Chapter Eleven: The Fragrance of Rice-Don't Call Me a Superstar(Night after night, the brilliance endures.)

Soon, Zhou Miao returned to the riverside with his guitar on his back. The two were sitting on the bank, legs dangling, chatting idly. Zhou Miao plopped down beside them, glanced at the camera nearby, and suddenly felt a hint of nervousness. Come to think of it, this was his first time performing in front of a camera.

“Hey, just so we’re clear—no laughing if I sing badly, okay? I haven’t practiced in a long time,” Zhou Miao warned them in advance, afraid they might poke fun at him if he went off-key.

“Don’t worry, we’re professionals—absolutely no laughing!”

“Unless it’s impossible to hold back.”

Wang Jiang and Li Feifei teased Zhou Miao with their banter, but in truth, they were full of anticipation. They had never listened to someone sing and play guitar at such close range before.

Gazing at the tranquil surface of the water, Zhou Miao let out a long breath and gently strummed the guitar strings.

Soft, tender notes rang out, accompanied by the evening chorus of cicadas. Zhou Miao’s thoughts seemed to drift back to the first time he heard this song, and all his tension melted away. With a faint smile, he began to sing along with the familiar melody:

If you have too many complaints about this world
And after falling down, you’re too afraid to move on
Why must people be so fragile and lost
Please, turn on the TV and see
How many are bravely fighting on for life
Shouldn’t we be grateful
Cherish everything, even if we don’t truly possess it

The moment his voice rang out, pure as a spring and tinged with youthful innocence, everyone found themselves sinking into the serene, gentle melody, nodding softly along.

I still remember you said home is the one true castle
Running on along the rice-scented streams
Smiling, I know the dreams of childhood
Don’t cry—let the fireflies take you away
Country songs will always be your refuge
Go home, return to the original beauty

Inside the production van, silence reigned. The entire crew stared at the small monitor, transfixed. The director didn’t even notice his cigarette had burned out, ash slipping onto his clothes. Normally, he’d be cursing by now, but this time he simply brushed the ash away and leaned in closer to listen.

Under the evening sky, the water reflected the moonlight, draping it gently across the boy’s figure. The scene was so enchanting, even the summer breeze seemed reluctant to disturb it.

Li Feifei’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her gaze full of Zhou Miao’s gentle smile as he turned to look at her.

Don’t give up so easily
As I once told you

If you can’t reach a dream
Just find another one
Color your life with bold strokes
Paint love in your favorite hues

At this point, Zhou Miao abruptly muted the strings, then leaned over and softly sang in Li Feifei’s ear, “Give me a smile!”

On the verge of tears, Li Feifei was suddenly caught off guard by his playful teasing. She blushed and glared at him, laughter spilling out despite herself.

Zhou Miao’s face was full of mischievous triumph as he turned back to the water and continued singing.

Success and fame aren’t the goal
Happiness—that’s what matters
The paper planes of childhood
Finally fly back into my hands
So-called happiness
Chasing dragonflies barefoot in the fields until we’re tired
Getting stung by bees and learning to be wary
Who’s laughing in secret?
I lean against the scarecrow, singing as I fall asleep in the breeze
Oh, the afternoon guitar rings clearer among the insects’ chorus
Oh, as sunlight falls across the road, there’s no fear of heartbreak
Cherish everything, even without possession
...

The evocative lyrics brought tears to many eyes. As people grow older, they grow more nostalgic for a childhood that can never return: the carefree days, the happiness of running into a mother’s embrace.

The guitar faded, leaving only the unadorned voice lingering in everyone’s ears.

...

When the song ended, the director finally remembered the cigarette in his hand—long since extinguished, ash scattered over his clothes. Usually, he’d be swearing by now, but instead, he simply brushed off the ash with a smile.

This was a song that brought both strength and peace. Though the music had stopped, no one spoke for a long while, all lost in their own reverie.

Wang Jiang’s chubby face was flushed, and after a long struggle, he finally burst out, overwhelmed, “Damn! That was incredible!”

Only now did he truly understand how crippling it was to lack the right words—such a good song, and he didn’t even know how to praise it.

“What’s the song called?” Li Feifei asked.

“Rice Fragrance.”

“It’s beautifully written.” Li Feifei looked into Zhou Miao’s eyes. “Now I believe it—you’re definitely going to be a truly great pop star someday!”

“What are you waiting for? The moment this show airs, my Brother Miao will be famous all across the country!” Wang Jiang declared proudly, as if talking about himself. “Honestly, why bother with college? Just debut now! With your looks and talent, you’re a hundred times better than all those weirdos on those talent shows.”

Zhou Miao laughed and kicked Wang Jiang. “Hey! I haven’t even debuted and you’re already trying to get me in trouble. I seriously suspect you’re out to sabotage me.”

But Wang Jiang grew anxious. “I’m being sincere! Don’t you want to debut sooner? What’s that saying? Oh right—get famous while you’re young!”

Despite his words, Zhou Miao remained unmoved. “I have no such plans for now. After all these years studying music, the more I learn, the more I realize how much I still lack. There are so many people better than me—I still have a long way to go.”

“Alright, don’t be more anxious than the emperor himself. Actually, I think Zhou Miao is right. A car needs a full tank to go far—I support you,” Li Feifei said.

Zhou Miao smiled, stood up, and dusted off his pants. “Alright, enough—the mosquitoes are out. Let’s head back. I have to get up early for the high-speed train tomorrow.”

“What? We’re just going to bed? Sing a few more!” Wang Jiang pleaded, crestfallen.

“What’s the point? I’ve been bitten all over—almost went off-key from the itching. Let’s hurry back and light some mosquito coils. The mosquitoes out here in the countryside could eat a person alive.”

Zhou Miao took off at a jog, disappearing quickly, with the chubby Wang Jiang close behind, clamoring for more songs.

Li Feifei watched their receding figures, her heart inexplicably hollow. She patted her cheeks lightly, then hurried after them.

The assistant director glanced at the silent director and asked, “Why don’t we keep him here?”

The director hesitated. Ever since Zhou Miao’s arrival, the show had become entirely unscripted, which meant the pace had picked up dramatically—especially with the secret mission, which had ended up backfiring on them.

But he felt that everything was unfolding in the best possible way. Especially hearing “Rice Fragrance”—it was worth it.

“No, let’s stick to the plan. Keep an eye on things here tomorrow; I’ll personally take Zhou Miao home. Even though he’s leaving, Lin Yanan is still at his house—he’ll still appear in Transformation’s footage.”

The assistant director nodded. “True. Still, this kid is amazing—writing such a beautiful song at sixteen.”

The director lit another cigarette. “Just watch. He was born for this. Even if the show ends, as long as we’re still in this industry, we’ll cross paths with him again someday. That I believe.”