Singer

Translator: Lynn

On Friday, Jian Jie remained home alone, still in his teenage years and studying architecture at Hengde University, one of China’s top-ranked universities. He was just starting his junior year. Currently, his brother was his only close relative. Since his brother’s marriage, he had moved to a spacious house with four bedrooms and two living rooms. Housekeeping staff came weekly, and Jian Jie himself was diligent in keeping the house clean.

In the sweltering mid-July heat, with the sun blazing, Jian Jie opened the thick curtains in all the rooms and turned on the lights to create an evening-like ambiance.

While engrossed in sketching the building’s exterior in his study, accompanied by soft cello music playing on the stereo, Jian Jie didn’t hear the knock on the door. His Labrador, Amu, played with a toy by his feet, but upon hearing the noise, it ran into the living room, barking at the door.

“Jiejie,” someone called his nickname from outside, and Jian Jie recognized the voice of his elder brother, Jian Bin. Hastily setting down his pencil, he Vint to open the door.

“It’s such a beautiful day, and you’re still cooped up at home. It’s the weekend, go out and spend time with your friends,” Jian Bin said, unable to help himself from advising his younger brother, who seemed bored during the summer vacation.

Jian Bin had recently turned 30 and worked as an executive in a large company. He was eleven years older than Jian Jie and had taken care of him like an elder since their parents passed away many years ago. Jian Bin cherished his brother greatly, and Jian Jie was generally obedient. His academic performance had always been excellent, which made Jian Bin proud. However, Jian Jie’s introverted nature concerned Jian Bin. He hoped his younger brother would go out more and make friends.

Upon hearing his brother’s words, Jian Jie shyly smiled and replied, “I Went out in the morning.”

“Take the dog for a walk,” Jian Bin shook his head helplessly. “I came here to tell you that I’m leaving for Hong Kong in two days. The company is expanding its business there, and they’re sending me as a supervisor. You’d better stay at my place for a while. Your sister-in-law won’t be there initially, but she can take care of you at home. It’s summer vacation, so you don’t have to live near the university anymore. What do you think?”

Jian Jie pondered for a moment, but ultimately declined, saying, “I want to stay here. Brother Xiao Qi introduced me to a job, but your place is too far from there.” Mentioning this matter angered Jian Bin further. He snapped, “I heard what Xiao Qi said. If you have any serious issues, why don’t you call your brother instead?!” Jian Bin felt jealous that his younger brother sought help from Li Xiaoqi instead of him. He complained, “Let me know if you need a part-time job, and I’ll find one for you. Ever since you started learning guitar from Li Xiaoqi, you rarely call me. If I had known, I wouldn’t have allowed him to be your teacher.”

“I have called, but my brother is usually busy,” Jian Jie earnestly explained.

Realizing he had been unjust, Jian Bin swiftly changed the topic and said, “I’ve also been to the bar that Xiao Qi suggested you visit. It’s quiet and decent. I know the owner, Vincent, quite well. So if you like it, there’s no problem. Going out more can be a good thing. Just make sure you don’t drink there; you might encounter some unsavory characters. Hey, if you’re not happy with what you’re doing, don’t force yourself. Don’t feel bad or wronged in your heart. You need to tell your brother.”

On one hand, Jian Bin wanted his younger brother to socialize more, but on the other hand, he treated him like a child, fearing something might happen to him outside. He rambled on for a while, expressing his concerns. However, Jian Jie patiently agreed with his brother’s advice one by one.

Jian Jie’s decision to work was not due to financial need. His parents’ inheritance had been passed on to him by Jian Bin, and he received a generous monthly allowance. Moreover, Jian Jie was frugal and never spent money carelessly, so his life was comfortable. However, he enjoyed the feeling of independence and had worked part-time in the past. Unfortunately, his introverted nature prevented him from finding a suitable job. This time, Li Xiaoqi had introduced him to a job at a bar owned by a friend, where he would play the piano for two hours every Friday and Saturday night. Jian Jie had been to the bar several times and loved the job. Having learned piano since childhood, followed by the cello and currently learning guitar from Li Xiaoqi, it was evident that he had a genuine passion for music.

Jian Bin assured his younger brother that he wouldn’t object as long as Jian Jie enjoyed the job. After a lengthy admonishment, he inquired about Jian Jie’s recent living conditions and finally left after four o’clock.

Once Jian Bin departed, Jian Jie realized it was getting late and began preparing for his night shift. He was familiar with the routine, as he had been to the bar before. The boss had mentioned that casual attire was acceptable while playing the piano, so there was no need for special clothing. Jian Jie organized his backpack and packed his wallet, mobile phone, keys, music scores, and other necessities. After washing his face and changing into a clean shirt, he headed out.

