At this moment, Hugo felt very content and proud, and of course, very happy.Undeniably, all the onlookers joining in his musical performance boosted Hugo's confidence significantly.Such opportunities for live performance, where the audience responds, are the greatest reward for a performer.What's more, these people around him were not only professionals but had also initially harbored a mindset of watching a spectacle.To now gain their approval was crucial for Hugo, even more important than the attention garnered by the ending theme of "A Few Good Men."But what made Hugo even happier was that this was his first time attempting three unfamiliar performances live: keyboard, snare drum, and singing.Yet, the results were far better than Hugo had imagined.Leaving aside the singing, which he had attempted several times before, instrument playing had always been Hugo's weakness—he was only proficient in guitar.Even though he completed the performance today, Hugo only used the simplest, most basic techniques for the keyboard and snare drum.However, this success told Hugo that even if he lacked talent in learning instruments, he could still make progress with effort.More importantly, he could still use other instruments to compose, which was indeed incredibly good news.Besides that, the song "Kill Your Heroes" also filled Hugo with joy.Although it was a technically relatively simple song—a result of the further development of nu-metal music—the emotional injection and sincere rendition dissolved this disadvantage, fully showcasing the essence of the song.In fact, this song was not only a response to the challenges from Pedro, Fokin, and others but also Hugo's challenge to his past self.Over the past year, although Hugo had several opportunities to perform live and earned considerable praise, including the recent acclaim for the ending theme of "A Few Good Men," in reality, Hugo had never truly positioned himself as a vocalist.As he had said before, if he had a band, he would rather be the guitarist, as that was the position he was more familiar with.But today, Hugo truly gained confidence.He realized he could play other instruments well, that he didn't fall short when facing these professionals, and that he actually performed quite well as a singer.Perhaps, one day in the future, when Hugo truly has the opportunity to become a singer, his attitude will change."Hey, man, you were awesome, you were really awesome."Neil was sitting next to Hugo, and as soon as Hugo finished his performance, he gave him a big hug.Neil had already been impressed by Hugo last time, and today, Hugo once again changed Neil's perception.Neil could feel the surge of excitement within him.Although they had talked a lot earlier and even had a guitar duel, Neil found that there were still so many topics he wanted to discuss with Hugo.This sense of happiness from meeting a like-minded companion made Neil's stern, Nordic-style face light up with the enthusiasm characteristic of countries near the equator.Unfortunately, if Neil wanted to chat with Hugo, he would have to wait, because all the bystanders around them eagerly swarmed forward."Brother, excellent, absolutely excellent!""Wow, you really opened my eyes.""Dude, you should play it again..."The challenging, questioning gazes from earlier had all disappeared.These rock enthusiasts all came forward to express their admiration to Hugo.Perhaps it was just a handshake, a word, a glance, or a thumbs-up, but it clearly conveyed their true emotions.No more debate or argument was needed; Hugo's performance just now was the most direct and simple answer.It was not only brilliant but also left countless echoes in everyone's hearts.Fokin came up and took his snare drum.Hugo had originally intended to express his thanks, but Fokin had no intention of talking much and left directly.Hugo was then blocked by others continuously coming forward, so unfortunately, Hugo did not get to know this somewhat famous drummer.Pedro stood by for a long time, and only after most of the people had dispersed did he walk up to Hugo.The face that had always worn a playful smile was now serious, and he looked at Hugo intently, leaving Hugo bewildered.Hugo couldn't help but glance at Neil, but unfortunately, Neil wasn't too sure either.Neil and Pedro were only nodding acquaintances, not friends, so they didn't really understand each other's personalities.Pedro, however, suddenly bowed formally at a thirty-degree angle, which caught Hugo off guard.Pedro's previous image had always been that of a fun-loving, jovial big boy, so suddenly becoming so serious had a somewhat comical air to it, making Hugo struggle to suppress a laugh.If the situation hadn't been so inappropriate, Hugo would have burst out laughing already.After Pedro straightened up, he tried to steady his voice and said, "Hugo, I apologize for my rudeness, and I hope you don't mind."So it was about that.Actually, Hugo hadn't taken it to heart at all.Whether it was their encounter in the morning or the challenge just now, it was purely a musical discussion, not a personal attack, so he didn't mind in the least.But Pedro didn't see it that way.He continued, "You just proved your excellence with your actions, and I must apologize for my attitude.And you also proved that you are not someone who talks nonsense.That song you just composed..."At this point, Pedro