From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

People come, people go.

Tides rise, tides surge.

The New York before him appeared busy and noisy. The crowds of people coming and going filled his vision, yet no one was willing to stop.

Even without smartphones, this concrete jungle was still busy, still crowded, still without warmth. Everyone seemed like a wind-up doll, soulless and unable to stop, moving forward at full speed. The whistling and noise in his ears transformed the surrounding scenery into a blur of light and shadow.

Like the data world of "The Matrix."

Each person was a set of data, passing by each other without intersection, refusing to mingle.

It was precisely because of this that the neglected melody seemed even more special.

Quiet and sorrowful, bright and clear, coloring the world with notes. The thin golden sunlight possessed a hint of warmth, drawing his eyes and ears.

It was a quartet: guitar, keyboard, drummer… cello.

Anson was somewhat surprised.

After Lincoln Park incorporated rap and electronica into rock, rock bands entered an era of comprehensive development, with more and more different instruments and combinations.

However, the cello was still very rare.

As a classical instrument, the cello's bass was difficult to coordinate within a band. Even the bass guitar, also in the bass range, was not on the same frequency as the cello. A slight misstep could easily lead to clashes, making both live performances and arrangements difficult.

When OneRepublic released the single "Apologize" in 2006, the song's arrangement revolved entirely around the cello, carving out a new world within the style of pop-rock bands; however, even after "Apologize" became a smash hit, the use of the cello in rock bands remained uncommon.

Yet he hadn't expected to see a cello in a street performance today—

Wait, could it be OneRepublic before they became famous?

Anson was a little curious.

Unfortunately, it wasn't.

There was no Ryan Tedder, nor were any other members of OneRepublic to be seen.

Moreover, it didn't seem to be a folk band either, just a pure rock band. After a quick glance, Anson didn't see any familiar faces.

Sure enough, the common folk hid dragons and crouching tigers. As early as 2000, there were already bands researching the effect of incorporating different classical instruments into arrangements. Before people saw the results, predecessors had been planting trees for a long time.

Thinking about it carefully, it wasn't surprising.

"Apologize" was released as a single in 2006, but it wasn't until 2008, when it was used as background music in the TV series "Gossip Girl", that it became a hit.

The use of the cello in rock bands was indeed not easy; widespread acceptance by the general public required an even longer process.

The band before him was the same—

How to properly use the cello was still a subject of study, so the melody they played was slightly disjointed, not yet fully harmonious.

At the same time, the passing pedestrians refused to stop, not even offering a glance or a look, completely oblivious to their existence.

Before, when watching street performances in movies, such as "Begin Again", it was hard not to have some romantic fantasies about street performances; but now, from the original owner's memories, he knew that the predecessor had also tried street performances, and the actual situation was much worse and crueler than imagined.

In New York, not everyone can perform on the street. They must apply for a permit from the City Hall and perform in designated areas. If they change the performance area, they need to report to the City Hall again.

Although performance income does not need to be taxed, it is not a lucrative job. In New York, where every inch of land is precious, the daily rent and the cost of three meals a day are enough to overwhelm an independent musician. In addition to street performances, they may need other part-time jobs to cover living expenses.

Indeed, New York is a land of opportunity; but at the same time, competition is particularly fierce, and there are also expenses so high that life seems unbearable, with no hope in sight.

The moving and graceful melody temporarily came to an end. The cello case placed on the ground in front of them was still empty, without even a single audience member.

Then, finally, one person couldn't bear it any longer. He didn't say much, just took off his guitar, muttered a few words, and turned to leave. Someone next to him grabbed him, trying to dissuade him. Even though he didn't say anything, that person broke down and erupted, descending into a frenzy.

"I've had enough!"

"Jesus Christ, I don't see hope, and I don't have a plan. I'm not young anymore, and I don't know how much longer I can wander the streets like this."

"I, I wish I had the answer. I wish I could be indestructible. I wish I could continue to wander and indulge as if nothing happened, but…"

"I…"

His voice carried on the wind. He stood with his back to Anson, his shoulders drooping, lost and confused. He vented his emotions all at once. He didn't finish his words, but he couldn't say any more. Looking at the figures of his three teammates, he was suddenly swallowed by guilt, and he rubbed his face hard.

"Sorry."

Leaving an apology, that person turned and strode away, merging into the surging crowd and disappearing.

However, the truly sad thing was—

No one paid attention.

Even though they were arguing and complaining, even though their voices carried on the wind, even though Anson heard them, no one stopped.

Life in New York was too busy, so busy that there was no time to stop and watch the excitement. People came and went, the streets were crowded, but nothing had changed.

The three people stood in the center of the crowd. Although the whole world was noisy, they seemed particularly lonely, a trace of bitterness spreading on their tongues.

For some reason, Anson thought of "Titanic."

When the ship was sinking, everyone was running around trying to survive, but the band still stood on the deck playing music. They knew that no one was listening and no one could stop, but they were still persevering, trying to bring a trace of comfort with their melody, even if it was just a momentary illusion.

The melodious and moving melody didn't make people stop, and it didn't save the sinking of the Titanic, but at that moment, life had warmth.

That's the power of film, and even more so, the power of music.

Then, Anson saw the remaining three people reveal sad despair and confusion. In the end, they lowered their heads and began to pack up their instruments, preparing to leave.

The young man holding the cello looked flustered, trying to stop the band members, but he couldn't speak. He sat there blankly, almost crying.

Although he didn't speak, he worried that everything was his fault, that it was because of the cello that he was holding back his friends. He wanted to leave, but the reluctance in his heart stuck in his throat. A glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, and he quickly raised his hand and rubbed his eyes, concealing his embarrassment.

A voice came from the front, causing them all to stop their movements temporarily.

"Excuse me, could you play another song?"

Third update.