Chapter Twenty-One: Nana's Birthday Gift

"Becoming famous means your income will rise, and more people will seek you out to perform," Han Dong said, curling his lip. "If you want, making a hundred thousand a month should be a breeze. That’s about what the top bands are earning."

"Oh," Lin Qihua replied softly, not taking it to heart.

"Oh? What do you mean, ‘oh’?" Han Dong said, annoyed. "What are you thinking? Your idea of singing quietly under the radar has already been broken by yourself—you’ll be found out sooner or later. When that happens, ‘Huayi’ can’t pretend not to know."

"So what? I sing in a bar, I haven’t violated my contract, there’s nothing they can do about me. I used to think as long as we didn’t cross paths it was fine, but even if we do, so what?" Lin Qihua was completely unconcerned. "As long as I keep a low profile, nothing will happen. That’s why I refuse to record songs—if the entertainment media gets involved, things will get complicated."

"Alright then, I suppose the bar will want to talk to you soon. What are you planning?"

"What can I plan?" Lin Qihua took the last dish off the stove, set it on the table, and the two of them sat down to eat before he answered seriously. "Everything will go according to the contract. There’s no reason to break it. Money can be earned anytime, but having such a great stage to sing on with a live band is rare—I’m not about to become a night owl like you. Singing quietly is still my choice."

"Secondly," Lin Qihua looked at Han Dong with a half-smile, "didn’t you say the bar’s owner isn’t an ordinary person? I’d have to be out of my mind to provoke her. If I anger her, I’ll end up losing more than I gain."

Han Dong’s tense expression finally relaxed. "Smart guy, you figured out I was just teasing you. Huazi, trust me, don’t say or do anything—just focus on singing. You’ll see that’s the wisest course."

"Alright, let’s eat," Lin Qihua said calmly. He had never thought of striking out on his own after gaining fame at the bar—it wasn’t about profit; he simply didn’t care about these things. For him, the bar was just a place to sing freely and hone his craft. His true goal had always been the big stage.

After Sister Mei understood Lin Qihua’s intentions, the matter was resolved before it even began. Aside from Ah Hui, the others didn’t feel much difference, but the bar’s improved treatment and special privileges for the band made it clear they were highly valued. Everyone was thrilled—their income had doubled, and their status had risen. Life was sweet.

Recently, many customers were coming specifically for the "Hellfire" band. The bar was packed from opening each night, and business was booming. Thanks to Sister Mei’s cooperation, Lin Qihua’s information was kept strictly confidential by the staff, and unless someone was truly determined, they couldn’t find out anything useful. This allowed the band to perform in peace. After realizing the difficulty of "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty," Lin Qihua limited himself to singing it once every two days to preserve his voice. However, "Has Anyone Told You" was performed every night. As their coordination improved, the other songs also produced an excellent live effect, earning the band rave reviews and firmly establishing them as the top band at "Tang Dynasty" Bar. The "Rose" band gave up competing and focused on creating new acts, which turned out well. The three bands spurred each other on, raising the bar’s overall performance quality and delighting Sister Mei and the management. The bar’s hallmark was its high-end decor, clientele, and live bands. The effect of these three bands, especially "Hellfire," was unmistakable. Recently, "Tang Dynasty" Bar was suffocating its competition. If it weren’t for their strict adherence to rules and principles, the other bars would have suffered even more. As it was, the wealthier customers had all migrated to "Tang Dynasty," leaving the other owners frustrated and helpless. Any underhanded tricks were out of the question—past bloody lessons had proven such routes were closed.

Fortunately, the excitement was only temporary. As curiosity faded, the crowds returned to their usual haunts. After all, every bar had its unique charm, attracting different tastes. Most of "Tang Dynasty" Bar’s guests came for the quiet, clean atmosphere to relax with a drink and some music, which didn’t appeal to thrill-seekers or those with other preferences.

After a month, the members of "Hellfire" found their income had nearly doubled—a previously unthinkable achievement. The mysterious bar owner, upon hearing how resolutely Lin Qihua and the others had refused all temptations, generously handed out another substantial bonus to reward the band’s loyalty and the profits they had brought, leaving everyone beaming with joy.

