Chapter 195: The Strongest Singer, Undoubtedly
Yu Wei was a teacher the next day, which was also his last day as a teacher. This language class could be considered his final lesson in some sense.
Logically speaking, he should do something to put a perfect end to this experience, or say something to plant a seed in the children’s hearts…
But when he stood on the podium, he felt there was nothing to say.
Previously, Yu Wei fantasized about being a teacher, imagining using his self-righteous life experiences to leave words that would inspire students for life.
In reality, it was all nonsense. When thinking of teaching young people how to do things based on his own understanding, he was no different from the elders in his memory.
Each generation has its own way of living. Let them be.
Yu Wei didn’t say anything. He simply followed Tian Jun’s prepared lesson and briefly advanced the subject’s progress. However, before the dismissal bell rang, he followed yesterday’s example and called out names one by one to distribute the composition notebooks.
He didn’t seek to leave a bold stroke in their lives. As long as someone remembered he had been there years later, that would be enough.
After receiving the composition notebooks, the students in Class 3, Grade 5 were surprised to discover that Yu Wei had not only left comments and feedback but also carefully signed his name in the bottom right corner.
Of course, it wasn’t Yu Wei being narcissistic. He just thought that if the children grew up and wanted to brag online later, at least there would be proof…
If all else failed, when a teacher scolded them in the future saying “taught by the language and PE teacher,” they could argue that language was taught by Yu Wei.
He’d take the blame!
Although their classes had ended, filming for the program was still continuing. Yu Wei and Chi Leying remained in the office handling their tasks.
Anyway, stand the last shift properly.
Ever since getting the adapted “Youth,” Chi Leying had become even more radiant. Even with her deep thoughts, she couldn’t help but let her corners of her mouth curve up unconsciously.
These lyrics are red-hot glowing!
The new version has a grand scale, just lacking an opportunity, and she happened to have one—the concert in a few days gave her the chance to shine.
There’s no need to analyze this from a utilitarian angle. It could only be said to be her honor.
She already lacked nothing…
Yu Wei specially adapting it for her at this critical juncture was clearly intentional. This boost could be called a great kindness without exaggeration.
Perhaps because she was too self-interested, Chi Leying’s first reaction was what Yu Wei was after. There are no favors without reason in this world, and she always firmly believed that.
After all, adapting something always takes effort, especially the new lyrics, which were clearly carefully researched. Giving it just like that inevitably raised suspicions.
From a benefits perspective, she was actually superfluous to Yu Wei. On a personal level, there was nothing special, just somewhat attractive, but probably not to his taste.
So what was he after?
If it was just for movie cooperation, the original version of “Youth” would suffice. Even without adaptation, she would have helped. Specially adapting it made her owe too much…
Unless the new lyrics came out of his mouth effortlessly without any effort, allowing him to act spontaneously, but that was obviously impossible. Adaptation takes time too.
Chi Leying, who calculated clearly, feared owing favors the most, especially inscrutable ones. Owing too many left her uneasy.
While she was brainstorming at her desk, Yu Wei had already been writing for a while. Standing the last shift, but writing while standing.
After announcing the competition results between Tong Yulu and the AI native, Yu Wei started writing the plot for the new song. Classic native beating native, no song release, purely to tease.
There are too many songs suitable for elementary students: besides children’s song classics, there are some elementary school god songs, but the latter are clearly playing with memes and can’t be taken seriously.
Although these songs have high singability among elementary students, they aren’t really suitable for children, carrying some stereotypes.
Truly giving “The Lonely Warrior” or “Reverse Battle” to children would still be too mismatched, whether in core or form. The songs are good but not suitable.
Yu Wei was selecting songs as a teacher and couldn’t be too casual. He still needed truly meaningful good works.
Besides textbook old songs and internet pops, there’s one type that represents elementary students: ringtones.
As soon as the prelude rings, memories arrive.
Yu Wei still remembered the class bell and dismissal bell back then, eye exercises and broadcast gymnastics, and “Tomorrow Will Be Better” on the way home from school.
“Gently knock awake the sleeping soul…”
This song is still used as a bell in many schools: dismissal, lunch break, chorus, even graduation ceremonies.
When a day’s studies end, this melody gently rings. Whether tomorrow will be good is unknown, but today’s hardship is over.
Even if this world didn’t have this song, it remains a work full of hope, plain and warm, with good meaning, very positive, suitable for big scenes.
Yu Wei remembered seeing foreigners hearing this song for the first time and being hooked into childhood memories. Whether true or not, it varies by person.
But “Tomorrow Will Be Better” is absolutely a good work. Good works have the ability to cross cultures.
This song is very classic with many versions. Yu Wei knew four: the initial version’s lyrics had a low vibe and became scrapped.
The formal version was a chorus by a bunch of big names, a solid masterpiece hit, a milestone work unavoidable in the Chinese music scene.
The female voice and children’s voice versions were used as bells, but Yu Wei preferred the children’s voice version.
Children’s voices added purity to the lyrics, making “Tomorrow Will Be Better” a flawless beautiful wish.
