The stage lights dimmed.
Staff members pushed a piano onto the stage.
Su Yu walked to the piano and sat down, then placed the microphone on the stand.
The song selection for a concert was crucial; it determined whether the audience would be fully engaged.
The closing song was equally important. Su Yu had originally planned to end with "Blue and White Porcelain," as it held deep meaning for him, Lin Yanyu, and their fans.
However, after seeing the online criticism and public opinion, Su Yu suddenly felt that "I" was a more fitting song to perform now.
He wanted to tell himself, and those who cared about him.
"Life is short, and it's not just about learning how to love others, but more importantly, about appreciating yourself… 'I,' dedicated to all of you!"
With that said.
Su Yu placed his fingers on the keys and slowly closed his eyes.
The piano notes were crisp and melodious.
"I am who I am, a firework of a different color,
Across the vast sky and sea, I'll be the strongest bubble.
I love myself, letting the roses bloom with a unique result,
In the lonely desert, I still bloom in my naked glory…"
To fit in with others' definitions, many people constantly changed themselves, altering how others viewed them, going with the flow.
At the age of marriage, they married and had children. For the sake of face, even if heavily in debt, they forced themselves to buy houses and cars.
Was that their own life?
That was a life defined by others.
"I am who I am, a firework of a different color,
Across the vast sky and sea, I'll be the strongest bubble.
I love myself, letting the roses bloom with a unique result,
In the lonely desert, I still bloom in my naked glory…"
The venue was deathly silent.
But in the audience's minds, it was an uproar!
The lyrics hit like a thunderclap, each line resonating deep within, each line a harsh slap to reality!
I am who I am.
I love myself!
Even if I am just a firework, even if I can only shine for a moment, that is the best me!
The courage that surged from the bottom of their hearts, even if everyone else disapproved, even if they disliked this me, they had to be as willful as a rose blooming in the desert, willfully loving themselves!
"I was worried he might be affected by the rumors and gossip, but he's fine now. He responded to the doubts with his singing, and through his music, he made his fans understand who he truly is, who the real Su Yu is!" Mo Yan was already in tears.
The more one experienced, the more they could feel how difficult it was to achieve "I love myself" in the lyrics.
"He is a musician, and also a true artist!"
Jiang Qian's eyes were slightly red as she gave her assessment.
Chen Shuhao nodded, "A true artist, he deserves that title!"
Fang Lingyu sighed, his expression complex, "I've lived for decades, and I haven't seen things as clearly as this young man."
"Artist…" Shen Jinghong, standing beside Mo Yan, seemed to understand but not quite.
Mo Yan, hearing him speak, was about to say something, but upon seeing Shen Jinghong's suddenly tensed expression, his voice softened into a gentle smile, "Keep going, your path is still long."
Shen Jinghong felt flattered. His teacher wasn't scolding him this time, nor was he comparing him to Ting Yu again!
"Thank you, Teacher, I will definitely work hard!" He clenched his fist, his tone filled with determination!
Mo Yan smiled and patted his head, his gaze like that of a child.
Shen Jinghong felt this familiar feeling, and his eyes suddenly reddened. For some reason, he just wanted to cry!
"How happy it is to live happily in a glass house,
Telling the world what is light and integrity…"
The second verse was not long.
But under Su Yu's interpretation, the emotions deepened once more.
Yet, both the audience in the venue and those watching from afar were deeply moved.
It was as if, in this situation, they had entered their own world, seeing clearly what they were, what their original selves were!
That pure, carefree self, filled only with joy!
"I am who I am, a firework of a different color,
Across the vast sky and sea, I'll be the strongest bubble.
I love myself, letting the roses bloom with a unique result,
In the lonely desert, I still bloom in my naked glory…"
On stage.
The backup singers watched Su Yu with red eyes.
Lin Yanyu, already quite emotional, the girl who cried even when watching dramas, was now a sobbing mess.
She had thought that at Su Yu's level, no one would find fault with him anymore. But she never expected that a mere donation incident could cause such a stir.
But none of that mattered now. Just as the song said, it was best to be oneself. And no matter what kind of Su Yu it was, he was the one Lin Yanyu loved the most, the one she would be with forever.
"I am who I am!
A firework of a different color…"
The final verse's emotions intensified.
It was like a sublimation of the entire song. If the earlier parts were about breaking free from constraints, then this final part was about declaring to the entire world:
I am Su Yu.
Whether you like me or dislike me.
This is me!
The venue was utterly silent.
The cameras swept across the audience.
Many people had tears in their eyes.
More sensitive audience members, like Lin Yanyu, were crying uncontrollably.
The cameras returned to Su Yu on stage.
When he sang the last note, he finally opened his eyes, a confident smile playing on his lips.
The lights gradually brightened.
He turned his head, looking towards the audience.
There, the sky-blue light sticks shone like stars.
It was over…
As he stood up.
A wave of dizziness washed over him.
"Buzz!"
His hand landed on the piano keys, preventing him from falling.
The piano emitted a jarring sound.
Su Yu shook his head.
He picked up the microphone from the stand and walked towards the front of the stage.
The venue remained silent.
Because the cameras had shifted to the audience, many people hadn't noticed his earlier abnormality.
About ten seconds passed.
Boom!
The venue erupted in a thunderous applause and cheers!