Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Brave Snail

Cheng Xiaoyu sent a text message to Fu Xiyue, saying that something unexpected had happened today and he wouldn't be able to make it. He promised to come another day.

Fu Xiyue replied, asking if it was nothing serious.

Cheng Xiaoyu responded that it was fine, just a bite from the neighbor's dog, and he was on his way to get the shot.

Fu Xiyue sent a laughing emoji, covering her mouth, and reminded him to be more careful next time.

Cheng Xiaoyu didn't reply further and drove towards the Forest of Lights.

By the time he arrived, Xia Shamo, Chen Haoran, and Wang Ou had already been there for quite some time. Chen Haoran was still practicing the double bass drum. Xia Shamo and Wang Ou were sitting on the sofa, studying the guitar.

Cheng Xiaoyu sent two music scores to Chen Haoran and Xia Shamo. Chen Haoran glanced at them casually and set them aside; their difficulty was trivial for him, as long as he could memorize the scores. There would be no problem with the performance.

For Xia Shamo, it was quite a challenge. The two songs were called "Bravery" and "Snail".

Wang Ou watched the two of them effortlessly reading the staff notation, a little envious. He sighed, "At this rate, who knows when I'll reach the level to perform on stage!"

Cheng Xiaoyu patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Honestly, learning guitar isn't exactly easy. If it's just a passing fancy, it's better to give up early. If you don't genuinely love it, it's hard to stick with it."

Wang Ou glanced at Xia Shamo, who was seriously studying the score, and said, "I really do love it."

Cheng Xiaoyu caught Wang Ou's expression, smiled, and said, "If you persist, maybe you'll make it."

Wang Ou nodded and continued practicing his guitar.

Chen Jinglong had learned that Cheng Xiaoyu would be coming that afternoon, so he had arrived early at the bar. Upon hearing that both songs for the New Year's performance were Cheng Xiaoyu's compositions, he had been wanting to have a proper conversation with this high schooler.

When Chen Jinglong entered the basement, Cheng Xiaoyu was guiding Wang Ou on guitar, and Xia Shamo was softly singing with the score in hand. Chen Jinglong smiled and asked Xia Shamo, "Is this a new song?"

Xia Shamo nodded.

Chen Jinglong then asked, "May I take a look?"—addressing Cheng Xiaoyu, since he knew only Cheng Xiaoyu had authority in the band.

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled, "Brother Chen, no need for formalities. Please, take a look."

Chen Jinglong took the score from Xia Shamo, flipping through it carefully. Having been immersed in music for years, he could judge the level from a quick glance. With a sigh, he asked, "Xiaoyu, is this another one of your works?"

Cheng Xiaoyu nodded, but his face showed little joy.

"It's really good. Honestly, you don't need to study anymore—you could be a professional producer already. At your age, there's no word but 'genius' to describe you!"

Cheng Xiaoyu covered his embarrassment with a smile, "Brother Chen, you're too generous. I just write for fun, not aiming for any particular standard."

Chen Jinglong chuckled, "You know, excessive modesty is just another form of pride! Tonight, Brother Chen will host—dinner's on me!"

Cheng Xiaoyu said, "I'm fine with that, but let's see if SR and Dashuang have time."

Chen Jinglong warmly invited Xia Shamo and Wang Ou as well, and both agreed.

He then asked, "There's an OS event organized by the bar street this weekend. Is your band interested in participating?"

Cheng Xiaoyu frowned slightly, "We don't mind joining, but our band is short one guitarist." He glanced at Wang Ou, "See, this newbie is still growing."

Wang Ou scratched his head, "Don't worry about me—I'm just a substitute. If you have someone better, let them take the stage."

Cheng Xiaoyu shook his head, "It's fine. We'll wait for you."

Wang Ou grinned foolishly.

Chen Jinglong said, "Or maybe you could have Huang Yong fill in temporarily—their band won't be performing that day anyway."

Cheng Xiaoyu asked, "Why not?"

Chen Jinglong laughed, "It's all among friends, so it's no embarrassment—the lead singer got into a fight over a woman and is in the hospital! I'm at a loss here! Without their band performing, business at the bar has dropped quite a bit!"

Cheng Xiaoyu chuckled, "Brother Chen, let's rehearse these two songs. If SR is okay, we can help your bar out. We do feel a bit guilty always using your place for rehearsals without actually doing anything!"

Xia Shamo was looking at the score. Hearing her name, she looked up and said, "I can come after dinner, but I need to leave before eleven. Otherwise, there are no issues."

Chen Jinglong said, "That's no problem at all! I'll make sure SR's arrangements are smooth! And SR, take a taxi—Brother Chen will reimburse you!"

Cheng Xiaoyu laughed, "Brother Chen, you don't need to worry about SR getting home. We have plenty of knights here!"

Chen Jinglong patted Cheng Xiaoyu's shoulder, "That's loyalty! I won't be formal with you. You're such good friends with Haoran; to me, you're like siblings. I've long wanted you all to perform here! Rest assured, I'll settle accounts based on the highest-level band!"

