning on the railing, stepped onto the stairs, and as soon as she reached the top, the other person rushed to give her a big hug. "Long time no see."
"Yes."
It had been a year since they last met.
"How are you? Have you recovered from the heartbreak?" the other person asked.
"Getting there," she smiled, unable to resist looking up and down at the woman before her. Her hair was cut short and permed, and her clothing style remained primarily business-oriented, even in a place like this, she still wore a shirt and casual suit.
The smile on her face was also unchanged after many years.
"How long are you staying this time? Class President?" she asked.
"I'm discussing a collaboration, and the other party is a bit difficult to deal with, so I don't know yet," Xing Baifeng said, pulling her to a seat, pouring her a drink, and clinking glasses with her.
The two of them had parted ways peacefully before establishing an unbreakable bond, without blame or resentment, but it was impossible for them to get back together. Afterward, the circles they belonged to made it difficult to make friends or confidantes. Instead, the two of them, living in different countries, chatted about daily life and built a revolutionary friendship.
Xing Baifeng smacked her lips, put down her glass, and looked at her carefully, smiling, "Not bad, your complexion has improved a lot. I was really afraid I wouldn't recognize you when I saw you."
"It's not that bad, is it?" Ji Fengxue said with a laugh.
"How could it not be? When I came back last year, you were just going through a breakup," Xing Baifeng sighed. "How are things with Xiao Yuran now?"
"Still friends," Ji Fengxue clinked glasses with her again. "Yes, just friends."
"Before I got on the plane, I specifically checked. Hasn't she broken up now?" Xing Baifeng looked at her, hesitating to speak.
She raised an eyebrow. "That has nothing to do with me anymore. I won't like straight girls anymore."
"Exactly. There are so many beautiful girls in the lesbian community, why stick to one tree?" Xing Baifeng winked meaningfully. "However, I also found out you're in a relationship. Aren't you going to tell me about this?"
This question was finally unavoidable. She replied ambiguously, "Yes, there is that."
"Her name is Xia Linxia, right? The girl is really beautiful, she's my type," Xing Baifeng teased.
"You can't handle her. Her temper is too fierce, and her thought process is like a mountain road, getting lost and taking several turns," she complained mercilessly.
"Then why are you dating her?"
She was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled, not answering.
"Bring her to meet me when you have time," Xing Baifeng said, shaking her wine glass with a smile. "I'll help you assess her."
"Forget it," Ji Fengxue smiled. "She's very good, you don't need to assess her."
"Oh, so protective?" Xing Baifeng also laughed. "Then I really want to meet her." As soon as she finished speaking, she received a glare and was amused. "No way, you don't want me to meet her? You're so reluctant? When you were chasing Xiao Yuran before, you generously introduced us... Could it be that this one is true love?"
"True love, my foot. Let's drink," Ji Fengxue changed the subject, raising her glass. The wine sloshed in the glass, reflecting the psychedelic lights, and she suddenly felt like getting drunk.
At this moment, the first band on stage came up. They were a few college students from a nearby school, young and energetic. As soon as they started, it was a roar of youth.
The crowd swayed on the dance floor, shouting and headbanging along with the music. Soon, they were forming a conga line.
This opening was explosive and immediately ignited everyone's emotions. Xing Baifeng stood up and walked to the railing, looking at the band members. Her eyes lit up, and she turned back to Ji Fengxue, waving her hand. "Look at that girl, she's so cool."
Ji Fengxue took a closer look at the female drummer and smiled, "I knew why you came here."
Xing Baifeng playfully put her arm around Ji Fengxue's shoulder. "I just went through a breakup, I need to escape from my sadness."
Ji Fengxue really didn't believe her. Ever since this person went abroad, she had never been without a girlfriend. But if she had to choose between work and love, Xing Baifeng would definitely choose work. At a young age, she had become a management executive in an industry giant, which showed her business capabilities.
After this band played four or five songs, they said goodbye to everyone and went off stage. Xing Baifeng took her downstairs to ask for the female drummer's contact information, but they were rejected, which made Ji Fengxue laugh heartily.
The two stood outside the entrance smoking. Xing Baifeng was annoyed. "What? Has my charm declined so much just because I was away for a while?"
Ji Fengxue laughed and said, "Who told you to provoke a straight girl? Didn't you see her boyfriend was also in the band?"
"Whether she's straight or not is not certain. I met a girl before who had a lot of ex-boyfriends, but she still fell for me." Xing Baifeng said.
Ji Fengxue paused, the cigarette in her fingertips burning for a long time, and asked meaningfully, "Really?"