The part-time bar, Freezing Point, was conveniently located close to Jian Jie’s home, just a 20-minute bus ride away. Although his brother had wanted to buy him a car, Jian Jie declined, as he didn’t frequently leave the vicinity and felt it unnecessary.

When we arrived at the bar, it was only 4:40, and Jian Jie had some time before work started at 5:30. He headed to the staff room to store his bag in the cabinet and then retrieved the sheet music before making his way to the lobby to prepare.

As Jian Jie entered the lobby, he caught the attention of his boss, Vincent, who greeted him with a smile. “Little Jie, you’re early once again,” said Vincent, a kind-hearted man in his forties with a bald head. Being a skilled chef, Vincent’s Bar was known for its excellent Western cuisine.

Jian Jie politely returned the greeting to Vincent, saying, “Hello, Uncle Vin. I wanted to come early to tune the piano.”

Vincent chuckled and replied, “You’re quite dedicated, kid. Go ahead and do that. I’ll go check on things in the kitchen.”

Sitting in front of the piano, Jian Jie set aside the sheet music and began tuning it. Although the piano at the bar wasn’t as good as the one his brother had bought him for home, Jian Jie wasn’t overly particular when he was away. After a brief adjustment, customers started to arrive even before the designated time, prompting him to begin playing. Vincent’s bar had a relaxed atmosphere, attracting guests primarily for dinner, so Jian Jie’s repertoire consisted of soothing, well-known songs that didn’t pose many difficulties.

To onlookers, there was a neat and handsome boy seated at the black piano, dressed in a student’s attire. His slender fingers danced across the black and white keys, producing beautiful notes that seemed to flow effortlessly from his fingertips. It was a sight that evoked a sense of beauty in those who witnessed it. Many of the young girls entering the bar couldn’t help but steal glances at Jian Jie, with the bolder ones even fixating their gaze on him.

Jian Jie remained focused on playing the piano, fully immersed in the world of music, and would take a break after completing each song.

Just as half past six approached, a waiter arrived to call Jian Jie for dinner. Vincent had placed a specific order, ensuring that Jian Jie was served a delicious meal consisting of a small tomato beef roll, a plate of seafood pasta, and a glass of freshly squeezed kiwi fruit juice.

While Jian Jie was enjoying his meal in the staff room, Vincent hurriedly approached him and, with an anxious tone, said, “Xiao Jie, I heard from Xiao Qi that you’re a good singer. Please save me.”

Jian Jie looked up suspiciously and asked, “Uncle Vin, what’s wrong?”

With a gloomy expression, Vincent explained, “The band that was supposed to perform tonight hasn’t arrived, and I can’t reach anyone when I call. Other singers I contacted either have prior commitments or need at least three hours to get here. I’m not sure if they’ll even make it. Xiao Jie, please help me out. Just wait a while, and I’ll get back to you.” 

Uncertain and lacking confidence, Jian Jie replied, “Uncle Vin, I have sung before, but I only know a few songs. Will it be a mess if I do it?”

Vincent, however, couldn’t afford to worry about those details. As long as the venue wasn’t empty, he quickly responded, “Alright, just choose songs you’re comfortable with. It’s live night today, and it would be a shame to disappoint the audience. Come with me and check out the musical instruments.” He hurriedly took Jian Jie to the band’s lounge, where various instruments were piled up in a corner, including keyboards, drums, a few guitars, and miscellaneous items.

Jian Jie approached the guitars, tried them out, and selected one. He said, “Uncle Vin, I only know how to play the guitar, so I’ll use this.” He picked a rhythm guitar suitable for accompaniment and chords.

Since Vincent wasn’t knowledgeable about music, he advised, “Okay, you’re familiar with the style of my bar. Just sing some songs that aren’t too loud. Get ready, take a break, and come out after 7:30. I’ll give you a generous tip envelope in the evening after your performance.”

Jian Jie shyly smiled and responded, “Uncle Vin, you’re too kind. I’m not sure if I can do it. I’m afraid I’ll embarrass you.” 

“Don’t be nervous,” Vincent reassured him with a hearty laugh, patting Jian Jie on the shoulder. “Just sing as you always do. Xiao Qi spoke highly of you, so you can’t be that bad. It’s just one night, and it’s not a big event. Just be confident.”

Jian Jie nodded in agreement.

Alone in the room, he began contemplating the pop songs he knew. Jian Jie was quite familiar with numerous songs, as he had a strong passion for singing and a good musical sense. After listening to a song only a couple of times, he could easily hum along. Whenever Li Xiaoqi taught him music, he would often marvel at the inherent differences in people’s talents.

Author notesThis is the first time I wrote a modern article, and I only wrote a few chapters, and I posted it when I felt itchy. This time it involves all unfamiliar areas, and everyone is welcome to give feedback.

Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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