Chapter 0009: Firefighters

On the stage, Lan Li's gaze fell upon table 14, and a hint of mockery appeared at the corner of his mouth, drawing the attention of both Tom and Steven. "This afternoon, I just went through an audition that was not particularly successful, but this audition has inspired me, and I would like to share it with everyone here."

Due to the fact that the Pioneer Village always insists on live performances and that the daily guest performers must be carefully selected rather than relying on a fixed lineup throughout the year, various unexpected situations are inevitably encountered. Therefore, there is always a need for impromptu rescue personnel on site. Previously, comedians were the preferred choice, as they could take the stage for stand-up performances, enliven the atmosphere, and interact closely with the audience, making it an excellent way to buy time.

"Hey, Lan Li! Lan Li!" The sound of someone slapping the table came from the bar direction, and without turning my head, I knew it must be that guy Neil. Accompanied by the sound of slapping, many spectators also joined in the commotion, whistling and laughing, creating quite a lively atmosphere

Steven gazed intently at Blue Li amidst the beam of light. Unlike the ease and flamboyance displayed during the audition on stage in the afternoon, Blue Li at this moment appeared refined and clear. Perhaps it was the stark contrast between the spotlight and the surrounding darkness that made the vast stage seem to hold only a solitary figure. Blue Li resembled a wandering poet, singing softly and expressing his innermost feelings, exuding a casual yet unrestrained elegance that evoked envy.

Lan Li casually pulled a wooden chair and then sat down generously. After securing the microphone, the stage lights dimmed. The lights in the entire bar, except for the stage, were gradually turned down, leaving only a soft yellow beam illuminating Lan Li, enveloping him in its glow. The dust in the air danced up and down, lightly settling on his shoulders. The halo penetrated through his messy and unruly golden-brown curls, falling sparsely across his face. His thick eyelashes cast a shadow that concealed the emotions in his eyes, and an indescribable tranquility slowly spread.

For noble families like the Hall family—even those in decline—children must learn an artistic skill from a young age, such as painting, piano, violin, poetry, or wine tasting. The emphasis is not on proficiency, but on cultivating one's character and enhancing one's temperament. Especially in formal social occasions within high society, one's gaze, speech, demeanor, and expressions determine one's status and image in the circle from the very first impression. This is also the fundamental reason why nouveau riche individuals and newly elevated nobility can never truly integrate into high society—the lack of heritage and depth.

Steven wiped the last bit of soup from the plate with bread and put it in his mouth—tonight's meal was indeed delicious. Hearing Stanley's introduction from the speakers, he nearly choked, and his first reaction was to cast a questioning glance at Tom, asking, "What is going on?" However, Tom also spread his hands, wearing a bewildered expression, completely unaware of what was happening.

Seeing Neil, who was about to become a hands-off manager, Lan Li quickly grabbed him and asked, "How much time? How long do you need me to delay?"

Originally intended as a one-time guest appearance to save the situation, it unexpectedly received quite a few positive reviews. Over the past period, Lan Li has already taken the stage to perform floral arrangements five times.

The singing seems to lack any particular technique, yet it effortlessly captivates the ears, even entrancing the mind in that lazy and husky voice, while the faint aroma of coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the sunlight.

Turning his head towards the stage, the guitarist Lan Li appeared before the crowd with a beaming smile. The cheers from the audience grew increasingly lively. Steven couldn't help but glance around, noticing that the guests who were cheering were all chanting in unison, clearly very familiar with Lan Li. The playful banter and teasing among friends was evident.

When the song concluded, Steven realized the relaxed smile at the corner of his mouth and quickly composed himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Tom, who, fortunately, was raising both hands high, applauding and paying tribute to Bran, completely unaware of his unusual demeanor. It was not just Tom; the other audience members were the same, as no one paid attention to the peculiarities of others. Each person was simply enjoying the performance.

"Fifteen minutes," Neil said nonchalantly. "When Jason arrives, we will signal you from the audience." After saying this, he did not linger any longer and swiftly returned to the bar, passing the hot potato directly to Lannister.

"Before Jason arrives at the scene, you all have to endure my impersonation for a while." With just these two simple sentences, Lan Li successfully revitalized the atmosphere on site, not only refraining from complaining about Jason's tardiness but instead making it even more lively.

