Chapter 21: I Have Never Experienced This Before
As Chu Nan’s fingers moved, the opening melody flowed gracefully and wistfully, tinged with a hint of sorrow.
Just by glancing at Chu Nan’s guitar technique, Zhou Xiaonan knew he was no novice. For a moment, she even found herself feeling a bit more confident about him.
“Zhou Xiaonan, no matter what the future holds, I hope this song brings you courage...” Chu Nan smiled, his body swaying gently to the rhythm, his left foot tapping softly in time.
“Can’t fill~ half the seats in the cinema
Until the screen fades~ and suddenly the lights come on
The credits freeze on the production and distribution
I watch them hurry away...”
“Damn!” Lu Fei, who prided himself on his refined manners, was watching a piano demonstration with a client but couldn’t help but swear when Chu Nan began to sing.
The woman beside him didn’t curse but was stunned, as were several children and students nearby.
What kind of song was this? Why did the moment it started singing, they all felt an urge to kneel?
“Counting countless stars that witness wishes
When they don’t come true, who soothes the bad mood?
The traffic lights flicker endlessly at the crossroads
Someone clearly burdened with heavy thoughts
Three words only spoken to oneself
Tilting one’s head back to keep the tears from falling
Where is the fate that can turn the tide?
I don’t want to hear it...”
By this point, Zhou Xiaonan was covering her mouth, tears uncontrollably streaming down her face.
The lyrics and melody captivated her so deeply, she was utterly overwhelmed by emotion.
“...I’ve felt the same evening breeze as you did
Does that mean we were embraced?
But like waking from a dream, both hands empty
And heart empty too
I’ve felt the same evening breeze as you did
Have we seen the same sights?
Like a time zone disrupted, trapped in a displaced space
Ultimately empty, empty...”
Two nearby female students also began to cry. Especially when the final “empty” was whispered in harmony with the guitar’s soft strumming, it imparted an indescribable sadness—everything felt surreal, like a dream.
As the last note faded, the music store fell silent for a moment before applause spontaneously erupted.
“That was beautiful! Play another one, another one!”
“Mom, what’s the name of this song? I’ve never heard it before!”
“Mom doesn’t know either, but it’s so beautiful! Why haven’t I heard such a wonderful song before?!”
---
“Together, together, together!” a tearful girl in the crowd suddenly shouted.
Immediately, others joined in, teasing, “Together, together, together! Kiss, kiss, kiss!”
Embarrassed, Chu Nan waved his hands at the crowd, “You’re mistaken, we’re just friends.”
“Tch!” Several girls nearby didn’t believe him. One high school girl even stepped forward, “Hey mister, can I add you on QQ?!”
Zhou Xiaonan’s gaze swept over her expressionlessly, “His QQ friends list is full.”
The girl was instantly struck by Zhou Xiaonan’s beauty and aura. She had only seen her profile before, but now, facing her directly, she lacked even the courage to compete.
No wonder such a talented young man liked her—any girl would find her beautiful...
“What’s the name of this song, Chu Nan?”
“Displaced Space-Time.”
Zhou Xiaonan smiled radiantly. “Displaced Space-Time? I like it very much. I’ve memorized this song.”
Chu Nan scratched his head. “So... do you forgive me now?”
“What do you think?” Zhou Xiaonan crossed her arms, her dark eyes shining brightly.
“Ahem... Miss Zhou, Mr. Chu, about this song, I’d like to talk with you...” Lu Fei, who had been holding back nearby, finally spoke.
Zhou Xiaonan glanced at Lu Fei. “He’s Lu Fei, the boss of Lu, founder of Feitian Studio, which runs a modest recording studio.”
“Founder of Feitian Studio!” Chu Nan looked at the middle-aged man with surprise.
Although not widely famous, in the previous life the studio was said to have launched a major star.
“Sigh, founder or not, I just love music and set up a recording studio. Mr. Chu, this song should be your original, right? I truly want to discuss it with you.” Lu Fei clearly recognized the song’s value.
A song that can bring people to tears isn’t a joke. When the right song meets the right person at the right time and place, it has immense emotional power. This song has that power, proving its charm. With some refinement and release, its value would be immeasurable.
