Long since impervious to all poisons!

Outstanding rock music in the Dragon Nation is scarce, and in recent years, it has nearly vanished altogether.

Fang Zhijing understood that a good musical environment should be diverse and rich. Though the hope was faint, he wished this song could breathe new life into rock music in the Dragon Nation.

Onstage, the prelude resonated with a distinct flavor of eighties disco. The rhythm was irresistibly infectious, and many in the audience couldn’t help but sway their heads to the beat.

Standing before the microphone, Hailan gripped it tightly, as if holding the strength of the entire world in her hands. Behind her, the “Scarlet Flame” band served as her unwavering support.

Behind her, He Hongjing embraced her guitar, her heart pounding like a drum as she gazed out at the sea of people before her.

This was a stadium filled with tens of thousands—an arena countless singers had dreamed of performing on.

It was also the dream she had once chased with all her might. If not for her niece Hailan’s determination and the help of Starry, she and “Scarlet Flame” might never have made it here.

Five years ago, the band’s leader and lead singer, He Fei, secretly signed with a music company without telling anyone. He abruptly announced his departure from the band, and his parting words still echoed in her ears.

“Are you all fools? Still clinging to your so-called rock dreams!

Sorry, I should have told you sooner, but I’ve already signed a contract. There’s nothing to be done—the agency only wants me. You’ll only hold me back...

From now on, there’s no need to keep in touch. If you miss me, just turn on the TV—you’ll see me there…”

He Hongjing’s hands trembled ever so slightly as she hugged her guitar, but her gaze was resolute, brimming with fighting spirit.

“Yao An, watch carefully. Without you, ‘Scarlet Flame’ will go even further!”

She had a premonition that today was not only Hailan’s final competition, but also the day of rebirth for the rock band “Scarlet Flame.”

On the high platform, Ji Fanxing was already immersed in the moment. Her silhouette was cast into a sharp shadow by the dazzling lights behind her. Though she was meant to be a background presence, she exuded a striking, cool aura.

At the other end of the platform, drummer Dong caught sight of the keyboardist taking his place and let out a silent sigh of relief.

“Good kid, today you’re lucky… Wait, how did he get so much thinner in just one day?”

Before Dong could get a clear look at the figure nearby, the stage director gave the signal to start. Instantly, Dong focused all his attention and entered his playing state.

“Uncompromising-ski,” with its retro disco style, was infused with quirky and captivating elements—unique, yet able to resonate with young people.

Hailan’s voice carried an indescribable charm, breathing soul into the song.

“In this neon-lit party~
Wound-up toys revel in frenzy~
…
Leaving the nine-to-five room~
Diagnosis: cognitive disorder~
…”

For most young people, rock music was seen as the “trendy” culture favored by their parents. Many audience members, upon seeing the stage setup and hearing the somewhat irreverent title, assumed the song was rooted in nostalgia.

Indeed, as soon as the intro played, the disco style confirmed everyone’s suspicions.

By now, many who had little interest in rock no longer expected much from this song.

[Isn’t this the disco music they used to play in ballrooms when I was a kid? So old.]

[I do want something energetic to wake me up, but this isn’t the kind of energy I’m looking for…]

[So what exactly is “Uncompromising-ski” uncompromising about? Is it refusing to abandon this old-fashioned disco stuff?]

[Could it be… this is the spirit of rock?!]

[I think it’s more like rock insanity!]

The comment stream was full of playful ridicule, when suddenly—

“To love single-mindedly, to hate single-mindedly,
Grilling gluten, forging steel rods,
Just single-minded~”

[ ]