Chapter 3: A Song for the Ex—Breaking Up with Dignity

However... since he had an original song, why did he give up the chance to perform on stage at the beginning? After all, the entertainment industry isn’t particularly developed yet. Apart from well-known artists, very few people possess the ability to compose their own music. His courage was admirable, but that didn’t necessarily mean the song he wrote would be any good.

“So, Lin Yu, what song have you prepared for us this time—and for your ex-girlfriend?” Song Yang asked, deliberately glancing toward Xu Xiaoqian in the audience as he mentioned the ex-girlfriend. This look made many classmates and officials turn their heads. Xu Xiaoqian's face was stormy, but with so many people present at the ceremony, she had to suppress her anger for the sake of her image.

Damn Lin Yu. He’d promised her he wouldn’t reveal their relationship. Who knew he’d gone behind her back and shared their secret with his friends? Fine. Now she had one more reason to demand compensation from him! If he didn’t pay at least a million or so for her emotional distress, she’d never let him off!

On stage, Lin Yu held the microphone. His deep voice was like a crescent moon. The audience’s scattered attention was immediately drawn back to him.

“This is my original song, ‘Dignity.’ I hope you enjoy it.”

The moment Lin Yu finished his introduction, shock rippled through the audience.

“An original song?!”

“No way. He’s so young, how could he possibly write a song?”

“Is this a joke? Original music? We’re all in our twenties, and even the best singers in our department only perform classic hits. He wrote his own? That’s hilarious.”

“Is this for real? Original music? That’s bold!”

“My god, he’s so confident—singing his own song at the graduation gala?”

“He’s got guts, I’ll give him that!”

“Apart from famous singers, hardly anyone dares claim they have original works. This kid’s brave! Impressive!”

“Since when did our school have a talent like this?”

As he picked up his guitar, his slender fingers danced across the strings with fluid grace. The prelude of “Dignity” began—a rhythm with a tinge of compassion, transmitted through the guitar’s chords. Instantly, the listeners were immersed in the sorrow of heartbreak.

The spotlight shone down, illuminating his handsome profile, the melancholy prelude underscoring his brooding aura. Many female students were captivated. How had they never noticed such a striking figure in four years? If they’d known, he’d have easily been the campus heartthrob!

“It sounds so good!” Even as the intro played, praise began to ripple through the crowd.

Among the managers of the entertainment companies, a woman raised her eyes, surprise flickering across her gaze. But as the CEO of a talent agency, she took a deep breath and steadied herself.

As the prelude continued, her initial surprise deepened into astonishment. She’d never heard such a melody—so beautiful, surpassing many of the popular songs on the market. The guitar was steady, his control of the melody professional. If this was truly original, then for a student just graduating from an art school to possess such skill... She couldn’t deny she was deeply impressed.

Dressed casually, his hair unstyled, aside from his good looks there was nothing about him that particularly stood out. Who would have expected such a song from his hands? The prelude alone was enough to catch her attention.

Noticing the change in her expression, the bespectacled man beside her breathed a silent sigh of relief. Perhaps today, for once, they wouldn’t leave empty-handed... But everything would depend on how well this young man could sing.

Lin Yu leaned in toward the microphone and began to sing.

[Don’t let nostalgia pile up and turn the story into a farce]
[If we loved deeply for years, why tarnish what was once classic]
[We’re adults now, let’s not owe or drag it out]
[If I wasted time, it was by my own choice]

The mournful notes of the guitar, paired with Lin Yu’s low and sorrowful voice, instantly filled the hall with the atmosphere of heartbreak. The rhythm was simple, just one instrument, yet it conjured a pervasive sadness that no one could resist. Some people even began to weep.

Whether a song succeeds depends on more than its lyrics—it needs atmosphere, and the singer’s emotional investment is equally crucial. Lin Yu delivered all of this flawlessly.

Just before the chorus, the tempo suddenly became more intense. Backstage, Song Yang snapped out of his daze. Since when was Lin Yu this good? He’d known his friend could sing, but that talent had been buried for years by his part-time jobs and his relationship with Xu Xiaoqian.

He never expected Lin Yu had never given up on his dream, and that his talent had grown even stronger. Impressive, Lin Yu! For this song dedicated to his ex, as a friend, he had nothing but admiration.

In the audience, Xu Xiaoqian was just as stunned. After four years of dating, she’d never really paid attention to Lin Yu—she hadn’t even known he could sing.

“I can’t believe this loser could write such a good song. The crowd loves it. Xiaoqian, maybe you shouldn’t break up with him yet. Make him write more songs for you to help you rise in the entertainment world. You want to be a singer—hiring someone to write lyrics is expensive. Why not let this lovesick puppy serve you until the end? Once you’ve made it, just kick him aside!”

A smug smile played on Xu Xiaoqian’s lips. With Lin Yu’s slavish devotion, it felt like a waste to dump him now. With him around, she’d never have to worry about expenses. And now, with this songwriting talent... Yes, she should make good use of him, and once she was famous, she’d discard him. Lin Yu should be grateful to her. If not for his songwriting, she’d have kicked him to the curb already. This was a reward for him!

The mournful, slow rhythm was the product of perfect timing and inspiration. His voice was incredibly moving—some wanted to escape the sadness, but found themselves trapped, unable to let go. The lyrics spoke of love’s end with both sorrow and a touch of grace. The gentle melody, tinged with wild rock elements, was rich with emotion and utterly captivating.

The performance continued, building up to its climax.

[Breakups should be dignified, let’s not say goodbye]
[No one owes, if I dared to love, I can bear the heartbreak]
[In front of the camera, that was us in the past]
[Cheering, weeping, shouting till our voices are hoarse]
[...]

As the climax ended, the audience fell silent. Even backstage, Song Yang was still lost in the song’s sorrow, unable to compose himself.

Until—

Clang! The microphone fell to the floor, its sharp noise snapping everyone back to reality. Those lost in sadness suddenly awoke, wiping tears from their eyes, unsure when they had started to cry.

Astonishment. Shock. Disbelief.

Never before had there been a song like this—so powerful in its emotional impact—and to think it came from a college student in his early twenties! Faces throughout the crowd reflected utter incredulity.