Chapter Seventy: The Opening of the "Tang Dynasty" Bar Branch

“Haha, Qin, you’d better let him go now. Look at his face,” He Li couldn’t help but laugh, “he’s about to turn to stone.”

“Hehe.” Yu Fengqin realized it was inappropriate and quickly released her grip, smoothing her hair by her ear to mask her unease. “I got a little too excited.”

“I can understand,” Lin Qihua replied with a bittersweet smile. “You must be under a lot of pressure lately, Qin. Starshine Entertainment won’t give up their goals so easily. If they can’t suppress the company’s artists, they’ll surely try to exert pressure in other ways.”

“That’s true,” He Li agreed. “But don’t worry—once the show airs, all their schemes will vanish like smoke. So, we must give it our all!”

“You’re giving me pressure now,” Lin Qihua said softly. “But I promise I’ll do my best. From now on, I’m fully entering the rhythm of ‘The Singer’—everything for the competition.”

“Go for it!” Yu Fengqin and He Li cheered him on.

Time slipped away quietly, and soon, the National Day holiday arrived. After the long holiday, on the first Friday of the new week, the weekend, “The Singer” was about to premiere.

During the holiday, Lin Qihua gave himself only two days off. He understood deeply that only through effort can one reap rewards, only through hard work can one achieve success. Behind the overnight fame lies countless sweat and tears.

On October first, Lin Qihua arrived at Xiangdao. This time, he was invited by Sister Mei to attend the opening ceremony of the “Tang Dynasty” bar’s new branch in Xiangdao—the first in the Yanjing region. Another would open by year’s end, aiming to build a strong network effect.

Presenting the flower basket he had prepared, Lin Qihua followed the staff into the bar. The interior décor echoed the original location’s style. The main difference was the stage, set off to the side rather than center, with audience seating on three sides instead of four. The number of seats was still substantial, but the layout was more akin to a TV studio’s auditorium. Around the stage, there was ample space—enough for a large brass band to perform if needed.

“How do you feel?” Sister Mei set aside her tasks to greet Lin Qihua personally.

“It seems you and Sister Feng have big ambitions,” Lin Qihua gestured around the stage. “Are you planning to take business from the television stations?”

“Ha, I knew you’d notice right away—you’re sharp as ever,” Sister Mei laughed. “Not exactly stealing from TV, but the market here is enormous, especially web entertainment. It’s a huge cake, and we just want a slice. Our requirements aren’t high. You see, as a filming venue, bars have unique advantages. For one, the audience is ready-made—no need to recruit professionals.”

“True,” Lin Qihua praised. “It’s more suitable than most TV studios.”

“That’s why we renovated it this way. At the same time, it sets us apart from the original bar and gives customers something fresh.”

“The main goal is to integrate further with the entertainment industry—a step-by-step strategy, truly admirable.”

“We’ll see what the future brings,” Mei replied with a smile. “So, how about you? There’s been no news lately. Some media say you’ve run out of inspiration—that you can’t write new songs to promote.”

“Haha, I’m preparing something, no need to worry,” Lin Qihua replied cheerfully.

“All right. You’re never one to worry, anyway.”

“Go on, do your work. I’ll just sit here by myself.”

“Sure,” Mei was indeed busy. She reminded him, “The band will perform here tonight. Would you like to join?”

“I’d rather not disrupt everyone’s rhythm. I’ll just enjoy being an audience member.” Watching her leave, Lin Qihua found a seat, quietly gazing at the stage, his emotions stirred. He felt deeply grateful for the bar—“Tang Dynasty” had given him the best stage and opportunities. Here, he had met many good friends, witnessed countless people and stories, all of which were invaluable to his creative journey. It was these experiences and feelings that sparked inspiration in his mind, allowing Nebula to produce songs and music videos from time to time, as well as poetry and lyrics that helped him at crucial moments. This place was his starting point, holding great significance for him. Today, seeing the bar expand, he felt truly happy for them.

“Why are you sitting here all alone?” A voice as clear as a silver bell rang out beside him.

He turned to see Nana. After several months, she had grown even more graceful. Her fashion sense had improved dramatically—strikingly fitted short-sleeved T-shirt, a short skirt revealing long, fair legs, and refined makeup. Her adorable bun hairstyle radiated youthful energy.

“You’ve changed so much,” Lin Qihua marveled. “You’re early too.”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Nana sat beside him. “I came early to catch up with everyone.”

“I feel the same.”

Nana gazed at the stage, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. “Sitting here always reminds me of the old days. It was tough back then, and the pay wasn’t great, but I was really happy—truly carefree. There was Brother Hui, you, Liu Xing the troublemaker, and Haizi the quiet one. No matter how much we sang, we never felt tired.”

“Yes,” Lin Qihua replied softly, “but we must move on, because the world outside is even more exciting.”

“Is it really?” Nana sounded uncertain. “Every day is monotonous training, frequent scolding, and often looked down upon by others. Sometimes I wish I could drop everything and come back here.”

“Only through hardship can you finally break free and dance in the outside world,” Lin Qihua comforted her. “Don’t treat the past as a refuge or a place to escape. Instead, let it be your motivation. So many people are behind you, supporting you, hoping you’ll succeed. You must grit your teeth and hang on. Victory only requires persistence.”

“I was teasing you, just saying it for fun,” Nana wiped away her tears with a smile. “No matter how tough it gets, I’ll stick it out. Don’t worry.”

“That’s good.” Lin Qihua breathed a sigh of relief. “You’re everyone’s pride, our little princess. We all want to see you on TV and on stage. Keep it up.”

“Let’s keep it up together.” Nana raised her small fist in encouragement for herself and Lin Qihua. “You must succeed too. Let’s reach the stage together and see the outside world—it must be amazing.”

“Absolutely.” Lin Qihua raised his fist as well. “Is it a promise?”

“Yes, it’s a promise,” Nana replied, her face full of determination.