180-182

Chapter 180: Every Second Counts 

From Bruno Mars to Buster Wayne to Rolling Stone magazine, a quick one-two-three punch instantly gave the One Day King band a little taste of fame, especially the cross-reporting from online to print media, which attracted a lot of attention, as could be seen from Twitter's global trending topics. The hashtag "Bruno's Opening Band" not only didn't disappear like a shooting star, quickly being swallowed by the internet flood, but it also gradually ignited a wave of discussion: 

Was it all a coincidence? Or the result of careful manipulation? What kind of backing did this band have to create such a splash in such a short time? And what big moves were coming next? Were they going to seize the opportunity to release a new album and then launch related activities in one go? 

Also... was the One Day King band really worth paying attention to? Or rather, why was this band worth paying attention to? 

On Twitter's global trending topics list, "Bruno's Opening Band" consistently stayed on the list, and within just three days, the number of discussion threads easily exceeded 30, truly creating a small buzz. Even ordinary netizens who hadn't attended Bruno's concert joined in. 

Indeed, the band had a small breakthrough. And this became the perfect opportunity for the One Day King band to decide to immediately enter the recording studio in Philadelphia. 

Because comments asking where to listen to the band's songs were everywhere on Twitter. 

Amidst this wave of discussion, whether people liked them or hated them, whether they were dismissive or welcoming, whether they were conspiracy theorists or just casual onlookers, they were all more or less curious about the style of a band that could earn praise from both the audience and reporters. 

Especially "Chasing the Light," which received high praise from Buster, had the highest discussion heat among the hashtags. 

However, no songs by the One Day King band could be found anywhere on the entire internet platform, leaving people's curiosity hanging in the balance. 

Some netizens used this to mock the conspiracy theorists, saying, "This is clearly not a carefully planned promotion, otherwise how could they have missed the most important key part?" 

But the conspiracy theorists still believed it was part of the promotion, just maintaining an air of mystery for now – this contradictory statement ultimately failed to gain more support and gradually got lost in the chattering discussion. 

Amidst the bustling discussion, only curiosity continued to rise, but there was still no answer. 

In the internet age, where information is constantly updated in layers, the persistence of "freshness" is often very short-lived. A week, three days, or even twenty-four hours, trending topics disappear in an instant, changing all the time. The curiosity and attention focused on the One Day King band were no exception. 

If netizens couldn't actually hear the One Day King band's songs, then the newly emerged curiosity would soon be diverted by other news, and then they might never remember who the "Bruno's opening act" was. Opportunity knocks but once, and it won't wait for long. 

Faced with this situation, the band members reached a consensus: recording could no longer wait. Perhaps this was the opportunity they had finally encountered after seven years of hard work. If they missed it again, they might miss it forever. No one could guarantee that the same opportunity would come again. 

They had to go all in. 

The day after arriving in Philadelphia, which was Tuesday, after the Rolling Stone magazine article was published, the Twitter discussion reached a new height. Maxim, who was closely following the hashtags, was the first to realize the change in the situation. Subsequently, the band members agreed. Based on Jeremiah's recommended list, they selected a suitable recording studio and booked a time on the spot via phone. 

For the band, time was extremely tight. 

First, the online buzz wouldn't last long, it was a matter of seconds. 

Second, they had to go to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for rehearsals. Opening for Bruno's concert was still the band's main priority. 

From Washington to Philadelphia, everything had to be overturned and started again. Even though the band had the experience of one performance, they still hadn't shaken off their rookie status. Rehearsals still had to be carried out wholeheartedly at the highest level, otherwise the possibility of making mistakes again during the live performance was still very high. 

Of course, compared to last week, the situation had fundamentally improved. The band's rehearsal repertoire had been determined, the entire performance process had been finalized, and they weren't rushing to the venue. They also didn't need to rehearse while waiting for an interview with an uncertain outcome. Plus, they had already experienced adjusting to the in-ear monitors and the venue. All of this meant that the band would have some free space. 

One afternoon. 

The band could at least squeeze out one afternoon to go into the recording studio to complete the recording work, but only one afternoon. Bruno's concert was still their most important engagement, which also meant that the band had to make a choice. They could only record one song – it was very likely that they wouldn't even finish recording one song, but even if they didn't finish, they had to complete as much as possible, because one afternoon was all the time they had. Otherwise, they would have to wait until next week. 

The question was, how should they pay for the recording studio? 

