Tongtong said something that deeply moved everyone: "Isn't patriotism a spirit etched into everyone's bones?"
Liu Yifeng was stunned for a moment, then after a long pause, he said, "It should indeed be etched into our bones, but you're so young and already understand these things. You understand them better than many adults. They don't grasp the principles, but you do. I wonder if they would feel ashamed hearing your words."
He had seen many people on television who, under the guise of patriotism, had done many things that brought shame to the nation. They could abandon their integrity and bottom line for money.
"Daddy, we can't control others. All we can do is have a clear conscience!"
Director Wang immediately started applauding, "Tongtong, you've spoken wonderfully! Uncle Wang truly wants to give you a thumbs-up. You are a good child."
Xia Qianqian also gave a thumbs-up, "Tongtong, you're amazing! Your words even moved me."
Tongtong smiled and said, "Uncle Wang, Auntie Xia, our country will definitely get better and better. We must love our country dearly!"
"Yes, we will!" they both nodded simultaneously.
"By the way, was Qianqian so engrossed in listening that she forgot to sing? Tongtong, can you play it again to see how well you two cooperate?" Director Wang asked.
Tongtong immediately agreed, "Daddy, put me down. I want to play the piano again."
Liu Yifeng gently put Tongtong down and stood aside to listen. Listening to Tongtong play the piano was never tiring.
As Tongtong's fingers touched the keys, a soothing melody filled the air, and Xia Qianqian quickly found her rhythm.
"Smoke of battle fills the land, when will the war cease?"
"Magnificent mountains and rivers, waiting for us to compose."
"Heroes, their origins unknown, carrying a heart full of passion together."
"Who let the wind slip, our destinies intertwined from now on."
"Don't ask who I am, under the yellow flowers, each inheriting a lineage."
"Come, let's fight!"
"Fearless of bloodshed, unafraid of sacrifice."
"No stopping, no rest!"
"Towards the dawn of light, let out the final roar!"
"When the radiance illuminates the earth, smiles appear on every face!"
"The wind is no more, all returns to calm!"
"Let the wind scatter it all!"
"When the dust settles, we march towards a beautiful future!"
...
The two, one playing and one singing, despite it being their first collaboration, were surprisingly a perfect match, leaving no room for criticism.
This was the first time Director Wang had heard Xia Qianqian sing, and he was surprised at how well she did. She had lacked emotion when playing the guitar, but her singing was full of it. Her high notes weren't forced for effect but were comfortably smooth, melodious, and pleasant to the ear. Combined with Tongtong's piano accompaniment, their performance was seamless. They hadn't rehearsed or worked together before, yet their first attempt yielded such remarkable results, truly dazzling.
"Qianqian, you sing so well! Your vocal skills are no worse than those of professional singers. Why hasn't the company made you famous?" Director Wang was puzzled. If he were Xia Qianqian's boss, he would have released albums for her long ago, not let her remain an unknown. However, he also knew the industry was complex. Those who had been in it for years without gaining fame usually fell into one of two categories: either their talent wasn't enough to be promoted, or they refused to compromise their integrity by accepting "unspoken rules," thus not receiving good resources. Before hearing her sing, he assumed the former was the reason for her lack of fame. Now, he felt the latter was more likely.
Xia Qianqian was delighted by the director's high praise. However, when asked why she wasn't famous, her eyes dimmed. She wished she knew too. With her vocal talent, a little promotion from the company could have brought them significant returns. Simply put, she was unwilling to bow to commercial interests, which led her to her current situation. But this was something she couldn't openly discuss, especially with the cameraman filming. She smiled and explained, "Perhaps there are too many people more talented than me in the company. I still need to work harder."
"Oh, Director Wang, have you noticed? The song 'Wind Sound' that Qianqian sang sounds very similar to the one Yun Duoer sang?" Xiao Yang suddenly recalled something.
Director Wang, prompted by Xiao Yang, realized, "Ah, it does seem that way. Yun Duoer became famous with that song. If only you had sung it first, you would be the one who became famous." He sounded a bit regretful. However, he didn't suspect that Xia Qianqian was the original singer. After all, imitation songs were very common these days. Television stations had even held contests where ordinary people and original artists performed behind a screen, and the audience had to guess who was who. Many guessed incorrectly because some impersonators were so good they could pass for the real thing. Therefore, Xia Qianqian's singing sounding similar to Yun Duoer's only indicated her excellent vocal skills, not that she was the original singer.
Hearing this, Xia Qianqian's hands instinctively tightened on her pants. She desperately wanted to say that she was indeed the original singer, but without concrete proof, no one would believe her. Instead, they might think she was desperate for fame. She could only smile and remain silent.
Liu Yifeng had also heard Yun Duoer sing this song. He had thought it was quite good at the time, acknowledging her talent despite her not being a model mother. Xia Qianqian's rendition was, in his opinion, on par with Yun Duoer's. As Director Wang had said, it was a pity that Yun Duoer sang it first. No matter how well Xia Qianqian sang, she couldn't surpass her due to the "first-mover advantage" of fans. Moreover, with their voices being so similar, Xia Qianqian lacked a distinctive edge to truly outshine Yun Duoer.
"It's okay, with your talent, you'll definitely become famous. As long as we are dedicated to this career, we will be rewarded," Director Wang said, trying to comfort Xia Qianqian, sensing her disappointment.
Liu Yifeng chimed in with encouragement, "Director Wang is right. It's up to us. As long as we stay true to our original intentions."
Xia Qianqian smiled indifferently, "You don't need to comfort me. I can accept my current situation. Even if I can't continue on this path, I have no regrets because I've tried my best."
"That's good. Then let's continue with the music performance! Tongtong, what other pieces do you know?" Director Wang asked.
Tongtong looked at the drum set and replied, "I also know the drums."
"Then I'll play the electronic keyboard!" Xia Qianqian, having graduated from a music conservatory, was proficient in many instruments.
Liu Yifeng, having no understanding of music, quietly left the room while they were engrossed in filming. He went to the yard and saw Da Hei and Da Bai lying listlessly on the ground. Remembering they had vomited up their food that morning, he immediately found two hot dogs for them to eat. The two dogs perked up instantly at the sight of food and devoured them quickly. This time, they weren't pretending to eat for their young master; they genuinely wanted to eat and enjoyed it.
"Eat slowly. I promised to give you extra chicken legs at noon!" Liu Yifeng petted Da Bai's head. After they finished the hot dogs, he played with them in the yard for a while. This was much better than staying in the music room, listening to music, and not being able to contribute anything. Let those who understood music communicate; he wouldn't join the fray.
After an unknown amount of time, Tongtong and the others emerged from the music room. Liu Yifeng threw a ball to Da Hei and then walked towards the living room. "Are you all done filming? Sit in the living room and rest. I'll go wash some fruit for you to eat."
"Mr. Liu, I'll help you!" Xia Qianqian followed behind him.
When they came out, Tongtong was already playing chess with Director Wang. They didn't disturb them but watched silently from the side. As expected, Director Wang was no match for Tongtong. In less than twenty moves, Tongtong checkmated him, leaving him with no way out.