AFVSIBS Chapter 36: Choosing a Song for "Childhood"

When Zhou Chen arrived at Uncle Chen's house, they immediately invited him to sit down and then asked him to choose a partner for today's activity.

"What activity partner? I wasn't here this morning, so I don't know the tasks and rules of the program group," Zhou Chen looked puzzled.

"It's simple. Today, you'll choose an elderly person from the nursing home as your talent partner, and during the activity, the elderly person can request a talent from you. You'll then decide whether to sing or dance according to their request," Uncle Chen explained the rules to him.

"So that's how it is. But I can only choose one talent partner. How am I supposed to decide with you three here?" Zhou Chen looked troubled.

"How about this? We'll play rock-paper-scissors, and whoever wins will be Zhou Chen's talent partner," suggested Liu Lao Bo.

"Alright, I agree with Liu Elder's suggestion. Otherwise, the three of us will argue endlessly, and it won't result in a decision, leaving Zhou Chen in a difficult position," Uncle Chen also approved of the suggestion.

Grandma Wang nodded, indicating her agreement.

So, the three of them started playing rock-paper-scissors on the spot.

Seeing the three of them, all elderly, playing a children's game, Zhou Chen couldn't help but laugh.

Perhaps this was the best example of "returning to childhood."

"Hahaha, I won! I'm now Zhou Chen's talent partner," Uncle Chen exclaimed excitedly.

"Ah, why is my luck so bad? If only I had chosen scissors earlier," Grandma Wang sighed.

"Indeed, I was just a little bit away from winning. It's so frustrating," sighed Liu Lao Bo.

"Uncle Liu, Auntie Wang, don't worry. Although you didn't become my talent partner for the program, I can sing any song you want to hear," Zhou Chen said.

"Really? That would be great. But your main goal today is to prepare for tonight's program with Uncle Chen. Our matter can be put off until later," Liu Lao Bo was a reasonable person, knowing that Zhou Chen had already wasted a morning coming back for the program. Therefore, he didn't want to waste Zhou Chen's time in the afternoon.

Grandma Wang had the same thought. After all, she didn't want to see Zhou Chen fail to advance in the program due to lack of preparation. She also hoped that Zhou Chen could stay at the nursing home for a few more days.

"Thank you both for understanding. Uncle Chen, what song would you like me to sing for you? Or would you prefer a dance?" Zhou Chen asked.

"Let's go with a song. I've never been interested in dancing. Just sing a song related to childhood. Lately, I don't know why, but the older I get, the more I miss the life of my childhood," Uncle Chen said.

"Alright, then tonight I'll sing 'Childhood' for you," Zhou Chen said after a moment of thought, quickly deciding on the song he would perform.

Although this parallel world was technologically advanced and prosperous in many ways, it lacked in the realm of art.

In simple terms, there were too few excellent songs.

There was no choice for Zhou Chen but to bring the classic song "Childhood" from Earth.

"What's 'Childhood'? What's it like? Why haven't I heard of this song before?"

Uncle Chen immediately became interested.

"This is an original song of mine, which hasn't had a chance to be released yet, so you naturally haven't heard of it. After we have lunch, I'll give you a brief sing-along," Zhou Chen replied.

"Alright, then let's have lunch now."

Uncle Chen said happily, then invited everyone to start eating.

After finishing lunch, Liu Lao Bo and Grandma Wang didn't leave but stayed to listen to Zhou Chen sing "Childhood" along with Uncle Chen.

Although they weren't Zhou Chen's talent partners for today's program, they could enjoy the performance with Uncle Chen and hear Zhou Chen sing.

Zhou Chen picked up the guitar from Uncle Chen's house and began to sing:

By the pond, on the banyan tree,

Cicadas sing, announcing the summer,

On the playground swing,

Only butterflies land,

Teacher's chalk on the blackboard,

Still tirelessly writing away,

Waiting for class to end, waiting to get out of school,

Waiting for the childhood games...

After finishing the song, the three of them, Uncle Chen, and the others, didn't react immediately.

Because Zhou Chen's song brought them back to their childhood memories—the pond, the banyan tree, the swing on the playground, and the chalk on the blackboard. Wasn't that their childhood school life?

Everything seemed to replay in their minds like a movie.

It had been many years since they had been so deeply moved by a song.

"How was it? Is there anything wrong with my performance of 'Childhood'?" Zhou Chen asked directly when they didn't speak.

"No problem, it's very nice. This song instantly took us back to our childhood. It's as if the stories of our childhood are replayed all over again. It's truly excellent," Uncle Chen expressed his opinion first.

"Yes! I also think 'Childhood' is very good. It can be said to be one of the best songs I've heard in decades. I never thought a song could have such a powerful force, bringing back all the happy memories of my childhood at once. Thank you, Zhou Chen, for bringing us such a great song," Grandma Wang also shared her opinion.

"Zhou Chen indeed didn't disappoint us. This song 'Childhood' is not only pleasant to listen to but also has depth. It's truly a rare song. As a trainee, it's incredible that you could write such a good song," Liu Lao Bo also gave high praise to Zhou Chen.

"Thank you all for your compliments. As long as you enjoy listening, that's enough. Then tonight, I'll sing 'Childhood' for Uncle Chen," Zhou Chen said happily.

"Okay, just this song. This song will definitely ensure your successful promotion," Uncle Chen agreed with a smile.

Zhou Chen wasn't particularly concerned about advancing. At this point, he was just fulfilling his contract and doing his best. As for the outcome, as long as it didn't affect his health or the life he wanted, it was fine.

On the other hand, news of Zhou Chen's return to the program team quickly reached Li Yuan's ears.

This made him start to panic.

Without Zhou Chen and Liu Chao, he, as the third most popular, could naturally become the most popular. Now that Zhou Chen was back, he felt immense pressure.

"Are you sure? Zhou Chen really came back? Impossible, would Zhang Chuchu tolerate him being so bold?"


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