Camila shuddered involuntarily: it was "Long Live Life"! Unbelievable!
She never expected that for their first performance in front of a thousand-person audience, on August 31st, the band's opening song would be "Long Live Life."
However, on second thought, Camila had a different perspective. Of course, it had to be "Long Live Life." Why wouldn't it be?
Since last night, after Camila heard the song, the melody and lyrics had been swirling in her mind, impossible to shake off. As she lay in bed, quietly imagining the band's live performance, she couldn't stop thinking about how Anson would interpret the song. Countless thoughts kept running through her head.
And now, the band was performing that very song—
Perfect.
From the first four beats, the band had chosen a version different from the studio recording.
Camila had no idea how many times the band had played this song on their European street tour or how many versions there were; but without a doubt, every step the band took showcased their own distinctive style, fully utilizing their instruments and showing off their musical charm.
The revised version before her was lighter yet more grand, simpler yet richer. From the first note, it had completely captivated Camila's ears, maximizing the allure of the live performance.
"Live" is all about spontaneity, adding personal flair based on the mood and circumstances of the day, making every performance unique.
It's the unique charm of live performances that makes each show different. That's why there's a special group of fans who follow the band to experience the distinct magic of each live show.
And today was no exception.
Though Camila had just heard the band's performance yesterday, today felt entirely different.
She didn't know what others thought, but for her, Anson had conquered her from the very first four beats.
Now, Camila finally understood that line from Jerry Maguire where Tom Cruise says, "You had me at hello."
A glance, an appearance, a performance.
That was enough.
Surprise!
Surrender!
Heartfelt!
And this was only the beginning.
"I once ruled life and death among mortals, savoring the terror reflected in the eyes of my foes, while joyfully listening to the people's cheers: 'The old king is dead! Long live the new king!'" (Note 1)
The bass, heavy.
The guitar, light.
The keyboard, melodious.
Accompanied by Anson's voice, the layers of the melody gradually filled out, still led by the cello, but different parts and layers depicted the cycles of life, illness, death, and the rise and fall of dynasties across time.
He had once possessed glory, led armies, and stood atop the world; yet, in a single turn, he was alone, wandering in solitude.
He said,
"At this moment, I hold authority in my veins, only to realize that the palace walls are as deep as the sea. Suddenly, I discover that my grand ambitions are nothing but an illusory mirage."
In a snap, everything turned to dust.
Fame, glory, status, wealth... with one blink, it all became ashes, dissolving into nothingness.
He had tried to conquer the world, but in the end, could not escape death; he had sought to accomplish great deeds, only to find it was all just a dream; he had once ridden high, full of vigor, only to realize he couldn't grasp anything.
The clamor, the light, the cheers—all vanished, sinking into dust overnight. Reaching out, there was only endless emptiness and void.
A lifetime of pursuit, but in the end, it was all in vain.
So, what is life? What's its meaning?
The melody surged.
The thoughts resonated.
The entire venue was silent.
Countless eyes were fixed on Anson. They hadn't expected the band to perform such a song, let alone perform it so grandly.
Standing at the end of life, reflecting on the meaning of existence; standing at the end of time, reflecting on the meaning of history—
And humanity was but a speck of dust.
Involuntarily, everyone held their breath; even their hearts seemed to stop beating momentarily.
Then—
Anson strummed his guitar, the melody surged, and the notes exploded.
Boom!
Lily's hands fell heavily on the keyboard. She lifted her head, exchanging glances with Connor and Miles, their brilliant smiles reflected in each other's eyes.
The performance erupted with passion, pouring into the notes, instantly igniting the crowd.
It was clearly 3 p.m., with the sun shining brightly, high in the sky, yet it felt as if a sea of stars had lit up, turning night into day with a roar, like a tidal wave sweeping through the entire venue.
In that instant, goosebumps rose all over, and hearts raced to their throats, almost about to burst.
The energy was unleashed without holding back.
"Hear the bells of Jerusalem ring..."
Clap, clap, clap.
At that moment, Anson raised his hands high, clapping to the rhythm.
The sound was thin, easily disrupted by a passing breeze.
But Camila understood—
Her first reaction was to raise her hands high and clap along to the beat.
Clap, clap. Clap, clap.
The applause, the collision of hands, surged, and her heartbeat followed, pounding wildly. Camila could almost hear the sound of her blood boiling.
A smile crept onto her lips.
After just an eight-count, Anson continued playing the guitar, unconcerned whether the audience had picked up on his cue, as his passionate singing climbed to new heights.
"...The Roman cavalry choirs are singing, be my mirror, my sword, and shield. My missionaries are out on the front lines."
Pauline was utterly stunned—
She looked at Miles, then at Anson, then at Camila, and then at the other audience members.
Her gaze couldn't keep up, completely overwhelmed by the grandeur before her... and she surrendered.
The notes, the melodies, weaving through words and songs, unfolded an unfathomable river of time before her eyes.
It was like a cosmic painting.
Standing before time, she only felt her insignificance, yet she couldn't help but be drawn in, swept up in the roaring tide.
Her heart raced uncontrollably, as if her chest would burst.
Pauline: What should she do? Could someone tell her how to respond?
Dazed and confused, Pauline clapped along too, but clumsily, lost in bewilderment. Her gaze once again fell on Anson.
To listen, to feel, to enjoy.
"For reasons I can't explain, once you're gone, there'll be no more honest words, and this will be my time to rule."
Loneliness, extreme loneliness.
Standing atop the peak, surveying all, it was cold at the heights.
He, she, they, had spent their lives chasing glory, money, fame, power, status. Some failed, some succeeded, some lost themselves on the long road; yet when they finally reached the end of time, what did they see?
Endless void.
The meaning of life could have more. It could transcend time and space, awaken the soul even in the depths of the universe's black hole—
Everyone should have their own answer.
The world's eyes were all on Anson.
Sighing and carefree, bold and unrestrained, bathed in golden sunlight, it was as if he was the ruler of this world.
Not because of the crowd, not because of fame, but because, at that moment, he was standing there, singing freely, enjoying it fully.
That was enough.