Chapter 13: Mutual Respect

Evan Bell wasn't playing speed guitar. In terms of speed, he wasn't particularly fast. He was playing rhythm guitar, excelling at fingerpicking and strumming. His left hand danced over the chords while his right hand flew across the strings. The high and low notes blended like a rocket taking off, gradually heightening the atmosphere. The final strum created a ripple in the speakers.

Evan glanced at Brad Delson, but let his left hand loosen and swing in the air. The strings had rubbed so fast that his fingers felt like they were burning. If he put a cigarette on the strings at that moment, it might actually light up. Luckily, everyone's attention had shifted to Brad Delson, and no one noticed Evan's small gesture.

Brad Delson wasn't to be outdone. He played the guitar with speed and finesse. A series of rapid and exhilarating notes danced between the strings. From Evan's perspective, Brad's speed was at least twice his own. They weren't on the same level. If anyone could light a cigarette on the strings, Brad would have a better chance.

In truth, Evan wasn't a natural guitar player. In his previous life, he had learned piano and painting as a child because his parents thought it would be useful. He studied for over a decade but set both aside to focus on high school. Though he didn't pursue painting, it helped him gain admission to the architecture department in college. He only picked up the guitar in college to prepare a romantic surprise for his fiancée, learning a few songs and simple chords over six months. In this life, he devoted most of his time to Broadway, learning guitar in his spare time during high school and practicing more systematically after joining a band in college. It was no wonder Evan couldn't match Brad Delson's skill. If others knew how little Evan had formally learned, they'd be astonished.

Even though Evan knew he couldn't beat Brad, he still played back and forth for two rounds. David "Phoenix" Farrell, Linkin Park's bassist, also dueled with Gillen Haas, the other side emerging victorious.

This wasn't about winning but about mutual learning and the joy of musicians showcasing their skills. After several rounds, they gained a deeper understanding of each other.

Evan caught Brad's signal to play together. Though they didn't share a deep connection, they found common ground in music. Brad set aside his speed and skill, plucking the strings to let a melody flow. Evan joined in, and despite no rehearsal, their tunes naturally harmonized, creating a captivating melody.

As the music grew intense, Evan and Brad faced off with their guitars, not competing but freely playing a soul-stirring melody. The bass and drums joined in, followed by the keyboard, transforming the scene into a full-blown concert.

The impromptu performance, relying solely on their musical synergy, was astonishing. Chester Bennington and drummer Rob Bourdon felt a bit left out with only one drum set available.

Despite the audience's calls for an encore of Melancholy, the combined forces of Melancholy Mood and Linkin Park had captivated everyone, drawing an even larger crowd. It seemed like the entire street had gathered.

After the encore, as Evan walked off the stage, he noticed Linkin Park's members sitting backstage, having stayed to watch. This delighted him.

Having witnessed Linkin Park's powerful performance the previous day, Evan knew that engaging with such a professional band would be invaluable for both his music and his mood. Unfortunately, they hadn't met then, as Linkin Park left quickly. But today, not only had they jammed together, but Linkin Park had waited backstage, eager to connect. Evan was in high spirits.

Evan introduced his bandmates—Tibo, Haas, and Sterwood—before nodding and saying, "Bell."

Under Chester Bennington's lead, Linkin Park introduced themselves. 

"Did you write the last line of that song?" Chester asked directly.

Evan appreciated the straightforwardness. "Yeah, I wrote it earlier this year. You know how it is with independent bands; the future's always uncertain." This resonated deeply with Linkin Park, who had faced countless setbacks in underground concerts. It was their frustration that led them to upload "One Step Closer" online, gaining unexpected attention and their first glimmer of hope.

"I parted the clouds and saw the sun, only to find it was nothing." Chester recited a line from the last chorus. "That's a great lyric. I've got some inspiration now; maybe I can write something good." Chester hummed a melody, unfazed by the strangers around him.

Jacob Tibo and the others were amazed by Chester's creative spark, but Evan was struck by the familiarity. The song "The End" by Linkin Park from his previous life had inspired him, and now Chester was inspired in turn. It felt like a cycle, and Evan couldn't help but smile.

"But 'Boundless Sky' is more complete," commented Mike Shinoda, the band's multi-talented rapper and musician, whose father was Japanese.

Evan nodded, agreeing with the critique. "Yeah, but even 'Boundless Sky' isn't fully polished yet." He glanced at Chester, who seemed lost in his creative world.

"Don't worry about him," Mike said with a wave. "Once he's in the zone, he's oblivious to everything else. It's that focus that helps create Linkin Park's classic songs. Although It's only three o'clock, how about grabbing a drink?"

"You don't need a specific time to drink," Evan replied, agreeing easily. Hearing this, the other members of Melancholy Mood perked up, excited to share drinks and experiences with such a talented band.

Not long after the two bands left, a small figure emerged from backstage, searching the area. Failing to find her target, she strolled to the side of the stage, where a new band was performing to a diminished audience.

The girl, around twelve or thirteen, seemed to be searching for something or someone. Disappointed, she ran out of the backstage area, where another girl stood guard. Though not artists themselves, these two had snuck backstage, taking advantage of the festival's relaxed security.

The girl standing guard brightened upon seeing her friend. "Elena, did you find them? Did you get their autographs?"

"No, they left too quickly!" Elena said, stamping her foot in frustration. Taking her friend's hand, she vowed, "Don't worry, we'll find them next time. I won't miss a chance for autographs or photos with Evan Bell." Elena clenched her right hand, her face firm.