Chapter Twenty-Two: Happy Birthday-Inspiration Superstar(Crossing the Tempest)

Sister Mei truly kept her promise. In just one afternoon, the entire bar was transformed, filled with birthday decorations and a joyful atmosphere. The lighting technician had collected numerous photos of Nana from her performances and daily life, ready to display them on the stage. Everything was set.

As business began, guests were amazed by the omnipresent birthday elements, wondering if the bar had been reserved for a private celebration. Only after asking did they realize it was the birthday of the beautiful keyboardist from the “Hellfire” band. Excitement spread—Nana, a veteran of the band, had been performing at the bar for some time. Her stunning figure and exceptional keyboard skills had made her a favorite, especially lately, as she adopted a more innocent style, winning countless fans and becoming a goddess in many eyes. Upon hearing it was her birthday, everyone felt lucky to witness this moment.

Word traveled quickly—within a short time, nearly all the guests knew. Any small requests from the staff were gladly accommodated.

Tonight, the “Hellfire” band was particularly energized, each song performed with great enthusiasm, the whole venue boiling over. This had become the norm at the bar; the powerful live atmosphere meant that whenever music started, excitement was inevitable.

But tonight, the spotlight focused on a previously unremarkable corner—the spot where Nana, the keyboardist, sat. Tonight, Nana wore a pale moon-colored gown, her long hair draped over her shoulders, looking especially pure and adorable. The black and white keys under her fingers danced like sprites, weaving beautiful melodies.

“It’s hard to imagine such a girl in a bar,” was the thought of most in the audience.

“That’s because you haven’t seen Nana before,” some regulars explained. “She used to look like a street punk, dressed outrageously every day. Apart from her figure, there was nothing appealing. Who would have thought, once those elements faded, she’d transform into such a girl—it’s truly unbelievable.”

“He really is a remarkable person.” Li Zixuan watched Lin Qihua on stage, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Since his arrival, ‘Tang Dynasty’ has almost crushed all surrounding bars. ‘Hellfire’ has risen powerfully, contending with top bands. Even the other two bands have improved, and all his band members have undergone dramatic changes. The guitarist is more confident; everyone’s skills have increased. But the biggest change is with Nana. In just a month after he came, she transformed from a troublemaker to a sweet, adorable girl. The contrast is staggering, and all of this happened after he arrived. It’s hard to believe.”

“Perhaps that’s the power of personal charisma and talent combined,” He Yanlin laughed softly. “We, too, have changed because of him. Most obvious is Chang Yan, who abandoned her old crushes, now obsessed with him. And us—who among us hasn’t changed a little?”

“Indeed, even Ying Mei doesn’t dislike men as much anymore, ha!” Chang Yan teased, her eyes serious. “He always seems to have a story, making people want to get close to him. I’ve decided: when he returns to the big stage, I’ll start a fan group for him, to witness his growth together. I even have a name—‘Morning Star,’ ha!”

“‘Morning Star’? The brightest star on the horizon before dawn?” Li Zixuan, living up to her encyclopedic reputation, quickly explained. “That’s a wonderful name.”

“Of course! I spent a long time researching it,” Chang Yan said proudly. “Based on other celebrities’ fan groups, I’ve sketched out the basic structure of ‘Morning Star.’ When he officially returns, we’ll announce its founding. I believe we’ll be his strongest support.”

“What a grand plan, but I’m interested—count me in.” Li Zixuan habitually pushed up her glasses. “I want to see how far he’ll go. It’s obvious the bar is limiting him; the real stage is the vast world outside.”

“Ha, united sisters can cut through gold. It’s great you’re joining.” Chang Yan happily wrapped her arm around Li Zixuan’s shoulder. “I’ll let you handle the organization—you’re good at it, I’m already dizzy. And you two?”

“I’ll pass,” He Yanlin shook her head. “I don’t have the time. You two are perfect—one fiery and suited to lead, one calm and wise, ideal for planning. I’ll just watch and see what you create.”

“Me too, not interested in those things,” Ying Mei muttered. “But I support you. If you need help, just ask.”

“Alright, this counts as the ‘Morning Star’ preparation meeting. It should be written into the group’s history,” Chang Yan said, clapping and smiling. “The super fan group ‘Morning Star’ for future superstar Lin Qihua was conceived at ‘Tang Dynasty’ bar on a certain day, drawing up the blueprint for the future. Yes, we must do it this way.”

“You haven’t even started, and you’re already so dramatic,” He Yanlin shook her head with a smile, secretly envying Chang Yan’s fiery passion that often inspired others.

