Chapter 11
I arrived late to the banquet and took my place behind the head table where the other Heavenly Kings were already sitting. Luckily, they hadnt insisted on keeping everyone standing while I got there. Everywhere I looked, gods and immortals were already seated at the long tables in the section below us with food and drink in front of them. This was a feast like no other.
Youre late, Guangmu said, slapping me on the back. Whereve you been?
I was talking to Me-Mimi, making sure she had everything she needed.
He raised an eyebrow. You took an interest in one of the acts performing here? Im surprised.
I am a music god.
Duowen gave a snort of derision. Wow, one pep talk and youre back to grandiose claims? Im regretting it already.
The lights hit the stage and a cheer went up from the assembled gods and immortals. There really were more people here than normal, I recognised several gods I hadnt seen in a couple of hundred years amongst the crowd.
This is all very undignified, Zengchang grumbled, clearly not pleased that our stiff banquet hall looked more like a concert hall.
Mei stepped onto the stage, a smile on her face and her guitar in her hands. It was just her up there but she owned the stage, sparkling with confidence. She grabbed the microphone and smiled. Good evening, everyone. Im Mimi, and its a pleasure to be here at Meru Palace.
Loud clapping came from the lower tables from the lesser gods who had long gotten rid of the stiff formalities and pretence that this palace still held on to. In my opinion, this was much nicer. Livelier.
Mei searched the crowd and I hoped that she was looking for me. I lifted my hand to wave, getting a strange look from Duowen in the process. But I didnt care. Not when I saw the smile light up Meis face. No one else knew that her smile was for me and it made me hopeful that she would agree to keep dating me.
Just how well do you know her? Duowen asked, giving me a weird look.
Not as well as Id like to, I replied, not able to take my eyes off Mei. She was radiant up there and I couldnt wait to hear her sing again.
Feedback from the microphone sounded as Mei spoke again. Im going to start with everybodys favourite, Show Me A Future. She closed her eyes and took a step back. Her hands moved over the strings of the guitar and an upbeat melodic sound filled the air. Her voice filled the room and I felt the same awakening in my heart that I had when shed been singing after our night together. There was no doubt that she was a true musician, it was always possible for me to tell when someone performed who meant it.
And Mei did. Every word she sang.
A chorus of voices joined in with her as she sang the words, and it made me proud of her even if Id never even heard of her career until this week. Watching her perform was unlike anything else. She had glitter around her eyes and her hair was up in a fancy bun but underneath that, I saw the woman I met on Jinx who laughed at my flute jokes and made me feel wholesome and warm when she was in my arms. There was no doubt that Mei was incredibly talented and I loved hearing everyone sing along. They seemed to have forgotten that they were in the Meru Palace and that was exactly what made Meis music so powerful, it transported people to somewhere different. I could feel it in the air around me and in my heart.
I hadnt realised it until now but Id been waiting for someone like her for a very long time.
The song ended and a cheer went through the crowd in response. She moved straight into another one, playing through her setlist with ease and grace. I was sure even the other Heavenly Kings were a bit more entertained than usual, but I wasnt exactly looking at them. I only had eyes for Mei.
She let go of the microphone to collect her breath and pulled it back. Thank you so much. I have one more song for you tonight, a special treat.
A hush fell over the crowd and I couldnt help but smile in awe. That was the power of music, the ability to silence a room full of gods and gain their adoration. She certainly had mine.
Its never been heard before and its still a little rough around the edges but I hope youll like it anyway. I wrote it recently after meeting someone I didnt realise would be special to me.
My heart constricted, though I couldnt tell if it was with hope or jealousy.
She strummed the guitar and her gaze found mine. Its called One Night Always.
The room had gone so quiet and the anticipation was almost too much. I sucked in a deep breath, my hope blossoming.
A light tune that reminded me of the old folk song filled the banquet hall and Mei closed her eyes as she sang into the microphone. I thought it would be just one night, so why do I feel this way now its light...
The whole room was captivated, but not as much as I was. How could I not be?
We took an adventure to the grocery store, even if we werent sure what for...
Tears sprung to my eyes and there was no doubt in my mind that this was about us, our night. I felt my heart swell with every note, every word. They caressed my heart like a gentle breeze in summer. She didnt feel this way because I was a god or a Heavenly King in the Meru Palace, shed written this before she knew who I was.
Watching Mei was like something out of a dream, one that I never thought I could have. I could feel my body tingle in response but I couldnt figure out whether it was my heart or my magic that she was affecting. Id been a god to many people in my life, but I didnt think Id ever actually been someones muse, and it was making my magic swirl around within me like it did when I was in my prime.
And thats why if you asked me for more days, my answer would be always.The final chord rang through the air and Mei smiled as the audience cheered.
I basked in the applause for her, practically glowing from her song and its significance. She wouldnt be singing this if she didnt think our night together was special. If I was reading the situation right, it meant she wanted more.
Our eyes met across the hall and I could tell from the expression on her face that she was thinking the same thing as I was. That always might not even be enough.