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MILF: Ch. 16 - Born to Live
🕑 Added 2024-11-15 09:05:53 +0000 UTCThe executives at Germo Entertainment were closely monitoring the trending topics on Y, fearing that negative news might arise after Paul performed his new song at the concert.
The monitoring team huddled around their screens, tension visible on their faces.
"Are the PR teams ready?" one executive asked, drumming his fingers nervously on the desk.
"Social media response units standing by," another replied, eyes glued to his monitor.
"Wait... are you seeing these numbers?"
If negative reactions surfaced, they would have no choice but to spend money to suppress the negative buzz or even deploy an army of online supporters to control the narrative.
However, they were pleasantly surprised when the concert began to exceed their expectations right from the start. Paul's new song was instantly embraced by millions of online users. His live performance pushed the song to a new peak of popularity.
"Did we just witness music history?"
The VP chuckled. "No, we just witnessed our stock price doubling tomorrow."
The posts under the trending hashtag rapidly climbed to hundreds of thousands and soon approached the million mark.
"Keep tracking those hashtags!" the social media manager called out.
"They're moving too fast to track!"
"Just how many songs did he write?"
"Based on these numbers? Not enough."
---
Over at Tommy the Gum's concert not far from Gart, which had just finished the first song, the discussion barely reached 10,000. Paul, on the other hand, was already heading toward a million mentions.
Many people regretted not buying tickets for his concert, even if they had to pay dozens of times the original price. "Just watching the video gave me goosebumps. I can only imagine how amazing it must have been to be there in person..."
At Y headquarters, chaos erupted as the servers strained under the sudden traffic surge.
It was almost the end of the workday when the video of Paul's new song went viral, causing the Y servers to nearly overload.
"No one is leaving until Anilani's concert is over!" the manager announced.
"But my dinner plans..." a programmer groaned.
His colleague nudged him. "Just play the video first."
As soon as the first line of the song played, their frustration quickly melted away. The song was just too good—both the writing and the performance were incredible.
A few minutes later, the first programmer slumped in his chair. "...Cancel my plans. I need to hear more."
One fan commented, "I want to dedicate this song to my wife. Our ninth wedding anniversary is coming up next week, and I have to learn it fast! She was the class beauty back in the day, and she's stuck with me through so many hardships over the years..."
Another said, "Honestly, I'm really, really envious of those who fell in love in junior high, stayed together through high school, university, work, and then walked down the aisle together."
"This song feels like it's taking us back to those unforgettable school days. I hope that many years later, even when we're no longer young or passionate, we can still bravely chase after the things we love."
"That feeling of a youthful crush, the joy of meeting someone, and later, the quiet contentment of sharing life's moments together. It feels like I'm waiting for someone I can say to, 'Wanna dance with me? I think I've fallen for you'."
"This isn't just a song," someone posted, "it's a time machine to our first love experience."
No wonder the song was so amazing. 'I sing a song for you' was originally released in 2001 by singer when he was still a rookie. The song won him the Best New Artist Award that year and the prestigious Echo Award the following year.
This song quickly became the go-to love anthem for campus confessions. Students too shy to say 'I love you' turned to its lyrics instead
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that if you couldn't sing it back then, you had no chance of winning over a girl.
At the concert in Gart, as the song ended, the audience erupted in waves of applause and cheers. At that moment, no external news mattered—they were entirely absorbed in the performance, screaming continuously for Paul on stage!
"This is worth every penny, even without singing along!" a fan shouted.
"What were those other singers doing all this time?"
"Even Kevin can't compare to this!"
The performance of the first was absolutely incredible. Near the sound booth, the tech crew watched in amazement.
"Never seen a crowd this quiet during his performance," one tech whispered.
"Never seen him actually perform a full song either."
"Careful what you say—he might hear you and write a song about it."
For the tens of thousands of fans in the audience, they genuinely felt that even if they hadn't sung a single note themselves yet, the experience was already completely worth it.
How could there be a song this beautiful? What were those other singers even performing before? Not to mention Tommy, even Kevin's recent performances have been completely lackluster. They couldn't even produce an authentic song. It was truly embarrassing.
If they were already hearing such an amazing song now, and their emotions had already been stirred by Paul, then when he started singing those classic old hits, everyone would be fully immersed, singing along joyfully. This concert was absolutely worth it.
After all, the concert had just begun, and there were still over two hours left. They couldn't believe Paul would perform only new songs, right? It must be time for the old favorites soon. When that happened, it would be their moment to shine.
