Chapter 154

Chapter 154 Blueberry Music Festival

The Blueberry Music Festival was first held in 2009 and invites some of the most renowned rock bands, current big names, folk music groups, overseas ensembles, and independent musicians every year. It is currently one of the most well-known folk music events in the country.

Within this nearly 100,000 square meter performance area, six stages will be set up simultaneously for participants to perform on.

Although the festival hasn’t officially started yet, the park is already bustling with excitement and crowds.

After entering the park, the group quickly got caught up in the festive atmosphere. Everyone looked around, took photos, and had a great time.

Punk-styled musicians could be seen everywhere, carrying guitars for photos.

Most of these musicians appeared to be around 20 years old. Teenagers like Mei Fang, who were only 15, were quite young.

Even Peng Xue, who usually dressed in a mature and avant-garde style, seemed very young in such an environment.

“My cousin’s band actually participated in the Blueberry Music Festival last year, but it was held in Qianhang.”

“Didn’t they come together this year?” Xia Yuan asked curiously. “I’ve heard their songs; I really like them!”

Peng Xue shook her head. “The festival has grown bigger, and their status isn’t high enough to get invited now.”

Band culture is inherently niche in China, and opportunities to perform are limited. Missing out on a chance at a large music festival makes it harder to gain popularity and fans.

“That’s really tough… How are they doing now?”

This was a sad matter for Peng Xue:

“My cousin said she plans to see this year through. If they can’t find a record company to sign with and the band doesn’t make any progress, they’ll probably disband and find jobs elsewhere.”

“That’s so hard…”

“But it’s okay. My cousin often says that once you choose this path, you should be prepared for this from the start. It’s common for bands not to succeed, and becoming famous is a distant dream. At least, if you work hard when you’re young, that’s already pretty good.”

Peng Xue pushed Xia Yuan forward and whispered, “I’ll take the others to other stages later. You should make the most of this opportunity.”

“What kind of opportunity… I also want to enjoy the music festival.”

Xia Yuan came to learn from the musicians, and Peng Xue urged her to move quickly with Mei Fang, which was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to stop you from enjoying the festival! I meant for you and Mei Fang to enjoy it together!”

At that moment, the sound system on a stage ahead came to life. The crowd surged forward, and Peng Xue took the opportunity to push Xia Yuan toward Mei Fang, then joined the crowd moving forward.

“Quick, let’s go see the band performance!”

“Peng Xue, what are you up to again?”

Xia Yuan intended to call Peng Xue to bring Mei Fang along, but her voice was quickly drowned out by the crowd.

As she searched for everyone in confusion, someone grabbed her hand, and Mei Fang appeared behind her, protecting her.

“Why are you alone?”

Due to the noisy environment, Mei Fang had to shout.

“Well, there are too many people…”

Xia Yuan leaned against Mei Fang, though this wasn’t her intention for coming to the music festival. However, being protected by him felt incredibly wonderful.

She and Mei Fang walked forward, almost hugging, until they moved about a hundred meters, and the crowd became less congested.

Seeing Xia Yuan walk with a limp, Mei Fang led her to sit on a nearby tree stump.

“Let’s rest here for a bit…”

Mei Fang noticed the shoeprints on Xia Yuan’s white sneakers. “Did someone step on your foot?”

“Yes… There were too many people just now.”

“Does it hurt?”

“No, no, it’s completely fine.”

Xia Yuan patted the dust off her shoes. “I just need to sit for a while.”

“Everyone really loves music.”

“Yes… This fervent atmosphere can be felt.”

Xia Yuan remarked, “I think music festivals like this are much more pure than star concerts.”

“Because people truly love the band’s songs, their techniques, and their live performances, rather than anything superficial. Most of the audience at music festivals are genuine music lovers.”

“Indeed, I feel that way too… By the way, which band performances do you want to see today? We should prepare in advance so we don’t miss out.”

“Of course, I want to see the performance of the Wheatfield Watchman Band. Also, I want to listen to the songs of the Summer Log Band. They’re a very famous girl band, and they’re really popular recently. I love listening to their songs online!”

