### Chapter 7: Making a Splash
Rock music had once been extremely popular in this world. Veteran singer Yuan Zong and the Big Windmill Band were leaders in this genre. In the early 1980s, Yuan Zong was known as the "King of Rock," spearheading the rise of rock music. By the late 1980s, the Big Windmill Band, with rock as their main theme, emerged strongly, repeatedly achieving double platinum certifications and creating a record of selling over a million copies within two weeks, an unprecedented achievement at the time. Countless singers embarked on the rock music journey, hoping to claim a piece of the pie, but few succeeded.
However, from the mid-1990s to the present, as fans gradually grew tired of the rock music formula, sentimental love songs, once overshadowed by rock, began to gain traction. Even so, the rock era that passed still left many fans with fond memories. That era, willing to live and die for rock, took away the youth of a generation.
Most people sitting in the Blue Moon bar were those who had lived through that era. After witnessing the glory days of rock, they became increasingly disappointed with the current lackluster state of rock music. As a result, the sales of rock albums declined, and now, rock had become a memory, a taboo that no one would touch lightly.
But when the handsome young man in the center of the stage finished singing a rock song, everyone’s hearts tightened and then started pounding wildly. No one had expected that rock could convey friendship and reflections on life, beyond just rebellion and darkness. This poetic rock, free from any constraints, completely stunned everyone present.
“If this life is all we have, why start over?”
“Come on, finish this drink, and there’s another.”
“And after this drink, there’s three more!”
As Li Qing cheerfully said these lines, the cozy, bluesy bar erupted into thunderous applause. Everyone felt their blood boil with excitement, standing up and downing their drinks in one go.
"Is this really your original song?" Old Jiang was ecstatic, his face flushed with excitement. He enthusiastically jumped onto the stage, acting like an old child, circling Li Qing tirelessly. "Genius, a real genius!"
"Genius? I wouldn’t dare claim that!" Li Qing returned the guitar to Old Jiang and smiled. "So, did I pass?"
"Of course you did!" Old Jiang was so excited that he rubbed his hands together, causing the crowd to shake their heads and laugh. Realizing he was being a bit too eager, he quickly calmed down and extended his hand, smiling. "Let’s formally introduce ourselves. I'm Jiang Zhongnan, as you can see, the manager of Blue Moon Bar. Everyone calls me Old Jiang. From now on, you'll be singing here. Don’t worry, our bar may not seem crowded, but the average spending is higher than most. With your talent and skill, you'll surely earn plenty of tips."
"Thank you, Brother Jiang!" Li Qing shook his hand and thanked him repeatedly. He was someone who understood social niceties. Although Jiang Zhongnan said everyone called him Old Jiang, Li Qing knew he wasn’t familiar enough to do so yet, especially since Jiang would be his boss for the foreseeable future. Calling him Old Jiang would be presumptuous.
Jiang Zhongnan was obviously very satisfied with Li Qing’s performance. After learning Li Qing’s name and basic information, he had the bar staff record Li Qing’s work details. From then on, Li Qing became a resident singer at the bar, earning 50 RMB per hour for two hours each day. If customers requested specific songs, the bar would only take a 20% commission, covering electricity, space, and instrument rental fees. Any additional tips from customers would go entirely to Li Qing. This arrangement made Li Qing very satisfied.
According to Jiang Zhongnan, no other bar singer in the entire city had such favorable terms.
During his subsequent performances at the bar, Li Qing didn’t continue to make a spectacular impression. Good songs needed to be carefully crafted. "Sudden Self" was just for the audition. To become a truly good singer, genuine skill was crucial. To adapt to the environment and hone his singing skills, he started to play and sing popular songs of the time. Honestly, his singing was a bit shaky and off-key. However, his handsome face alone earned him plenty of tips and applause. Most of the audience, over 90%, were women, which confirmed Jiang Zhongnan’s prediction. Even if Li Qing did nothing but stand on stage, he was a shining money tree.
Over time, Li Qing's reputation at the Blue Moon bar grew. More and more lonely women started flocking to the bar, eager to listen to Li Qing, eyes gleaming with excitement. They listened to his somewhat unpolished songs with the devotion of true believers.
While working at Blue Moon, Li Qing learned that he wasn’t the only resident singer. Before him, a woman named Bao Yunyun had been singing at Blue Moon for a year and four months. She was in her early twenties, with a bold personality and a talent for singing delicate love songs known to many. This striking contrast made her stand out during the auditions, and Jiang Zhongnan quickly brought her on board. Before Li Qing arrived, Bao Yunyun was the true pillar of the Blue Moon bar. People’s first impression of her was very positive—confident, genuine, and carefree, perfectly fitting the lively bar atmosphere.
Li Qing had watched Bao Yunyun perform several times. She was a northern woman in her early twenties, skilled with drums and keyboards. Though not conventionally beautiful, she had a unique charm, resembling the actress Fan Bingbing from his previous life, but with a much more captivating voice—clear and bright, yet husky and deeply emotional.
Beep beep! Beep beep!
"Mr. Li Qing, you are notified to attend the next round of recording for 'Music Star' at Beijing TV on September 14th at 2 PM. Please be on time. Message from: Beijing TV 'Music Star' production team."
Seeing the message on his pager, Li Qing, who had just stepped off the stage, let out a deep breath. Three weeks had passed, and the day after tomorrow would be the recording for "Music Star." Compared to three weeks ago, Li Qing's voice had made some progress during his time singing at the bar. At least he no longer cracked when humming "The Tibetan Plateau," though his high notes weren’t as bright. Plus, with regular exercise, he no longer got winded singing "Matchstick Heaven," a song that required strong lung capacity.
This was progress! Li Qing was very satisfied with his state of improvement. Making a bit of progress every day. The day after tomorrow was a new battle, and he believed he could once again stand out from the crowd and become the lucky winner.
Additionally, according to the information he had received, the episode of "Music Star" he participated in would be broadcast tonight at 8 PM on Beijing Satellite TV. A new battle was about to begin. And the first move he made in this new world was finally starting to resonate powerfully after three weeks!
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