Chapter 110: A Return Too Painful to Recall?

Compared to Luo Tianyi’s skeptical expression, Luo Chen felt quite confident. Although his own singing was merely average, he had no intention of just winging it; if he wasn't good enough, he could simply channel someone else. Wouldn't his level improve with a bit of practice? As for his vocal tone, Luo Chen had discovered while humming in his spare time that his voice was actually quite good; it was only his singing technique that was lacking.

There were many masters in the music section of his past life, but after some consideration, he chose to emulate "Paigu Jiaozhu." Facing a group of girls with varying expressions, Luo Chen closed his eyes, let out a soft breath, and began to sing slowly.

"Mocking those who flaunt their beauty, how can one be a match without a heart?
The sound of the plate-bells is crisp, the lamps flicker faintly between the curtains.
You and I are the most perfect match.
Without you, it is the original sin; without a heart, we are well-matched.
You are in rags, I am painted in colors; we walk side by side through mountains and waters.
You are haggard, I will be radiant for you.
......"

The low, soothing a cappella quickly drew everyone in. Even without musical accompaniment, the singing was enough to move everyone present. A song only lasts a few short minutes, and by the time Luo Chen stopped, the others were slow to realize it had ended. Dai Xinhua and Yuezheng Ling had not known Luo Chen for long, so they were simply astonished by how well he sang. Meanwhile, Luo Tianyi, who had been waiting to see a joke, and Yan He, who had been worried, both wore strange expressions.

If Luo Chen weren't standing right in front of them, they wouldn't have believed he had sung that himself. The contrast was far too great. Had Luo Chen never sung properly before? Or had he been secretly practicing alone behind their backs during this time? But the former seemed impossible, and there hadn't been time for the latter.

"Luo Chen, why don't you sing it yourself instead of giving it to Tianyi? You sing so well," Yuezheng Ling asked, unable to contain her curiosity after hearing his a cappella. If it sounded this good with just his voice, surely the complete song would be even better. Didn't Luo Chen have any thoughts on that?

"Singing isn't my forte. Besides, this song, 'Silk Strings Opera,' is better suited for a female voice. I believe in Tianyi's ability; she will certainly have no issues."

Luo Chen had considered venturing into the music section, but he had only just become a big shot in the "Guchu" and gaming sections. Between his videos and streams, he hadn't even posted much yet; if he switched to music now, his fans would tear him apart. They were all waiting for his new videos, so he would leave that for later.

"Not... your forte?" Yuezheng Ling looked at him with a peculiar expression. If this wasn't his forte, how many people in China would dare claim they were good at music? This level was already quite high; he could debut as a star right now without any issues. It was no wonder he could write such beautiful lyrics. Was his earlier claim about not being good at composing also a display of false modesty? Yuezheng Ling thought back to how she had confidently told him that the composing was on her, and wondered if he had been secretly laughing at her inside.

As she thought this, Yuezheng Ling shot him an annoyed glare, leaving Luo Chen, who was waiting for her to compose the score, completely bewildered as to how he had offended her. However, annoyance aside, she wouldn't go back on her word. Besides, she wanted to show Luo Chen that she was no less capable than him when it came to composition.

Thanks to having Luo Chen, who knew the finished product, as a helper, and with him occasionally humming the melody, the speed of composition increased significantly. Even so, it took quite a long time for Yuezheng Ling to complete the score. Luo Chen didn't waste this time; he helped Luo Tianyi record the lyrics and corrected mistakes in her tone. When he had first decided to write "Silk Strings Opera," he had worried about whether she could master the theatrical vocal style, but it seemed his concerns had been unnecessary.

After having her sing it a few times, Luo Chen did notice slight flaws—her voice lacked that faint touch of sorrow. Although she put her emotions into the singing, it felt less sincere than when she sang "Millennium Recipe" or "Power and Dominion." It was a subtle difference that only became apparent upon comparison.

"Tianyi, have you ever experienced any days worth remembering that were a bit sad? For example, in terms of relationships..." Luo Chen started to say "relationship troubles" before remembering that under his and Yan He’s protection, no boy would dare to cross her. After some thought, he tentatively suggested, "How about thinking back to the old days? Hmm... perhaps six months ago?"

Hearing him mention that dark and confusing period, the expression on Luo Tianyi’s face, which had been quite good, instantly turned somber, and her bright eyes lost their usual sparkle. Luo Chen, sensing something was wrong, was about to explain, but then he saw her slowly open her mouth and begin to sing along to the melody.

"Mocking those who flaunt their beauty, how can one be a match without a heart?
The sound of the plate-bells is crisp, the lamps flicker faintly between the curtains.
You and I are the most perfect match.
..........
You are wrong and I refuse to be right; you are ignorant and I am oblivious.
How can the fire in my heart be extinguished by boiling water?
You wither and I do not fade; you grow weary and I dare not tire.
What can I use to keep you warm for a thousand years?
The wind and snow are faint, autumn frosts the tips of your hair,
The lamps are lush, rubbing wrinkles into your brows.
If you shed a single tear, if I could accompany you as we grow old,
Even if we turn to ash in the mist, it would be perfect.
The wind and snow are faint, autumn frosts the tips of your hair."

This time, Luo Tianyi poured all her emotions into the song. It wasn't just her; even the audience, including Luo Chen, couldn't help but feel a lingering sorrow. It wasn't sadness or grief, but rather the feeling of faint, melancholic memories being awakened, creating a desire to listen forever.

Although she had perfectly met his requirements, Luo Chen couldn't bring himself to be happy. He had experienced the scenes in her memories as well. As the younger sister being protected, even if she said nothing on the surface, it hadn't been easy for her. But those difficult days had passed, and all that remained was this faint sense of sorrow in their memories.

Yuezheng Ling looked at the somewhat melancholic siblings, gradually shaking off the mood created by the song. She looked at them with a strange expression. One could sing with such deep immersion, and the other could write such beautiful, sorrowful lyrics. After struggling for a moment, she couldn't help but ask, "You two wouldn't happen to have some unbearable past, would you?"