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nTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

nSaturday, April 26, 2014

nAt 7:30 PM, the two-kilometer radius surrounding West Four Loops Stadium was closely packed with people and cars.

nThe traffic police had put up barricades in an attempt to direct the traffic to another route, with every policeman and security officer trying their best to maintain order. Thousands, tens of thousands of young men and women were swinging their light sticks, waiting to enter the concert venue. The noise was so deafening that it shook the leaves of the trees along the streets.

nThere were still many people desperately squeezing their way through. At a glance, only the people’s heads could be seen. The pungent smell of sweat lingered in the air.

nThe policeman shouted into the loudspeaker: “Keep quiet, everyone, keep quiet. Those that are here to attend the concert, you may collect your ticket from the ticket-sales counter. Admission to the concert will be verified via ticket. Please seat yourself according to the assigned seat number on your ticket. Don’t go to the wrong seat!”

nThe main reason why so many people had turned up was the element of surprise during the publicity for the concert—a mysterious singer, a mysterious stage, mysterious lights, and a mysterious backdrop.

nEverything was so mysterious. The people who came were not sure what kind of concert it was going to be. One thing that was for certain was: the news leaked from various sources was that this was not an ordinary concert. One would definitely regret it if they didn’t attend. There was also insider news that the singer was exceptionally beautiful and that her songs were exceptionally pleasing to the ear.

nA beautiful singer that sang beautiful songs, as well as a free concert—who would miss it?

nThe impact caused by tens of thousands of people attending the concert was far beyond expectations.

n…

nThe crowd was at its peak when Sheng Wenshi arrived with seven or eight well-known people from within the industry. The number of young men and women in the stadium was increasing. Everyone was excited, pushing each other in order to gain a little more space. There was a nervous-looking policeman maintaining order between every two or three meters. Such a scene was rare. Where had this mysterious singer come from? How had she been able to attract such a crowd?

nUnbeknown to them, all this was only due to one word: “free.”

nA free concert was irresistible. It took Sheng Wenshi and the others a lot of effort before they managed to make their way through to speak to an officer. Sheng Wenshi took out his identification from his shirt pocket and tried to attract the officer’s attention by waving it, but it took a while before the officer noticed him. “How can I help you?”

nSheng Wenshi anxiously said, “We’re veteran music producers. I’m Sheng Wenshi. I’m in charge of Kuge Music Recommended Songs Chart. These are our good friends from the industry. We came here specifically because we heard there is a very talented singer holding a concert here today. Would you let us pass?”

nThis person was from Kuge Music and had a huge amount of resources on hand. The officer did not dare to treat him shabbily. He softly said, “Please wait for a while. I will check with my boss.”

nIn an instant, the officer came running back and cautiously said, “Please follow me and try not to attract too much attention; maintain low key.”

nSheng Wenshi and the rest had been in the industry for many years and had never been asked to stay low key and not attract too much attention. They were used to impressing everyone with their authority and experience. Those that invited them were only afraid of them not getting enough exposure. Who would think that they would have to sneakily enter the concert venue in this manner? But they could only bear with it, keeping in mind that the organizer was the famous superprodigal—there was nothing they could do, as they were not as influential.

nWithout much effort to get the VIP tickets to enter the venue, the stadium was already filled to the brim.

nLing Xiaoyi had prepared VIP tickets in advance in case anyone important showed up. They were front-row seats, only two meters away from the stairs in the center of the stage. There were two or three people on stage testing the sound system, as it was not yet time for the concert to start.

nSheng Wenshi had just sat down when he was shocked by the strange sights at the scene. “Aye, w-what is this?”

nNormally, the lighting would have been adjusted. But the concert venue was pitch black. The huge stage was barely visible, with not a single ray of light escaping from the back. It felt strange all around.

n“Old Sheng, is this venue incomplete? Why are there so many cranes at the side? And metal scaffoldings too. What’s going on?” A middle-aged man nudged Sheng Wenshi. “Why does this concert feel so strange all around?”

nSheng Wenshi could not understand the situation either. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and whispered. “I feel that way too. Look around. One, two, three, four… there are at least 10 cranes. Even if the construction of the stage has not finished, there shouldn’t be so many cranes. Also, what’s the purpose of the slopes there? It is all too strange.”

nThey looked all around but could not understand the situation they were in.

nThe people at the stadium kept increasing. They turned around and saw only people’s heads. They were all veterans in the music industry and had attended countless concerts. At a glance, they estimated there were around 30,000 people.

nSheng Wenshi shook his head. “This scene is really…” He started to get excited about the concert. “This singer’s appeal is really big. I remember it was at least 5 or 6 years ago when we last encountered a scene so big.”

nThe man with the beard nodded. “Um, it was five years ago at Queen Wei Fangfang’s concert. There were at least 35,000 people. No one was able to draw such a huge crowd after that. Aye, Old Sheng, do you think the singer today is as competent?”

nAnother man in glasses smiled. “I think it’s because it’s free. If the concert cost money, the scene might not be the same.”

n“True.” Sheng Wenshi smiled and said, “It should start soon. Come, let’s watch now.”

nIt was like his words cued the start of the concert as the lights shone on the whole stadium except the center of the stage. The sound of rain slowly filled up the stadium, and a slender lady emerged and stood on the stage.

nThe lady stood in complete darkness. One could see her figure from the faint light coming from behind her.

nA slender, elegant, figure with the golden ratio. She was flawless.

n“She’s here, she’s here!” Sheng Wenshi could feel his heartbeat increasing as he started praising the lady. “Without looking at the rest, just this shadow has made today’s trip worthwhile!”

nWhile the crowd was nodding their heads in agreement, the sound of an engine starting could be heard. Two black Soaring Angel stretch limousines drove slowly into the stadium, and each limousine had a black Prayer Angel following behind it. Behind each Prayer Angels was a Gentley sports car on each side. And behind each Gentley was a Zinney sports car worth at least 600,000 yuan followed by an Azma sports car, also worth 600,000 yuan.

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