Perfect Superstar.

Houhai, Daylily Bar.

Just past 7 PM, the bar was already bustling with activity. Customers sat in small groups, chatting softly, sipping drinks, or playing cards, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

"Wow!"

The bartender, David, exaggerated his expression as he spotted Lu Chen approaching the bar. "Boss, is this beautiful lady your companion for the evening? May I know her name?"

He gazed at the woman beside Lu Chen with sparkling eyes, as if he'd stumbled upon a rare treasure.

Although David wasn't a real Westerner, having grown up abroad, his thinking was much like that of a foreigner. When he liked someone, he expressed it openly.

If this woman hadn't been brought in by Lu Chen, David would have immediately launched into his best flirting attempts.

Lu Chen smirked. "This is my sister. If you have any funny ideas, don't blame me for flipping out."

"Sorry!"

David quickly raised his hands in surrender, adopting a pitiful look. "I didn't know she was your sister. May I offer both of you a Tequila Sunrise on the house?"

Lu Chen, well-acquainted with David's antics, chuckled. "Just one? Make it at least two!"

David grimaced. "Alright then."

With no choice, the bartender turned back to mix the cocktails, albeit begrudgingly.

Lu Xi didn't seem bothered by the exchange.

It was the first time she had been addressed as a "beautiful lady," and she found the bartender rather amusing.

As she curiously observed her surroundings, she remarked, "This is quite a nice bar."

Indeed, Daylily Bar was known for its stylish decor and had a bit of a reputation in the Houhai area. Most of its patrons were well-mannered, giving it an ambiance distinct from ordinary establishments.

Lu Chen smiled. "We own 5% of the shares here."

Lu Xi was already aware of this. Through Lu Chen's introduction, she had even met Chen Jianhao.

As Lu Chen's manager and the workshop's administrator, Lu Xi faced challenges due to her lack of experience. She had never worked in a similar role before. While she could research and learn, the subtleties of the industry— its overt and covert rules— weren't things one could simply look up online.

Chen Jianhao was just the person to help her navigate Lu Chen's circle. He had long been a part of the entertainment industry, with an extensive network spanning all sorts of people. His experience and knowledge were invaluable.

Lu Chen hadn't realized his former boss's true capabilities until after leaving the bar. Only then did he understand how deeply Chen Jianhao had hidden his talents.

Thus, he asked Chen Jianhao to guide his sister.

Now, if Lu Xi ever encountered a problem, she could call him directly for advice.

Over time, Lu Xi and Chen Jianhao developed a mentor-student relationship. However, this was her first visit to Daylily Bar.

Today was a special day.

"Little Lu!"

Hearing the voice, Lu Chen looked up to see Chen Jianhao standing at the upstairs railing, waving at him. "Come on up!"

He quickly took Lu Xi upstairs.

The upper floor was also full, but as usual, the VIP seats were reserved. One of them already had four people seated.

When they saw Lu Chen and Lu Xi, they greeted them warmly. "Big Chen! Sister Lu Xi!"

It was Li Feiyu, Chen Xiaomei, Chen Xiang, and Chen Xin— the entire staff of Lu Chen's workshop was present.

And sitting with them was their honorary consultant, Chen Jianhao.

Lu Chen said, "Everyone, take a seat. Let's drink and chat."

Chen Jianhao frowned and asked, "What's going on here? Why is everyone gathering tonight?"

Not only had all the workshop members shown up, but the Wandering Band and Sister Na were also present. On his way in, Chen Jianhao had run into several regular patrons, all smiling mysteriously during their greetings.

As a seasoned veteran of the scene, Chen Jianhao sensed that something was up!

Even David, the bartender, kept his lips sealed, no matter how much Chen Jianhao tried to coax or threaten him.

Lu Chen asked, "Brother Jianhao, do you know what today is?"

Chen Jianhao was taken aback. "What's today?"

All he knew was that it was Thursday, August 27. Was there something special about it?

Lu Chen grinned. "You'll find out soon enough!"

Turning to Lu Xi, he said, "Sis, have fun here with everyone. Tonight's tab is on me."

Lu Xi nodded. "Alright, go ahead."

Lu Chen then said to Chen Jianhao, "Brother Jianhao, let's head downstairs."

Completely puzzled, Chen Jianhao followed him down and asked, "Where are we going?"

Lu Chen laughed. "I'm heading backstage to prepare for a performance. Since so many regulars are here, why don't you stay and entertain them?"

Chen Jianhao sighed in exasperation. "At least you realize that your regulars have been eagerly waiting for you. Don't forget you still own shares in this bar. Sing a few more songs tonight!"

Lu Chen left, followed by the Wandering Band and Sister Na.

The groups that had once performed backstage now had only a few familiar faces left. Most had been replaced with new talent.

Although Daylily Bar's business had only improved over time, often filling up even on weekdays, Chen Jianhao and many of the older patrons still missed the good old days.

