This Star Only Wants More Money - Chapter 34
Translator: Diviner
At 5:30 in the evening, the graduation party started right on time, and the massive stadium was packed to capacity.
The mist machines helped relieve the heat but couldn’t completely mask the sweltering summer weather.
Yet everyone — students and nearby locals who had come to join the excitement — simply wiped the sweat from their brows and continued cheering for these soon-to-be graduates, who were about to give the last performance of their student careers.
The fact that the venue was packed had much to do with Xu Feng as well.
This new-generation star, whose personality was unlike any typical entertainer in the industry, had already garnered quite a lot of attention on the internet.
Among the crowd were not only Xu Feng’s few original fans but also employees from various talent agencies. Even if it meant posing as bystanders and working overtime during off-hours in the scorching heat, they were determined to seize this great opportunity with Xu Feng.
Many people were sweating profusely, eagerly searching through the bustling crowd of performers on stage, trying to spot Xu Feng.
Unfortunately, no one could find him.
Xu Feng was currently in the multimedia room under the podium, half-reclined on a sofa, enjoying the air conditioning while watching the distorted heat waves outside the window, feeling utterly relaxed.
To avoid the awkwardness of not being able to find a ride after Lin Shenghuan’s concert, Xu Feng had even booked a car in advance this time. Once the concert ended, and he delivered the merchandise gift to “Big Bird Spin Spin Spin,” he could leave as quickly as possible.
Since he hadn’t done much in terms of promotion or marketing, his number of original fans wasn’t that large, and even fewer would be able to make the trip to Luohe University to see him. But if he got surrounded, it could still be a hassle.
If someone asked him why he hadn’t released an album, he couldn’t just say, “Because no one paid me to.”
At this moment, Wu Youqing, who had just finished the final rehearsal and was slightly out of breath, walked into the room with her classmates, planning to rest a little and prepare themselves to meet Xu Feng’s challenge in their best state.
Then, they saw Xu Feng almost lying on a chair.
Wu Youqing glanced at Xu Feng, then at herself, and was momentarily at a loss for words.
Xu Feng remembered this girl from the piano room earlier and nodded to her, casually greeting, “What have you been busy with?”
Wu Youqing, “…”
What have we been busy with?!
Busy figuring out how to beat you in the upcoming performance, what else could it be? Surely it’s not competing with other faculties to see who’s the biggest joke?
I should be asking you what you’ve been up to. Are you not worried at all, or do you not consider us as worthy opponents?
Their performance’s style was the same genre as “The Wind Rises,” a direct and intense showdown!
Whether it was the accompaniment or the singing, the most skilled individuals in the college were responsible.
Even their usually strict mentor had rarely praised their work; the lyrics, the richness of the composition, and the vocal skills were all impeccable.
Even if Lin Shenghuan herself were present, Wu Youqing’s team had the confidence to put up a fight.
Judging from his performances on TV shows, although Xu Feng could easily overpower all his competitors, he was still a step below the level of someone like Lin Shenghuan… So how could he be this relaxed?
Anyone who didn’t know would think he was a school leader inspecting the event.
Usually composed and steady, Wu Youqing almost couldn’t keep her emotions in check several times in front of Xu Feng. After taking a few breaths, she forced a smile, slightly gritting her teeth, “We were just doing the final rehearsal. What about you, Mr. Xu Feng?”
Xu Feng nodded, pointing to the half-empty bottle of iced mineral water on the table, indicating that he was well-prepared. “I drank one of your bottles of water to moisten my throat.”
While answering seriously, Xu Feng also felt again how competitive this field was.
A talented student, both high-level and pretty, was sacrificing her lunch breaks for practice and rehearsing in the evening when mosquitoes were most active, all under intense heat. It wasn’t easy at all.
For a mere campus party, they had to give it their all.
Wu Youqing decided not to continue this conversation which could drive anyone mad. She glanced around the room and asked, “Mr. Xu Feng, what instrument are you planning to play this time? Are you performing solo or in an ensemble?”
After asking, she felt this might not be appropriate and quickly added, “If it involves anything that needs to be kept secret, you don’t have to answer.”
Xu Feng waved his hand, “It’s not a secret; I’m performing solo.”