Steven remained obstinate, asking, "As an amateur singer?" Actors always seem to have an inexplicable sense of superiority over singers, and Steven's remark clearly expressed disdain. Tom couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Lann Li widened his eyes, "Again?" Although his expression revealed surprise, his hands did not pause, and he promptly slung the guitar over his shoulder

Even if Steven is unwilling, he must admit that, aside from a professional perspective, Lan Li's performance indeed evokes a very comfortable feeling, possessing an indescribable charm. Generally speaking, only those seasoned and resilient core singers possess such power, yet Lan Li is only twenty years old this year, which is truly astonishing

Lannister's hands were still covered in water droplets, and his attire appeared somewhat disheveled due to the busyness of the dinner rush, making him look rather flustered. Neil was pulling with such urgency and force that his steps were somewhat unsteady. "Slow down, slow down, Neil! What is going on? At the very least, you could update me on the specifics!"

The long and straight fingers, with distinct joints, are strong and powerful. As they gently glide down, the resonant sound of the strings dances gracefully in the spotlight. A piece titled "I Am Yours" effortlessly immerses everyone in the bar, causing them to sway gently to the rhythm. In this moment of leisure, with music, fine wine, and friends, the fragments of life begin to come into focus.

Steven's thoughts were interrupted, yet they became increasingly intriguing. Although this was merely his first visit to Pioneer Village, it was certain that if he were not exceptionally talented, the audience would not display such enthusiasm merely due to familiarity

However, Neil's footsteps showed no signs of stopping, as he strode forward and pulled Blanley to the side of the stage, casually shoving the guitar that was leaning against the wall into Blanley's arms, "A moment of emergency!"

At this moment, Stanley Charlson, standing on the stage, caught a glimpse of the ready Blake. He could no longer continue to ramble on. As the owner of the bar, his purpose for coming on stage was merely to act as a host, and two minutes of idle chatter was already his limit. Therefore, without giving Blake a chance to catch his breath, he raised his right hand high and declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, Blake Hall!"

New York, this city always reminds everyone living here in unexpected ways from time to time, that it is the world's foremost metropolis, and also the busiest city in the world—its terrible traffic congestion problem is always so distressing. Tonight, Jason has once again become another "experiencer"

Lan Li performed "Charlie Boy" and "Heroes" by David Bowie. Meanwhile, quite a few audience members began to request songs from below the stage, creating a lively atmosphere.

Time seems to have suddenly come to a standstill

Lan Li studied piano and later explored various other instruments at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the United Kingdom, primarily to understand the changes and advancements in popular culture, which play a significant role in comprehending culture, history, and performance. Additionally, this was also to make up for the regrets of a past life, as trying different new things can always broaden one's horizons. The guitar is one of these instruments. This plays a significant role in understanding culture, history, and performance; furthermore, it serves to compensate for the regrets of a past life, as trying different new things can always broaden one's horizons. The guitar is one of these instruments.

This is not the first time

Lann Li took the microphone from Stanley and said with a smile, "Good evening, I am Jason Mraz." His calmness while telling such a tall tale made everyone in the bar burst into laughter. "Sorry, Jason is currently stuck fifteen blocks away due to Michael Bloomberg's terrible management." Michael, the current mayor of New York.

Neil helplessly spread his hands, "There is a major traffic jam. Jason is still stuck in the traffic on 23rd Street. " This is 7th Street, which is quite a long distance away, and it is estimated that he won't make it in a short time, "Now we can only rely on you to save the situation. Stanley said the reward remains the same."

This reminded Steven of the audition in the afternoon. In fact, it is the same for actors; young actors often rely on talent and instinct to perform due to their lack of experience and exposure, while mature actors gradually lose their spontaneity, relying more on technique and experience to control their performances. However, there is a unique blend of weariness and spirituality in Lan Li that captivates the audience. This is also the reason why Tom stepped forward. However, there is a unique blend of weariness and spirituality in Lan Li that captivates the audience. This is also the reason why Tom stepped forward

Watching Neil's figure disappear in a hurry, Lan Li did not panic too much. He raised his head to glance at the clock and began to estimate in his mind. Excluding the time spent on conversation and the break for changing personnel, there was roughly a blank period of about ten minutes. He only needed to perform three songs, which was sufficient. The task was not too burdensome

Tom finally couldn't help it and turned around to say loudly, "It seems that this little guy is quite popular!"

Niel pushed Bran to the front left of the stage, then raised his hands to declare his innocence, revealing a relieved smile, "Now it's up to you!"

However, during an unexpected incident last month, no comedians could be found on site to save the situation. Fortunately, Lan Li volunteered to take the stage, averting the crisis of a performance gap that evening

"While Jason has yet to make his appearance," Lan Li's voice emanated from the speakers, unfurling like blue velvet in the creamy yellow world, the beauty of the night blooming proudly in an instant, "I have decided to perform one of his signature songs first. Once he arrives, perhaps you will be able to sense the tremendous contrast." That self-deprecating jest elicited smiles from every listener, including Steven.

This jest won the hearts of everyone present, and the sound of hands striking the table erupted once again, intermingled with excited whistles