Chapter Forty-Six: Farewell

Qin left with a satisfied smile, leaving only Feng, Mei, and Lin Qihua behind.

“I truly underestimated you,” Feng said with a half-smile, looking at Lin Qihua. “Unruffled by praise or blame, so young and yet so remarkable.”

“How to choose was already clear in my heart,” Lin Qihua replied with a gentle smile. “Galaxy Entertainment happens to be the company best suited for me, and with your discerning eye, why should I entertain any other thoughts? Thank you for your generous recommendation—it has helped me immensely, and I am deeply grateful.”

“Helping you is helping myself,” Feng laughed. “I hired you because of your talent. I helped dispel those rumors because the bar itself needed to expand its business, and you had the ability to solve both issues. I recommended you to Galaxy Entertainment because I believe you’ll rise quickly there, becoming a prominent artist. In doing so, I help my sisters, prove the merit of my judgment, and benefit the bar. Why wouldn’t I?”

“No matter what, it is a great favor to me. Great favors are best repaid with action rather than words. I promise not to disappoint you.”

“Good. Go on, there isn’t much time left. Let us enjoy your brilliance on this stage.”

“Alright, Feng, Mei, I’ll take my leave.” Lin Qihua nodded to both and exited the meeting room.

“Suddenly, I feel reluctant to let him go,” Feng’s gaze turned wistful.

“Yes, in just half a year he’s become indispensable to the bar. He truly is a unique young man,” Mei answered with a smile. “Watching his performances every day, I feel like I’ve become his fan.”

“Indeed. What a pity.”

The next day, Ah Hui and the others heard about Lin Qihua’s impending departure and were genuinely happy for him.

“Impressive, my friend! First Nana, now Qihua is heading for the big stage. Our band has produced two talents who are about to step out—unbelievable. Did I join a fake band or what?” Liu Xing rambled excitedly.

“The band isn’t fake. It’s just you, the drummer, who’s questionable,” Ah Hui tapped Liu Xing’s head, smiling. “Qihua was already a debut singer—his stay here was only temporary. The big stage is always his true home, so it’s not about ‘leaving’ us.”

“Half a year,” Haizi suddenly interjected, “Qihua’s only been here six months, but he’s brought enormous change.”

“Yes,” Ah Hui sighed. “Half a year ago, I was worried whether our band could survive. Huzi had an accident and was hospitalized, and even if nothing happened, he just didn’t fit with the band. Thankfully, Qihua arrived and brought tremendous transformation in a short time—new songs, new performance styles, new members. The results speak for themselves: resounding success, our band secured the top spot among underground bands, Nana made it to the big stage, and the bar expanded its business. All these butterfly effects stemmed from Qihua’s arrival. He’s truly a bringer of fortune and a fierce talent.”

“According to Mei’s plan, several new branches will open citywide by year’s end, with more expansion to other cities next year. Then, our band won’t be confined to one place—we’ll tour the bars and even perform in other cities. This arrangement will greatly broaden our careers, boost our reputation, and create a virtuous cycle. It won’t be impossible for one or two more members to step onto the big stage.”

Shen Ming’s eyes sparkled on the sidelines. This was precisely the goal he’d always pursued. He looked at Lin Qihua with envy, silently resolving to sing harder, perform better, and strive to fulfill his own dream.

Seeing Shen Ming’s expression, Ah Hui and Lin Qihua exchanged smiles. This was exactly their intention—to inspire him. As lead vocalist, a lack of passion or immersion would be a bad sign. With this motivation, Shen Ming would surely give his all. Besides, their words were true: both the bar and the band faced new challenges and opportunities. Whether they could seize them depended on each person’s ability.

Soon, members from the Rose Band and the Standard Band came to congratulate Lin Qihua. Their feelings were more complex—grateful for the changes he brought, but also relieved that the “Hellfire” Band would no longer be an insurmountable mountain looming over them, especially Yu, whose eyes burned with fierce determination.

Ah Hui wasn’t worried, though. Not only was Shen Ming competent, but the songs authorized by Lin Qihua for the band were enough to secure their place as the bar’s top band. A classic like “Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty” would remain a staple as long as the bar kept its name—unshakable by anyone.

A week later, a farewell ceremony specially organized by Mei began. As she put it, whenever a band member successfully stepped onto the big stage, the bar would host such a ceremony to thank them for their contributions and wish them boundless success in the future.

