Chapter 124: Xue Qianqian’s Perfect Harmony with "The Actor"

"The song I’ve brought for you today is exactly what everyone has been guessing—it’s a track by Su Bai!"

"Wow!!!"

The crowd erupted instantly!

Even though they couldn't see Su Bai here in person, hearing such a renowned singer perform his work was a fantastic alternative! Everyone began to feel a surge of anticipation, mentally debating which of his songs might be chosen.

"However, it’s not one of the songs you all guessed! It’s actually a song Su Bai sang back when he was a food delivery driver. I wonder if any of you remember it?"

"Alright, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. The title of this song is 'Actor'!"

As Xue Qianqian spoke, many in the audience looked bewildered. Su Bai had a song called "Actor"?

This reaction was understandable. After all, when Su Bai first performed it, he didn't have his current level of fame. It wasn't until he appeared in a CCTV interview and became an ambassador for the Palace Museum's culture that he truly exploded into the national consciousness, becoming a red-hot celebrity. His previous popularity had stemmed from his clash with Huisi Capital, which had kept him in the headlines, but the reach of that controversy was limited compared to his status today.

Because the video of him singing "Actor" hadn't gone viral on Douyin, it lacked the widespread influence of his later work.

"Keep it simple,
The way you speak, keep it simple,
Skip the escalating emotions.
You aren't an actor,
So don't design those plot points.
I have no objections,
I just want to see how you justify it.
Your sorrow is too superficial,
Like an untalented actor,
That the audience can see through at a glance."

As soon as Xue Qianqian began to sing, the crowd stared at him in astonishment. How was it that a Su Bai song sounded so seamless in his voice? The style was so similar to Xue’s own work! If he hadn't mentioned it was a Su Bai song, they would have assumed it was a brand-new release from him. Regardless, it was truly beautiful. Even Hua Xingyu, who had heard it once before at a karaoke lounge, couldn't help but sigh inwardly: it was a perfect fit!

"I pretend not to see the performance I’m supposed to play along with,
Forcing the one who loves you most to improvise.
When did we start to discard our bottom lines?
Conforming to the changes of the times, watching those clumsy performances.
But why did you have to act out the details when you used to love me so much?
What kind of person must I become to delay the weariness?
It turns out that these things, once love lets down its guard,
Are the real tests."

"Old Xue’s voice, as always, pulls you right into the emotion!"

"It’s supposed to be an exciting event, so why does my heart feel so bitter?"

While the audience felt a stinging sorrow, Yang Mi’s eyes brightened as she listened. She was deeply curious: what state of mind was Su Bai in when he wrote this? She knew full well that only someone who had been deeply hurt could pen such sincere lyrics. Only someone who had experienced betrayal could have such profound insight. Had Su Bai lived through a heart-wrenching romance before he became famous? The thought piqued her curiosity. To force the one who loves you most to improvise—what kind of deep trauma was required to reach such an understanding?

"I have no objections,
Whatever you want, I don't care.
Your acting skills are limited,
And there's no need for a closing statement.
Let's just part ways calmly.
I pretend not to see the performance I’m supposed to play along with,
Don't force the one who loves you most to improvise.
When did we start to have no bottom lines?
Following others' lies, being passive so as not to appear pitiful.
But why did you have to act out the details when you used to love me so much?
What kind of person must I become to play along with the performance?
It turns out that these things, once love lets down its guard,
All have an expiration date."

When the chorus hit, many in the audience had reddened eyes. It felt as if they were remembering their own soul-crushing first loves. The reluctance at the time of parting, the unwillingness to let go, yet in the end, both walking their separate paths. Looking back now, there were so many excuses, so many lies. Was it worth it? Everyone was asking themselves.

It seemed everyone now understood why Xue Qianqian chose to sing this song instead of his own at such an important event. It was as if this song had been tailor-made for him! His loyal fans, familiar with his history, knew about his past heartbreaks. Hearing this song now, it felt like a requiem for a dead love. Slowly, the fans began to feel a sense of pity for him.

"Actually, I am the only one in the audience.
Actually, I can see you are a bit reluctant.
We are used to this back-and-forth tug-of-war,
What else is there to quibble over?
Actually, it’s not certain that we can’t be separated,
Actually, what feelings fear most is dragging things out.
The more we reach the climax, the less I can cry.
Is it still worth it?
I try my best to play the role I’m supposed to perform,
Like a guest on a variety show, left for others to pick.
If you can still see the side of me that loves you,
Please cut those scenes so I can look dignified.
But why did you have to act out the details when you used to love me so much?
My indifferent expression is my final performance.
It is because I love you that I choose to perform,
This kind of fulfillment."

...

As the song ended, the crowd remained immersed in the melancholic atmosphere. Everyone kept marveling at how many girlfriends Xue Qianqian must have broken up with to sing with such soul-tearing emotion. Then, a comment from someone nearby made everyone go silent.

"You all feel such deep emotions just listening to Xue Qianqian sing this."

"But have you ever thought about what kind of despair Su Bai himself must have experienced to have such deep insight?"

The deeper the hurt, the truer the love. That had been an unchanging truth since ancient times. The remark left everyone lost in thought. It seemed Su Bai carried many stories within him.

The host’s playful remark brought the atmosphere back to life.

"Goodness, I invited you here, Teacher Xue, to liven things up, but you almost sent everyone into a depression!"

"If I hadn't known beforehand that this was Teacher Su Bai’s song, I would have thought it was your new track, Teacher Xue!"

"How should I put it? I can only say that Teacher Xue and the song 'Actor' are a divine match!"

Hahaha...

The audience burst into laughter. It really had almost made everyone depressed! But they agreed with the host; it was indeed a perfect match.

"But this also reflects the strength of our Teacher Xue!"

"To be able to make everyone identify with the song like that—this ability to command the stage is incredible!"

"Alright, let us thank Teacher Xue Qianqian for his performance!"

"Next up is the performance everyone has been looking forward to from Teacher Yang Mi!"

"What kind of brilliant track do you think she will bring us?"

After the host finished, the room went silent. In their hearts, most felt that just watching Yang Mi walk across the stage a few times would be eye candy enough. As for her singing...