Solved James Lowe's major problem.
In the next week, Dean went on several trips with the Good Morning band, recorded songs, and signed a production and distribution contract for "Tears in Heaven" with a small record company called "Kristen", and entered the process of waiting for its release and profit sharing. state. (Details are related to the work)
In addition, Dean received a signing fee of $1,000, plus the Amazing Day balance of $3,800, and the remaining $1,800 on hand, the deposit reached an unprecedented $6,600.
Dean was very satisfied to have earned such a sum of money in the first month since he came here. Now he no longer had to rely on his uncle for help.
"Save more than two thousand more and buy a brand new SUV."
In addition, in addition to running with the band this week, he spent his free time in the mountains and forests near his home practicing target shooting, fighting, summoning shadows, and training hard has achieved certain results:
Shooting lv0 (25→50/100)
Fighting lv1(65→75/200)
Shadow of the Past lv0(6→8/100)
Physique: 11.5→11.6
Strength: 10.5→10.6
Sensitivity: 11.5→11.6
…
In early June, the collective memorial service finally arrived.
The sun was shining brightly, and it was already unbearably hot at nine o'clock in the morning.
Long-closed Nevada State High School has reopened its doors.
The school gate was full of cars of all kinds, and the crowd passed through the green courtyard in front of the school gate and entered the spacious school auditorium.
Dean and his friends were sitting in the last and highest row of the auditorium. Looking around, the more than 500 seats were all filled with people. The aisles on both sides, the seats and the space in front of the stage were also full of people.
Men, women and children, all dressed in black or blue suits, trousers and long skirts, did not say a word.
He held a photo frame in his arms. On it were young and energetic faces, but they were trapped in the photo frame and were lifeless.
The customs and habits of the United States and China are different, and most of the portraits are in color rather than black and white.
The mayor of Las Vegas stood in the center of the podium. Ms. Lanzi, the new principal of Nevada State High School, the chief of the Las Vegas Police Department, the camera crew, and relevant people stood not far from both sides of the stage, with tables behind them. Thirty-five white candles burned quietly, and thirty-five color photos hung in a wreath of white chrysanthemums.
"We have now identified the cause of this tragedy. Three patients who were so resentful of society that they were mentally ill targeted these lovely children. This is an out-and-out tragedy that happened in the wrong place. At the wrong time and in the wrong place. I hereby strongly condemn their horrific actions!"
There was a slight commotion below the podium. Some people who had lost loved ones stood up from their seats emotionally, roaring and roaring with red faces.
"But the three criminals have been sanctioned and sent to hell. They can no longer do evil in our world!" The mayor's strong words ended the noise, "Now let us calm down the anger a little and commemorate these innocent people whose lives were taken away. , twenty-five young children, and ten outstanding adults. They lost their precious lives and missed birthdays, graduations, and weddings in a city that should be home to kind and decent people like other cities in America. .”
“Diego Weaving…”
“Emily Brown…”
…
"Our esteemed Headmaster...Ulysses Crow."
Thirty-five names, every time they landed, there was a cry from the seats.
Dean turned around, Rust hugged Britney with red eyes and sniffed.
"Here in Las Vegas, I would like to offer my deep love and prayers on behalf of the people across the country. I know that words cannot express the grief in your hearts, nor can they heal the wounds in your hearts. I just hope that you understand that you are trapped in When you are sad, you are not alone... Our sky is falling, the whole country is crying with you, and we are holding our children tightly."
In the audience, the husband hugged his wife and relatives leaned on each other.
"We will give everything we have to soothe your hearts. We will gladly share your sorrow."
The mayor paused and wiped the corners of his eyes.
"Las Vegas—you are not alone."
The chorus from the audience became even louder.
"Your tears are not in vain. They are in heaven, living in the mansion given by God, and they also receive the thoughts of their families."
The mayor changed his tone.
"There is a girl from Nevada High School who survived the Lake Mead incident, but lost many close friends and was heartbroken... She is one of you, she has the same experience as everyone else, and she fought for Healing grief, getting out of the haze of the past, and finding a song during this difficult time."
"Now, I hope that her singing will also bring a little comfort to everyone, allowing us to be silent and turn grief and longing into strength."
Then sad music came from the background.
Everyone pricked up their ears quietly.
Caroline, who was playing the guitar, walked from the backstage to the center of the stage.
Dean's eyes lit up.
She changed out of her usual youthful and energetic vest and hot pants, and did not deliberately put on a black dress. Instead, she wore a simple denim dress, revealing her snow-white slender calves and forearms. She did not put any makeup on her face, under the candlelight. The pale facial features are delicate and small, with a quiet and cold beauty.
Familiar music started playing.
The greetings are full of affection and touching.
Classic songs have a charm that touches people's hearts and resonates with them.
Whenever Caroline sings "Do you remember my name if I meet you in heaven?"
