Superstars of Tomorrow

Panda Novel

Natiwuzi talked too much and only stopped after his throat felt sore.

Fang Zhao played the guitar with Natiwuzi again and then went to the room arranged for him when Natiwuzi wanted to rest. He didn’t have to worry about entertainment reporters in Natiwuzi’s domain. The privacy here was great, and Fang Zhao could have peace for two days.

After Fang Zhao showered and tidied up a little, Natiwuzi sent someone to deliver the badge.

The small box was separated into two layers. The top portion was the genuine article, while the bottom was the imitation.

Fang Zhao gave his thanks and declined Natiwuzi’s invitation to go down to Space for drinks. He wanted to stay in the room. Then, he put on gloves and picked up that tiny round badge from the box.

It hadn’t been too convenient before, but now that no one was around, Fang Zhao could take a careful look at this small round badge.

The things that had happened during the Period of Destruction took up way too much of his memory. Too much time had passed, and his memory of the Old Era had already become very vague.

Fang Zhao had once wondered whether it was because of his birth into this body that many of his memories couldn’t be found. However, as time passed, Fang Zhao realized that many of his forgotten memories slowly surfaced and his memory became better. However, those things required a catalyst. This secondary school badge was one of those.

This secondary school…

How long ago was that?

What was it like during secondary school?

Fang Zhao shut his eyes and tried to search through his memories.

As if traversing through endless time and boundless space, Fang Zhao finally found a segment of memory.

When some things became clear, the countless fragments melded together into a body.

Bam!

Fang Zhao was suddenly roused by a sound.

A slightly peeling table was before him. There was a marked test paper that required a parent’s signature at the bottom corner. A hand pressed the paper to the table as the wind ruffled its edges.

Fang Zhao looked at everything in a daze.

Feels like I had a long dream.

He raised his head.

Sunlight spilled through the windows and shone onto the blackboard, tables and chairs.

Hushed voices and hearty laughter could be heard.

Outside the classroom, people leaned on the banisters while chatting.

The weather outside was fine and dandy.

As if there was still time for everything.

…

Fang Zhao opened his eyes in the quiet room and returned to his senses from that momentary daze.

Clasped in his hand was that someone deformed and tarnished metal school badge.

Fang Zhao got up and walked to the window. He opened it and was met with the slightly chilly air and the bustling of a large New Era city.

A night had passed.

He breathed in deeply and exhaled.

Fang Zhao gazed into the distance but wasn’t focused on anything in particular.

Slowly, the world also started to become quiet.

The clamor of the city was isolated from his ears.

Fang Zhao retracted his gaze, sent a message to Zuo Yu and put a “do not disturb” sign outside his room. He then sat before the table, took out a pen and flipped open the notebook he always carried with him.

People forgot easily. From the moment a person woke up, the memories within a dream didn’t last for more than a few minutes before gradually fading. Only by recording it down would those memories be able to take root in the mind and not be easily forgotten.

Zuo Yu received Fang Zhao’s message. He was used to Fang Zhao’s habit of suddenly holing up. As a bodyguard, he had to shoulder this responsibility.

Thus, Zuo Yu hastily scarfed down a compressed biscuit and went to stand guard outside Fang Zhao’s door.

A short while later, someone came. This person had been sent by Natiwuzi. Natiwuzi had wanted to invite Fang Zhao downstairs to join him for breakfast, but Fang Zhao hadn’t replied his message. This person had come to check in-person.

Zuo Yu put on a serious yet courteous face and explained that Fang Zhao was currently composing and shouldn’t be disturbed until he came out unless it was something very important.

Breaking an artist’s moment of inspiration was akin to starting a feud. Upon hearing the explanation, that person no longer said anything. He arranged for some refreshments to be brought over and left hastily.

Downstairs, Natiwuzi was seated at a square table. There were a few other people there as well. He had just sent someone to invite Fang Zhao to have breakfast together. He wanted to introduce a few friends from the music industry to him.

A short while later, the person returned, but there was no sign of Fang Zhao.

“Where’s Fang Zhao? He hasn’t gotten up?” Someone asked.