Just the thought of it made everyone's blood boil, and they were filled with excitement.
Paul himself was overwhelmed with emotion. This is what being a real singer feels like. This is what I've been missing.
The sense of accomplishment was beyond amazing. Standing on stage, listening to the crowd cheer and shout his name, he was utterly overjoyed.
For a lifetime, being a singer had been totally worth it.
Paul smiled slightly. This was just the beginning, merely an appetizer. There were still more songs to go.
It seemed like he could sing through the whole setlist without any worries today.
He picked up the microphone and spoke to the audience below:
"The song I just performed is a new one I wrote, called 'I sing a song for you'. I hope you all liked it! Truly, it's because of you—because of all of you—that I'm able to stand here today!"
As his words echoed through the venue, the audience erupted into even more fervent cheers, pushing the atmosphere to yet another peak.
Among the crowd, Jasmin took the opportunity to blend in with the other screaming fans, yelling toward Paul on stage.
"I love it! I love you!!"
Her assistant standing beside her was a bit confused. "Jasmin, just now..."
"Ahem, I meant I love Paul's song!"
"R-Really?"
The assistant had long known how Jasmin felt about Paul, but since this was a public setting, she was worried that if any paparazzi caught wind of it, they'd blow it up into some scandalous rumor.
That's why she gave a gentle reminder, out of caution.
Jasmin quickly realized what her assistant meant, but she couldn't help quietly muttering, "I like him... I just like him, okay..."
And maybe, she thought, watching him shine on stage, that's not such a bad thing after all.
---
Hearing the cheers from the audience, Paul smiled.
He raised his hand slightly, signaling everyone to quiet down. His voice was firm and full of passion: "Next—"
"The concert... continues!"
Before he had even finished, the tens of thousands of spectators erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, eagerly waiting in unison.
Here it came; it was really happening this time!
He was about to sing the second song, and everyone speculated—it must be an old favorite. He couldn't have composed two new songs in just a week, right? Now, it was the audience's turn to join in.
"Ahem—"
Quite a few fans in the crowd had even cleared their throats, preparing for their perfect performance later.
The concert was about to begin for real.
"Man, I can't wait any longer! The real concert is finally happening!"
"Wait. My throat is dry. Let me get some water first."
"I wonder which song it'll be. But honestly, it doesn't matter, I love all of his songs!"
"The most exciting moment is finally here!"
"Singers from Gart, everyone get ready; it's time for an all-out effort!"
Fans were in high spirits.
But among them, someone suddenly asked the crucial question: "What if his next song is also new?"
"A new song? No way!"
"But hadn't he just sung a new one as his first song?"
"I don't believe it! Can he really produce two songs in one week? If he can, I'll... do a handstand and eat schnitzel right here!"
"You... you're not just trying to scam some free food and drink, are you?"
"..."
Paul stood at the center of the stage, holding the microphone steadily in one hand, while raising the other to signal the crew to prepare the intro for the second song.
As the crew swiftly got into position, the music intro began to play.
In an instant, the audience was once again in an uproar.
What... what was going on? Why had they never heard this intro before?
There was a commotion in the crowd, and a sense of unease washed over everyone's hearts: could this one be another new song?
Especially the fan who had just vowed to do a handstand and eat—his face turned pale.
No way... this couldn't be happening, could it?
In just seven days, he had really managed to write two new songs? For an artist to put out subpar, filler songs at a concert of this magnitude would be career suicide.
If you released a few bad songs on an album, people might laugh it off and joke that you were running out of ideas.
But if you didn't take your concert seriously, the pressure from public opinion alone, not to mention competitors seizing the opportunity, could be enough to destroy a successful artist.
Yet, reality hit them once again: they really hadn't heard this song before. Especially with that intro that slowly built into something more powerful—this was definitely a new song!
The fans and audience held their breath, carefully thinking it over, but the conclusion was the same.
This was indeed another new song from him.
Just from the intro alone, they could already tell. There had never been such an intro in any of his previous songs.
After all, the prelude to this song was just too mesmerizing. And it was likely not a folk song again!
The gentle guitar work that built in intensity seemed to speak directly to their souls, like a voice calling from the past.
Everyone quieted down again.
If the previous song had taken everyone back to their school days, then this second new song was taking them on a journey through love, loss, and the rediscovery of life's precious nature.
In the front row, a young woman named Sarah clutched her concert ticket tightly. The date on it was the same day her mother had passed away two years ago. She had almost given away her ticket, almost couldn't bear to be here on this day. But something had told her to come, and now...
