Chapter 40

"By the way, Da He," Xia Xi looked at him and tentatively asked, "Did you have me join this show because you've heard me sing before?"
A flicker of panic flashed in Da He's eyes. He shook his head and said, "No, no, you're overthinking it. I just thought singing suits your fairy-like aura. What else could you do, perform crosstalk?"
"Really?" Xia Xi narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything more.
"Xia Xi, you're here early." Zhang Lixin had just finished adjusting the recording equipment when he turned around and noticed Xia Xi already sitting on the sofa. He was momentarily surprised, then walked over with a light chuckle, patted her shoulder, and handed her a song sheet. "Since you're here, take a look at these lyrics first. You'll be singing this song in the first episode of 'Cross-Border Singing Joy.’'
So early?
Xia Xi was taken aback but nodded, taking the sheet music from Zhang Lixin and examining it curiously.
The lyrics of this song, how should I put it,
They were very appealing. At the very least, Xia Xi liked them after just one read.
It wasn't written for a lover or family. Instead, it told the story of a young girl who, despite facing a path full of thorns, never lost hope. She courageously moved forward, taking responsibility and finding rebirth in the adult world to become a better version of herself.
"Is this an original song?" Xia Xi looked up at Zhang Lixin, her voice filled with confusion and surprise.
Zhang Lixin smiled and nodded. "This is my latest composition. I think it's perfect for you to sing."
"This is, for me?" Xia Xi blinked, her expression stunned as she met Zhang Lixin's eyes. Even after he nodded, she still found it hard to believe. After all, this was Zhang Lixin's work, many popular artists offered substantial fees for his songs, and he wasn't always willing to write for them.
"What are you spacing out for?" Zhang Lixin adjusted his glasses. "Get up and listen to the melody of this song, then start practicing quickly."
When Xia Xi heard Zhang Lixin's words, she lowered her head to glance at the sheet music in her hand, then looked up at Zhang Lixin again. A flicker of struggle flashed in her eyes, but in the end, she shook her head. "Although I truly want this song, I cannot accept such a generous gift without having done anything to deserve it. It's too much, I'm sorry, I can't take it."
Hearing this, Zhang Lixin was momentarily stunned, his brows furrowing slightly. "Xia Xi, we musicians aren't pretentious, and there's no such thing as 'undeserved rewards.' What matters to us is who is suited for this piece and who can perform it perfectly, allowing it to shine and make an impact. If you can do that, then my choice isn't wrong, and it won't have wasted the effort I put into creating it or the trust I've placed in you."
Xia Xi looked up earnestly at Zhang Lixin's sincere expression, pondered for a moment, and then nodded. "Thank you."
To be honest, Xia Xi was somewhat moved. Although she had been an artist before, she had never received such support. She didn't know if it was because her current appearance was more likable or if her luck had improved, but she was now receiving such wholehearted guidance from a senior. In her previous world, not being suppressed was already considered good enough.
Could this be the difference between actors and singers?
"Xia Xi, are you ready?" Zhang Lixin noticed that Xia Xi had been studying the lyrics by herself for a long time and walked over to her. "If you're almost ready, try singing along with the melody first to get a feel for it."
"Alright." Xia Xi thought for a few seconds before nodding. Holding the lyrics, she walked into the recording booth, put on the headphones, and was greeted by a beautiful melody.
"I want to express the moments of past sorrow,
Even if they fade and only echoes remain,
I want to close my eyes and feel,
My trembling heart,
When my gaze turns to you,
Waiting for a special miracle.
Though the path ahead is filled with thorns,
An unknown future and obstacles,
They won't change my unwavering heart.
I hope you'll guard me with unchanging love,
And my heart filled with sorrow,
Perhaps no words are needed in this gaze,
This moment in time has already stopped,
I love you, this is how it feels,
Shattering confusion and waiting.
I once depicted the journey of hesitant lovers,
Repeating sorrows in this world,
I walk toward the faint glimmer of light,
We will be together forever,
In that world of reunion,
Don't expect a special miracle,
Don't cry, please help me,
This fleeting feeling of being with you,
Us meeting again."
When Xia Xi finished singing, she opened her eyes and found the scene before her strangely familiar. Zhang Lixin and Zhang Xuanrui, who had arrived at some point unnoticed, were once again in a daze. This time, however, she was absolutely certain that the two of them had been moved by her singing and lost in memories, not disgusted.
Though the scene before her was similar, her mood was vastly different, now filled with particular satisfaction and joy, free from the previous unease and inner conflict.
"It really is great." Zhang Lixin reacted quickly this time, lightly tapping his fingers on the table as he chuckled and said, "To be honest, your singing is even better than I imagined."
"Ah, really?" Although Xia Xi knew she had sung quite well, she rarely received such overt praise. While she felt happy inside, a hint of that uniquely Eastern awkwardness crept in. She touched the tip of her nose, smiling shyly, and said, "Thank you, teacher."
"Maybe you should forget about acting and focus on singing instead." Zhang Lixin adjusted the recording equipment while listening to Xia Xi's recently recorded vocals, speaking as if joking. "Your talent for singing is undeniable. If you're willing to put in the effort, you could achieve no less than Fang Zichen in the music world."
"Thank you for the encouragement."
Xia Xi felt a secret thrill upon hearing Zhang Lixin's evaluation of her. She hadn't expected him to have so much confidence in her, but she was merely pleased. After all, singing didn't hold much appeal for her, acting was what truly captivated her.
So, when she heard Zhang Lixin's hint, she simply expressed her gratitude without making any commitments.