That evening, as business hours began and patrons flooded in, the bar was adorned with portraits of Lin Qihua in various performance poses. On every table lay a small note: “Lin Qihua, lead singer of the ‘Hellfire’ Band, has officially signed with an entertainment agency and will soon become a professional artist. To mark this occasion, the bar is hosting a special farewell ceremony. Please savor his final performance as ‘Hellfire’ Band’s lead singer, listen closely to the emotions he brings, and offer your most heartfelt applause and blessings as he heads for the grand stage.”

“So soon?” He Yanlin felt dazed, recalling the first time she heard Lin Qihua perform. That night, the young man sat alone with his guitar, singing “Has Anyone Told You,” moving many to tears—herself included. She never imagined that in just half a year, he would leave this place for the big stage.

“I really can’t bear to see him go,” was the common sentiment among the audience. Most were regulars, already accustomed to the moments of emotion and awe Lin Qihua brought them, and now, knowing he would leave, they felt a surge of reluctant sorrow.

“Ha, wonderful!” Chang Yan cheered. “My idol is finally making a comeback—so impressive!”

Li Zixuan’s eyes also showed a hint of excitement, but she calmly poured cold water on Chang Yan’s enthusiasm. “Don’t get too excited yet. You haven’t even completed half your plan.”

“Oh, right,” Chang Yan deflated. “We have the organizational structure, but no people—just the two of us fumbling around.”

“Not so fast,” He Yanlin chuckled. “It’s only June. He won’t officially return until at least September, so there’s plenty of time. Lately, his momentum is strong, and many have fallen for his music. If we search diligently, we’ll surely find kindred spirits.”

“That’s true!” Chang Yan perked up again, waving her fists. “We can’t just sit and wait—we have to take action, promote on all the social media platforms, announce that we’re forming Lin Qihua’s personal fan club, and that the ‘Morning Star’ is about to shine across the land!”

“That’s a feasible approach,” Li Zixuan nodded in agreement. “First, apply for a forum and social media account, get Lin Qihua’s authorization to make it his official fan gathering place, and rally his fans to join. Once we have a basic group, we can support him when he truly returns.”

“Let’s do it.” Chang Yan nodded. “We’ll split up—I'll handle the authorization, you set up the accounts. I’m sure it’ll work out.”

“Of course,” He Yanlin laughed. “What artist would dislike having more fans?”

As they spoke, the show officially began. Mei appeared in a striking red dress, earning thunderous applause from the audience, who adored this voluptuous bar manager.

Smiling, Mei nodded to those around her, though her mind wandered: the bar should hire a professional host. With future performances, a host could connect the acts and enhance the atmosphere, especially as more large galas and concerts are held here—she wouldn’t be able to manage it alone.

Setting aside those thoughts, Mei raised the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, as you all know, tonight is the farewell ceremony for Lin Qihua, lead singer of the ‘Hellfire’ Band, who is leaving to sign with a professional agency and become a true artist. We’ve organized this event to thank him for the joy and emotion he’s brought us.”

Thunderous applause swept the room.

“As for Lin Qihua, everyone here knows him well. Recently, he’s made headlines time and again,” Mei quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. It was true—his news had been everywhere, and many had followed the media battle, some even taking part. “Half a year ago, this sunny, handsome young man sat here with his guitar and sang ‘Has Anyone Told You,’ moving countless audience members to tears, reminding us of our first loves, our parents at home, the early days struggling in this city. Since then, we’ve all grown fond of this heartfelt singer. With ‘Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty,’ he electrified the whole crowd, making us feel our cells dance for the first time. ‘Let’s Sway Together’ made our New Year’s Eve so joyous. ‘Love Is a Happy Bullet’ made us fondly remember old lovers and cherish those around us. Yes, all along, he’s touched us with his voice, making us fall for his performances and songs. Today, he finally leaves for a grander stage. We feel much reluctance, but even more, we wish him well—may he shine on the vast stage ahead, displaying his talent and charm to the fullest. Wherever he may be, we will always be his strongest supporters.”

Applause roared through the venue.

It was a night of passion, a night belonging solely to Lin Qihua. Everyone offered sincere blessings, and he gave his all—singing, dancing, shedding tears, his voice hoarse as he roared every lyric. He would never forget this night. Why sing? Why make music? Here, he found the true answer.