paused and cast a confirming glance at Hugo.Hugo quickly said, "Kill Your Heroes.""Yes, 'Kill Your Heroes,' it truly is an excellent song, and it didn't even use a guitar.So, I want to express my respect to you!"Looking at the earnest Pedro before him, Hugo had originally intended to tease him a bit, but he changed his mind.The other person's attitude was serious and sincere; if he were to joke around, it would be disrespectful.Humor also depends on the occasion.So Hugo reined in the smile on his face and said formally, "I accept your apology, and your respect.And I express my thanks to you."After receiving Hugo's formal reply, a brilliant smile immediately bloomed on Pedro's face."Hey, man, you were really awesome just now."Looking at Pedro now, there was no trace of his earlier solemn demeanor, nor the sarcastic attitude he had towards Hugo in the morning.He was completely excited, like a child."Tell me, how did you come up with such an idea, not using a guitar?That's absolutely unimaginable for today's rock music."Hugo and Neil couldn't help but exchange smiles.Pedro indeed had a way of making people feel lighthearted, perhaps it was his pure, childlike heart for music."Uh, laziness?"The correct answer should have been "transmigration," but Hugo obviously wouldn't say that.So he raised an eyebrow and said with a chuckle, "Actually, I was just thinking, there are so many instruments, why does it have to be the guitar that shows the essence of rock?Of course, the guitar is an excellent instrument, which is why I chose it.Believe me, I love my guitar very much."Hugo's words made Neil chuckle beside him, and Pedro also recalled Hugo's brilliant guitar skills just now, naturally nodding repeatedly."Actually, the guitar holds an excellent position in many music genres, such as country.But then I started thinking, should other instruments be ignored?Like, are bass, piano, and drums not important in rock, or rather, can't other instruments create wonderful rock music?""The answer is, of course, no."Pedro said enthusiastically.He still found it incredible that the man who, in the morning, wore a shirt and looked like a Wall Street jerk, was now sitting cross-legged by a poor street just outside Wall Street, excitedly talking about his views on music.However, at this moment, Pedro didn't care whether this man was from Wall Street or not.The key was that this man's insights into music were perfectly to his taste.Of course, Neil should also be included.The three of them talked from instruments to Nirvana, from metal rock to Britpop, from music to dreams.Their endless topics made the passage of time seem insignificant.Even when Pedro's companion came to call him, he refused without looking back.He decided to join Hugo for the Rock Night tonight.As it got closer to eight o'clock, the streets of the poor district became more and more crowded.Hugo and the two others then realized that if they didn't go in soon, it would be difficult to find a spot near the stage.So they all stood up and moved towards Al's Bar, mixed in with the crowd.However, Al's Bar didn't seem to be officially open yet, and everyone was crowding at the entrance, waiting.Greetings from acquaintances rose and fell, and the cacophony of discussions, joyful laughter, and excited breathing intertwined, causing winter's advance to halt outside the poor district.It could only peer through the surrounding buildings with curiosity, peeking at the liveliness of the area."Hey, guys, how about it, the scene tonight is quite grand, isn't it?"A man standing to Neil's left, with a beaming smile, joined their conversation.Pedro's chatterbox was now fully open, completely devoid of the arrogant and aloof image he had presented during their first meeting in the morning.He was the first to pick up the conversation, "More than grand! This must be the liveliest party of the year.I've attended the previous few Rock Nights, but none compare to tonight."After speaking, Pedro excitedly looked at Hugo and Neil, "Of course, part of the reason is because I've made two good friends.""Oh, Hugo, right?"The man extended his right hand towards Hugo, who stood in the middle of the three.They shook hands, and then the man looked at Neil, "Neil Anderson?I witnessed your guitar duel just now, it was truly amazing, what a pity it wasn't on tonight's stage, otherwise it would definitely have added a lot of color to tonight's performance.Of course, there's also Hugo's 'Kill Your Heroes' just now, absolutely brilliant!"After speaking, the man didn't forget to applaud to show his admiration, his face beaming with an exceptionally bright smile.Hugo hadn't expected his performance just now to have such far-reaching impact.All the way here, people had come up to greet Hugo, expressing their admiration in this simple way—only truly outstanding individuals can earn a reputation in this circle, and only truly outstanding individuals will be admired, envied, or even jealous.From the current perspective, no one seemed to be jealous of Hugo yet, which meant he wasn't outstanding enough."You are?"Neil still retained a bit more rationality, just like last time.Although he desperately wanted to talk to Hugo, he still chose to abide by their agreement and leave first.It was the same this time."Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, Green Hill."The man showed a gentlemanly smile.