The band didn't have time to think about this yet, because the rental duration of the recording studio couldn't be determined. So, the studio allowed them to pay a deposit first, and then calculate the total amount after all the recording was finished, with refunds or additional charges as needed. The band had no problem with the deposit. As for the remaining payment... there wasn't time to think about it now. 

"Maybe we can ask Bruno for an advance on the performance fees for Philadelphia and Boston? I think he would definitely understand us," Cliff suggested a direction. 

No one refuted, because Cliff's words did make sense; but no one agreed either, because they didn't know how to ask Bruno. 

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Then Ollie proposed another direction, "Let's not worry about this for now, let's focus on the recording work first. If we put our hearts and souls into it, maybe we can finish everything within an hour? Then the problem won't exist. That's the top priority." 

Although Ollie's idea was a bit too naive and idealistic, it was also irrefutable, and quite feasible. The band needed to concentrate and do their best to finish the recording work as soon as possible. This was the most important thing. 

So, without any refutation or agreement, the band's discussion focused on the work in the recording studio. 

Then, whether to choose "Chasing the Light" or record "Born This Way," a disagreement arose within the band. 

Maxim supported "Chasing the Light," Cliff chose "Born This Way," and Ollie... decided to abstain. So, the choice fell to Ronan. 

Chapter 181: Can't Wait 

"Chasing Light" or "Born This Way"? 

As the creator of both songs, Ronan felt honored to be able to choose one to represent the One-Day King band as the first real opportunity for listeners to get to know them. 

For him, it was like choosing between his left and right hand. "Born This Way" was his first creative attempt after coming here, filled with unease and apprehension, yet it truly captured his inner thoughts. "Chasing Light," on the other hand, was a spontaneous product of inspiration, perfectly诠释ing the band's feeling of holding onto hope even when at rock bottom, which became the turning point for the band. 

Both songs held equal significance. 

"'Chasing Light.'" But Ronan didn't hesitate too much in his choice; it seemed like the answer had already been in his mind. 

Perhaps this was a decision at a crossroads of fate. Choosing which song would be the medium through which the band was first understood by the public would lay the foundation for everything in the future. It was like the band The Killers; if it hadn't been "Mr. Brightside," their trajectory might have been completely different. 

However, Ronan didn't delve too deeply into it, because the more he thought about it, the more complicated it became, and he would lose sight of his initial intention. 

"Because it's more uplifting." That was Ronan's reason. 

The arrangement and lyrics of "Born This Way" were darker and more intense, carrying the sharp and frantic desperation of a scream in the darkness. In comparison, "Chasing Light" was warmer and brighter, the entire melody having a golden, sunlit hue. 

So, Ronan made his choice. 

Choosing "Chasing Light" wasn't so much a matter of personal preference or intuition, but rather Ronan's subconscious act. Because in his eyes, One-Day King was a band that "even if it's just for one day, is willing to be their own king, blooming and igniting their lives to the fullest, and then turning away without regret." 

The reason for the decision sounded a bit hasty and simple, but it was indeed a genuine thought from the heart. 

Cliff still wanted to argue and debate, but Maxim didn't care. As long as Ronan's choice aligned with his own, that was enough. 

Maxim refused to leave any room for discussion. "The choice has been made, two against one, that's the final result. Give up the struggle, this is fate! Fate!" Then, Maxim locked Cliff's neck in his arm and dragged him away in an almost kidnapping manner, decisively ending the argument. 

"Maxim... Max..." Cliff's struggling figure looked like a powerless octopus, pitifully weak. 

Ollie followed with light steps, "I think both songs are good, really good, Cliff, don't you think?" 

They didn't have time for a slow meeting and discussion. Once the choice was made, they had to immediately get to recording. Starting tomorrow, the next few days would likely be packed. If the band didn't want to go to Boston next week to record, they had to seize the afternoon opportunity now. 

Thinking about returning to the recording studio, their steps became impatient. 

Ronan also called out to Alice, preparing to follow along – with the band entering the recording studio again after a long time, Alice naturally couldn't miss the chance to document it. 

"Ronan!" 

But Alice called out, stopping Ronan in his tracks. She smiled and met his questioning gaze. Without any fuss, she directly handed Ronan a palm-sized red cardholder. 

Ronan didn't immediately take it, but still reached out first. "What's this?" 

Alice didn't speak, only gesturing with her eyes for Ronan to open it himself, which made him laugh. "What kind of plan do you have tucked away in your pocket again?" 