There would be a burst of suppressed sobs from among the seats.
An invisible emotional resonance permeated the crowd.
When Caroline sang the last line,
"I have to be strong and hold on because I know I don't belong in heaven."
"I don't belong in heaven."
…
The entire auditorium was silent for a full minute.
People were speechless for a long time, and they didn't even notice that Caroline bowed quietly and left the stage, and no one applauded inappropriately.
But Dean knew she had succeeded.
The white-haired old man sitting in the row in front of him looked at the photo of his granddaughter, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and showed a happy smile on his lips.
The grief on the faces of many participants seemed to have been washed away by heavy rain.
At first, my eyes were wet, I couldn't control my emotions, and tears burst out.
But when they wiped the gloomy face, they wiped away the sadness and became lighter.
The mayor stood in front of the microphone again, wiped the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief in an exaggerated manner, and breathed a long sigh of relief.
Performing at a memorial service is a very dangerous arrangement. If you are not careful, it will turn a solemn ceremony into a farce.
But the girl's performance was just like what she had shown before, just right.
"After listening to this song, I wonder if everyone has the same thought as me. The deceased has passed away. We only have to take care of our health so that we can reunite with our loved ones in heaven in the future."
"Everyone has to be strong."
"This is the true meaning of life, life is not only sad. It also shows us the bright and beautiful side."
The participants in the audience quietly turned their attention.
The mayor continued to adjust the focus of this memorial service,
“After the Lake Mead incident, the medical workers who participated in the rescue, volunteers from all walks of life, the strong families of the victims, and the Las Vegas police officers who never closed their eyes for several days set an example for everyone. , brings hope!”
The mayor emphasized his tone in the last sentence and exchanged a tacit look with the lvpd director who was not far away.
"God bless Las Vegas! There were seven brave men at the scene of that horrific attack. They stepped forward with determination and protected their classmates, teachers, relatives, and even strangers."
Dean's head jumped, and he felt an ominous premonition.
"Las Vegas is a city of heroes! They were born here, embodying the beauty, courage, and belief of Vegas. They overcame the fear of death and worked together to fight three demons that dehumanized humanity. , blocked the cold muzzle of the gun with his flesh and blood, and saved countless lives."
The mayor spat.
These people will reverse the effects of this accident and save his job!
"This is a miracle!"
"The vast majority of them sacrificed their precious lives."
"But we cannot allow these noble acts of sacrifice to be lost to time."
"Now, let us read out their names together and let them go down in history."
"Bobby Smith."
"Bobby Smith!"
At first there were sporadic voices in the audience echoing, but soon, the sad atmosphere was swept away, and a roaring tsunami descended.
A huge sound echoed over the seats.
Next to Dean, Rust and Liam shouted with a red face.
He waved casually and greeted.
These sacrificed "warriors" were selected from the male dead because he was worried about exposing his superhuman abilities. The only thing they had in common was that they were all honest and good students.
"Am I giving them this honor for free?"
Naturally, the deceased cannot appear on the stage.
But his father, a man in a black suit and black tie, rushed to the podium with a photo of his son, hugged the mayor, took the certificate of honor, put the shining medal on his chest, and held up his son's photo. Wiping away tears, he shouted excitedly.
"I know, my Bobby has always been a hero! I am proud of him, Bobby, you are good!"
"Jeff Brown!"
"Kenny Taylor!"
The cheers are getting louder and louder!
The parents who had just cried and vented their grief frantically waved their hands, shouted, cheered, and applauded. Some of them jumped out of their seats, climbed onto the podium, and hugged the heroes' families affectionately!
A memorial service inadvertently turned into a recognition meeting.
"Cole Davis."
"Cheston Thomas."
"Our principal, Ulysses Crow."
"Dean, are you ready?"
At some point, the radiant Caroline appeared behind her, wrapping her arms around Dean's chest.
Dean turned around and looked at the door slightly anxiously, his face completely devoid of the usual calmness.
He is extremely uncomfortable with this kind of "people's attention" atmosphere. He doesn't want to become a celebrity, otherwise he will live under a magnifying glass in the future.
"Dude, stop being humble, you saved everyone's lives, you deserve it."
Rust encouraged,
"Go up, this is a precious opportunity. After today, many well-known universities will give you the green light!"
Britney is envious,
Liam, Katie, and Noah blocked the entrance and said gratefully,
"Don't try to escape!"
Shet!
"Finally! There is another hero. He not only saved everyone's lives, but also defeated death and became a living legend! He is sitting among you. He is Dee, an eleventh grader from Nevada State High School. Ann Lu!”
"Dean Lu, where are you, come up quickly!"
Dean was pushed out of his seat by everyone.
There was a white woman in the front row who turned around and pointed her thick finger at him.
"Chinese?"
“I’m proud of everyone!”
The crowd was talking a lot, and the Asians, who were few in number, reacted particularly enthusiastically.
