Chapter 109: Is This Really Okay?

Lochen felt quite helpless at his own sister’s habit of shifting troublesome matters onto him, but, after all, he was her brother. Seeing Qiu Dayuan’s somewhat expectant gaze, he replied, “I’ve already thought of the next song. It should be released in the next few days. As for composing it specifically...”

“There’s no need to compose it exclusively for the Chinese Pavilion,” Qiu Dayuan interrupted. “As long as it’s an ancient-style piece suitable for broadcasting here, that will do.”

Qiu Dayuan understood that it would be difficult for Lochen to compose a brand-new piece just for the Chinese Pavilion in such a short time, so he didn’t press further. As long as they could get through this interim period, they could wait for Master Fang to return from his overseas trip.

“That won’t be a problem at all. Pavilion Lord Qiu, just wait a couple of days with peace of mind. I believe you won’t be disappointed,” Lochen assured him.

If it was merely a suitable ancient-style melody, Lochen had plenty swirling in his mind. Such a modest request was naturally something he wouldn’t refuse—after all, he had just enjoyed a lavish meal free of charge and couldn’t only accept benefits without giving something in return.

“Well then, I’ll be looking forward to good news from you, Little Friend Lo,” Qiu Dayuan said, his tension slowly easing upon hearing the answer he desired. He had been quite busy worrying about this matter recently, but now it was finally resolved.

As for whether the new song would have any issues?

Qiu Dayuan had great confidence in Lochen. Since he dared to make such a promise, he must possess considerable skill. The excellence of the previous two pieces was enough to earn his trust.

After some casual conversation, Qiu Dayuan took his leave first. Although he was relatively free now, he was not without tasks; after several days away, there were many important and minor affairs at the Chinese Pavilion awaiting his attention.

“Well, we’ve finished eating, and there are still other things to do. Shall we head back first?” After Qiu Dayuan departed, Lochen looked at the now-empty dining table and proposed.

“Hey? But there are still places we haven’t been to yet. We agreed to have fun for two full days,” Luo Tianyi complained, glaring at Lochen in dissatisfaction. She distinctly remembered he had promised yesterday but was now trying to backtrack.

“Two days? Didn’t you say two meals?” Lochen thought for a moment. Luo Tianyi hadn’t specified whether it was two days or two meals. Could it be he misunderstood?

Lochen smiled wryly and shook his head. Who could have guessed it was like this? Luckily, there was still a way to make amends. “Don’t forget who just now shifted their responsibility onto someone else. If you help out, that should cover one day, right?”

“Well… alright. But next time you can’t renege, or the agreement won’t count,” Luo Tianyi said with some hesitation but finally nodded resignedly, not forgetting to remind Lochen carefully.

“Don’t worry. I won’t forget,” Lochen promised. With that, the group, full and satisfied, returned home by the same route.

In the living room, under the urging of his sister and the eager anticipation of the others, Lochen wrote down the song he had long envisioned and handed it to the eagerly awaiting Luo Tianyi.

“‘Silken Threads Drama’?” Luo Tianyi raised her eyebrows in curiosity upon seeing the title. Could this piece be related to traditional opera?

“Yes, many parts need to be sung in operatic style,” Lochen explained.

“Silken Threads Drama” was an ancient-style single from his previous life, performed by Yin Lin and A Jie. Lochen recalled hearing a remixed cover on a platform before, which used Luo Tianyi’s voice and left a deep impression on him. Now, having the chance, he naturally wanted his sister to sing it live for him.

“Oh? These are your original lyrics, Lochen? That’s amazing! I didn’t expect you to have knowledge of opera,” Le Zhengling said, intrigued as she took the paper with the full lyrics from Luo Tianyi. After reading it several times, she couldn’t help but admire Lochen.

“But where’s the score? Why only the lyrics?” Le Zhengling flipped the paper over and over, yet found no musical notation. She suddenly recalled that the last time Lochen wrote a song, he also asked someone else to compose the music.

“I’m not good at composing music, but I can sing it once. A Ling, can you write the score?” Lochen said. Since he hadn’t formally studied music in his past life, composing was beyond him. Usually, he would pass such tasks to Yan He, but now that the daughter of a musical instrument maker was here, entrusting her was perfect.

“Yes, I can compose the score. It would be even better if you can sing it,” Le Zhengling replied. Although she doubted how Lochen could have written a song without knowing how to compose, the lyrics were undoubtedly original. If the song existed on the market, she should have heard of it.

Hearing that Lochen planned to sing a cappella, both Yan He and Dai Xinhua, who was painting nearby, approached with interest. Especially Yan He, who had known Lochen for quite some time, it was the first time she’d seen him dare to sing in front of so many people.

“I’m just singing to help A Ling compose. You don’t all have to crowd around,” Lochen said, surprised by their eagerness over a single singing.

“I’m singing too later. How can I miss hearing it?” Luo Tianyi said confidently, clearly relishing the chance to witness a good laugh. She remembered Lochen often sang off-key during visits, and this time would surely be no different.

“We’ve known each other for quite some time. It’s not the first time hearing you sing, Lochen. You’re not thinking of making me leave, are you?” Yan He stayed put as well. Although she had heard him sing before, this was the first live a cappella performance.

“Should I leave then?” Dai Xinhua, who hadn’t known Lochen long, hesitated. She found it interesting and wanted to listen too.

“Forget it. If you want to listen, stay. It’s not like it’s something shameful,” Lochen said.

It was just singing. He wasn’t going to hide it. At worst, it was a little embarrassing to sing in front of the ladies.

Luo Tianyi and Yan He exchanged glances. Could Lochen really not know that he often sang off-key and sounded terrible? Yet, he seemed so confident now.

Would this really be alright?

Grateful thanks to readers Youmeng Zhilingyu and Silianxue for their generous donations of 500 starting coins, thanks to reader Daimeng Xiaohei for 200 starting coins, and thanks to readers 820879540, I’m Only 17, Death Emperor Dragon, Great Love Hatsune, Weichu Taishi, Night Queen Not Dawn, Bookworm Believer, and Mengmeng for 100 starting coins each. Celebration!

This chapter’s video: Luo Tianyi’s “Silken Threads Drama,” ID 2513709.