我和我的长文预警又来了…… 前言：昨晚看了@月儿翻译的小说，我想起了我几年前也写过一篇有些类似的小故事（不好意思称小说），不过是英文写的……为了方便大家，我刚才又快速地翻译了一个中文版…… 这个就不直排了哈~实在太长~不感兴趣的话跳过就好~ 灵感来源：大二的时候，有一门美国小说课的作业要求仿写short story，当时学的小说Sister Carrie是讲女孩进城务工的故事，让我想到了北漂，于是就从《中国好歌曲》里借了一个灵感。这篇其实是把《中国好歌曲》的两位学员——刘金（第一季）和苏晴（第二季）的故事做了一个虚构融合。两个女孩都是华健战队的成员，但都未能进入决赛，华健分别在台上演唱了她们的创作《第十一年》和《不客气》。刘金坚韧不拔，苏晴阳光灿烂。刘金讲述过为了音乐梦想而北漂十四年的艰苦生活；苏晴说华健是她的第一个偶像，《风雨无阻》是她买的第一盘磁带。华健在演唱《第十一年》之前，感性地说：“过去很多年的音乐的梦，可是这一次没有成的，不要停止，接下来大步大步走，抬头挺胸。你爱音乐，音乐也一定会爱你的。” 我很喜欢这两个女孩，也很感动于华健起到的榜样力量，所以就以她们为原型，写下了这个半虚半实的小故事。因为有再创作成分，我就虚构了名字，女孩Ray是刘金和苏晴的结合体，其实，也把很多歌迷的影子写了进去。男主角叫Edward Chau，你们一看描写就知道原型是谁的啦…… 刚才译文里把Ray译成了晴，Edward Chau译成了周挖金😂 声明：本文情节存在大量虚构和嫁接，无意冒犯，请勿上升真人！原文： Rain, Hail or Shine July, 2000 When Ray Sun boarded the train for Beijing, her total luggage consisted of some old clothes, a wool scarf woven by her mother, several thick notebooks, a Walkman and a few cassette tapes. She was seventeen years of age, bright, timid, and full of the illusions of ignorance and youth. It was going to be a long ride to the capital from Guangxi. Ray stared out of the window for some time as the familiar mountain ranges of her homeland zoomed past. Melodies of her childhood seemed to ring in her ears as she reminisced about the seventeen years she had spent here. With an almost inaudible sigh, she took out her Walkman and inserted her favourite cassette, Rain, Hail or Shine by Edward Chau. The tape was old and heavily worn, its print faded and almost illegible. This was the first cassette that she had purchased at the age of eleven. With savings from her own allowance she had run excitedly to the music store on the day of its release. Throughout these years she had listened to the tape for a countless number of times. It accompanied her through times happy or sad, and watched her grow from a small girl to a young woman. As the familiar music sounded in her ears, whatever despair in her heart gradually ebbed away. Her hand stroked the faded picture on the cassette box subconsciously. The picture depicted the singer, a man in his thirties, standing against a backdrop of city skyline and beaming widely. His looks were not dazzling, but his smile was so radiant and genuine that just by looking at the picture one was compelled to smile too. Ray glanced at the picture and her lips curled without her own noticing. Ever since the day she bought this cassette, she had been resolutely in love with this man. He had an angelic voice that perfectly suited the soothing ballads he sang. Just listening to him was a luxury to the ears. He was not merely a singing talent, but composed songs of his own. Ray wished she could become like him one day, singing and spreading joy and sunshine to those who needed it. She imagined it to be a great thing to do. At the age of twelve, Ray started to compose her own songs. Her family was not wealthy but her mother bought her a second-hand piano so that she could develop her passion for music. She quickly learnt the basics of composition and scribbled her works in cheap notebooks. She was hardworking and productive. When she had accumulated four notebooks full of her compositions, Ray told her parents that she wanted to