"Xiyao-jie, I'm so sorry for causing you trouble!"

The most awkward people at the scene were Feng Xiaoxiao and Yi Shuihan. Even Yi Shuihan hadn't expected things to develop this way.

"It's okay, I'm not someone who can't show myself. It's just that today... it seems like it's not going to be easy to leave!"

Xia Xiyao smiled, looking up at the crowd in the tavern, which had become a bit chaotic. Many people were now shouting Xia Xiyao's name, and others were calling out Xingyao's name.

Even the troublemakers who had been causing a scene earlier had blended into the crowd. They now wished they could find a hole to crawl into!

They listened to the songs written by Gu Xingyi every day, and a few of them were actually fans of both Gu Xingyi and Xia Xiyao! To be caught doing something bad in front of their idols—it felt terrible!

With Xia Xiyao's appearance, the tavern was quickly turning into a fan meeting for Xia Xiyao!

At that moment, the tavern owner squeezed through the crowd of security guards, his expression excited.

"Xiyao-jie, hello, I'm the owner of this tavern. Given the situation now, could you... could you say a few words to your fans?"

The tavern owner's eyes were shining. Although he hadn't seen his idol Gu Xingyi, who was Xia Xiyao's connection, Xia Xiyao was just as big! Plus, what had happened today would definitely spread online!

At that point, his small tavern would surely go viral!

"Alright, please wait a moment."

Xia Xiyao looked at the tavern owner, who was obviously much older than her. She suddenly felt a bit dazed. It seemed that without realizing it, she had already become a "big sister" in the eyes of others and an idol that many people admired.

Hearing Xia Xiyao's response, the tavern owner grinned widely, nodding repeatedly. He then turned and walked into the crowd to give instructions, causing the crowd to burst into excited cheers.

Meanwhile, Xia Xiyao turned to the two girls beside Feng Xiaoxiao, who still had slightly red eyes.

"They probably won't come again. You can sing your songs with peace of mind now."

Xia Xiyao spoke softly. Wang Xinyi and Wu Peiling, who still had slightly red eyes, made Xia Xiyao feel a little heartache. These talented people really shouldn't be treated this way.

"Thank you." The two girls exchanged glances and said in unison. They had been harassed for a long time, and today they honestly didn't know what to do, which was why they called Feng Xiaoxiao. They had known Feng Xiaoxiao for a long time and were very good friends.

"Xinyi, Peiling, this can't go on. Maybe some shameless companies will come after you in the future. How about you try auditioning for Xingyao Entertainment?"

Feng Xiaoxiao looked at the two girls, furrowing his brow.

Wang Xinyi and Wu Peiling's eyes dimmed slightly when they heard this. If they could join a good company, how could they still be performing here?

"Xiao-ge, we just love folk music, and we're good at it. Do you think Xingyao Entertainment would take us in?"

"The boss's wife is right here! Why not give it a try?!"

Yi Shuihan quickly spoke up, then looked at Xia Xiyao with hopeful eyes.

"Xiyao-jie, Xinyi and Peiling are both really great!"

Wang Xinyi and Wu Peiling, hearing this, also looked at Xia Xiyao with some expectation.

Xia Xiyao smiled and a touch of color appeared on her face.

"Who says folk singers can't have a future? But, may I hear your songs? Right here!"

Xia Xiyao didn't immediately agree. Even though Feng Xiaoxiao's friends were involved, as a company, certain processes still had to be followed.

"Okay!"

Wang Xinyi and Wu Peiling nodded, exchanging a glance before secretly clenching their fists. They gathered some courage, one holding the microphone and the other with a guitar, walking toward the stage.

The people around them parted to make way, and some even cheered them on.

They were all regulars here, so they naturally knew the talent of the two girls.

Xia Xiyao and the others also arrived at the front of the stage, quietly watching the two girls in simple clothes at the center of the tavern.

At this moment, the tavern instantly fell silent.

Wang Xinyi and Wu Peiling habitually sat on the high stools. As they looked at the people below the stage, their eyes became even redder.

"Hello, everyone. This might be the last time our group performs here. We hope this last folk song can bring some emotion to everyone here."

"Folk songs are poor, guitars are expensive, the story is long, and the road ahead is far. We hope you can remember our group. We are 'The Landlord's Cat'!"

After they spoke, Wu Peiling gently strummed the guitar, and a sorrowful melody immediately filled the air. Wang Xinyi wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye, picked up the microphone, and softly began to sing.

   "Don't cry, there's definitely a road ahead~"

The light and slightly sorrowful voice rang out. Wang Xinyi looked up at the sky, took a deep breath, and swallowed the lump in her throat.

The moment the song started, Xia Xiyao's eyes lit up.

This girl has a great voice! And! She is a perfect fit for folk music!

Wang Xinyi adjusted her emotions and continued singing.

   "Don't cry, there's definitely a road ahead~

   It's as if happiness is not far away~

   You have me in your heart~

   I'm by your side~

   How you want to go, we will go that way~"

Upon hearing this, Xia Xiyao nodded. Although the two's stage presence was a bit inexperienced, it was precisely because of their rawness that it suited the folk music even more.

Moreover, their group gave people the feeling of returning to the beginning: the original singers, playing their first songs with their youthful, earnest playing, chasing their initial dreams. This was perfect!

When the song ended, some of the older audience members were already wiping tears from their eyes. Many of them had come specifically for the two of them. It was clear that from now on, the two wouldn't be performing here anymore.

The two girls stepped down from the high stools, composed themselves, and then nervously walked up to Xia Xiyao and the others.

They knew that Xia Xiyao was the one who would decide their future.

"You're great! Welcome to Xingyao Entertainment!"

Xia Xiyao smiled warmly at them, extending her hand, her words sincere.

This made Wang Xinyi and Wu Peiling feel like crying again. They quickly shook hands with Xia Xiyao, deeply moved.

The audience, having recovered from the folk song's emotional impact, now transformed into enthusiastic fans, all calling out Xia Xiyao's name in unison.

Prompted by the crowd, Xia Xiyao shook her head and slowly walked up to the stage.

"I'm very happy to see you all here today. Of course, I can't sing a new song, so let me sing an old one for you! It's also one of my personal favorites! ‘The Wind Rises!'"

As soon as the three words "The Wind Rises" were spoken, the cheers from the crowd grew louder. Men and women alike became loyal little fans in an instant!

"This journey, walking and stopping, following the traces left by the youth..."

When Gu Xingyi arrived, he saw this scene, which felt like a concert. After receiving the message from Tao Lele, he rushed over immediately.

As a result, Gu Xingyi also got caught up in the chaos.

When people recognized Gu Xingyi, they went wild, especially the tavern owner, who even shouted into the microphone.

"Tonight, the boss is happy! The entire bill is on the boss!"

In the end, Gu Xingyi and Xia Xiyao, after signing an unknown number of autographs, were finally escorted by security, hastily escaping the crowd, jumping into the car, and speeding away from the scene.