Cheng Xiaoyu quickly said, "Brother Chen, there's no need for money! We're just doing this for fun!"

Chen Jinglong shook his head, "No way! That's the rule! Consider it an early New Year's gift from your brother!"

Cheng Xiaoyu hesitated, "Alright, I won't be too proud. Honestly, I'm a bit short on cash lately. Thank you, Brother Chen!"

Chen Jinglong smiled, "Don't thank me! I should thank you for helping me out so much! Besides, I've seen your level. Honestly, it's not easy for my little bar to hire musicians of your caliber."

Cheng Xiaoyu signaled to Chen Jinglong, "Brother Chen, where's the restroom? I've never been here before!"

Chen Jinglong wondered why Cheng Xiaoyu wanted to talk alone but didn't show it. He laughed, "I need to go too. Let's go together." The two headed upstairs.

When they reached the top floor, Cheng Xiaoyu glanced behind to make sure no one was there and asked, "Brother Chen, can I ask how the band performances are paid?"

Chen Jinglong grabbed Cheng Xiaoyu, "What's wrong, Xiaoyu? Need money? If you need any, just say the word—I'll help as much as I can!"

Cheng Xiaoyu shook his head, "Look at me, do I seem short of money? Just tell me; I'm just a bit curious!"

Chen Jinglong thought for a moment, "Usually, it's five or six songs a day, two to three hundred a day. For you, just four songs; if you're up for it, maybe two more. Three hundred a day—how does that sound?"

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled, "Alright, we'll do as you say, but I need a favor from you."

Chen Jinglong said, "Anything within my power, absolutely."

Cheng Xiaoyu asked, "If Huang Yong helps us as a guest guitarist, do we need to pay him?"

Chen Jinglong thought Cheng Xiaoyu was being a bit petty but still smiled, "No, their band is paid monthly. You and SR split the three hundred; whether Haoran gets any doesn't matter."

Cheng Xiaoyu shook his head, "Brother Chen, that's not right! What should be paid should be paid! The favor I need isn't about this. When you talk to SR, just say six hundred a day. When you settle accounts, make sure the wages are divided into three envelopes! Mine goes to Xia Shamo. As for how much you give Haoran—that's not my business!"

Chen Jinglong suddenly understood, patting Cheng Xiaoyu's shoulder, "You're quite the romantic!"

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled, "Brother Chen, you've misunderstood! We're just good friends and classmates. Her family isn't as well-off as mine or Haoran's. As a friend, I'll help however I can! But if I help too obviously, she'll definitely refuse! There's really no other way."

"Don't worry. I'll handle this. Not a single slip. I'll give SR a little extra."

"No need for extra; she'll get suspicious. Just make sure she doesn't find out," Cheng Xiaoyu reminded.

"Leave it to me," Chen Jinglong assured him.

"Alright, if you have things to do, I'll go back to rehearsal!" Cheng Xiaoyu turned to go downstairs, never visiting the restroom.

Chen Jinglong watched Cheng Xiaoyu's plump silhouette, lost in thought.

When he went downstairs, Xia Shamo was still softly singing "Snail."

Cheng Xiaoyu went to the keyboard and called out, "When you eat someone's food, your mouth is soft; when you take their gift, your hands are short! Let's rehearse the new song together! SR, come over—let's sing 'Snail' first! Haoran, watch your entrance timing! Though these two pieces aren't difficult for you, take them seriously!"

Cheng Xiaoyu gently pressed the black-and-white keys, and the stirring notes began to echo in the small basement.

Xia Shamo's elegant vocals rang out; she especially loved this song. She felt that Cheng Xiaoyu had written it just for her, that she was the little snail.

Should I abandon my heavy shell,
Searching for where the sky is blue?
Floating lightly with the gentle breeze,
The wounds I've weathered no longer hurt.

I must climb upward, step by step,
Waiting for the sunlight to quietly watch its face.
The little sky holds big dreams,
Heavy shell wrapped around gentle hope.

I must climb upward, step by step,
At the highest point, riding a leaf forward.
The little sky is wet with tears and sweat,
Someday, I’ll have a sky of my own.

I must climb upward, step by step,
At the highest point, riding a leaf forward,
Let the wind dry all the tears and sweat.
I must climb upward, step by step,
Waiting for the sunlight to quietly watch its face.
The little sky holds big dreams,
I have a sky that's mine.

Let the wind dry all the tears and sweat,
Someday, I’ll have a sky of my own.

For us, dreams may seem out of reach, but every step forward brings us closer. If you bear hope and strive onward, rather than waiting with burdens in place, though dreams may not always come true, each step is a harvest: pain is a harvest, joy is a harvest, sweat is a harvest, restful sleep is a harvest, smiles are a harvest, and tears are a harvest. If you only stand still, it's true you won't face pain, sweat, or tears, but you will lose hope.

People struggle bitterly in this world—what else but hope keeps them going?