Frank was actually surprised—in the beginning, Lily’s tone was mundane, but the accompaniment seemed to lift her voice, allowing her song to engulf the person.
Her performance left the basement bar silent, too. Men and women were all left staring at the girl who was dressed modestly, whose voice would not lose to top singers.
Even someone as oblivious to music as Frank knew that she sang well.
Then, as Kat joined in the chorus, their voices seemed to resound across the bar, leaving the crowd silent and enthralled.
Tilda, the girl beside Frank, was sighing.
Frank nodded without knowing it.
On the other hand, Mandy was glaring jealously at the girls.
–
When Lily eventually finished the last song, the crowd spaced out for a beat before applauding thunderously.
Even Willy was on his feet at the front row, praising endlessly, “Impressive! The Spades are really as talented as they’re said to be!”
“Encore! Encore!” the guests around the bar chanted, providing a much more enthusiastic reception than the one the Dragondawn received.
Lily smiled and bowed. “Well, what shall we sing next? Any suggestions?”
“I’ll pay you five grand for a request!” A pudgy man rose to his feet, his arms still around a pretty lady as he called out heartily, “My Heart Will Go On!”
“Booo…”
Everyone appeared repulsed by the suggestion—talk about old-fashioned!
Eder, the bar owner strode forward just then and leveled an earnest look at Lily. “Come on, girls. The man is paying five grand for a request, and we’re splitting it fifty-fifty.”
“Sure.” Lily nodded, and the rest of The Spades were about to start playing when someone else stood up.
“Five grand for a request? And such an old song?! I’ll pay you ten grand, ladies—my request is Don’t Stop Me Now!'”
“What?!” The pudgy man earlier frowned at the younger man who spoke. “Shit, your taste is older than mine!”
Everyone jeered again too.
“So what? It’s what I like!” The younger man crossed his legs smugly.
“Well, alright then…” Lily said, a little exasperated.
What was the problem with the guests today? Sure, it was nice to have paid requests, but each of their requests were more old-fashioned than the next!
But there was no helping it since the customers were alright, and she could only sing it with her band.
That was when Soren sprang up and shouted, “Wait!”
Then, as everyone in the bar looked on, he chuckled and said, “Queen, in this day and age? Aren’t you people embarrassed? My request is just for a love ballad, and I’ll tip a hundred grand.”
“What?!”
“A hundred grand?!”
Soren’s extravagant request certainly caught everyone’s attention, which stroked his vanity instantly.
However, Kat was frowning on stage. “I don’t want to sing a love ballad, Lily.”