As the intro ended, Paul's voice slowly emerged, carrying a weight of emotion that seemed to understand exactly what she was feeling...
𝅘𝅥𝅯It's hard for me to live without you
Every day, at every time, giving all I can do
I think back often to what once was
To every beloved day that has passed𝅘𝅥𝅯
His powerful voice flowed through the microphone into the ears of tens of thousands of audience members below.
The previously noisy crowd had fallen silent in an instant. They had felt a bit impatient, thinking Paul was about to sing yet another new song.
But this time, miraculously, everyone was captivated by the melody, completely absorbed in its message.
Who could have imagined that he had not only composed two new songs within a week but had also created such contrasting styles?
The previous song had sung of the sweetness of love, while this one, from the very beginning, was filled with both loss and healing, like a guiding light emerging through darkness into everyone's hearts.
𝅘𝅥𝅯I imagine you standing by my side
Walking with me on every path I stride
I think of so much since you've been gone
For you showed me how precious life goes on𝅘𝅥𝅯
As the first chorus approached, an elderly man in the middle section found himself transported back to Sunday mornings with his late wife. Coffee brewing in the kitchen, her gentle humming as she tended her plants, sunlight catching her silver hair.
He had thought these memories would always bring pain, but now, listening to Paul's words, he felt something different. It was a gentle reminder that these precious moments were gifts he'd carry forever.
𝅘𝅥𝅯We were born to live
With the wonders of that time
Never to forget each other, until the end of life𝅘𝅥𝅯
The massive concert in Gart became eerily quiet. Aside from Paul's powerful singing on stage, there wasn't another sound.
Even this time, the fans in the audience didn't softly hum along with him. Everyone was immersed in their own memories—joyful and painful, yet all precious.
A young man thought of his father's workbench in their old garage. The smell of wood shavings, the patient way his dad had taught him to use each tool.
"Watch the grain," he'd say, "feel how the wood wants to be shaped."
Now, five years after losing him to cancer, those workshop lessons felt like blueprints for navigating grief—understanding its grain, working with it rather than against it.
𝅘𝅥𝅯We were born to live
For that one moment
When we could feel
How precious life appears𝅘𝅥𝅯
Paul stood at the center of the stage, eyes closed, his heart filled with complex emotions.
For him, singing this song held a special significance.
The rock elements in the arrangement swelled as he moved into the second verse, the music building like waves of memory washing over the crowd.
𝅘𝅥𝅯It still hurts to make room anew
To allow something fresh with good feelings too
In this moment you're close to me again
Like every beloved day that's been𝅘𝅥𝅯
Near the soundboard, a middle-aged woman held her daughter's hand. They had both struggled after losing their husband and father three years ago. The empty chair at dinner, the silence where his laughter should be.
But lately, they'd started telling stories about him at mealtimes, sharing memories that made them laugh through tears. The song's words about making room anew, about allowing fresh feelings—it was exactly what they'd been learning to do.
𝅘𝅥𝅯It's my wish to allow dreams once more
Without regret to look towards what's in store
I see meaning since you're no longer here
For you showed me how precious my life appears𝅘𝅥𝅯
The chorus swept through the arena again, and this time, something had shifted. The audience swayed gently, united in understanding. Loss hadn't broken them—it had taught them to see life's beauty more clearly.
Back in the front row, Sarah remembered her mother's garden. How she'd insisted on planting sunflowers even in her final spring, saying "They always look towards the light, honey. That's how we should live."
Now, listening to Paul sing about seeing meaning through loss, those sunflowers became a symbol of something larger—the ability to grow through grief, to keep turning toward the light.
At this point, his voice suddenly stopped, and even the accompanying music disappeared.
The audience below was stunned.
What was going on?
Was the song over?
No way, it couldn't be this short!
Could it be that the song wasn't finished?
Impossible!
How could a singer like Anilani perform a half-finished song on stage?
The audience was puzzled, and even Jasmin slowly opened her eyes, looking toward Paul on the stage.
Just then, he began singing again.
As his voice rang out once more, the fans in the audience realized — he had done it on purpose! But that pause in the middle of the song had indeed been carefully designed.
The goal had been to give fans time to truly feel the weight of those words, to reflect on how loss had taught them to value life more deeply.
Each fan's experience would be different, unique to them.
Once their minds had been filled with their own memories of loved ones lost, Paul had suddenly sung again, as if saying: now you understand, these moments of pain have taught us the true value of living.
This way of performing was something completely new to them. But the effect was amazing.