Lin Qihua sent most of his earnings home to his parents, which earned him a lengthy scolding from his mother. But after learning the details of his situation, she finally relented, bursting with pride—her son, wherever he was, would always shine.

One night after a show, Ah Hui approached Lin Qihua.

"In a few days, it’ll be Nana’s birthday. She grew up in a single-parent family, very sensitive, and used to rarely talk to us, always pretending to be tough and prickly to protect herself. Since you joined, she’s opened up a little. Shouldn’t we celebrate for her?"

"Of course," said Lin Qihua. In the past month, he had realized that Ah Hui was like a nanny to the younger members, especially Nana. Whenever a customer harassed her, Ah Hui always stepped in. "How do you want to celebrate?"

"Haven’t you noticed she’s been down lately?" Ah Hui smiled wryly at Lin Qihua. "You still haven’t delivered on the song you promised her—she’s been looking forward to it for ages."

"Ah, I’ve been so busy I forgot," Lin Qihua patted his head. "My fault. Tell you what, I’ll make that song her birthday gift. I’ll do a duet with her. We can plan the stage together."

"Great, as long as you’re on board. And since we’re a band, let’s celebrate on stage. Could you talk to Sister Mei?"

"That’s no problem. I’m sure she won’t refuse—she might even be happy to make it a big event," Lin Qihua replied with a smile.

"Thanks a lot."

"Alright, Mother Hui!" Lin Qihua said, speechless.

"Get lost," Ah Hui gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. "Don’t think I haven’t noticed—the girl probably likes you. The way she looks at you isn’t like the others. If you’re interested, I support it. If not, make a clean break—don’t let her get her hopes up only to be disappointed. She’s lost weight lately."

"Really?" Lin Qihua was genuinely clueless, looking bewildered. Aside from performing, he spent all his time working on songs and hadn’t noticed any of this.

"You…" Ah Hui could only smile helplessly. He knew this little brother had no concept of such matters, or perhaps in his heart there was only performing and dreaming of the big stage. Lately, Lin Qihua and the lighting technician had been creating new effects every night, greatly enhancing the band’s shows. Ah Hui couldn’t help wondering what would happen to the band if Lin Qihua suddenly left.

And what about the original lead singer, Huzi, still in the hospital? What would happen when he returned? The thought of his temper made Ah Hui vaguely uneasy.

Ignoring Ah Hui’s wild conjectures, Lin Qihua went to Sister Mei and explained the situation. As expected, she promised the bar would cover all costs and even redecorate for the occasion. Clearly, she was determined to make a big production out of it, which was just as well—it would foster team spirit and give customers a sense of participation and belonging.

A few days later, on Nana’s birthday, Lin Qihua handed her the song he’d finished.

"Really?" Nana was elated, clutching the sheet music and grinning. "It’s really written just for me?"

"Yes, more real than pearls," Lin Qihua smiled. "Want me to write on it: ‘For Nana’?"

"That’d be perfect! I want to keep this forever," Nana said, handing him the music. "Write: ‘Dedicated to the cutest, most beautiful Nana.’"

"Uh, okay." Lin Qihua was at a loss but wrote as instructed.

Nana ran around the room happily, laughing.

"Alright, time to rehearse, Nana. We’re performing tonight—don’t mess it up," Ah Hui interrupted, helplessly.

"Don’t worry, I’m full of energy! I’ll be great," Nana said, flexing an arm—her fair skin showing no sign of strength.

"This child…" Ah Hui covered his forehead. When Nana first joined, she wore heavy makeup and acted like a hedgehog, ready to bristle at any provocation. She was difficult to deal with. But after Lin Qihua arrived, she shed all her defenses and was playful and boisterous—a complete transformation, which gave Ah Hui quite a headache.

Despite her antics, Nana was very serious during rehearsals. Under her hands, the keyboard produced beautiful sounds. Both Ah Hui and Lin Qihua recognized her skill and felt she was wasted in the band, but she didn’t care—as long as she could make music with everyone, she was happy.

However, being adept at the keyboard didn’t mean she sang well. The entire afternoon, Lin Qihua helped her correct one funny mistake after another. Fortunately, the song wasn’t difficult, and Nana had a good voice. After a full afternoon’s practice, she finally mastered it. Especially when Lin Qihua announced that, aside from their duet, this song would become her solo every night, Nana practiced even harder.