"Little boats glide to and fro,
Matisse's coast,
Nights beneath the starry sky,
Ignited by Van Gogh,
Dreams too beautiful to last,
Munch's bridge, a mournful cry,
The vibrant pulse of this world,
Born from solitude..."
The chorus ended.
Nothing on stage had changed.
Still the solitary figure listening to the rain, still the lone classical piano.
The drumbeats in the accompaniment faded.
Replaced by the interplay of piano and violin, the previously heightened atmosphere gradually subsided.
Those familiar with Tingyu knew this arrangement signaled an impending explosion.
Likewise, most of the audience realized that this song, titled "The Greatest Works," wasn't about Tingyu himself, but about the great artists mentioned in his lyrics!
"We all misunderstood Tingyu. He wasn't arrogant; he was paying tribute to art!"
"Or perhaps, Tingyu is using these artworks to outline his own greatest work!"
"So thoughtful. I finally understand why he visited art exhibitions – to find inspiration!"
"This theme is incredibly novel. Tingyu is simply born for creation!"
"Art is universal. Whether it's music or painting, I can feel the pulse of art in this song!"
Understood!
Everything was clear now!
Tingyu was paying homage to art, using these greatest artworks to shape his own greatest work!
"He truly is a genius!" Jin Chengxian took a deep breath, genuinely impressed by Tingyu.
In this era of impatience and overwhelming commercialism,
Tingyu, with genuine care, delved into culture and art.
Something many producers failed to do.
"This concept is indeed quite brilliant." Even the proud Sean had to admit that when it came to stylistic shifts and thematic choices, no one in their generation could match Tingyu!
Especially during the "Era of Music Kings" competition.
The rich Cuban atmosphere of the "..."
Though he hated to admit it, in Sean's heart,
Tingyu was also an artist, an artist belonging to music!
...
As the audience was in awe.
Suddenly!
The interlude stopped!
With a *snap*,
The stage lights extinguished,
Plunging everything into darkness!
Just then, a faint blue spotlight shone down, transforming into scattered streams of light that danced across the stage.
Then, the spotlight suddenly blazed!
Su Yu, dressed in a vintage suit, reappeared!
His hands flew across the piano keys, unleashing a cascade of rapid notes.
Before the audience could react,
*Snap*!
Another spotlight ignited!
On the other side of the stage, a figure in a black suit sat before another classical piano!
Continuing Su Yu's music, he also played a series of rapid notes, executing them with astonishing perfection!
As the camera zoomed in.
*Whoosh*!
An incredulous gasp erupted from the crowd.
"Louis! It's Master Louis!"
"Holy crap, Tingyu actually invited Master Louis as a guest!"
"Are they... having a piano duel?"
"Incredible, Tingyu and a piano master dueling, and I can't even tell who's better!"
"He invited Master Louis to fit the theme of 'The Greatest Works,' didn't he? He's so thoughtful! And Tingyu's connections are unmatched; no other producer could invite such a master!"
"I suspected Tingyu had something prepared for the finals, but I never imagined he'd be this prepared, even bringing Master Louis!"
At this moment, many audience members felt a chill run down their spines!
This was Louis!
His performance stage was the Golden Hall, a symbol of the pinnacle of world music!
While "Era of Music Kings" was very popular, it remained within the realm of entertainment, incomparable to the sacred ground of classical piano, the Golden Hall. Those who performed there were master pianists from across the entire Blue Star.
Last episode, he invited the global superstar Tina, and this episode was even more outrageous, inviting piano master Louis!
However, during the live broadcast of the gala, Louis had indeed praised Tingyu's piano skills. While the audience was shocked by Tingyu's ability to invite him, they weren't entirely surprised.
...
On stage.
Su Yu and Louis, back and forth, displayed their best performances, their fingers flying across the piano keys!
As the melody soared, the audience's emotions rose with the intensity of their piano duel!
When Louis played the final note.
The drumbeats re-entered.
Su Yu picked up the microphone from the stand, walked, and began to sing.
"Sunlight flows in the garden,
Fragrance sways in the air,
I ask Monet for a favor,
Could you paint a self-portrait?
The master gazes into the distance,
Studying the shapes of color,
Then suddenly turns to ask me,
What my impression of myself is..."
The emotions gradually built.
Su Yu moved to the front of the stage, making rap-specific hand gestures!
Behind the camera, the image of Louis intensely playing the piano was displayed!
No heart-wrenching cries, no heavy-duty musical bombardment!
Relying on rap and impeccable rhythm.
The entire atmosphere of the venue reached an unprecedented climax at this moment!
The next second!
Su Yu stepped onto a speaker.
Pointing at himself, with an incredibly defiant expression and tone.
He began to sing!
"The madness of generations!
The King of Music!
All things bow to my symphony!
The path I tread,
My creation!
The melody at my fingertips craves!!"
*Boom*!!
These incredibly audacious lyrics.
Caused the audience's minds to explode like thunder!
And then goosebumps rose in thick layers!
The madness of generations!
The King of Music!
These simple eight characters vividly expressed Tingyu's confidence!
"Ahhh! Tingyu! Tingyu!!"
"Tingyu! My King!"
"My heavens, Tingyu looks so cool right now!"
"Damn, the lyrics are explosively arrogant! Tingyu is awesome!!"
The audience went wild!!
Some even disregarded their decorum, stepping onto chairs, wildly waving their light sticks!
Their voices hoarse with screams and cheers!
If before was a tribute to past artist masters, then this moment belonged solely to Tingyu, to Tingyu, who had never lost on "Era of Music Kings"!
"The madness of generations!
The King of Music!
I guess I don't need a frame,
It can't contain,
The speed of the keys,
My notes,
Are all future art!"
A cross-generational king!
Tingyu, long ago, in his song "Cross-Era," had already told everyone that his notes were all art from the future!
He wasn't a producer, not a singer, not a musician; he was an artist filled with confidence and pride!!
He placed himself on equal footing with these artists, to exchange art, to feel art.
At this moment, whether others acknowledged it or not.
In Tingyu's song, he was the artist!
The greatest artist!!
...