CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 112: THE FIRST POEM, MY DREAM

As the excitement built online, banner ads on various music platforms were simultaneously updated. Clicking on them immediately displayed a carousel banner on the homepage featuring Xu Qingqiu’s photo. The main color theme was sky blue, combining imagery of blue skies, white clouds, and calm water, paired with Xu Qingqiu’s cool, clean side profile. Beside it, stylized text read, "With Dreams, We Set Out Again."

This was the theme of the entire album. It was a story about dreams, perseverance, not giving up, and not getting discouraged. It was about picking oneself up with head held high, despite setbacks, ready to embark on the journey anew. The overall tone was sunny and refreshing, with a hint of summer.

Fans who saw the news eagerly clicked through and were immediately redirected to the album’s exclusive page. At the very top were Xu Qingqiu’s photo and an album introduction, with all the songs listed below. Two of them were already highlighted as available.

"’The Original Dream’ and ’Morning Bound for Midnight’ are included too?"

Some fans noticed this immediately. Two previously released songs had also been included in this album.

"Isn’t this a bit shameless? I’ve already bought those two songs. Do I have to buy them again within the album?"

Some were instantly put off. After all, it was hard to understand the rationale behind re-including already released songs. But they soon realized they were overthinking it. Although these two tracks were included, the total number of songs in the album, with these two, reached twelve. In other words, even without these two songs, it was still a complete album. There was no skimping or shrinkage. Additionally, if one had already purchased those two songs, they wouldn’t have to spend extra when buying the album. In this regard, the approach could be considered quite fair.

Of course, these were just minor issues. Everyone’s focus was entirely on the new songs.

"Who can tell what these songs are like just by their names? We’ve already heard the two released tracks—when will the new songs come out? Surely the announcement wasn’t just a gimmick, leaving us with just two old songs?"

"Hard to say. Which do you guess will be the lead single among the remaining songs? They can’t be using those two old tracks as the lead singles, can they?"

"That can’t be right, can it? If so, isn’t that just treating fans like fools?"

"Who knows? Aren’t fans synonymous with fools? It wouldn’t be the first time people have been fleeced; maybe the fans are willing participants."

Discussions on the internet were abuzz. Fans anxiously and excitedly urged the official account for updates. Meanwhile, some in the entertainment industry kept an eye on the situation, enjoying the drama. Casual listeners, on the other hand, cared more about the quality of the songs. They weren’t fans and were indifferent to everything else, as long as the music was good.

After what felt like an agonizingly long half-hour, at 8:00 AM sharp, all music platforms updated, and the first song instantly became available.

"Here it comes! I’ve got it!"

"New song’s up, ’My Dream.’ Sisters, I’m going to listen right away!"

"Who are you calling sisters? Brothers, the goddess’s new song is out, let’s go!"

"It’s out! Let’s listen and see how it is."

Different people had different reactions. There were two modes of digital album sales: one could buy the entire album directly, or sample the songs, purchasing only those that appealed and skipping the rest. This approach was quite flexible, accommodating various types of listeners.

Technically, Xu Qingqiu wasn’t a top-tier Singer; many held the titles of King or Queen. To put it bluntly, those titles weren’t worth much. Real commercial value hinged on popularity or song quality.

The reason she garnered so much attention was twofold. Firstly, it was due to the continuing buzz from her previous conflict with ’The Sound of Nature.’ Secondly, several others had released albums before her. These albums, marketed heavily around the graduation season, had instead disgusted the entire internet and sparked major controversy. As a result, other singers’ album releases were put on hold as everyone adopted a wait-and-see approach. This created an odd and brief gap in the market. Consequently, Xu Qingqiu’s album stood out like a crane among chickens. This prominence was not only due to Sister Hua’s comprehensive assessment but also because the team’s confidence in this album significantly eased their pressure.

A song isn’t very long; three minutes is usually enough for most people to listen to it in its entirety.

"Damn! It’s so good, ridiculously good!"

"It’s amazing! I’m a fan of President Xu, but I have to say, this song is absolutely amazing!"

"This MV is freaking incredible. It feels like watching a movie. To be honest, I nearly cried after watching it."

The overwhelmingly positive fan reactions made some casual observers even more skeptical. However, it also piqued the interest of countless marketing accounts and entertainment tabloids. Conventional wisdom suggested that if fans hyped something up, it was usually trash. The more fans raved, the more flaws it likely had, and flaws meant potential for buzz!

Now, all entertainment accounts, whether previously interested or not, rushed to various platforms, eager to ride the wave of traffic. Those who had been paying attention from the start were now dumbfounded.

People in the industry, even if not top professionals, at least had decent judgment. Pocket Knife, an editor from New Entertainment Trend, was one such person. At that moment, as he listened to the song on his computer, his expression was complex and constantly shifting.

"Keep on walking straight ahead,"

"In this crazy world,"

"Facing the pain, entrust all the dreams in your eyes,"

"To time."

The rhythm of the song at the beginning was quite calm. Judging by the lyrics, he had to admit that a lot of effort had been put into them. One could tell there was a solid foundation. However, he wondered about the chorus. He feared it might end up being anticlimactic. After all, the song released first should be the lead single, right?

"My Dream says not to wait,"

"Let the light refract through tear-moistened eyes,"

"Reflecting the rainbow in the heart we long to embrace,"

"Take me to the sky where you are,"

"Because you are ’My Dream’,"

"My Dream."

As soon as the chorus began, Pocket Knife felt a jolt, as if electrified from head to toe. His mouth fell wide open.

Damn! This is awesome!

What he wanted to express wasn’t just how awesome the singing or lyrics were. It was the entire performance—the emotion, combined with the lyrics and rhythm—that achieved an effect far greater than the sum of its parts. Furthermore, the entire song, accompanied by the MV, was doubly impactful because its artistic conception was elevated to another level.

After listening, he unconsciously clenched his fists, feeling a surge of passion with no outlet.

As the song gained traction after its release, the shock and awe it inspired grew. Some focused on the song itself; both the lyrics and composition were staggeringly impressive. Even without market validation, industry insiders knew this song was undeniably destined to be a classic.

Others focused on Xu Qingqiu’s Singing Skills. Regardless of any studio tuning, professionals could discern a Singer’s fundamental abilities through certain nuances.

"The vocal stability is so solid, and the low notes are deeper. The control over the high notes is subtle and exquisite; the head voice resonance is incredibly strong. The transitions between mid-range and high notes are smooth as silk. When did she become so powerful?"