“But my favorite is still the Natural Curl Band! They’re performing today too, but unfortunately, the lead singer Wah Wah is now a solo artist. I especially like Wah Wah’s voice, it’s so sweet!”

“You must have heard their song, ‘The Couple in the Alley,’ the prelude to the genius baby diaper commercial, da-da-da/la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la…”

Xia Yuan kept talking enthusiastically about the bands she liked, sometimes humming along. Mei Fang stared at her face, making her feel a bit embarrassed.

“What’s wrong, why are you staring at me all the time!”

Mei Fang smiled slightly. “I didn’t know you knew so much about these bands… You really love music.”

“Of course, I have things I like too! Don’t you think I’m just always around you! You narcissist…”

Xia Yuan stood with her hands on her hips, looking quite proud.

Mei Fang didn’t say anything, but instead leaned in and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, making Xia Yuan feel even more awkward.

But afterwards, she regretted it.

Shouldn’t she have taken the opportunity to kiss him…

At this moment, Mei Fang placed Xia Yuan’s small hand in his chest and looked up at the azure sky.

“I think you’re not any worse than these bands. I could tell during the guitar solo… You’ll definitely become a great singer in the future.”

“Don’t just talk about me. You still owe everyone a performance. Don’t forget.”

“I remember, I remember.”

Mei Fang smiled. “I’m almost ready. I’ll sign up for the autumn arts festival in mid-October for sure! But you need to perform on stage too, not just watch me.”

“Alright, we both need to sign up! Whoever doesn’t perform is a dog.”

In the distance, the loudspeakers caught their attention.

“Now, please welcome the independent band from Wanwan, the Natural Curl Band, to give us an amazing performance!”

“The Natural Curl Band is starting their performance!”

“We need to hurry and get there…”

Xia Yuan almost stumbled as she stood up.

“What happened…”

“I twisted my ankle after sitting for so long…”

Xia Yuan rubbed her ankle pitifully. “It was fine just now… sniff.”

“In that case…”

Without hesitation, Mei Fang squatted in front of Xia Yuan. “Come, I’ll carry you to see the performance!”

But unlike Lin You Xi, Xia Yuan didn’t want to show her feelings in public.

“It’s too embarrassing, I don’t want to! I can walk by myself…”

Xia Yuan forced herself to take two steps, but her twisted ankle was really painful.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about! If you hesitate any longer, you’ll miss the band’s performance!”

Xia Yuan was half-pushed onto Mei Fang’s back.

Mei Fang carried Xia Yuan, running through the crowd towards the overseas stage where the Natural Curl Band was performing their original song, “Little Apple.”

“This is what a concert feels like! I can’t see anything.”

“It’s too late.”

Mei Fang turned his head to look at Xia Yuan, who was trying to peek over his shoulder, and then he put her down.

“Why… Are you tired?”

“No, climb onto my shoulders and I’ll take you to see the performance.”

“That’s too embarrassing!”

Xia Yuan covered her face and muttered, “I don’t want to!”

“You won’t see anything! This is your favorite band.”

Mei Fang reached out his hand to Xia Yuan. “Come on, come on. You should enjoy yourself at the music festival!”

“Mmm…”

Xia Yuan cautiously climbed onto Mei Fang’s shoulders. Luckily, she was wearing shorts today, so it wasn’t too embarrassing.

Just letting Ah Fang hold her meaty legs… Nothing to worry about.

Riding on top of Mei Fang, Xia Yuan experienced a new perspective for the first time. This novel viewing experience made her enjoy it quickly, and she soon joined in the excitement of the music, waving her hands and swaying her head while humming along with the band.

Although Mei Fang couldn’t see the performance, he enjoyed it too, humming along with Xia Yuan’s rhythm.

[You / Wearing a cute outfit to pick me up]

[Beside / Everything is blurry]

[Great / Holding your warm hand, standing there blankly]

[Beside / Everyone’s faces are flushed red]

[In a moment]

[Soon, Little Apple will turn red too]

Damn, Xia Yuan is too cute!

(End of Chapter)