"Your sudden message,
Caught me off guard, leaving me frozen in place.
While everyone rejoiced for you,
I was the only one who foolishly came to,
Realizing someone had already tailored a wedding dress for you."
Zhang Yang held the microphone, his eyes unfocused.
All nervousness had vanished.
He had practiced this song countless times, each rendition choking him.
He understood the emotions in the lyrics better than anyone.
That feeling of loving someone unattainable was his reality back then, and the struggle and unwillingness to attend his ex-girlfriend's wedding, he was experiencing it now.
Even though it was all in the past.
But his teacher had said that as a singer, every experience was a precious key to unlocking emotions.
And Zhang Yang, to sing this song well, was trying to tap into his feelings, showcasing what he had learned for the first time in front of everyone.
...
"Damn, what song is this?"
"These lyrics are so cutting!"
"Why do I feel a lump in my throat when I listen to him sing?"
"His voice is so heartbreaking..."
"..."
In the audience.
The hall had fallen completely silent.
Everyone wore peculiar expressions.
From just these few lines of lyrics, they already understood the song's meaning.
...
"Thank you for the special invitation,
To witness your love.
I constantly remind myself,
Not to escape.
Holding the wedding invitation, I walk step by step,
Into the venue he meticulously prepared.
It's a pity this is your scenery,
And I'm just a guest."
During the chorus, Zhang Yang's emotions gradually built, but as soon as they reached their peak, he pulled back, vividly portraying that conflicted feeling.
"I let go of all memories,
To fulfill your love.
Yet I'm still unwilling to believe,
This is fate.
The you I haven't seen in a long time seems distant,
Our handshake and pleasantries are so polite.
Why must you deliberately, in front of him,
Hide the fact that in my world,
You existed."
The lyrics, so humble to the core, coupled with Zhang Yang's slightly tearful rendition.
Not only the wedding guests present but also the millions of viewers in Zhou Xiaoyi's live stream were deeply moved by the song.
In the live stream, the barrage of comments had completely obscured the screen.
"Tears!"
"It's all emotion!"
"Is this guy the bride's ex-boyfriend?"
"Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable, that someone would be so pathetic as to attend his ex-girlfriend's wedding?"
"It's a pity this is your scenery, and I'm just a guest, these lyrics are truly so humble..."
"Every line of the lyrics hits the heart!"
"Bro, you owe me tears!"
"Crying my eyes out! The last time I teared up listening to a song was the last time!"
...
The instrumental break for "Guest" was a gentle piano interlude.
The audience, moved by Zhang Yang's singing, remained silent, listening intently.
At this moment, Su Yu suddenly felt an urge to use the restroom.
"I'm going to the restroom," he said to Zhao De and the others, then got up and headed to the washroom.
Seeing this, Zhou Tao subtly glanced at a group of security guards approaching Zhang Yang from behind the stage, and his heart sank.
Had Brother Yu sensed trouble and slipped away?
"Cough, cough... I need to go to the restroom too..." he told Zhao De and Gong Ju Ren, then took a large crayfish from the table, put it into a plastic bag he was carrying, and followed Su Yu towards the restroom.
"Oh my, Zhao De, my stomach doesn't feel quite right either. You stay here and watch, I'm going to the restroom too!"
Gong Ju Ren clutched his stomach and followed.
Leaving Zhao De looking utterly bewildered.
"Could they have gotten food poisoning from the banquet?" he scratched his head in confusion, then grinned smugly, "Haha, a bunch of losers. I, Zhao De, ate at the same table as them and I'm fine."
...
The instrumental break ended.
The second verse began.
This time, Zhang Yang was clearly in the zone.
His voice was more steady, his emotions fuller.
If the first verse was a gentle, flowing narrative, the second was a complete release of emotion.
"Unknowingly, the bells chime,
You wait there,
For him to approach.
The gentle him kneels,
And slowly places the diamond ring,
On your ring finger.
While everyone rejoices for you,
I'm the only one who foolishly came to,
Realizing there's no longer any connection between us!"
At this moment.
That line, "no longer any connection,"
Felt like a heavy punch to everyone's heart.
The bitterness that permeated to their bones made the attendees unable to hold back, instantly tearing up.
Zhou Mengting, having changed her clothes, emerged from the dressing room. She first paused upon hearing Zhang Yang's singing, then hurried towards the venue.
"Thank you for the special invitation, to witness your love.
I constantly remind myself, not to escape.
You look exceptionally beautiful today,
This beauty was once held in my embrace.
It's a pity this is your wedding with him,
And I'm just a guest."
During the second chorus, Zhang Yang sang with even more fervor.
In his mind, the scene of Zhou Mengting inviting him at that time replayed.
"Coincidentally, I've been waiting here specifically for you..."
"Zhang Yang, I'm getting married..."
"I want to ask you one last thing..."
"Can you come to our wedding..."
These words were like steel needles piercing his heart.
Making his voice crack with desperation.
"I let go of all memories,
To fulfill your love.
Yet I'm still unwilling to believe,
This is fate.
The promised forever has become the past,
I try to sincerely bless you.
Please forgive me for being ungracious and weak,
Choosing to excuse myself,
And leave first!"
Zhou Mengting had reached the stage entrance. Standing backstage, she stared blankly at Zhang Yang.
On her way over, she had already heard Zhang Yang's singing. The heart-piercing lyrics made her heart tremble, but also filled her with panic.
What would she say to Liang Feng?
Zhang Yang, if you still love me, why are you doing this to me?
Her mind was in utter chaos.
...
"It's not an idol drama,
Why am I acting so immersed!
This unbearable plot..."
An angry vocalization!
Zhang Yang practiced this line countless times every day, and this particular outburst was undoubtedly perfect.
Everyone in the audience felt a chill down their spine, followed by their scalps tingling and goosebumps appearing.
Zhang Yang seemed to sense something. He slowly turned, looking at Zhou Mengting's head peeking from behind the curtain, a smile of relief curling on his lips.
The spotlight was cast from behind him. As he turned, the light made it difficult for him to open his eyes.
However, he still tried his best to look at Zhou Mengting.
Their eyes met.
"Thank you for the special invitation,
To witness the love you desire,
Perhaps being a guest is another kind of destiny.
Leaving the person I was with you behind,
What right do I have to care now,
After all, it's you who ended up together,
And I'm just a guest."
Gazing into Zhang Yang's soulful eyes, and listening to his singing.
Zhou Mengting covered her mouth, tears streaming uncontrollably.
"I've shed all my memories,
To celebrate your wedding,
Yet I still lack the courage to bless you.
Thank you for giving me the final awakening,
Returning myself to myself,
At least I can still be the one,
A guest witnessing your love.
The one you met is truly fortunate,
I hope he will love you more than I do..."
The song finished completely.
Zhang Yang's eyes were slightly red. He looked at Zhou Mengting, a bitter smile on his lips, his heart struggling fiercely. If he left now, Zhou Mengting would have a difficult future.
However, what did her difficulties have to do with him?
Though he thought this, facing Zhou Mengting's flustered gaze, Zhang Yang's heart ached inexplicably. He decided, she had already achieved her dream, he would help her one last time, and then he would have done all he could.
With this thought, he slapped himself.
Zhang Yang, you really are a masochist!
"Friends, my name is Zhang Yang, my new song 'Guest' is now online. Although this occasion is a bit inappropriate..."
But before he could finish explaining, the microphone suddenly went silent.
Then, Liang Feng, leading a group of security guards, approached with an angry expression.