“He’s going through a lot lately. Perhaps he hasn’t been sleeping well,” Natiwuzi said.

The person who had gone upstairs at Natiwuzi’s bequest hurriedly replied, “He is up but has locked himself up. His bodyguard says that Fang Zhao has gained some inspiration and doesn’t want to be disturbed while composing.”

Natiwuzi was momentarily astonished before waving his hand to indicate that he understood.

“Seems like he’s been struck by a composing epiphany. Fang Zhao is rather talented,” one of the men at the table said with a chuckle.

“He is really capable indeed,” Natiwuzi said.

“Hey, Nazi, it is rare for Fang Zhao to come here. Haven’t you thought about asking Fang Zhao to perform a song or two at your nightclub? Didn’t you say that Fang Zhao’s guitar playing skills are quite good? There happens to be a program on tonight. If he can come out tonight, let’s all have an exchange together,” someone else suggested.

Currently, Space nightclub had a special program on every Saturday night where Natiwuzi would invite some friends, reputable performers or bands.

Generally, the special guests performing for this program would wear masks and perform a segment with instruments. The singer wouldn’t sing, so people wouldn’t be able to recognize who they were. The audience could only try guessing who the performers were from the musical style and technique.

The majority that came to listen to music at ‘Space’ were regular customers and had a certain understanding of the music circles. They really loved this game. Every Saturday night, they would always invite a few friends to come over and have drinks while appreciating music. And when it came to this event, the person who guessed wrongly had to foot the bill.

It so happened that today was Saturday, and those seated at the table were a reputable rock and roll band from Yanzhou. The band leader and guitarist was a long time friend of Natiwuzi.

The band had originally been invited to the place by Natiwuzi because of their friendship, but they never imagined that Fang Zhao would actually be here!

Fang Zhao was too famous. His reputation wasn’t just limited to Yanzhou; it was global! Furthermore, he had won the Galaxy Supernova Award and was currently undergoing advanced studies at a prestigious school.

As people in the same industry, they were both envious and curious.

Way too curious!

They were curious about Fang Zhao’s personality and abilities.

They had listened to Fang Zhao’s compositions, which were indeed impressive. Although their band’s musical style was different, they could still distinguish whether a piece was good or bad. Even though a master like Mo Lang had acknowledged Fang Zhao’s ability, there was too much faking in the industry. At their age, they would always harbor some skepticism until they could personally see and hear Fang Zhao’s talent.

This was such a rare opportunity, yet Fang Zhao had gone into seclusion! Their paths had crossed, but they had yet to even see his face!

God knows how long he would remain in seclusion for!

The band also had a long chain of other performance commitments scheduled after this, and Fang Zhao would also have to return to Huangzhou for his studies. Another opportunity to run into Fang Zhao was very unlikely. Thus, there perhaps would never be another chance like this.

“I wonder if Fang Zhao has changed much after all this time in his studies and whether his style has changed,” the band leader seated beside Natiwuzi said.

“Probably he’s better now? He’s taking HuangArt’s Twelve Tones advanced class! I couldn’t get in despite attempting the entrance exams multiple times!”

“Now that you mention this, I feel like I really have to see him in person!”

Natiwuzi listened to the excited conversation but didn’t say anything.

Natiwuzi naturally believed in Fang Zhao’s ability. However, Fang Zhao mainly composed rather than performed, so it was somewhat different. Besides, Fang Zhao had a lot on his plate recently and was being watched by many. Whether he would be willing to appear and perform in public was up to Fang Zhao himself. He could understand if Fang Zhao wasn’t willing.

After mulling in silence, Natiwuzi spoke in an exasperatingly slow manner, “Let me ask him when he comes out.”

If Fang Zhao could come out of his room today, Natiwuzi would introduce his friend from the band to Fang Zhao and conveniently ask Fang Zhao if he was willing to perform a segment in Space. It would be even better if he was willing to show his face. There were Fang Zhao fans among those that came to Space to drink and listen to music. It would fulfill the dreams of some regular customers who wished to be closer to their idols.

Given Fang Zhao’s fame, it would probably bring about considerable popularity to the nightclub.

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