"When have I ever lied to you?"
She shook her head, feeling the alcohol in her brain, and some strange thoughts popped up, so she changed the subject to suppress them. "You tricked me so many times back then, do you want me to list them one by one?"
"There's no need for that," Xing Baifeng said with a smile, throwing away the cigarette butt. "Let's go, we'll find another place."
A few steps outside, Ji Fengxue touched her head. "Ah, I left my hat upstairs."
The two returned to the second floor. At this moment, the host downstairs suddenly announced that the next band was Stubborn Silence.
Upon hearing this, they looked at each other in surprise and hurried to the railing. A moment later, a few familiar men walked onto the stage with their instruments.
"Holy crap! What kind of luck is this? I'm back in the country and I get to hear them live!" Xing Baifeng excitedly grabbed her hand. Ji Fengxue amusingly calmed her agitated state.
She used to know very little about bands, but Xing Baifeng particularly liked Stubborn Silence. Back then, they had tapes, and Xing Baifeng would take her to the rooftop every day to listen to the band's songs. Gradually, she also came to like the band, and now seeing them live, she suddenly felt a sense of returning to her youth.
And the person next to her had clearly relapsed into her "rabid dog" state.
"Ahhh! Silence, I love you!" Xing Baifeng shouted along with everyone else. Suddenly, her eyes lit up again. "Huh, is this the new guitarist? Her figure is too good! I like her, come with me to get her contact information later."
Ji Fengxue was speechless at this "sea king" behavior. She turned to look at the people on stage, her gaze paused, and her eyes slowly widened. She felt that this figure was unusually familiar, but from their angle, they could only see the back. She quickly ran to the side.
"Hey, where are you going?"
Ji Fengxue stood in the center of the second floor, farthest from the stage, but could see the front.
It was her, indeed.
"Do you know her?" Xing Baifeng caught up, seeing the sudden softness in her expression. Following her gaze, she asked in confusion, "Why does she look familiar?"
At this moment, everyone in the audience saw the guitarist's appearance clearly. After a few seconds of collective silence, they erupted in screams: "Xia Linxia!!!"
Xing Baifeng rubbed her chin. "Xia Linxia? That name sounds familiar."
Ji Fengxue subconsciously lifted her chin. "My girlfriend." According to the contract.
Even she didn't realize how doting her tone was when she said it. Xing Baifeng said enviously, "Damn, I'm so jealous I want to kill you right now."
The lead singer of the band greeted everyone coldly, without any unnecessary words, and went straight to the point. Xia Linxia, standing beside him, was even more so, not saying a word, completely treating herself as transparent.
As soon as the intro music started, everyone couldn't help but get hyped up with the rhythm. This time they were singing the band's first song. Ji Fengxue nodded gently, the melody winding around her heart.
Xia Linxia on stage, with her long hair flowing, lowered her head and strummed the strings, her body swaying with the rhythm. Occasionally, she would look back at others, her smile deepening.
Until the lead singer finished the chorus, there was originally a long instrumental solo. At this moment, Xia Linxia, who had been silent, suddenly joined in. Her voice, slightly hoarse, was a stark contrast to her usual sweet songs, catching everyone off guard. Then came cheers that grew louder and louder.
Xing Baifeng leaned into Ji Fengxue's ear and said loudly, "No wonder you didn't want me to see her! She's amazing!"
Ji Fengxue dodged her "lion's roar" while showing a smug smile, thinking that there was even more amazingness to come.
But it seemed that every time, Xia Linxia could surprise her, just like this melody, gradually leaving heavy notes in her heart, echoing endlessly.
The performance became more and more synchronized. The lead singer and Xia Linxia exchanged smiles. The male and female duet pushed the atmosphere to its peak. Xia Linxia couldn't help but walk next to the lead singer to show off her guitar skills, nodding wildly with him.
Until the end, the crowd was still unsatisfied, shouting for another song.
Xia Linxia took a few breaths, swept her long hair back, and looked at the four band members. They all smiled at the same time. She walked over and high-fived them one by one, her mood soaring.
It was so exhilarating!
Before, as a girl group member, she had to cater to the audience's tastes and ensure that everyone in the group developed equally. She had never felt so unrestrainedly high before.
There were no fans of hers here, most might only recognize her, and perhaps there were even anti-fans. But none of this stopped everyone from gathering together to go crazy for rock and applaud for music.
She understood why these four were so unique. Not conforming was the best self-expression!
"That was awesome, do you guys want to hear more?!" As the new member of the band, she took the initiative to be the diplomat.