At ten o'clock, the second set of “Hellfire” was finally over. Lin Qihua and the others stayed on stage, taking the mic and announcing, “Next, we’ll present a new song. Please welcome our beautiful lead vocalist, Nana.”

Applause erupted.

Nana shyly stepped out from her corner, walking to the front of the stage.

“Go for it,” Lin Qihua adjusted the mic stand so Nana, sitting on the high stool, could reach it comfortably.

“Mm.” Nana’s eyes, like water, glanced over Lin Qihua’s face, gaining more confidence. She sat, gently kicked off her shoes, revealing crystalline toes.

“Whoa!” Cheers swept through the crowd. Nana was dazzling tonight, under the lights like a sprite, capturing everyone’s attention.

“A song called ‘Tick Tock’ for you all,” Nana said softly.

Lin Qihua returned to the keyboard, began to play, and gently sang:

“Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
The clock hands never stop turning
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
The rain patters against the puddles
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
Do you still care for him?
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
A few tears have already fallen”

Lin Qihua used a breathy singing style, making the prelude ethereal and drifting.

Nana’s beautiful eyes floated to Lin Qihua, who nodded at her, and she softly began:

Nana’s voice, slightly husky and airy, painted the scene of a girl alone in the bar at midnight, drowning her sorrows. The turning clock, rain on the water, endless solitude, relentless loneliness, a sleepless night that brings tears.

Applause thundered through the crowd, not only for the performance but also because Nana’s voice stunned them, evoking a desire to comfort her. Perhaps it was because she sang her own feelings, truly putting her heart and soul into the music, that she touched everyone. Music, after all, is meant to move others, and Nana succeeded.

“Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
With whom does a lonely night converse?
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
Who can wipe away the tears of sorrow?
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
Put your feelings in order and start anew

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
Someone will always care for you”

The simple melody, lingering notes, carried a voice of comfort. Nana’s voice, quiet, calm, tinged with gentle sadness, was like heartfelt words over a midnight phone call, softly soothing the wounds within, calming the lonely soul, and relaxing it. “Put your feelings in order and start anew, someone will always care for you.” As the ancients said, “Don’t worry about finding friends along the road; who in the world does not know you?”

Lin Qihua gave Nana a thumbs-up and began to play the interlude. Nana smiled brightly, and in that instant, she blossomed like a flower, leaping from the chair to dance spontaneously on stage with the music, like a sprite dancing between heaven and earth.

“She’s so beautiful,” a spectator murmured, stunned by Nana’s radiance.

“Yes, like a fairy,” another replied.

As Nana began the second verse, the audience rose, swaying to the music. Everyone came to the bar seeking solace for their souls. Nana’s voice reached deep within, bringing indescribable feelings.

When the song ended, Nana stood on stage, head raised to savor the thunderous applause, reflecting on the experience of singing. It took her a long moment before she thanked the audience. In that instant, she truly possessed her own fans. It must be said, girls are easier than men to win affection; with beauty and a lovely voice, fans are inevitable.

Judging from the feedback, nearly twenty people wanted to give Nana flowers for this one song—a remarkable achievement.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed. To cheerful music, Sister Mei and members of the other two bands pushed a huge cake onto the stage.

“Happy birthday to you,” Lin Qihua began to clap and hum.

“Happy birthday to you,” Ah Hui, Haizi, and Liu Xing joined Nana, humming along. Sister Mei, Yu Jie, Ah Yang, and others also clapped in rhythm.

“Happy birthday to you,” became a chorus for the whole venue.

On the stage screen, photos of Nana in the bar began to play—happy, tearful, playful, joking, performing—each one full of memories.

“Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to Nana
Happy birthday to you”

Lights flashed across the room, and surrounded by friends, Nana could no longer hold back her tears, crying uncontrollably.

“Why are you crying, silly girl?” Ah Hui patted her head. “See, everyone’s wishing you well. Cheer up, smile.”

“Mm.” Nana wiped her tears, giving a smile that was more awkward than beautiful.

Lin Qihua and the others came forward to hug her one by one. She was a girl to be cherished, so young yet making her living in this world—a hardship plain to see. Once, she relied on eccentric outfits to protect herself, but fortunately, “Hellfire” had Ah Hui and Lin Qihua, and “Tang Dynasty” bar offered its sanctuary. Gradually, she returned to her true self, becoming the bar’s brightest flower.

Tonight, her smile was radiant beyond compare.