Becoming a life winner from infancy

Despite the pressure of high school academics, Lin Meng Ran was always able to balance her studies and band time, skipping evening self-study after school each day to come and practice with the band.

If there was energy left after practicing, then studying at home was the right thing to do.

If not, then it was time for a long sleep, since I was still in the stage of growing, and I couldn't tire myself out too much.

But in recent times, in order to earn tutoring fees, to interact more with Nuo Nuo, and to get the chance to be close to my cousin-in-law, the amount of study time had seriously exceeded what she was able to handle.

She had already invested too much in studying!

If this went on, not only would I not get to see my cousin-in-law, I would not get to hang out with Nuo Nuo and Ayu, and even my music would regress!

Forgive me, You You, I'm really not cut out for studying!

However, if before that, I could make this kid understand that my talent lies in music, I would also be able to make a dignified exit!

Though it might seem odd to seek validation of my efforts from a primary school student...

But still, I feel like I have to show him properly.

I'm definitely not the useless fool you imagine me to be!

"The tuning on my end is done,"

Duo Duo cast her gaze toward Lin Meng Ran, the center position, while the silent Dian Dian gave a thumbs up, forming an OK gesture with her hand.

"Drummer Dong Dong, is already in position!"

Dong Dong twirled his drumsticks over the drum set and then pointed to Fang You sitting below the stage, "I'm counting on our Emperor Youyou for guidance!"

Lin Meng Ran leaned into the microphone, "Get ready to feel what the rock spirit of the D.D.D band is all about!"

Following a spirited clash on the drums, Lin Meng Ran strummed the strings of her electric guitar, quickly adjusted her breathing to get in the zone, and immersed in the rhythm of the beats, she soon let go of her shyness, then with one hand pointing high to the sky, she let out a roar into the microphone:

"Hey! Listen up, world! I just don't want to study! It's not laziness, it's rebellion, it's a roar from deep within!"

With a roaring intensity, Lin Meng Ran began to sway as she played the guitar, with the drumbeat and bass player syncing up to the melody rhythm:

[The stifling air, broken classrooms]

[Rules like chains, binding my thoughts]

[I don't want that false reward]

[What I need is the strength to break these bonds!]

This forthright song was an original work of the D.D.D band called "I Just Don't Want to Study," and Lin Meng Ran sang with such abandon that she seemed to forget the existence of everything around her.

[This is me, fireworks like no other]

[I just don't want to study, but I've never stopped exploring]

[The rebellion of youth, it's a declaration of courage]

[I want to live out my true self, let my youth explode in color!]

Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom—clang!

And so, the D.D.D band performed several of their original songs for Fang You, with the themes of youth, rebellion, and resistance echoing their personal experiences as band members.

Phew... today's coordination was perfect!

Lin Meng Ran wiped the sweat from her forehead.

With that, Fang You should recognize my efforts now, right?

"What do you think?"

Fang You's expression was calm as he spoke evenly, "I tend to be hurtful when I speak, so if you don't want to hear it, don't ask."

"Let's hear it!"

At this point, Lin Mengran definitely wanted to understand what he intended to say, preferring to die with a clearer understanding.

"The band's stylistic traits are very obvious, but so are its weaknesses. As a hobby, it might attract some fans."

Fang You's tone shifted, his expression turned cold, "But if you think you can make a living with this level of skill, that's a bit too imaginative."

"What do you mean by that..."

Lin Mengran was clearly not pleased with this younger brother's arbitrary critique of her band's level, "You can't just brush me off with a few sentences like that, thinking I'll accept it! Can you actually point out what's wrong?"

"Then I'll go through them one by one."

Fang You gazed towards the drummer, Dong Dong, at the back row.

"I play the drums quite a bit, so let's start with the drummer's problems."

"Great! I'm the first one to be criticized by You You!"

Dong Dong seemed very pleased, "Please be harsh with me, You You."

"Dong Dong's drumming technique is very seasoned, but her rhythm is very monotonic, stiff, and rigid. After listening to several songs, it seems like she can only play one drum pattern, lacking fun and layers, very inflexible..."

As Fang You pointed out Dong Dong's issues, at first, she could accept them with a smile, but as he continued, her smile stiffened, and eventually, she hung her head, looking glum.

"But to say that my drumming skills are this terrible...it's quite heartbreaking indeed!"

"Moving on to the two bass players."

"Duo Duo's bass lines are very faint; despite trying hard to blend into the band's atmosphere and appearing lively on the surface, the presence of the bass is completely absent. I don't know if it's because of low enthusiasm today, but it's really hard to distinguish your bass sound, it feels very passive."

Duo Duo put down her bass and sighed helplessly, "See, I knew that being a bass player would be hard to even get by..."

"On the other hand, Dian Dian's bass lines are solid and powerful, but you could also try more complex rhythm patterns, such as incorporating slap and pop techniques to enhance the liveliness of the music. Also, be mindful of coordinating with the other instruments to ensure the bass not only supports but also stands out."

Dian Dian listened seriously to Fang You's critiques and even took out a notebook to jot down notes.

Duo Duo looked surprised, "This is almost like praise... Was my brother really playing that well?"

"Finally, I want to talk about the electric guitarist and the lead singer."

Fang You turned his gaze to Lin Mengran, who had been waiting for a while.

"Let's start with stage presence. Meng Meng's stage performance is full of energy, but sometimes being too lively can distract the audience from the song itself. You need to find a balance, making sure your actions naturally enhance the music instead of stealing the spotlight."

"But from a technical perspective, when you're both the electric guitarist and the lead singer, you can't balance it well. Your finger independence and control of strength during playing are very rough. Aside from relentlessly releasing your emotions, you simply cannot convey any feeling."

"...What do you mean by that?"

Fang You glanced at Lin Mengran's confused yet angry face and spoke softly, "Simply put, you get too caught up in your own performance when you play."

"Losing myself in the performance, how can that be considered self-indulgent! You just don't understand music."

"For a musically gifted talent, a self-absorbed performance can naturally draw the audience into the fervent atmosphere of the live performance."

"But the prerequisite is that the technical skills of the performance are strong enough to hold the entire act together."

"Your guitar rhythm rushes ahead because of your singing, causing you to lead the band's tempo. Everyone has to awkwardly catch up to you, and it's already remarkable if they can keep from falling apart."

"Do you really think so? I can't feel it at all!"

"...Then you might want to ask your teammates. They probably have the clearest idea of this experience."