Lin Mu's second song choice was absolutely stunning—Ano's "Diversity."
The full title is "Chu, Diversity," which translates to "The Diversity of Kissing."
The song's breakneck speed and incredibly intricate playing techniques made the bass part exceptionally difficult, to the point where ordinary players wouldn't even dare to attempt it.
"I love you, drunk and unwilling to wake up."
"I need you, lost in love and unwilling to wake up."
"Hold me tight, breathe in the scent of heartbreak."
"Fiercely oppose, sit down, shake hands, and give you your reward."
The playful lyrics paired with the swaying rhythm, infused with Lin Mu's soulful performance, almost made the music "speak."
In other words, the song was able to "communicate" with the audience below the stage.
Out of the corner of her eye, Su Ling noticed that her brother beside her was starting to fidget.
Though his expression still seemed to say, "Is that all?" it was clear that his hands, resting on the edge of his chair, were trembling slightly...
His body was already reacting physiologically to the rhythm of the titan on stage. He was struggling to hold back.
As everyone knows, when a live performance reaches a level of perfection where the groove (rhythmic flow) is palpable, the audience below can't help but sway along as if under a spell.
This isn't an illness but a natural neurological response to the rhythm. It also signifies that the musicians on stage are truly skilled and have something special to offer.
After all, a song with poor rhythm can't produce a groove, let alone make the audience unconsciously interact with it.
Lu Qing's demeanor showed that he had fully "received" the emotions Lin Mu was conveying through her performance. Even though he could clearly understand her "phrases," he was still desperately trying to suppress himself, pretending to remain unmoved...
"..."
Su Ling felt exhausted, even heartbroken.
If she were in her brother's place, she definitely wouldn't be able to hold back to this extent.
"Diversity" was such a challenging song, and Lin Mu had played it flawlessly, which was terrifying in itself. If it were her at her current level, she probably wouldn't even be able to strum through the first few bars of the intro...
Super-speed phantom hands Funk (a music genre known for its complex rhythms) and all that...
"Ah, she really is strong."
Su Ling felt defeated.
She believed that, no matter how hard she tried, she could never surpass the "her" on stage in the professional realm.
If the earlier "Flipping Rocks" was just her warm-up piece, then "Diversity" was a true manifestation of her real skills. She could use her guitar to "converse" with her brother.
If her brother didn't want to hide it, Su Ling had no doubt that he could walk right up on stage, pick up the PRS guitar beside him, and engage in a fair "duel" with Lin Mu—
No words needed, just each using their instruments to communicate, using "musical phrases" to achieve a kind of [spiritual connection].
This was truly Next-Level Play, as this language was encrypted, conveying only "emotions." It hid many secrets within the "phrases," and even if her brother were to express his love for Lin Mu, it could all be done through playing the guitar.
Of course, the current situation was likely the opposite.
Su Ling didn't know what Lin Mu's "phrases" were conveying, but she had heard "Diversity" before, and she knew what the lyrics were about...
They were about "asking for a kiss"!!!
"Claim me exclusively."
"Let's kiss until we're intoxicated."
"And then—"
"Come on, come on, come kiss."
"Come on, come on, come kiss."
"..."
Su Ling took a deep breath.
Yes, for those whose music appreciation skills weren't yet at a professional level, there was a simple and straightforward way to interpret the "phrases" played by a musician: by using the lyrics to guess the hidden feelings.
Su Ling's intelligence far surpassed that of most girls her age, so how could she miss such an obvious entry point?
Lin Mu's choice of this song might have had the element of "it's hard, it can crush people," but who could guarantee that she wasn't also conveying some unspoken love to a certain "someone" offstage?
Perhaps the former was aimed at her brother, disguised as a villain, trying to crush him with her skills, but the original purpose of the mischievous girl practicing this song so intensely... must have been to one day play it for "Yin Qing P," right?
She was already doing it...!
She had already achieved this, without even realizing it—!
...
This was a bit overwhelming.
Su Ling felt like she shouldn't have come today.
She felt like she was unnecessary, getting in the way of her brother's enjoyment and Lin Mu's solo performance.
If she had known it would be like this, why would she have bothered dressing up and trying to compete with Lin Mu?
Wasn't it clear now? Lin Mu's approach was different from that of a sneaky cat or a stalker.
Her attack was armor-piercing.
She didn't rely on looks or figure for a direct assault.
She attacked on a spiritual level, providing her brother with supreme mental pleasure in an instant, something no one else could do.
"Isn't this just catering to his preferences?"
[Her unparalleled technique and unreachable heights naturally created a barrier, completely isolating everyone else. Even trying to glance up would burn your eyes from the brilliance she radiated.]
Her communication with her brother was "encrypted."
If Su Ling hadn't happened to know the song she was playing, all her subtle moves would have been shrouded in mist, like an "Egyptian cat skilled in stealth."
Today, she was playing a cover. What about tomorrow?
What if she pulled out an "original composition" tomorrow?
Since her brother had nurtured her, she must have some attachment to "original compositions," right?
Her own "small milestones" seemed to be effortlessly achievable in Lin Mu's hands.
If her brother truly valued her talent and abilities more, would she lose the chance to challenge her? Would her brother be ruthlessly taken away by her?
From now on, would her brother only immerse himself in her performances, while selectively ignoring her own hard work and efforts?
"..."
As the song neared its end, Su Ling's spirits sank even lower.
But just then, Lu Qing's voice broke through.
"What do you think? About the song she just played."
"Ah..."
Su Ling's sinking heart was jolted back to attention by his sudden question. She turned her head slightly and whispered,
"It was beautiful, and powerful. I think you must have really liked it."
"Really?"
Lu Qing's expression gave nothing away.
"Yeah, you probably can't find any fault with her now, can you?"
"Not quite."
He said calmly, "This time... she had three minor flaws. To outsiders, it might seem perfect, not even worth mentioning. But from my perspective, she has a fatal weakness."
"!"
Hearing this, Su Ling immediately perked up.
"What weakness?"
"Hmm. Didn't you notice? Every time she reaches the first note of the chorus, she plays it softly, almost timidly, as if she lacks confidence.
Although all the notes are correct, and she technically won this round, from an emotional standpoint—"
At this point, Lu Qing smiled mysteriously.
From an extremely abstract angle, he added:
"She's too shy."
...
...