go to Beijing. She wanted to find Edward Chau and learn more about music from him. Her father, who had always harboured distaste for popular music, thought she was out of her mind. “Find Edward Chau? He doesn’t even know who you are. Why are you so obsessed with him?” “Dad, you won’t understand how much he means to me. His music shaped who I am today.” “So what? Why must you go to Beijing for him? Why can’t you stay at home, get married and have children like all women do?” “Music is the only thing I have ever loved, and the only dream I’ll ever have. I only live once. Do you want me to spend my life in regret?” Eventually, her mother sent her to the train station on a summer day. Her father did not come. Mother quietly pressed some savings into her hands and hugged her tightly, “Remember, if life gets tough out there…we are always waiting for you.” Ray had tears in her eyes, but she returned a big smile, “I’ll be great, you just watch.” The train whistle sounded; it was the melody of separation. Ray climbed up to the carriage. The past was hard to let go, but she was certain that better days were coming. December, 2014 The microphone in Ray’s hand was wet from perspiration as she waited behind the curtain. “Next up, Ray Sun shall perform for us her song titled ‘The Fourteenth Year’.” Ray walked up the stage, breathing deeply. In front of her she saw four screens. Each had a name on it; the one on the right end read “Edward Chau”. Her heart seemed to tremble at the sight. She was taking part in Sing My Song, a reality talent contest that looked for music composers. Four judges would listen to each piece being performed and decide if they were impressed. In front of each judge was a screen that displayed the lyrics to him or her and blocked the contestant from view. If any of the judges decided to give the contestant a chance to the next round of competition, he or she would push the lever that lowers the screen, signifying an invitation for the contestant to join his or her team. The music sounded, and Ray began to sing. Her voice was a little shaky at the start, but it soon gained strength and firmness. I’ve seen everything and now I’m back to the starting point Let the past go, it shall be remembered in my music Oh, young and foolish dreams, they are yet to be realised And now what’s left of my youth is but a reflection in the water Forget all the sorrows, I’m still waiting Forget all the bygone days, I’m still waiting For a reason, for a reason … She had her eyes closed as she sang with all her heart, until she heard the sound of the lever being pushed. She opened her eyes. The screen on the right end was descending, revealing the velvet armchair behind it and the man sitting in it. It was twenty years from the day she bought her first cassette tape. The man sitting in front of her was now in his fifties. Youth had left him; there were wrinkles on his forehead and around his eyes. What had not changed was his smile. He watched Ray intently, his face shining with a smile so warm and cordial, just like the old picture on the cassette tape. It was as if a fire had lit up Ray’s insides; she was at once overwhelmed