Since the guess about what he would sing and play was completely wrong, it didn’t matter whether it was a solo or not.
Wu Youqing’s eyes lit up, and she spoke evenly, “Great, I’ll have them bring the piano over — the one from the piano room. If you don’t mind, you can use it.”
If Xu Feng used the same instrument they did, there would be fewer variables, and she wouldn’t have to worry about the final performance being influenced by any hardware advantages.
Fair, just, and open!
According to the analysis of all the students, including several mentors, it was confirmed that “The Wind Rises” must be a piano-accompanied piece.
Wu Youqing’s piano was both expensive and of high quality; she was sure Xu Feng wouldn’t decline this invitation.
Xu Feng sighed and didn’t bother explaining the misunderstanding, “Thank you for the offer, but I won’t be using the piano for this song, so there’s no need.”
Huh??
Not a piano?!
If she weren’t trying so hard to maintain her reserved image, Wu Youqing would have sat down and seriously debated with Xu Feng about how that song could not be a piano piece.
How could it not be?
But seeing that the performances outside had already started, and everyone was about to get into position, Wu Youqing held back for a long time. Finally, she glared at Xu Feng, her tone less than satisfied. “Then, I look forward to your performance on stage, Mr. Xu Feng!”
With that, she turned and left.
Xu Feng’s attention was already on the large screen broadcasting the live performance outside, and he casually nodded without noticing her emotions, continuing to watch the show.
“The first act is a poetry recital, as expected. A safe choice, but the audience seems enthusiastic.”
Subsequent performances included dances and choirs — standard campus acts that were not particularly stunning but managed to create a pleasant atmosphere, earning plenty of applause.
When it was the turn of the Art Department, the host tactfully skipped over, announcing the next academy and the audience’s atmosphere instantly became lively.
What had been speculated on the campus forums was immediately proven true —
The Art Department, which had always delivered impressive performances, was indeed going head-to-head with Xu Feng this time!
Professionals from the art department might not necessarily be less skilled than those on TV shows!
Everyone was filled with curiosity about the final act.
Of course, the latter half still included various off-key performances, singers discovering they were half a beat behind the accompaniment, and skits with forgotten lines — just as comical as in previous years.
It wasn’t until the handsome and beautiful performers from the Art Department stepped onto the stage that the crowd gradually collected themselves.
By this time, it was already dark. In past years, people would be chatting casually, discussing their future plans post-graduation.
But today, everyone’s eyes were glued to the stage.
Even the host on stage gripped the microphone with anticipation, “Now, please welcome Wu Youqing, Li Wei… from the Art Department, performing the song ‘Brilliant Star’! Please enjoy their show!”
With the announcement, Xu Feng saw that familiar piano and other instruments being pushed out.
Wu Youqing’s fingers danced over the piano keys, her clear singing voice and the accompaniment filled every corner of the venue through the speakers.
“Still waters lie undisturbed, reflecting a sky full of stars…”
“……”
The lyrics were exquisite, the rhythm and melody beautiful, and even the performers were all attractive. As soon as the song ended, the audience broke into enthusiastic applause.
The Art Department’s performance was indeed flawless.
However, anyone with a bit of musical knowledge could tell that the melody of this song was in the same genre as the one Xu Feng was about to perform!
The final act this year was going to be explosive!
Many people were curious about how the full version of the song, which had shone in the pk, would sound when performed by Xu Feng.
The host smiled as he came back on stage, “Next, let’s welcome Xu Feng, the senior from the Mechanical Engineering Department!”
From the audience, especially the Mechanical Engineering Department section, came the loudest cheers.
Even in the night, people could be seen waving glow sticks that said “Xu Feng” and “The Wind Rises,” while others directly chanted Xu Feng’s name and the song title.
Xu Feng picked up his guitar and stepped onto the stage, looking down at the crowd holding signs that read “The Wind Rises” and seeing the expectant yet nervous faces of Wu Youqing and her team. He felt a bit of a headache.
He sighed inwardly, took the microphone, and said, “Today, representing the Mechanical Engineering Department, I’m bringing you a song called ‘Once You.’ Hope you enjoy it.”
The noise, the waving signs… Almost everyone in the audience suddenly froze in place.
Wait a minute…
Why is the song title four characters long?!