It wasn't until Ronan opened the cardholder and saw what was inside that Alice explained, "I know how important this opportunity is for you guys, and I wanted to do my part." 

The cardholder wasn't filled with cards, but a thick little stack of green bills, each with a face value of one hundred dollars. There were at least three thousand dollars inside. 

"Alice..." Ronan raised his eyes, looking at his sister in disbelief, the words catching in his throat. "You... where did this come from?" 

Ronan knew Alice better than anyone. Putting aside her school tuition loans, she usually went without makeup and was very frugal. Whether it was the allowance Max and Ronan gave her, or her own earnings from part-time jobs, it all went into filming her movie, purchasing various equipment. How could she possibly have any spare money? 

"Ronan, that's not the point..." Alice didn't want to say. 

But Ronan refused to compromise, just quietly gazing at Alice, a hint of stubbornness in his eyes. 

Alice looked at Ronan's stern gaze, feeling a little helpless. "I pawned the Super 8..." Her voice was still a bit hesitant, trailing off halfway through, and then she shrank back, seemingly anticipating Ronan's impending outburst. 

"Alice Cooper!" Ronan raised his voice directly, trying his best to suppress his anger. The gritted teeth in his voice betrayed his emotions. 

But in the end, Ronan still couldn't vent his anger, because more than being angry at Alice, he was dissatisfied with himself – this was a situation he had created, so how could he blame Alice? Then his voice choked in his throat, and unexpectedly, his eyes welled up. 

This made Ronan feel a bit embarrassed. "I... I thought you liked that gift." He lowered his eyes to hide his awkwardness. 

Alice chuckled softly twice, ruffling her slightly messy hair. "I do like it, I really do. But it's precisely because I like it that it's even more valuable." Then, Alice looked at Ronan and gave him a big smile. "Remember what the card said that you and Max gave me when you gifted it to me? Now, I want to give those words back to you." 

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"Dear Alice, 

Never be afraid to chase your dreams. 

Love, Max and Ronan." 

Such a simple sentence resurfaced in his mind, pressing heavily on his chest. 

Taking a deep breath, and then another, Ronan finally calmed down. He looked at Alice seriously, the corners of his mouth involuntarily curving into a smile. "Looks like this recording session has to be high quality, the pressure feels a bit heavy." 

Seeing Ronan's smile return, Alice slightly raised her chin, saying proudly, "You know it. Remember, I'm watching you at all times." Alice even pointed to her eyes with two fingers, moving them back and forth between herself and Ronan, emphasizing her words. 

Ronan obediently made a salute gesture. "Yes, ma'am!" 

Then, Ronan turned around, his right hand held up like a teapot spout. "Ms. Cooper, may we now depart for work?" 

Alice took Ronan's arm, looking like a distinguished member of high society, her head held high and chest out. "Of course. Let's go!" 

The two siblings were having fun on their own, completely oblivious to the gazes around them, their back-and-forth performance showing perfect understanding. 

Chapter 182: Back to the Recording Studio 

Philadelphia, one of the oldest cities in the United States, carries centuries of historical weight, but... Ronan couldn't really describe what the city looked like. 

Because all the way there, Ronan's mind was focused entirely on the upcoming recording studio work. He hadn't paid any attention to the scenery outside the window, hadn't even taken a close look at the streets or buildings he was passing, before his feet once again stepped into the indoor space under the eaves. 

The last time he was in a recording studio... it felt like a lifetime ago – literally, that's true, but more importantly, it was true on a spiritual level as well. First, he lost his hearing, and then his vision started to deteriorate. His whole world gradually began to blur. 

Ronan really couldn't remember the last time he was in a recording studio or what happened. Was it... five years ago or six years ago? He just remembered that before preparing for their second album, before they even had a chance to enter the studio, he lost his hearing and never had the opportunity to return. Everything was forcibly put on hold. 

Then, his memories became mixed with "Ronan Cooper's" memories. He vaguely remembered that it should have been four or five years ago when the One Day King band finished recording their first album in a Los Angeles studio. Then began a long and arduous waiting process, but the second opportunity never came. 

All the fragmented memories were completely jumbled up, two sets of recollections overlapping unevenly. All the bitterness and loneliness, the unwillingness and nostalgia, surged up in one go. 

His footsteps entered the recording studio, and a strange but familiar feeling crept up from the soles of his feet, causing goosebumps to break out all over. 

