A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

She never knew that he did this for her. It was the most perfect commemoration of her after her death. Unconsciously, tears filled her eyes.

Feng Kun handed her a tissue. “Originally, I didn’t want to let you listen to it because I was afraid that you would be sad. In the end, you still cried.”

She choked between sobs. “Ah Kun, thank you.”

He lightly patted her shoulders like a brother.

Xia Ling asked, “Why did you suddenly let me listen to this?”

“This disc is called ‘Masterpieces.’”

She looked at him in confusion.

His eyes were quiet and deep. “Xia Ling, if you were to sing Xia Ling’s songs now, would you still be able to deliver the original emotions?”

She was startled and shook her head. Her current vocal range was not as good as before, and even her state of mind was very different from the past. Now, she was physically and mentally exhausted. After going through the vicissitudes of two lifetimes, she could never sing in the same supercilious manner.

Feng Kun said again, “If Ye Xingling died today, what songs do you think can be considered your ‘Masterpieces’?”

She was thunderstruck and speechless for a long time.

“I’ve heard all the songs you sang in these years. Every song is Wei Shaoyin’s style and not Ye Xingling’s style. Xiao Ling, the reason why you’re working with Ah Wei so well is that you’re overly accommodating. You’re suppressing and not representing yourself. With your experience and skills, pandering to him is very easy for you. That’s why even a person as sharp as Ah Wei can’t tell that there’s something wrong with you. If I didn’t know you well enough, I wouldn’t be able to tell as well.”

“I’m suppressing myself?” She mumbled. Even she did not realize this problem.

“These years, you hardly composed any music besides your recent song ‘The Butterfly Can’t Transcend the Seas’ and ‘Stray Cat,’ which was released more than a year ago. ‘The Butterfly Can’t Transcend the Seas’ is my arrangement, so let’s not talk about that and focus on ‘Stray Cat.’ The industry insiders can hear that it’s Ah Wei’s arrangement with their eyes closed as his personal style is too strong. Can you here your style? Not to mention in other songs.

“Xiao Ling, when you were working together with Ah Wei and the Dongyue people, have you ever given any creative opinions that were adopted? When you had a disagreement with Ah Wei, have you persisted? You’re only passively cooperating and performing. Even when you have some inspiration, you’re still accommodating others’ framework.

“Xiao Ling, I dare to conclude that all the singles released in your name are all Ah Wei and others’ ideas.”

Indeed, Feng Kun was right. In front of him, she had nothing to hide.

Feng Kun looked at her cautiously. “Xia Ling is a legend. She is a masterpiece. As for Ye Xingling, what heights do yo want to reach?”

Xia Ling was quiet for a moment before saying, “I’m afraid.”

Feng Kun knitted his brows.

Xia Ling lowered her head. “I don’t dare to release music entirely written by myself. That will resemble my past life too much, and I’m afraid that people will say I’m an imitation. I’m also afraid of falling back into the cycle of my past life.”

Feng Kun’s voice was gentle and steady. “Actually, you’re already unable to sing songs that give a complete feel of Xia Ling now. Xia Ling in the past also wouldn’t be able to convey your current emotions. Xiao Ling, since your state of mind has changed, it’s impossible that your style hasn’t changed. Even if you have similarities with Xia Ling, it’s impossible to be exactly the same.”

“I…” She knew that, but some feelings couldn’t be controlled logically. She didn’t deliberately suppress herself. Rather, she was afraid. Just like that day when she was on the bed with Li Lei. He only tied her gently, but she was traumatized. And until now, she still didn’t dare to return to that apartment.

Feng Kun said, “I know it’s difficult for you as there’s a lot of pain buried in your heart. However, Xiao Ling, you can only relieve your own pain by overcoming it. It’s the same for your singing and love. Instead of retreating, how about you burn your bridges. You must know that there’s no construction without destruction. If you can’t get past this hurdle, you can’t become the best singer… and you also won’t be able to truly be happy with Li Lei.” He already guessed her problems with Li Lei and knew this was not the right way to deal with it as she could not possibly hide every time something happened. Feng Kun was trying to advise her through music.

Xia Ling said, “Let me think about it.”

She thought about Feng Kun’s words for a long time. Perhaps she really should stop avoiding her past life’s style. She should accept her subconscious singing style and integrate it into a new unique style to complete herself. She was not really Ye Xingling because she had Xia Ling’s mind, this part was undeniable.

A part of her life.

“Ah Kun, thank you.” Xia Ling said. “For the advice on singing and love. I will work hard.”

The next time Wei Shaoyin came, Xia Ling quarreled with him in the workplace. She wanted to change his score in several places, but Wei Shaoyin said that they were superfluous. Xia Ling insisted, and Wei Shaoyin almost exploded in anger. Angry, he asked if she was stirred up by Feng Kun.

At that time, Feng Kun happened to have come bearing coffee. He smiled sincerely and innocently. “I swear that I haven’t expressed a word regarding the song ‘Powerful Opponent.’ In reality, I haven’t even see the score before.”

Wei Shaoyin half doubted him.

Feng Kun smiled and added, “Even if you don’t believe me, you should believe Xiao Ling’s professional ethics.” He was from Imperial, while she and Wei Shaoyin were from Skyart. No matter what, she should not be showing him scores from her company.

Wei Shaoyin obviously just realized this and stiffened. “Of course, I believe Xiao Ling.” He turned his head away and looked at the sky arrogantly.

Xia Ling sighed. Feng Kun always spoke without missing a detail. Indeed, he had never seen the score of “Powerful Opponent” or expressed his opinion on it, but he did express his opinion regarding her singing style. At the end of the day, the one who stirred her up against Wei Shaoyin was him.

However, Wei Shaoyin was actually fooled by him.

Why didn’t she realize that Wei Shaoyin was this innocent before?

Feng Kun faintly smiled, put down the coffee and left.

Xia Ling thought about it for a while and thought she should give Wei Shaoyin a head’s up. “Ah Wei, in front of Feng Kun, you should speak carefully. He…” She didn’t know how to describe Feng Kun’s slyness and intentions and did not want to smear her old friend of more than a decade. She also did not want to hurt the pride of her proud friend. As she was thinking about how she should phrase it, Wei Shaoyin already snorted.

“That guy, besides his coffee making skills, what other talents does he have?”

Xia Ling looked at him quietly. Seeing him enjoying the coffee, she thought about it again and changed her mind. Ah Wei, since you drank someone else’s coffee, you should let him collect some interest. Feng Kun was just joking with you. As for you, it’s better for you not to know the truth.

After all, ignorance is bliss…

For this song, Xia Ling and Wei Shaoyin argued day and night. Luckily, the results were still gratifying. Although she couldn’t fully express herself, at least she released a song that represented more of her style than her past songs. After a difficult discussion, her style was well integrated into the original song.