with joy and stricken with sorrow. “Thank you for the wonderful piece of music you brought us. Could you introduce yourself?” He was speaking to her. It seemed surreal. She wanted to answer, but broke into tears. As she stared at the floor and tried to regain her composure, she felt someone approaching. A hand was gently placed on her shoulder, and a handkerchief handed to her. “There, there, take your time,” he said. She glanced up at him, still not quite able to believe what was happening. The man whom she had loved for twenty years, for whom she had fell in love with music and for whom she had come to Beijing alone all those years ago, was now standing beside her, comforting her. “Thank you for pushing the lever,” she managed to say, “I came here for you.” “Thank you,” he said in return and spread his arms to hug her. His embrace was firm and warm and made Ray tear up again. “Tell us your story when you’re ready,” he said, returning to his seat. Ray took a deep breath and began to talk to the judges and audience. “I’m Ray Sun from Guangxi, 31 years old. When I was eleven, I bought my first cassette tape. It was ‘Rain, Hail or Shine’ by Edward Chau. Ever since, I fell in love with him and his music. I started to write my own songs because I wanted to be like him one day, spreading sunshine to the world through my songs.” Edward Chau listened to her attentively, his smile warm and encouraging. “When I was seventeen, I decided to leave my hometown and come to Beijing as a beipiao（北漂）, to pursue my dream. At first I imagined getting in touch with Mr Chau and becoming his apprentice, but I gradually realised there was no such means. I once formed my own band and performed at bars and clubs for several years, but our income was measly and eventually the band broke up. For the past eight years I worked behind the scenes as a sound engineer, but I never stopped composing my own songs. Singing was still my dream. Whenever I felt discouraged, I listened to the song Rain, Hail or Shine, and I would regain my strength.” “I thought I’ll never see Mr Chau in my life, but he was always with me in my heart. A few months ago I learnt that he was going to be one of the judges in this contest and I decided to give it a try. But I didn’t dare to hope that he would choose me. Thank you Mr Chau, you’ve made my dream come true.” With that, she bowed to Edward Chau deeply. He stood up and humbly returned a bow. The audience reacted with a great round of applause. “Thank you, Ray. Your song was very moving. As a musician, I feel truly blessed that I have been able to inspire someone else’s love for music. Welcome to my team,” he said, walking towards her. They hugged again amidst enthusiastic applause. That night, Ray called home. She was trembling with joy. “Mom, I met Edward Chau. Fourteen years are worth it. Everything is going to change for the better, don’t worry about me.” She was certain that this was the best day of her life, and that she was finally on the right track to her dream. March, 2015 It was Sing My Song finals. Ray was sitting quietly with the audience, rather subdued. Getting past the first round of the contest