"Dean, good job!"
"Don't be shy, young man, come up!"
Dean's face was a little stiff.
Enthusiastic hands stretched out and flapped from the seat, pushing his body forward. He was like a raft in the fjord, being pushed towards the podium by the rapid current.
Holden Ford was also one of them, with an appreciative smile on his lips, applauding this helpless boy who finally looked like a "high school student" as if he were seeing an old friend.
…
"Dean Lu, on behalf of all the teachers and students of Nevada High School and the people of Las Vegas, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you!" The mayor opened his hands and gave Dean a warm hug.
The more I look at it, the more I feel grateful.
The Lake Mead beach incident and the suicide of the rich James Lowe brought pressure from all aspects at the same time, and his political reputation dropped to a freezing point.
It just so happened that this kid suddenly appeared to attract the public's attention and share the attention.
It's a pity that as an Asian, I am destined not to take this path.
Otherwise, you can leave a business card and have a nice chat afterwards.
"For your extraordinary courage before committing a violent crime and your extraordinary conduct in saving dozens of lives. On behalf of the City of Vegas, I present you with the Civic Courage Award, along with the monetary award."
The mayor and the LVPD chief took a few steps forward at the same time, handed a certificate of honor to Dean's hand, and placed a medal on his chest.
Dean took the certificate, looked over their shoulders, and noticed the new principal, Ms. Lanzi.
Beside her, Ms. Christen nodded at him with a smile on her face.
"Now, can you say something to everyone?" The mayor patted him on the shoulder. "In that situation, what drove you to stand up."
Dean stood in front of the microphone and looked around.
Similar classmates, unfamiliar parents, pairs of fiery eyes, full of curiosity, kindness, encouragement and gratitude.
But there are also a lot of doubts, unbelievable?
An Asian man bravely stood up to the brutal thugs and saved whites, blacks, Latinos...
It's like nonsense.
These glances were like fire.
Dean moved his lips, but his throat seemed to be stuck, and he couldn't say a word for a long time.
Until a burst of urging and encouraging applause came from below.
Dean took a deep breath and his face regained its composure.
"I was very scared. I saw the god of death waving at me, but before I died, a thought suddenly passed through my mind - should I be a hero for a minute or a coward for a lifetime?"
Dean's calm eyes scanned the entire scene, and the scene was completely silent.
"People should be brave for themselves once in this life. I want to live."
"I tried to fight, so I survived."
"But I'm sorry that I couldn't save more people. I will donate this bonus to leave it to the families of all the victims."
"I hope you can also live well with this courage and blessing!"
Dean said in his head that there was a high probability that those people died because of his involvement.
But after today, he has done everything he needs to do.
boom!
System shakes.
Taking advantage of this opportunity to go on stage to receive the award, my attributes suddenly jumped——
Spirit: 13.1→13.2.
Dean stepped down to cheers from the crowd.
"People should always be brave for themselves. This is a wonderful sentiment. Let us applaud the brave Dean!"
The audience burst into applause.
"But I want to correct him, kid, you don't need to blame yourself, you have done a great job, it is us who should apologize!"
…
"Man, you performed well. You didn't stutter at all."
Noah praised and took the certificate from his hand, and then a group of people leaned over to look at it curiously.
Rust put his arm around Dean's shoulders, looked at his dazed face, and smiled with relief.
"After what happened just now, I finally feel that you are a normal person, not omnipotent. If you go up and give a wonderful speech, then I am sure that you are an alien in human skin!"
"It's already great to be on stage for the first time. When I performed with the band on stage for the first time, in front of dozens of audiences, I almost cried from nervousness."
"you are awesome!"
Caroline sat on the other side of him and kissed the side of his face excitedly, her eyes sparkling with joy, "Especially the line 'A hero for one minute is a coward for a lifetime', it's like a lyric, I love it so much !”
Dean smiled, glanced at the group of companions, and regained his composure.
"I'm going to get some air!"
The mayor on the stage began a new round of passionate speeches, attracting most of the attention.
"Huh?" Caroline grabbed his arm and hesitated, looking down at her toes, "Ms. Jones, Principal Lantz and the mayor all asked me to stay after the performance."
"This is a rare opportunity. You go and accompany them first. I'll see you at the warehouse tonight." Dean patted her face understandingly, "Luster, lend me your car keys."
"Dude, don't run away, the parents will thank you personally later."
But Dean shook his head, took the key from Rust's hand, pushed the door open and left.
…
Go out.
As soon as the hot sunshine outside the auditorium shone, his tense cheeks relaxed, and he suddenly felt much more relaxed and at ease.
It's not his home ground there.
He strode towards the school gate.
"Dude, don't leave in a hurry."
A familiar voice came from behind.
Dean turned around and his pupils shrank.
Handsome dark-haired police detective.
Holden Ford.
