Chapter 162: “Ugly Freak”! A Love Song? Is This Some Kind of Gimmick?

The entertainment industry draws a clear line between the worlds of film and television, and the realm of music. Those who make TV dramas stick together, filmmakers consider themselves a cut above, and singers huddle together for warmth. The music arrangers, those laborers in the shadows, shed silent tears.

However, in the eyes of the general public, these divisions are not so strictly defined. Although Bai Ling had stirred up quite a commotion, people did not view the situation through the same lens as Wang Dagang. So what if she doesn't film? There are still plenty of people who love Bai Ling’s songs and support her. Furthermore, in this instance, Bai Ling was not in the wrong; everything stemmed from Wang Dagang’s "arrogance."

With that in mind, when news broke that the song Leng Yan was about to perform was written by Bai Ling, a massive wave of listeners began to pour in. Whether they were fans of Leng Yan, fans of Bai Ling, or mere passersby, everyone rushed over. There was no question about it—that was the level of popularity Bai Ling commanded these days.

Many clicked on the short video Leng Yan had posted. In the video, Leng Yan sat before a piano and said, "What I’m bringing you today is a new song Bai Ling just sent me tonight. It’s called 'The Ugly,' and I hope you all like it."

Before it even began, the audience could hardly contain themselves. Many watched the video while leaving comments below:

"What the hell kind of title is that?"
" 'The Ugly'? Can you really name a song that?"
"This is just too absurd."
"Bai Ling sent this to Leng Yan late at night—does it have some special meaning?"
"Leng Yan might have a surly face, but he’s not ugly. Among singers, he’s practically an idol."
"Exactly, exactly. But this song just looks like a pure prank."
"A prank is a prank, then. But look at the songs Bai Ling has written—which one wasn't dead serious? They’re either deeply oppressive or overly positive. A bit of a prank isn't a bad choice."
"True enough. Let’s just listen and see what happens."

Despite finding the title bizarre, the tone of the discussion remained surprisingly harmonious. After all, how could they take a song that was clearly meant to be a joke so seriously? Even if there were a few contrarians, they were drowned out by the crowd.

In the video, Leng Yan began to play. As the prelude kicked in, everyone immediately focused.

"If the world is pitch black, actually I am beautiful."
"In love, to advance or retreat, at most one is just being consumed."
"The indifferent rights and wrongs, how can they be wrong?"
"It doesn't matter!"

In an instant, the audience froze. "Wait, this is supposed to be a prank, right? Why does it feel a bit... off?"

"Yeah, it feels quite serious."
"Wait, still not right. 'In love, to advance or retreat'? Is this a love song?"
"No way. What is Bai Ling doing? Writing a love song? Is our sister Bai Ling in love? Don't do it!"
"What are you thinking? Bai Ling just caused a scene on the show; why would she start a scandal now? How could she be that stupid?"
"Right, Bai Ling’s songs have never had anything to do with romance. I don't believe this is a love song."
"Actually, that line should be interpreted as: if you advance or retreat in love, at most you’re just being toyed with."
"Yeah, it feels like a metaphorical extension. No need to overthink it."

Though many tried to analyze the lyrics, a large number of people began spreading the news: Bai Ling wrote a love song! It was a fantastic hook. Within a short time, the phrase "Bai Ling Love Song" began trending on social media. This led to quite a few jokes, and even more people flocked in because of the "love song" tag.

Most singers have their own style. Some love singing love songs—whether they write them or just perform them, that is their bread and butter. Some have even been crowned the "King of Love Songs." Others, however, refuse to sing them entirely. Some are obsessed with rock, while others prefer a desolate, melancholy vibe. In short, there are countless genres.

In everyone’s mind, Bai Ling was a singer with a fixed style. Starting with "The Abyss," followed by "Invisible Wings" and "A Diao," all of these showcased her resilient character. Even "Wukong" reflected this. Despite being a female singer, no one could imagine what a Bai Ling love song would sound like. It was no wonder everyone rushed in to watch the spectacle out of curiosity.

However, they were clearly overthinking it. This song had nothing to do with love—or rather, it had absolutely no connection to it at all. As more people flooded in, they continued to listen.

"If, like you, there is always someone offering praise."
"The humbleness surrounding me might just fade away."
"Actually, I don't care about having many opportunities."
"Fearless like a giant."
"Indulging the ghost inside my heart!"
"But I am not worthy!"

Hearing this, many already had an inkling. The flavor of this song was wrong; it seemed to be accusing someone of something.

"The ugly~ can you not turn on the lights!"
"The love I want, haunts the pitch-black stage~"
"The ugly~ in this ambiguous era!"
"My existence, is like an accident!"

In that moment, everyone thought back to the recent controversy.

"What love song? Who started that rumor?"
"This is absurd. With these lyrics, can this be a love song?"
"'The world is black, I am beautiful'—this must mean 'everyone is drunk while I alone am sober.'"
"Pretty much. 'If, like you, there is always someone offering praise'—this must be referring to those directors who get coddled."
" 'Fearless like a giant, indulging the ghost inside my heart'—good god, this is describing Wang Dagang’s performance on the show. That old guy was incredibly arrogant at the time, even trying to call a stag a horse. Isn't that 'indulging the ghost inside his heart'?"
"Yes, yes, exactly! If you interpret it that way, every lyric fits."
" 'The love I want, haunts the pitch-black stage, the ugly, in this ambiguous era'—this is just emphasizing the point again. Good god..."
"The song is catchy, the lyrics are explosive. It’s absurd, truly absurd."
"In this dark era, Bai Ling’s existence is indeed the greatest accident."
"Every single lyric is an accusation. She hasn't stopped."

This was only the first half of the song, merely the setup. The listeners continued to listen.

"Someone uses a single tear, to become a femme fatale..."

The crowd paused. Not just Wang Dagang, but Wen Yan was getting scolded too. That person who puts on a show, crying and carrying on—it was exactly as the lyrics said, using tears to wreak havoc on others.

"Someone discards their title, and can do nothing..."

Hmm, that was Wang Dagang again. Indeed, without those titles, who would acknowledge Wang Dagang? Based on his work *Our Youth*? Isn't that a joke?

"As long as you are hypocritical enough, you won't fear the devil."
"Right?"
"If the script is already written, who is nobler than whom?"
"I can only remain silent in response; beauty itself is no crime."

The listeners were stunned. This wasn't right. You, Bai Ling, are still remaining "silent in response"? You are our true voice, speaking for all of us in the audience!