"Yes!!!"
"Please shout our name!" She raised her right hand, making a rock gesture. "Stubborn—"
"Silence—!!!" the crowd shouted.
The music started again. Round after round of performances made everyone present forget the time and place. All the grievances and frustrations from the day were cast aside, leaving only endless joy.
Ji Fengxue was pulled by Xing Baifeng into the dance floor downstairs to party wildly. The crowd was dense, and the noise was deafening. She subtly moved to a corner, quietly watching the girl on stage, who exuded a unique brilliance under the psychedelic lights.
When she saw Xia Linxia walk to the drummer, and the two of them showing off their skills like peacocks, the synchronized scene inexplicably bothered her. The smile on her lips suddenly stopped, and she turned her head away, feeling slightly annoyed.
Unexpectedly, she saw a large camera pointing directly at her face.
The cameraman gave her a silly smile. The young staff member next to him, with shining eyes, walked up to her and raised his voice. "Teacher Ji, you're here to watch Linxia's performance too! It's so sweet! We're here to film some footage, they have a competition in a few days! You don't mind appearing on camera, do you?"
Ji Fengxue nodded, her gaze returning to the stage.
"Teacher Ji, will you be attending the finals?" the staff member pressed on, perhaps hoping to invite a heavyweight guest at this opportunity.
Ji Fengxue glanced at her sideways, seemingly deep in thought.
"I'm sorry, I have something else to do and can't make it. Besides, if I'm always a surprise guest, it loses its meaning."
Her words made the staff member blush. She had indeed wanted to invite Ji Fengxue as a surprise guest. The previous talent show had achieved outstanding results, and many production teams were eyeing this CP.
"Let's watch the performance," Ji Fengxue said with a polite smile.
Just then, Xia Linxia put down her guitar and leaped forward, performing a stage dive. The audience skillfully caught her and passed her back onto the stage. Xia Linxia screamed with joy and waved goodbye to everyone with the band as they left the stage.
Even before she could put down her guitar after coming off stage, Xia Linxia excitedly bumped fists with the lead singer. "Wow, this is your real strength, right? Why were you holding back this afternoon?"
The lead singer finally dropped his stern expression and treated her as one of his own, frankly saying, "We weren't sure about your actual skill level, and we were afraid of revealing everything at once and scaring you."
"Hmph, who do you think you're looking down on?" Xia Linxia crossed her arms, tilted her chin up, her eyes curved, and her eyes were full of pride. "How was it, not bad, right?"
"Yes, it exceeded our expectations."
"Hehe." Xia Linxia put down her guitar and rubbed her hands. "Since we're at a bar, let's go have a few drinks."
"Sure." The few men were completely unrestrained at the drinking table. They found a table and sat down.
After raising her glass, Xia Linxia downed it in one go, stunning the men. She smiled, "Sorry, my alcohol tolerance is excellent."
"That's great, come on, let's drink."
As they were drinking enthusiastically, the film crew called out to Xia Linxia and told her that Ji Fengxue had just watched her performance.
"Really?!" Xia Linxia exclaimed, "Why is she here... Where is she?"
Ji Fengxue was surrounded by a group of people asking for autographs. Someone with sharp eyes had recognized her. Compared to traffic stars, the film empress clearly had better public relations, and she was instantly surrounded by everyone for photos and autographs.
She wanted to find Xia Linxia, but she was blocked by the crowd and couldn't break free.
At this moment, a voice from a microphone suddenly rang out from the back of the crowd: "Everyone, please don't crowd. Please make way, I need to find someone. Thank you for your cooperation."
Everyone turned to look at the person who had arrived, automatically clearing a path. Xia Linxia, holding a microphone, walked in and grabbed Ji Fengxue's wrist, pulling her out. "Excuse me, we'll sign autographs next time. We still need to meet up with friends."
Ji Fengxue lowered her eyes, stared at their hands, and a smile curved her lips. She proactively took Xia Linxia's hand.
Xia Linxia didn't notice anything unusual. After walking out of the crowd, she looked back and smiled at her, covering her ear with her hand and asking, "Why are you here? Don't tell me you were also shaking your head and milk with these people just now?"
Ji Fengxue tapped her head.
"Pfft, I've been drinking, my tongue is getting twisted," Xia Linxia laughed, her cheeks flushed with a slight tipsiness, complementing her beautiful peach blossom eyes.
She looked around and saw everyone staring at their every move. She quickly took Ji Fengxue's hand and ran towards the backstage.
Post a Comment