「BGM: I'm afraid I'll fall in love with you myself,

I don't dare to get too close...」

On stage, Carl had already switched through several songs, ranging from pop to folk, all generally soothing and fitting the atmosphere.

The late April night in Yan City, around a barbecue, created a perfect setting. The two talked about music, then moved on to manga and Japanese. When Tang Song casually said a few simple Japanese phrases, Tian Jing's eyes lit up, and she responded with a few lines from Japanese anime.

She had taken Japanese in college out of interest, but her proficiency was poor due to a lack of effort. Seeing her interest, Tang Song continued the conversation. Although neither of them was fluent, the chat was fun and filled with laughter.

...

The music on stage gradually stopped. The handsome manager returned with a microphone, "We all know there are hidden talents among the people! Among our diners, there must be many skilled individuals. Next, we have a little game for you. We invite everyone to sing along with our musician Carl. Don't worry. You don't have to sing the whole song; even a segment of lyrics will do! The table with the best performance will have their bill waived for tonight!"

His words were met with applause, cheers, and whistles.

"Alright, our staff will be moving around the restaurant with microphones. Anyone interested can simply raise their hand to grab the mic! We encourage everyone to participate!" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel✶fire.net

"Let the game begin!"

Soon, two staff members and Carl, carrying microphones, walked among the diners.

"Me, me!"

"Over here! Look this way!"

Most of the diners were young couples who were carefree and bold in such an environment. Quickly, a round-faced girl grabbed a microphone, communicated briefly with Carl, and the crisp sound of the guitar started. She winked at her boyfriend opposite her and sang, "I have a dream, like a rainbow after the rain, trading all my tears for a smile..."

Her voice was lovely, her breath control steady, and she was clearly a karaoke queen. The diners applauded her performance. Then, several other young people took turns grabbing the mic, most singing only the chorus but thoroughly igniting the atmosphere.

Laughter, singing, and photo-taking filled the air.

...

Seeing the restaurant staff slowly approaching their table, Tang Song keenly eyed the guitar in Carl's hands. Originally thinking of borrowing it during a break in Carl's performance, this saved him the trouble.

Looking at Tian Jing's sparkling eyes, he suggested, "Little Jing, do you want to join in? Since you're hosting today, winning a free meal this way would be fun. Plus, you're so pretty, and your voice is sweet. I think you have a good chance."

Tian Jing bit her lip and smiled, "Sure!"

She stood up and waved to the staff, "Over here! Handsome, look this way!"

She wasn't interested in the free meal but thought participating in a singing game in this atmosphere would be fun. Winning the contest would be even more entertaining.

Wearing a sweet white dress, Tian Jing had been the focus of the restaurant. As she spoke, all eyes turned towards her, and some people aimed their cameras at her.

The staff's eyes lit up. They intended to increase user engagement and promote the restaurant through this contest. Having a beauty of her level participate would maximize discussion and spread.

Quickly approaching their table, they handed her the microphone without hesitation. Carl, carrying his guitar, looked excited. He had noticed her while on stage and found her even more stunning up close. She had a refined, wealthy-girl vibe, his favorite type.

With a confident smile, Carl patted his guitar and said, "Miss, what song would you like to sing? As long as it’s not too obscure, I can accompany you."

Tian Jing thought for a moment and smiled, "How about something simple, like 'The Long Story Short'?"

"Of course!" Carl flicked his hair, "The female version of this song is beautiful too. I'm looking forward to your performance."

At this moment, Tang Song spoke up, "Excuse me, can I accompany my friend with the guitar?"

The host paused, then smiled, "Sure, you're very welcome!"

After all, Tang Song was a customer, and his request would enhance the program, so there was no reason to refuse.

Tian Jing blinked her big eyes in surprise, "Song, you can play the guitar?"

"Want to collaborate and win this contest?" Tang Song asked, winking at her.

"That would be great!" Tian Jing instinctively looked at Tang Song's "Heartthrob's Hand." Under her skirt, her legs lightly rubbed together. Such beautiful hands, playing the guitar, must be very agile and strong, she thought.

Carl's smile faded. At the host's signal, he reluctantly handed over his guitar, scrutinizing Tang Song. Self-accompaniment was manageable; if one went off-track, they could correct it. But accompanying someone else was different—falling out of sync could ruin everything, making it a disaster.

Taking the guitar from Carl, Tang Song gently strummed the strings, feeling a deep joy and familiarity. The 41-inch electro-acoustic guitar, with a pickup directly connected to the speakers, had a bright and clear sound, perfect for this performance environment.

A gentle breeze blew across the terrace, making the canvas atop the tables sway. Tang Song sat down, placing the guitar on his thigh at a 45-degree angle to his body. His left hand pressed the strings, and his right hand hovered over the soundhole.

His movements were natural, confident, and relaxed, exuding a cool demeanor. The performances in the dream world had left him with no fear or hesitation. Ignoring the surrounding gazes, he focused on the guitar.

As the April evening wind tousled his hair and clothes, the special effects triggered. In the warm yellow light, Tang Song appeared serene, melancholic, and artistic. The diners quieted down, their attention drawn to the captivating Tang Song.

"I'm ready," he said to Tian Jing, his voice steady and calm.

Tian Jing nodded, stepping opposite him, wanting to watch him play. The brightly lit city buildings, the pristine moon, and the starry sky all formed his backdrop.

"Plink, plonk—" Clean, crisp notes flowed from his fingertips, the chords carrying deep emotion.

Tian Jing's heartbeat quickened, gripping the microphone tighter. What was happening? Holding the guitar, Tang Song seemed like Ultraman with a transformation item.