“It is.”
“Well then... shall we go upstairs for a chat?” Lu Fei bowed slightly, expectant. Seeing Chu Nan hesitate, he added, “Miss Zhou, you’re a regular here. Could you say a good word for me?”
Lu Fei could tell this young man seemed intimidated by Zhou Xiaonan—or at least listened to her. If she spoke up, he would likely agree.
Zhou Xiaonan smiled. “Chu Nan has his reasons, but Mr. Lu is trustworthy.”
“Alright, let’s go up and talk.” Chu Nan roughly understood the man’s intentions. Although he wasn’t keen on cooperating if it involved resources, since Zhou Xiaonan trusted him, he was willing to.
After all, Zhou Xiaonan was a woman bold enough to entrust over five million yuan to him...
By the time they left Chu Yin Music Store, dusk was settling.
“Chu Nan, are you really going to give me this song?” Zhou Xiaonan squinted, still unsure if he was serious.
He smiled. “Of course. You lent me over five million; how could I not give you a song?”
For Chu Nan, there were better songs than “Displaced Space-Time,” but gaining the favor of a wealthy patron like Zhou Xiaonan was far more important. She had money and connections—things he, a penniless youth, couldn’t compare to.
Many self-made tycoons succeed because they meet benefactors—mentors and talented people who support them.
Chu Nan had realized as much. If he could use this girl wisely, his fortunes would only grow.
Zhou Xiaonan smiled. “This song’s value isn’t low, maybe even more than five million. Are you really willing to give it to me?”
Chu Nan chuckled. “No matter how valuable the song, you’re more important.”
“Can I take that as a confession?”
Chu Nan was momentarily stunned, then laughed, “If I confess, will you accept?”
---
Zhou Xiaonan shook her head. “Too sudden. I can’t.”
Chu Nan smiled wryly, “Well, that settles it.”
Suddenly, Zhou Xiaonan patted her motorcycle. “Let’s go. Where are you headed? I’ll give you a ride.”
“Uh... do you have a license?”
Zhou Xiaonan gave him a sharp look. “You little virgin, do you think I’d dare ride around without a license?!”
“Well, maybe we should just walk. Someone’s coming to pick me up later.”
“Who?”
“A guy, Huang Qi,” Chu Nan said, “He’s my buyer these days and my classmate’s brother. I’m staying at their place recently.”
Zhou Xiaonan frowned. “Is it safe?”
“Of course. I’m an adult. Why worry about me? I’m worried about you. You ride your motorcycle dressed like that—aren’t you afraid someone’s watching you?” Chu Nan spoke with some exasperation.
Hearing that, Zhou Xiaonan lowered her head, voice soft, “What? Not good looking?”
“You have no idea how good looking you are...” Chu Nan blushed even as he spoke. “Forget it, wear whatever you want.”
Zhou Xiaonan looked down, soft voice, “Then... next time I’ll wear more.”
Chu Nan’s heart nearly exploded, “Oh.”
“Since you’re busy, just come hang out with me.”
“Where can we go?”
“The nearby White Dragon Park. Wanna play on the seesaw together?”
“...How old are you, still playing seesaw?”
“If you don’t want to, forget it.”
“Fine, fine, let’s go.”
In high spirits, Zhou Xiaonan headed left.
“The White Dragon Park is to the right, isn’t it?!”
Waving at him, she called, “Come here!”
“Why? I already said it’s to the right,” Chu Nan said reluctantly, wondering if she was hopeless with directions.
“There’s a traffic light here. Let’s cross it first.”
Chu Nan frowned, “Isn’t that just a longer detour?”
Zhou Xiaonan softly sang, “The traffic lights flicker endlessly at the crossroads, someone clearly burdened with heavy thoughts~~”
“I haven’t experienced that part. I want to experience it with you, is that okay?”
Chu Nan paused, looking up to see Zhou Xiaonan with her hands behind her back, gazing into the distance. “Just kidding, how could I not have experienced it...”
Chu Nan gave a bitter smile.
At that moment, her flowing hair shimmered in the afternoon sunlight with a kaleidoscope of dreams, like feathers fallen from a dove—so close, yet unattainably distant...