did not grant her a smooth-sailing journey. According to the rules, each judge was supposed to select sixteen contestants at the first round, but only four could enter the finals. Edward Chau admired all of his team members, but rules were rules and sacrifices were inevitable. All the contestants were keenly talented, and competition was fierce. Ray was eliminated before the finals. However, Edward Chau had saved a surprise for her. Before the finals commenced, each judge could choose to perform a song written by one of his team members. Edward came on stage, wearing a white shirt and carrying his acoustic guitar. Age had left its mark on him, but did not take away his charm. He spoke to the audience, his voice firm and calming. “For most people, one competition can’t change your life. If you feel that the competition has let you down, do not be discouraged. What is essential is that we must continue to hold on to our dreams. Keep your head high and walk on proudly. Remember, if you love music, music will love you too. I bring to you ‘The Fourteenth Year’ by Ray Sun.” His gaze fell upon Ray, and he smiled. Ray smiled back, holding back tears. She never imagined she could hear her idol performing her composition. … Perhaps, detours are necessary on the road to the best scenery On this winding journey, let me never forget my youthful face Forget all the loneliness, I’m gonna fly Forget all the darkness, I’m gonna fly Another year, another year For a reason, for a reason The fourteenth year, no more regret, I will go on Edward’s voice was no longer crystal clear like the old times, but there was more depth, strength and warmth in it than ever. Here was a man who seemed to radiate sunlight whenever he sang. Ray’s eyes were fixated upon him throughout the song. Her heart was aching but warm. She knew she was still in love with him after all these years. In the past fourteen years, she had fallen in and out of love several times. But this man was always in the deepest corner of her heart. He was the one who inspired her, and would always be her guiding light in the darkest hours. She had come to terms with the fact that one competition would not change her life, and that after this day, she would return to her tiny studio and continue working as a sound engineer. She also knew Edward Chau would not be her lover in real life, no matter how intensely she loved him. To her, he was like the Sun, essential, indispensable, never-changing. But just like how mankind could not embrace the Sun, so their intersection could only be fleeting and transient. But she would always be grateful for this encounter, and would remember his words of encouragement. Even though she may not ever become a great star like Edward, she could find meaning and value in her work, because this was her passion and calling. For as long as she lives, she would continue to enjoy music as she had always done, no matter rain, hail or shine. (By Yixing, January 2016) 译文：《风雨无阻》 2000年7月晴搭上去北京的火车时，身上的行李一共只有几件旧衣服、一条母亲织的围巾、几个厚厚的记事本、一部随身听和几张卡带。那年，她17岁，明媚而又羞怯，少不经事，充满青春的无知无畏。从广西到首都的车程很漫长，晴怔怔地望向车窗外，看着家乡的绵延山脉飞掠。忆起过去的17年，从小熟悉的一段段旋律仿佛在耳中回响。她无声轻叹，从包里拿出了随身听，置入她最喜欢的卡带——周挖金的《风雨无阻》。