Superstars of Tomorrow

Little Bear had snuck away quickly and decisively.

Curly Hair, who was waiting by the door, was very disappointed. However, his attention was very quickly diverted by the Esports channel, and he quickly returned to watching the match broadcast.

However, Fang Zhao thought about a lot.

Although the door had some soundproofing, Fang Zhao was still able to hear the conversation outside with his current hearing ability.

Based on Little Bear’s display outside, Fang Zhao felt that this was a thoughtful kid, or rather, a peculiar artificial intelligence.

Fang Zhao was getting more and more interested in these “outsiders”.

However, right now, the most important matter for Fang Zhao was the upcoming joint performance.

Fang Zhao and the other artists would be sent to Planet Yin’s Arts and Cultural Center. During this period, Fang Zhao would be rehearsing together with some of Planet Yin’s youth music enthusiasts.

Planet Yin had its own schools from kindergarten to university. Generation after generation had been born, worked and lived on Planet Yin, and it now had its own social systems. However, it didn’t mean that Planet Yin was isolated from everything else.

Upon graduating primary school, those born on Planet Yin would have a chance to choose whether to continue studies on Planet Yin or transfer to a school back on Earth.

Those that chose to continue their studies on Planet Yin would have opportunities to go back to earth for exchange studies during their secondary school and university period.

Planet Yin wasn’t a completely sealed-off military factory. It had communications with Earth, Planet Baiji, Planet Wai, Planet Bu and other planets.

Fang Zhao would be working with secondary school and university students who had chosen to stay in Planet Yin for studies. There would also be some music enthusiasts from various research facilities.

There was some free time before the rehearsal started.

Fang Zhao didn’t immediately head to the designated rehearsal hall when he got to the arts and cultural center. Instead, he stood at the french windows in the lounge meant for instructors to observe the students inside the rehearsal hall.

The person who brought Fang Zhao here was called Gu Mang. In the past, Gu Mang had been part of Planet Yin’s combat troop. After retiring from the frontlines, he had picked up his own hobbies and applied for transfer to the art and cultural center. He was currently an instructor here and was well-liked by the students here because of his affable temperament. They called him “aunt”.[1]

In front of an “outsider” like Fang Zhao, Gu Mang was more protective of these Planet Yin students. When he gave Fang Zhao the student roster, he included short descriptions of the students, praised their talents, and showed some photos of them winning awards in competitions on Earth.

“Regardless of how they look, they’re all good students.”

However, those students present didn’t know they were being praised. As rehearsal time hadn’t yet started, those present were relaxing in the general hubbub.

Secondary school students area.

“Hey brother, which class are you from? I’ve never seen you around before. I’m in Rockets.”

“I’m in Vehicle Armor. I’m new here, just enrolled.”

“The heck! Where is my flute? Why is there a gun barrel here? Did my grandpa mistakenly put a gun barrel into my flute bag again?!”

University students area.

A year two Aviation Flight and Command major said, “Just returned from my internship yesterday. I got to try out two new fighter crafts this time. Hehehe, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep the entire night and almost didn’t make it here on time.”

The Aircraft Design and Engineering major beside him responded enthusiastically, “I wasn’t on a mission, but I almost didn’t reach the minimum score for my theory exam to be here.”

Nearby, a burly Heavy Mecha major was hollering, “Any Heavy Mecha Majors, any Heavy Mecha Majors? Our team is looking for one more person! The Light Machinery neighbors are challenging us to a 4v4 strumming showdown!”

“Forget it, all your instrument strings were ruined the last time there was a showdown. Rehearsals haven’t even started for today yet. How are you all gonna rehearse if your strings are damaged? If you want to face off, at least wait until after today’s rehearsals.”

It was common for strings to be damaged in showdowns. Even custom-made strings couldn’t withstand their frenzied showdowns.

Gu Mang felt the need to speak up for these students. He wanted them to have a good impression on Fang Zhao. Compared to students on Earth, these students were basically dangerous carnivores with sharp teeth and claws. It could be harder for artists from Earth to accept them.

Fang Zhao watched all of this with a smile. “How lively.”

Gu Mang had been worried these students would scare Fang Zhao and felt reassured by Fang Zhao’s reaction.

“That’s good then. Actually, they might seem very aggressive, but they’re well-behaved and mild when they pick up instruments.”

“Sure,” Fang Zhao replied.

He could tell that though these students were quite young, they weren’t the overly protected kind of kids.

These students were the sort that were docile and well-behaved when they picked up instruments but were also ready to fight at any moment when they put them down.

Glancing at the time, Fang Zhao said to Gu Mang, “Let’s go. Time for practice.”

Gu Mang wasn’t wrong, these students were indeed well-behaved when they picked up their instruments and practiced seriously. Their passion for music could easily be seen. However, as they weren’t professional performers, they still had minor hiccups. As conductor of this orchestra, Fang Zhao’s workload was quite considerable.

Fang Zhao had to organize the entire orchestra.

He was expected to lead students through their rehearsals from the individual to orchestral level. Any parts that didn’t harmonize well had to be individually worked on.

There were many instrument types used in Mo Lang’s “Legend”. Fang Zhao had a large stack of musical scores. A number of them still needed appropriate amendments. Many details still remained unaddressed, and he was still missing a sequencing plan.

It was hard to imagine the hard work and effort behind just performing this one song onstage.

However, Fang Zhao was able to handle these difficulties.

After rehearsals on the first day ended, Fang Zhao contacted Mo Lang. Fang Zhao had previously let Mo Lang see the amendments and wanted to go over some additional ones.

The music score had been written before he had come over to Planet Yin. Now, Fang Zhao had some new inspiration. He briefly explained his thoughts to Mo Lang and gave his reasons the changes.

Mo Lang responded, “Art engraves life, and music models the soul. Different environments and different performers also result in a different outcome. I believe that you will make the optimal choice.

“Fang Zhao, you have to remember this. This song became yours when I handed you the musical score. You don’t have to ask me if you want to change it. What you must do is to lead your orchestra to put on a performance as you envisage. Show the new ‘Legend’ that you desire to hear.”

“Got it.”

Having come to this decision, Fang Zhao worked overnight to modify the score.

This performance was a test given by Mo Lang to Fang Zhao. And in Fang Zhao’s view, this performance was also his gift to Planet Yin.

Fang Zhao wasn’t aware of it, but dazzling blossoms of starlight had already started to bloom on this unknown land.

The future was arriving at such a startling pace.

[1] Gu Ma in chinese means aunt