"But Time Cannot Rewind"

The past had passed, and Lu Chen and the others had gone their separate ways. Even so, Chen Jianhao felt gratified.

Lu Chen responded, "Alright!"

Leaving Chen Jianhao behind, he headed backstage.

It had been just over a month since Lu Chen had last performed at Daylily Bar.

Yet, he already felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

The large room outside had been redecorated. The walls were freshly painted with a new layer of latex, making everything look clean and polished.

Two more makeup stations had been added for the vagabond singers, but the room didn't feel crowded.

There were already quite a few people inside, though Lu Chen didn't recognize many of them.

"Lu Chen!"

The moment he stepped in, someone called his name.

Surprise, curiosity, and excitement filled the air.

All eyes in the room instantly focused on him— this was Lu Chen?

In the Houhai bar scene, especially among vagabond singers, Lu Chen was nothing short of a legendary figure.

He had worked at Daylily Bar for years, starting as a server delivering tea and water. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he had unveiled his incredible talent, catapulting himself into the entertainment industry and becoming a rising star.

All three songs Lu Chen had written for the Wandering Band had made it onto the 'Original Sound Chart', with 'In Spring' holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks and bringing the band widespread fame.

The most talked-about part? He had exchanged that very song for a 5% share in Daylily Bar.

One song from Lu Chen could now sell for at least 200,000 yuan!

And Lu Chen himself? He had been competing in Singing China, advancing through round after round to become one of the top ten contestants nationwide!

To the vagabond singers present, even those who had never met him had certainly heard of his name.

Lu Chen was living the dream they all shared.

Nodding, Lu Chen greeted them, "Hello."

The person who had called him was a resident vagabond singer at Daylily, someone Lu Chen vaguely recognized and could at least name.

The rest quickly came to their senses and surrounded him enthusiastically.

"Brother Chen, hello!"

"Big Chen!"

"Nice to meet you!"

Faces beaming with excitement and warmth surrounded him, and Lu Chen found it hard to distinguish who was who.

Smiling, he clasped his hands together and responded, "Hello, everyone! Thank you!"

Had it not been for the experience gained through participating in talent competitions, Lu Chen might have found such a scene overwhelming.

He understood the thoughts of these vagabond singers.

They simply wanted to get acquainted with him, build connections, and perhaps even buy a song from him.

Reflecting on the days when he was overlooked and belittled in the bar, Lu Chen felt a surge of emotion.

"Big Chen!"

At that moment, Qin Hanyang's voice called out from a small private room, offering him a way out. "Come over here!"

With Qin Hanyang stepping in, the vagabond singers quickly made way for Lu Chen.

Now a red-hot figure, the Wandering Band's performance bookings were reportedly scheduled well into next year. As the band's lead singer and captain, Qin Hanyang had become a sensation overnight and was idolized by countless vagabond singers in the bar scene.

In Houhai, he was undoubtedly a superstar.

Meeting Qin Hanyang and the Wandering Band at Daylily tonight was already an extraordinary stroke of luck.

Add Lu Chen into the mix, and it was a night to remember.

Apologizing to the crowd, Lu Chen entered the small private room.

Inside, the other four members of the Wandering Band were present, along with Zhang Nana, also known as Sister Na.

"Big Chen!"

As fiery and enthusiastic as ever, Sister Na greeted him with a big hug.

However, both she and Qin Hanyang now addressed him differently.

He was no longer 'Little Lu'— now he was 'Big Chen'.

After all, everyone had changed, and their roles were no longer what they used to be.

"Sister Na," Lu Chen said with a smile, "you look so beautiful now."

Sister Na had always been plain-looking, and with age, some might even have called her unattractive.

But now, Lu Chen saw a radiant Sister Na with exquisite makeup and a confident air. She exuded a mature charm that made her look far better than before.

She was living proof that the saying, "A woman is seven-tenths made up of her appearance," held true.

Releasing him, Sister Na mockingly said, "So, you mean I was ugly before?"

Lu Chen knew she was joking and replied with a laugh, "You were always beautiful; now you're even more so!"

Sister Na immediately broke into a broad smile. "You've always had a sweet tongue. So, have you been charming any girls recently?"

Lu Chen shook his head with a wry smile.

He had originally planned to invite Ye Zitong tonight, but when he called, he learned that she had gone home two weeks earlier. She wouldn't be back until the start of the next semester in early September.

In recent months, Lu Chen had been busy competing, managing the workshop, producing his album, and maintaining his role as an online streamer. Naturally, his communication with Ye Zitong had dwindled.

As a result, their relationship had grown a bit distant.

But there was little he could do about it. Lu Chen couldn't afford to spend time on romance.

Besides, his relationship with Ye Zitong had never been fully established. Such a development was entirely natural.

Even couples deeply in love could grow apart due to separation.

However, tonight, Lu Chen chose not to dwell on it.

(End of Chapter)

You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395