Yu Wei wasn’t dilatory. After conceiving the plot, he directly started typing on the keyboard. Writing slowly would disrespect this song.
[Stage lights slowly focus, a slender figure appears in the hazy glow.
Music prelude hasn’t started, yet he closes his eyes, gently holding the microphone to his lips.
When the first a cappella line rings out, that voice is like a mountain spring, quietly flowing into every listener’s heart.
“Gently knock on the sleeping soul
Slowly open your eyes.”
Without accompaniment, his voice is even purer and more moving. Each word carries warm texture, echoing in the silent performance venue.
At the end of the singing, applause surges like tides, unrelenting. Stars bow in thanks, faces beaming with gentle smiles.]
Yu Wei knew “Stars” refers to music projects with three or more artists. Songs tagged with these two words are either masterpieces or big works.
But his novel native character is named Stars…
After all, the original is star-studded. In some sense, it’s faithfully restoring the classic, while tricking some comments.
Five minutes after updating, he opened the chapter reviews and sure enough, readers were explaining in the corresponding paragraph.
“How is one figure Stars?”
“666, so Stars is one person.”
“If it were other entertainment authors, I’d block. It’s common knowledge, but this is Yu Wei. I think this kid did it intentionally.”
Unfortunately, Yu Wei tricked readers too many times, eventually turning into “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” His idea was instantly exposed.
Readers were puzzled too: whose Stars is just one star? After all that, this person is named Stars?
“I say Stars is the strongest singer in the Chinese music scene. Who agrees, who opposes?”
“It really is. Works are ridiculously numerous.”
Netizens’ meme skills are too strong. Many masterpieces on the market are sung by Stars. If this isn’t the strongest, who is?
“I, Chen Ping, disagree.”
“Trivia: Chen Ping can also be Stars.”
Forget Old Senior Chen; Yu Wei himself could be part of Stars. This is a true concept god.
Yu Wei casually wrote it, but netizens really started getting abstract.
“This singer named Stars is too awesome, just like the author named Anonymous.”
“The only two true gods, countless works.”
Doesn’t link up.
Crucially, some naive netizens actually believed it, actively chatting about hearing many of Stars’ songs, each with different voices, so impressive.
It’d be weird if they were the same…
By that logic, next-door Old Wang is impressive too, with so many properties, assets terrifying, even helping neighbors get partnered.
“You really know how to play.”
Chi Leying saw netizens chatting lively and simply checked the new chapter. She had no interest in memes but focused more on this song.
“Tomorrow Will Be Better”—just the song title is extraordinary. A grand yet accessible name, full of champion aura.
Combined with Yu Wei’s strength in the “positive energy” field, Chi Leying already had some expectations for this song.
But these two lyrics puzzled her a bit: gently knocking the sleeping soul—how does it feel like disturbing sweet dreams?
“Time to go.”
Yu Wei checked the time. Though not yet dismissal, he decided to leave a bit early today.
It wasn’t slacking; mainly, with this school’s leader mannerism, he felt there’d be a send-off ceremony right before leaving.
Not just the entertainment industry likes riding popularity; every industry does. They rarely visit, and with program filming ending, they’d surely milk it.
Besides riding popularity, it pleases and shows hospitality. This school excels at formalism; had to guard against it.
Yu Wei glanced at the accompanying photographer. The program team surely wanted to film such a farewell; they probably knew.
Staff awkwardly scratched their heads upon hearing. “Just wanted Class 3 kids to say goodbye, properly bid you farewell.”
Was that wanting to say goodbye? No, consuming emotions for show?
Say more touching words for value, tricking kids into crying. Yu Wei went to school too; “gratitude education events” were fresh in memory.
Farewell probably wouldn’t be that extreme, but for kids, it’s still coercion. Form over substance, unnecessary and meaningless.
His farewell ended at that post-class “Goodbye, teacher” moment…
Yu Wei couldn’t change everything, but at least he didn’t want to be formalism’s accomplice.
Can’t blame the program team; such segments do have great program effect and can sublimate value.
After greeting the program team, he simply packed his things to leave. Chi Leying quietly followed without saying much.
Honestly, she wanted to stay, as variety show forced sublimation segments easily go viral.
Kids act reluctant a bit, clips go viral. Passersby buy it: stars this liked by kids must be good, follow…
Staying benefited her, but Chi Leying chose to leave with Yu Wei. Compared, gaining his recognition was more beneficial.
She was still self-interested. Program fame is fleeting, but becoming Yu Wei’s fellow traveler is different.
Calculated clearly, but stepping out the school gate, Chi Leying felt an inexplicable relief.
Perhaps this was her heartfelt choice…
No forced sublimation ending, only leaving singing and smiling.
“What are you thinking now?”
Chi Leying was curious about Yu Wei’s feelings now. After all, this was his most serious moment since she met him.
“Uh, probably… may this journey reach Stars.”
Forget it, pretend she didn’t ask. Still playing this meme? You want to be the strongest singer too?