Excitement! 

An uncontrollable excitement surged up his spine, reaching his head, making his scalp tingle. It felt like he could hear all the cells in his body dancing, screaming, and cheering like little Minions, "Banana, oh oh... Banana! Banana banana banana..." He didn't have time to savor his feelings, just greedily scanned everything in front of him. 

Sequencers, mixing consoles, samplers, sound sources, speakers, synthesizers, effect processors, metronomes, and so on – the expensive and professional equipment made it impossible to look away. The guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, cello, clarinet, recording microphones, recording headphones, and other equipment were all professional, all enveloped in a milky yellow halo, as wonderful as a chocolate candy house in a fairy tale. 

They weren't brand new; you could even clearly feel the traces left by time. But those mottled, deep and shallow imprints recorded the melodies that once surged in this space and the soul hidden behind the notes. These cold machines were given life by the notes and melodies, and then they played the rhythm of life, flowing gurglingly in the air. 

Although, with the full development of technology, now you only need a computer and a sound card, and anyone can complete music recording at home. Online cover singers and underground independent singers are springing up everywhere, making life more convenient and accessible. 

However, no one can deny that truly professional recording studios are still irreplaceable. They combine the latest computer equipment with traditional vintage gear, providing professional and meticulous comprehensive services to ensure the recording of the most perfect music. This is still a wonderful space for music to be born. 

Unconsciously, Ronan's movements became lighter. Gently, he used his right hand to approach the equipment in the air, feeling the lines and aura of each piece. A long-lost joy and happiness vibrated in his chest like thousands of butterflies flapping their wings simultaneously, so much so that his fingertips began to tremble slightly. 

Even though it was his first visit to this unfamiliar recording studio, that overwhelming sense of familiarity still firmly gripped his heart, almost making it hard to breathe. 

It wasn't just Ronan; the other band members felt the same way. It had been too long since they were last in a recording studio, like a lifetime ago. Stumbling and bumping along, carrying their scars, they had returned to such a space, and their state of mind had undergone too many changes. 

Then, a smile curled up at the corner of Ronan's mouth. His eyes brightened as he looked at the recording booth in front of him. "Alright, ready to work?" 

There was no time for sentimental thoughts; it was time to party! Even Ronan himself didn't realize that his tone had risen by a full note. Without any extra movements, you could still feel the suppressed excitement in his voice, as he rubbed his hands together, ready to work. 

Moreover, time was indeed precious. Every second spent in this space was burning money – real money! 

In fact, truly professional recording studio work not only requires a producer to be present, but also a professional recording engineer. Only in this way can the most correct track be found and the most perfect work be recorded – top producers and recording engineers are even rarer and absolutely highly sought after. 

Of course, they are also incredibly expensive, even to the point of being impossible to hire even if you have the money. 

Obviously, the One Day King band had neither the money nor the time. 

So, today they hadn't hired a professional recording engineer. As for how to actually complete the recording, the band members hadn't had time to discuss it yet. 

Whether it was Ronan in his previous life or the One Day King band in this life, they both had recording engineers the first time they entered a recording studio. So, even though Maxim and Ollie had always been responsible for the band's songwriting and production, their understanding of recording work was very limited. 

So, today the band members needed to complete the recording work themselves, confirm the recording results themselves, and make adjustments according to the "producer's" desired effect. It became particularly important who would take on this task, which was equivalent to the heavy responsibility of arranging and producing, all on their own shoulders. 

Ronan's first reaction was to look at Maxim. No matter what, Maxim was still the best in terms of music theory, so maybe he was the most suitable. 

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Cliff's gaze was also lingering on Maxim, looking at Ronan and Ollie with slight hesitation. 

Maxim was also a little hesitant. He really wanted to step forward and take on this responsibility. It was a matter of his pride and his confidence. He still believed in his creative abilities, but his thoughts had changed somewhat in the past few months, which made his words linger on his tongue, ultimately preventing him from saying them as confidently as before. 

Then, Maxim looked towards Ollie, asking for his opinion. 

Ollie didn't hesitate at all. He looked at Ronan with a smile, only to find that everyone else was looking at him strangely. He was the first to speak, saying with confusion: 

"Shouldn't it be Ronan? Ronan has been supervising all our practice and performances these past few months, and besides, 'Chasing the Light' was originally Ronan's creation. He's the most suitable producer. Is there any doubt about that?" 

(End of this chapter)