Chapter 512: Wen Ming 2
Looking back on Wen Ming’s short and tragic life, Tan You couldn’t help but sigh. She herself had essentially been a child left to her own devices, but the biggest difference between them was that Tan You didn’t possess Wen Ming’s overflowing emotions. She wasn’t nearly as sentimental.
Wen Ming, on the other hand, was incredibly sentimental. When she sang on stage, she would completely immerse herself in the music. You could say that Wen Ming’s performances were about life, about experience. But to be honest, it was very difficult to make a name for yourself with those kinds of soulful performances.
No matter the era, what the public loves most are always the high-energy, wild performances that get their emotions running high. Otherwise, how would disco in the ’80s and the clubbing scene that followed ever have found a market?
For someone like Wen Ming, who sang so quietly and lacked good original songs, it was truly difficult to stand out in the industry.
The Beauty System flew beside Tan You’s head. "Host, are you going to be a singer this time? But Host, you’re tone-deaf."
Tan You shot it a glare. "Nonsense. I spent years studying with the siren clan. I stopped being tone-deaf a long time ago, okay?"
Tan You wiped away a tear as she recalled her time on the Western Fantasy Continent, where she spent her days learning to sing with the young sirens. She knew she was tone-deaf, but it wasn’t something that couldn’t be trained.
If one day wasn’t enough, she’d take two. If one year wasn’t enough, she’d take two. She was bound to correct it eventually. Although the process was arduous and she was met with plenty of scorn, it got to the point where even the Dark God couldn’t take it anymore. He told her point-blank that they would resume their journey across the continent together only after she had mastered her singing.
Thinking back on it now, the memories felt as fresh as yesterday.
The Beauty System perked up. "Host, if you become a huge star, your charm value will definitely..."
The rest of its words dissolved into a burst of static. Tan You narrowed her eyes, having a good idea of what it was trying to say. She paid it no mind and began to ponder her next steps after being discharged from the hospital.
Returning to G Province was out of the question for now. Going back right after a divorce? Wouldn’t that make her look pathetic and dejected? Tan You had her pride. She had to make a name for herself here first!
「Three days later.」
Tan You was discharged from the hospital. When she left, she only carried a small handbag containing her toiletries from her stay.
Lawyer Huang came to pick her up. The moment Tan You saw him, she knew it was time to get the divorce certificate. Sure enough, Lawyer Huang drove her directly to the Civil Affairs Bureau, where a man in black-framed glasses who looked like some kind of artsy intellectual was waiting at the entrance.
Tan You sized him up, comparing him to the award-winning actors and top celebrities she had seen before. ’He’s not that special.’
With a slight shake of her head, Tan You pushed the car door open and got out. She wore a pair of oversized sunglasses that revealed only her nose and mouth. Her long hair was tied up in a bun, giving her an elegant yet commanding presence.
Qi Ying watched Tan You stride toward him, finding her almost unrecognizable. He ventured cautiously, "Wen Ming?"
’Did the Wen Ming I remember have such a powerful aura? And was she this beautiful?’
"Yes, it’s me," Tan You said without taking off her sunglasses. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and walked briskly into the Civil Affairs Bureau. "Let’s get this over with. I have things to do later. I’m a very busy person."
Qi Ying hurried after her. "You’re busy? What are you doing? Don’t you have a job?"
Tan You took off her sunglasses. "Is that any of your business? We’ve already signed the divorce agreement. We’re just here to get the certificate. What right do you have to manage my affairs?"
Qi Ying’s eyes widened at the sight of Tan You’s face. "You... How did you suddenly get so beautiful? Did you get plastic surgery?"
"If you don’t know how to speak properly, you can always donate your mouth," Tan You said, twirling her sunglasses on her fingertip. "What plastic surgery clinic gives you results this fast? Divorce is the best cosmetic procedure for a woman. It frees her from the drudgery of domestic life. Once she’s free of all that, a woman can stay forever young."
"Hurry up. If you don’t finalize this today, you’re not a man."
Tan You shot Qi Ying a sideways glance. ’This scumbag isn’t going to back out now, is he?’ Even if he did, Tan You wouldn’t accept that outcome.
The moment Tan You glared, a shiver of fear went through Qi Ying. He followed her every command like a trained soldier. In less than half an hour, Tan You had a brand-new divorce certificate in her hands.
It was her first time getting a divorce certificate, and Tan You found the experience quite novel. After all, it was a first for her.
"Excellent. Now that I’m divorced, I can focus on pursuing my career." She stuffed the certificate into her handbag and snapped her fingers. "From now on, if we see each other, we’ll act like strangers. Even if you make it big one day, I won’t come trying to ride your coattails."
"Likewise, if I become famous someday, be smart and have some decency. Don’t make me look down on you."
"From now on, we part ways and find our own happiness. Who we marry is our own business."
With those final words, Tan You walked away with a carefree swing of her bag. She left Qi Ying staring blankly at her back. Lawyer Huang thought to himself, ’So, you finally understand how formidable your ex-wife is, huh?’
He had been standing before Tan You with his calves trembling. When she glared, he felt like he could just drop to his knees.
After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, Tan You hailed a taxi. "Driver, to Ye Se."
"You got it," the driver said. He was clearly familiar with the place and struck up a conversation with Tan You along the way. "Miss, are you going to Ye Se to have fun or to sing?"
"I’m going to sing," Tan You replied, not the least bit nervous. "So, you know about Ye Se, Sir."
"Of course I do! Ye Se is a tough nut to crack," the driver said with a chuckle. "A lot of good singers want to make it big at Ye Se. Who wouldn’t, when top-tier producers are always showing up there?"
"But getting noticed isn’t so easy."
Tan You’s eyes narrowed. "I know. But a person has to have a dream. What if one day, heaven decides to make it come true for you?"
The driver laughed heartily. "That’s right! A person has to have a dream. Well said!"
Tan You just smiled without a word. She could reel off a hundred pieces of toxic self-help quotes just like that. Come to think of it, people born in the 90s like her were a generation poisoned by that stuff—upholding the virtue of enduring hardship, being grateful for suffering, they were fed one line after another.
And what was the result? If you were willing to suffer, there would be no end to your suffering.
"We’re here, Miss." The taxi stopped in front of Ye Se. Just as Tan You was about to get out, the driver suddenly smiled. "Miss, you’re definitely going to be a huge star one day."
Tan You turned back and broke into a smile. "I’ll take that as a good omen. If I ever become a huge star, I’ll send you front-row tickets to my concert."
The driver was in a great mood. "Alright! You remember, Miss. My name is Lü Defu."
Tan You nodded. "I’ll remember. I’m sure we’ll meet again."
Swinging her little bag, Tan You walked into Ye Se, which hadn’t opened for business yet. The moment she stepped inside, someone stopped her. "We’re not open for business yet."
Tan You was perfectly calm. "I know. I’m here to apply for a resident singer position."