Gangzi fell silent for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts.
Then he finally spoke, "The emotion in opera-style singing comes from your understanding of the song itself. You need to place yourself into the situation described by the lyrics and truly experience the joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness within them."
Chen Xiaoxi listened attentively, a thoughtful light flickering in her eyes.
She nodded gently, murmuring softly, "Immerse myself in the scene… feel the emotions…"
Gangzi looked at her, his expression softening slightly as he continued, "Take the song Rise you just sang. The lyrics mention the rising sun, glowing clouds, and bloodlines—these are all grand images. But you don't just need to sing their magnificence; you also need to express the emotions behind them—pride, belonging, and responsibility. Only when you truly understand these will your opera-style singing gain a soul."
Chen Xiaoxi's fingers trembled slightly as a trace of realization flashed across her eyes.
"I understand, Teacher Gangzi. I need to study the deeper meaning of the lyrics more, instead of simply pursuing technical perfection."
Gangzi nodded, his tone carrying a rare hint of encouragement.
"That's right. Singing is a form of expression. Technique is just a tool—emotion is the true core."
Ah Hua, standing nearby, chimed in with a smile.
"Well said. Miss Chen, don't rush. Your talent and attitude are both excellent. You'll definitely sing this song well."
A faint blush appeared on Chen Xiaoxi's cheeks.
"Thank you, Teacher Ah Hua. I'll keep working hard."
Zhang Yichen stood to the side, his gaze shifting between her, Ah Hua, and Gangzi, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes.
He spoke, "Since everyone is so confident, let's strike while the iron is hot and continue recording. Sister Xiaoxi, try incorporating what Teacher Gangzi just said."
Chen Xiaoxi took a deep breath, put her headphones back on, and closed her eyes, adjusting her state of mind.
The room fell silent once again, leaving only the soft prelude of music flowing gently through the air.
Her fingers lightly rested on the microphone stand, trembling slightly at first, but she quickly steadied her breathing and calmed her heart.
She recalled Gangzi's words. In her mind, every line of the lyrics began to unfold, gradually forming vivid images.
When she opened her eyes again, they held newfound confidence—deep, calm, and resolute.
She began to sing slowly, her voice like the first ray of sunlight at dawn—warm and pure.
"Red sun rises in the East,The great path bathed in rosy light…"
This time, she didn't merely sing from her throat. She immersed herself completely in the imagery of the rising sun.
Her voice carried solemnity and reverence, as if she were standing atop a mountain, gazing over vast lands.
"How fortunate I am,Born within your embrace…"
Her tone lifted slightly, filled with indescribable pride and gratitude.
That emotion flowed like a warm current from the depths of her heart, reaching every listener.
"My nation spans vast lands, guided by benevolence…A faith unextinguished for a thousand years…"
Her voice deepened, as though carrying the weight of centuries of history and inheritance.
Her breath control was flawless—neither too heavy nor too light—perfectly balanced.
Gangzi's expression gradually grew focused. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, unconsciously following her rhythm.
Ah Hua closed his eyes slightly, a satisfied smile forming on his lips, clearly immersed in Chen Xiaoxi's singing.
Her voice echoed throughout the recording room, each note bursting forth from the depths of her soul.
She gripped the microphone stand tightly, her knuckles turning pale, as if drawing strength from it.
Her eyes remained closed, eyelashes trembling slightly, as if she had entered a state of complete immersion.
Her body swayed gently with the rhythm, her long hair moving softly like shadows drifting in the wind.
"Red sun rises in the East,The great path bathed in rosy light…"
Her voice suddenly rose, filled with uncontrollable emotion and passion.
The sound seemed to pierce through the walls, striking directly into everyone's hearts.
Ah Hua's eyes widened. His fingers froze on the table, as if he had been nailed in place.
His breathing quickened slightly, the smile on his lips replaced by deep shock.
He had never imagined that Chen Xiaoxi could express emotion so vividly in such a short time.
Gangzi's brows remained slightly furrowed, yet his gaze never left Chen Xiaoxi.
His tapping fingers merged perfectly with her rhythm.
A complex emotion flashed through his eyes—surprise, and perhaps a long-lost resonance.
He had never seen anyone blend opera-style vocals and pop singing so naturally—especially in such a short time.
Zhang Yichen stood nearby, his gaze never leaving Chen Xiaoxi.
His eyes were filled with pride and expectation, as if everything was unfolding exactly as he had anticipated.
His hands tightened slightly, fingertips tapping lightly against his trousers, silently cheering her on.
"My nation spans vast lands, guided by benevolence…A faith unextinguished for a thousand years…"
Chen Xiaoxi's voice gradually softened, the final note lingering in the air, reluctant to fade.
The recording room fell into silence.
Everyone was immersed in the lingering echoes—
Unable to pull themselves free.
Ah Hua was the first to recover, clapping enthusiastically.
"Amazing! Miss Chen, your improvement in such a short time is incredible!"
Gangzi also nodded, rare praise in his voice.
"Very good. Your emotional control is much more precise now. We can begin recording."
Chen Xiaoxi removed her headphones. The blush on her face hadn't faded, but her eyes sparkled brightly.
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Gangzi. I'll keep working hard."
Zhang Yichen stepped forward and handed her a cup of warm water, his voice gentle yet firm.
"You've already done very well. Now it's just a matter of repetition and refining the details."
She took the cup, sipped lightly, then looked up at him with a hint of reliance.
"Ah Chen, how did my opera-style part sound just now?"
Zhang Yichen smiled, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Much better than before. It's smoother now, and the emotions were perfectly delivered."
Afterward, under Gangzi's guidance, Rise was finally completed by evening.
During Chen Xiaoxi's breaks, Zhang Yichen also finished recording the entire song Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales.
This left Ah Hua and Gangzi utterly shocked.
They had seen plenty in their careers—
But they had never seen someone record songs this quickly.