Sure enough, the fans in the audience were once again taken back to their own unique experiences of love and loss.
In their grief, they had struggled to move forward, but now they understood that loss itself had taught them to cherish every moment of life.
Paul's new song was simply fantastic! It could easily rival his first song. Although the styles of the two songs were completely different.
He continued singing on stage, without surprise or amazement at the audience's reaction.
After all, this song had been born from his own experience of profound loss. It had come to him during those sleepless nights when memories felt almost too heavy to bear.
It had been because of losing someone precious that he had begun to understand the true meaning of being born to live.
He had poured every ounce of his healing journey into these lyrics.
His honesty and vulnerability had created something universal, touching hearts in an era when so many people struggled with loss and renewal.
Additionally, he had known exactly why this song needed to be shared now. The world had seen so much loss recently, so many people struggling to find their way forward.
Paul had watched countless stories of people learning to live again after loss, and their resilience had deeply moved him. He had written this song hoping that those who were grieving could find strength to embrace life again.
At the same time, he had also hoped to convey a simple yet easily forgotten truth through this song: that being alive itself is precious.
There is still beauty in this world after loss, so don't give up on living fully.
𝅘𝅥𝅯We were born to live
With the wonders of that time
Born to live𝅘𝅥𝅯
The simplicity of these lines without music hit home even harder.
Sarah, in the front row, felt tears streaming down her face. She remembered her mother's last words: "Live fully, my darling. That's all I ever wanted for you."
As the emotional peak approached, the full music returned with thunderous power. The rock influences came to the fore, drums and guitars creating a wall of sound that carried Paul's voice to new heights:
𝅘𝅥𝅯We were born to live
With the wonders of that time
Never to forget each other, until the end of life
We were born to live
For that one moment
When we could feel
How precious life appears𝅘𝅥𝅯
His voice carried both strength and vulnerability, and with the powerful lyrics, it instantly transported the audience back to their most precious memories.
The sound of a mother's laughter echoing through a sun-filled kitchen.
In living rooms and gardens, families had gathered for Sunday dinners, taking photos they'd treasure later, their hearts full of love they didn't know was numbered in days.
A father teaching his daughter to ride a bike, his steady hands letting go at just the right moment, his proud smile now a cherished memory.
These scenes flashed before their eyes like a beloved film, and the audience couldn't help but smile through their tears, understanding that these memories were gifts they'd carry forever.
At this moment, the melody of the song entered its final stage.
Paul's voice remained powerful yet gentle as he continued to sing, as if speaking directly to everyone who had ever loved and lost.
𝅘𝅥𝅯We were born to live
With the wonders of that time
Never to forget each other, until the end of life
We were born to live
For that one moment
When we could feel
How precious life appears𝅘𝅥𝅯
𝅘𝅥𝅯We were born to live𝅘𝅥𝅯
As his voice gently faded with the final line, the entire crowd was moved to tears. Many people had tears streaming down their cheeks.
What did it mean to be 'born to live'? Was it about finding strength after loss? Was it about carrying precious memories while still moving forward? Was it about discovering that grief itself could teach us to value every moment more deeply?
Finally, the accompaniment also came to a stop.
The venue of Paul's concert erupted in thunderous applause.
The audience expressed their heartfelt gratitude to him because this song had awakened their deepest and most genuine feelings.
That broken heart they'd once carried had been transformed into a source of strength, and at this moment, they understood that their capacity to love again wasn't diminished by loss but expanded by it.
However, the path of healing wasn't always straight. Sometimes the weight of missing someone felt as fresh as day one. Yet somehow, the music had reminded them that this too was part of being alive.
Paul's face also showed a smile.
He knew that his choice had been right. A great song could give people strength and help them find direction in times of grief and confusion. He had also found himself through this song, and he had succeeded.
Not only had he sung this song, but he had also sung more than just one.
And the effect had been surprisingly good. The audience had connected deeply with its message about life, loss, and the courage to keep living fully.
No one had been upset about missing out on a group singalong. On the contrary, everyone was incredibly excited because of Paul's new song.
Everyone felt that the ticket price for this concert was absolutely worth it.
Even Jasmin, usually known as the 'Iron Lady', had red eyes at this moment. She took a packet of tissues from her assistant and kept wiping her eyes.
Her assistant felt concerned, but more so for the tissues.
"Jasmin, where are your own tissues?"
Hearing her assistant's comment, which had ruined the mood, Jasmin blushed and glared at her, saying irritably,
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask!"