卡带已经很旧了，上面印的文字都已经黯淡，几乎难以辨认。这是她11岁时买的第一张卡带；捏着存了好久的零用钱，她激动地冲向唱片行，在卡带发行的第一天买下了它。这些年来，她把它听了无数次。这张卡带陪伴她度过欢喜和忧愁，陪伴她从小女孩长成了女人。熟悉的旋律在耳畔响起时，心里的慌张一点点褪去了。她的手无意识地轻抚着卡带上有些褪色的照片。那是一个30几岁的男人，站在城市的天际线上，笑得无比开朗。他并不算是耀眼的帅哥，但他的笑容是如此热烈和真挚，即便你只是看着这张图片，都会情不自禁地微笑起来。晴扫了一眼照片，唇角不知不觉地微微翘起。自从她买了这张卡带的那天起，她便坚定地爱上了这个男子。他拥有一把天使般的嗓音，完美地演绎了他所唱的温柔情歌。他的音乐堪称是耳朵的奢侈品。他不仅是一位天赋异禀的歌手，也是个创作人。晴一直希望有朝一日能像他一样，用歌声散播快乐和阳光给需要的人。想想看，这是件多伟大的事！从12岁起，晴也开始自己写歌。她家境并不好，但母亲为她买了一架二手钢琴，让她发展对音乐的兴趣。她很快就学会了创作的基本要领，把自己写的歌草草记录在便宜的笔记本里，勤奋而高产。积攒了四本自己的创作后，晴告诉父母，她想去北京。她想去找周挖金，跟他学做音乐。她那一向瞧不起流行音乐的父亲认为她发疯了。 “找周挖金？他甚至不知道你是谁！你怎么对他这么着魔？” “爸，你不明白他对我的意义，是他的音乐塑造了今天的我。” “那又怎么样？为什么要去北京找他？为什么不能留在家里娶妻生子，像所有女人一样？” “音乐是我唯一的爱和唯一的梦。人只活一次，你希望我这一生都抱着遗憾度过吗？” 最终，在一个炎炎夏日里，母亲把她送到了火车站。父亲没有来送行。母亲悄悄把一些攒下的钱塞进她的掌心，紧紧抱着她：“记住，要是外面太苦了……我们会一直等着你。” 晴眼里有泪，却报以大大的笑容：“我一定会成功，等着瞧吧。” 汽笛声响起，是离别的旋律。晴攀上车厢。要放下过去，并非易事，但她内心十分笃定，更好的日子一定会来。 2014年12月手心里的麦克风已经汗湿。晴站在后台，紧张等待。 “接下来，参赛者晴将带来歌曲《第十四年》。” 晴走上舞台，深深地呼吸。面前是四个屏幕，每个上面都有一个名字，最右边的是“周挖金”。她的心脏颤栗起来。她正在参加《好歌曲》的盲选，这是一档寻找音乐创作人的真人秀。四名评审听完表演曲目后，决定是否被打动。每位评审面前都有一堵屏幕，向评审显示歌词，同时也挡住参赛者的样子。如果评审决定给参赛者机会，就会推动面前的推杆，降下屏幕，示意参赛者可以加入他的团队。音乐响起，晴开始歌唱，声音起初有些颤抖，但很快就恢复了力量和坚定。 “一路风景疲惫的我又回到了原点关于过去就让它留在音乐里来纪念曾经年少的梦还没实现如今年华只剩倒影涟漪在水面忘了悲伤我还在等忘了漫长我还在等为了一个理由为了一个理由……” 她一直闭着眼睛投入地唱着，直到听见推杆的声音，才睁开双眼。最右边的屏幕正在缓缓下降，露出后面的天鹅绒座椅，以及座椅上的男人。距离她买第一张卡带的那天，已经过去了二十年。眼前的男人已然五十多岁，青春不再，额头眼角都有了岁月的痕迹。只有他的笑容未曾改变。他专注地凝视着晴，脸上闪耀着那般温暖亲和的笑，一如卡带上那张旧照片。晴的内心仿佛燃起了熊熊烈火，一瞬间喜悦满溢而又哀伤满怀。 “谢谢你带来的这首美妙的歌曲。可以请你做个自我介绍吗？”他在对她说话，这一切都很不真实。她想要回答，泪水却夺眶而出。她低头盯着地板，试图冷静下来，却感觉到有人向她走来。一只手轻轻放在她肩头，同时一块手帕递了过来。 “放轻松，慢慢来。”他说。她抬头看他，几乎不能置信。她深爱二十年的人，曾经引导她爱上音乐、孤身来北京闯荡的人，此刻站在她身边，安慰着她。 “谢谢你推杆，”她好不容易说出一句：“我是为你而来的。” “谢谢你。”他张开双臂，拥抱了她。他的怀抱结实而有温度，使晴的泪意又一次涌上眼眶。 “准备好了的时候，跟我们说说你的故事吧。”他说着，回到自己的座位。晴深吸一口气，开始对评审和观众自白。 “我是来自广西的晴，今年31岁。11岁那年，我买了人生中的第一张卡带，是周挖金的《风雨无阻》。从那之后，我便爱上了他和他的音乐。我开始写自己的歌，因为我想有朝一日成为他这样的人，用我的歌曲将阳光散播到全世界。” 周挖金认真地倾听着，脸上带着暖融而鼓励的笑。 “我17岁时，决定背井离乡，成为北漂，追逐自己的梦想。一开始我想联系周挖金老师，成为他的徒弟，后来发现没有这样的渠道。我曾经成立自己的乐队，在酒吧驻唱了几年，但因为收入寒酸，乐队最后解散了。过去这八年，我一直在幕后参与音乐制作，但从来没有停止写自己的歌。唱歌仍然是我的梦想。每当感到失落，我都会再听听《风雨无阻》，内心便充满力量。” “我曾以为我一辈子都不会见到周老师，但他一直都在我心里。几个月前得知他会担任这个比赛的评审，我决定孤注一掷。但我并不敢期望他会推杆。谢谢你，周挖金老师，你让我的梦想成真了。” 她深深对周挖金鞠了一躬。他立刻起身，谦逊地回礼。观众席爆发出热烈的掌声。 “谢谢你，晴。你的歌曲非常动人。作为一个音乐人，能够让另一个人也爱上音乐，这是我的福气。欢迎你加入我的团队。”在热情的掌声中，他走向她，与她再次拥抱。当晚，晴打电话回家，整个人都激动地发着抖。 “妈，我遇到周挖金了。十四年，都是值得的。一切都会更好，不要担心我。” 她确信，这是她人生中最好的一天，她也终于要实现自己的梦想了。 2015年3月《好歌曲》总决赛。晴安静地坐在观众席，有些黯然。通过第一轮比赛并没有使接下来的路一帆风顺。根据比赛规则，每位评审在第一轮都要选择16个队员，但最终只有4人能进入总决赛。尽管周挖金老师非常欣赏每一位队员，但规则就是规则，牺牲在所难免。所有的队员都身负绝技，竞争如火如荼。决赛之前，晴被淘汰了。然而，周挖金为她保留了一个大大的惊喜。在决赛开始之前，每位评审都会选择演唱一首队员的创作。周挖金走上舞台，穿着雪白的衬衫，背着他心爱的木吉他。年纪在他身上留下了印痕，却丝毫没有带走他的魅力。他对着观众娓娓地说话，嗓音饱满而安神。 “对于大部分人来说，一次比赛并不能改变你的人生。如果你觉得这场比赛让你失望，不要气馁。最重要的是继续握紧我们的梦想。抬头挺胸，大步向前走。记住，你爱音乐，音乐也一定会爱你的。我将为大家演唱晴的作品《第十四年》。” 他望向台下的晴，微微而笑。晴也对他笑着，忍住盈睫的泪。她做梦都没想过有一天能听到自己的偶像演唱她的创作。 “也许绕路远行才能绽放让我在漫漫途中别磨去最初模样忘了孤单我还在飞忘了黑暗我还要飞又一年又一年为了一个理由为了一个理由第十四年若不后悔就再磨一把剑” 周挖金的嗓音不再像旧年那般清澈见底，其中却蕴藏了比往昔更多的深度、力度和温度。这个男人只要一开口唱歌，就仿佛周身都在发光。晴一直目不转睛地凝望着他，内心疼痛却温柔。她知道，过了这么多年，她依然深爱着他。过去十四年来，她也曾经恋爱和失恋几次，而周挖金却一直都藏在她心底的角落。在至暗时刻，他永远是她的启明星。她已经接受了一个事实，即一场比赛并不能改变她的人生。今天过后，她会回到小小的录音室，继续从事幕后音乐制作。她也知道周挖金不会是她的爱人，无论她有多么爱他。对她而言，他像是太阳，不可或缺，从无改变。但正如人类不能拥抱太阳，他们的交集也只能是浮光掠影，稍纵即逝。但她会永远为这次邂逅而感激，也会始终记得他鼓励的话语。也许，她永远不会成为像周挖金那样的巨星，却仍能从她的工作中找到价值和意义，因为这是她的热爱和使命。此生此世，她依然会继续为音乐耕耘，风雨无阻。 2021年4月5日译