Chapter 104: The Girl Opposite Looks Over Here

Hung Hom is a new district on the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong, a comprehensive development zone that encompasses industry, commerce, public housing estates, and private residences. Amid vast land reclamation and the demolition of old buildings, private housing estates have multiplied here, nearly becoming the dominant architectural feature.

What the circle calls Hung Hom, also known as the Red Stadium, is the Hong Kong Coliseum located there. Opened in 1983 with over twelve thousand seats, it stands as Hong Kong’s largest and most capacious venue. A handful of stages can be configured to face four sides, which is why many singers cherish the opportunity to hold concerts here.

As the finale of Alan Tam’s ultra-platinum concert, the entire Red Stadium was packed to capacity, with numerous additional seats provided. Anyone standing within would feel successive waves of air pressure assaulting them, while the audience’s cheering grew thunderous, echoing like a roar. Standing on the Red Stadium stage facing such crowds demanded genuine courage.

Yan Xu felt a profound nervousness—not mere anxiety, but a deep, visceral tension.

Although this was Alan Tam’s concert and he was only a guest performer, it marked his first time stepping onto the Red Stadium stage, his first encounter with so many pairs of eyes. Claiming he felt no nerves would be pure fiction.

Yan Xu stood at the base of the stage, listening to Aaron’s song and the fans’ surging cheers, drawing deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He could feel sweat gathering in his palms.

“Yan Shao, your turn is coming up—prepare yourself.”

Once the music from “Aaron’s Love Trap” began, the stage assistant approached him while the makeup artist touched up his face.

“Come on!” Yan Xu exhaled. This moment had arrived; he must face it with bravery.

“The next song belongs to one of my friends. This young man has achieved remarkable feats not only in film and television but also in music. His name frequently graces the entertainment pages, and many regard him as a genius. Do you know who I mean?” After the song ended, Alan Tam stepped forward on stage.

Names rang out from the audience—mostly celebrities close to Alan Tam, a few calling out Yan Xu’s own.

“Some of you have already guessed it. Now please welcome my friend to the stage…” The words faded, and the screen played the opening notes of “Red Sun.”

Fate, however turbulent
Fate, however tortuous
Fate, threatening you with a dull existence
…

As Alan Tam’s voice joined in, the central lifting platform rose slowly, placing Yan Xu at its heart.

…

Do not shed tears that pain the heart; do not abandon what you hold dear.
I am willing to accompany you through my entire life.
“May I present my dear friend, Yan Xu!” With Alan Tam’s pointing gesture, the stage lights swept across him.

…

In a lifetime of wandering, who can see clearly?
When lost, I once sat alone in a corner as though unnoticed.
In that tender year, my young self
Fell time and again, weeping through a torrential rainstorm.
…

Yan Xu smiled, gazing at the sea of faces below, containing the thrill in his chest before joining the chorus. In such a setting, performers often exceed their limits; Yan Xu was no exception. Though his voice did not match Alan Tam’s brilliance, he sang steadily without faltering or going off-key.

…

In a lifetime of twists and turns, I must walk them all.
From the moment you appeared, accompanying me, showering me with passionate replies.
Like the fire of the red sun,
Igniting my true self.
Together we shall cross a thousand mountains,
No obstacle can stand in our way.
…

Alan Tam moved to his side, the two singing in harmony while countless fans below responded in kind. The Red Stadium thrummed with the song’s waves, cresting the concert’s peak.

As the music dissolved, Yan Xu took his first firm step onto the Red Stadium stage.

“Thank you, thank you!” For the thunderous applause, Aaron and Yan Xu each offered their gratitude.

“Though I missed the earlier concerts, today’s scene lets me picture the previous nineteen shows. The entire Red Stadium feels like a vast school, Hung Hom University Hall, where each performance is a summer-night music training class and Aaron is the headmaster.”

Watching Aaron descend to rest, Yan Xu smiled. Whether history had altered or not, Aaron’s title as principal had not been mentioned on stage; naturally, he intended to keep it alive.

“Aaron invited me to perform, which truly surprised me. I can write songs, but I do not consider myself a great singer. Performing here at the Red Stadium excites me deeply—this may be my only chance in a lifetime to play the Red Stadium, and I refuse to miss it. Though my singing may sound terrible, I hope everyone endures it and gives Aaron a few moments to breathe.” Yan Xu spoke lightly, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“The next song is one I wrote recently, my first time performing it live. If you like it, feel free to applaud.”
With that, he accepted the guitar from the staff at the side of the stage.

Deciding what to perform had taken Yan Xu long consideration. This was no ordinary stage but the Red Stadium, a pinnacle every singer dreams of. Standing there was already an honor, especially for someone like him, only loosely connected to the music world.

Therefore the song must suit his voice and style—no high notes or falsetto were needed. To stand out, it had to be memorable, with simple, accessible lyrics that stuck in the mind and invited sing-alongs.

“A song for all of you—look this way, girl opposite.” As he spoke, his fingers brushed the strings.

This track had been Ah Niu’s signature song, later popularized by Xiao Qi, becoming a staple that filled streets, alleys, schools, and auditoriums. It had even become a favorite for school evening events.

The melody was upbeat, the lyrics catchy and down-to-earth, close to everyday life, laced with playful teasing, as if a boy were chatting to himself.

“Cough! Look at the girl opposite—look, look, look. This performance is truly exciting; please don’t pretend not to notice. Look at the girl opposite—look, look, look. Don’t be frightened by my appearance—I’m actually very cute. A lonely boy’s sorrow, speak it aloud—who understands? Please send me a flirtatious glance, coax me, make me laugh.” Though Yan Xu’s voice was not flawless, the song’s singable melody blended perfectly with his tone, creating an unexpectedly harmonious effect.

Amid the audience’s cheers, Yan Xu stepped down. Aaron reappeared after changing.

Yan Xu was satisfied with the performance, especially the audience’s light singing at the end, which infused his delivery with passion. In that instant the stage felt like his own domain.

He believed this song would soon spread through campus songbooks. Perhaps he could release a Dragon Tribe collection and reap great rewards.

“Ring!” Amid the congratulations below, Yan Xu picked up his big mobile phone.

“Aaron, something’s wrong!” A panicked voice crackled from the receiver.